Fast Is As Slow As We Go

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fast is as slow as we go written on the wall.

Here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley one of our goals is to get your property back to preloss conditions as quickly as we can. We know when you experience a loss in your home or business it is stressful, and we want you to know we are here to help. Our technicians are highly trained, and they are prepared for any size disaster. SERVPRO trains our technicians in mold mitigation, and fire and water restoration. With their training, our crews know what equipment to use and how to get your property back in order. We pride ourselves here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley on the hard work of our team members and their ability to collaborate to make your property look “Like it never even happened” the fastest we can.

Our Franchise

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van

One thing we pride ourselves on here at SERVPRO North Kanawha and Teays Valley is giving our all to our customers on every job we do. We want to show you guys how serious we are about helping to our full extent and making sure our employees have the correct training. All our staff here at SERVPRO go through initial and ongoing training at our SERVPRO corporate training facility. We strive to be the very best for our customers. Our employees have certifications and training ranging from OSHA's 30-hour general and construction training to odor control technician. Our employees are highly trained and ready to make your property look, "Like it never even happened."

IICRC Certified

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has been providing the highest quality certifications in this industry. We have been a part of the IICRC for over five years. Our professionals are constantly studying restoration and cleaning courses and upholding the IICRC standards.

Committed to Our Community

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is locally owned and operated. Most of our team has grown up in this community. Our franchise has invested in helping our community when we are needed. We have volunteered for a variety of organizations, including the Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross and others.

A Dynamic Duo

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Brittany and Tim are two wonderful examples of what a career at a locally owned and operated business could look like.

Employee retention is one of the many positives of a locally owned and operated business. Hiring and promoting within is a benefit locally owned businesses can offer to their employees and as a result,  employees are typically better compensated as far as pay, benefits, and flexible scheduling. This in turn translates into more money being put back into the local economy and more time spent volunteering in the community. The local company is in turn compensated with a more faithful and dedicated employee who is willing to go the extra mile.

Today’s blog will highlight two of our loyal and dedicated employees that embody this message, Brittany Sutherland and Tim McDaniel. The years of service that these great employees have given to the community accounts for countless certifications, tons of hands-on-experience, and extensive training in all areas of the restoration industry.

Let’s start with Brittany’s inspirational story. Brittany started with SERVPRO through a temp agency in May of 2018 as a technician, working on the truck and assisting the crew chief on jobs. She studied hard in her spare time and obtained her Water Restoration Technician and Advanced Structural Drying certifications and became a Crew Chief. In 2021, she took more exams and obtained her Fire Restoration and Content Process certifications and helped build the foundation of our Contents Division. From there, Brittany assumed the role of Project Manager at the beginning of this year where she oversees water, fire and mold restoration jobs and crews. To say we are proud of the hard work and dedication it has taken Brittany to get where she is today would be an understatement.

Another riveting employee journey is that of Tim McDaniel. Tim has been with SERVPRO since the 90’s and spent his first five years with as a crew chief working on truck. Tim came back in 2004 as a project manager and then moved to the Sales and Marketing department to pursue a career as our Commercial Restoration Specialist. Customer service was always one of Tim's strengths, and he used that to build strong relationships with our commercial clients and assisted production with customer service on large commercial jobs to ensure his client’s satisfaction. Tim worked as our Commercial Restoration Specialist until 2020 when he was given a much-deserved promotion to Operations Manager. Tim’s well-rounded knowledge of all facets of this business made him the perfect person for the job. In this role, he oversees our restoration teams as well as office staff and collaborates with our owners on new ways to generate business. 

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been servicing Kanawha and Putnam Counties and surrounding areas for over 3 decades and we have invested in our employees, which has translated into quality service to our customers. Brittany and Tim are only two examples of the dedicated team we have put together, and we are lucky to have them!

Reviews don't lie

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Prompt, efficient and professional: these are the words that we live by.

As a local, family-owned business, word of mouth is everything. We rely on what our customers say about us and the job we have done. With the world of technology making it so easy to share our thoughts on services and goods we purchase, Google and Facebook Reviews have been an excellent way for us to see what our customers think. In 2021 alone, we received a total of 37 positive Google Reviews. We went through each of these reviews to see what it is that we are doing right, and this is what we found:

Prompt, efficient and professional. These are the words costumers used over and over when detailing their experience with SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. These are things we pride ourselves on and strive to achieve with every job, and it is great to see that it seems we have been successful. Prompt and efficient service is what sets us apart

If you would like to let us know how we are doing, please click here to leave us a Google review!

What's that smell?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let odors like smoke be an inconvenience. Call the pros to get your house smelling like it should.

Fire, smoke and soot damages in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.  Even small fires can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley specializes in restoring, cleaning and deodorizing after the fire and possible water damage has caused odor issues at your property.

Other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

As various materials burn, or other problems like mold growth go untreated, the odorous residues and deposits on surfaces are left behind. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

Our services don't cover up the odor with fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO's own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC ducts and more. 

Whether it's fire, water, mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley will make it "Like it never even happened."

The Science of Drying

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our top-of-the-line equipment helps us get your home back to normal quickly and effectively.

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards. This helps lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold growth. 

Here are the steps we will take to ensure your water damage restoration is handled correctly and efficiently.

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up mother nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air-is drier.  The only issue is that nature often takes too long and secondary damage such as mold may occur. SERVPRO of Kanawha and Teays Valley has special equipment such as Dry Mat System for Wood Floors and tools to help dry hard wood floors, and hard to reach spaces inside walls. We use modern moisture monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process called DryBook to help speed the drying of your home or business.

DryBook is a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process. It helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has the training, equipment and technology to help make your water damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Julie's SERVPRO Story

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Julie talks about her love for the franchise and how she went from Office Manager to 2nd generation Owner.

Julie Reynolds, franchise owner, shares her history with SERVPRO in this touching and heartfelt post she wrote on her 24 year anniversary with SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley.

Julie wrote, "Today marks my 24 year anniversary with SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. Technically I’ve been in the SERVPRO system for longer, but I’ve been doing this fulltime for 24 years, now that seems crazy! SERVPRO has been serving the Kanawha and Putnam counties for 31 years and I can say I am blessed to do what I do, first as office manager and then 11 years ago becoming a second-generation owner. This business is more than a business, more than a job, it is FAMILY. I am proud of our commitment to our customers and the local communities we serve. I am usually a more behind the scenes kind of person, and do not post much but today I am so happy of where we started but more so of where we are heading. We continue to learn and grow our business whether it is by adding employees or expanding our service line. The TEAM we have created is out of this world as we continue to strive to be your premier restoration provider. I am truly thankful to be a WV small business and for those that let us work and serve them with their needs."

What an awesome sentiment from our dedicated franchise owner!

Contents, get your contents!

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Take a sneak peak at our new Contents Division housed in our warehouse.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is making some big and exciting changes everywhere from new garage buildings to an entire division being added. Operations Manager, Tim McDaniel, weighs in on the big news of adding a contents division to the franchise's utility belt. 

“Our new Contents Division is the next logical step in growing our two franchise's ability to service our customers who have experienced some type of disaster at there home or business as well as our insurance clients.

The customers personal belongings are the things that they hold near and dear to their heart, things that are very personal to them. Items could include antiques, family heirlooms, maybe even a piece of art one of the children made for them. Some of these items cannot be replaced. This is where our Contents Specialist comes into play. Now we will be able take those items to our new contents facility and have a better chance of restoring those items if they are damaged in a fire, or water damage.

A kitchen cabinet, flooring, or some other structural item usually holds no sentimental value, but personal belongings hold so much more value than a dollar amount. We are now able to give those contents items the special attention they deserve. SERVPRO is now able to pack out a home and store items at our facility, so they do not get broken, or lost during a remodel or cleanup.

Insurance companies like the idea of restoring an item as opposed to replacing them because it typically cost less to restore items as well. We believe that it is a win for everyone involved because the customer gets their coveted items back, it is less costly for the insurance company, and we get the satisfaction of seeing the look on a customers face when we return an item they thought would be lost forever.”

There you have it! The changes happening in our franchise, big and small, are what make us the premier restoration company in the valley. 

ONE Team

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

We are One Team

Last month, our brand saw potentially the biggest storm event in our history throughout the South Central region of the United States. This record setting storm caused by a disruption in the polar vortex left thousands without power and with frozen water lines. States affected included Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and many others. Places like Texas where they are not used to more than a day of snow flurries had to deal with the lack of infrastructure for an event such as this one.

And in an instant SERVPRO says “How can we help?” We immediately started getting emails asking franchises to mobilize storm crews to assist in high need areas. A call to action was put in place and franchises, included our own, took the opportunity to help. We quickly began planning and packing. Crew leaders jumped at the chance to be a helping hand. That Monday morning, we were on our way to assist a community in need hours away. ONE Team. This is a phrase we hear often here at SERVPRO. In that moment, we were one team with one collective goal. We came together without hesitation. If that does not speak to what we are all about, I do not know what does.

We see this a lot in our beautiful country. In times of need and in moments of chaos, we become one- ONE Team.

Seeing is Believing

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Seeing is Believing

Today’s blog was written by a phenomenal former employee of ours, Matt Paxton. We strive to be the best and to do the best for our customers and our team. To hear directly from a team member that we are doing just that is music to our ears. Thanks, Matt.

“*WARNING* Personal Blog ahead…. I’ve worked for SERVPRO for going on two years now and have had the opportunity to observe a few things that I believe are worth mentioning. I am not necessarily the “new guy” anymore but compared to the tenure of many of my colleges I am. As I find myself on the backside of 40, I have held a number of positions with a number of different companies. Each company having their own culture as well as employees and owners with different quirks and different ideas about how a business should be run, and different attitudes toward customers and the importance of customer satisfaction. What I am here to say is that SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley cares more about it’s customers than any place I have ever worked before. They are absolutely customer obsessed!

Perhaps it was the precedence established by David Duff 30 years ago when he started the company, but current owners Julie and Stephen Reynolds start and end each day with the customer’s best interest in mind. The conversations held behind closed doors around here are not, “Hey, how can we squeeze a little extra money out of this job?” but instead are more along the lines of, “This customer is in a bad situation, how can we help them.” or “This is a fantastic cause, how can we help them achieve their charitable goals.” This might all sound common, but I assure you, this is not the mindset of many businesses today.

The office staff is no exception. The Operations Manager, Production Manager and ladies in the front office are absolutely dedicated to their jobs 24/7. There is not a doubt in my mind that they all lose sleep worrying about how a job is going and if a customer is ok. And don’t even get me started the production crews. When you work in someone’s home you cannot help but form a bond with these people. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been standing around the water cooler and hear production staff discussing with other crews the nuances of a customer’s situation and preparing them with expectations for their own visit to the home.

If this sounds cheesy, I apologize but it is absolutely true and needed to be said. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley will be more committed, top to bottom, on your loss and getting you back to normal. Don’t believe me? Give us call, because seeing is believing.”

Fall Home Maintenance

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Gutter cleaning

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

Fall shouldn’t be the only time you protect your home but fall is a good reminder to make sure your home is ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices

To ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are new and working properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Also, make sure to replace used or expired fire extinguishers.

Fire up the Furnace

Turn your furnace on before the temperatures start to plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keeping all flammable materials away from your furnace including clothing, paint products, toxic materials, and cardboard are a good way to minimize the dangers of a house fire.

Inspect the Insulation

Keep the cold air out by checking your insulation around your home in the fall.  Minimizing the cold drafts will allow your furnace to not overwork itself trying to heat your home and minimizing heating bills. 

Give the Heater Some Space

Heaters need space to vent and warm an area without warming things that they shouldn’t like clothing, bedding, drapery, and furniture.   These items should never be left near any type of heater.  Make sure that you read the instructions provided with your heater to ensure that the heater doesn’t require special venting. Remember to always shut them off when you leave the house and do not leave them unattended if you have children or pets.

Fire Safety

Before you relight your fireplace after the warmer seasons, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar, and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Preventing dryer fires by cleaning the filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Just like burning candles, it is never advised to leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended either.

De-clutter the Gutters

The falling leaves can leave you with quite a mess to clean by removing all debris and leaves from your gutters you can minimize the possibility of damage to your home due to overflowing gutters. If deciding to burn leaves and debris removed from your gutters, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live.  If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees

As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

Fall is a time for fun and family. Put these tips into practice today to ensure a safe fall and winter season.

Good- Fast- Cheap: Pick Two

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Construction Worker Struggling

“Good, fast, cheap…Pick two,” is an old phrase that my uncle taught me when I was young lad coming up in contracting sales. This phrase infers that there are three essential aspects to any construction project that the buyer must be aware of. Those aspects are quality, time, and cost. So, if you have a contactor who does good work and gets it done quickly then they likely will not be cheap. You can get work that is fast and cheap, but you will not get good quality…and so on. After working around construction for 20 years now I have found this old saying to pass the test of time.

Last month when visiting a home that had a water line break inside of an upstairs wall one year ago, the insurance company approved the claim and handed the homeowner a check to mitigate and repair the damages. After calling around and getting some estimates the owners hired a mitigation company from out of town who had a significantly lower bid. A couple of days into the job that contractor mentioned that they were having trouble getting some of the areas dried up and that it was, “pretty good and everything should be ok.” Fast forward to 9 months later and the moisture that was left in the walls had resulted in devastating mold growth throughout their entire basement. The cost of remediating that mold ended up being well over the savings that they had gained from the discount contractor.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been in business for over 30 years now and knows how to get the job done right. We adhere to all IICRC standards and stand behind our work so you know that when we leave you can rest easy that a horror story like this will not happen to you. The prices we charge are directly in line with industry and insurance standards. The time we take is exactly how long it takes to get the job done right. The quality of our work is the best that science allows. So, forget good, fast, cheap. At SERVPRO we offer great work, on time and on budget.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards no matter the situation and are always Here To Help.

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, 304-755-9510

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Veterans Put the SERVe in SERVPRO

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO hard hat with the challenge coin provided from our corporate office to show appreciation to our past and presently serving service members.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the military currently discharges over 225,000 service members annually. Veterans form a sizable pool of skilled and experienced individuals in our society. However, there is no "employment agency" for veterans to turn to when they return from active duty. As a mission-driven company, our core values and mission align with the teachings of the military to their service members. By hiring a veteran you are not only providing a job to someone who made a selfless commitment to our country, but you are allowing them to start a career.
SERVPRO understands the value that veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and disabled veterans bring to our SERVPRO Family. We believe that it is our responsibility and civic duty to help these returning veterans as they transition back into civilian life. It is incumbent on us to provide them with opportunities to find meaningful work and reintegrate into the business world. It is our corporate goal to hire 1,000 veterans by 2022. The individuals who benefit most from this program are our customers. As anyone who has ever worked with prior service employees can tell you, their integrity and attention to detail are unparalleled.
The opportunity for us to help those who have fought for our freedom is an honor. Without the brave men and women of our United States military, we would not have the privilege of serving our communities. So next time you see a veteran be sure to thank them for their service. Here at SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, we’re working to make sure that the next uniform they put on has SERVPRO® on it.

Our Next 30 Years!

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

1990-2020 2020 makes SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley's 30th year in the Kanawha & Teays Valleys.

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2019, and the world ushered in a New Year and decade, we here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley were ringing in the beginning of our 30^th year in business. In 1990 when David and Rachael Duff opened the doors to this exciting and promising new franchise they could have only dreamed about the growth and success that their young company would experience.

30 years is a tremendous milestone for any organization. In the highly competitive business climate that we see today there are several things required to consistently stay relevant in the industry. First and foremost is quality. It’s been said that, “Quality is the best business plan,” and we couldn’t agree more. From the attention to detail that our production teams strive to assure in every job, to the diligence in the communication and follow-up from our customer support staff. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley have always gone the extra mile when performing your mitigation and restoration projects from beginning to end.

10 years ago David and Rachel passed the torch to their daughter and son in law, Julie and Stephen Reynolds. As time has passed and new technologies and practices have come and gone, one thing has remained the same; an unwavering commitment to quality. When Stephen and Julie took over the company in 2010 along with it came the knowledge, experience and expertise that they gained while working under the outstanding leadership of the Duffs. The same dedication to quality and customer service that lead to SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley first 30 years of industry leadership will carry us valiantly into our next 30 years of making it “Like it never even happened.”

30 years of New math

1/19/2020 (Permalink)

30 years of new math. The numbers may look jumbled, but that adds up to a great number of years of service to the community.

30......25,21,19,14,11,7,6……………..

No, this is not some weird “new math” countdown. These number 30 represent the years SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley has been in the valley.  25, 21, 19, 14, 11, 7, 6, 4 are the years of service that some of our great employees have given to the community.  That length of service accounts for countless certifications, tons of hands-on experience, and extensive training in all areas of the restoration industry, as well as the construction trades.

Employee retention is one of the many positives of a locally owned and operated business. We find that out-of-state companies may not hire in-state employees at all and if they do hire our people, they typically don’t find the same loyalty as an employee working for a local company because they are more concerned with the bottom dollar and not necessarily the health and wellbeing of their employee as well as the impact those employees have on our local communities and economy.

When local companies hire within their community it is usually a win, win situation. Employees are typically better compensated as far as pay, benefits, and more flexible scheduling, which in turn translates not only into more money being put back into the local economy but also more time put back into volunteering and community involvement as well as a healthier community overall. The local company is in turn compensated with a more faithful and dedicated employee who is more willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been servicing Charleston, WV and the surrounding areas for almost 3 decades now and we have invested in our employees, which has in turn translated into quality service to our customers. If you have used our services; thank you, and if you find yourself in need of restoration services please consider your locally owned and operated SERVPRO because using out-of-state companies just doesn’t add up.

New Year, New You!

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Happy New Year.

As we have entered the year 2020 preparedness is always top on our mind and with each New Year, many people make resolutions to better themselves or some part of their life.  This year, make a resolution to be READY.  No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can prepare for it.  The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in the year to come.

Planning is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a fire, or an area flood.  Having an emergency plan in place helps minimize the amount of time that it takes to get you back to preloss conditions.  The ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan) is a no-cost assessment to a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas.  It takes little time to complete the assessment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  The information is also provided to you by downloading a free app on your smartphone or tablet.  The SERVPRO® READY app, putting all of this vital information at your fingertips, anywhere you may be.  Call us today (304)755-9510 to set up an appointment to get you “Ready for whatever happens”.

Why Choosing the Right Restoration Company is So Important After a Disaster in Your Home

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Choosing the right door, for the right restoration company.

When the aftermath of a storm, fire or any other type of disaster strikes your life, it can be extremely devastating. It’s hard to know what to do and where to begin when trying to pick up the pieces. If there is significant damage to your home, the thought of the cleanup process can be overwhelming. You may find yourself frequently asking if you should do the cleanup yourself to save the cost of hiring a professional. How hard could it be? The cleanup and restoration process after a disaster is a huge job and defiantly not as simple as a DIY job. Many factors need to be considered and many hidden dangers that can get worse if not handled properly. Here are the reasons why it’s best to hire a professional restoration company after a disaster has struck your home.

Smoke and Fire Damage

On the surface, smoke damage doesn’t seem that bad. You may assume that you could probably use a household cleaner to get rid of any marks or stains. However, the danger of smoke damage isn’t necessarily about what you can see, but what you can’t see. Smoke particles are very fine and have a knack for settling into the small crack and crevices of your home. If not removed, the burnt smell can linger in your home for a long period of time, and in some cases permanently. These smoke particles can also irritate your lungs and cause health problems if not cleaned up properly.

Respiratory issues have been found to be associated with the improper treatment of smoke damage. Knowing which areas of your home have been damaged by smoke can very difficult. This is due to some smoke particles being microscopic which can be invisible to the naked eye. With every breath you take, you can be inhaling soot and smoke particles. The air can contain toxic elements that can severely damage your lungs. You may notice that you are coughing or wheezing for no particular reason.

Eye irritation can also be a result of smoke exposure. Fine smoke particles can cause you to have a burning sensation in your eyes. In some extreme cases, the eyes may even swell and it can affect your vision. Seek medical attention if this occurs.

Flood Damage

Flooding can cause extensive damage to your home. The water not only can saturate and destroy your home and its contents but also threaten it with secondary damages such as mold damage. Once the water has receded, you may assume that mopping up the water and placing some fans to dry the area is sufficient enough to keep damage at bay, but depending on the extent of the damage your home may need more than that.  A professional restoration company can accurately assess the damage and create the most efficient mitigation plan to turn your house into a home again. Quickly addressing water damage greatly reduces secondary damaged from occurring.

Water damage left unaddressed may cause mold damage which can occur in as little as 48 hours after water entered your home. Drywall and flooring are particularly susceptible to water damage due to their porous materials. A professional restoration company can make sure that all building materials in your home are cleaned thoroughly and efficiently to minimize the amount of your property need to be discarded or replaced.

Mold is silent and often rears its ugly head after flooding. If the moisture is not removed completely, mold can easily develop, multiply and infest your home. As it grows, it releases spores into the air that can be inhaled by the occupants of the house. These spores can cause serious health problems, especially for those who already have respiratory issues such as asthma. People with allergies, infants, children and the elderly are especially at risk of being harmed by the presence of mold. Every inch of the flooded area must be properly dried and sanitized so that mold is not allowed to prosper.

Safety

Whether you have experienced damage from fire, flood, broken pipe or another natural disaster, safety should always be the number one concern. If you have not had a professional assess the damage to your home, there could be a ticking time bomb just waiting to cause havoc in your home. It might be that your floor has been weakened during flooding and it could collapse. Not to mention the damaging effect on your health associated with mold or smoke exposure. After a storm, your roof may be left vulnerable and a quick repair might be all that you need to avoid extreme and costly damages. Having your home properly cleaned and restored by a professional will help keep you and your family safe.

The damaged by a natural disaster or a fire is upsetting and stressful enough. It can be hard to think of spending money on repairs and restoration when you think that you may be able to do it yourself. However, the money should be considered an investment. You are investing in the health and safety of yourself and your family, the structural integrity of your home and the contents within. If you have been affected by a disaster, call a SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley professional today to get your home quickly restored.

Tips For Fall Home Maintance.

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

It's not only the leaves and nuts from the trees that end up in your gutters. Even a few furry friends visit from time to time.

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

Fall shouldn’t be the only time you protect your home but fall is a good reminder to make sure your home is ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices

To ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are new and working properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Also, make sure to replace used or expired fire extinguishers.

Fire up the Furnace

Turn your furnace on before the temperatures start to plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keeping all flammable materials away from your furnace including clothing, paint products, toxic materials, and cardboard are a good way to minimize the dangers of a house fire.

Inspect the Insulation

Keep the cold air out by checking your insulation around your home in the fall.  Minimizing the cold drafts will allow your furnace to not overwork itself trying to heat your home and minimizing heating bills. 

Give the Heater Some Space

Heaters need space to vent and warm an area without warming things that they shouldn’t like clothing, bedding, drapery, and furniture.   These items should never be left near any type of heater.  Make sure that you read the instructions provided with your heater to ensure that the heater doesn’t require special venting. Remember to always shut them off when you leave the house and do not leave them unattended if you have children or pets.

Fire Safety

Before yourelight your fireplace after the warmer seasons, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar, and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Preventing dryer fires by cleaning the filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Just like burning candles, it is never advised to leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended either.

De-clutter the Gutters

The falling leaves can leave you with quite a mess to clean by removing all debris and leaves from your gutters you can minimize the possibility of damage to your home due to overflowing gutters. If deciding to burn leaves and debris removed from your gutters, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live.  If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees

As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

Fall is a time for fun and family. Put these tips into practice today to ensure a safe fall and winter season.

Give Till it ......

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helping with a rebuild for a well deserving Grandmother. This was a project withThe Religious Coalition For Community Renewal.

A lot of people like to quote Mother Teresa and tell you to “Give, but give till it hurts”. At SERVPRO, we lean more towards the advice of Dr. Dennis P Kimbro, PH.D. who said “Don’t give until it hurts, give until it feels good.”

One of the most important items that we task ourselves with is to give back to the community. Our faithful clients have helped transform us from that 2 bay garage in Pinch, WV with its 2 employees to the multiple location 25+ employee business it is today. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley would not be where it is today as an industry leader in the Charleston, WV area without the faithful partners that have entrusted us with their restoration and cleaning needs.

This brings us to the dilemma of how do we effectively give in a way that will have the most impact on the issues facing our community.

After a lot of research, we found several agencies that we felt have their finger on the pulse of the issues facing the people of our area.

The longest lasting relationship we have had over the years is with the Union Mission. The folks at Union Mission feed the less fortunate in 28 counties in West Virginia as well as help those in need with clothing and other essentials, that sometimes we take for granted, in 17 counties. Please visit them at http://unionmission.com/ to see what other good works they are doing.

The other agency that we have supported for many years is The United Way of Central WV. Through their efforts they are empowering kids at risk to graduate, they are helping single moms learn new job skills, providing dental care, making substance abuse treatment and recovery a reality. See more at http://www.unitedwaycwv.org/.

 The following is a list of other charitable organizations SERVPRO assists.

 American Cancer Society/ Relay for Life. Join our team at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/?fr_id=92215&pg=team&team_id=2369508

 American Red Cross at: https://www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia.html

 Prestera Foundation at: http://www.prestera.org/about-us/our-history/

 This is just a sampling of some of the organizations we give to. We also help our local schools with various fundraisers, area non-profit dog rescue groups and shelters, as well as other various charities and organizations that may need assistance from time to time.

If so moved, we ask you to join us in helping our community be the best it can be and remember; give till it feels good.

The Doctor Is In

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Brittany Sutherland one of our production team doctors.

There are certain events that happen in our lives that call for people that are highly trained in their profession.

When we need a surgical procedure, especially one that could affect our lives forever, we want someone that has the education, experience, good reputation, compassion and is up on the latest technological advances in their field. What we do not want is a beginner or someone that does not keep up with the latest advancements in their area of expertise.  We also don’t want someone just in it for the money that doesn’t really care about us as a person. Also, if your surgeon does not come highly recommended then it’s a safe bet you need to look elsewhere.

The same goes for Restoration providers. We know that there are a ton of choices when it comes to picking a company to help you recover from a disaster in your home or business. We also know that just like surgeons, these vendors have different levels of education, experience, abilities/desires to keep up with the latest technology in the restoration industry, as well as various levels of care concerning their clients.

At SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley we have the balance that should make us your preferred provider.

As we mentioned in our previous blog entitled “New Math”, we have assembled a team of professionals at SERVPRO that have many years of service and countless certifications as well as the hands-on experience you need when you are in need of critical care for your home and business. We handle every one of our customers with compassion and never try to drive up the prices. We come highly recommended as well; you can check out the testimony section of our website https://www.SERVPROnorthkanawhavalley.com/testimonials as well as our Google business, or yelp pages.

Next time your home or business has suffered an accident call on the Drs. of Restoration to make it all better. Oh, and by the way, our team of doctors make house calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

New Year, New You

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

With each New Year, many people make resolutions to better themselves or some part of their life.  This year, make a resolution to be READY.  No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can prepare for it.  The SERVPRO® Emergency READY profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in the year to come.

Planning is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a fire, or an area flood.  Having an emergency plan in place helps minimize the amount of time that it takes to get you back to preloss conditions.  The ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan) is a no-cost assessment to a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.  It takes little time to complete the assessment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  The information is also provided to you by downloading a free app on your smart phone or tablet.  The SERVPRO® READY app, putting all of this vital information at your fingertips, anywhere you may be.  Call us today (304)343-6170 to set up an appointment to get you “Ready for whatever happens”.