Why Choose SERVPRO of New Bern for Your Mold Remediation Needs

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold get you panicked, call the professionals at SERVPRO of New Bern to schedule an inspection!

Mold is a common concern in Eastern NC, where excess moisture is present in the air during much of the year. But did you know there are different classifications for mold?

• Allergenic
• Pathogenic
• Toxigenic

It’s important to know how to approach each type of situation. Please consider the following of what to do and what NOT to do when you find mold growth where its not supposed to be:

What to Avoid

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on suspected mold

What to Do

• Stay out of the affected area
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of New Bern for mold remediation services

Contacting SERVPRO of New Bern is the best thing you can do for your mold issues, as we aim to identify the source of what is causing mold growth and remediate it. A common mistake when dealing with mold is only cleaning up the visible mold and assuming that it’s taken care of. Until you fix the source of moisture that is feeding the mold, it will continue to come back.

Mold remediation is a cornerstone of our business, and our technicians have been trained by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification so you can ensure we will provide you with quality solutions to treat the problem. Feel free to call our office with any questions or schedule your service today (252) 637-7274.

SERVPRO Technicians Know How to Properly Dry Your Home and Business

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and know-how to take care of your restoration and remediation needs.

Flooding can leave behind massive losses causing thousands of dollars in damage. No matter how well we try to prepare to face such disasters, there is always a margin for disaster. New Bern residents need to work with IICRC-certified restoration service providers like SERVPRO of New Bern when dealing with the aftermath of flooding to ensure a timely response and accurate drying procedures.

Using the right equipment makes a big difference when restoring your property after flood damage or a storm disaster. Our SERVPRO team understands the importance of analyzing each situation differently to determine the most appropriate tools and technology to use when working on your property. Drying as a process requires one to know humidity, temperature, and the various air properties - something that our technicians understand very well.

Timely evaporation of the moisture in your property is vital during the restoration. It all starts by putting in place appropriate measures to reduce the drying time. The use of extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers works towards achieving that. Air movers facilitate airflow and increase the speed of evaporation. As the moisture evaporates from surfaces, it leads to the formation of moist air. Dehumidifiers then pull the moisture out of the air to prevent further damage.

The two main types of dehumidifiers that our SERVPRO technicians use are desiccant dehumidifiers and refrigerant dehumidifiers. Desiccant dehumidifiers use chemicals to absorb the moisture, while the working of refrigerant dehumidifiers has a lot of similarities to how air conditioners work. Deodorization then follows to neutralize any odors present.

SERVPRO of New Bern aims to restore your contents to their preloss condition no matter the type or location of the disaster. We use advanced technology to restore items that wouldn’t be salvageable otherwise. Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage and potential threats, extract and contain the affected area, dry, and restore your property to preloss conditions.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO for Your Large Loss Recovery

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO for Your Large Loss Recovery and Avoid Damage to your Property.

When a catastrophic loss affects your New Bern, NC, home or business, you need the best remediation experts available. Whether your building suffers from severe flooding or storm damage, the restoration professionals at SERVPRO can help with the rebuild.

Why You Should Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage Recovery

When a natural disaster strikes, SERVPRO mobilizes its disaster recovery team and pools together restoration professionals from around the country. This team has assisted in the remediation of government buildings, universities, and hospitals. It has also responded to some of the more catastrophic weather events in recent North American history, including:

• The 2016 Houston and Louisiana floods
• The 2015 Siberian Express
• The 2014 Polar vortex
• The 2013 California wildfires
• Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Ike
• Tropical Storm Lee

SERVPRO can respond quickly because it has more than 1,900 locations in Canada and the United States. It thus has the huge network of supplies, equipment and workers needed for catastrophic loss recovery. The large number of franchises also allows SERVPRO to respond to a disaster at any time of day or night. After all, catastrophies do not only happen during traditional business hours.

Yet SERVPRO still provides personal attention to each home and business owner. The project manager from your local franchise will control the remediation project. You can thus speak to this person directly with any problems or concerns.

SERVPRO also understands that making an insurance claim for storm repairs can be a challenge. That is why SERVPRO will work with your insurer to coordinate all the required paperwork. This will give you one less thing to worry about as you recover from the disaster.

How You Can Mitigate Damage After a Storm

Before SERVPRO representatives or other restoration professionals arrive at your property, you should attempt to safely mitigate additional harm to the premises. Before re-entering your home or business, put on protective gear, including sturdy shoes.

Flooding of a nearby stream, river or creek is particularly dangerous. The water likely contains harmful bacteria. You should thus avoid directly contacting this water or anything that has been contaminated by it. You should also throw out any foods that have touched the water. Even foods in secured containers such as cans could still be contaminated.

Once you are safely inside the property, do not attempt to turn on a light switch or operate any other electrical items while you are in damp or wet areas. You could put yourself at risk of electrocution.

Any wet pillow cushions or upholstery should be removed from the premises. Prop up these items so they can dry more quickly. You can simply wipe dry any wooden furniture after removing lamps and other items from their surfaces.

Finally, pay special attention to the crawlspace of your home. If water settles there during a storm or flood, the wetness combined with the dark space could foster mold growth. This could then cause additional damage to the property.

If your property suffers a catastrophic loss, contact professionals from SERVPRO. They have the training and experience needed to help your home recover from a severe storm or flood.

Be Prepared for Hurricanes

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded streets in New Bern from Hurricanes

SERVPRO specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We also have equipment and teams ready to go at SERVPRO of New Bern in case you have an emergency.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the city of New Bern, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Be Prepared

Before the storm hits make sure you have a basic disaster kit ready. Having these supplies ahead of time will save you the frustration of going to the store right before the storm hits. Below are some recommended supplies for your kit:

• Water
• Battery-operated lanterns
• Flashlight
• Matches
• Can Opener
• Duct Tape
• Extra blankets
• Clean Clothes
• First Aid Kit
• Food (3 days worth)
• Garbage bags
• Dust Mask

Every homeowner can do things around your home now to save you time when you need it.

• Move furniture away from windows
• Remove outdoor items
• Fill gas tanks
• Board up windows
• Get extra cash
• Trim dead branches from trees
• Store important documents in waterproof containers

Space Heater Safety

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

A fire place in a New Bern Home

As the temperature outside continues to drop, we respond by heating our homes more frequently, or even by introducing new heat sources such as a space heater. As warm and cozy as this might make you feel, there are some important considerations you may want to review.

Heating equipment fires accounted for 15% of all reported home fires according to the NFPA. The following guidelines can help you choose the right heater to keep you and your family safe.

1. Second-hand goods are a great way to be frugal, but purchasing a newer model heater branded with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label should ensure that all of the current safety features are present.
2. Heater size can make a big impact on your energy bill. Typically, manufacturers will have a guide on the box to help you choose the optimally sized heater for your needs, so be sure to pick the right size.
3. If available, choose a thermostatically controlled heater to further reduce energy costs.
4. Place the heater you choose on a stable, level surface where pets and children cannot accidentally harm themselves. Also, be sure not to place your heater anywhere near materials that can combust.        

Of course, there is always a chance that even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances can happen. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in need of professional cleanup or restoration services, our 24/7 emergency crews here at SERVPRO® HereToHelp.

What Is IICRC Certification?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has IICRC certification, ensuring professionalism in restoration and cleanup.

One of the benefits of using SERVPRO for your restoration needs is that all of our professionals are IICRC certified. What does this mean?

IICRC Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration provides certification programs for restoration professionals. Because the restoration industry is not regulated by the federal government, these certification programs are important for ensuring that restoration companies in New Bern, NC, provide quality work.

What Type of Training Does the Institute Provide?

The Institute was originally established to regulate work done by carpet and upholstery cleaners. Today, it covers all types of cleaning and restoration. It offers certifications in a wide variety of specializations:

• Building moisture inspection
• Commercial drying
• Contents processing
• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• Odor control technician
• Water damage restoration
• Others

Why Choose a Certified Company?

A mitigation certificate doesn't guarantee that a company will provide good service. However, certification requires a substantial investment of time and money that most low-quality restoration companies are not going to make. This doesn't mean that every company that lacks certification is of poor quality, but it does mean that a company that has taken the time to get certified is unlikely to be a fly-by-night scammer or do shoddy work.

Certified professionals have demonstrated a high level of understanding and expertise in the restoration and cleaning industry. Certification gives them the tools they need to provide customers with industry-leading service.

Does the Institute Run Certification Schools?

The Institute does not operate certification schools. It approves schools, such as the one at SERVPRO, to teach and administer certification programs.

Do Certified Professionals Need Continuing Education?

Certificate holders must earn continuing education credits to maintain certification. This helps ensure that their skills stay fresh and are updated to reflect the latest technology and industry best practices.

Who Manages the Institute?

The Institute is managed by a 15-member board of directors that is elected by shareholders. Board members are active members of the cleaning and restoration industry.

Which Training Programs Does SERVPRO Offer?

SERVPRO's Institute-approved school offers an employee certification training program. This self-paced program helps local SERVPRO professionals obtain certification for fire and water restoration and carpet and upholstery cleaning.

The new franchise training program is a 15-day, hands-on training program designed to educate SERVPRO location owners and employees. Continuing education courses are offered for insurance adjusters, insurance agents, SERVPRO professionals, and real estate professionals. These courses help improve emergency mitigation knowledge. We also offer a web-based training program. This ongoing, self-paced program consists of video presentations and support materials designed to reinforce learning.

What Else Does the Institute Do?

The Institute also sets industry standards and develops industry-accepted language and terminology. It is a member of the American National Standards Institute and an accredited standards developer. SERVPRO professionals are trained to adhere to these industry standards. This helps ensure that our customers always receive high-quality service that is backed by a two-year guarantee.

IICRC certification is an important component of ensuring that SERVPRO always provides customers with the highest level of service in the restoration industry. Customers can count on SERVPRO professionals to make it "Like it never even happened."

Tips for Fixing a Leaky Faucet

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Fix the leaking faucet in your New Bern, NC home and avoid water damage.

A leaking faucet isn't necessarily an emergency, but if the problem persists, it can cause a lot of damage to the cabinets and floors underneath it. Claims may be filed with your company for remediation of the damage. Whether or not the policy covers it, it's still good customer service to have water damage remediation experts in New Bern, NC, you can trust to mitigate the damage thoroughly and restore the structure. Many insurance providers trust SERVPRO as a preferred vendor due to the fast, superior service that its team members offer.

How To Deal With a Leaky Faucet

Call the Plumber

Homeowners who don't have a lot of maintenance experience probably shouldn't begin with trying to fix a dripping faucet. It's better to call in the professionals in this case. The first thing the plumber will probably want to know is the type of faucet:

• Compression faucet
• Ball faucet
• Ceramic-disk faucet
• Cartridge faucet
  

Chances are that the problem can be fixed by replacing an old washer or tightening the connection somewhere within the apparatus. A qualified plumber can get the problem fixed properly so that it doesn't keep happening.

Assess the Damage

Once the leaking faucet is fixed, the mitigation team can get a clear picture of the extent of the damage. They check the cabinet in which the sink is housed for any signs of decomposition or weakness. If the wood has deteriorated due to the leak, they may use infrared cameras to inspect the floor beneath it or the wall behind it. This allows them to see how much of the structure the water has saturated. If the room is upstairs, they may need to inspect the ceiling and walls in the space below it, too.

Another benefit of partnering with SERVPRO is the Claims Information Center. The initial assessment and estimate are uploaded to the client's work order where it is available for viewing 24 hours a day. Any changes made to the mitigation plan after the assessment are also added through the CIC so that both you and the client can stay informed on the progress of the work.

Complete Mitigation and Restoration

There are two processes that must occur to fully repair your client's home. The first stage is mitigation. Technicians tear out material that cannot be salvaged and make sure the remaining structure is dry. If the water has been soaking into the walls for a long time or if it has seeped into the floor below the fixed leak, they must also disinfect the area because chances are that bacteria or mold has started to grow.

The final stage is restoration. SERVPRO stands out among the competition because its teams handle both stages. That is, the same company that completes mitigation also rebuilds and matches new materials to the existing structure, resulting in fewer delays and better communication throughout the overall process.

When you choose SERVPRO as a preferred vendor, you can rest assured that your clients are getting high-quality, efficient service when they need cleanup after fixing a leaking faucet. Certified technicians can get their homes back to normal in no time.

3 Ways SERVPRO Helps With Claims

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is ready when you need us.

SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Claim services help insurance agents reduce costs, while also providing superior service to their clients. These are three of the ways the company can help with your claims.

1. Fast Response

The priority of our team is to provide an immediate emergency response to customers. Our team acts quickly to assess the damage and begin taking steps to prevent future damage, such as mold growth. This helps you keep costs down and helps your clients restore their property as quickly as possible. Wherever your clients are located, there is probably a franchise professional in New Bern, NC, ready to assist them.

2. Emphasis on Restoration

Restoring property costs less than replacing it. Our claim services team works to restore property whenever possible. Pretesting is completed for every loss so that we can quickly identify which property can be restored and which needs to be replaced. Our professionals have the latest training and equipment needed to clean and restore valuable documents, photos, and other fragile contents. We can also deal with odor removal and sewage issues, in addition to cleaning and restoring carpets and upholstery.

3. Electronic Claims Service

Our electronic claims service makes it easy for you to access all of the information about your clients' claims. You will be provided with an Excel formatted report and photos of valuable items and an itemized loss inventory. The electronic job file includes the first notice of loss, loss photos, estimates, and scanned forms and paperwork. You can access all pending and completed jobs and new assignments online. Additionally, you have access to job cost data and performance comparisons to industry standards.

SERVPRO claim services are designed to meet the needs of adjusters and clients. Working with our team will make the claims process as hassle-free as possible for you and your clients.

How Long Does It Take for Your Home To Dry?

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

If a broken pipe is not repaired as soon as possible, the water can cause big damage.

One of the most common issues that homeowners face is water damage. Sadly, the longer the water stays, the worse the problem becomes. Whether bursting pipes or a leaking roof is to blame, an immediate response is vital. The drying process of putting your home back in order may take several days or longer, so you need to get started right away.

Factors That Affect the Drying Time

It's hard to determine exactly how long it will take to recover from the damage caused by burst pipes. In many cases, it takes between three to five days, but if there are wood floors or other special circumstances, the drying process may take a couple of weeks. Some of the factors affecting the length of time include:

Source of Water - Water from a clean source, such as the kitchen tap, doesn't require the same level of specialization as flooding from a sewage backup.

Amount of Damage – Naturally, the more water from the pipes and the further it spread, the longer it will take for repairs and cleanup to be complete.

Availability of Equipment – If you have the right tools to fix the broken pipes and set up fans, you can get the drying process started almost immediately. Without the right tools, you'll have a delay as long as it takes to find those supplies.

One reason homeowners reach out to SERVPRO is that local New Bern, NC, franchisees have access to all the equipment necessary to complete the job. Water damage cleanup and repair technicians arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster because franchises are owned and operated locally while supported by corporate offices.

A Quick Start for Success

Without the right equipment, it can be difficult to determine whether the home is thoroughly dry. However, taking factors into consideration and working with professionals is a good way to get an estimate. As soon as you realize there are bursting pipes, get started on the drying process.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

No matter your needs, the professionals at SERVPRO of Pitt/Greene are ready to help.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Craven/Pamlico, (252)-637-7274.

How SERVPRO can help Craven and Pamlico Residents With All of Their Needs

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let muddy feet ruin that favorite carpet of yours--call SERVPRO and let us take care of it!

We all know what it’s like—a family pet comes in with muddy paws after a rainy day or “has a little accident”; A child is overly excited about a new TV show and knocks over their fruit punch; You spill some coffee in your morning sprint to get to work after far too little sleep and a few too many hits of the snooze button—the trials of life love to send some chaos our way. Even with being our most diligent selves, performing regular maintenance on our homes—sometimes things slip past us. Every now and then it can be a bit much to take care of everything by yourself.

Worry not! That’s where we come in; no matter the size or situation, you can count on your locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Craven/Pamlico Counties to take care of your cleaning and restoration needs. Our expert technicians will help you manage and restore your home, giving you some much needed peace of mind.

Some of the many services we provide are:

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Contents Disposal
• Deep Cleaning
• Debris Removal
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floor Removal
• Deodorization
• Mold & Mildew Remediation
• Biohazard Cleanup
• Crawlspace Services

Many know of SERVPRO as a worldwide leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professionals can make much more "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (252) 637-7274 to schedule an appointment.

Always Here for New Bern, NC Residents

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Your locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Craven/Pamlico Counties are available 24 hours a day for fire and water emergencies. If you have suffered from water damage, our crews can get to you fast to take care of the situation. This fast response is important, since just a few hours can make a huge difference.

Always here for you

Dealing with an emergency can be a stressful, frustrating, and emotional experience. We here at SERVPRO understand this, and are here for you throughout the process. If you need experts that are compassionate as well as capable, call us at: (252) 637-7274.

Prepared to help

If you do call us for an emergency, we will ask you a few things to gauge the situation and to prepare our responding personnel with the correct equipment. We may ask questions such as:

• Your name and contact information
• The address we are needed at
• If you have applicable insurance coverage, and through what company
• The estimated time of emergency (remember, time is crucial!)
• The cause of the emergency, if known
• What steps have been taken already
• Is there power available for our crews to use

If you or someone you know finds themselves needing professional cleanup & restoration services, the compassionate experts you can trust at SERVPRO® of Craven/Pamlico counties are Here To Help® 24/7 at 252-637-7274. #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HereToHelp

New Bern, NC Residents, is Your Business Prepared for an Emergency?

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Many businesses aren’t prepared for emergency damages that can cripple productivity and longevity. That’s why the professionals at SERVPRO® offer a business ready plan app called the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile—or ERP—at no-charge so you can prepare for Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination. This plan could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind that in an emergency, you have a plan.

Typically, the faster the response time to an emergency, the better the chances of minimizing primary and secondary damage. We here at SERVPRO are known to be “Faster to Any Size Disaster”, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—meaning you can rest assured that we are here for you any time, any day.

Of course, there is always a chance that even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances can happen. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in need of professional cleanup or restoration services, our 24/7 emergency crews here at SERVPRO® of Craven/Pamlico Counties are #HereToHelp. For questions or information, give us a call at: (252) 637-7274.