We Mitigate and Repair Damage from Heavy Rainstorms

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rainstorms can clog storm drains with debris.

As the Spring season continues, we are starting to see more and more rainstorms pop up.  If you’re not prepared, they can cause severe flooding damage.  Just like this job we recently received. where a storm drain right outside this family’s basement was clogged by storm debris.

The clog caused a massive amount of water to pour into their basement, completely ruining their wood floors and leaving four-inch-high water line marks on all the walls.  Our Mitigation Team had to tear up all the wood floors and make a two-foot-high flood cut in all the drywall to ensure all the moisture in the basement was removed.  Our Construction Team then went in and installed brand new wooden floor panels, new drywall and even a new door to their basement bathroom.

While we were able to leave this basement better than it was before the storm, it goes to show how devastating heavy rainstorms can be.  You can never be too prepared.  And if you find yourself in a similar situation, gives us a call and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Electrical Fires Are No Joke

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Even the TV was melted in this electrical fire.

We here at SERVPRO encounter many different fire damage emergencies, from gas stoves improperly turned off, to faulty heaters.  Arguably, electrical fires can be the most sinister.   They are mostly preventable if you take the proper precautions, like not overloading any one outlet or not running cords underneath carpets.  Sometimes though, they just short out, like at this job we finished recently.

When the wall outlet on the second level bedroom of this townhouse blew, it started a fire that consumed the whole floor.  The walls, ceiling, and floor of each room suffered massive damage and were beyond repair.  Our mitigation team was forced to completely gut the entire area, stripping away everything to just floorboards and studs.

The only precaution that may have avoided this disaster is making sure that every ten years, a licensed electrician checks the home’s entire electrical system.  Aside from that, you can always count on our mitigation team to clear out the damage, and our construction team to then rebuild it.

Flooded Church Facility? We Can Help!

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

The scope of this job was huge!

We here at SERVPRO pride ourselves on the ability to tackle all types of water loss.  Big or small, we have the experience and expertise to make any disaster “Like it never even happened.”  That includes a recent job we finished at a local Church.

When one of the toilet valves on the second floor busted overnight, water poured through the ceilings and affected more than fifteen rooms on both levels.  From offices to stairwells to even the children’s daycare center, water pooled up everywhere.  In total, we used more than thirty high powered air movers and three refrigerant dehumidifiers to completely dry and remove all of the water. 

Water losses of this size don’t happen often, but rest assured, when they do, we are primed and ready to respond as fast as possible.  We certainly have the ability and capacity to help any sized commercial organization.

Have A Commercial Water Loss? Call SERVPRO for full service!

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Our Construction Team updated the damaged floor tiles with this beautiful hardwood floor!

We pride ourselves on the ability to respond to water disasters of all sizes.  From a small single-family home basement leak to a hotel sprinkler system malfunction affecting multiple floors, we have the expertise and equipment to fully mitigate all water damage.

For example, when a local condominium in-door pool leaked due to a faulty valve, the entire basement floor hallway and offices were flooded.  After being called out to the site, we successfully removed the water and dried the affected areas.  It was apparent, however, that the tile flooring was damaged beyond repair.  Our Construction Team then came in, completely removed all of the tiles, and replaced them with a beautiful hard wood floor.

When all was said and done, we not only made the pool leak “Like it never even happened,” we upgraded the look and feel of the space.  If you have a commercial building in need of water mitigation and construction, we can offer you the same full service!

SERVPRO Has Its Own Meteorologist?

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

We take storm preparedness very seriously.

It might surprise you, but we here at SERVPRO have our own Meteorologist.  Storm preparedness is something we take very seriously.  It’s not enough to just pay attention to the Weather Channel.  We’re not interested in routine showers or overcast days.  We want to be able to track huge weather patterns that result in severe storms before they happen.  Any leg up we can get on the weather allows our national storm response teams to quickly mobilize where they are needed most. 

Every second counts when it comes to storm damage.  Our number one goal is to help alleviate the anxiety and pain of those affected by weather disasters.  The sooner we can respond to them, the sooner they can get back to living a normal life.  Not to mention, the less likely their situation gets worse.  Having our meteorologist track last years polar vortex as it was developing, helped save those affected time and money.  It’s just another way that we go above and beyond for our customers.

Commercial Jobs Require Commercial-Sized Equipment

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Our industrial-grade equipment can handle anything!

Did a pipe burst in your office building causing water damage on multiple floors?  The equipment used for residential mediation just won’t cut it.  That is why we carry a whole suite of heavy duty, industrial-grade machines, powerful enough to tackle the biggest disasters. 

One such machine is the Nikro PS1000 HEPA Air Scrubber.  With its uniquely designed filtration system, this air scrubber produces 99.7% absolute clean air, removing airborne contaminants and even odors.  Using between 2.3 and 2.8 amps to run, and weighing 74 lbs, the Nikro PS1000 prevents the spread of nasty mold spores like no other.

Another powerhouse that we use is the Phoenix FireBird Heat Drying System.  Highly flexible, The FireBird operates freestanding or with 12-inch flex duct on the inlet and/or outlet to distribute the heat precisely where we need it.  It’s capable of producing heat at 80°F on its highest setting, completely drying any hidden water moisture.

Last but not least, we have the Dri-Eaz LGR 7000 Dehumidifier.  This state-of-the-art machine precools incoming air before it passes over a cold evaporator coil (20°F to 30°F below the dew point).  The cold coil condenses any water vapor into liquid water that then collects in condensate pump and is removed by an automatic pump-out system.  The Dri-Eaz 7000 is one of the most efficient ways to reduce the moisture level in the air and accelerate the drying process.

With these tools in our tool belt, our commercial clients can rest assured, no matter how big the job, we have them covered!

Preparing For Spring Storms

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Don't get caught in the rain this Spring!

Spring is finally upon us!  As the cold weather of winter starts to thaw, it’s a good time to start preparing for the climate shift.  April showers sound delightful on paper, but they can quickly escalate into torrential downpours or thunderstorms.  That is why it is never too late to double check your storm readiness.

First off, everyone should have a general emergency kit in their house and vehicle.  These should include a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, emergency contact information and non-perishable food.  No matter the type of storm, these kits are invaluable to have.

More specific rainstorm advice revolves around potential flooding.  Make sure you keep your gutters and storm drains clear of leaves and debris.  Try and keep valuables on high shelves when storing materials in your basement or areas that are prone to flood.  Always keep rain gear and water-resistant clothing easily accessible in your home and car.  Last but not least, never drive through standing water or wade into flooding basements.  Both can be fatal.

These simple steps can be lifesavers.  It’s important for everyone to take stock and implement them as we enter the rainy season.  And if you do experience any flooding this spring, you can always count on us to restore the water damage.

Introducing the New Phoenix DryMAX BLE Dehumidifier!

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

This machine is a serious upgrade to our water mitigation services!

Always looking to leverage the latest and greatest technologies, we here at SERVPRO are proud to upgrade our water mitigation services with the new Phoenix DryMAX BLE Dehumidifier! This large category dehu weighs a mere 63 pounds, uses only 5.7 amps of power, and comes equipped with a heavy-duty condensate pump, epoxy-coated coils, superior MERV-10 filtration, and Bluetooth functionality. 

But what do all these numbers and acronyms mean for our customers?  Its light weight relative to its size allows us to set up more dehus more quickly when on-site.  Its superior energy efficiency allows us to plug in multiple units at the same time as well as reducing the noise it makes.  Last but not least, the integrated Bluetooth technology allows us to seamlessly document drying reports.

And these are just the highlights of what this machine can do.  It is a significant upgrade from the older model and we’re super excited to start utilizing it!

Storm Response Program

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

We're fully prepared to go where ever a storm hits!

Our franchise is extremely proud to be a part of the national SERVPRO Storm Response Program.  Our company is built upon the desire to serve those affected by disasters.  Be it a small bathroom leak or a category 5 hurricane, we are committed to help restore what is lost.  While our first concern is always for those in our immediate community, sometimes the need created by huge national storms is too great to ignore. 

Last year, for instance, during the horrible winter freeze in Texas that incapacitated their power grid, we traveled to Irving to help those most in need.  Later in September, in the wake of Hurricane Ida’s devastation, we drove up to Philadelphia to start rebuilding the damage.  Every second counts during national storm emergencies.  Without the Storm Response Program, coordinating these efforts would have taken much longer. 

These experiences have shaped us into an even more close and compassionate crew.  The gratitude and love we received out in the field have had a deep affect on us and our work even here at home.  This is why we will continue to be a proud member of the Storm Response Program.

How We Use Thermal Imaging

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

The Flir C2 Thermal Camera helps us detect unseen moisture!

We here at SERVPRPO are always leveraging the latest, state-of-the-art technologies to improve our water mitigation process.  It’s just one of the many ways we strive to offer the very best service to our customers.  One such example is how we utilize the newest thermal imaging cameras like the Flir C2. 

By using the powerful Flir C2 Thermal Camera, we can detect unseen moisture behind walls and ceilings without having to cut out any drywall.  We can even track that moisture to its source, giving us the most accurate information on your water loss before the mitigation process even begins.  This saves time and money on unnecessary demo and ensures the precision of our work.  Rest assured, we will continue seeking out and using the industry’s top tools to enhance our customer’s experience.

We Offer Businesses Emergency Ready Profiles (ERPs)

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

An ERP is the best way to prepare your business for a disaster!

Did you know that about 50% of commercial businesses may never recover after suffering a disaster?  Whether a water or fire loss, natural or man-made, all can be equally devastating.  The most important factor in being one of the 50% of businesses who survive is preparedness and we are here to help.  By developing a free SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), you help minimize any costly interruptions to your business.

In short, an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is an immediate and concise plan of action in case of any size disaster.  Not only does an ERP establish our franchise as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, it identifies your organization’s line of command for authorizing work to begin.  This allows the mitigation process to start sooner, saving you time and money.  An ERP also provides us with your facility’s important details, such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and contact information.  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency.  It also helps us know exactly where to go and who to speak to when we arrive onsite.

Best of all, the ERP program is absolutely free.  You can set up this plan of action for no cost and use it to keep your staff informed on emergency procedures.  So, call us today, and we can start protecting your business.

Introducing The New Phoenix Focus II Air Mover!

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our new weapon against water damage!

We here at SERVPRO are continually researching new tools and techniques to upgrade our water mitigation process.  Constantly pushing our craft further allows us to offer our customers the very best service.  That is why we’re proud to introduce the newest addition to our water mitigation arsenal: the Phoenix Focus II Air Mover!

Using only 1.1 amps and weighing just 15 pounds, this little guy actually packs a quite a punch with 1015 CFM.  Those are just numbers though.  The bottom line is that this machine’s small footprint allows us to more efficiently dry hard to reach areas like crawlspaces, attics, and small bathrooms.  The Focus II is also stackable and easy to set up, helping us to start working on your water loss even faster without sacrificing drying power.

We are extremely excited to start utilizing the flexibility and power the Focus II offers.  And rest assured, we will continue to seek out the most innovative and state-of-the-art technology to help bring our customers the premiere service they deserve.

February is American Heart Month!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is wearing red to promote American Heart Month!

February may be best known for Valentine’s Day, but there’s another reason why it’s associated with hearts: it’s American Heart Month!  We at SERVPRO understand the importance of heart health.  Every year, we strive to do our part and encourage not just our employees, but everyone, to live a more active lifestyle.

Sadly, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that there are lot of ways to protect your heart.  Here’s a simple checklist of some preventative actions you can take.

• Understand Your Risks, Whether Genetic or Habit.
• Get Your Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Checked
• Choose Heart-Healthy Foods
• Aim for a Healthy Weight
• Manage Stress
• Get Regular Physical Activity
• Quit Smoking
• Get Enough Good-Quality Sleep

More in depth information can be found on the NIH website here: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-healthy-living

This year, to further promote a healthy heart lifestyle, we are running (no pun intended) a Steps Challenge for our office.  For the entire month, our employees are tracking the number of steps they take every day.  Whoever has the most cumulatively at the end of February 28^th wins a gift card.  The real winners, though, are all of our hearts! 

We also would like to extend an invitation to everyone to join us in this challenge and help us raise awareness for this cause.  Together, let’s keep our hearts healthy and pumping!

Tips to Prepare for Winter Storms

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

It's never too late to prepare for winter storms.

The winter storm season is upon us!  In fact, we have already endured a couple this year, but it’s never too late to prepare for the next one.  Here are some simple tips to keep safe in case you are caught outside during a winter storm.

First off, make sure that whenever you leave the house, you are properly dressed for cold weather, even if you aren’t planning to be outside for long.  This may seem obvious, but in the event that a storm strands you outdoors, its crucial to be bundled up.  For extreme cold, its recommended to wear 2-3 layers of clothes, 1-2 pant layers, a warm hat, gloves, waterproof boots, and a face covering like a scarf.

If you plan to be driving in extreme cold weather, you should keep your gas tank at least half full.  This will allow you to keep your vehicle’s heat on longer in the event you get stuck out on the open road.  It’s also important to keep a winter survival kit in your car.  Alongside year-long necessities like jumper cables, working flashlights, a First-Aid kit, non-perishable foods like nuts and energy bars, water bottles, and a phone charger, you should also store some blankets, a shovel for snow, and an ice scraper.  

Of course, these tips also apply if your house loses electricity, and you are snowed in.  However, it’s important to remember in that situation to never use gas stoves to try and keep warm.  The risk of a house fire is too great.  Also, if you have a generator, make sure it is properly ventilated to avoid any carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Hopefully, these tips can help you brave the next winter storm.  It always pays to be prepared!

Experienced A Fire Loss? Call the professionals at SERVPRO!

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

We are always ready to respond to your fire damage emergency!

Available 24-hours a day, we here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt are primed to react “faster to any size disaster,” whether that be a small electrical fire or a huge gas leak blaze.  Every fire loss is unique, requiring different techniques and equipment to completely restore the damage.  Our team is IICRC trained and certified to handle them all, ensuring our customers the very best results. 

Call Today! (703) 665-7420

The fire damage restoration process starts with our Production Team disposing all the unsalvageable debris from the fire.  Once cleared away, they work to save any smoke and soot affected valuables and furniture, eliminating any nasty odors that may have set in.  Finally, our Construction Team steps in to fully restore any structural damage to walls and flooring.  When finished, they make your home or business look “Like it never even happened.”

All along the way, we make sure to keep our customers informed of the process.  Fire damage doesn’t just devastate physical buildings.  Fire damage can also take quite a heavy emotional toll on those that live and work in those buildings.  This is why we are so committed to providing the most caring and transparent guidance in the industry.  Helping our customers navigate such a difficult time in their lives is a huge responsibility we do not take lightly.  When all is said and done, we strive to offer the most complete fire restoration service to our customers.

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt's Premiere Water Damage Restoration Company

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is committed to restoring our customer's water damage!

We at SERVPRO of Rose Hill / Fort Hunt pride ourselves in being the premiere water mitigation company in the area.  With 24-hour emergency service, we can respond day or night to water disasters big or small.  Every second counts when it comes to water damage, so you can trust us to be the fastest professionals on-site.  Once there, our highly trained team of IIRC certified technicians will clean up any remaining water, remove unsalvageable property, and ensure the affected area is completely dry.  Our talented Construction Team can then fully restore that damaged property, making it “Like it never even happened.”  

Call Today – (703) 739-2800

We understand how stressful, and frankly scary, experiencing a water loss can be.  Whether a basement flood or a burst pipe, we are trained to guide you through this difficult time and explain every step along the way.  To help you prepare for the first step, here’s what to expect when you call our office. 

Our Dispatcher will ask you for some information such as, your name and contact information, the address of the affected home or business, the type of material affected (wood or tile flooring, etc.), any insurance you have, approximately when did the water damage occur, what caused it and if there is electricity available on-site.  These questions help us ascertain the severity of the damage, what equipment will be needed to start the mitigation process, and how many personnel are required. 
Please keep this information in mind when you call, as it will help us to dispatch to your location and start work even faster.

Winterizing Commercial Buildings

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these steps to avoid damage from burst pipes like in this photo.

The winter season is upon us.  For those managing either occupied or unoccupied commercial buildings, it can be a scary season.  Frozen pipes bursting and old roofs leaking can cause your business dangerous and expensive damage.  That is why it is always important to think ahead and have a prevention plan.  Here are some tips for keeping your commercial buildings safe from the cold.

Making sure the heating system of your building is working properly may seem like common sense but scheduling periodic professional inspections throughout the year is vital.  Check your rooftop HVAC units, water heaters, and furnaces for cracks and consider replacing furnaces older than 10 years old.  It’s also important to properly shut off your cooling systems when you do switch to heating.

To avoid frozen pipes, make sure to test their freeze stats and valves.  Wrap the ones in unheated areas of the building and take care of any cracks found in exposed pipes

For unoccupied buildings, it’s important to not turn off your thermostat.  Keeping the internal temperature at least 55 degrees will also help avoid your pipes freezing.  Even for buildings that are occupied this winter, it is advised to keep the thermostat relatively low.  Not only does this save your business some money, but it reduces the risk of fire.

Regularly inspecting your building’s insulation is also important.  Make sure to replace any damaged or old insulation to avoid any major heat loss in your building.  Special focus should be paid to roofs and unheated attics.

Speaking of roofs, any holes or torn shingles must be patched to avoid major water leakage from potential melting snow.  Double checking the existing seals for any damage or structural weakness also helps ensure your roof can withstand another winter.

We hope these tips give you some peace of mind.  By no means is this an exhaustive list, but by putting these suggestions into action, you can help prevent costly damage this winter season.

Preventing Winter Fires

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Simple prevention measures can help keep you from experiencing fire damage like this.

It’s easy to overlook, but the risk of house fires actually increases in the winter months.  In fact, “half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February” according to the U.S. Fire Administration.  Many factors contribute to this, including unkempt fireplaces, improper electrical appliance usage, and candles.  All of these made worse by the colder weather.  So, before you get too cozy indoors this winter, take a moment to enact some simple fire prevention steps.

It may be simple, but before you start using your fireplace, have a professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents to make sure they are safe to use.  Optimally, this should be done every year.  You should also make sure to store the cooled ashes from your fireplace in a tightly covered metal container and keep the container outside at least 10 feet away from any buildings.

To reduce the risk of electrical fires, make sure you plug only one heat-producing appliance directly into a wall outlet at a time.  This includes space heaters and kitchen appliances like microwaves and toasters.  Also, it is important to never use an extension cords with these appliances, as it increases the chance of sparks.

As for candle safety, the most important tip is to make sure you keep all lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.  In fact, it is recommended to use battery-operated flameless candles instead of real ones in the event of power outages.

With these simple tips in your back pocket, you can rest easy, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your house during these cold months.  For more information on preventing winter fires, make sure to visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website here: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Put-A-Freeze-on-Winter-Fires.  And if you do experience a fire this winter, we are always here to help restore your house “Like it never even happened."

What is the IICRC?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Our IICRC Certified sticker is the first thing you see when you walk up to our front door.

You may already know that SERVPRO is proudly an IICRC certified firm, but what exactly is the IICRC and how does it ensure our customers get the best service?

To start off, IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.  Founded in 1972, It is the governing body of the mitigation/restoration industry, setting the procedural standards by which all cleaning, inspection, and restoration work is measured.  Considered “state of the art” in the contamination field, the IICRC is also an accredited member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) which verifies the regulation process.  In short, these entities quicken the acceptance of new products and methods while keeping them safe and effective for all consumers. 

By continually maintaining our IIRC certification, SERVPRO can offer our customers the most technologically advanced products and techniques in the restoration business.  More importantly though, these rigorously tested standards help keep our customers safe, another reason why SERVPRO is the premier restoration company.

Creating Precise Estimates with Xactimate

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Xactimate can even be used on an iPad!

Our focus here at SERVPRO is to offer our customers the very best service in their time of need.  That is why our team is certified to use the software program Xactimate, which helps us to create estimates much faster and more accurately than ever before. 

In fact, Xactimate is the leading standard in the restoration industry, used by contractors and insurance adjusters alike.  This means that our customers’ insurance companies can work seamlessly with our estimates, cutting down on the time spent not working on that water leak in your basement.  Since we are the preferred vendor for insurance companies like State Farm, it also allows them to send us jobs directly, even further streamlining the restoration process.

Most importantly, our customers can rest assured that the estimates they receive from us are detailed and precise.  We have worked hard to obtain and maintain our certifications.  Just another example of our commitment to our customers’ satisfaction.

3 Important Home Fire Safety Equipment

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Help prevent fire damage like this with these 3 fire safety equipment.

As the weather gets colder and colder outside, we turn more to our houses for refuge. But when our time spent indoors with our fireplaces and heaters increases, so does the risk of house fires. With that in mind, we put together a quick, easy list of important fire safety equipment everyone should have in their house to help prevent fires.

Fire Extinguisher –

While this may seem obvious, having a working ABC-class fire extinguisher in the house is often overlooked.  Cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association, so it is strongly recommended to keep at least one of these in the kitchen

Smoke Detectors –

Probably the first line of defense for those unaware a fire has even started, it is recommended to place at least one in a centralized area of each floor of your house, including one for each bedroom.  In fact the National Fire Protection Association reports that almost two-thirds of fire related casualties happen in homes without a working smoke detector.  To help with the chore of keeping your smoke detectors working, you can even purchase some with sealed 10-year batteries.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms –

Just as important, these alarms detect the deadly, colorless gas Carbon Monoxide.  A CO leak in tandem with a fire can be devastating.  You can even find combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  Like smoke detectors, make sure to place them in centralized locations on each floor of your house as well as in the bedrooms. And regularly test them to ensure they are working properly.

We hope that this quick reminder on the importance of these 3 pieces of fire safety equipment will help keep you and your home safe this winter. And if you do experience any fire damage, you can always count on us to clean it up “Like it never even happened.”

Our 1st Annual Coat & Blanket Drive!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Donations are piling in!

It’s the most magical time of the year! The holiday season is a time where families and friends come together and make these cold and long evenings feel warm and bright. It is a time to be grateful for the little things, but most importantly, it is a time to give back to those that may be less fortunate. That is why, in the grand tradition of the season of giving, we are proud to announce our 1st Annual Coat & Blanket Drive!

Along with our local State Farm partners Sharon Eddy, Reggie Harris, and Kelly Allison, we are accepting new and gently used coats and blankets at our offices for the entire month of December. Our staffs and families have already contributed, but we would love to invite the community as well to participate in this cause. Even if you are unable to make it to our office or any of our drop locations, simply give us a call at (703)739-2800 and we will make arrangements to pick up any donations you have.

At SERVPRO, our motto, “here to help,” applies to more than just repairing water damage from a violent storm. It is a social responsibility we take on daily. A commitment to always give more than we take because we are all in this together.

At the end of the month, we will gather all the coats and blankets and donate them to our local Christ House ensuring the most in need this holiday season will benefit from them. Giving back and providing a helping hand is in our DNA here at SERVPRO. Whether it’s helping those that are less fortunate get through these cold months with warm clothes, or restoring a family home after a devastating disaster, we are forever grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

From our families to yours, we wish you all a blessed holiday season!

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

This home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth calling us and letting our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (703)-739-2800

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for your fried turkey!

Thanksgiving dinner is one of most special meals of the year for any family, but without proper care and attention, it may turn disastrous. In fact. according to the National Fire Protection Association, “Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average.” This is why it is so important to practice the proper fire safety when cooking your delicious turkey. Check out these tips listed below to ensure your Thanksgiving doesn’t go up in flames.

For general oven and stovetop cooking:

• Always stay in the kitchen to attend your food while cooking on the stove.
• Frequently check the oven where your turkey is being cooked.
• Keep children and pets away from any hot surfaces.
• Keep all cooking surfaces clear of unneeded items, including the floor to avoid trips and falls.
• Test your smoke alarms before starting
• Know where you keep your fire extinguisher and make sure it hasn’t expired.

If you prefer your turkey deep fried:

• Only use a deep fryer outside, at least 10 feet away from your house and anything flammable.
• Make sure the fryer is at ground level on a flat and sturdy surface
• Place the turkey in the pot with water before using oil to test the correct amount needed for cooking.
• Wear long protective gloves that cover your hands and arms.
• Thaw the turkey completely before frying.
• Frequently use a cooking thermometer so that the oil doesn’t overheat.
• DO NOT use water on a grease fire so make sure to always keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Bonus tip:

• If you don’t have a working fire extinguisher on hand, you can use baking soda in an emergency.

The most important safety tip, however, is to call 911 when a fire grows out of control.

We hope that this friendly fire safety reminder will help you and your family enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest.  And if your family does experience a fire, know that our family is just a phone call away, fully prepared to clean up any damage. For more fire safety tips, you can visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving and https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html

Introducing Our SERVPRO Construction Team!

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Alexis Chavez and Maria Fuster, Our SERVPRO Construction Team!

We are extremely excited to announce our continued commitment to our SERVPRO Construction Team! Tasked with furthering the excellent work our Mitigation Team performs, the Construction Team turns our motto “Like it never even happened,” into a reality by closely working with our customers and ensuring we exceed their needs and expectations. Our team wouldn’t be possible without the two hard working ladies leading it, so we are even more proud to introduce the awesome Alexis Chavez and Maria Fuster!

Alexis graduated from The University of Mary Washington in 2019 with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in Business Spanish. While at UMW, she played soccer at a highly competitive level, where she honed her cooperative spirit and perseverance. When she’s not at work helping our construction process run smoothly, she still enjoys playing soccer in the local adult league and cooking for family and friends.

Maria was born and raised in Northern Virginia and graduated from George Mason University in 2016 with a BA in History. After five years of teaching high school history, she decided her planning and organizational skills could be utilized elsewhere. Taking a leap of faith, she earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and changed her career path to commercial construction. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs.

Both Alexis and Maria excel at bringing the goals of our customers to life, whether that be to restore what was or improve upon it. Their dedication to customer service is impressive and their attention to detail upholds our pledge to only the highest standards of performance. Rest assured, our customers are in good hands with either one leading their projects. As such, we could not ask for a better pair to lead the future of our Construction Team!

Understanding How Wet Smoke Can Affect Your Home After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Wet smoke is one of the trickier forms of smoke damage to deal with as a homeowner. In this short article we'll take a closer look at wet smoke and discover what makes it so difficult to clean as well as explain why you'll probably need a fire and smoke damage restoration professional (like SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt) to clean any belongings that have sustained wet smoke damage.

Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage is a result of fires caused by rubber and plastic. Such fires typically result in smoldering, low-heat fires which cause thicker and darker smoke. 

The composition and nature of  wet smoke residue creates this very dense and sticky residue that can easily cover the entire surface of an affected object and very difficult to remove without professional grade equipment.

and dense, it has no problem completely covering your home or business’s surfaces and often smears during the cleaning process. This makes it difficult to remove without special equipment.

This means if any of your belongings were exposed to a plastic or rubber based fire it is going to be almost impossible to get them properly cleaned without attention from a fire and smoke damage restoration specialist (like the ones at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt.)

If any of your belongings were exposed to a house or commercial building fire give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420 today. We handle all our clients quickly, professionally and with the highest quality of customer service!

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area 24 Hour Commercial Building Emergency Water Damage Service

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is available 24 hours a day for any commercial building water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (703) 665-7420

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is also committed to keeping our streets clean!

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt loves this community!

We recently became members of the Adopt a Block program in Alexandria. We adopted a section a South Van Dorn Street, that extends for 2 blocks from Pickett to Stevenson. To maintain our membership in this program, and our commitment to a cleaner community, we will complete several litter clean ups throughout the year, and report them to the City of Alexandria.

Know that when you decide to contact SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt for all of your restoration needs, that we are committed to all members of this community, in more ways than just one. 

We love our community here in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt area and as such we take every opportunity possible to do our part to make it better. Hope to see you all out there with us!

Understanding How Dry Smoke Can Affect Your Home After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

A picture of how high even a controlled flame can get

Smoke damage is an often overlooked consequence of a fire. Many of our customers tell us they could never imagine that belongings that weren't directly touched by the flames could be so damaged! In this short article we'll explore the one of the most common types of smoke damage. Hopefully this information will help you identify the level of smoke damage your belongings may have sustained if they were in a fire.

DRY SMOKE

Dry smoke is created by fires caused by paper or wood. Its powdery in texture and doesn't smear when being wiped, making it one of the easier types of smoke damage to clean IF it hasn't fallen into small cracks or pores of your furniture or belongings. If it has, the smoky odor will remain, even after you clean the visible residue off, and you'll need professional help, like the help we provide here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt, to deep clean it for you.

Remember, its easy to think you can clean and repair smoke damaged objects by yourself, but smoke damage is tricky and will often times need professional attention.

In the event of smoke damage please call SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt at (703) 665-7420.

Understanding How Fuel/Oil Residue Can Affect Your Home After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire is one of the hardest things to plan for. The devastation of a fire is always overwhelming, and the aftermath can leave a homeowner numb. This is because, in addition to direct damage from flame exposure, many pieces of furniture and household belongings can sustain serious smoke damage often times making it feel like the fire took everything. In this article we'll explore how a very specific type of smoke damage can affect your home and belongings after a fire and how you can hope to salvage them.

Fuel/Oil Residue

Fuel/oil residue, also known as petroleum residue is a little more common in commercial building fires than in residential (because residences typically don't store petroleum based products), however,it’s common for a building’s furnace to have a “puffback” where it doesn’t ignite properly and releases soot and smoke into the surrounding space in the form of a small leak or even minor explosion.

This means you can be dealing with fuel residue smoke damage even when there hasn’t been a fire!

Petroleum residue is difficult to clean because it's dense, sticky and has a strong odor that can seep deeply into upholstery.

This means if any of your belongings were exposed to a petroleum based fire it is going to be almost impossible to get them properly cleaned without attention from a fire and smoke damage restoration specialist (like the ones at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt.)

If any of your belongings were exposed to a house or commercial building fire give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420 today. We handle all our clients quickly, professionally and with the highest quality of customer service!

Cleaning Carpeted Floors of Commercial Buildings After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is always heartbreaking, especially if it occurred in a commercial building because so many more lives are usually affected. Today we'll be examining how a damage restoration company can help get things back to normal by exploring how they would approach cleaning damaged carpeting on a commercial building. This article should give you some insight as to why you should probably call a professional even if the damage doesn't seem severe.

Water Damage Assessment

Many people don't realize this, but after a fire, smoke and fire damages aren't the only forms of damage a commercial building will sustain. Because of the use of fire hoses to put out the fire, water damage is EXTREMELY common after a commercial building fire.

A professional damage restoration company will need to assess the water damage first to address any immediate damage. If the building and its contents aren't professionally dried out in the first 24-48 hours after a fire the building runs the risk of developing mold.

If the carpet got wet during the extinguishing of the fire, the padding from underneath will need to be removed and discarded. After it is completely dry, it can be swept or vacuumed to remove debris and followed up with sponging with a commercial rug shampoo. 

Fire/Smoke Damage Assessment

After the initial water damage assessment, the restoration professionals will asses the extent of the fire and smoke damage. In this case we're looking specifically at carpeted floors so the specialists will be looking for burned or scorched carpet that will likely need to be replaced.

Some carpeting will be able to be salvaged via deep cleaning, but often times its best practice to simply replace the carpeting.

CALL US!

Depending on the extent of the damage, cleaning it yourself can take hours, and without years of professional expertise, you'll likely spend time trying to clean flooring that's too damaged to be cleaned.

This is why it is important to call a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company after a commercial building fire!

If you have suffered through a commercial building fire, please give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

Cleaning Tile Floors of Commercial Buildings After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building fires are always so devastating no matter the extent of the damage. Today we'll be examining how a damage restoration company can help get things back to normal by exploring how they would approach cleaning damaged tile or vinyl flooring on a commercial building. This article should give you some insight as to why you should probably call a professional even if the damage doesn't seem severe.

Water Damage Assessment

Many people don't realize this, but after a fire, smoke and fire damages aren't the only forms of damage a commercial building will sustain. Because of the use of fire hoses to put out the fire, water damage is EXTREMELY common after a commercial building fire.

A professional damage restoration company will need to assess the water damage first to address any immediate damage. If the building and its contents aren't professionally dried out in the first 24-48 hours after a fire the building runs the risk of developing mold.

Fire/Smoke Damage Assessment

After the initial water damage assessment, the restoration professionals will asses the extent of the fire and smoke damage. In this case we're looking specifically at tile floors and since tile is the most resistance flooring material clean up should be fast and relatively easy.

Linoleum and vinyl on the other had damage very  easily and will usually need to be replaced.

CALL US!

Depending on the extent of the damage, cleaning it yourself can take hours, and without years of professional expertise, you'll likely spend time trying to clean flooring that's too damaged to be cleaned.

This is why it is important to call a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company after a commercial building fire!

If you have suffered through a commercial building fire, please give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

How to Protect Your Garage from Storms in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Garages are an often under protected structure during severe storm conditions. Many people conclude that since no one is in the garage, they don't have to work as diligently to secure the space. What many people don't realize is, an unsecured garage leaves the rest of their home extremely vulnerable to storm damage. As high winds shoot into a garage door, they meet a hard wall, forcing them upward into the roof. Sometimes the pressure is great enough that the roof blows off!

So to protect your garage, home and roof, its important to properly secure your garage door in the event of severe storm conditions.

Sometimes this can mean replacing the door with a sturdier one.

I know it may seem extreme, but as we explained in the article, a vulnerable garage is a vulnerable home during a high wind storm.

If your home has sustained storm damage give us a call here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt at (703) 665-7420!

Restoring Your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Rose Hill/Fort Hunt commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is an IICRC firm!

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. 

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill

SERVPRO of Rose Hill specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Our Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OSHA - Other Training
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Can Help Deal With Any Size Storm Disaster

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of where you live, you can be the victim of a flood. Thanks to the damaging effects of water, floods can destroy much of your home and everything inside. If you want to better protect your home from flooding, check out these four common types of flood waters you should be aware of.

1. Clean Water Flooding

Sometimes, a faulty pipe or appliance causes flooding inside your house. For example, during the winter, a pipe (containing fresh drinking water) freezes and breaks to create a leak in your basement. This water was designed to be used and consumed by humans, so you don't have to worry about contaminates like sewage.

As long as you catch the damage quickly, this type of flooding can be stopped fast. All you need to do is turn off the water from the source, such as the main water valve. It's still important to remove the water and dry items as fast as possible to prevent mold and mildew, which can cause breathing problems, skin irritation, eye irritation, and other medical issues.

2. River Flooding

If an area suddenly receives a lot of rainfall (or a lot of snowfall that melts quickly), it can cause rivers to overflow. Nearby houses, which are normally far from the waters, may find their basements, crawlspaces or entire house filled with river water. Unfortunately, this type of water may be heavily contaminated.

First, many rivers, especially those in urban areas, aren't clean. They contain many pollutants, chemicals, and diseases that can harm you and your family. Similarly, while the water was traveling to your home, it may have caught water pouring from overflowing sewers, which means the flood water may contain fecal matter and similar contaminates. For this reason, especially if there was lots of water damage, many homeowners need extensive repairs to drywall, flooring, and other areas of the home.

3. Groundwater Flooding

While much of the Earth's water is on the surface in the form of oceans, lakes, and rivers, there is also a lot of water hiding underground. This groundwater is commonly used for drinking wells, which means it is relatively clean. Plus, as the water is pushed through dirt and rocks, it may shed more contaminates. For this reason, unless the water smells or looks rancid, you can assume that it is mostly clean.

As long as you start cleaning right away, you should be able to restore much of what was exposed to the water. If drywall was impacted, however, you may need to have your walls opened so that they can fully dry. Even if the wall looks dry and clean outside, it may have mold and moisture inside the walls. This is especially a problem if the insulation absorbs water because it can hold the water for a long period of time.

4. Sewer Flooding  

Sewage can be found in nearly any type of flood water, but flood water can also come directly from the sewer. In some cases, this is simply caused by your toilet or septic system backing up. As a result, the toilet and other drains may begin to let sewage back into your home.

In more severe cases, if lots of flooding causes the sewage system to overflow (or if the system is damaged in some way), it can cause sewage to back up into your home via the toilet. The worst part: this backup is not just your waste; it can be waste from anyone in your community. Sewage like this isn’t just gross; it can cause illness and disease.

Not all flood water is contaminated, but all flood water can lead to major damage and mold growth.

If you would like to know more about types of flood waters and damage or if you need to request a quote, contact us at (703) 655-7420 today.

How Quickly A Fire Can Spread Through Your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Home

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

House fires are terrible tragedies and terribly dangerous. Experts say a small kitchen fire can become life threatening in anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes! After 5 minutes an entire residence is at risk of being engulfed in flames.

As fire damage restoration experts, SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt have seen just how devastating a fire can be. In this short article we'll explain how fires spread through a home so quickly.

IGNITION

Fires typically start in the kitchen area as either the cause of an appliance malfunction, overcooking or oil fire. The initial spark is the easiest to deal with and is the best chance a homeowner has at stopping the spread of the fire.

AFTER 30 SECONDS

After about 30 seconds, the fire starts to build and spread engulfing any near by oils and flammable residues. 

If the fire started near a highly flammable source, its at this point the fire can "explode" and become life threatening to anyone in its immediate vicinity.

Homeowners still have a chance to stop the fire in its track at this point! Covering the flame if its in a pot or pan will restrict the flow of oxygen in the fire, causing it to die down.

AFTER 1 MINUTE

At this point the flame is starting to engulf the kitchen, eating away at all flammable materials like wooden cabinets and utensils.

It is also at this point that poisonous gasses like carbon monoxide start to be released into the air, at large enough quantities that even just a few breaths will render someone unconscious.

AFTER 2 MINUTES

The flame continues to grow within the kitchen and the entire house starts becoming uninhabitable.

AFTER 3 MINUTES

The Flashover occurs! This is like a fireball explosion. All the oxygen in the room is sucked up into the fire, and the heat is intense enough to cause everything in the room to ignite into flames!

AFTER 4 MINUTES

The flame starts to spread through hallways into other rooms, the entire residence is now in imminent danger of being engulfed in flames.

AFTER 5 MINUTES

The entire house is virtually on fire.

Unfortunately fires move very quickly and after the first minute there's almost nothing any homeowner can do except evacuate and start considering what to do after the fire.

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing fire damage restoration service, give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

Understanding How Protein Residue Can Affect Your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area Home

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can be incredibly tricky to deal with. It's incredibly how long smoke odors can linger, even when an object wasn't directly exposed to the flames!

In this article we'll quickly explore one of the trickiest forms of smoke damage; protein residue.

Protein Residue

When organic material evaporates during a low-heat fire, protein residue is created. This is usually happens during a kitchen fire.

This type of smoke damage is essentially invisible with no noticeable soot or streaking, but it can permanently discolor painted, varnished, or other finished surfaces.

It isn't uncommon for this kind of smoke damage to be underestimated because of hoe difficult it is to spot.

However, protein reside does leave a very unpleasant odor that often can permeate throughout an entire residence if the afflicted object remains uncleaned so it's important to reach out to a fire and smoke damage restoration service provider (like SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt) after a fire so they can diagnose and treat any smoke or fire damaged articles.

If any of your belongings were exposed to a house or commercial building fire give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420 today. We handle all our clients quickly, professionally and with the highest quality of customer service!

Cleaning Hardwood Floors of Commercial Buildings After A Fire in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is never fun or particularly "easy" to deal with, however a fire in a commercial building can often come with their own specific sets of obstacles. Today we'll be examining how a damage restoration company would approach a commercial building damage job, and give you some insight as to why you should probably call a professional even if the damage doesn't seem severe.

Water Damage Assessment

Many people don't realize this, but after a fire, smoke and fire damages aren't the only forms of damage a commercial building will sustain. Because of the use of fire hoses to put out the fire, water damage is EXTREMELY common after a commercial building fire.

A professional damage restoration company will need to assess the water damage first to address any immediate damage. If the building and its contents aren't professionally dried out in the first 24-48 hours after a fire the building runs the risk of developing mold.

Fire/Smoke Damage Assessment

After the initial water damage, the restoration professionals with asses the extent of the fire and smoke damage. In this case we're looking specifically at hardwood floors so the specialists will be looking for burned or scorched wood flooring that will likely need to be replaced.

Some wood floors will be able to be salvaged by being sanded down if the burn isn't too deep or if the damage is primarily smoke or soot stained.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

While the damage restoration professionals will be using specialized equipment to quickly restore and repair the fire damaged flooring, if you're interested in learning how to do it yourself read the following instructions:

Combine 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water and use a soft cloth to rub the floors in a circular motion. After applying the solution, use a dry, soft cloth to immediately dry the floor. After the floor has been cleaned allow it to dry out completely and apply a layer of wax as recommended for your specific type of hardwood flooring.

Depending on the extent of the damage, cleaning it yourself can take hours, and without years of professional expertise, you'll likely spend time trying to clean flooring that's too damaged to be cleaned.

This is why it is important to call a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company after a commercial building fire!

If you have suffered through a commercial building fire, please give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

Faster to your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Commercial Building Water Damage Even

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Commercial building flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (703) 665-7420

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Gives Back to our great community in which we live and work

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is committed to community development!

A community is defined as “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” As our company continues to grow from the support and continued business from members of our community, we realize how important it is to give back to the great communities in which we live and work! 

In April 2021, our SERVPRO team contributed a sizable donation to the Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia.  

The organization attempts to improve the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those they serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. This was a small token of our appreciation for their continued dedication to those in the line of duty. 

THANK YOU to all respectable state and local officers, past and present!

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is Committed to Serving This Community By Staying Open Longer!

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our Commercial Services: 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of Alexandria provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Alexandria. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is Committed to Accuracy!

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt team members in daily meeting

The SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt team is 100% committed to efficiency and precision when on any job, no matter the size. To help foster the value of accuracy, our President Bill has developed a daily morning ritual here at SERVPRO of Alexandria to encourage communication and understanding between the office and the field team members.

Every morning the SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt team meets and discusses the ongoing jobs as well as collaborate to iron out any outstanding details remaining from the previous work days.

These power meetings ensure that everyone is on the same page, and that we can continue through the work day quickly without any hiccups.

It is this commitment to doing the job well that sets us apart from any other damage restoration firm in the Alexandria area! We love what we do here and we do it well. If you have suffered through a fire, flood or have an ongoing mold problem give us a call here at (703) 665-7420.

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is a Family

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt celebrate Martin (a team member's) graduation

When comparing different damage restoration companies to give your services to, we know you have a lot of choices and a lot of things to consider. If you choose to allow us here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt to take care of your damage restoration needs, you can take comfort in knowing not only did you hire one of the most professional, courteous and efficient damage restoration teams in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt area, but that you also hired a family.

We celebrate one another here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt and we support each member of our team as they advance through the carious stages of life. Whether that means celebrating a recent graduation, or helping console one of our team members through the tragedy of a recent death, SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt takes care of their own with the same love, compassion and empathy that we exhibit out there on the field.

It is our pleasure to share our family with this community as we continue to service you all!

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (703) 665-7420

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Faster to your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Water Damage Event

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (703) 665-7420

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What Happens If Water Damage Remains Unattended to in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

As you can see, time is of the essence when dealing with water damage restoration so you can't afford to delay. If you've experienced water damage in your home or commercial building give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (703) 665-7420

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (703) 665-7420

Dealing with a Leaky Dishwasher

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Dishwashers are one of the "hotspots" for mold and water damage. If you have a dishwasher that's leaking, you may need to call a water damage restoration specialist, like the ones at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt, especially if the leak has been going on for some while.

Because dishwasher leaking is such a prevalent and common problem, AND because it can lead to some serious water damage, we've compiled a short list of the common causes of dishwasher leaking.

Cause #1: Broken Dishwasher Door

If there's water accumulating directly underneath your dishwasher’s door, the leak is probably being caused by a broken dishwasher door.

Cause #2: Using the Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong type of dishwasher detergent can also lead to leaking. For instance, if you use regular dishwashing soap there may be some excess suds created that can push against the dishwasher door causing a leak while the dish washer is operating.

Cause #3 Blocked Drainage

Your dishwasher may be overfilling with water, causing the leak. Occasionally, a dishwasher unit can take in a greater amount of water than it should, which prevents the unit from being able to drain properly. When this occurs, water can be forced out of the dishwasher and pushed onto the floor.

Hopefully, by understanding what causes dishwater leaking, you can take steps to prevent it from happening and prevent future water damage. However, if you've already experienced some water damage in your home or commercial building, give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

What Causes Pipes to Leak In Rose Hill/Fort Hunt?

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is often caused by Leaky pipes, which results in flooding and often times some substantial water damage. There are a few primary causes of pipe leaking you should know in order to identify warning signs and prevent water damage due to leaky pipes in your home.

Cause #1: Corrosion/Rusting

Corrosion can eat away at pipes until they begin to leak. Be sure to keep your eyes out for any discoloration of the water or warping, as these can be early signs of corrosion.

The corrosion generally happens as a result of slightly more acidic water running through the pipes. Have your water levels pH levels tested if you suspect your pipes are rusting.

Cause #2: Deteriorating Sealants

When pipes are installed, seals are secured in order to attach water connectors. These seals can break over time and result in flooding.

You can tell that seals are breaking  if there is condensation on your pipes or if there are any puddles of water accumulating on the ground beneath the seal.

Cause #3: Dry Pipes

If you fail to run water through your pipes for some time they can become extremely dry and cause seals to crack, leading to leaking and flooding. 

Cause #4: Drastic Changes in Weather

Rapid and drastic changes in temperature can force pipes to expand and contract, which can cause the pipes to crack under pressure and leak.

Run water through pipes on cold days to prevent pipes from freezing in cold temperatures and keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature.

Knowing some of the causes of pipe leakage should help put you in a position to prevent water damage due to leaky pipes, however, if your home or commercial building has already sustained water damage you should call SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt (703) 665-7420.

Does Your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Home Have A Mold Problem?

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –(703) 665-7420

When Storms or Floods hit Rose Hill/Fort Hunt, SERVPRO is ready!

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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. This means less hassle and stress for you!

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.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

Our size and national presence are some of our biggest assets! When storms hit Rose Hill/Fort Hunt, 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. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (703) 665-7420

Four Unexpected Ways to Protect Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area Homes From Storms

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

4 Unexpected Ways to Protect Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Homes From Storms

As a homeowner in Rose Hill/Fort Hunt your house is more than just a home and place to raise your family, it's an investment, and as such it is your responsibility to protect it from weather related damage.

Even though Alexandria isn't known for their terrible storm climate, storm conditions are often unpredictable and can vary wildly in intensity and destructive ability, so its your job to be prepared for any potential hazards.

1. Cutting down surrounding foliage and trees.

Many homeowners like the idea of having a nice big tree in the front or backyard for shade on a hot summers day but strong storm winds can blow limbs off tree trunks or even topple over the entire tree!

While landscaping, look at the distance between the trees on your property and your house, and consider either trimming or even cutting down some weak rooted trees to prevent damage in the event of strong storm winds.

2. Replacing gravel with mulch

Once again, strong winds pose a potential threat of picking up small rocks and whirling them into your home. Since the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt area rarely has to deal with any tornadoes or catastrophic winds (knock on wood) this probably isn't a very high priority, but may still be worth considering.

Consider replacing any gravel with mulch to reduce the potential damage should there be intense wind conditions.

3. Roof maintenance

Poorly secured shillings can easily blow off in a storm, making your home susceptible to leaking from wet conditions. 

Remember, roof shillings are layered down, meaning if one shilling blows off, many others are sure to blow off as well!

Before a big storm, do a quick roof inspection to make sure your roofing is secure, your gutters are unclogged and they are securely attached to your home.

4. Secure your Garage Door

In the event of strong winds, your garage is the largest opening into the structure of your home. If winds are strong enough to blow through into your garage, the wind will have no where to go but up, blowing off part, if not all of your roof!

In the event of a large storm or high winds, make sure garage door is shut and securely closed.

Many of the preventative measures we be shared in this article don't seem incredibly obvious or imminently dangerous. It's only after working in the restoration industry for years (as we have here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt) do you learn to appreciate just how dangerous some common points of neglection are to the safety and integrity of your home.

If, after following these steps your home unfortunately does sustain some storm damage, give us a call at (703) 665-7420.

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt is one of the leading storm damage restoration businesses in Alexandria, Virginia; we respond quickly, professionally and offer the highest level of customer service!

We are here to help, whether it be a simple consultation, to help clean, or if there's more serious structural damage, give us a call. Once again our number is 703) 665-74200.

Understanding Your Risk of Flash Flood Damage in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flash floods are rapid flooding typically occurring after heavy rain fall, storming or a catastrophic weather event like a hurricane or tropical storm. Technically, a flood is considered a "flash flood" if it occurs with 6 hours of the rain fall, however flooding can occur much more quickly than that.

Because of the speed at which it happens, there is often very little preparation time to deal with a flash flood, and even if there was more time, there's very little you can do to protect your property from flooding damage.

The best plan of action is to evacuate once a flash flood becomes imminent, likely due to a national or local warning system.

Also, understand that flash floods affect homes based on elevation, not strictly geography, meaning although the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt area isn't right up against any major bodies of water (relatively speaking) that doesn't eliminate the risk of flooding damage due to a flash flood.

In the very unfortunate event of flash flooding, your home will sustain serious water damage. If that is to happen, you'll need water damage restoration specialists, like the ones here at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt. We can be reached by phone at (703) 665-7420.

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (703) 665-7420

How Winter Weather Can Damage Your Roof

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

When people think about storm damage they usually think about the aftermath of catastrophic weather phenomena like tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical storms. Years of experience has shown us that even milder weather conditions can prove to be quite destructive too, which important to keep in mind year round as a homeowner. In this article we'll quickly explore the 3 major ways WINTER weather can cause damage to your home, and more specifically, your roof.

1. Water Damage

Freezing rain can damage your roof as it builds up in your gutter and prevents proper draining. This issue can be exacerbated if your area experiences increased rain fall after the gutters are clogged.

Remember, it only takes a few inches of water to cause extensive water damage to a roof.

2. Snow Damage

Homes with flat roofs are vulnerable to accumulating snow which can become quite heavy and put serious strain on the roof, even causing it to leak!

3. Wind Damage

Wind damage accompanied with heavy precipitation can weaken shillings, break windows or worse.

And these are just the most common ways in which winter weather can damage a home. If your home has suffered storm damage, please reach out to us at SERVPRO Rose Hill/Fort Hunt at (703) 665-7420

September is National Preparedness Month

9/10/2013 (Permalink)

This month is recognized as National Preparedness Month and we at SERVPRO of Rose Hill would like to encourage all of our customers and partners to take this theme to heart. With hurricane season approaching there has never been a better time to ensure that your home or business is prepared not only to survive a disaster but to rebuild and recover in the aftermath. That's why we've partnered with the Red Cross to prepare Emergency Ready Profiles for local businesses to ensure that their employees will be safe in the event of a tragedy and will be able to get back to normal as quickly as possible once the threat has passed.

For more information about setting up your ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) contact SERVPRO of Rose Hill at servpro10052@gmail.com, 703-567-4599, or visit your local Red Cross.