Don't Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Holidays

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

The holidays are coming up. Keeping your home up-to-date is crucial to ensure that you can enjoy your holidays without any pipes bursting your bubble!

Begin the pipe burst cleanup. If any electrical outlets or equipment were disturbed, shut off electricity to the area. Use a wet vacuum or sump pump to remove any standing water and then clean, sanitize and dry any affected areas and items.

Keep in mind that an area that doesn’t dry quickly enough can develop black mold and lead to further damages to your property. To ensure the area is properly cleaned, sanitized and dried, you should work with a water cleanup company in Chattanooga, TN, that is experienced with commercial and residential pipe burst cleanup.

Our Technicians are certified in commercial and residential water damage cleanup. We are open 24/7/365 for you. Visit SERVPRO of Chattanooga for more information on water cleanup.

5 Things To Expect From Damage After a Storm

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial cleanup in Ooltewah, TN.

Here Are Five Things To Expect As You Navigate A Restoration

If your business has experienced water damage after a flood or a storm in Ooltewah, TN, it can be overwhelming to know how to begin the recovery process. 

1. Remove Standing Water
The most important first step is to remove the standing water from the building. The longer standing water remains, the more damage it does to your property. To avoid needing to tear out every last bit of dry wall and flooring, use a water pump to remove water. For small problems, a shop vacuum might work, but for bigger floods, a more specialized pump will be needed.

2. Inspect for Safety
Once the water is gone, the entire building will need to be carefully inspected for safety. A storm restoration team will have the necessary tools to inspect the areas behind walls to see where water has infiltrated.

3. Salvage or Scrap
After a thorough safety check has been conducted, decisions need to be made about the materials in your business. Some furniture and hardwoods can be salvaged, while it is often necessary to scrap drywall and ceiling tiles. Work with professionals who can help you know what all can be salvaged before you start to tear out everything. Salvaging can save you a lot of money in repairs.

4. Dry Thoroughly
Now that you're down to bare bones, everything needs to be dried out completely in order to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Pay special attention to crawl spaces, attics, and spaces beneath porches or decks. Untended mold that grows in those areas can cause more damage down the road once you believe that the restoration process is over.

5. Restore and Restart
Finally, your property can be restored to its former glory and you can focus on getting back to work.
Don't allow a restoration to overwhelm you. Before you tear out everything, work with professional restorers to help you navigate the process.

Preparing for Severe Weather

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Are you ready if severe weather strikes your area tomorrow?

Weather Preparedness

Are you ready if Tyner, TN  severe weather strikes your area tomorrow? Where you live will determine the type of storms you’re most likely to face. Follow these safety measures and general tips to help you prepare.

Preparing for a Tornado

While tornadoes can occur in any of the states, there's a reason the region from Texas to South Dakota is called Tornado Alley. Tornado season occurs during spring and summer.

Do the following:

• Follow the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or TV newscasts. Obey the instructions given by local emergency officials.
• Keep watch outside for signs of a tornado, like a dark sky, large hail, low-lying or fast-moving clouds, or roaring sounds.
• Learn to recognize emergency alerts. The phrase "tornado watch" means a tornado is possible, while "tornado warning" means a funnel cloud has been spotted.
• If a tornado warning is issued, immediately take shelter in the basement or storm cellar. If your home doesn’t have an underground room, hunker in an interior bathroom.

Preparing for a Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms are dangerous because they always produce lightning and can produce hail, strong winds, flash floods, tornadoes, and wildfires. Thunderstorms can occur anywhere in the US and are most common during the summer.

Do the following:

• Prepare your home by shuttering windows and doors, and unplugging sensitive electronics.
• Prepare your property by removing damaged tree branches that could fall during a storm, and bringing outdoor objects inside.
• Watch the sky and tune in to your NOAA Weather Radio for information.
• Learn to recognize emergency alerts. A "severe thunderstorm watch" means stormy conditions are likely to occur. A "severe thunderstorm warning" means they exist somewhere in the area.
• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, the danger is imminent. Seek shelter immediately. Stay in a hard-topped vehicle if there are no buildings.

Extra Steps: How To Clean Up After a Storm

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Storm leads to garage flood in Apison, TN

How To Clean Up After a Storm

If a pipe bursts in your home in Apison, TN, you will likely have some flooding to handle. A flood from a storm, however, takes remediation to another level. Not only do you need to dry out your home, but you also will need to disinfect your home, both in areas that are directly affected and those that may be vulnerable to secondary damage.

Extracting Water

The first step to remediating any water damage is to remove the excess water from the area. With a flood with Category 1 water, the process is pretty straightforward:

• Remove standing water
  
• Dry remaining surfaces
  
• Repair or replace damaged materials
  
  

Floodwater from a storm, however, is considered Category 3 water. It is contaminated and may contain all sorts of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. If you have flooding from a storm, flood mitigation experts must clean your home thoroughly after getting rid of the water.

Disinfecting Area

Anything that comes into contact with the floodwater must be disinfected before your home is considered habitable again. Technicians use specific detergents and industrial-strength cleaners to make sure all surfaces are sterilized. Then they test to ensure that the cleaners did the job well.

Cleaning Home

Even if part of your home doesn’t have flood damage, it may still be impacted and need attention. For example, it is a good idea to have technicians clean your HVAC unit. That much floodwater can significantly increase the humidity in your home, making all of it susceptible to mold growth. Cleaning and drying the ducts can discourage fungus from growing in hidden areas.

While there’s no such thing as a good kind of flooding, damage from clean water can be easier to clean up than issues resulting from storm water. Getting rid of the water is not enough; you must also make sure that your home is properly disinfected before technicians are finished with the job.

3 Things You Need To Know About a Flood Cut

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts can prevent future damage to your property

Three Things to Know About Flood Cuts

If you have experienced a flood and it has damaged your home, you are likely under a lot of stress. A flood can cause significant damage, leading to a lengthy repair process. The following three guidelines can help you understand more about this process and what it consists of, which may help reduce some of the strain you're feeling.

1. You Might Need a Flood Cut if There Has Been Flooding in Your Home
If there has been a flood in Ooltewah, TN, and your home has sustained extensive damage, you may need to call a company that provides flood restoration services and speak to a specialist. These professionals can tear out materials in portions of your house and have a flood cut performed. This repair process involves cutting out the drywall that has been water-damaged so it can be replaced.

2. The Height of a Flood Cut Can Vary
Depending on how much flooding there is in Ooltewah, TN, the height of the flood cut may differ. Typically, drywall will be cut out 12 inches above the flood line, which means the materials ruined from the flood will be gone, and some extra material will be removed as well. This process ensures that everything remaining in your home is reliable to rebuild with.

3. Flood Cuts Can Prevent Future Damage
In some cases, if the affected portions of the wall were not thoroughly removed, there could be contamination, which means some negative effects of flooding, such as mold, could linger even after it seems that everything has been taken care of. A flood cut ensures that you are being thorough and getting off to a fresh start.
If your home has been damaged by a flood, you may feel uncertain about what to do or what the clean-up and repair process will look like. The more you know about how things such as flood cuts work, the less stress you will feel as you get your home back in shape.

What Makes Category 3 Water Damage So Severe?

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth.

Why Flood Water Is Referred To As Black Water

When flooding enters a commercial building in Birchwood, TN, restoration professionals identify the incident as Category Three water damage. Learn more about what this categorization means and find out why flood water is referred to as black water.

Contaminants In Water

Category Three water is grossly contaminated. The reason this type of water damage is called black water is that it may contain any of the following substances:

• Heavy metals
  
• Pathogens
  
• Solid waste
  
• Toxic chemicals
  
  

The presence of solid waste along with these other hazardous materials distinguishes Category Three damage from Category One water damage caused by clean, treated water that gets released from a broken or leaking supply line. Category Two gray water may be contaminated with chemicals or microbes, but does not contain solid waste.

Saturated Porous Materials

Porous building materials and contents that become saturated with flood water may be difficult to disinfect. Even after treating the surfaces of these items, contamination may linger deeper down and lead to ongoing contagion or mold infestation risks. For this reason, restoration professionals often recommend tearing out drywall, insulation and carpeting.

Flooding Causes Mold

Storm damage that involves flooding can introduce all of the elements necessary to support mold growth. Mold requires moisture and organic, carbon-based food sources in order to multiply. Category Three water can provide sources of nourishment and introduce spores into a structure. It is important to extract water, tear out ruined materials, disinfect and dry any areas exposed to flooding within 24 to 48 hours.
The contents of Category Three water can pose contamination risks to building materials, contents and occupants. It is important for property owners and managers to act quickly to remove floodwater, disinfect areas exposed to black water and tear out damaged materials. Mold may start growing in a commercial building within just 48 to 72 hours after flooding in Birchwood, TN.

4 Steps for Fixing a Leaky Roof

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A roof leak may cause a lot of damage, but that doesn't mean it can't be fixed.

Fixing a Leaky Roof

Storms can wreak havoc on your commercial property in Lakesite, TN, but for most problems, there is a pretty straightforward solution. If the most recent thunderstorm pummeled your building with hail, high winds or heavy rains, it is likely that you will have a roof leak. Here are the four steps remediation experts can take to fix it.

1. Assess the Situation

Every damaged roof is different. Your roof may show no outward signs of a problem but definite signs of leaking through the ceiling. You may see lots of debris on the outside while everything inside looks intact. Professionals know the signs to look for both inside and outside so that they can address every issue that exists.

2. Remove Wet Materials

A roof leak will inevitably get something wet that shouldn't be exposed to excess moisture. For example, if your ceiling insulation is saturated, it will likely need to be torn out and replaced. Not only is storm weather contaminated, the dampness also tends to penetrate the porous material and weaken it.

3. Dry and Disinfect

After all the unsalvageable material is gone, everything that remains must be thoroughly dried. Failure to do this could lead to secondary damage, such as mold growth. Surfaces should be dry, and dehumidifiers should be used to control the moisture in the air. After drying, technicians will disinfect every part of the structure and every item that is going to remain within it.

4. Rebuild the Structure

The last step is reconstruction. Walls, insulation and ceilings that were removed must be rebuilt. Holes in the roof are patched and missing shingles are replaced. The restoration job is not finished until your building looks as good or better than it did before the storm.

A roof leak may cause a lot of damage, but that doesn't mean it can't be fixed. When you hire trusted professionals to restore your property, you can rest assured that the problem will be resolved.

Why Hail Isn’t Something To Mess Around With

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

For any storm damage in your business, SERVPRO is always ready to help you.

Why Isn't Hail Something To Play With?

If you’ve never dealt with real hail before, it might be hard to imagine why you should worry about it when it comes to your business. It’s just hard snow, right? Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Hail can sometimes come pouring down from the sky in shapes and sizes comparable to softballs. Even a golf-ball-sized pellet of ice can cause significant roof damage to your business building in East Brainerd, TN, such as:

• Cracked or completely missing shingles
• Water leaks
• Water damage to attic spaces and insulation

Every one of these issues has the potential to slow or even stop your business operations, which is why you should prepare your building against hail before it happens. Here are some steps you can take to protect your establishment.

Learn About the Threat

Building your knowledge base of the issue should always be your first step toward remedying a problem. Take time to learn the threat that hail has to offer your business and find out which areas are the most hail-prone and what your options are for protecting your building in the event that a hailstorm occurs.

Invest in the Right Roofing

When the time comes to re-roof your business, consider installing a hail-resistant roofing material rather than going with the same old cheap product. It’s recommended that homes and businesses alike use materials that are rated at UL 2218 Class 4 or FM Global 4473 Class 4 in order to get adequate protection from roof damage in hail storms.

Set Up Hail Barriers

If you have any roof-mounted equipment such as HVAC units or satellite dishes, they are at risk of hail damage as well. Fortunately, there are a wide range of covers available for these products, so you don’t need to run the risk of losing an expensive investment during a storm.

Hail might not come around often, but when it does, the roof damage it can cause is no joke. Keep your business safe and sound by doing the research and taking safety measures that will keep the damage at bay.

The Process Behind Mitigating Wind Damage

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a restoration company ready to help in any storm damage in your business.

The Method of Wind Damage Mitigation

If you live in a place prone to windstorms or you know one is coming, then pay close attention to what it takes to prepare. If you currently have a damaged roof or any sign of a roof leak, then your home may not be sound enough to withstand a windstorm. You need to take proper precautions. This may mean repairing any weak areas or covering them so they do not get worse. Here is a list of what you should look out for:

• Broken skylights
• Cracked windows
• Damaged siding
• Missing shingles

Wind Damage

A windstorm may cause a variety of problems to your business. On one hand, it may blow off shingles, throw debris at your home or lead to damaged siding. You need to be prepared for just about anything. Not only can the wind cause damage, but the debris the wind brings with it can also. Hard objects can knock shingles off, and large trees may break through your roofing entirely. All of this can lead to a roof leak and further damage.

Cleanup Process

Once the wind has done its damage, it’s time to pick up the pieces. For any damage done to the roof, tarps can be used to cover gaps created by the missing shingles. These tarps will help keep rain from entering your business while you work on restoration. You want to make sure that you do not have any further water damage. Additionally, you can use plywood to cover the holes on the roof. While repairing the building is one thing, you also want to make sure no other issues arise.

A windstorm can cause costly, extensive damage to your Chattanooga, TN, business. The best course of action is to reduce the risk wind can cause. Whether you have a roof leak or something more dangerous, don’t let any problems sit until they get worse. In some cases, a professional service may be helpful.

How To Prevent Ice Dams

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

These tips should help keep your Harrison, TN, business safe from water damage.

Ice Dams: How To Avoid Them

Every winter, if you live in a snowy area, your buildings are prone to hanging icicles and snowy roofs. While this may seem harmless, an ice dam is not. An ice dam is caused when the roof warms, melting the ice. Icicles and snow push the water back. Given the damage ice dams can cause, it is best to know how to prevent this from occurring.

1. Roof Ventilation

When you have appropriate attic ventilation, the cold air will flush out the warmer air. When it comes to proper aeriation, you will need about one square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet. This is at a minimum. Also, keep in mind that the shape of your roof can determine the sort of ventilation you need. One tip to remember is that it’s very difficult to have too much.

2. Attic Insulation

Not only will insulation help keep the heat in your business, but it will keep your roof from warming and causing ice to melt prematurely. With insulation, you should have at least 12 to 14 inches in your attic space. If you have less than eight inches, it is time to add more. In order to avoid too many gaps in your insulation, keep professionals in mind.

3. No Attic Bypasses

Did you know that a lot of the warm air in your home escapes through the attic? If you have unblocked walls, cracks in the fixtures, open plumbing or gaps in the drywall, you could be at risk of warm air escaping. When it rises, it can then leave through the attic and go straight through your roof. The best things you can do about air leaks are try to plug them with calking or rake your insulation. Heat tape or heat chord can also be used to keep an ice dam from forming.

Ice dams can lead to extensive damage in homes throughout the winter. The water can leak back into your business. This can lead to softening roofs, loose shingles and even mold. These tips should help keep your Harrison, TN, business safe from water damage.

What Kind of Content Can Be Saved After a Flood?

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a home in East Brainerd, TN.

Content Cleaning After Flood Damage

There are many questions that go through your mind after a destructive flood takes hold of your East Brainerd, TN, home. However, one of the most consistent inquiries often relates to the state of your personal belongings and whether or not content cleaning can effectively save them from being removed for good. Here’s a common list of household items that often need to be removed from the home immediately, as well as others that can potentially be saved if black water hasn’t completely consumed the home.

Porous Materials

More often than not, porous materials and furnishings in your home are going to be the most affected by excess water in your living space, simply due to their absorbent nature. Belongings that are most difficult to save include the following:

• Upholstered furniture
• Carpets
• Drapes or curtains
• Saturated woodwork
• Artwork or paperwork
  
  

While there’s no definitive answer that applies to every situation, the majority of these materials can become the most densely saturated and therefore the hardest to clean and restore. However, the result depends on the extent of the water damage overall and how long it takes for you to contact professional restoration services after an event.

Nonporous Materials

Nonporous belongings, such as anything made of plastic, metal, etc., are often the best for content cleaning purposes. Such materials don’t absorb water, making them easy to simply clean off and restore in no time. Electronics or appliances can become unusable if they’re submerged for a significant amount of time, but the result depends on the severity of the water damage.

The biggest factor in determining the survival of any home furnishings is whether or not dangerous black water has come into play. This mixing of sewage and flood water can be far more difficult to clean and can lead to fewer items being salvageable, regardless of their material.

Despite what may initially seem like a lost cause, there’s always a possibility of saving your home’s belongings in East Brainerd, TN. Therefore, content cleaning should always be handled by professional restoration specialists who can do their best to save as much as possible. 

What Causes Foul Odors After a Flood at Your Business?

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a wall due to humidity.

Reasons Odors May Linger After a Flood

There are many issues that can impact your Collegedale, TN, business after a violent storm, especially when flooding occurs. One problem that can be difficult to handle is the odor flooding causes, whether this happens due to mold growth or from powerful smells flood water often carries. There are several reasons odors may linger even after a restoration service drains the water away, and knowing their cause, as well as how your restoration techs will work to eliminate them, may give you peace of mind as you attempt to salvage your business.

Impure Water Sources
Violent storms often cause torrential downpours that cause rivers and creeks to flood their banks. When this water enters a business, it usually contains dirty water, animal feces and chemicals from a sewage loss in the area. Porous building materials, such as carpeting and drywall, may absorb the odor of this water, causing it to linger for months. A tear-out and replacement of these materials can eliminate the smell.

Mold
Mold can form quickly after a flood, and in some cases can form as quickly as 24-48 hours after the initial event. Large patches of mold growth can hide in a variety of places inside your building, including:

• Under carpet padding
• In HVAC ducts
• Behind walls
  

When mold goes unchecked, it can create a smell that may remind you of wet, dirty socks. If you have a mold problem in your ducts, mold spores may spread to other areas and increase the odor. Your restoration technicians can target and destroy any mold left behind by flood water and then deodorize the air with ozone machines to ensure the smell does not linger.

Sewage Problems
A storm may cause sewage issues in your area and cause your building's toilets to back up and overflow. When multiple toilets erupt, the resulting odor can be overpowering. Your storm damage and restoration service will probably use large hoses and deodorizing techniques to clear away this problematic mess.
When mold growth and other problems caused by storm flooding affect your Collegedale, TN, business and cause foul odors, this can drive customers away. Knowing what causes these odors and when to call for help may provide you with effective solutions.

SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

We have the right equipment for your business or residential property after any disaster.

SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage

Despite everyone's best efforts, storm damage in Chattanooga, TN can happen. Removing the floodwater isn't the end; cleanup is just getting started. On top of the flooring and walls, every bit of furniture, clothing and other items exposed to the storm will have to dried, cleaned, deodorized and probably even sanitized.

SERVPRO utilizes a variety of cleaning equipment and chemicals to return your carpets and floors to a usable state. Depending on the size, material, and color-fastness, the options range from simple spray and wiping to immersion cleaning.

Storm damage can leave odors as well as a damp carpet. We use industrial-grade air scrubbers and specialized fogging equipment to remove the musty smell and rather than just covering it up. While removing the odor is important, getting rid of the mold which causes it is even more so. The application of a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is necessary. Our personnel is trained to use the product that will not only restore your property but do so in a manner that is safe for your family and employees as well as the environment.

Once the mold has been remediated, each item should be either disinfected or sanitized depending on its function. Kitchen, breakroom, and bathroom equipment must be sanitized to ensure the health of anyone who may use them. Standard office spaces such as conference rooms would not need that level of cleaning unless the contaminated floodwaters wetted the flooring and walls. Our IICRC certified technicians can be relied upon to provide the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga does its best to help you restore your home or business to its pre-storm damage condition as quickly as possible. As a locally owned franchise, we value our customers as neighbors and not just a job to be completed. If you want to schedule an inspection or believe you may need our restoration services, please call us today at (423) 326-1406.

Flood Water Classification Overview

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Water Classification Overview

There are three main classifications of floodwaters: clear water, gray water, and black water. Although their names imply it, these aren't wholly determined by the color of the water, but instead by a few factors related to how many contaminants are in the water. Clear water is somewhat rare, as most of the time it picks up enough contaminants to become at least gray, but black water is by far the most hazardous and damaging of the three. Never try to deal with black water yourself, as its interaction necessitates the kind of heavy gear and training that SERVPRO equips its technicians with. Here are a few key facts about each type of water.
 
Clean Water
 
Clean water originates from water mains, pipes, and other sources of relatively untampered water in your home. Collegedale flood damage with clear water is lighter and easier to restore than other types of damage, due to both reduced volumes of water and lighter safety procedures during the task. This water is usually identifiable as being clear and unclouded. However, time is important, as without quick removal clean waters can progress and become gray.
 
Gray Water
 
The awkward middle child of flood damage, gray water concerns water that may or may not have significant contaminants in it, and thus pose a potential health risk. More care is required in these waters, and they can be deceiving, as they too may sometimes be clear in appearance.
 
Black Water
 
The most dangerous and damaging type of water that SERVPRO deals with is black water, which can originate from a storm flood, a major health hazard such as a septic tank overflow, or when gray water is left untreated. This water contains dangerous contaminants, including fungi and microbes that may cause health effects. Black waters stain surfaces easily and are often more violent in their damage, so in addition to having the most restrictive safety precautions, this type of water also often causes the most damage.
 

Call Your Local Restoration Company to Assist With Storm Damage

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Call Your Local Restoration Company to Assist With Storm Damage 

East Ridge water damage problems are an ongoing issue due to the flood zone. Located in Tennessee, East Ridge is a link with downtown Chattanooga through the Bachman Tubes underneath the Missionary Ridge. East Ridge suffers from flooding due to its location, which is in a floodplain. The City manager states that not all of East Ridge experiences flooding. About 15% of the city's 8.8 square miles is prone to flooding.

Flash floods and storm-related flooding events have plagued Tennesseans for years before dams were constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Floods remain the number one weather-related destructive force. 

East Ridge businesses and residential homeowners also have their share of other water damage issues, such as a sewer backup, roof leaks, burst pipes, and fires. However, whenever it rains consistently, this city's location makes it the perfect area for heavy flooding. Also, inland waters overflowing their banks contribute to excessive water damage. East Ridge city officials continue to evoke a Floodplain Ordinance. The city has recently revised its floodplain regulations. The annual regulations are designed to be in conjunction with FEMA's regulations for that area, to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Our SERVPRO certified technicians help Tennessee residential and business owners to restore their property from clean up to the rebuild. We are your neighborhood restoration experts with additional locations throughout the East Ridge area including Ooltewah, Hixson, and Harrison. There is no job that is too big or too small for us. When water or flood damage occurs in your home or commercial property, time is of the essence. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If your property has been damaged by water caused by flooding or other events, we at SERVPRO of Chattanooga have the experience, expertise, and tools to restore your property. Our water damage or flood damage steps involve a thorough assessment, water extraction, drying, dehumidification, cleaning, sanitizing, and restoration. As part of your removal water damage, we also provide validation and documentation for your claims. Call us today at (423) 326-1406 whenever you have flooding or other types of emergencies. 

Protect Your Home Against Flood Damage

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Clean your downspouts and gutters

Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your Bradley County home. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Down-spouts that aren’t clean and checked to ensure the water is running off properly and is running away from your house can cause damage to walls and even your foundation. At SERVPRO of Chattanooga, we have seen this issue from many customers. Clean those gutters and spouts!

Switch off the mains

If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the main. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you! If you have a drip system or sprinkler system, it may make sense to ask a neighbor, house sitter or your landscaper to turn these on and off manually. There are some systems you can control from your phone to water your landscaping too!

Keep your garden in check

While we’re on the topic of landscaping, trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and avoid planting large plants near piping if at all possible.

Take care of those small leaks immediately

Found a little leak? It may seem like a harmless drip, but a small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.

Check the appliances

Most people think toilets are the cause of most home floods but don’t forget about your appliances! Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.

Flood damage in our homes is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture.

Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over. If you experience flooding in your home, call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Chattanooga immediately at 423-326-1406 to get the help you need.

Recovering From a Tornado

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are a terrifying, often devastating, weather event. They can turn houses into dust, and flip lives upside down. Living through a tornado can be traumatizing, and sometimes the aftermath is just as bad. Parts of your home may be destroyed, and the idea of fixing it can be overwhelming. Recovering from a tornado could be a huge task, depending on how bad the damage was. However, there are steps to take toward recovery and people ready to help along the way. There are steps that should be taken right after the storm passes, and other steps to take down the road when it is time for repairs and cleaning.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The first step is to stay in your safe place until the storm has completely passed. If you are able, try and wait until you get the all clear from local officials. After the storm, check yourself and those with you for any injuries. If someone is hurt, the next step is seeking out first aid. After everyone has been checked and is okay, you should see how bad the damage to your house is. Make sure to watch out for anything that is unstable and likely to fall. If you go outside, look out for any downed power lines. They can be life threatening, so if you see downed power lines stay inside.

Protect Your Property

After you make sure yourself and your loved ones are protected, start protecting your property. You can make temporary repairs in order to prevent further damage. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost, so make sure to keep receipts just in case. In addition to temporary repairs, living expenses may also be reimbursable. If your house is damaged to the point of you having to stay in a hotel, keep the receipts. Your policy may pay you back for the cost of it. Make sure to make a list of anything that was damaged, and don’t throw out damaged belongings. An adjuster will need to assess them for value if your policy covers replacing them. You should also inspect all utility lines and appliances. Any damage could lead to a gas leak or electric shortage. Damaged electric wires may also cause a fire. You may even have to turn off the main valve in order to prevent more harm to your house. Once these steps have been taken, contact your insurance company. From there, they can work with you to see what your policy covers. Most of the time, they will hire services to come out and repair damages.

Clean Up and Repair

SERVPRO of Chattanooga has highly trained storm damage specialists, and your insurance company may choose to work with them. We have an incredibly fast response time when it comes to disasters. We have equipment and personnel ranging across 1,700 franchises. Our experience and training will allow us to restore your property quickly and efficiently. In addition, we will document the entire process. Please give us a call at (423) 326-1406 if you are in need of assistance. 

The Five-Step Process of Flood Damage Restoration

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage from storms is common in our area due to the low-lying areas that are surrounded by mountains and hills. Unfortunately, water damage is one of the most serious issues that a property owner can face. Even small amounts of water damage can lead to serious repercussions, such as out-of-control mold growth or structural compromise. When dealing with a flood damage situation in your home or business, it is crucial to call a professional to mitigate flood damage. You are dealing with unsafe, category 3 water damage. 

Understanding the Flood Damage Restoration and Mitigation Process

Over the years, a well-established protocol for the restoration and mitigation of water damage has taken hold. This is a proven and effective means of mitigating flood damage. Generally speaking, the restoration process follows five steps. Let's take a look at the water cleanup process and what steps are involved in dealing with potential flood damage.

If the restoration company can begin the water cleanup process within the first five hours of damage, the chances of a total restoration of the property are higher. On the other hand, waiting more than 24 hours will cause the chances of permanent damage to rise, with every passing hour.

1. SERVPRO of Chattanooga will begin assessing the extent of water in the home or water in the business. Through the use of advanced detection devices, they will be able to see if there is water in the structure that has seeped into spots not visible to the naked eye. If there is an active pipe break or supply line break, the flow of water will be stanched, and the pipe break or supply line break will be closed, with a welder, if necessary.

2. The next step is to remove the water using high-powered pumps and specialized vacuum equipment.

3. Next, the flooded home will begin undergoing the drying process. This involves the use of industrial-strength drying equipment, similar to that used in large car washes. The team will also deploy powerful dehumidifiers, which are capable of removing thousands of pounds of moisture from the atmosphere each hour.

4. At this point, with the drying process complete, there will be no further risk to the property, assuming the root causes of the supply line break, pipe break, or other source of flooding have been properly addressed.

5. After the property has been dried, any items that were removed from the premises will be thoroughly cleaned. Using a process similar to dry cleaning, special chemicals will be deployed that are capable of cleaning and restoring such items as photos, books, and furniture. The cleanup team will also use special sanitization products, which are capable of eliminating any nascent mildew or mold growths as well as eliminating unpleasant smells that often result from the water logging of materials, even after they have been completely dried out.

Now the cleanup process will be complete. The property will be completely restored to its prior condition, and the entire process will usually have taken no more than 24 hours, from phone call to the team leaving for the last time.

Visit http://www.SERVPROchattanooga.com for more information on water damage.

How Can I Restore My Belongings After Flood Damage?

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

As we're entering the season of thunderstorms and floods, it is important to know what to know if your home is flooded. You can read more about our storm damage restoration services here, but I want to focus specifically on restoring books, photos, and electronics that have been damaged by water. As flood damage restoration experts, it is our job to determine which of your belongings are important to you and do everything we can to help restore those items for you.

Whether you have a library full of damaged books or documents that you'd like to save, or you have a highly advanced electronic household, our professionally trained staff will go above and beyond to assist with recovering your meaningful items. 
 
It is necessary to understand that water-damaged books and documents are not fully recoverable; meaning they cannot receive pre-damage condition restoration, because some damage will always exist. However, the faster we get started on restoring the items, the better each book or item will look after restoration. 
 
SERVPRO technicians have access to use five different methods for drying your water-damaged paper products. The method used to restore your items depends on the items value, type of exposure, extent of harm, time of exposure, and how much money you are willing to pay.
 
Drying your documents relies on a sublimation process, which consists of changing a solid into a vapor without taking on a liquid state first. Air-drying, Dehumidification, Freezer drying, Vacuum Freeze-drying, and Vacuum Thermal-drying are all methods that we can use to limit the damage to your paper items
 
Freezer storage facilities give us the ability to store wet paper products, and we have one very close to home- at SERVPRO corporate! Once we receive your items, we can immediately transport them to corporate where specialists will carefully handle your personal items.
 
SERVPRO maintains a log of which items get moved into storage and where they are within the facility so that we can return to them after the restorations are complete. As with all of our services, our IICRC certified technicians thoroughly explain the situation and seek feedback from you on how you would like to move forward. 
 
At SERVPRO of Chattanooga, we have professionals dedicated to assisting you with restoring these types of items. Make the call if a disaster occurs in your home at (423) 326-1406.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chattanooga's Disaster Recovery Team is dedicated to helping customers who have experienced tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood damage. Much like our local production teams, the storm team is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, always prepared for the unpredictable. We currently have a team cleaning up the flood damage in Virginia. 

According to the SERVPRO corporate website, "The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster." We are proud to participate on this team!

To be invited to participate on a Storm Team, a franchise has to be in compliance of all corporate Storm Team requirements and then accept the invitation when a storm event requires our services. When a loss occurs, whether it is a hurricane, flood, or tornado, we send a commercial Production Manager (or two) with a production crew with trucks full of appropriate equipment. The Production Managers ensure that there is seamless communication and timely mitigation during the chaos of the loss. 

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. We are proud to be a part of this team and help our community during the most devastating times. 

Storm Damage Restoration Requires Experienced Professionals

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

When natural storms or man-made disasters occur and cause flood damage in a Harrison home, the flooding itself is only the beginning of the catastrophe. Subsequent damages to flooring, walls, and furniture will escalate for weeks or months if left unattended. Wood will swell and crack; carpets will rot; walls will weaken. Within hours, mold and mildew take hold and the very air becomes dangerous to breathe. 

Seek Professional Restoration

The time to act is immediately. The homeowner needs to contact a professional cleaning and restoration company such as SERVPRO of Chattanooga to attack the situation and bring the risk of further damage to a halt. However, it's important to understand that not all cleaning and restoration companies are equal. Only the best are qualified and certified by the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is an agency dedicated to ensuring that companies offering disaster cleaning and restoration, like SERVPRO, for example, are professional, qualified, and reputed to deliver what they promise.

Stop Contamination and Deterioration

While one might think that flood damage restoration is a simple, straightforward process, but that is hardly the case. Certainly, throwing away damaged furniture, carpeting, and décor is often a necessary first step, but with the proper professional restoration tools many household furnishings and items can be recovered. The presence of hidden moisture and the potential for mildew must be detected and remediated. Special drying and dehumidifying equipment is utilized to stem mold and mildew proliferation. Dangerous microbial agents in walls, flooring, and clothing must be rooted out and removed. If caught quickly, the contamination and deterioration may be limited- saving the homeowner a lot of money.

SERVPRO is an Excellent Option

The process of restoration includes the inspection of literally everything in the house, whether it was directly in contact with the water or not. Mattresses, drywall, and anything exposed to the same air where flood-water damage occurred should be inspected. Even the sewage system needs to be inspected for possible contamination into the living area or water supply and neutralized if necessary. To perform those necessary tasks safely, professionals utilize hand and eye protection as well as respirator equipment. It is only with trained, qualified professionals like SERVPRO that proper containment and restoration can be achieved safely and effectively.

Only after the entire process has been completed is it safe for the homeowner and family members to rebuild and move back in. Flood damage is a serious, complex catastrophe to be inspected, evaluated, and handled only by experienced professionals.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community- we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Chattanooga is close by and ready to respond to your storm or flood damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Chattanooga community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Call us at (423) 326-1406.

Storm Damage for Beginners: What You Need to Know

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage in a Home

Storm Damage for Beginners: What You Need to Know

Facing storm damage can be an overwhelming experience. No one wants to consider the possibility that their home might experience ice damage, water damage, or even hail damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners will experience hurricane damage, water damage, or hail damage that will require storm damage remediation. A home restoration or water restoration company can perform storm remediation. 

When you notice that your home has experienced some sort of storm damage, make sure you contact a storm damage restoration expert as quickly as possible. Regardless of how much flood damage, wind damage, or roof damage your home has, the right storm restoration expert will be able to help you with your home restoration.

Flood water can also happen due to pipes bursting in your home. Busted pipes may be something you don't even notice until they burst and you find ground water in your home. If you suspect that a water pipe has busted, make sure you get a water damage restoration company out as quickly as possible to use a flood pump and repair your frozen pipes.

Unfortunately, flooding is one of the most challenging problems since it requires a flood pump. A flood pump is something your professional remediation expert can help you with. Whether you experience river flooding or ordinary flooding, ground water should be avoided and a flood pump can help. A flood pump will remove standing ground water in your home as a result of river flooding or flooding caused by other factors.

Remember that flooding can occur for a variety of reasons and can even be caused by hurricane damage. Hurricane damage can lead to broken windows that enable flood water to get in your home. Flood water can be treated by a professional who will help you to restore your house. Click here for more information on storm damage. 

How Do I Prepare My Chattanooga Home For a Storm?

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

How do you protect your home for a storm?

It is always nerve-wracking when the weather channel warns about a large storm coming towards your city. Of course, your main concern should be the personal safety of yourself and your family. You shouldn't need to worry about your home or belongings- that can all be replaced. If a storm does occur in your hometown, SERVPRO of Chattanooga focuses on ways to help you learn about and prepare your home for the worst. 

Secure Outdoor Items

The first thing that you can do in preparation for a storm is secure all of your outdoor items. This includes outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and umbrellas, and other items like lawn mowers and grills. These items can cause damage if they are picked up by winds or swept away in a flood. Move these items indoors or in a garage or take measures to secure them in place.

Clear Out Gutters

Additionally, keep you gutters and downspouts clear. If heavy rains hit your city, it's important to create paths for water to flow away from your house. As long as the water has somewhere to go, it won’t stream into your home. Occasionally check your drainpipes for debris and clutter.

Sealing Your Home

Let's discuss sealing your home to prevent water leaks. Even if the rain water has a path away from your home, you should still take precautions. First, check the seal on your windows. The waterproof sealing around the outside of a window may need to be replaced over time. Also, check for holes in your siding. When electric or cable companies attach wires to the side of your house, they often drill small holes that can allow water to sneak through in the event of a flood or heavy rain water. Fortunately, these holes can be easily repaired using an affordable waterproof caulk. Small cracks that don’t cause problems during a normal rainfall can easily become a leak during flood conditions. Every year or so, take a walk around the outside of your home and check the foundation for any cracks or weakness that may allow water into your home.

If you’ve sustained storm damage recently, give us a call 24/7 at (423) 326-1406. Our team of professionals can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Basics of the Flood Cleanup Process

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage on a basement in Ooltewah, TN

When your home is flooded, you may not know where to start the flood clean process. The EPA has several cleaning requirements for ensuring that your home in Ooltewah, TN, returns to a habitable state after a flood. When flood mitigation experts have removed excess water, they start the sanitation process. Your home is not clean until all the parts of this process are complete.

Item Assessment

Technicians may need to remove items from your home that have been damaged or destroyed by the flood. Anything in your house is subject to removal:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Draperies
• Electronics
• Documents
• Books

The professionals will assess the items and decide if they can be set aside for cleaning or if they just need to be thrown away. All items that can be salvaged must be clean before they are placed back in your home.

Material Removal

If the flooding was extensive, cleaning requirements may dictate that part of the structure of your home be removed. Ceilings that have flood damage may be taken out, especially if they cover damp insulation. Even part of your walls or floors may have to be replaced. Those doing the repairs are likely to remove these materials before they attempt to disinfect anything.

Home Sanitation

To combat the germs that are undoubtedly present in flood water, everything that remains has to be sanitized. Every surface that is damaged by the flood must be cleaned with flood disinfectant. The appropriate protective equipment, such as goggles, face masks, respirators and gloves, should be worn. Try to avoid mixing different cleaners, as they may contain chemicals that release toxic fumes when combined. Sanitation is not complete until every surface has been cleaned and dried.

Cleanup is not always a quick process, but you want to make sure it is a thorough one. Following these cleaning requirements ensures that your home is safe once restoration is complete.

Are Storm Damage and Flooding the Same?

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Collegedale, TN in building

Torrential rain, golf ball sized hail and high winds invade your business in Collegedale, TN. These events cause water damage inside your property. There is flooding on the ground floor, so is this considered flood damage? Or is it storm damage because the storm caused the flooding? You are not alone if you find this confusing. Read below to understand the difference between the two.

Flood Damage

To an insurance company, there is a clear cut difference between water damage caused by a flood, and water damage caused by a storm. If you have flood insurance for your property, the following indicate that it will likely cover the damage:

• Your business and at least one other property (or two or more acres) are normally dry, but are suddenly and temporarily flooded.
• A natural source causes the flood waters, such as a hurricane storm surge or mudflow. Any other sudden accumulation of water rising up into your commercial property is considered a flood, including heavy rainfall that saturates and seeps up from the ground into homes or businesses.

Storm Damage

Storms cause a myriad of problems, not limited to water and wind damage. The following are common types of commercial problems caused by a storm:

• Heavy winds, rain or hail may crack or stress the windows, foundation or roofing material, leading to water getting in. When the water damage is caused by falling rain that does not rise up from the ground into your property, it is considered caused by the storm even if the result is flood water inside your business.
• The damage from winds, rain or other event only impact your business, not necessarily the surrounding areas.

Whether storm damage or flood damage ravages your commercial property in Collegedale, TN, storm and water restoration specialists are your first line of defense. Depending on the cause of damage and your specific policy, your commercial insurance may or may not provide coverage.

Get Those Nasty Smells out of Your Home After a Flood

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

As if a flood’s potentially devastating effects of structural damage and loss of valuables aren’t enough to cause grief, you also have to deal with the awful smells the water leaves behind. If even you’re able to salvage your home and belongings, it’s not easy getting rid of the stench of sewage, mold growth or flood water. If you’re contending with these issues, you need the best solutions possible to ensure your home is back to normal.

What Leaves the Odors?

The musty, dingy, unbearable smells floods leave behind can come from various sources. Often, flooding occurs because of backed-up sewers or broken plumbing lines. When there is sewage loss, there will be the terrible odor of feces and other hazardous materials. Not only can this be difficult for your nose to bear, but it can also make you and family members in your Chattanooga, TN home very sick.

Prevent Backups

One of the best ways to get rid of awful sewage smells is to ensure your system doesn’t back up. There are a few measures you can take to prevent these issues:

• Install a backwater prevention valve
• Install plastic pipe in your sewer line
• Cut tree roots
• Don’t pour grease down your sinks or other drains

How to Clean Up

If flooding still brings foul smells into your home, you can take quick action or call on a professional cleanup company to assist you. A technician will use various methods to help eliminate bad odors as well as mold growth. This will include a thorough steam-cleaning of your floors, washing walls with soap, cleaning ducts, disinfecting plumbing fixtures and more.

If you want to avoid mold growth and say goodbye to the smell of sewage after a flood, use these steps. You don’t have to live with these horrible stenches or live under these conditions after you’ve suffered through flood damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/ for more information on storm damage. 

Why You Need Flood Insurance for Your Business

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

You may think your commercial property insurance covers everything you need to take care of flood, fire, storm, and any other damage. In truth, unless your business is insured by flood protection, you may find yourself high and dry the next time rough waters come to Chattanooga, TN.

Why Flood Insurance Is Necessary

Damage from flooding related to natural disasters actually isn’t covered in your standard commercial insurance package. It may seem strange, but if a storm strikes your area and causes flooding, your commercial insurance should cover everything under storm damage except the effects of the flood. This includes damage due to any of these causes:

• Wind
• Hail
• Impact from flying debris

Basically any issues caused by the storm except for a flood are generally covered by most aspects of your commercial property insurance. Flood damage, however, requires a wholly separate policy.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Flood insurance covers the damage done to your building by rising floodwaters from natural disasters. For example, if a tsunami swamps your coastal city and your building ends up in six feet of water, the damage caused by seawater permeating your building would be covered by flood insurance. However, if an earthquake strikes and your building floods because the seismic shocks broke your pipes, this would actually not be covered, because the flooding itself is a side effect of a natural disaster rather than the natural disaster in and of itself.

What Other Things Aren't Covered

Even if your insurance plan may pay for things such as flood remediation, secondary damage is often not covered, especially if it’s considered preventable. Secondary damage includes things such as mold and mildew caused by standing water left behind after flooding or infestations of insects that might be attracted to that standing water. Flood insurance only covers immediate and direct damage caused by the flood, and subsequent remediation and cleanup.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/ for more information on flooding. 

Chattanooga Storm Damage Tips

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

General Tips To Prepare for Storm Damage

• Assemble an emergency kit that consists of food, water and basic disaster supplies designed to last at least 72 hours. Put the kit together well before severe weather strikes. Keep it in an easily accessible place, so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate.
• Develop a family communication plan, since your family members will probably be at different places like work or school when a storm strikes. Therefore, you need to establish a way of getting in touch with each other before the storm strikes. Decide ahead of time how and where you will meet each other. Make sure everybody in the family knows everybody else's cell phone number.
• If you live in a storm-prone area, your community may have already established evacuation routes to leave the area safely and quickly. Learn about your community's evacuation plans and routes and make sure everybody in your family knows.

Why Choose SERVPRO of East Chattanooga?

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

A fast response is crucial to flooding and storm damage, because it reduces secondary damage and restoration costs. Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Our technicians will respond immediately, day or night, to help Chattanooga business owners and residents.

Learn More

 We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

•Water Damage Restoration Technician

•Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Learn More

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

We can access the resources and personnel of 1,650 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events.

Water Damage Stinks! Here’s What To Do About the Smell

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Get Rid of Mildew Smells in the Carpet

One of the biggest culprits for lingering odors post-flood is carpets. If you decided not to replace your carpets after sewage loss, it may be the cause of that bad smell and quite possibly for any adverse health symptoms you or your loved ones have experienced. Some things you can do to get rid of any residual debris and flood water include:

• Completely dry the affected areas and then leave your windows open to allow the room to air out.

• Place dehumidifiers throughout the affected area. 

• Treat your carpet with a cleaning solution designed to kill mold growth and bacteria. 

• Pour baking soda over the areas your sprayed and leave it on the treated areas for some time, preferably overnight. Vacuum it up in the morning. 

If after thoroughly cleaning your carpets your home still smells like black water, clean the air.

Cleaning the Air after a Flood

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a flood is no picnic, and even after all damaged materials have been removed and the ground floor has been thoroughly dried and cleaned, the smell of mold and sewage can linger for weeks or even months. If your home was recently in a flood, and you’re tired of your home reeking like mold growth and black water, your local City, State, flood restoration team has a few odor removal tips that may be of use to you. 

Steps for Cleaning the Air 

Cleaning the air is fairly simple and involves a few common household items.

• Cat Litter: Cat litter is designed to soak up odors, so place a little bit in each room. Change it out periodically to make sure that it absorbs as much of the residual odor as possible. 

• Vinegar: Place bowls of vinegar throughout your home, and in just a few days, your home will be smelling as fresh as it was pre-flood. 

• Baking Soda: In addition to using baking soda on your carpets, you can also use it to zap odors from the air. 

Mold growth can really stink up your home. To get rid of that bad smell, try utilizing the tips above from your Chattanooga, TN, water damage team.

Visit our site for more storm damage tips and information.

Three Ways to Prepare for a Storm

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Roof damaged when tree fell during a storm.

General Tips To Prepare for and Emergency

1. Assemble an emergency kit that consists of food, water and basic disaster supplies designed to last at least 72 hours. Put the kit together well before severe weather strikes. Keep it in an easily accessible place, so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate.
2. Develop a family communication plan, since your family members will probably be at different places like work or school when a storm strikes. Therefore, you need to establish a way of getting in touch with each other before the storm strikes. Decide ahead of time how and where you will meet each other. Make sure everybody in the family knows everybody else's cell phone number.
3. If you live in a storm-prone area, your community may have already established evacuation routes to leave the area safely and quickly. Learn about your community's evacuation plans and routes and make sure everybody in your family knows.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Infectious Waste In Water After Flood Damage In Chattanooga?

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Saves Your Flood Damaged Chattanooga Property

Groundwater Flooding from Storms Require Safety Protocols for Safe Removal

There are many things to consider following a flood, and in situations where the flood in question has affected your home, it is only natural to feel stressed out and maybe even a little scared. Water damages all kinds of materials, and you may be facing everything from waterlogged furniture to structural damage to drywall, floors or ceilings. SERVPRO understands that a flood is very stressful and you want to get it dealt with as quickly as possible. That is why We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
 
There are some situations where flood damage to your Chattanooga home carries with it a risk of infectious waste being present. Flooding that comes from outside of the home or from a sewer are examples of situations where infectious waste is a potential problem. Rising streams and chemicals from fields often contain debris and chemically hazardous elements. Flood water brings with it the risk of contamination with such diseases as cholera, typhus, tetanus, and polio. Sewage and some other water might contain waste or body fluids.
 
It is quite a frightening thought to realize that such water could contaminate your home. That is why SERVPRO teams work quickly and efficiently to deal with the situation as soon as possible. Our teams are fully trained to deal with potentially dangerous water. Every technician is IICRC-certified, and we always adhere to OSHA and EPA guidelines for handling any flood situation. We handle waste water per local state guidelines. 
Every member of our team who might come into contact with contaminated water is vaccinated, and we never let workers into an area if they have cuts or skin abrasions. Also, we provide each person with full personal protective equipment PPE, including a full body suit and a respirator.
 
We train our people to prioritize containment and sanitation. We set up containment to prevent the spread of infectious material, and we also set up clean areas that are free of contamination for the storage of uncontaminated clothes and equipment. We treat all waste material and exposed surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant. We also thoroughly sanitize all equipment after each use.
 
Rely on SERVPRO of East Chattanooga to handle even dangerous waste professionally and with the utmost concern for your safety. Call us at (423) 326-1406 for assistance.

Chattanooga offers lots of fun, click.

When Storm Damage Destroys A Roof, Collegedale Residents Must Repair Quickly To Protect Their Home

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

The roof may have design elements that seem to be only for looks, but the majority of every roof is for protection from all types of weather.

Repairing A Roof After Storm Damage

Only a few aspects of a house are designed to be only decorative. The roof may have design elements that seem to be only for looks, but the majority of every roof is for protection from all types of weather. Heat from the sun, cold from winter weather, snow, rain, and even insects, birds, and wild animals are kept out by your roof. When the roof is damaged, anything can get into your attic, and this can affect the rest of your home.

Collegedale receives its fair share of all types of weather, including the occasional storm which can be powerful enough to damage even the best-constructed roof around. When the roof is damaged, it will not take long for things to become increasingly worse as time passes. SERVPRO knows that there is more than just the initial damage to the roof after a storm causes damage to it that matters. Water can enter the attic and end up as far down as the basement, damaging every area of your home in a very short period.

Rainwater and snow that soon melts, wetting down your stored belongings, isn't the only problem. That same water can render your attic's insulation worthless. Many times, insulation can be re-used when you have repair work done, but this is not true if the insulation has been compressed or otherwise damaged. When water infiltrates insulation, it weighs it down and compression results. Other problems include rust developing on metal ducts, warping of the floor boards in the attic, and peeling wallpaper and disintegrating plaster, especially on exterior walls.

SERVPRO professionals will make sure that all possible efforts are made to prevent additional damage like that from happening. After making an assessment of the damage, we will cover your roof with an adequately sized tarp. After roofing repairs are finished, we can begin working on restoring the damaged areas and restoring your home. There is a multitude of issues that can arise when you have a damaged roof. We use different types of equipment to not only dry and clean the interior of your home, but to also measure our progress as we work. When we finish, you will be surprised to find that it is “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is dedicated to making your house into a home again after storm damage has made it unlivable. Call us at (423) 326-1406, 24 hours a day, any day of the year, and we will begin working within the hour.

Chattanooga Residents Experience Flood Damage

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

Every home regardless of size or cost is susceptible to accidental flood damage.

Flood Damage

You just moved into your ideal home, years of long hours and saving has paid off. Admittedly splurging on a few items and outfitting your new home with all of the latest technology, luxury and convenience items you could find. You are looking forward to having the family over for a visit, to show off a bit. Unfortunately, sometimes life has a different plan; one of the new products you purchased didn't quite work as intended and without warning, you find yourself knee-deep in water in your new home. Whether your new, state of the art suppression system malfunctioned or the brand new spa sprang a leak, at this moment, it does not matter, you need help, who are you going to call?

Every home regardless of size or cost is susceptible to accidental flood damage in Chattanooga. Things like this happen quite often, and each time we address these issues our primary goal remains the same. We concentrate on mitigating as much damage to your home as possible while performing our services as quickly and efficiently as possible. We assist you with choosing the services necessary to address your current situation and even help with any paperwork required for your claim.

SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained to provide you with quality services that help with restoring custom flooring, imported tapestries, or other expensive additions to your home. With specific methods to save the wall to wall carpeting, you installed upstairs. We begin by thoroughly inspecting the affected area and answer any questions you may have about the services we would like to perform. After using high-end water extractors to remove any excess water that exists, we deploy air movers and dehumidifiers, to eliminate additional moisture in the air and surrounding structure.

SERVPRO technicians also use specific methods to recover your belongings, by reducing the moisture and humidity levels in affected materials. Our staff is trained and experienced in deploying methods used to save custom wall coverings, household fixtures, and personal items. We work hard to eliminate the possibility of the articles experiencing secondary damage due to exposure. We like to leave your home, “Like it never even happened."

It will not be necessary for you to contact anyone else; SERVPRO technicians perform all of the necessary services and repairs to your satisfaction before we consider a job complete. If a water damage situation occurs on your property, make the call to our offices to receive the services you need. Contact SERVPRO of East Chattanooga today (423) 326-1406.

An Overview on Flood Water Classifications

1/10/2017 (Permalink)

The most dangerous and damaging type of water that SERVPRO deals with is black water.

Flood Water Classification Overview

There are three main classifications of floodwaters: clear water, gray water, and black water. Although their names imply it, these aren't wholly determined by the color of the water, but instead by a few factors related to how many contaminants are in the water. Clear water is somewhat rare, as most of the time it picks up enough contaminants to become at least gray, but black water is by far the most hazardous and damaging of the three. Never try to deal with black water yourself, as its interaction necessitates the kind of heavy gear and training that SERVPRO equips its technicians with. Here are a few key facts about each type of water.
 
Clean Water
 
Clean water originates from water mains, pipes, and other sources of relatively untampered water in your home. Collegedale flood damage with clear water is lighter and easier to restore than other types of damage, due to both reduced volumes of water and lighter safety procedures during the task. This water is usually identifiable as being clear and unclouded. However, time is important, as without quick removal clean waters can progress and become gray.
 
Gray Water
 
The awkward middle child of flood damage, gray water concerns water that may or may not have significant contaminants in it, and thus pose a potential health risk. More care is required in these waters, and they can be deceiving, as they too may sometimes be clear in appearance.
 
Black Water
 
The most dangerous and damaging type of water that SERVPRO deals with is black water, which can originate from a storm flood, a major health hazard such as a septic tank overflow, or when gray water is left untreated. This water contains dangerous contaminants, including fungi and microbes that may cause health effects. Black waters stain surfaces easily and are often more violent in their damage, so in addition to having the most restrictive safety precautions, this type of water also often causes the most damage.
 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

The technicians of SERVPRO of East Chattanooga are all licensed, trained, and certified to interact with all three types of floodwater so that you don't have to. Call us at the first sign of damage at (423) 326-1406.

Recover Fast From Flood Damage To Your Ooltewah Home

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Should any flooding disaster occur in your home, SERVPRO will be there to help.

Recover Your Home in Ooltewah from Flood Damage

You have invested wisely in your dream home, outfitting every square foot to bring comfort and pleasure to your family and friends. Unfortunately, sometimes all that convenience and luxury comes with an unexpected price if an appliance or feature malfunctions. When your top rated sprinkler system does not live up to its reviews and showers your home without provocation or your sumptuous spa’s hot tub springs a leak your gorgeous home can be knee deep in water in a matter of minutes. Should any flooding disaster occur in your home, SERVPRO will be on site swiftly after your call to evaluate the damage and devise a plan to remove the water and restore all areas affected by the pre-flooding condition.

No homeowner expects floods to damage the interior of his or her dwelling yet our modern expectations as to comfort place every home in harms way from accidental water disasters in Ooltewah. It matters not at all where or how water enters into your dwelling, once it's there, it is critical that proper protocols be followed to make sure the initial crisis is mitigated and that collateral damage resulting from the flooding is limited or avoided altogether. The positive part of flooding from an overeager sprinkler configuration or an overflowing tub is that the water is clean as it saturates your flooring. It is important to understand that there is only a short window of opportunity to remove the clean water via pumping and extraction before microbial growth begins. Mold spores can begin to colonize within 48 hours, but if we respond within hours of your first call, we have the best chance of preventing that from happening.

Your precious hardwood flooring and imported rugs or wall to wall carpeting can be restored by our SERVPRO flooding and water remediation specialists. Once the water has been mostly removed, our technicians know what methods to use to dry even expensive exotic wood flooring with little if any warping or buckling. We pride ourselves on our ability to dry one of a kind floor covering and even premium grade padding in place, reducing the moisture levels in the materials and the ambient humidity to levels advised by national water damage restoration certification experts. Our staff is also trained and experienced in saving custom wall coverings and fixtures from the ravages of water damage, leaving your home just “Like it never even happened” after we put the last touches to our restoration plan.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If a water disaster mars your custom built home, your quickest and most effective solution is to contact the experts at SERVPRO of East Chattanooga. Ring us at (423) 326-1406 confident we will restore your high-end abode and its contents from accidental flood damage.

How Storm Damage is Common Thanks to the Climate

8/21/2016 (Permalink)

Stay Safe During a Tornado and Call SERVPRO to Remediate the Damage

SERVPRO Technicians Are Ready to Remediate Your Property After Tornadoes, Hurricanes or Rain Storms

Across the United States, different SERVPRO franchises see very different patterns in calls and jobs that they receive. This is particularly true of storm damage, which largely depends on the geographic position and local climate factors. Some locations experience almost no storm damage, while others may have so much of it that it takes up the majority of calls. Our local region is one of the most commonly hit for storm damage across the country, for a number of reasons, and can experience a variety of dangerous storm types and weather damages.
 
Tornadoes
 
In close proximity to the Georgia border, Ooltewah storm damage commonly manifests in the form of tornadoes. Although the Midwest is often romanticized as the tornado capital of the world, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee also encounter very large and common tornadoes on a regular basis. Category F4 and even F5 tornadoes, the most dangerous types, can form here, a very rare site anywhere outside of the United States. We get many calls after tornadoes, and our technicians are very experienced in dealing with them.
 
Hurricanes
 
As with most of the Southeast, we commonly have to deal with the threat of hurricanes. Hurricanes happen multiple times annually in and around the United States, although one carrying significant damage and an intense wind is fairly uncommon. Common sources of damage during hurricanes include flooding, peeled-off roof tiles, fallen trees and telephone poles, and mold in the aftermath.
 
Common Rain Storms
 
With relatively high annual rainfall, the Southeast commonly has to deal with the damage from ordinary rain and thunderstorms. These can happen year-round, and commonly cause light water damage, fire damage from lightning strikes, and perhaps flooding in particularly heavy rains. If your home floods during any storm, exercise extreme caution around any waters, as flowing water may cause harm to you or your vehicle and still water may contain dangerous microbes and hazardous materials.
 
SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is trained and equipped to deal with the fallout of storms large and small. If a disaster has struck your home following a storm, call our local franchise at (423) 326-1406 for 24/7 help.

Hamilton County Storm Damage Testimonial

12/28/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO to the Rescue When a Storm Strikes

SERVPRO Is Proud of Hamilton County Storm Damage Testimonial

Five stars to Craig and SERVPRO of East Chattanooga.

On Christmas Day 2015, severe storms rolled into the Hamilton County, TN area. Unfortunately, we were out of town at the time. Our home received storm damage that caused various interior leaks in two rooms. Craig and his team of SERVPRO experts are the best! Our emails, voice messages, texts, and phone calls on Christmas Day and the day after were all answered in a super timely manner. Many people in Hamilton County also had Christmas Day storm damages to their property, businesses and homes.

SERVPRO discovered the source of our leaks was the chimney damaged during the high winds. The only "damp" carpet after the water leaks, was a very small corner area in our home office. Yesterday a SERVPRO team pulled the office carpet and padding back then started fans to expedite carpet drying. This morning the same team came back to our home, completed all chimney repairs, and inspected our entire large roof area. Upon roof inspection, they found only one shingle that needed their attention. The same SERVPRO team checked the carpets and sheetrock in our home office. Those were noted to be completely dry. This morning, SERVPRO stretched carpets securely back in place. My husband and I could not be more pleased with their work.

Our thanks to SERVPRO for a job well done at our home and in our great time of need. We will never hesitate to recommend Craig and his fine group of responsible people whenever we get the opportunity to do so. Our storm damage was greatly minimized. Also, we learned that SERVPRO is on Allstate’s list of reputable companies to contact should homeowners or business owners need help. Hearing that from our local Allstate Agent just confirmed, even more, our decision to contact SERVPRO.

Thanks again Craig and your wonderful team of experts! Susan and Ken M.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As water and storm damage specialists, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga has the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. We are proud to serve Hamilton County. Call us 24/7 for emergency help. (423) 326-1406