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Various Water Cleanup Procedures for Harrisonburg Properties

3/3/2024 (Permalink)

How to deal with water damage servpro poster The best advice to mitigate water damage to your Harrisonburg home? Call SERVPRO. We are Here To Help®

Standard and Specialized Actions Necessary to Contain Water Damage

The vibrant city of Harrisonburg, VA, lies in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley and has gained popularity as a bicycle-friendly community. It has many bike lanes and trails and organizes regular cycling events like the Rockstar Challenge and Rocktown Rambler. Its historic downtown area features boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a culturally diverse city of 51,814. Renowned local community events include Rocktown Beer & Music Festival and Skeleton Festival.

Surprisingly, water cleanup at your Harrisonburg property can be a tedious process. You may expect everything to return to normal once you address the leak and remove any remaining water. However, other issues develop in many incidents, necessitating additional processes to restore preloss conditions. SERVPRO® readily intervenes when such a problem affects your property, ensuring every necessary action is taken.

Typical actions necessary after water intrusion

  • Cleaning floors
  • Drying carpets and upholstery
  • Inspecting and replacing deteriorating materials
  • Preventing mold

Cleaning floors where most water collects is necessary to remove the soiling left by setting residues such as dissolved dust and dyes. Water incidents also leave many materials wet, with carpets and upholstery most affected. Drying them requires a reliable way to reach the moisture concealed deep within the layers of materials. Upholstery items may also combine different classes of materials like wood and fabrics, complicating the drying process further. SERVPRO crews tackle these steps conveniently using sophisticated equipment such as rotating brushes and dehumidifiers.

After cleaning up the visible soiling, your property may still need attention, especially in concealed areas where microbes may develop, leading to mold and foul odors. Our SERVPRO teams incorporate mold prevention in cleaning by applying broad-spectrum antimicrobials on the underside of carpets after cleaning. We also inspect ceiling and wall cavities for any trapped water which can cause significant deterioration over time. Controlled demolition steps such as drilling weep holes or making flood cuts are necessary to reach deteriorating insulation.

Other essential steps to facilitate cleanup

  • Wiping down electronics
  • Cleaning furniture
  • Cleaning and inspecting HVAC ducts

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties offers reliable water cleanup services. Call us at (540) 433-6100.

Mitigation Solutions for Harrisonburg Flood Damage

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Here to Help storm damage poster SERVPRO is Here to Help® 24/7 with heavy-duty equipment. We can rescue your Harrisonburg home after a flood.

Quick Efforts Lesson Water Damage

Severe weather is an all-too-common occurrence in this area, and the threat of flood and storm damage is always looming. Water intrusion into your property can cause significant structural damage and ruin personal belongings. We offer fast and effective solutions to mitigate water damage. We prioritize removing the water and preventing the situation from escalating further.

Post-Storm Board-Up and Repairs

To effectively combat flood damage in Harrisonburg homes and businesses, the first step we take is to provide direct boarding up and sealing services. It is critical to prevent any further water damage to the structure. Therefore, we proactively use thick plywood to cover broken windows and missing doors and tarp over roof holes. These measures are taken promptly to ensure no additional water enters the structure, which could complicate the mitigation process.

Extracting Standing Water

The next step will be to remove any surface water that may have accumulated. We at SERVPRO® understand that flooding can often bring along debris. We use specialized extraction solutions to remove standing water while accounting effectively for any solids present. We have a range of powerful machines at our disposal to get this done quickly and efficiently.

  • Truck-mount extractors
  • Trash pumps
  • Wet vacuums

Making Sure the House is Clean

It is essential to note that removing surface water is just one of the initial steps in the extensive cleaning and restoration process required for your household. Our technicians pay considerable attention to decontamination procedures, and all nonporous surfaces are thoroughly treated with powerful disinfection products and potent mold-inhibiting agents.

You must save time in severe weather conditions wreaking havoc on your home or business. It would be best to have swift and effective mitigation and cleanup solutions to minimize water damage and safeguard your property. Our storm response team is available round the clock, ready to assist. Don't wait; call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties now at 540-433-6100.

Expert Fire Restoration Services in Staunton

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

oven fire, lady in a panic When the oven tries to cook your entire Staunton kitchen, call SERVPRO for fire damage cleanup. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO®: Staunton's Fire Cleanup Specialists

In Staunton, the kitchen is not just a space for preparing meals; it's a hub for family gatherings and cherished moments. However, unexpected events, like a sudden fire from a distracted cooking moment on a stove or a malfunctioning appliance, can disrupt the tranquility of this essential home space.

Dealing with the aftermath of a kitchen fire can be challenging, especially when reminders of the incident linger. Staunton residents coping with fire damage can rely on SERVPRO professionals. With their advanced equipment and trained personnel, they ensure that kitchens affected by the fire are restored to their former state, including eliminating the smoke odors.

The effects of a kitchen fire can be distressing, and this is where SERVPRO steps in with its systematic approach:

  • Counters and appliances blackened in soot.
  • A pervasive smoke odor that clings to fabrics and surfaces.
  • Walls and ceilings marred by stains and discolorations.
  • Cabinets and drawers that require attention and care.

Fire Damage Cleanup Common Actions

A comprehensive evaluation determines the extent of the damage.

Using specialized tools, the technicians meticulously clean soot and residue. Innovative deodorization methods tackle and eliminate odors. Any damaged structures and contents are carefully restored whenever possible, ensuring a fresh and clean appearance. SERVPRO aims to save damaged contents through repair and restoration using their proprietary methods. Quality control measures are a final step to ensure that air quality and surfaces are left clean and ready to prep food again safely.

For residents of Staunton facing the challenges of fire-related damages, SERVPRO offers reliable and professional solutions for homes and contents. With their commitment to excellence and ongoing training for the latest techniques in restoration, homeowners can soon return to enjoying their kitchens to the fullest.

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties is Here to Help® at (540) 433-6100 24/7 for any size fire restoration services.

Harrisonburg Water Damage Restoration Saves Water-Impacted Homes

9/10/2023 (Permalink)

warped hardwood floor Water damage in your home is not easy to deal with. Call SERVPRO 24/7 for professional services.

Expert Water Damage Restoration in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is a growing university city where stately old homes mingle with all of the new structures going up every day. That said, both historic and recently built residences are at risk of water leaks and the damage they can cause. Oftentimes, these troublesome issues start in bathrooms and kitchens, where there are extensive plumbing networks, toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and household appliances. 

Over the years, SERVPRO has performed top-notch water damage restoration work for countless Harrisonburg homeowners. Interestingly, more times than not, our emergency water damage services technicians have been called out to remediate problems arising from water leaks in bathrooms and kitchens. SERVPRO has found that these situations often develop over a long period of time and produce significant damage without residents even realizing it. Sometimes, however, these water events occur suddenly and their impacts are catastrophic. A few examples of the property impairments we typically encounter are:

  • Deteriorated caulking around bathtubs, shower stall tilework, and flooring tiles that eventually leads to water-saturated subflooring and ceiling leaks on lower floors
  • Condensation-impacted paint, wallpaper, walls, and ceilings that have fungal growths or been significantly weakened by moisture/dry rot
  • Old or damaged wax seals around toilet bases that enable wastewater to seep out, saturate flooring and harm it
  • Leaky or burst pipes in cabinets under sinks that cause puddling, foster mold development, and otherwise damage building materials and structural elements

In order to address these common water damage remediation problems, we offer a host of water removal services and water damage repairs. Once our IICRC-certified experts have completed their work, homes have often been returned to their pre-event state.

Considering this, it is obvious that SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties has the experience necessary to effectively handle all of your water damage restoration needs. So, contact us at (540) 433-6100 whenever you need our assistance.

Get the Best Water Damage Cleanup in Harrisonburg with SERVPRO

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Leak Pipe Water Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

Count on SERVPRO for Expert Water Damage Restoration in Harrisonburg 

Water damage in Harrisonburg is a common maintenance issue homeowners face. A water issue can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed promptly, whether due to burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or faulty plumbing. 

Hiring professionals like SERVPRO to restore water damage to your Harrisonburg home can prevent long-term aesthetic and structural damage. We use industry-leading technology and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home "Like it never even happened."

Air Moving Equipment Used in Water Damage Remediation

The effects of water damage can be immediate or occur gradually over time, depending on the water's source and the extent of the damage. Removing the residual moisture as quickly as possible is the best way to protect your property against such problems. 

SERVPRO techs use a combination of dehumidifiers and air movers to create ideal drying conditions. Dehumidifiers reduce the humidity of the air, while the air movers help to speed up the drying process in the following ways:

  • Generate high-speed airflow across wet surfaces, removing the boundary layer to accelerate evaporation. 
  • Help to circulate warm and dry air from dehumidifiers 
  • Help dry structural cavities and other hard-to-reach areas

How Restorers Increase the Efficiency of Air Movers?

Techs increase the efficiency of air movers by strategically placing them in the affected area and adjusting the airflow direction. Generally, techs run air movers for at least 24-48 hours after the initial water damage occurs. However, the exact amount of time needed to dry out the area depends on factors such as the type of water damage, the size of the affected area, the humidity levels, and the temperature of the space.


Call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties at (540) 433-6100. We are available 24/7 to help when you need us the most.

SERVPRO Remediates and Repairs Harrisonburg Mold Damage

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

trained and professional experts caption with a male SERVPRO puppet SERVPRO's professionally trained and equipped team offer top-notch mold damage remediation for our Harrisonburg area customers.

Better Understanding Mold Damage

It can be alarming when you suspect mold is growing in your home. In many situations, the presence of mold can be destructive and overwhelming for those living with its effects. No matter how these conditions came about

What Many Believe About Mold

Harrisonburg mold damage events can be a concerning development, especially when you do not fully understand microbial growth and its impact on your residence. It is important to discredit bad information commonly found through search engine queries regarding how to proceed with mold remediation:

  • Is Total Mold Removal Even Possible? - Many companies claim to remove mold completely, but this is not possible. Spores occur naturally in most environments. Remediation like SERVPRO completes targets threatening organisms growing on surfaces.
  • When Does Mold Dissipate on its Own? - Mold does not go away naturally in most cases. Instead, direct action is needed to clean surfaces and prevent recurring moisture.
  • Should You Consider DIY Cleaning? - Remediation is intricate and challenging for its many moving parts, so DIY cleaning is not efficient or productive.

Fast Response for Active Mold Damage

One advantage of SERVPRO for remediation and mold removal is our fast response in an emergency. We arrive with IICRC-certified AMRT-applied microbial remediation technicians. The suspicion of mold should be enough to contact experienced professionals like ours to inspect the property and determine the next steps if necessary. From the time we arrive, we have several objectives to help minimize the invasiveness of remediation and protect your property, including:

  • Containing the Organism – Containment of mold spores is a physical construct and equipment that stops migrating organisms from finding new hosting materials.
  • Cleaning Personal Belongings – Contents can also be impacted by moisture and mold, making surface cleaning a critical step in protecting personal belongings from harm.
  • Evaluating Structural Elements – Inspecting structural elements hosting mold can be important to determine where demolition or repairs could be needed.
  • Removing Water and Moisture – Moisture is the catalyst of mold development, so relative humidity and surface moisture must be addressed to prevent further colonization.

Residential Remediation Solutions

Choosing the right strategies for removing active colonies in your home is not universal and the same every time. Even when mold damage is discovered early, SERVPRO remediators must choose the preferred antimicrobial product for surface cleaning. Our professionals carefully evaluate the situation for the most efficient approaches.

Deodorization Solutions for Musty Smells

Another one of the many threats that linger after mold exposure in homes and businesses is the musty smell. Volatile organic compounds create an offensive odor that can help identify active colonies early but continue to impact a household. Cleaning can reduce the severity of these malodors, but air scrubbers, foggers, and hydroxyl machines have the most direct effect.

Are SERVPRO Technicians Ready for Large Loss Restoration?

With the number of businesses in Harrisonburg and the counties we serve, professionals of our team must stay ready for larger restoration and remediation projects. Commercial properties like warehouses, restaurants, and office buildings can have a sizable area damaged by the presence of mold. Our training and trailered equipment allow us to manage structural concerns, developed colonies, and the steps to get your business back open.

The Needed Repairs After Mold Damage

Mold often does not threaten homes and businesses in the counties we serve without some structural damage. Because building materials are often the hosting element for the colonies, it is natural to expect degradation and deterioration of these sources. Our general contractor license can help by allowing our experienced team to perform actions like controlled demolition, material replacement, and full reconstruction where necessary.

Harrisonburg mold damage impacts properties in multiple ways. SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties remediation professionals are uniquely trained to recover structural damage, remove active colonies, and protect the house against future mold development. Give our responders a call today at (540) 433-6100.

Mitigating and Restoring Harrisonburg Water Damage

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage equipment sitting on a hardwood floor SERVPRO's advanced equipment mitigates the water damage in Harrisonburg homes "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Responds Fast to Water Damage Concerns

Urgent action is necessary for many situations involving water and leaks in your home. Mitigation is vital to protecting the property and its contents from the irreparable harm resulting from unresolved water emergencies. Initial actions to recover residences after disasters can include:

  • Water Removal
  • Content Cleaning
  • Controlled Demolition
  • Mold Prevention

No mitigation for Harrisonburg water damage is efficient without getting the process started as soon as possible. Because each of these elements is unique to the overall restoration of a house, SERVPRO professionals can respond at the first notice of loss with our Green Fleet of service vehicles, production trucks, and trailered equipment. 

Focusing on Rapid Containment

Containment is one of the first actions that our professionals will take after situations like burst pipes or water leaks. Protecting areas of the house not yet damaged by migrating moisture and standing water concerns is essential. While physical barriers can be partially responsible for stopping water movement in the home, mitigating steps like water removal services instantly benefit the property and at-risk building materials.

Needed Extraction Solutions

Water removal services provide the most trackable and recognizable impact to improve conditions in a structure after water emergencies. Eliminating surface water is the utmost priority for our team, as prolonged exposures can compromise structural integrity, cosmetic quality, or allow secondary effects like mold. Tools used include:

  • Submersibles - These machines are meant to be dropped into standing water and use high-pressure vacuum systems to pull water through the unit and discharge it to a designated point. 
  • Vacuums - These portable extractors eliminate surface water when it is only a couple of inches in depth or less. The versatility of vacuums makes them a preferred water removal tool. 
  • Special Tools - When vacuums and pumps are no longer effective, specialty tools like weighted extractors and light wands help when water becomes trapped.

Effective Drying for the Structure

Much like extraction, drying requires several tools and approaches to be successful. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified professionals rapidly evaluate environmental conditions and the state of impacted building materials to provide the best solutions for issues like:

  • Wet Surfaces - Surface water is among the easiest to target and resolve. Air movers and portable heaters are essential tools for the effective evaporation of wet surfaces. We can daisy chain multiple air movers together to lessen the need for available outlets.
  • Trapped Water - Water can migrate through the property quickly, infiltrating areas like structural cavities and becoming trapped. Weep holes allow for drainage and airflow, but it will be positive and negative pressure systems to have a direct impact on this threat.
  • Saturation Damage - Prolonged moisture exposure to porous materials leads to absorption concerns. Drying mats and other evaporative equipment can help pull moisture to the surface for extraction. This is especially effective with wood flooring water damage, allowing us to protect planks from becoming distorted or warping when water chemically alters the molecular composition.

Is SERVPRO Ready for Repairs and Build-Back?

Our general contractor license is among the main advantages of looking to SERVPRO for post-water damage repairs and restoration. Because these emergencies typically require rebuilding or reconstructing impacted areas, this experienced division of our roster seamlessly transitions to post-restoration construction.

Harrisonburg water damage incidents require swift action from experienced restoration professionals. As leading restorers for the large service region we represent, we are a trusted name to help in an emergency to make it "Like it never even happened." Give our SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties team a call at (540) 433-6100.

Working Through Harrisonburg Fire Damage In Several Phases

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

B&A fire damages trusses and room Have a fire damaged home in Harrisonburg? Call SERVPRO to make it appear "Like it never even happened."

Needed Restoration After Fire Damages

Across the nation, it is estimated that more than 350,000 house fires occur every year. Varying degrees of damage might not always warrant the full designation of a structure fire, but the frequency of these emergencies requires our SERVPRO team to stay prepared.

To recover after Harrison residential fire and smoke damage in a residence, our responding technicians must offer:

  • Emergency Services – The first step our team can take in disaster relief is protecting the structure and its contents through pre-inspection board-up, air filtration, and debris removal.
  • Mitigative Strategies – Mitigation follows emergency services and coincides with a detailed record of the damage to the property and the necessary steps to restore the residence. From water removal to content management, mitigation is a critical process.
  • Cleaning Needs – Surface cleaning and soot removal are one of the universal needs after a fire. We have powerful cleaners and solvents to help achieve this. 
  • Repairing the Structure – Structure fires are known for their destructive impact on the building. Combustion creates situations where extensive build-back services are necessary to return a property to preloss condition.

Harrisonburg fire damage events require a team of restoration professionals capable of making fast changes and navigating hundreds of restoration questions and obstacles. From the first notice of loss, our SERVPRO professionals are beginning to provide necessary restoration and mitigation solutions.

Can Emergency Services Help Fire Damaged Homes?

Emergency services are a combination of the earliest efforts to prevent situations like structural collapse or hazardous conditions for occupants or responding technicians. The urgency of these actions often has them preceding pre-job scoping.

How Does Fire Damage Mitigation Occur?

Mitigation is one of the more critical restoration phases, as it seeks to resolve pressing concerns that threaten the structure and its occupants. This can include the careful management of damaged contents and personal belongings. Mitigative actions can also describe needed efforts for removing water after extinguishment.

Focused Cleaning After Fire Damage

Cleaning is a way to return a property to its original condition. There are dozens of proven approaches, much of which are created to overcome formidable effects like soot and smoke damage.

  • Removing Smoke Soils and Soot – Residues can be a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially in wet environments. We have multiple products to help emulsify or dissolve soil deposits. 
  • Deep Carpet Cleaning – Hot water extraction cleaning breaks sediment loose at the base of carpeted flooring and removes it with the high-powered onboard vacuum.
  • Deodorization – We must also work to eliminate overwhelming and offensive odors that have developed in the living space. These smells do not naturally dissipate, so direct action with deodorants and neutralizing tools is necessary.

Post-Fire Build-Back Services

Structures fires can be disruptive and destructive. Damage to construction materials and the house assemblies is expected, so we arrive with experienced professionals that can help. We have a general contractor license to perform needed build-back services after home fire damage. From the initially controlled demolition to the reinstallation of missing structural elements to return a property to its original condition, we can seamlessly transition to repairs and reconstruction after restoration.

Harrisonburg fire damage can result from many different sources, making it vital to have experienced professionals ready to respond at all times. We are preferred insurance vendors to complete damage claim work for homes and businesses. Give our SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties team a call when you need us at (540) 433-6100.

Call SERVPRO for Harrisburg Mold Inspection and Cleanup

4/9/2023 (Permalink)

mold growing on the ceiling in the corner of a room Finding mold on your property does not need to be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO to assess and remediate the mold damage. We are standing by 24/7.

Hire Skilled Mold Remediation with SERVPRO

There may be times you look around your Harrisburg home and notice increased humidity or musty odors. Whenever you suspect mold growth, you must proceed with caution. While you may be tempted to begin DIY cleanup, once spores are disturbed, they can become airborne and create a much more significant issue. Hiring skilled technicians from SERVPRO for inspection and remediation is the best way to get safe, efficient results.

Suspected mold damage in Harrisburg calls for detailed inspection and planning to return your interior to preloss condition. These are a couple of steps that we suggest once you suspect microbial growth is developing anywhere in your home:

What to Do:

  • Contact our SERVPRO customer care team for mold remediation services
  • Stay out of any affected areas to eliminate the possibility of disturbing the colony
  • Shut off your fans or HVAC system

What Not to Do:

  • Never disturb or touch the mold.
  • Avoid blowing over surfaces with suspected or visible microbial growth.
  • Refrain from attempting to begin drying any damp areas on your own.
  • It is never advised to spray disinfectants or bleach on the mold. Many people do not realize that such an application causes mold to spread away from it.

Contact Skilled SERVPRO Technicians for Trusted Results

Our IICRC-certified technicians have the training and advanced equipment to handle any size or scope mold remediation project. We will assess the damage, take samples for further analysis, and begin containment and drying to return your home to pre-mold condition.

  • Advanced drying technology like fans and dehumidifiers help to lower interior relative humidity 
  • Moisture detection sensors and meters help our team t locate any areas with hidden pockets of moisture
  • Powerful disinfectants and EPA-registered cleaning agents to safely sanitize all surfaces

Calling in the pros is easy when you have 24/7 availability from SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties. Contact us online to request help or call our offices at (540) 433-6100, and we can send a crew to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Efficient Water Damage Repair in Harrisonburg Business Premises

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

Cut Pipe in the wall All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Likely Steps to Fix Water Damage in Harrisonburg

Different signs can alert you if there is a water intrusion at your property. You may have noticed physical changes such as water stains on the ceiling of your Harrisonburg office or other problems like pooling water that seems to return even after cleaning it up. These changes precede water damage, and it is crucial to fix them immediately. Even if there are no apparent damages, you should seek professional intervention since a professional can establish what lies behind that small leak you may be overlooking. When left untreated, water damage can become bigger and spread from room to room. The best way to ensure efficient water damage restoration is by engaging a professional company like SERVPRO.

The main benefit of choosing a water damage repair company in Harrisonburg is their superior inspection and assessment services. This reveals the source of the damage, the conditions of the structural materials such as drywall, and whether the issue spreads to utilities such as electrical systems. Some parts can suffer immense damage, especially from mold growth which is the most common outcome of water damage. SERVPRO restoration crews are proficient in taking remediation measures to prevent microbial growth.

Steps to take in the water damage repair process include:

Removing the water can be tricky, especially when there is extensive flooding or under special circumstances, such as when your office space has a wall-to-wall carpet. SERVPRO crews utilize various approaches for efficient water removal. Specialized extraction units like deep extraction tools, light wands, and submersible pumps facilitate extraction in different circumstances. We also perform structural drying by installing dehumidification equipment in affected areas to speed up recovery and sanitization to prevent microbial growth and rotting.

Repairing Damages

Our SERVPRO team can salvage many structural components and equipment in your business where possible. Repair work may differ depending on the extent of the damage.

Repairs may include:

  • Replacing wet drywall
  • Fixing damaged floors and ceilings
  • Restoring electrical systems
  • Restoring furniture

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties has the expertise and equipment to safely handle any water damage repairs in your commercial space. Call us at (540) 433-6100. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.