Why Do We Have a Reconstruction Team?

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Great question! Many of our clients suffer water damage and or fire damage to their homes. Our highly trained restoration technicians are prepared to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your North Prince William County Property. After our technicians finish professionally cleaning your home or business, there is sometimes more work to be done. Think of it like this, If a tornado sweeps through your neighborhood and damages part of your roof. You may have water damage due to the rain and the hole in your roof from the storm. So we would come and professionally clean your home, and belongings, but you would still have a hole in your roof. That’s why we have a reconstruction team. Our reconstruction team can repair your roof, replace the flooring, repaint affected areas, and more!

So keep us in mind! SERVPRO's large-loss response is uniquely qualified to handle any disaster. We are prequalified, experienced, and strategically located across The United States to respond to any loss. When an event comes to devastate a community, SERVPRO's goal is to be instrumental in restoring the community the best we can. SERVPRO of North Prince William County is here to help!

What Makes Mold Damage Threatening for North Prince William County Homes?

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Understanding the Impact of Mold Damage Shows How SERVPRO Helps North Prince William County Properties.

Mold is a common threat to homes especially during the warmer months, where rainfall and severe weather become a concern for the area. Under the appropriate conditions, microbial colonies can develop in as little as 48 to 72 hours, using organic matter and building materials as hosting materials and food sources for the growing organism. There are many catalysts responsible for moist environments in the house that lead to mold remediation needs, including:

• Flooding
• Water damage
• Elevated humidity
• Damp confined spaces

Types of Residential Mold

Homeowners may have an easier time choosing professional mold remediation and effective cleanup when they understand what they are dealing with on their property. There are hundreds or more types of internal mold threats a home might experience. Aspergillus, for example, is a type of mold often found in an air conditioning system. Cladosporium is the mold typically found in moist, dark spaces or on drywall behind toilets. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is another possible development for North Prince William County residences that requires swift mold removal.

Is Mold Dangerous? 

Certain molds can produce byproducts that infiltrate the environment, but not all of them. A driving force for professional mold remediation should be the impact of these active organisms on installed building materials, contents, and other surfaces.  

How Can SERVPRO Remediate Active Colonies? 

Choosing the appropriate mold remediation strategy is contingent on the type of organism in the house, the affected areas, and the severity of the infestation. A thorough mold inspection allows our mold remediation team to create a custom recovery plan for the property. We begin with efforts like surface cleaning, but often more aggressive and abrasive cleaning tactics will be needed.

Are There Lingering Concerns After Mold Removal? 

Often there are some lingering effects and concerns with treatment. While much of the mold remediation process can be handled rapidly through direct action by our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians, there are other needs your home might have that can draw out the recovery process until they are resolved. Some include:

• Mold Malodors – Volatile organic compounds generate harsh malodors throughout the property, where mold becomes a concern. We have effective deodorization equipment available to neutralize these smells and promote a comfortable living condition for the residents.
• Mold Damage Repairs – There are times when your home may require some degree of damage repair after the treatment and removal of active colonies. Our team can help you quickly identify these areas to overcome this final step.
• Post-Damage Surface Treatment – We can treat nearby surfaces otherwise unaffected by spreading mold using mold inhibitors and antimicrobial products. The objective is to make these surfaces uninhabitable if moisture becomes a concern again in the immediate future.

Understanding how microbes impact a home or business can help property management seek out experienced mold remediation help when these problems arise. Allowing mold to go unchallenged lets the colonies spread, worsening the situation. Our SERVPRO of North Prince William County team can help 24/7 when you call (703) 368-4399.

Common Sources of Foul Odors in a Home

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

1. Mold is one of the most common causes of foul odors in the home. Signs of mold include black, green, or bronze stains on walls, ceilings and cabinets. The telltale sign of mold is the distinctive musty smell. If you do not see the mold visibly it may be required for you to have an IH (Industrial Hygienist) come out to take samples for mold testing.
   
   Tip: The first step in addressing a mold issue is to identify and resolve any moisture issues. Leaky pipes must be repaired. Exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen must be functional and adequate to remove excessive moisture. A home dehumidifier may need to be installed to reduce overall air moisture, and the crawl space may need to be encapsulated with a moisture barrier. A sump pump and a dehumidifier can eliminate moisture in the basement and crawl space. 
   
   
2. Natural gas may be causing a foul odor in the home. The rotten-egg smell is added as a safety precaution since natural gas is odorless.
   
   Tip: If the smell of gas is detected, inspect the stove and any pilot lights for leaks. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air into the home, and call the utility company or a professional for assistance. Take all necessary safety precautions, including evacuating the house.
   
   
3. Sewer Odors if there is a sulfuric or rotten-egg smell in the home, the source may be one or more unused sinks in the guest bathroom. Drains have a u-shaped joint just below the drain hole. The curved pipe captures water which acts as a seal to prevent noxious odors from the sewer or septic tank from seeping into the home. If the water is not replenished by occasional usage, evaporation will eventually eliminate the barrier and allow the offensive odors to escape into the house.

   Tip: Recharge the water in the u-shaped joint on a weekly basis. The water will also serve to flush any organic matter through the system, reducing odors in the bathroom.

4.  Pet odors can be a real nuisance. “Accidents” on the floor or furniture, wet fur, glandular emissions, pet bedding, and whatever is on their paws from the yard or pasture are sources of pet odors.

   Tip: Regular baths and grooming will take care of pet odors at the source: the pet. Carpets, area rugs, flooring, furniture, and pet bedding need to be cleaned several times a year to reduce odors.

5. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe is obvious upon entering a home. The smell is everywhere. Tobacco smoke coats flat surfaces and penetrates porous materials such as upholstery, curtains, clothing, and carpet. The lingering odor is challenging to remove. The nicotine and other chemicals are also known as third-hand smoke.

   Tip: Removal of cigarette smoke requires a whole-house approach. All surfaces must be washed with a safe, effective cleaning product. Rubber gloves, protective eyewear, a mask, long sleeves, and long pants are necessary to protect against nicotine poisoning. Walls and ceilings may need to be sealed with a high-quality stain- and odor-blocking primer before applying paint.

6. Household garbage can produce strong, disgusting smells that contaminate the home.

   Tip: Solutions include using a kitchen trash can with a lid. Use a plastic bag in the can to keep the inside of the trash can clean. Empty the trash regularly. Avoid putting scraps and grease in the garbage. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can to absorb odors. Wash the can with an all-purpose cleaner or a bleach solution to remove grime and kill bacteria.

7. Something as small as a decaying tiny mouse can create a strong, pungent odor that can make a home uninhabitable. A dead animal in the crawl space, in the attic, or between walls can be difficult to find and remove.

   Tip: Professional services may be needed to locate the issue, clean it up, sanitize the area, and deodorize the home.

SERVPRO of North Prince William County specializes in odor control in the home. If the situation has gotten out of hand, our IICRC Certified Technicians have the equipment, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA - approved products that make a smelly home clean, fresh-smelling, and healthy. 

Contact us by at 703-368-4399 or email Office@SERVPRO10476.com to learn more about our services for the North Prince William County area. 

Water Mitigation vs. Water Damage Restoration

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

When asking yourself if you need water mitigation or water restoration services, you've likely had water damage and are looking for a water damage cleanup company for your business or residential home in North Prince William County, VA. SERVPRO of North Prince William County specialize in both mitigation and restoration. Our team is ready and willing to assist you through the water cleanup process. 

What Is Water Mitigation?

When you have any kind of water damage, you almost immediately think of keeping it from getting worse. That is where mitigation comes into play. Take these steps to recovery: 

• Cut off the main power supply to reduce the possibility of injury or fire.
• Block additional water from entering the area if safe and practical to do so.
• Prevent as much water as possible from spreading into other areas.
• Remove any easily portable items that can hamper mitigation efforts.

A water damage restoration company can help you take additional steps in the mitigation process. Water easily enters areas that aren’t open to your view. Experts will bring in water extraction equipment to further minimize damage any hidden water may cause. It's also important to keep air circulating to assist with drying. This is usually accomplished by using commercial fans and/or dehumidifiers.

What Is Water Restoration? 

Restoration is the process of getting everything back to normal. This usually takes longer than mitigation. At a minimum, it typically involves utilizing more sophisticated methods or equipment to locate and remove hidden water. Technicians with expertise in structural drying and odor control can determine how best to accomplish both of those tasks. This will to assist in reducing the financial impact of the damage. Depending on the scope and severity of the loss, restoration may include major structural repair. The restoration company you choose can manage the project to completion, alleviating you of that responsibility, allowing you to concentrate on serving clients.

SERVPRO of North Prince William County, VA responds no matter when you call. Having a reputable water damage company on call anytime can help to minimize the impact repairing water damage can have on conducting your property. 

Communication is Key

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Prince William County knows that when your residential or commercial property is threatened with damage, it can be a VERY stressful and unknown time. This is why we make it a priority to communicate with our clients every step of the way. SERVPRO will provide detailed information to our customers in every step of the restoration process so that our valued customers are never left in the dark. 

Our office staff will talk through options and scheduling with the customer. The staff will gather information and let the customer know SERVPRO is here to help. A project manager will scope the loss and provide an estimate whether it's an initial or final. These managers will also discuss the restoration process with the customer and inform him or her of the work that will need to be done. Our skilled technicians will work to make fire, water or mold damage "Like it never even happened." Our consistent communication continues through the payment process with our office staff and follow-up conversations. 

Why It's Important to Pick a Qualified Preferred Vendor

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

A client calls your office to report that they have an insurance claim in North Prince William, VA. Like most business owners who are facing a disaster, they're anxious to get the cleanup and restoration process completed as quickly as possible. As an insurance agent, you have a responsibility to help your client get the help they need while keeping costs down for your company. Luckily, you have a list of preferred vendors, and you inform your client that the names on that list are truly the best. Here's why it matters to you and to your client that they choose a preferred vendor.

1. Qualified
To participate in the vendor program, a company has to be able to verify that they are qualified to complete the services that they say they provide. Vendors who value their business will keep good records of certifications, but it's even more important to know that the staff receives regular continuing education in order to stay on top of the latest best practices. A company like SERVPRO has a set of twenty-one guidelines that employees of each franchise must meet in order to remain on preferred vendor lists.

2. Compliant
In addition to qualified staff, a preferred vendor who wants to be recommended by an insurance agent must maintain compliance with all industry standards. This means that the tools they use, the standards to which they complete jobs, and the way they maintain project paperwork all have to be above board. The easiest way to ensure that these things happen is to work with a company that has consistent expectations for every franchisee.

3. Professional
The last thing that your client wants to deal with is a vendor who doesn't keep in touch. SERVPRO has the reach to ensure that calls are answered and the resources to keep every project organized. As an insurance agent, you want your clients to be confident when they choose a restoration company after a disaster. Encourage your clients to use the preferred vendor list so that they can be confident that they are working with the best in the business.

Certified: SERVPRO of North Prince William County

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

We offer a wide amount of cleaning services to our North Prince William County residents. We take pride in ourselves on being the go-to company for your restoration needs. 

SERVPRO Cleaning Services

1. Air Ducts & HVAC
2. Trauma and Crime Scene
3. Biohazard and Sewage
4. Odor Removal and Deodorization
5. Vandalism
6. Ceilings, Walls and Floors
7. Carpet and Upholstery
8. Drapes and Blinds
9. Post Construction

You name it SERVPRO provides the service for you “Like it never even happened.”

Trust us when we say that we care about the commitment and security of your employees, customers and community. 

We serve North Prince William County and the surrounding cities. Hiring a professional service means you are getting experience, expertise and professional cleaning tools that can clean your space to the highest standard. It might catch you off guard on the number of different services we offer.

What Is A Dehumidifier...? Do You Know...?

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

A dehumidifier is specialty equipment that lowers and retains the intensity of humidity in the air, generally for health or convenience purposes. SERVPRO uses dehumidifiers to quickly dry a wet structure. Our high quality equipment can minimize stinky odors and reduce the possibility of microbial growth by removing moisture from the atmosphere.

Dehumidifier’s Will Stop Mold Growth?

If you have a mold issue in your commercial or home, don’t delay. Mold will grow as soon as it has a supply of water. When a room’s relative humidity rises, the mold will begin to show dark black spots on walls, fabrics, and much more. It is very common for rooms that do not have quality ventilation to have mold issues. Common places for mold to develop are inside an attic, crawl spaces, and in the bathroom.

Placing a dehumidifier in the common places will help stop the growth of mold. Make sure that you work on finding the cause of the growth. The source of the moisture should not be neglected; neglecting may cause mold growth to occur in the future.

How Long Do You Need To Place A Dehumidifier On-Site Due To Water Damage?

It’s difficult to tell how long water damage equipment will remain in your commercial or home. The time can vary based on the level of water damage, the region’s extend, and the kind of dehumidifier. 

Here at SERVPRO, our goal is to have your property dry within three to five days. The dry time can vary on the size of the water loss, the category, and the number of contents in the property. In some cases, we have had to leave dehumidifier’s on-site for prolonged periods due to microbial growth.

When it comes to any restoration job, it is important to get in touch with SERVPRO of North Prince William County. We will provide the appropriate specialists to help find a prompt solution. Our restoration experts perform standard procedures taught by the IICRC. 

SERVPRO of North Prince William County is Available Around the Clock!

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage is something that is never an enjoyable experience. It can be extra difficult to experience. Many people put off planning for water damage as it seems like something that may never occur, but it is more frequent than most anticipate. Approximately one in 50 homeowners file a water damage claim each year in the United States, but for those who plan ahead, the damages tend to be much less severe.

Do you know what to do in the event of a Burst Pipe?

• Shut off your water main – When a pipe bursts and is left unattended, it will continue to pour into the area until it is taken care of. It is very important to be able to find and switch off your home’s water main as this can prevent water from fully affecting the area.
• Shut off your electricity –Keeping water away from electricity is KEY, so it is safe to do so, turn off your home’s power from your breaker box to prevent the soaked area from becoming a shock or fire hazard.
• Contact your local restoration company – One of the things you can do to plan for water damage in advance is decide which Company you will be working with. This way, you can contact them immediately when you discover water damage to have the restoration started right away.
• Record of the damages –If you are filing an insurance claim, it is important to keep your own thorough records of all the damages via photos, videos and lists. Even if you can’t file a claim, these can come in handy as to work to recover.
• Contact your Insurance Company –While all insurance policies are different, contacting yours is the best way to determine if you are eligible to file and confirm your policy coverage.

If you have water damage in your home or commercial building due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for your needs.

Contact SERVPRO of North Prince William County at anytime to learn more about our services!

(703)368-4399

30 Seconds Is ALL It Takes!!!

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know the most common cause of a grease fire is cooking food unattended? Two of every five homes start in the kitchen while food is cooking. It takes less than 30 seconds for a fire to start, so never leave your pan unattended.

Oils and grease are highly flammable, which means they can catch fire easily. Studies have shown that different oils burn at different temperatures. Any oil you purchase from a grocery store is capable of catching on fire.

The most flammable cooking oil has to be coconut oil it has a smoke point of 385°F or 196°C and a flash point of 563°F or 295°C. It may catch fire easily than other oils in comparison. If you catch your cooking oil boiling and smoking this is a sign to turn down the heat.

Oils have a smoke point – What does “Smoke Point Mean?”

The “smoke point” is also referred to as the burning point of cooking oils & fats. When an oil or fat is heated past its “smoke point” it gives off bluish smoke.

The most recommended cooking oils to use that tend to have a higher smoke point making them suitable for frying – Peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, safflower oil & corn oil.

SERVPRO of North Prince William keeps your safety a priority. IF there is a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of North Prince William (703)368-4399!

Can You Trust SERVPRO of North Prince William County?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Prince William County is here to provide your specialty services! Give us a call for more information at (703)368-4399.

At SERVPRO, we take pride in sending highly trained Technicians to service North Prince William County locations. Each Technician of ours is IICRC Certified and is required to maintain that certification. Here at SERVPRO our Technicians are trained to look for damages that may not be visible to the eye and utilize the latest method & equipment to locate damages.

IICRC Training & Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, biohazard remediation, carpet & upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning courses.

SERVPRO’S Technicians Arrive Quickly to Help Prevent Additional Damages

Whether you have an overflow in an upstairs Bathroom or water damage caused by a recent storm, SERVPRO of North Prince William County can provide you with services to recover quickly and efficiently.

You only have to make one call! SERVPRO of North Prince William County offers full service solutions, making your restoration experience as stress free as possible.

If you are looking to receive quality results give us a call!

(703)368-4399

Is your business ready for a disaster?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?

Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?

You may know SERVPRO of North Prince William county  as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties. 

When our dedicated, local SERVPRO Representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence. 

One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO of North Prince William county representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile. 

Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO. 

Your Home is Your Castle, So Why Not Trust in the Professionals?

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Your home is your castle, so why not trust the professionals to do the professional's job? 

Here are just a few reasons to trust the professionals at SERVPRO of North Prince William County:

COMPANY CULTURE

At SERVPRO of North Prince William County we believe in treating every home or business we step foot into as if it were our own.  One of our company goals is to treat everyone and everything as you would if it was our family going through this loss.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a small stain on the carpet or three feet of raw sewage in a basement, we will treat your loss with the utmost respect and professionalism.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

At SERVPRO of North Prince William County we know that communication is key. When you experience a loss in your home, you have many questions.   It is our goal to have someone available to answer your questions.  We want you to know that as our customer, we work for you, not the other way around. 

You and your insurance company will be informed every step of the way.  We always work on an approval only basis, which means that we will only do the work that you as the homeowner and/or your insurance company has approved.  We want to make sure this process is as smooth and painless as possible. 

HIGHLY TRAINED SPECIALISTS

Since first opening the doors, training has been the backbone of SERVPRO success nationwide.  We are an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries and is what most insurance companies base their standards on.  Unlike most companies, ALL our employees are trained to these standards.  

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER

A fast response is crucial!  An immediate response helps to minimize the damage, the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. Our technicians arrive quickly and start the extraction right away.  The faster we can extract and stabilize, the fewer things become damaged.

Need Emergency Service? Call SERVPRO of North Prince William County 24/7 – 703-368-4399

Phase 3 Reopening - SERVPRO of North Prince William County is Here to Help.

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Prince William County is an essential business and always open 24/7.

As the state of Virginia begins entering into Phase 3 reopening, SERVPRO of North Prince William County has and continue to receive calls from businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bio-remediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped many offices, homes and facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our local area business owners and residential customers for our core services!

We are always here for you when your local business, residence or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

SERVPRO of North Prince William County, will continue to answer your phone calls so that we can provide estimates for remediation and/or help with any restoration services you might need. (Restoration is defined as "essential" so our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people in Virginia and West Virginia areas). 

Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning.

We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you, your families and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services, water, fire or mold remediation, we are here to service you 24/7.

If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (703) 368-4399.

SERVPRO Cares - School Bus Safety

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

When the panic of a disaster hits you will be glad you thought ahead...put SERVPRO of North Prince William County in your phone NOW.  If disaster strikes we are here for you 24/7/365! Call SERVPRO of North Prince William County (703) 368-4399

It’s that time of year again.  Yep, you guessed it, back to school!  Some kids are happy, some kids are sad.  Some Moms are sad, some moms are happy. Wherever you fall on the happy/sad spectrum one thing is the same ...school bus safety.

We all have a responsibility to help keep the kids of North Prince William County safe.  Here are the rules of the road when encountering a school bus with flashing lights:

• When the school bus is flashing Yellow Lights motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.  The bus is either about to pick up or drop off children.

• Red Lights flashing (and extended stop arms) indicate to motorists the bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children.  Motorists must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the extension arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving.

• Please be aware of your surroundings as well.  A child late for the bus may run out without looking for traffic and the same goes for a child that may have dropped something after getting off the bus.

• If the school bus is stopped with flashing red lights and extended stop arm but is traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway divided by a median or barrier then the motorist does not need to stop per Virginia law.  

The next time you hear someone ask “Why SERVPRO?”  You can tell them: “Because SERVPRO cares!”  

Be safe and be prepared, add SERVPRO of North Prince William County to your contacts now:  (703) 368-4399