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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived General Blog Posts

SERVPRO® Restoration and Cleaning Services

2/2/2024 (Permalink)

A graphic showing SERVPRO's scope of restoration and cleaning services including fire, water, mold, hvac, and biohazard. A graphic showing SERVPRO's scope of restoration and cleaning services including fire, water, mold, hvac, and biohazard.

SERVPRO® is a trusted leader in the cleaning and restoration industry, offering a wide array of services to help homeowners and business owners get their properties back to pre-disaster condition. From fire and smoke damage to water damage, mold remediation, and more, our team is equipped to handle any job, residential or commercial, big or small.

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup Services

One of the most common services we offered is fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration. After a fire, the damage to a property can be extensive, and it's important to have a team of professionals who can help assess the damage, clean up the debris, and restore the property to its former state.

Water and Mold Cleanup and Restoration Services

Another of our most common services is our water mitigation and mold restoration services. Whether the damage is caused by a burst pipe, a flood, or a leaky roof, we have the equipment and expertise to quickly extract the water and dry out the affected areas to prevent further damage. Mold is a common issue that many homeowners and business owners face. Our mold remediation services include identifying the source of the mold, removing the affected materials, and ensuring that the area is properly cleaned and sanitized to prevent future mold growth.

Commercial Large Loss Restoration

For those who have experienced significant damage to their property, SERVPRO® also offers commercial large loss services to help get businesses back up and running as quickly as possible. This can include everything from emergency board up services to reconstruction services.

Commercial and Residential HVAC Cleaning

We offer HVAC air system cleaning services to help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens and other pollutants. It’s been proven that having your unit serviced regularly will significantly extend the life of your unit.

Biohazard/Crime Scene Cleanup

Our least known service would be our biohazard and crime scene cleanup. For those who have experienced traumatic events, such as a crime scene or accident, we offer trauma and crime scene cleanup services to help restore the affected area as gently and quickly as possible.

No matter what type of cleaning or restoration services are needed, SERVPRO® has the experience, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get back to normal, as soon as possible.

SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties - 706-866-5646 | Walker County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year 2024 | Locally Owned and Operated

Happy New Year from SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties!

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

A digital image wishing everyone a happy new year from servpro of chattooga, dade, and west walker counties. A digital image wishing everyone a Happy New Year from SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker Counties.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to kick off the new year with a bang. As we begin a new year, we want to remind you of the importance of having a reliable restoration company to call in case of an emergency.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to experience damage to a property. That's why we're here to make the restoration process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you. With our state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained technicians, we're equipped to handle any size disaster, from a small water leak to a large fire. We are your local water damage restoration and fire damage restoration company.

As your trusted partner, we want to ensure that your home or business receives the best possible service and care. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergency calls and begin the restoration process immediately. We work closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure that you're informed and satisfied every step of the way.

So, as you start the new year, remember to keep SERVPRO® in mind for all of your restoration needs. We're here to help you and your business get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year!

Need Restoration or Construction Services? Know Who to Call this Fall.

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Top restoration company available to assist you with fire, water, or mold restoration services. Top restoration company available to assist you with fire, water, or mold restoration services!

Top Restoration Company | Available 24/7 to Respond to Your Emergency Restoration Needs

As the leaves start to fall, it's important to ensure that your property is well-maintained and prepared for the changing weather. Whether it's water damage from a burst pipe, fire damage from the Thanksgiving hustle, or simply the need for general construction and remodeling services, SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker Counties has got you covered.

With over 50 years of experience in the industry, our expertly trained professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle any restoration or construction job. We understand how stressful it can be when unexpected damage occurs to your property, which is why we are committed to providing prompt and reliable service to our clients.

Do you need fire, water, or mold restoration?

At SERVPRO®, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service with a personal touch. From the initial assessment to the final walk-through, we work closely with our clients to ensure their satisfaction every step of the way. Our services include water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, general construction services, and more.

Don't let unexpected damage ruin your fall season. Know who to call when you need restoration or construction services this fall - SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker Counties. Call us today at 706-866-5646 to learn more about our services and schedule your appointment.

 

Did you know? Reconstruction Edition

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

A digital flyer informing of SERVPRO®'s reconstruction services. Did you know SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties provides reconstruction services?

SERVPRO® of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties is Here to Help with your reconstruction needs.

If you have recently experienced a disaster in your home or business, you know how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath. That's why it's important to have a reliable and efficient reconstruction team to help you get back on your feet. At SERVPRO®, we take pride in our skilled and experienced reconstruction team that can handle any disaster, big or small.

Our team consists of certified professionals who are trained in the latest techniques and technologies for restoration and reconstruction. We understand the urgency of the situation and work quickly to assess the damage and develop a plan of action. Our goal is to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition as soon as possible.

Here to help when disaster strikes.

Whether you have experienced fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or any other type of disaster, our reconstruction team has the expertise to handle the job. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that your property is restored to its original condition. Plus, we work closely with your insurance company to make sure that your claim is handled smoothly and efficiently.

At SERVPRO®, we take pride in our dedication to customer satisfaction. Our reconstruction team is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get back on your feet after a disaster.

Fire or Flood Damage? We've Got the Answer in the Bag!

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

A flyer designed with back to school in mind. Fire or Flood Damage? We've Got the Answer in the Bag!

24/7 Emergency Restoration Services

At SERVPRO® of North Whitfield and Catoosa Counties, we understand that disasters can happen at any time and the aftermath can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s where we come in! If you need fire or flood restoration, we’ve got the answer in the bag!

Our team of expert technicians have years of experience in fire and flood restoration. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your property is restored to preloss condition. We understand that every disaster is unique and we work with you to create a customized restoration plan that fits your needs and budget.

Top Restoration Service Company

We are dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and ensuring that you are satisfied with our work. Our goal is to make the restoration process as stress-free as possible for you, so you can get back to your lives as quickly as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need fire or flood restoration services. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions and provide immediate assistance.

Did you know? Pew Cleaning Edition

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

A service you might not consider

Did you know that SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties, a leading provider of cleaning and restoration services, also offers pew cleaning for churches and religious organizations? With years of experience in the cleaning industry, SERVPRO understand the importance of maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for congregations.

Overtime, a lot can build up, even with regular cleaning

Pews can accumulate dirt, dust, and germs over time, making them not only unsightly, but also potentially harmful to those who use them. With SERVPRO's pew cleaning service, churches can ensure that their pews are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, making them safe and comfortable for all who use them.

SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning products to deep clean pews and remove any stains or odors. The company's trained professionals take great care to ensure that the cleaning process is tailored to each institution's unique needs and schedule.

We're here for all of your needs

In addition to pew cleaning, SERVPRO also offers a range of other cleaning and restoration services, including carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, and water damage restoration. By prioritizing cleanliness and hygiene, religious organizations can create a welcoming and safe environment for their congregations and with SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties, churches can trust that their cleaning needs are in good hands.

Now Hiring!

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

Now Hiring Poster Now Hiring Poster for Production Technicians

We are HIRING! We have open positions for Production Technicians that offers competitive pay, great benefits, paid vacations, and great potential for a career path. Send your resume to office@SERVPROnwcc.com

If you are a team player, are skilled, and are interested in taking ownership of your job responsibilities and future, SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker Counties may be the right career choice for you. You have unique skills, passions and experiences, and we believe you can bring them all to SERVPRO for a rich, rewarding job opportunity that could surprise you with its potential. Just imagine the excitement and satisfaction of what you can do, who you could serve, and the difference you can make with the resources of SERVPRO behind you. SERVPRO would love to have you join our team!

• Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

• Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to apply to any of the open positions, please send your resume to office@SERVPROnwcc.com.

https://www.SERVPROchattoogadadewestwalkercounties.com/careers

FREE vehicle sanitization for first responders in our areas!

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician in hazmat suit with a fogger on his back, SERVPRO logo over the photo SERVPRO technician in a hazmat suit with a fogger on his back, SERVPRO logo over the photo

Did you know that we offer free sanitization services? If you’re a fireman/firewoman or apart of the police department give us a call to get your car, truck or emergency vehicle sanitized.

Our vision is to bring value and to be perceived as the most ethical, consistent, customer focused restoration company in our territory. With that being said  especially during this pandemic we’ve been focused on giving back every time we can. Contact us at 706-965-7378 if you’d like to take advantage of this limited offer.

Did you know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it’s a higher standard of clean? This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning that helps ensure the cleanliness of the restaurants, businesses and public spaces in the communities we all call home. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills - always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. From Rising Fawn to Lyerly, Trenton to Rock Bridge, Ringgold to Lafayette, or anywhere in between, we take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!

SERVPRO of CHATTOOGA, DADE, W. WALKER COUNTIES 706-965-7378

Crawlspace Encapsulation- How to Have a Healtheir Home

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

 

Introduction

Ignoring crawl space conditions and the effects they may have on indoor air quality seems to be a thing of the past. People are more educated about how moisture enters their homes and the negative impact excess moisture can have on living conditions.

Since up to 50% of household air can flow up from your crawl space, it’s important to keep this typically unsightly space as clean and dry as possible. Since water vapor enters the crawl space from the ground (even through cement), many people are encapsulating their crawl space to keep the moisture out. Adding a crawl space vapor barrier and dehumidifier is widely accepted as the best way to improve indoor air quality and make energy improvements inside your home.

In this article, we’ll take a look at these solutions, provide tips for DIY crawl space encapsulation, and explain how to maintain a healthy humidity in your crawl space.

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Encapsulating, or at least sealing, crawl spaces is becoming a popular solution for avoiding indoor moisture issues. To the average person, encapsulation can be compared to the lining added to swimming pools to avoid leaks. A heavy-duty polyethylene barrier is added to completely cover your crawl space - usually the floors, foundation walls, and sometimes even ceiling.

This water vapor barrier is most effective when it completely covers your crawl space, and sealing tape is used to connect the barrier pieces throughout your area.  

Once your space is completely sealed, the final piece of the encapsulation puzzle is conditioning the air to maintain a healthy humidity level. The most common way to do this is by adding a dehumidifier to regulate your crawl space’s moisture level.

This barrier and dehumidifier combination protects the crawl space from excess moisture and all the problems that come along with it.

Who Should Consider Crawl Space Encapsulation

Water vapor and excess moisture can cause a slew of problems in your home. Since water vapor can move through porous cement, moisture from the ground can move through it and into your home. Here are common signs that lead people to sealing their crawl space:

  • Mold
  • Mildew/musty smell in basement
  • Soft or separating floors
  • High cooling costs
  • Wet insulation
  • Sweating windows
  • Sweating Ductwork
  • Insect problems

Benefits of Creating a Vapor Barrier

Before we get into the dirty details, consider these benefits:

  • Improved air quality in your crawl space and home
  • Creates inhospitable area for pests and wood-destroying insects
  • More comfortable living conditions
  • Avoid fungi/mold issues and structural damage
  • Greater energy efficiency in your home

For a real-world example of how encapsulation helped a family in Tennessee, check out this Santa Fe case study.

Sealing Your Space vs. Full Encapsulation

You may hear the term sealing crawl spaces and encapsulating crawl spaces used interchangeably. While they’re similar, sealing generally means only covering the floor and around 8 inches up the walls.

Encapsulation entails covering all of the floors, walls and even the ceiling. Some professional encapsulations will include adding insulation to the walls and access doors. 

Can I Encapsulate A Crawl Space Myself?

There are various companies who can fully-encapsulate your crawl space for you, which is the option most people go with. They’ll survey your area, make sure your crawl space is suitable for encapsulation, and properly address any other foundation or excess moisture issues in the area.

However, some people want to do it themselves in order to cut back on costs. If you plan to do it yourself, you can order the needed products (seal tape, vapor barrier, etc.) from a variety of places online, but we suggest buying them locally since shipping the large, heavy barriers can be very expensive.

While it is possible and more cost effective to do yourself in some cases, professional encapsulation is the best way to ensure everything is completed correctly. Regardless of whether you’re hiring a professional or encapsulating yourself, we encourage you to read our tips below to further educate yourself on the process.

Considerations Before Encapsulating

If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated and sealed correctly, other problems can arise. Bulk water problems are a main concern. All long-term bulk water issues need to be addressed before encapsulating a crawl space (look for sitting water or water stains on foundation walls).

Termite control companies can also place some restrictions on how much of your crawl space can be covered, so be sure to contact your pest control company before jumping into an encapsulation project - especially if you have an active termite bond.

Lastly, if there is any combustion equipment in the crawl space, you need to consider any backdrafting that could occur.

Encapsulating your crawl space essentially means sealing it up completely, and these potential problems are why most people opt for professional barrier installation.

How Encapsulation Works

Each crawl space comes with its own challenges and moisture issues. However, the typical process includes:   

Before Encapsulation

  • Assess the crawl space and add appropriate lighting as needed.
  • Clean it out. This won’t be the most fun part, but it’s necessary. Everything that can be removed, needs to be removed (besides dirt, appliance parts, etc). While the vapor barrier is thick, you don’t want to risk punctures in it from rocks and other items.
  • Once your space is clean, it’s a good idea to measure your foundation walls (height and length), floor size, and any other areas you’ll cover with the water vapor barrier.
  • After you measure your space, cut the barrier material into pieces to cover each corresponding wall. You'll want to cut the pieces slightly larger than you need and overlap them when installing. This will ensure no gaps are present. 

TIP: After measuring, cut the vapor barrier in your yard or your home (not in the crawl space). 

Installing the Vapor Barrier

Properly installing the vapor barrier is arguably the most important part of the process. It starts by adding double-sided seal tape right under the floor joists. You or the contractor will then attach the plastic vapor barrier along the foundation walls, carefully pressing down against the wall. The goal is to keep the vapor barrier as consistent as possible.

Whoever installs the vapor barrier will have to cut around water tanks (and any other obstacles) and then trim around pipes. You can fill in gaps with extra sealing tape. The main thing to consider is to cover every part of the floor and walls.  

TIP: If you’re attempting DIY encapsulation, it’s at least a two-person job. Moving around pipes and other obstacles can become extremely difficult. You’ll need extra hands as you trim the barrier, add tape, and fill in gaps.

Start with the foundation walls, ensure you cover all of the cement. Once the walls are done, you can hit the floor surface. You’ll want overlap over any seams (several inches) to truly encapsulate the entire space.

TIP: Don’t forget to seal any vents or windows that may be present. You’ll also want to make sure any access doors to the crawl space are completely airtight.

Maintaining A Safe Humidity Level

Now you’re crawl space is adequately sealed or encapsulated. The hard part is done! Now what? It’s pretty easy: Add a drying mechanism to make sure your crawl space maintains an appropriate humidity level. Most professionals say the best way to do this is by adding a crawl space dehumidifier.

Many dehumidifiers are specifically designed to maintain healthy humidity levels in rugged areas like crawl spaces.

To keep an eye on your humidity without having to go down to your crawl space, consider getting a remote humidity monitor that relays the information to another location inside your home. 

We hope you learned more about sealing your crawl space and the benefits it can create for your indoor air quality. Encapsulation isn’t an easy process, but you’ll avoid serious foundation and health issues once you solve crawl space moisture problems for good.

If you would like to get a free estimate on your home for crawlspace encapsulation, give the experts at SERVPRO a call (706) 866-5646

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

There are so many benefits to making your home energy efficient. Most importantly, reducing the negative impact your home can have on the environment benefits everyone on the planet! If everyone makes an effort to change one thing with their home, the positive impact would be incredible. Also, the long-term cost savings benefits your bank account as well!
So what does it mean to be energy-efficient?

It is certainly a “buzz-phrase” but being energy efficient simply means reducing unnecessary energy consumption. This is important because our society increasingly relies on gadgets daily. Cell phones, tablets, computers, smart televisions, streaming media players - they all consume energy! These items are etched into our lives and it will take effort to make changes. So let’s start small with these tips.

Switch to fluorescent light bulbs. Yes, they cost a little more upfront, but their lifespan can reach 12 years and they use so much less energy. It’s an easy quick fix.

Use warm water to clean (instead of hot). The cost of heating the water those few additional degrees far outweighs the cleaning difference. Wash on warm and only with full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine.

Plant trees. This is a more long-term investment, but the benefits are plentiful. Shading your home decreases summer cooling bills immensely. Oh and trees help us breathe. That’s kind of a big deal!

Purchase energy efficient appliances. Also, an easy fix. When you look for your new oven, microwave, washing machine or dryer, check for the energy efficient seal. It means it has been designed to meet the standards of reducing energy consumption!

Lastly, unplug unused devices. Even “standby” uses energy, so when you aren’t using your coffeemaker or toaster or charging your phone - unplug it!

These are just a few of the simple tips we can all use to keep our planet healthy and save a few dollars in the process!

Removing the dog smell from your home

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Removing That Dog Smell from your Home

            The sweltering heat is on its way out and that means you can go outside too!! For many of us living in Northwest Georgia, our dogs are part of the family. Whether Fido is our hunting, walking, or riding buddy, we love that dog with all of our hearts. Sadly there is no amount of pure love that can make up for a bad smell, and having our four legged pal inside for the colder winter or the humid summer months might stir up some smells. Even though the door is open and Fido is out of the house, the smell seems to hang around! With family coming around for the seasonal Shindig, we are here to offer some tips on keeping your house smelling clean!

Clean any surface/furniture the dog touches

            A handheld vacuum can work wonders for removing pet hair (and resulting odors) from couches, chairs, and any such like your canine compadre comes into contact with. With a little plug and switch, you can make sure that the family home smells a lot less like the family dog. Be sure to remove cushions and pillows to:

1)      Be able to get otherwise forgotten areas under the cushions

2)      Vacuum and clean the pillows and cushions individually (for a more thorough clean)

Although this task may seem ineffective in theory, it could just prove to be the difference in whether or not your in-laws approve of your housekeeping.

            If your cleaning requires more than you can do, bring your furniture or rugs by your local SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker Counties! We will help you get your summer started off fresh!

Removing Dog Smell for Summer

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Looks like this guy wants to get outside!

Removing That Dog Smell from your Home

            Summer weather is here and it is finally time to let the dog outside! For many of us living in Northwest Georgia, our dogs are part of the family. Whether Fido is our hunting, walking, or riding buddy, we love that dog with all of our hearts. Sadly there is no amount of pure love that can make up for a bad smell, and having our four legged pal inside for the colder winter months might stir up some smells. Even though the door is open and Fido is out of the house, the smell seems to hang around! With family coming around for the occasional Summer Shindig, we are here to offer some tips on keeping your house smelling clean!

Clean any surface/furniture the dog touches

            A handheld vacuum can work wonders for removing pet hair (and resulting odors) from couches, chairs, and any such like your canine compadre comes into contact with. With a little plug and switch, you can make sure that the family home smells a lot less like the family dog. Be sure to remove cushions and pillows to:

1)      Be able to get otherwise forgotten areas under the cushions

2)      Vacuum and clean the pillows and cushions individually (for a more thorough clean)

Although this task may seem ineffective in theory, it could just prove to be the difference in whether or not your in-laws approve of your housekeeping.

            If your cleaning requires more than you can do, bring your furniture or rugs by your local SERVPRO of Chattooga, Dade, and West Walker COunties! We will help you get your summer started off fresh!