Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Tackling Water Disasters at Home | SERVPRO of Blount County
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
If you're facing water damage, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Blount County immediately.
If you’ve been living in your home for a while, you’re probably familiar with the ins and outs of daily life under your roof. You’re the master scheduler, the dishwasher-loading expert and the washing machine repair pro.
However, despite your experience, it’s impossible to predict and prevent every possible disaster. Water damage can strike without warning, but being prepared and knowing what to do can help you stay in control.
First Steps
Water damage can be caused by natural disasters or manmade accidents, such as a burst pipe or a leaky appliance. Your first priority should be to get the situation under control.
If the problem is due to a leak or appliance malfunction, turn off the water valve to stop the flow. If the damage was caused by a natural disaster, secure the room as best you can by setting out buckets or covering damaged walls and windows.
After the situation is somewhat under control, it’s time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO® is locally owned and operated, which means we can be at your doorstep quickly. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage restoration, so we waste no time in getting to work. Our first priority is to extract the water using wet/dry vacuums, mops or towels. We’ll then open windows and turn on fans to get the air circulating.
Saving Your Possessions
While we work on restoring your home, we’ll also work on saving your possessions. We’ll remove your personal belongings and small furniture to a dry location where our restoration team will carefully inspect each item for damage.
If there is furniture that cannot be moved, we’ll prop it up off the floor to ensure our air movers and blowers can access every space with ease.
Moisture Detection
Just because the visible water is gone doesn’t mean the job is done. Hidden moisture can lurk behind walls or under floors, making it difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Our infrared camera technology and moisture detectors can help us pinpoint every drop of lingering moisture. Once we’re sure we’ve eliminated every bit of water, we’ll work on restoring and repairing your damaged walls, ceilings, floors and possessions.
Water damage can strike without warning, but being prepared and knowing what to do can help you stay in control. If you experience water damage, call SERVPRO of Blount County right away for fast and efficient restoration services.
Dealing with the frustrating effects of water damage? Call SERVPRO of Blount County right away.
Steps to Take During a Flood | SERVPRO® of Blount County
5/19/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage taken over in your home or business? Call SERVPRO of Blount County to get cleaned up and back to normal.
It’s no secret that it rains a lot here in eastern Tennessee. With all of the rain and the Little Tennessee River wrapping around our county, we are at a higher risk of experiencing flooding situations than other parts of the state.
If your home is affected by a flood, it is important to know what to do first to keep your family safe and minimize damages.
What to Do During a Flood
As soon as the flood warnings are issued for our area, make sure to locate your emergency kit and head to a safe location in your home. Flash flooding situations can appear without much warning so try to get to higher ground when possible.
If you have time, secure your home by moving essential items and fragile possessions to an upper floor and turn off your utilities if you are able to do so. Unplug electrical appliances, and tie down outside furniture.
What to Do After the Flood
Once the rain subsides or the floodwaters stop rushing in, initial shock can quickly turn into intense feelings of overwhelm. Remember that even if water isn’t actively coming into your home any more, it is still dangerous to walk through any type of floodwater. Stay on firm ground and turn off the electricity in your home if you are able, and then start taking pictures.
Photographing your situation will help make the claims process easier with your insurance company and will document the damage in its initial stages. Once that is done, call us at SERVPRO of Blount County!
How SERVPRO Can Help
We are very familiar with water damage situations, including flood damage. We will be there for you from that very first phone call. We will ask a lot of questions to help us create the most comprehensive project plan that we can. Once we arrive at your home, we do a few things simultaneously.
First, we remove your fragile possessions to prevent further damage and we start drying out things like your furniture and other removable items. Once our work space is clear, we can pump out the water and dry out your entire space.
From there, we turn our attention to any repairs that are needed. Our SERVPRO team will ensure your home is returned to its preloss state quickly and efficiently.
Don’t let water damage linger in your home. Contact us at SERVPRO of Blount County right away.
Water Drying Equipment For Walland TN
3/30/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know SERPVRO of Blount County has specialty equipment for water damages? Our technicians area also trained to use them to get your home or business dried as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
Some of the specialized equipment we utilize:
Moisture Sensors and Probes which are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, walls and other building materials.
Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of building materials. The moisture meter provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Blount County to monitor the drying process accurately.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. With this important information SERVPRO of Blount County water damage professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying.
Air Movers push air over the surface of the damp materials helping with evaporation.
Dehumidifiers actually turn the water from vapor to liquid, drawing it out of the air and the wet materials.
It’s not guess work to drying structures, it is actually science! Call SERPVRO of Blount County at 865-982-2332 for trained professionals with the proper equipment to get you dried out quickly!
Flooding Can Happen In Maryville, TN
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
Flooded basement after heavy rains overflowed into a home in Maryville, TN.
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, flood cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Blount County should be your first call. Our professional water restoration technicians have the knowledge and equipment to handle any size water damage, mitigating long term risks for your property and returning it “Like it never even happened.”
Flooding in Townsend TN
12/17/2021 (Permalink)
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA) "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, flood cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Blount County can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) , or respond immediately to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
Ice Dams Can Affect East Tennessee
12/17/2021 (Permalink)
SO JUST WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
In the latest round of winter storms in Maryville TN, ice dams are forming on roofs all throughout the region, resulting in some substantial water damages. Which begs the question, just what exactly is an ice dam?
Simply put, an ice dam occurs when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof, preventing any melting snow from draining as it should, in to the gutter or off of the roof. Water backs up behind the ice dam and can leak into the home, possibly damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, and other interior building materials. (See a diagram of a typical ice dam to the right.)
What are the causes of Ice dams? In most cases, once the roof is covered with snow and ice, it's the result of heat and warm air released into the attic or roof space. Once enough heat and warm air builds up, it can begin melting the bottom layer of moisture on the roof. With no place to drain, water can find its way into the roof, backing up under the shingles.
Most importantly, it's critical to understand that while ice dams can cause water damage to your home, it's not advisable to ever get on a roof to try and "fix" the problem, as a wet, frozen roof is an extremely unsafe environment, even for the trained professional.
Once ice dams are present, there is little to be done that is not potentially harmful to the roof. Using tools to break the ice can result in holes in the roof and damage to shingles. There are professional companies that use steam to mitigate ice dams, but here in Maryville, TN, it's not a common enough occurrence to warrant companies here to have that expertise.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure proper ventilation and insulation within your attic. SERVPRO of Blount County has the capability to mitigate and clean up water damages from the ice dam, but not remove the ice dam itself. It's best to let all the water stop infiltrating before cleaning, as there may be additional extraction and damages that occur. To find out more about our services and storm response, click here.
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
12/17/2021 (Permalink)
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
Water damages can take from 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days to dry out depending on several factors such as the type and source of water, how long before the water was discovered, the square footage affected, and they type of building materials affected.
Three Types of Water Damages
Water damages are put into three categories based on where the water came from:
Category One is clean water from burst pipes and only needs to be dried
Category Two is gray water that must be disinfected and dried
Category Three is black water that often contains raw sewage and requires the removal of solid waste, disinfection, removal of building materials and drying
The Duration of the Damage
The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive and lengthy the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or even days can lead to more severe secondary damage.
The Extent of the Damage
Extensive damage due to major flooding will likely take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a broken pipe, leak or backup. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.
The Building Materials Affected
Certain building materials require special consideration when drying. Hardwood floors in particular can prolong the duration of the cleanup. Hardwood floors should be dry all way down to the concrete or floor joist before being repaired or replaced. Also water trapped under vinyl or laminate floors, behind or under cabinets, or inside wall cavities can all lead to extended drying times.
Regardless of the conditions in your home or business in Alcoa or Maryville, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Blount County. Call us to quickly start to remove the water from your property and start the restoration process at 865-982-2332.
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
After heavy rains left a basement saturated in the basement of a Maryville home.
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
Water damages can take from 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days to dry out depending on several factors such as the type and source of water, how long before the water was discovered, the square footage affected, and they type of building materials affected.
Three Types of Water Damages
Water damages are put into three categories based on where the water came from:
Category One is clean water from burst pipes and only needs to be dried
Category Two is gray water that must be disinfected and dried
Category Three is black water that often contains raw sewage and requires the removal of solid waste, disinfection, removal of building materials and drying
The Duration of the Damage
The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive and lengthy the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or even days can lead to more severe secondary damage.
The Extent of the Damage
Extensive damage due to major flooding will likely take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a broken pipe, leak or backup. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.
The Building Materials Affected
Certain building materials require special consideration when drying. Hardwood floors in particular can prolong the duration of the cleanup. Hardwood floors should be dry all way down to the concrete or floor joist before being repaired or replaced. Also water trapped under vinyl or laminate floors, behind or under cabinets, or inside wall cavities can all lead to extended drying times.
Regardless of the conditions in your home or business in Alcoa or Maryville, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Blount County. Call us to quickly start to remove the water from your property and start the restoration process at 865-982-2332.
Understanding Different Water Types
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding in a bed room in Maryville causing extensive water damage. SERVPRO of Blount county was able to quickly dry out and restore this room
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the follow precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
-Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
-Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table items.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
-Do not leave books, newspapers magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
-Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
Water Drying Equipment
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
Did you know SERPVRO of Blount County has specialty equipment for water damages? Our technicians area also trained to use them to get your home or business dried as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
Some of the specialized equipment we utilize:
Moisture Sensors and Probes which are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, walls and other building materials.
Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of building materials. The moisture meter provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Blount County to monitor the drying process accurately.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. With this important information SERVPRO of Blount County water damage professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying.
Air Movers push air over the surface of the damp materials helping with evaporation.
Dehumidifiers actually turn the water from vapor to liquid, drawing it out of the air and the wet materials.
It’s not guess work to drying structures, it is actually science! Call SERPVRO of Blount County at 865-982-2332 for trained professionals with the proper equipment to get you dried out quickly!
Flooding in Townsend TN
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Saturated carpet after the Little River over-flowed into a customers basement in Townsend TN. This flooding was caused by days of consistent raining.
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA) "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, flood cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Blount County can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) , or respond immediately to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
Ice Dams can effect East Tennessee
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Ice dams occur when your gutter system becomes frozen. Creating a build-up of water that cannot flow away from the home.
SO JUST WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
In the latest round of winter storms in Maryville TN, ice dams are forming on roofs all throughout the region, resulting in some substantial water damages. Which begs the question, just what exactly is an ice dam?
Simply put, an ice dam occurs when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof, preventing any melting snow from draining as it should, in to the gutter or off of the roof. Water backs up behind the ice dam and can leak into the home, possibly damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, and other interior building materials. (See a diagram of a typical ice dam to the right.)
What are the causes of Ice dams? In most cases, once the roof is covered with snow and ice, it's the result of heat and warm air released into the attic or roof space. Once enough heat and warm air builds up, it can begin melting the bottom layer of moisture on the roof. With no place to drain, water can find its way into the roof, backing up under the shingles.
Most importantly, it's critical to understand that while ice dams can cause water damage to your home, it's not advisable to ever get on a roof to try and "fix" the problem, as a wet, frozen roof is an extremely unsafe environment, even for the trained professional.
Once ice dams are present, there is little to be done that is not potentially harmful to the roof. Using tools to break the ice can result in holes in the roof and damage to shingles. There are professional companies that use steam to mitigate ice dams, but here in Maryville, TN, it's not a common enough occurrence to warrant companies here to have that expertise.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure proper ventilation and insulation within your attic. SERVPRO of Blount County has the capability to mitigate and clean up water damages from the ice dam, but not remove the ice dam itself. It's best to let all the water stop infiltrating before cleaning, as there may be additional extraction and damages that occur. To find out more about our services and storm response, click here.
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
11/27/2020 (Permalink)
After heavy rains, a saturated carpet in the basement of a Maryville home
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
Water damages can take from 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days to dry out depending on several factors such as the type and source of water, how long before the water was discovered, the square footage affected, and they type of building materials affected.
Three Types of Water Damages
Water damages are put into three categories based on where the water came from:
Category One is clean water from burst pipes and only needs to be dried
Category Two is gray water that must be disinfected and dried
Category Three is black water that often contains raw sewage and requires the removal of solid waste, disinfection, removal of building materials and drying
The Duration of the Damage
The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive and lengthy the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or even days can lead to more severe secondary damage.
The Extent of the Damage
Extensive damage due to major flooding will likely take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a broken pipe, leak or backup. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.
The Building Materials Affected
Certain building materials require special consideration when drying. Hardwood floors in particular can prolong the duration of the cleanup. Hardwood floors should be dry all way down to the concrete or floor joist before being repaired or replaced. Also water trapped under vinyl or laminate floors, behind or under cabinets, or inside wall cavities can all lead to extended drying times.
Regardless of the conditions in your home or business in Alcoa or Maryville, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Blount County. Call us to quickly start to remove the water from your property and start the restoration process at 865-982-2332.
Understanding Different Water Types
7/16/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding in a bed room in Maryville causing extensive water damage. SERVPRO of Blount county was able to quickly dry out and restore this room
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the follow precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
-Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
-Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table items.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
-Do not leave books, newspapers magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
-Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
Be Prepared For Floods
3/9/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding can happen fast in many environments. Do you know what you would need in the event it happens in your area? The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.
Water—3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—3+ day supply of non- perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank
radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
(medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone and chargers
• Family and emergency contact
information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula,
baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
carrier, bowl)
• Rain gear
Water Damage Equipment 101
1/15/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know SERPVRO of Blount County has specialty equipment for water damages? Our technicians area also trained to use them to get your home or business dried as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
Some of the specialized equipment we utilize:
Moisture Sensors and Probes which are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, walls and other building materials.
Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of building materials. The moisture meter provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Blount County to monitor the drying process accurately.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. With this important information SERVPRO of Blount County water damage professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying.
Air Movers push air over the surface of the damp materials helping with evaporation.
Dehumidifiers actually turn the water from vapor to liquid, drawing it out of the air and the wet materials.
It’s not guess work to drying structures, it is actually science! Call SERPVRO of Blount County at 865-982-2332 for trained professionals with the proper equipment to get you dried out quickly!
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
11/25/2019 (Permalink)
How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?
Water damages can take from 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days to dry out depending on several factors such as the type and source of water, how long before the water was discovered, the square footage affected, and they type of building materials affected.
The Type of Water Damage
Water damages are put into three categories based on where the water came from:
Category One is clean water from burst pipes and only needs to be dried
Category Two is gray water that must be disinfected and dried
Category Three is black water that often contains raw sewage and requires the removal of solid waste, disinfection, removal of building materials and drying
The Duration of the Damage
The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive and lengthy the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or even days can lead to more severe secondary damage.
The Extent of the Damage
Extensive damage due to major flooding will likely take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a broken pipe, leak or backup. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.
The Building Materials Affected
Certain building materials require special consideration when drying. Hardwood floors in particular can prolong the duration of the cleanup. Hardwood floors should be dry all way down to the concrete or floor joist before being repaired or replaced. Also water trapped under vinyl or laminate floors, behind or under cabinets, or inside wall cavities can all lead to extended drying times.
Regardless of the conditions in your home or business in Alcoa TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Blount County. Call us to quickly start to remove the water from your property and start the restoration process at 865-982-2332.
The Drying Process
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know, there is a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around, the damage is still occurring.
SERVPRO of Blount County has been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help speed up Mother Nature, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Blount County also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are drenched, moisture will naturally move to drier air on the surface of the material but only if the air is, indeed dryer. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.
To help with this process, SERVPRO of Blount County is proud to utilize a newly developed tool exclusive to SERVPRO called DryBook and DryBook Mobile. The SERVPRO DryBook is a proprietary tool allowing us to capture and track the steps of restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This ensures your restoration is completed correctly and efficiently. It also improves results and restores your property at a faster rate, getting you back in your home or business sooner.
PREPARING FOR A FLOOD
3/10/2019 (Permalink)
Flood Damage Maryville
Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.
• Water—3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—3+ day supply of non- perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank
radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if
possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and
medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of secret documents
(medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact
information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula,
baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage
Water Damage Strikes When You Least Expect It
1/1/2019 (Permalink)
Water Damage Maryville Home
Water damage can happen at any time, often when you least expect it. This was the case for Mr. Watson and his family in Maryville, TN. Their washing machine started to leak while they were away on vacation. His first call was to SERVPRO of Blount County. The water damage had affected the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and bedroom. We were able to respond within the hour and preserve most of the flooring in those rooms. We set up drying units throughout the rooms. We then replaced a small portion of the tile in the bathroom. Because we were able to come out so quickly the water damage was cleaned up within two days.
SERVPRO of Blount County can help! Our team of experienced and highly trained workers is available 24/7!
How Long Does Water Damage Cleanup Take?
10/29/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage cleanup can take anywhere from two to 10 days. You should account for the type of building materials and source of water, such as bursting pipes, leaks, or flooding. The extent and duration of the damage may also prolong the cleanup process.
The Building Materials
Certain building materials require special consideration. Hardwood floors, in particular, can prolong the duration of cleanup when there are several factors involved:
- Water permeating the polyurethane coating
- Damaged planks
- Sanding, scraping, or retrofitting of solid hardwood
- Wet plywood subfloor
- Moist concrete under the subfloor
Hardwood flooring should be dry all the way down to the concrete prior to restoration. Other building materials must also be completely dry before being repaired or replaced.
The Type of Water Damage
The source of the water that has caused the damage can add steps to the cleanup process.
- Category One water from bursting pipes is clean and only needs to be dried.
- Category Two gray water should be dried and disinfected.
- Category Three black water requires removal of solid waste, drying, and disinfection.
Once you fix the broken pipe or the other source of damage, call a restoration service.
The Extent of the Damage
Extensive damage due to flooding will probably take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a backup, broken pipe, or leak. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.
The Duration of the Damage
The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or days can lead to more severe secondary damage.
Regardless of the conditions in your home in Alcoa, TN you can count on the expertise and equipment of restoration professionals. Call a plumber to fix bursting pipes and hire a residential restoration company to eliminate water and mitigate secondary damage.
How To Mitigate Fire and Water Damage
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
Firefighters rely on hoses that are capable of dispensing between 300 to 800 gallons of water per minute or more, depending on the hydrant and fire hose. As a result, fire suppression efforts often lead to a combination of extensive fire and water damage in homes in Maryville, TN. Specialized mitigation and restoration methods are necessary to prevent the primary fire damage from becoming rapidly compounded and exacerbated by water. A company that specializes in both types of damage should pursue these three measures to mitigate damage.
1. Remove Water
The water used to put out a fire starts as clean, treated Category One water. Exposure to ash, soot, and smoke quickly degrades this water to Category Three flood water. A mitigation service will start by pumping out the water used for fire suppression.
2. Replace Materials
When no standing water remains, restoration experts can determine which building materials are capable of being cleaned or repaired and which need to be replaced. They will have to assess materials damaged by fire, water, or a combination of these two factors. This process will take longer than restoring either type of damage alone, as water can rapidly intensify the staining that results from fire damage.
3. Prevent Damage
In addition to concerns about structural integrity and air quality, water damage also introduces the risk of mold growth. A service specializing in both types of damage can take measures to ensure that no rebuilding occurs until the location is clean and completely dry, which can lower the likelihood that mold will develop.
If your home has been exposed to damage from both fire and water, rely on skilled restoration professionals with the experience and equipment to address all of the factors involved. Act quickly to notify your insurance provider and contact a water and fire damage restoration service in Maryville, TN.
Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals
8/20/2018 (Permalink)
Preparing for storm damage
Whether after a fire, storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through—especially if it is your property that has been damaged.
Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even
worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself.
Your SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”
Severe Weather Safety
4/4/2018 (Permalink)
Severe Weather
Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms.
- 10,000 severe thunderstorms
-5,000 floods or flash floods
-1,300 tornadoes
-2 landfalling deadly hurricanes
Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.
Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business, and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain an NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook and Twitter Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.
Water Damage Maryville
3/21/2018 (Permalink)
Water Damage Maryville
There are many homes in the Maryville area that suffer from water damage. The first 24 hours following a water loss is the most important in
preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® Of Maryville/Alcoa will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.
INSPECTION
SERVPRO® Of Maryville/Alcoa will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage
and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
SERVPRO® Of Maryville/Alcoa will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal
belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed
emergency services to you step-by-step.
MONITORING
To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO® Of Maryville/Alcoa will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.
RESTORATION SERVICES
SERVPRO®Maryville/Alcoa will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walkthrough of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.
EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE TIPS
Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. Remove as much excess water as
possible by mopping and blotting. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks of furniture legs and wet carpeting. Move any paintings, art objects,
computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always
avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this
could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enters rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
For more information on
recovering from water damage,
contact your local SERVPRO®
Maryville/Alcoa
How to prevent Electronics from causing extreme water damage
9/22/2017 (Permalink)
Water Damage Maryville
Water damage can occur for many different reasons. Sometimes, it happens as the result of a flood due to heavy rains. Other times, it may be due to an inside flood, such as when a pipe or a water heater bursts. Whatever the case may be, if you are dealing with water damage or water-damaged electronics, appliances, or other devices, you need to proceed with extreme caution. The best thing you can do, after water damage has occurred, is to call on Nashville professionals who are familiar with dealing with such damage, such as our skilled pros at SERVPRO of Maryville/Alcoa. In the meantime, make sure you practice some good safety tips with the water damaged devices.
First things first, before you start thinking about possible water damage restoration, you need to make sure that you are not in immediate danger and that the devices that you own are not going to cause a fire or another serious incident.
After water damage has occurred, check your home to see if you have any damaged devices plugged in. If you find that you do, shut off the electricity at the breaker level. This will keep damaged devices from being able to start a fire. You should not touch, go near, or inspect any devices that are plugged in until you are certain that the electricity is off. Following this important tip will help you to avoid electric shock.
Believe it or not, it is not only plugged in water damaged electronics that pose a risk. Any device that contains a battery can also pose a serious risk. Thus, it's best to let our pros at SERVPRO of Maryville/Alcoa handle any such devices if you think they may have been damaged. At the very least, before touching any battery operated device, ensure that it is not giving off heat or smoke, bulging, melting, or making strange sounds. All these types of things are major warning signs that something serious and potentially dangerous is wrong with the battery!
As you can see, you're not always in the clear once the water subsides! To keep safe, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Maryville/Alcoa before you do anything. At the very least, follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
BLOUNT COUNTY'S FASTEST CLEANUP TEAM
9/22/2017 (Permalink)
BLOUNT COUNTY'S FASTEST CLEANUP TEAM
There is no such thing as a small disaster-especially when the water you do not see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unforeseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you try to clean and dry it up yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.
SERVPRO of MARYVILLE/ALCOA knows how disruptive water damage can be for your home and business. We at SERVPRO of West Knoxville/Concord are trained and equipped to manage the drying process of any size water loss. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your home or business will be quickly and thoroughly dried helping to prevent secondary water damage. With rapid response time and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of MARYVILLE/ALCOA can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.
Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO of MARYVILLE/ALCOA the water damage cleanup and restoration professionals.
Prevent Frozen Pipes from Causing Water Damage
9/22/2017 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage in the colder months of the year. Why?
Water has the unfortunate property in that as it freezes, it expands. This can affect all types of water lines, whether metal, plastic, or PVC. Simply, all pipes are subject to bursting given the right amount of pressure. As the water freezes, it can expand the pipe, eventually, cause a hairline crack or a complete break. At that point the portion unfrozen will then provide a continual stream of water until shut off, causing water damage throughout the property.
How can I prevent my pipes from freezing or bursting?
If possible, make sure that all pipes and supply lines on exterior walls are insulated. Exterior walls will be much colder than interior walls given their location. Additionally, all water lines in basements and crawlspaces need to be insulted as they will be subjected to very cold temperatures. Simple foam insulation wrap can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Make sure all outdoor hoses are removed from exterior hose bibs.
Always keep your heating unit on and operational, even when away on vacation. If leaving for an extended period of time, set your thermostat to no colder than 55 degrees to ensure that your home has enough heat to properly keep interior pipes from freezing.
Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines located in that area. In extreme cases of sever cold for extended periods of time, ensure that exposed pipes are insulated. Space heaters (placed away from anything flammable) can provide heat and warmth to combat cold environments in garage areas.
If you notice very low water pressure from water supply areas, a frozen pipe could be the cause. Immediate action should be taken to identify the problem.
What should I do if my pipes are already frozen?
Turn on all the faucets with warm water, not hot, to a slow drip. This will help in supplying warmer water to the area without causing an abrupt temperature change. It will also help you in determining the location of the freeze.
Apply exterior heat to the frozen section of pipe. This can be done with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, space heater, towels soaked in warm water wrapped around the pipe. NEVER use open flame devices as this can be a major fire hazard.
Keep continual heat on the area until water flow is restored to normal.
Once restored, try to determine why the area froze. It may be as simple as adding insulation, sleeve wraps, UL listed heat tape, or other forms of insulation.
If you cannot locate, find, or properly thaw your pipes, call a professional plumber to assist.
What if my pipes burst and caused damage?
If your pipes have busted, cracked, or began leaking, immediate action should be taken to ensure that water damage can be minimized to your property. Soak up as much water as possible with towels or extract with a shop vac. It's often necessary to have professionals like SERVPRO come in and completely mitigate the water. Home drying efforts can help reduce damages, but will not get rid of all moisture and humidity. It's important to ensure that your property is completely dry and dehumidified to prevent secondary damage from ruining your home, flooring, furnishings, or building materials. Call SERVPRO today if you've had water damage from a pipe leak, and we'll work with you and/or your insurance company to make sure that your home is restored correctly!
Get more water damage tips here.
Ice Dams in Maryville, TN Causing Water Damage
8/8/2017 (Permalink)
Ice Damage
SO JUST WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
In the latest round of winter storms in Maryville TN, ice dams are forming on roofs all throughout the region, resulting in some substantial water damages. Which begs the question, just what exactly is an ice dam?
Simply put, an ice dam occurs when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof, preventing any melting snow from draining as it should, in to the gutter or off of the roof. Water backs up behind the ice dam and can leak into the home, possibly damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, and other interior building materials. (See a diagram of a typical ice dam to the right.)
What are the causes of ice dams? In most cases, once the roof is covered with snow and ice, it's the result of heat and warm air released into the attic or roof space. Once enough heat and warm air builds up, it can begin melting the bottom layer of moisture on the roof. With no place to drain, water can find its way into the roof, backing up under the shingles.
Most importantly, it's critical to understand that while ice dams can cause water damage to your home, it's not advisable to ever get on a roof to try and "fix" the problem, as a wet, frozen roof is an extremely unsafe environment, even for the trained professional.
Once ice dams are present, there is little to be done that is not potentially harmful to the roof. Using tools to break the ice can result in holes in the roof and damage to shingles. There are professional companies that use steam to mitigate ice dams, but here in Maryville, TN, it's not a common enough occurrence to warrant companies here to have that expertise.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure proper ventilation and insulation within your attic. SERVPRO of Maryville and Alcoa has the capability to mitigate and clean up water damages from the ice dam, but not remove the ice dam itself. It's best to let all the water stop infiltrating before cleaning, as there may be additional extraction and damages that occur. To find out more about our services and storm response, click here.
Flooding Can Happen In Maryville, TN
3/7/2017 (Permalink)
Flood Damage in Maryville Home
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, flood cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Blount County can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile, or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
It's The Water You Don't See
1/3/2017 (Permalink)
Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.
The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Blount County has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the water damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Blount County will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.
- Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls
- Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Maryville Alcoa to monitor the drying process.
-Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO of Blount County professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
- Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate, This device can also be sued to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.
-Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to an neutralize odor-causing problems.
24/7 Emergency Service
