Understanding a Flood Cut

8/13/2024 (Permalink)

What Exactly is a Flood Cut?

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

What Are the Benefits of Flood Cuts?

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

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

Flood Damage? No Problem!

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

During the spring, thunderstorms tend to plague the Bristol region often causing issues with your property and house's structure. Many times flood damage goes unnoticed especially if it happens when nobody is present at your home. Several of the situations our SERVPRO technicians handle regularly involve incidences where the water has receded, but many of the house's contents and structural components are still wet. Damp materials inside a building can cause elevated humidity levels which can create a situation where moisture spreads throughout the home and affects more areas over time. If organic materials are affected during your flood damage scenario, then it is possible that mold can develop.

When working on most storm-related projects, our SERVPRO crew starts by extracting any water while it is still in its liquid form. However, if most of the water is gone once we arrive, then the focus of your flood damage project then changes to structural drying. During the drying process, we attempt to create an environment that speeds up the natural evaporation process. We do this by setting up large box fans and air movers to create air movement as well as implement dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. If there is a large amount of moisture that has soaked into your building materials and contents, we can set up more dehumidifiers that will help pull moisture out of the affected items.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO technicians have the option to utilize either a refrigerant or desiccant type machine. Refrigerant dehumidifiers pull wet air past a cold coil which causes the moisture to condense and turn back into a liquid. These systems work best to remove surface moisture and to dry wet materials that are moderately to highly porous and permeable by water and air such as carpet, pad, and drywall after flood damage.

Desiccant dehumidifiers pull wet air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. These systems get utilized to help dry out materials that are dense and have low porosity and low permeability like hardwood floors, framing materials, and concrete. If your contents or building materials ever get wet after a storm, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552. We are available 24/7/365.

What is a Flood Cut?

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

What Exactly is a Flood Cut?

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

What Are the Benefits of Flood Cuts?

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

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

Know the Difference between Thunderstorm Watch and Warning

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.

Do you Know the Difference?

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. 

Has your home or business been damaged due to a storm? Contact us today at 423-245-5552 for immediate assistance. 

Winter Heating Hazards

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

The winter season is here and with it comes shorter days and lower temperatures. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires cause an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually. Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire. 

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters. 
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacture's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

Tips for Staying Safe During A Storm

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

While the safest place to be during a storm is at home, if a sudden storm pops up when you are away, here are some tips for safety.

*Know your options for shelter. When you are made aware of a severe weather scenario and are safe at home, remaining there is the best thing you can do so you can wait out the storm. However, this is a luxury that will not always be present. If you are caught out in a storm, you can take shelter in your car as long as you can pull over safely and cut off your engine.

*Practice electrical safety. A lightning strike can hurt a structure in many ways, but the most common way is via a power surge. As the lightning travels through the home’s electrical system, the wires will become overwhelmed with charge and transfer that to anything plugged into an outlet. If you can, go through the area you are in and unplug everything before a storm. In general, it is best to also have surge protectors throughout your home and office.

*Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete structures are so sturdy in part because of how they are built. As concrete is poured around the metal, it creates a great structure—but also causes concern if there is lightning nearby. The metal in concrete can disperse electricity if the building is struck by lightning, so avoid touching these surfaces directly if possible.

*Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If you are out enjoying the day when a storm rolls in, make sure you are not rushing back out too soon and putting yourself in danger. Lightning Strikes can travel tremendous distances causing officials to urge people to stay inside for at least half an hour after the last clap of thunder.

If your home or business sustains storm damage call SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol at 423-245-5552.

Basements Are Common Places for Flood Damage

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Common Places For Flood Damage

The season when thunderstorms riddle the area is here. The weather can go from pleasant to disastrous very quickly. Any time severe storms hit our region, numerous problems can take place. Rainstorms this time of year can bring a lot of water in a short period of time. Excessive rain can flood your yard possibly causing water to enter your home. Basements seem to be a prime location for water because gravity pulls water into them. Window wells can fill up causing windows to start leaking from the seals. High-speed winds can also blow rocks or tree branches into basement windows causing water to flow into your house. In some cases, water can come in from door seals on the main level of the building and leak into the lower level basement.

Whenever water enters a structure due to a severe thunderstorm, the basement gets inspected for potential issues. Many cases of flood damage prove that problems with basements are common. Our SERVPRO technicians are experienced in dealing with several different issues relating to storms. However, when basements get affected, the negative effects can be more extreme than when water enters other levels.

Anytime excessive moisture enters a building the first thing our SERVPRO restoration crew does is repair the source of the structural leak. If the water comes in from lower door seals, then they get blocked off so that water cannot continue to enter. If the source of the damage is moisture coming in from a basement window, then we can first use a sump pump to extract water from the window well. After the standing water inside the well gets removed, we then board up the window so that rainwater cannot get into your home and create more problems.

If water enters your lower level either from a window or from above, the damage has the potential to be very extensive. When water comes from a window, our SERVPRO experts test the drywall and window frame for moisture from the point of entry down. If water enters your basement from the ceiling, then building materials from the top of the level down to the floor must get tested for moisture content.

The more water that enters your home after a storm the worse the damage can get. As soon as you notice wet building materials or contents after a storm, it is wise to call in the professionals immediately. For prompt 24 hour assistance, call SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol at 423-245-5552.

3 Main Differences Between Storm Damage and Flood Damage

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

3 Main Differences Between Storm Damage and Flood Damage

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

1. The Source of the Water

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

2. The Category of Water

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

3. Insurance Coverage

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

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

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

When a Storm hits, SERVPRO is Prepared

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol is dedicated to storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are ready for whatever could happen. Our highly trained staff use expert equipment that is efficient to restore and preserve your property.

Our crews at SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol are able to respond quickly with the right resources within a few hours to reduce any future damage. This is extremely important to assure that the property is dry in order to decrease the damage. Doing so will prevent further secondary damage, which ultimately reduces the restoration cost.

We have the right equipment and resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. Our highly trained professionals are ready to respond 24/7 to any storm or flood emergency.

We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

Need Emergency Services? Call us 24/7/365 at 423-245-5552

What to Watch out For During A Winter Storm

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, due to water expansion. If burst, the resulting water damage can be extensive.

Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. 

Most Common Areas for Frozen Pipes

Outdoor hose bibs
Swimming pool supply lines
Water sprinkler lines
Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl Spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams
An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof.

This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol can handle any size disaster, and can respond quickly with additional resources to take care of your damage right away.

Give us a call at 423-245-5552 for immediate assistance.

Repairing Your Home's Flood Damage

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage can be devastating. Call SERVPRO to get started with the remediation process!

SERVPRO Cleans your Home Thoroughly After Flood Damage to Prevent Any Secondary Damage

If your home is ever flooded by either an internal water source or an external one, you will want to get the water removed as fast as possible. SERVPRO can assist you by using one of our trucks that can pump out the water, emptying your home of unwanted water quickly. After the majority of the water is removed, we will remove even more from the interior of your home with specialized equipment that can extract moisture from semi-porous materials such as paneling, drywall, or wood flooring.
 
We will make sure that flood damage becomes a thing of the past as we restore your home so that it is "Like it never even happened." As we are taking care of the increased moisture throughout your home, we will also be cleaning and restoring your belongings to a pre-flood state. Some items will need to be sent out for specialized service, especially electronics, and we will work closely with you on this aspect. A flood can be stressful enough without adding in unknowns such as where your things are going to and when you will see them again.
 
Structurally, a flood can create hidden damage in a home that won't show itself for months. At SERVPRO, we have learned through training and experience what unrepaired flood damage can do to a home. We do not want that to happen to yours so we will take the needed steps so you can avoid that headache in the future. Mold and bacterial growths, rotting walls and support beams, rusting or corroding metal fittings and moldings, and other problems can plague those who have had a flood long after everything is cleaned up. As we clean, we will prevent these problems, and also possible health problems by sanitizing areas that have become contaminated. We realize a flood is multi-faceted in the problems it creates, and we respond accordingly.
 
Calling SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 should be one of the first things you do post-flood so we can help you with the entire process of undoing the damage caused. Available 24/7 to meet your needs, we are always ready to assist you.

Flood Damage Solution In Kingsport

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Kingsport Flood Waters

Rely on the Expertise of SERVPRO to Help After Flood Has Damaged Your Property

When flooding is a part of the history of the area that you live in, you should consider it as a part of your duties as a property owner to plan for these types of situations. Obtaining the proper insurance and budgeting for some of the preventive measures that exist to assist you with preparation for a flood is only the beginning. However, it is far better than merely reacting to a crisis. It is our goal to inform you more about what to do when a water damage emergency hits and help you with getting back to normal, with the least amount of disturbance to your everyday lives.
 
We have expertly trained technicians who have experience in dealing with flood damage restoration near your Kingsport home. It is possible that the person who arrives to help you with your situation is someone that you already know within the community that you live, a neighbor, a friend or even a family member.
 
SERVPRO Franchises are locally owned and operated by people just like you. Our technicians go through rigorous training to learn the proper steps to assist with your recovery as promptly and professionally as possible. However, we can also help you prepare to combat the possibility before it ever occurs, limit the damage caused by flooding and even save more of your belongings in the process.
 
Our expertly trained technicians at SERVPRO offer you services that are unique to your situation and help you understand what you can expect; even during the worst possible conditions. We will be there to assist you through the entire process, from beginning to end and even provide you with any assistance you need filling out the proper paperwork to deal with your insurance company.
 
The restoration process at SERVPRO starts with your initial phone call. We will perform an inspection on your property and thoroughly explain what is needed to get you back on your feet. Then we will quickly and efficiently cover the steps of the action plan that we have described to remove any excess water and completely dry everything within the affected area. We can uncover those hard to locate moisture pockets that require specialized equipment to find. All of your household items get handled as if they were our own, and each restorable item is taken care of and returned to a quality pre-damage condition "Like it never even happened."
 
Our SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol staff is waiting to assist you. Make the call today - (423) 245-5552

Don’t Let Storm Damage to Your Bristol Home Get You Down

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage remediation in Bristol can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Storms Bringing Flooding to Bristol Neighborhoods Damage Many Kinds of Property

Storms lingering around the Bristol area can cause small streams to overflow and local lakes to crest. When natural bodies of water spill over into populated areas, severe damage can begin happening at a swift rate. 

Homes damaged by flooding and other storm activity in Bristol need prompt mitigation and restoration. Such work stops the damage from worsening and also makes it possible to live in these houses again. SERVPRO restores both the structure and the belongings for our local residents. Our contractor license number is 67298.

We have the resources to move your family's belongings out and to another location, including to our own warehouse. Helping your family recover from a disaster includes making life as comfortable as possible during the restoration phase. To reduce this period as much as we can, we bring all of the tools, including portable power sources. Many disasters take out power lines and poles, and flooding often causes this to happen. 

There are a couple of things you can do to help your family recover, as well. These include simple but effective measures that can make life immediately after any disaster less stressful. Basic toiletries after a disaster are essential, but many places sheltering families have these items on hand.

• Create email drafts for different aspects of your loved ones' lives. One might include an ongoing list of current medications and physician contact information for yourself and your family members, another draft for family, school, work, and insurance contacts, and a third for other relevant information. Saving these in draft format allows you to continually update them when needed.
• Have an emergency bag of vital but non-perishable essentials for your family. These things might include small activity items for younger children, a couple of extra bottles, complete with the ring and nipple for babies, sippy cups for toddlers, and an extra memory card, DVDs, and other electronic items for teens. A couple of changes of clothing that includes basics like underwear, and simple T-shirts and sweatpants or shorts can make things easier, especially the first couple of days after your family moves to temporary housing.
• Already have temporary housing in place for such events with a trusted relative or family friend. This allows your family a bit of breathing room and access to a more private telephone than you might otherwise have in a shelter-type situation. 

Call us at (423) 245-5552 so we can mitigate, restore, and rebuild your home, so it is “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO Is The Leader In Bristol Flood Damage Restoration

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment, experience and expertise to restore your home after a flooding disaster. We are available 24/7 so call us right away.

Flood Damage Experts From Bristol Describe Structural Drying Techniques

During the spring, thunderstorms tend to plague the Bristol region often causing issues with your property and house's structure. Many times flood damage goes unnoticed especially if it happens when nobody is present at your home. Several of the situations our SERVPRO technicians handle regularly involve incidences where the water has receded, but many of the house's contents and structural components are still wet. Damp materials inside a building can cause elevated humidity levels which can create a situation where moisture spreads throughout the home and affects more areas over time. If organic materials are affected during your flood damage scenario, then it is possible that mold can develop.

When working on most storm-related projects, our SERVPRO crew starts by extracting any water while it is still in its liquid form. However, if most of the water is gone once we arrive, then the focus of your flood damage project in Bristol changes to structural drying. During the drying process, we attempt to create an environment that speeds up the natural evaporation process. We do this by setting up large box fans and air movers to create air movement as well as implement dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. If there is a large amount of moisture that has soaked into your building materials and contents, we can set up more dehumidifiers that will help pull moisture out of the affected items.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO technicians have the option to utilize either a refrigerant or desiccant type machine. Refrigerant dehumidifiers pull wet air past a cold coil which causes the moisture to condense and turn back into a liquid. These systems work best to remove surface moisture and to dry wet materials that are moderately to highly porous and permeable by water and air such as carpet, pad, and drywall after flood damage.

Desiccant dehumidifiers pull wet air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. These systems get utilized to help dry out materials that are dense and have low porosity and low permeability like hardwood floors, framing materials, and concrete. If your contents or building materials ever get wet after a storm, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 24 hours a day.

Why SERVPRO Is The Leader In Flood Damage Restoration

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment, experience and expertise to restore your home after a flooding disaster. We are available 24/7 so call us right away.

Flood Damage Experts  Describe Structural Drying Techniques

During the spring, thunderstorms tend to plague the region often causing issues with your property and house's structure. Many times flood damage goes unnoticed especially if it happens when nobody is present at your home. Several of the situations our SERVPRO technicians handle regularly involve incidences where the water has receded, but many of the house's contents and structural components are still wet. Damp materials inside a building can cause elevated humidity levels which can create a situation where moisture spreads throughout the home and affects more areas over time. If organic materials are affected during your flood damage scenario, then it is possible that mold can develop.

When working on most storm-related projects, our SERVPRO crew starts by extracting any water while it is still in its liquid form. However, if most of the water is gone once we arrive, then the focus of your flood damage project changes to structural drying. During the drying process, we attempt to create an environment that speeds up the natural evaporation process. We do this by setting up large box fans and air movers to create air movement as well as implement dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. If there is a large amount of moisture that has soaked into your building materials and contents, we can set up more dehumidifiers that will help pull moisture out of the affected items.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO technicians have the option to utilize either a refrigerant or desiccant type machine. Refrigerant dehumidifiers pull wet air past a cold coil which causes the moisture to condense and turn back into a liquid. These systems work best to remove surface moisture and to dry wet materials that are moderately to highly porous and permeable by water and air such as carpet, pad, and drywall after flood damage.

Desiccant dehumidifiers pull wet air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. These systems get utilized to help dry out materials that are dense and have low porosity and low permeability like hardwood floors, framing materials, and concrete. If your contents or building materials ever get wet after a storm, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 24 hours a day.

Be Ready for Late Summer Flood Damage in Bristol

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

We are always ready to help with your flood damages in Bristol

SERVPRO can help you get a head start on flood damage in Bristol.

It seems like we frequently hear that a storm in Bristol or other areas in eastern Tennessee is a “once every ten years” event. Last August, over two inches of rain fell in four hours, flooding homes and businesses. Extreme weather patterns show no signs of reversal, so it is not out of the question for your home to risk exposure to harm from both storm and flooding over the next several months.

When storm-related flood damage hits Bristol the water creates many channels into your home. Flash flooding over land and paved streets can slam into your house’s foundation, finding a way in through cracks, over door sills, and through lower level egress windows. If the storm features high winds, trees and utility poles can crush roofs and punch holes in siding. Straightline gusts peel shingles and blow horizontal sheets of rainwater into open windows and doors.

The damage done to your home can be extensive. You need a restoration company that can take you from the initial assessment to rebuild if needed. SERVPRO has this ability, with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians to handle all tasks needed to make it “Like it never even happened.”

With your home exposed to the elements, our crew’s first task is to secure damaged structures and cover holes. We tarp and board up the exterior as experienced managers assess the interior and plan an integrated strategy to bring it back to pre-flood condition.

Our trucks are fully stocked with commercial-grade equipment. Submersible pumps and high-efficiency water extractors begin the work of water removal, powered by generators on our trucks if required. Floodwaters are highly-contaminated, Category 3 fluids. SERVPRO team members are familiar with local regulations concerning containment and hazardous waste disposal and implement them. 

Cleaning with EPA-registered products is followed by disinfection with registered antimicrobials. This step inhibits the growth of any pathogens or molds left on surfaces by the flood water mixture. SERVPRO searches for trapped water with thermal imaging devices and releases it for containment using flood cuts or other controlled demolition. We dry out the space using professional-grade heated air movers and dehumidifiers, monitoring moisture levels continuously. Build-back of that demolition plus repairs to storm-damaged structures are final steps.

Relax and be confident that the multi-certified and licensed crews at SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol can take care of every flood damage need. Call us at (423) 245-5552 as the water moves in. The sooner we mitigate and remediate, the more successful the outcome.

General Contractor License #: 67298

Residential Contractor License #: 67298

Commercial Contractor License #: 67298

To learn more about Bristol, click here.

Don’t Let Storm Damage to Your Kingsport Home Get You Down

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage remediation in Kingsport can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Storms Bringing Flooding to Kingsport Neighborhoods Damage Many Kinds of Property

Storms lingering around the Kingsport area can cause small streams to overflow and local lakes to crest. When natural bodies of water spill over into populated areas, severe damage can begin happening at a swift rate. 

Homes damaged by flooding and other storm activity in Kingsport need prompt mitigation and restoration. Such work stops the damage from worsening and also makes it possible to live in these houses again. SERVPRO restores both the structure and the belongings for our local residents. Our contractor license number is 67298.

We have the resources to move your family's belongings out and to another location, including to our own warehouse. Helping your family recover from a disaster includes making life as comfortable as possible during the restoration phase. To reduce this period as much as we can, we bring all of the tools, including portable power sources. Many disasters take out power lines and poles, and flooding often causes this to happen. 

There are a couple of things you can do to help your family recover, as well. These include simple but effective measures that can make life immediately after any disaster less stressful. Basic toiletries after a disaster are essential, but many places sheltering families have these items on hand.

• Create email drafts for different aspects of your loved ones' lives. One might include an ongoing list of current medications and physician contact information for yourself and your family members, another draft for family, school, work, and insurance contacts, and a third for other relevant information. Saving these in draft format allows you to continually update them when needed.
• Have an emergency bag of vital but non-perishable essentials for your family. These things might include small activity items for younger children, a couple of extra bottles, complete with the ring and nipple for babies, sippy cups for toddlers, and an extra memory card, DVDs, and other electronic items for teens. A couple of changes of clothing that includes basics like underwear, and simple T-shirts and sweatpants or shorts can make things easier, especially the first couple of days after your family moves to temporary housing.
• Already have temporary housing in place for such events with a trusted relative or family friend. This allows your family a bit of breathing room and access to a more private telephone than you might otherwise have in a shelter-type situation. 

SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol is always ready for that emergency when the Muddy Creek in Blountville breaches into nearby homes, the Reedy Creek near Bloomingdale flows into the streets, or Ft. Patrick Henry Lake overflows into your Colonial Heights neighborhood. Call us at (423) 245-5552 so we can mitigate, restore, and rebuild your home, so it is “Like it never even happened.”

Click here to see more about Kingsport. 

Why SERVPRO Is The Leader In Kingsport Flood Damage Restoration

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment, experience and expertise to restore your home after a flooding disaster. We are available 24/7 so call us right away.

Flood Damage Experts From Kingsport Describe Structural Drying Techniques

During the spring, thunderstorms tend to plague the Kingsport region often causing issues with your property and house's structure. Many times flood damage goes unnoticed especially if it happens when nobody is present at your home. Several of the situations our SERVPRO technicians handle regularly involve incidences where the water has receded, but many of the house's contents and structural components are still wet. Damp materials inside a building can cause elevated humidity levels which can create a situation where moisture spreads throughout the home and affects more areas over time. If organic materials are affected during your flood damage scenario, then it is possible that mold can develop.

When working on most storm-related projects, our SERVPRO crew starts by extracting any water while it is still in its liquid form. However, if most of the water is gone once we arrive, then the focus of your flood damage project in Kingsport changes to structural drying. During the drying process, we attempt to create an environment that speeds up the natural evaporation process. We do this by setting up large box fans and air movers to create air movement as well as implement dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. If there is a large amount of moisture that has soaked into your building materials and contents, we can set up more dehumidifiers that will help pull moisture out of the affected items.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO technicians have the option to utilize either a refrigerant or desiccant type machine. Refrigerant dehumidifiers pull wet air past a cold coil which causes the moisture to condense and turn back into a liquid. These systems work best to remove surface moisture and to dry wet materials that are moderately to highly porous and permeable by water and air such as carpet, pad, and drywall after flood damage.

Desiccant dehumidifiers pull wet air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. These systems get utilized to help dry out materials that are dense and have low porosity and low permeability like hardwood floors, framing materials, and concrete. If your contents or building materials ever get wet after a storm, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 24 hours a day.

Click here to sign up for the Kingsport Parks and Recreation summer program is open to children ages 6-12 years old.

Our Specialists Explain How To Prevent Secondary Effects After A Flood In Your Bristol Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

While there are many potential threats following a flood in your home, avoiding secondary effects like mold growth can help to protect your property.

Preventing Secondary Effects After Flooding In Your Bristol Home

There are immediate effects of flooding in your Bristol home, and there are circumstances and threats that can develop several days later when the damages persist on the property. A strong way to avoid these potential secondary effects that can occur later is to reach out to professionals like ours as soon as an emergency like this occurs. Our specialists are available 24/7 to respond to flooding emergencies with the experience and equipment to make a difference quickly in your damaged home.

While there are pressing flood damage concerns for your Bristol home, we also have to employ effective strategies to limit these dangerous secondary effects like mold growth that can threaten the property and its occupants. Our SERVPRO professionals have moisture detection equipment that can help us to identify the potential problem areas that require focused drying efforts. By alleviating this lingering moisture, the possibility of effects like mold growth can become substantially reduced.

When our crew arrives at your property, we work to remove the excess water from your damaged property using one or more of several advanced tools that we have stocked in our production truck. From gas-powered pumps and portable sump pumps to extraction wands and weighted extractors, we have all of the equipment to quickly remove excess water from carpeting and other materials throughout your house.

TO prevent situations like mold growth, our SERVPRO professionals must reduce the overall moisture content throughout the property as promptly as possible. Mold colonization cannot occur without damp conditions to facilitate the seating of mold spores in the environment. By reducing moisture content, our team can effectively limit possible fungal growth. We can ensure avoiding this concern by also spraying potentially exposed structural elements and materials with our antimicrobial solution. This spray makes materials uninhabitable to mold spores.

While there are many potential threats following a flood in your home, avoiding secondary effects like mold growth can help to protect your property and your family. Give our SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol rapid response team a call anytime at (423) 245-5552.

Click here for more about Bristol.

Our Team Knows How To Help After Heavy Rains Cause Damage To Your Bristol Home

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

If a flood unexpectedly damages your home, never hesitate to get help.

Heavy Rains Can Cause Flood Damage To Your Bristol Home

When your city of residence is situated near both a river and a lake, heavy rainfall can lead to flood damage. As the riverbed swells and the lake floods, the excess water has to go somewhere. Unfortunately for you, as the water rushed through your city, it also rushed into your home.

Dirty and unsanitary water settled in both the entryway and recreational room causing flood damage in a Bristol home. The problem with floodwaters, and what separates flood damage from home-based water damage, is how contaminated the water that enters your home is. As the floodwaters rush through your city, there is no telling what they may pick up and begin to carry with them. It is not uncommon to find contaminants like bacteria, feces, biohazardous materials, and petroleum among the water.

It is essential for this reason not to try and deal with flood damage by yourself. The water could be unsafe for human contact. Getting in touch with a cleanup and restoration company, like SERVPRO, can result in your home getting the professional services that it needs while also keeping you safe from harmful materials.

When our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians arrive at your home, the first thing we can do is use industry grade wet-dry vacuums to remove the standing floodwater from your recreational room and entryway. Once the water is removed, SERVPRO can focus on removing any debris from your home as well as carpets. Due to the nature of carpets, they cannot be thoroughly cleaned once they have come in contact with black water and must be removed.

After the debris is gone, we can make flood cuts to the walls around your home, to ensure that further problems such as mold damage do not arise. From there, our technicians can set up drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to restore any damaged furniture to its previous state. After a thorough cleaning of your home to ensure that no bacteria from the floodwater lingers, SERVPRO can return your home to you.

If a flood unexpectedly damages your home, never hesitate to get help. Dial (423) 245-5552 on your phone to speak with SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol. We are open 24/7 and available to help you in your time of need.

Click here for more about Bristol.

The A - Z of Flood Damage in a Bristol Home

10/21/2018 (Permalink)

Our area can quickly flood during a storm. Call SERVPRO when you and your family are safe to start the water removal process in your home.

Making the Right Decisions When Your Bristol Property Experiences Flood Damage 

The danger is not completely gone after the water has gone down when your property experiences flood damage. Some risks set in when such incidents happen, and as a homeowner, you need to play it safe. Even when most of your contents look beyond hope, experienced technicians can restore most of your items. We can clean up, dry out, and perform some repairs to your Bristol home during the restoration process.
 
Some of the hazards that flood damage in Bristol brings along when it happens in your home include a weak foundation, shorting of the electrical system, cracking walls, sagging roofs, and floors. Our SERVPRO technicians perform an inspection to determine whether it is safe to re-enter the building. It helps both the occupants and our team to stay away from avoidable injuries.
 
When items such as mattresses and wallboard come into contact with the contamination, replacing them may be necessary. It is also crucial to clean up the mud and debris that the flood waters carry along. If some surfaces do not dry within 24 - 48 hours, there is a possibility that mold might start to grow. Since the secret of preventing the mold problems is cleaning and drying wet areas, our SERVPRO technicians use specialized techniques to perform the same. For instance, we can enhance air circulation in the building by setting up air movers and introducing space heaters to speed up the drying process. Placing dehumidifiers in the site can also address the high humidity problem.
 
Safety and personal protections are so important during the restoration work, and we want to look at some of the precautions that we observe. We disconnect your utilities - gas, and electricity - before entering the site. Our SERVPRO technicians use rubber gloves, high rubber boots, and wear respirators since the water may be contaminated with mold or sewage. Depending on the situation we are dealing with, we may use an N95 respirator, a half-face respirators, or a full-face respirator.
 
SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol is a locally owned service provider with the equipment and resources to provide services at any time of the day. Whether you need commercial or residential cleaning and restoration services, call us at (423) 245-5552 for a stress-free process.
 
Click here for more about Bristol.

Flood Damage Restoration In Colonial Heights

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

We are here to return your home to its original, clean, safe condition.

Flood Damage Restoration

Colonial Heights homeowners often deal with flooding. Usually, the intrusion is small and limited to garages and carports. Occasionally though, a storm drops an incredible amount of rainwater in area neighborhoods, running into living rooms, kitchens, and the rest of the homes.

Since this is Colonial Heights flood damage and not water damage, SERVPRO restoration teams deal with contaminated water issues. Since the source comes from outside the home, technicians know there could be animal feces and urine in the water, as well as the possibility of sewage from an overwhelmed sewer or septic tank system.

The restoration team sprays every water surface and nearby property with an anti-bacterial spray to reduce and eliminate the health risk to themselves and residents. After a few minutes, they bring in commercial water pumps and extraction wands to remove the contaminated water. If there is a functioning sewer entry point nearby, technicians pump everything directly into the sewer system. If a septic tank services the home, they pump it all into a tank truck. Once they complete the job or fill the tank truck, the team sends it to a water treatment plant for disposal or recycling.

With the water removed, SERVPRO technicians spray the now exposed surfaces with the anti-bacterial agent. Once it dries, they examine structural and personal property for damage and if the items can be restored or require disposal. Carpets soaked in contaminated water are not restorable to a 100% clean condition, and our technicians do not attempt it.

Drywall becomes fragile after absorbing a large amount of water, which makes it extremely difficult to clean, so it is much cheaper to replace affected panels. Team members quickly remove contaminated and damaged items from every home and place them in a waste container near the home.

Next, the restoration team examines any wood floors in the home. If the floorboards did not absorb too much water, technicians look under them for standing water and spray where needed. To dry the floor, they install air movers to force warm air across the surface. Technicians can control the temperature and direction to avoid cracking or splitting the wood while drying it.

If this describes problems you have in your home now, contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol today. Call us at (423) 245-5552 for an appointment. We are here to return your home to its original, clean, safe condition.

Click here for more about Colonial Heights.

Decontamination of Flood Damage in a Long Island Home

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Don't Let Your Flooded Long Island Furniture Hang Around--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO Extracts Stormwater, Dries the Long Island Structure, and then Disinfects "Like it never even happened."

Flooding carried a multitude of different pathogen types into homes and businesses on Long Island. Satisfactorily eliminating this risk from all surfaces in your property requires the removal and disposal of some materials that suffer the most severe and destructive damage.

Long Island homes that sustain even slight flood damage need new carpets and padding, along with the drastic removal of soaked wall materials. These items can no longer remain in your home. They contain water, pathogens, and odor-causing molecules. Restoration of these items in a cost-effective manner is not possible, so SERVPRO's IICRC-certified employees pull them out of their locations. Then we bag them up securely and remove them so they can no longer spread contamination or damage other parts of your home, nor become a tripping hazard for our workers.
 
Cabinets and furniture not made of solid wood can suffer much, as well. These items swell and disintegrate quickly after exposure to standing water. We cannot repair these items to preloss condition, and they can only continue to disintegrate over time. Where we can, we block furniture with high-density foam or non-staining wood blocks to prevent the wicking of stormwater. Other surfaces, including porous fabric coverings on furniture, can become safely sanitary again when we use special germ-killing agents to clean them. Metal fasteners and hinges can rust and affect other materials nearby, so we protect these pieces of metal wherever we find them.
 
Thoroughly cleaning everything resolves one aspect of flood damage. SERVPRO technicians also remove the moisture that can continue to damage your home by causing high humidity levels, and degrade the indoor air quality IAQ as well as increases the probability of mold infesting your residence.
 
We use applicable dehumidification equipment designed to dry out your home through increased evaporation and subsequent extraction of airborne water vapor. We use all sorts of devices to make things dry again, including units that heat small areas of your home's interior which forces evaporation at a faster pace.
 
SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol has the tools and methods to clean up your home after it sustains flood damage. Call us at (423) 245-5552 so we can protect your Morrison City or Walnut Hill property from the effects of this and other disasters.

Where is this city in TN?

Flood Damage Restoration in Bristol

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Finding your home flooded after a storm can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO for a quick response and thorough remediation services.

SERVPRO Technicians Offer Many Types of Services When Dealing With Moisture and Odors After Flooding

Stormy weather in Bristol can bring about excessive rain and high-speed winds. Rain can cause places in town to flood that can cause water to enter your home. High-speed winds can blow objects like rocks and branches into windows allowing rainwater to get inside the house.
 
Any time rainwater enters a building; pungent aromas can exist. A vital step in flood damage restoration in Bristol is the deodorization process. After moisture gets extracted and dried out of the structure, mildew-like smells can still exist from the rainwater.
 
When combatting odors, the first step our SERVPRO technicians take is to remove the source. If the source of unpleasant aromas is rainwater, then anything that got wet gets extracted and dried. If there are wet contents inside the home creating the smells, then they get cleaned and dried, or discarded.
 
In most cases, odors come from a variety of sources. To figure out every source and the specific methods to battle each smell would take technical equipment and extensive knowledge. Instead, we use multiple ways to combat the fragrances so that we cover all of the most common sources.
 
There are many industrially-approved methods that are proven to work with different types of malodor particles. For each practice used, there are specialized chemicals or equipment as well as specific application methods. Each technique is designed to get rid of unpleasant fragrances in different ways.
 
Some chemicals work as masking agents that cover up foul odors with more pleasant ones. These chemicals come as time release beads or product additives. Other methods are absorption or filtration agents that absorb moisture from humidity and some oils. An example of this is activated charcoal for air filtration systems.
 
Pairing agents are products that combine with odor particles causing them to fall onto a surface to be cleaned up. Pairing agents are often dispensed from an ultra-low volume fogger. Disinfectants and sanitizers are used to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Most of these chemicals come in liquid form that can be sprayed from a pump or hand sprayer.
 
During most restoration projects that take place after a flood, deodorization takes place as well as disinfecting and sanitizing to prevent mold growth. For help with deodorization, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 any day of the week.

Click here for more information on the city of Bristol.

Heavy Spring Rains Result in Blountville Flood Damage

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can often be devastating. Contact SERVPRO quickly to remediate the damage to your home.

Team SERVPRO Efficiently Dries Out Your Property After Flooding

Historic homes in the Blountville area risk flooding during periods of relentless rain often seen in the late winter and spring. The area is tangled with many smaller streams and creeks that swell and overflow during the precipitation, adding to the threat of floods. Overwhelmed sewer systems also can send contaminated waters into basements, foundations, and crawl spaces. Professional assessment from a reputable flood recovery company is a wise plan.
 
Seeking the assistance of experts when flood damage invades your Blountville dwelling increases the chances of a successful and safe resolution. Our focus on premium customer service is second to none, and our crews are ready for all flood-related challenges because of the commitment our employees have to master IICRC training. Evaluating the quality of the water invading your home is fundamental to devising the most appropriate water removal, structural drying, and disinfection plan for your circumstances.
 
SERVPRO production managers assess the level of contamination of the flood waters inside your home, choosing the legally mandated method to contain and dispose of gray or black water. Gray water is slightly tainted, but flooding often confronts homeowners with black water, particularly if sewer back up in involved. Human and animal waste requires mitigation by technicians dressed in personal protective equipment, a service with which our crews have experience and training. If the flooded area of your home provides storage for paints and household chemicals, the need for expert hazardous waste management increases if they spill or are absorbed into the water.
 
Once SERVPRO crews pump and extract the water, we search for hidden recesses that contain moisture. Meters and scanners help, and if necessary we drill holes in masonry or remove sections of walls to release and capture the water. Drying goals determined by the levels of moisture and ambient humidity are achieved using our high-efficiency air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Thorough drying is a must to avoid microbial growth. We also use our training to apply registered disinfectants to inhibit any remaining risk posed by the pathogens the flood waters brought.
 
Take the opportunity to let the professionals at SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol guide your through a flood damage restoration in your home. One call to (423) 245-5552 puts you in touch with all our years of experience and considerable flood damage recovery resources.

Click here for more information regarding the city of Blountville.

Structural Damage Can Result In Flooding To Your Bristol House

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage to your Bristol home can often be the result of severe storm events.

Flood Damage To Your House

When severe weather strikes your Bristol home, you can get a sense of all of the things that were potential threats that you did not take care of when you had the chance. Low hanging branches or weak looking trees have been the primary culprit to much structural damage to homes, but one thing that their looming presence might not always bring to mind: water penetration and potential flooding.

As if the significant amount of structural damage done to your home was not enough after the storm finally subsided, this same issue has likely allowed untold amounts of water to enter your home unabated. Flood damage to your Bristol home can often be the result of such unfortunate severe storm events, and some steps need to be taken quickly to help prevent even more substantial damage from occurring.

Once you have called our experienced and professional SERVPRO restoration team, we can start formulating our unique strategy specifically for your home to bring it back to how it used to be before the damage occurred. The first thing that our team does when we enter a storm damaged and the flood-damaged house is to board up broken windows and holes in your home to prevent further elemental exposure that could weaken structural components or compound on the existing problem and make it significantly worse.

Extraction of the water is paramount to the success of our restoration effort. In cases of substantial flooding, we bring out a pump truck from our fleet that can pull large volumes from the floor much more quickly than with traditional wet vacs and portable pumps that we might also utilize. Drying and dehumidification are next on the list, entirely drying affected structural components and the contents of your home.

While construction is not something that our team ordinarily gets involved with, we can thoroughly prep the storm-damaged areas of your home for a construction contractor. Ultimately, this process allows you to get your home back to its normal conditions much more quickly because you are not waiting for that same contractor to demolish areas in need of replacement.

If you are dealing with any flooding emergency, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol. Our experienced emergency responders can be reached anytime at (423) 245-5552.

Click here for more about the city of Bristol.

Local Creeks Can Cause Flood Damage To Homes In The Bristol Area

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Bristol's two main creeks can overflow into residential areas whenever precipitation persists for too long a period.

Local Creeks Can Cause Flood Damage

Bristol's two main creeks can overflow into residential areas whenever precipitation persists for too long a period. Even with help from local and federal government agencies, revitalization efforts to clean Beaver and Sinking Creeks cannot rid the water of dangerous pathogens that exist in the waters. The evidence shows that E. Coli's presence remains strong, leaving Sinking Creek on the Impaired Streams 303(d) list. [1]

Residents near Bristol enjoy activities on the two creeks but know that their homes can suffer flood damage whenever their banks fail to hold them. Testing that shows high pathogen levels mean that flooding from either creek can pose severe threats to the health of those restoring homes and the families who return home upon completion of any necessary work. Technicians at SERVPRO understand the risks and keep their skills sharp when using personal protective equipment (PPE) and Universal Precautions while working.

Our goal is to leave your home looking “Like it never even happened.” while keeping ourselves protected from possible risks. The elimination of pathogens helps to ensure that your home's environment poses no dangers to you or your family. We achieve this by drying out your flooded home using methods taught by the IICRC.

As we eliminate soggy carpet and waterlogged wall materials, much of the floodwater comes out of your home, also. However, the air and other materials that we can dry out still retain a great deal of moisture. We use huge air movers, desiccant machines, and air scrubbers to remove this moisture from all areas of your residence.

Pathogens and other microbes require increased moisture in their environment to live and propagate themselves. Unable to obtain adequate water, any remaining microbes soon die. While the water we removed contained many of the pathogens, many remain behind in silt and mud. We also remove this debris, carried in by the flooding and then dumped into your home.

SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol hires employees who understand our community and the concerns of our citizens. We want to assist families affected by flood damage in any way possible, and restoring homes can help us reach our goals. Contact us for assistance with any disaster you and your family face by calling us at (423) 245-5552. SERVPRO is always ready and able to help you.

[1] https://wiki.epa.gov/watershed2/index.php?title=Sinking_Creek_Watershed_Rutherford_County,_Tennessee&action=edit

Click here for more about Bristol.

How Will Your Home Exterior in Bristol Resist Flood Damage?

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Brick exteriors can protect your home against heavy floodwater, but can be very expensive to repair if cracked or damaged.

Four Home Exteriors and How They Hold Up Against Flood Damage

In some cases, flood damage in Bristol may damage your home's exterior much more than the interior. The flood may simply not work its way in, or may not reach far inside. Knowing how your home's exterior can withstand flood waters could be important in such a situation to determine what treatment it needs, from a light hosing-down to a much larger restoration project.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding remains one of the most popular home exteriors across the United States, and it overall provides excellent protection against flood damage in Bristol. While individual panels may crack, break, or tear off, they are often easy to repair or replace without doing much to the rest of the exterior. Most vinyl siding is also weather-resistant by nature and should be relatively easy to clean off and make right.

Brick

Homes with brick exteriors can resist greater volumes of floodwater but can be much more costly to repair if significant damage does occur. Repairing a cracked or destroyed brick exterior is much more time-consuming and costly than merely reattaching vinyl sides. Water may also work its way into the brick and mortar, potentially creating pockets that can expand and contract cyclically, causing damage over time.

Stucco

Stucco siding may be highly likely to chip and break in a flood and can be damaged in many of the same ways as brick exteriors. While stucco may be somewhat less costly to repair and restore than other types of siding, it is among the most likely to be damaged in a storm.

Metal

Metal exteriors are usually the ideal protection against a flood. They are thoroughly waterproof, usually resistant to the effects of water and oxidation, and can hold fast against debris and impacts. Metal exteriors rarely need more than a cleanup and repainting after a flood.

SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol is a local company with national resources and backing that provides damage mitigation and restoration services to residents in the area. Give us a call at (423) 245-5552.

For to learn more about Bristol, visit http://www.bristoltn.org/.

Colonial Heights Flood Damage Restoration

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

Leaky pipes can cause flooding in your home. Should you find a leak, contact SERVPRO to repair and remediate the damage the leak may have caused.

SERVPRO Regularly Handles Flooding From BOTH External and Internal Sources

In spite of the recent news and the massive destruction we see on TV, most water damage to U.S. homes comes from more common sources. Leaky faucets, broken pipes, and improperly installed appliances like dishwashers cost Colonial Heights homeowners and insurance companies more than storms every year.
 
Flood damage to Colonial Heights and other Tennessee homes primarily affects the floors and personal property of a home. If the water rises higher than an inch or two, the surrounding walls are now at risk as well. Much of SERVPRO’s work centers on the floors and carpets of a house and lowering the inside humidity to reduce the risk of future damage by water or mold.
 
To return a home to its preloss condition, we start by removing the water. Our restoration crews use two machines to accomplish this; commercial grade water pumps and water extraction wands. We start with the pumps if the water is high enough. It usually takes our crews less than a day to complete this task.
 
Once we have the water level down to what remains trapped in the carpet or just barely visible on the surface of a wood floor, we change to the extraction wands. The smaller machine is designed to draw water out and not damage the surface of the wood or pull fibers from the carpet. After drawing out the water, SERVPRO technicians lift the carpet and remove the pad underneath. Carpet pads disintegrate quickly after being soaked in water and it cheaper to replace them than attempt to restore them.
 
As part of our crew finishes with the floors, other members check the moisture content of the air. If this humidity level is over 60 percent, we set-up a dehumidifier in the largest room. This machine draws up to 30 gallons of water from the air each day, and to boost the efforts of the device, technicians set-up exhaust fans to draw the damp air out of the house and force it outside. We continue this operation until we have the interior humidity as close to 40 percent as we can.
 
Failed plumbing and broken appliances are a greater risk to area homes than the Holston River cresting its banks. Call us today at (423) 245-5552 if you have a flooding problem or a question about what SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol can do for you.

For more information regarding Colonial Heights, click here

Dealing with Flood Damage Restoration in Bristol

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be devastating. Call SERVPRO to remove the water and help you through dealing with the entire restoration process.

SERVPRO Technicians Make Flood Damage Remediation in Your Home Our Priority

It is storm season in Tennessee. Creeks rise, rivers flood, and homeowners get to clean up the mess. It is a normal part of living in our area, but there are times that the weather overwhelms and we all could use a professional hand to help clean up.

When it comes to restoring Bristol homes after flood damage, SERVPRO has the experience to get the job done. We have been in Sullivan County for many years and understand the needs of our neighbors and fellow business owners. When disaster strikes, we respond with a 24-hour response team that arrives and starts work before the sun starts to come out or before it can set.

Our crew leader quickly determines the specific needs and directs efforts. If there is a continuing source of water coming into the home, our first task is to stop it. Team members stack sandbags to create a temporary break while others start hauling out pumps and extractors to remove any standing water. If the storm has damaged the home’s plumbing system, we turn off the water main. In the case of roof damage, we secure the area by nailing down plastic sheeting or plywood panels if it is very severe.

After we remove the standing water, technicians begin extracting water from the carpets and wood floors. If possible, we try to consider the sub-floor to determine if there is further water intrusion underneath. It may not be possible to insert a pump or extractor, but we can also use air movers connected to a flexible hose to force warm, dry air into the space to speed up the natural drying process.

Above the floor, we lift the carpet and use the same air movers to dry it. Carpet pads are difficult to dry and usually disintegrate after becoming wet. We recommend disposing of them immediately to remove a source of moisture that slows down drying out the carpet.

As the carpet and floors dry, technicians test the air and surrounding walls for excess moisture. If there is too much present, we install dehumidifiers to draw water from the air and place air movers to force warm air across walls to dry them and hopefully avoid demolition and replacement costs.

There is rain expected in town and across Sullivan County this week. If you have already had problems with any previous flooding or want to try and get ahead of the next thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol today at (423) 245-5552. We are here to help.

For more information regarding Bristol, click here

Investigating Flood Damage In Bloomingdale Caused By A Ground Floor Pipe Leak

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we spend time helping customers recognize and deal with the warning signs of flood damage before it occurs.

Flood Damage Caused By A Pipe Leak

At SERVPRO, we spend time helping customers recognize and deal with the warning signs of flood damage before it occurs. However, unexpected incidents happen all the time, and it is not always possible to prepare for a residential leak. If water intrusion becomes an urgent issue, the best step is to call in the experts.

The secret to repairing flood damage in Bloomingdale homes is a familiarity with how water behaves. It is what our team can offer you; the knowledge of how different materials respond to flooding. Before we even turn up at your location, we have a good idea of what to expect and where to start the structural drying process.

The Scenario
Imagine a relatively common scenario. Flooding has occurred in a home because a ground floor pipe has burst or cracked and emptied water into the property. It is cold, clear liquid (likely free of bacteria), but it is covering the whole of the bottom floor with two inches of water. The efficiency and quality of the drying process, in this situation, depends on how quickly we can pump out the standing water and get fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers set up.

Soft Materials And Fabrics
Often, carpets turn out to be some of the hardest items to dry. It is because they are too large to lift up and out of the wet area. So, the SERVPRO technicians have to find a way to remediate them directly. The success of this is, once again, dependent on the fiber type and construction/manufacturing features.

Generally, it is more cost effective and causes less damage to leave the carpet where it is. However, what we can do is lift it up a few inches off the floor. It is a really effective way to dry because fans get directed underneath. They blow out cold, wet air and ensure that the most vulnerable parts (concealed subflooring) start drying first (from the inside outwards).

Hard Floor Coverings
Normally, we do not try to salvage floor coverings with a fibreboard construction, like laminate. They are highly permeable. So much so that the material can end up behaving like cardboard. It expands at a rapid rate and any adhesive qualities degrade. For this reason, it is not usually a cost-effective option to try and dry the covering.

On the other hand, if the leak has affected hardwood surfaces (block or plank), the rate of absorption is not such an urgent problem. Nevertheless, the drying capabilities depend on the fixing features, the age of the materials, the condition of the floor, the quality of the subflooring, and duration of water exposure.

Time is a crucial factor when it comes to drying any structural material. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol if internal flooding hits your home. Call us 24/7 at (423) 245-5552 for fast, reliable water damage repairs.

Flood Damage To Your Long Island Home Caused By Your Water Heater

2/2/2017 (Permalink)

A cracked water heater can cause significant flood damage to your property.

Flood Damage Restoration

You ignored the signs for too long, and now your aging water heater’s base cracked, and 50 gallons of hot water flooded your basement. You lined up a local plumber to replace the heater. SERVPRO fits your criteria for a flood restoration company “near me” to help with wet carpeting and furnishings.

Flood damage, when you have living spaces on all levels of your Long Island home, hits hard. Laundry facilities, heating and cooling systems, and an extra bedroom are all at risk when the water heater fails. We send a restoration team equipped to pump and extract water and then begin the drying cycle to your home. The earlier you call for assistance, the better when water threatens your furnace and electrical appliances. Our staff will determine first if it is safe to work in the flooded area and to shut off any electricity or natural gas that could cause danger during the water removal.

SERVPRO staff have the training to dry floor coverings in place. If the subfloor of your basement is concrete, we loosen the carpet to check the condition of the pad, depending on how long the padding was under water an effort may be made to dry it along with the carpeting. We pull and replace questionable pads even if the carpet can be dried. Air movers placed strategically reduce the moisture in the carpeting; often some aimed to dry under the carpet.

If a bedframe kept the mattress above the water, we operate dehumidifiers to dry the air. Wooden and plastic furniture withstand surface disinfecting with proper solutions. Any upholstered couch or chairs need water extraction with our professional wet vacs and then airflow and heat for further drying. Again the length of time the water had stood before we arrived is key. Mold grows in less than 48 hours if conditions are right. We can treat porous materials like padded furniture with disinfectants, but vigilance must occur for the tell-tale signs of a musty odor and mold bloom. If mold takes hold, we recommend disposal for safety.

Water flooding your basement is your cue to contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol for the best advice and assistance. Call (423) 245-5552 to dispatch a flood damage abatement crew.

Flood Damage Solution In Bristol

11/26/2016 (Permalink)

Bristol Flood Waters Need a SERVPRO Removal

Rely on the Expertise of SERVPRO to Help After Flood Has Damaged Your Property

When flooding is a part of the history of the area that you live in, you should consider it as a part of your duties as a property owner to plan for these types of situations. Obtaining the proper insurance and budgeting for some of the preventive measures that exist to assist you with preparation for a flood is only the beginning. However, it is far better than merely reacting to a crisis. It is our goal to inform you more about what to do when a water damage emergency hits and help you with getting back to normal, with the least amount of disturbance to your everyday lives.
 
We have expertly trained technicians who have experience in dealing with flood damage restoration near your Bristol home. It is possible that the person who arrives to help you with your situation is someone that you already know within the community that you live, a neighbor, a friend or even a family member.
 
SERVPRO Franchises are locally owned and operated by people just like you. Our technicians go through rigorous training to learn the proper steps to assist with your recovery as promptly and professionally as possible. However, we can also help you prepare to combat the possibility before it ever occurs, limit the damage caused by flooding and even save more of your belongings in the process.
 
Our expertly trained technicians at SERVPRO offer you services that are unique to your situation and help you understand what you can expect; even during the worst possible conditions. We will be there to assist you through the entire process, from beginning to end and even provide you with any assistance you need filling out the proper paperwork to deal with your insurance company.
 
The restoration process at SERVPRO starts with your initial phone call. We will perform an inspection on your property and thoroughly explain what is needed to get you back on your feet. Then we will quickly and efficiently cover the steps of the action plan that we have described to remove any excess water and completely dry everything within the affected area. We can uncover those hard to locate moisture pockets that require specialized equipment to find. All of your household items get handled as if they were our own, and each restorable item is taken care of and returned to a quality pre-damage condition "Like it never even happened."
 
Our SERVPRO of Kingsport - Bristol staff is waiting to assist you. Make the call today - (423) 245-5552

Repairing Your Home's Flood Damage in Long Island

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

Storm damage can be devastating. Call SERVPRO to get started with the remediation process!

SERVPRO Cleans your Home Thoroughly After Flood Damage to Prevent Any Secondary Damage

If your home is ever flooded by either an internal water source or an external one, you will want to get the water removed as fast as possible. SERVPRO can assist you by using one of our trucks that can pump out the water, emptying your home of unwanted water quickly. After the majority of the water is removed, we will remove even more from the interior of your home with specialized equipment that can extract moisture from semi-porous materials such as paneling, drywall, or wood flooring.
 
In Long Island, we will make sure that flood damage becomes a thing of the past as we restore your home so that it is "Like it never even happened." As we are taking care of the increased moisture throughout your home, we will also be cleaning and restoring your belongings to a pre-flood state. Some items will need to be sent out for specialized service, especially electronics, and we will work closely with you on this aspect. A flood can be stressful enough without adding in unknowns such as where your things are going to and when you will see them again.
 
Structurally, a flood can create hidden damage in a home that won't show itself for months. At SERVPRO, we have learned through training and experience what unrepaired flood damage can do to a home. We do not want that to happen to yours so we will take the needed steps so you can avoid that headache in the future. Mold and bacterial growths, rotting walls and support beams, rusting or corroding metal fittings and moldings, and other problems can plague those who have had a flood long after everything is cleaned up. As we clean, we will prevent these problems, and also possible health problems by sanitizing areas that have become contaminated. We realize a flood is multi-faceted in the problems it creates, and we respond accordingly.
 
Calling SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552 should be one of the first things you do post-flood so we can help you with the entire process of undoing the damage caused. Available 24/7 to meet your needs, we are always ready to assist you.

Storm Restorers for Flood Damage

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Flood Damaged Buildings

Our SERVPRO Technicians are Trained to Restore Damage with Specialized Equipment

Sullivan County, Tennessee has a history of heavy flooding. Nearby lakes, streams, and rivers can overflow their banks during extreme storms. Flood damage causes roads to close and causes damage to homes and businesses. Flooding leaves behind mud, debris and damage to the foundation of a building's structure. Due to the rush of water entering homes and businesses, moisture penetrates walls, ceilings, flooring, and basements. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold begins to grow exponentially, spreading everywhere.
 
Flood damage in Bristol, which is called the “birthplace of country music,” could be devastating to historic residential and commercial buildings, as well as their valuable contents. This is the time when you need professional flood damage restoration specialists. When you contact SERVPRO, without hesitation, we are pulling up to your flood-damaged site with the advanced equipment, tools, and experience needed in this crisis. We immediately begin to assess and inspect the damage so that we can customize a flood damage restoration plan for you.
 
We start working immediately to prevent further mitigating damages. Our SERVPRO flood damage processes include using powerful pumps and vacuums. Our specialized equipment is designed to measure each room's temperature, humidity and to find hidden water areas. Our air movers and dehumidifiers go a long way to dry your home or business. We are adept at cleaning and sanitizing whatever contents you direct us towards. Our goal is to save as much of your valuable belongings as possible. We would like to restore you to a pre-loss condition and not to destroy.
 
Our SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol is a locally owned and operated business within the community. We are available 24/7, including holidays with any flood damage emergency assistance you need. We are happy to serve our Tennesseans with all their flood, mold, water or fire emergencies. Call us at (423) 245-5552 to learn more about our services.