Important Information for Your Home or Business
We've assembled and summarized some basic information about cleaning and restoring your home or business. This area undergoes regular update and revision. So check back regularly!
If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, or need more information on a particular topic, please contact Jeff Turner. He'll assist you any way he can - and then add to the library to assist others in the future!
What to Expect with Fire Restoration
If you've experienced a fire, you may have a lot of questions. For example, do you know how extensive the damage is? Is there water damage from the water used to put out the fire? This article will answer your questions on what to expect once you begin restoring the damage after a fire, from cost to unexpected considerations. Read more...
Categories of Water Damage
Every water loss we encounter gets assigned a Category. This is the first step in assuring that remediation efforts follow standard industry guidelines.
There are three basic "categories" or types of water damage as defined by the IICRC in the ANSI Standard S-500 document. The basic differences between them have to do with the source of the water and how long it has been affecting the materials in question. Readers interested in the details should consult the source document. The following is meant only as a basic guide:
Category 1: Potable water source. Examples: frozen / broken supply pipes, garden hose spigot, water heater leak, appliance supply line leak (washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, etc.). Under ideal circumstances, carpet, pad, and other materials can all be restored. After 72 hours, a Category 1 loss is treated as Category 2.
Category 2: Non-known-pathogen-containing source ("gray water") source. Examples: sink drain lines, washing machine or dishwasher discharge, sump pump (non-sanitary) backup, toilet water before the trap. Under ideal circumstances, carpet and other materials can be restored. Carpet pad should be removed. After 24 hours, a Category 2 loss is treated as Category 3.
Category 3: Known-pathogen-containing source ("black water") source. Examples: sewage backup (from beyond trap), ground water, river, or ocean flooding, In a Category 3 loss, all affected porous materials should be removed. Affected carpet, pad, drywall, upholstery, bedding, draperies, etc., should all be replaced.
How We Dry Out Carpet Tips for Frozen Pipes
One of the biggest problems with water disasters is its effect on carpet and cushion (pad). ServiceMaster Advantage understands these issues and provides fast, on-site structural drying.
One of the biggest problems with water disasters is its effect on carpet and cushion (pad). ServiceMaster Advantage understands these issues and provides fast, on-site structural drying.
Here's what ServiceMaster Advantage technicians considers when drying carpet:
Age and Condition of Carpet
If a carpet is so old that it is a better value to replace than attempt restoration, we"ll let you know what makes the best financial sense. ServiceMaster Clean® uses industry resources to help determine the exact value of carpet.
Length of Time Carpet Was Exposed to Water
Most carpets can withstand water for up to three days, but immediate response to your loss is critical. In most cases ServiceMaster Clean® can be at your site within two to four hours.
Type of Water
Types of water affect the restoration process.
- Clean water: Potable water from a clean source with no debris.
- Grey water: Water that is not necessarily clean but is not hazardous (washing machine and dishwasher overflow, for example).
- Black water: Sewage backup or runoff water. These losses are hazardous and should be handled with caution.
How We Dry Out Wet Homes or Businesses
Our technicians employ the latest industry standard techniques to dry the entire structure following water damage.
Probably the most difficult part of a water damage restoration job is determining what materials can be safely dried and what should be removed. Many factors have to be considered - type of water, length of time, possible contamination, porosity of the material, etc. - before developing a drying plan for that particular building.
Once a drying plan has been established, the appropriate drying equipment is installed. All the excess moisture must be evaporated out of the wet materials without being allowed to condense in other areas. So, typically, air movement, dehumification, and/or HVAC control is employed in the process.
Technicians monitor progress and make equipment adjustments as often as required to make sure the desired drying progress is achieved.
Keeping Your Head Above Water
No matter how large or small, water damage presents problems that – left untreated – can harm your property and your health. Our staff is trained and experienced in reacting quickly and resourcefully to any type of flood, water, or sewage failure. Our immediate response and proven damage-control tactics ensure that we stop additional damage before it starts.
Flood/Water damage presents a problem that is difficult to repair. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Water damage can result from a number of different events like; broken pipes, sewer function failure, leaky roofs, storm damage, washing machine leaks, etc.
The severity of water damage can differ based upon the source that the water came from, the structure of the building, the duration of the damage, and the possessions affected.
No matter how severe the damage, it's in the owner's best interest to employ a professional restoration contractor to carry out the restoration process. Insufficient techniques and incomplete drying by unqualified contractors can potentially cause ongoing damage after the treatment and result in more cost to the owner.
Don't wait to get help. Call ServiceMaster Advantage today for professional Flood/Water Damage Restoration.