Water Damage? We Can Help

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen in need of Water Restoration

Following a major leak, flood, or any water intrusion, the cleanup process extends far beyond merely mopping up puddles and allowing carpets to dry. Water damage restoration professionals are tasked with the critical responsibility of sanitizing contaminants, removing irreparable property, and restoring salvageable items. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) categorizes water damage based on the source of water, distinguishing between clean water, gray water, and black water, each requiring different cleanup approaches.

 Types of Water Damage

Clean water, originating from sanitary sources, poses minimal risk to individuals and typically results from incidents like rainwater or leaking supply lines. Gray water, containing contaminants that may cause discomfort or illness, includes sources such as showers or dishwashers. Black water, the most hazardous category, often stems from sewage or flooding and necessitates extensive sanitization.

 Possible Solutions

Water damage restoration entails three primary stages: mitigation, remediation, and restoration. Mitigation involves halting the damage's progression by stopping the water flow, removing excess water, and drying affected areas. Remediation focuses on cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing salvageable materials, while also removing irreparable items. Restoration encompasses repairing and restoring the property to its pre-damaged state.

 Mitigation or Remediation?

Mitigation and remediation steps include assessing the damage severity, removing damaged materials, extracting water, and implementing drying equipment. The aim is to contain the initial damage and prevent its escalation. Remediation involves thorough cleaning and disinfection, particularly in cases of black water damage. However, the distinction between mitigation and remediation can sometimes blur, as both processes overlap in certain scenarios.

Restoration efforts go beyond temporary fixes, involving permanent solutions such as repairing or replacing damaged structures and ensuring moisture levels are sufficiently low to prevent mold growth. While many personal items can be successfully cleaned post-flooding, certain structural elements may require replacement during the restoration process.

We do the Job Right 

Amidst the challenges of water damage restoration, entrusting the task to skilled professionals equipped with advanced technologies can make all the difference. SERVPRO of East Cobb stands out as a beacon of expertise and innovation in the field of water restoration. With a team of highly skilled technicians and access to cutting-edge equipment, SERVPRO of East Cobb is committed to delivering efficient and effective solutions to mitigate and restore water-damaged properties. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, such as advanced drying equipment and moisture detection tools, they ensure thorough and precise restoration processes. By harnessing the power of innovation, SERVPRO of East Cobb strives to exceed expectations and provide unparalleled service to their clients in Marietta and the surrounding areas. When facing the aftermath of water damage, trust in the expertise of SERVPRO of East Cobb to restore your property with precision and care.

When repairing water damage, safety precautions are paramount. SERVPRO of East Cobb may do things such as shut off electricity, ensure thorough drying to prevent mold growth, and addressing damaged structural elements promptly. Repair methods include replacing damaged drywall, flooring, and siding, as well as installing waterproof materials to prevent future damage.

Tips for effective water damage repair include maintaining home humidity levels below 60% to inhibit mold growth and comparing replacement versus restoration costs for damaged items. Additionally, precautions should be taken when dealing with contaminated water, and photographic documentation of damage is advised for insurance purposes.

In conclusion, water damage restoration is a multifaceted process requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. By following proper procedures and seeking professional assistance when needed, individuals can effectively mitigate and repair water damage, restoring their properties to a safe and habitable condition.

When Water Invades Your East Cobb Bathroom | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here 24/7 to provide emergency water restoration, drying and extraction services to home and business owners of Cobb County!

Water damage can happen just about anywhere in and around your East Cobb home. Water can sneak into almost any corner of your home, whether up in your attic or below in your
basement.

Your bathroom is a common source of water loss, which you might not be surprised to learn. Most, if not all, bathroom fixtures use water, which brings with it the unavoidable risk of leaks and moisture problems.

While your bathroom may be vulnerable to water damage, you can easily manage this risk. You can keep your East Cobb bathroom water-free by understanding what causes these bathroom disasters and how to avoid them.

What’s Causing Bathroom Water Damage?

It isn’t hard to imagine why the bathroom is such a popular place for water emergencies. We've all had a slow-draining sink or a leaky toilet at some point! While some of these issues may be resolved with DIY solutions, others may persist, resulting in a full-blown water calamity.

Clogs along plumbing lines, water fixture malfunctions, a compromised toilet seal and poor ventilation can all cause water damage in the bathroom. Water can collect almost anywhere in the bathroom, including behind walls, under the floor, around bathroom appliances, and even up on the ceiling.

You may choose to ignore these issues, believing they are insignificant, or even completely disregard them, but doing so may result in costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Keep Everything Running Smoothly

Now that you know where water can sneak in, it’s time to fight back and protect your East Cobb bathroom! Dealing with bathroom clogging as soon as you notice your drains slowing is a good place to begin. Clear any clogs in your sink or shower drain as soon as possible to avoid a larger backup of water in the future.

Poor ventilation in your bathroom doesn’t just lead to water loss—it can also create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Keep your bathroom fan running after you take a shower, and open a window if your bathroom has one, to ensure moisture has somewhere to go.

Check Up on Your Bathroom Fixtures

Constant maintenance is another simple way to avoid water damage in the bathroom. Inspecting your bathroom for leaks or plumbing problems on a regular basis can help you catch
water damage early.

You may have a leak if you notice wet puddles around your bathroom fixtures, a foul odor, cracked sealant, or loose toilets or faucet knobs. Even if these issues appear minor at first, they can quickly escalate, so have plumbing issues checked and resolved as soon as possible.

Water emergencies can usually be avoided, but even with your best efforts, problems can arise. If you’re faced with water damage out of the blue, SERVPRO of East Cobb can rapidly repair your losses. We can get your bathroom back in shape before any more water damage ensues.

Dealing with unexpected water damage? Call us day or night, and we’ll restore your property to
its former glory!

What to Do When You Suspect a Leaky Roof | SERVPRO of East Cobb

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help if your home has suffered water damaged. Call us 24/7 for emergency restoration and drying services.

You may not realize it, but your roof works extremely hard to protect your property. When severe weather strikes, your roof protects both the inside and outside of your East Cobb home. But
occasionally, after incidents like these, roof damage can go undetected, and leaks can develop over time.

A roof leak can cause a slew of problems for your house that will only worsen as time passes. A weakened infrastructure, worsening of present roof damage, water that travels down to the inside of your home and mold growth can all occur when your roof has a leak.

Avoiding these property problems can be simple as long as you are quick to find the source of roof leakage. Use these measures to aid in your search for roof leakage to keep that much-needed roof over your head:

Determine the cause...When you suspect a roof leak, you may be unsure where to begin. The best place to start is by determining the source and location of water infiltration.

Windy weather causes roof damage, which in turn can lead to mold and water damage. East Cobb is frequently hit by severe wind events such as tornadoes, so after these weather threats
pass through our area, you should inspect your roof to ensure that everything is in working order. Water can enter your roof and find its way down to your home through clogged gutters,
damaged shingles and chimney damage after a storm.

Neglecting roof damage from storms and other events is another reason leaks can form. Putting off repairs can have disastrous consequences, so it's critical to schedule regular roof inspections to address these issues.

Search for the signs....Typically, when a roof springs a leak, it won’t be long before you start to notice changes inside your home. Roof leaks reveal their hiding place when dark stains, an
unavoidable stench and water dripping from the ceiling appear.

If your home has an attic, this is the first place you should search when you’re looking for signs of a roof leak. You may notice wet spots and wet roof decking while searching. Mold growth in the attic or the exterior of your home is another clear indication water has found its way inside.

Although your roof may not always show signs of a leak, there are some warning signs that can point you in the right direction. If you inspect your roof after a storm and discover warped or missing shingles, you may have discovered the source of the leak.

If water damage sneaks into your home due to a roof leak, we can handle the mess. Our SERVPRO team can rapidly restore the damage before it gets any worse!

Winterize Your East Cobb Home Ahead of Cold Weather | SERVPRO of East Cobb

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you experience winter storms or freezing pipes, so we can help restore your water damaged property quickly and safely.

When winter arrives, there are so many things to look forward to. The excitement for this special time of year might make it easy to overlook all of the dangers that come with the delights of winter.

Your home is exposed to numerous types of damage from winter storms and freezing temperatures. Even if East Cobb isn’t visited by a blizzard this year, you should still take time to protect these problem areas around your property.

When winter hits, you should pay close attention to some of your home’s most vulnerable areas. Your house will be equipped to face any winter storm that might come our way!

Frozen Pipes

Burst pipes are a regular source of concern for homeowners, and the risk is heightened during the winter. When water freezes in cold temperatures, the added pressure can cause a pipe to break. What follows is a winter water crisis that could cause water to pour into your home.

A great way to make sure your pipes make it through the winter is to use insulation around any exposed piping. Additionally, since pipe bursts are brought on by cold winter weather, you should keep your garage or cabinet doors closed to keep these areas warm. Keeping your home warm and cozy can prevent your pipes from freezing up as well. 

Prepare Outdoor Water Sources

Just like your pipes, your outdoor water sources, such as your garden hose, can expand and burst when frigid weather freezes the water inside. Make sure to disconnect your house and drain any water left inside. Store your hose indoors through the end of winter to keep it functioning until the flowers finally blossom when spring arrives.

If your home uses a sprinkler system, make sure to winterize it as well by shutting off the main valve and draining any water that’s still inside.

Gutter Buildup

Your gutters are working hard to send any water that collects on your roof away from your property, but when ice and snow pile inside, this can lead to a clog that might seriously damage your home.

By clearing out your gutters of sticks, leaves and any other debris, you can avoid creating an ice dam that could ruin your home’s roof and foundation. Throughout the winter, be careful to frequently inspect your gutters to make sure the water is flowing freely and no icicles have made a home on the side of your roof. 

If a winter storm creates problems on your property, we are the expert crew to turn to. Our SERVPRO team can complete a restoration quickly to return you to a secure home.

Stop Flooding by Protecting Your Property, Inside and Out | SERVPRO of East Cobb

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of East Cobb to get the restoration process started right away.

Everyone needs to protect their property from flooding regardless of where you live. As little as an inch of water can do a good deal of damage and leave you with a large repair bill.

If your home is in an area that is not considered high risk for rising waters, you may not get a lot of help from private insurance or federal funding if you do experience flooding. This means the more you can do to mitigate your risks, the better it will be for your home and your wallet.

Understanding both our regional risks and your personal risks is the first step to protection. Our part of Georgia does not have a huge risk of flooding, but we do frequently see strong thunderstorms and heavy rains in the warmer months.

If you live near the Chattahoochee, your home may be at risk when its banks become overwhelmed.

When you know what kind of challenges you are facing, you can start putting preventive steps into place and stop flooding from the inside out.

Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Flooding doesn’t always come with early predictions, and sometimes a pop up storm that dumps huge amounts of rain will leave your yard soaked and your gutters struggling. When you prepare your home from the outside, you can save yourself from damage.

Clean your gutters regularly to keep them clear of debris and allow water to exit them correctly. Consider adding extended downspouts as an inexpensive and effective way to keep rain out of your house.

Use your landscaping strategically to stop water from ponding and to keep it out of your home. Gardens are highly effective at absorbing water by pulling it down through the soil into the roots. Organic materials such as mulch can also serve as protection when layered in a sloping manner adjacent to your home.

You could also invest in some upgrades that will add additional security in the event of a flood, including moving your electrical outlets up and anchoring a fuel tank if you use one. These can be pricey, but even an inexpensive rain barrel that catches water from your gutters can be a great way to stop flooding.

Adding one of these also comes with the bonus of cutting out the need for turning the hose on when it comes time to water all your plants!

Flood Protection From the Inside

One of the best ways to keep your home safe from water coming in from the outside is to have a well-shored up foundation and thoroughly sealed basement.

A sump pump can also make a huge difference in your basement or bottom floor of your home as it will pump water away before it has the opportunity to do any damage. If you are in an area that experiences a good deal of storm and flooding activity, consider a battery-operated pump that will work even if the power doesn’t.

When flooding doesn’t start outside, protecting your home comes down to how well-maintained it is.

Plumbing failures are one of the top causes of water damage in a home. If you have a dripping faucet, fix it.

Replace pipes that are aged, and add checking your toilets, sinks and showers for issues to your regular cleaning list so you can stop a problem before it starts.

A leak sensor can also be a great way to minimize damages. This device will alert you when water is somewhere it shouldn’t be, and oftentimes one can be included in your home security package.

Any kind of water that takes over your home will immediately cause damage to paper goods and photographs. Keep these items and anything else that is irreplaceable stored somewhere up high or in a water tight container.

Make sure your emergency plans and contacts are also stored somewhere safe, and put SERVPRO on the top of your list. We are available 24⁄7 to get your recovery started faster.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.

Water Damage and Your Home | SERVPRO of East Cobb

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of East Cobb has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

Life as a homeowner is tumultuous, with a new challenge waiting around every corner. One of those dreaded roadblocks is water damage.

A leaky faucet or a small water spot may seem insignificant at the moment, but you never know what moisture might be lurking outside, eating away at your home’s structure. For perspective, the average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year, and much of that water could end up somewhere in your home.

Unfortunately, water damage works quickly in your home, penetrating floors, walls and soft surfaces. This is why it’s so important to address the problem as soon as possible. As soon as your house encounters water, you can expect the damage to progress as follows:

24 Hours In

The first 24 to 48 hours following flooding or water damage are the most crucial. Certain items in your East Cobb home will become compromised immediately. These items can include personal belongings, such as books and photographs.

In addition, soft furnishings and upholstery will soak through, wooden structures can swell from the moisture and mold can begin to develop within this timeframe.

Because of this, SERVPRO of East Cobb operates with a “restore vs. replace” mentality. We know how precious your belongings are to you, especially keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We’ll immediately remove these items to expedite the drying process and restore what we can. Our experts will let you know if any items cannot be salvaged.

If you live in a house, there is a one in four chance of a flood damaging your home within a 30-year period in a high-risk area. This is why it’s essential to know what to do next.

One Week In

Now that the water has had time to sit and fester, the damage will progress further and quickly. Mold can spread like wildfire with excessive moisture.

Your home’s structure will become increasingly compromised as the mold sets in. Additionally, porous surfaces, such as wood surfaces and walls, will continue to break down, and metal surfaces will start corroding.

After One Week

You must avoid letting moisture sit for this long at all costs because you could reach the point of no return. As time goes on, the costs and efforts to restore the structure will increase significantly, and the risks associated with structural damage are greater.

How SERVPRO Will Help

SERVPRO’s experts will begin putting you home back together after the very first call to our East Cobb location. If possible, call immediately after flooding or water damage.

If you cannot, make an effort to call within the first 24 hours before serious structural damage sets in. Service work typically starts with a full water extraction to prevent the water from traveling anywhere else in your home. This will also speed up the drying process.

Once most of the water is removed, we will begin extracting the water you can’t see, using industry-leading drying equipment. Mostly likely, floors, furniture and other belongings will require cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization.

After our experts finish these first steps, your home may need some construction work to restore the property. Construction could include anything from minor repairs to rebuilding entire areas of your home.

If you would like to simplify the restoration process, allow SERVPRO of East Cobb to handle both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. We will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO of East Cobb  has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us 24/7 or call (770) 424-0400 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.

How Do I Know if I Should be Concerned With Flood Damage? | SERVPRO of East Cobb County

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what type of water damage you experience, you can call SERVPRO of East Cobb 24/7 for water damage restoration and cleanup.

No homeowner wants to experience flood damage to your home, but if you do not live in an area prone to flooding, it may be something you have not seriously considered before. Flooding is something that may not feel like an immediate threat, but any homeowner is wise to consider how it could impact their home.

Floods are typically associated with hurricanes and other natural disasters, but they can have many causes. Bodies of water can rise due to heavy rains, storm drains can fail and cause a backup, or flash floods can inundate an area with moisture in a rapid fashion.

Being prepared for the reality that flooding is possible can help you put a plan of action in place so you can recover more quickly if it does impact you.

Do I Need to be Concerned With Sustaining Flood Damage?

| Should I worry about flood damage if I do not live in a flood area? | While it is required to purchase a flood insurance policy if your home is located in a flood plain, if your home lies outside of one, you may not be required to do so. However, the rise of flooding outside of these high-risk areas is significant. From 2014 to 2018, those outside of a flood risk area filed 40% of flood insurance claims, indicating that there are more areas prone to flooding than homeowners may realize.

| Should I worry about flood damage if I do not have a basement? | Many people think of basements when they think of flooding, but that is not the only area at risk when it comes to damage. Even in homes without a basement, if the ground becomes inundated with water, it can quickly seep into your home’s foundation and begin working its way into your first story.

| Should I worry about flood damage if I don’t live near water? | If you do not live near a creek, river or pond that is likely to rise in a flood, your main concern for flood damage will be flash flooding. Flash flooding can occur when storm drains and sewage systems get backed up and rapidly overflow, which can still cause serious damages.

*If water damage has occurred in your home due to a flood, SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help. Contact us today at (770) 424-0400 or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com to learn more about our flood restoration options—we’re here 24/7.

Are Hiding Appliance Leaks Causing Damage Right Under Your Nose? | SERVPRO of East Cobb

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business experiences water damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb. We make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Most homeowners assume that if there were a leak in their home, they would know about it—and in many cases, that may be true. Leaking pipes that are exposed, water seepage around faucets and other types of water damage can pop up in places that are quite noticeable and easy to address. Unfortunately, however, it is not always this apparent when a leak arises.

Hidden water leaks are a dreaded occurrence, as they can cause a significant amount of damage before they are ever detected by a homeowner. While there are some signs of water damage you can look out for, when leaks occur behind appliances, they can be impossible to spot.

Below, we have a list of the appliances to check so you do not have any sneaky leaks causing you a headache!

Indicators That You May Have a Hidden Leak

Increased Water Usage on Your Bill | A family of four uses about 12,000 gallons of water per month on average, so if you notice your bills reflect more than this, you may have a leak. To check, monitor your water meter over a two-hour span when nothing is in use—this will tell you quickly if there is a leak present.

Give to Your Subfloor | If you walk near your appliances and notice that the subfloor has more give to it than normal, this may indicate a leak. When the subfloor absorbs water, it can become soggy and squishy.

An Odd Odor | The first hint of water damage will typically be an odd odor near the impacted area, which can be caused by mold and mildew growth. If you notice this odor near any of your appliances, that may be a sign that water damage is afoot.

The Appliances to Check Regularly for Hidden Leaks

• The Refrigerator: Check under it, behind it and where the water line connects.
• The Washing Machine: Make sure all hoses are connected properly and there is no sign of water damage on the wall.
• The Dishwasher: Watch under the dishwasher when it is in use for any signs of water dripping onto the floor below.

*If you discover that your home is impacted by water damage, let SERVPRO of East Cobb help. Contact us today to learn more about water restoration or to get details on our process.

Thorough Water Cleanup From the Professionals | SERVPRO of East Cobb

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of East Cobb for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s true—an average of 14,000 Americans each day are affected by a home water damage incident.

Now, we certainly hope you’ll go through life without becoming part of that number on any given day. But if there’s ever a day when water damage intrudes upon your life, you’ve got backup from the best team in the business.

When you enlist SERVPRO of East Cobb to see you through a water disaster, we’ll act both quickly and thoroughly. Take a look at the process here.

Emergency Contact |

When you call us (anytime, thanks to our 24-hour emergency service), we’ll ask you some questions to help us understand the situation fully. We’ll then figure out the soonest time we can arrive on site to survey the situation in person.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment |

If water is still flowing when we arrive, taking care of that will be the first order of business. Then we’ll assess the damage and make sure you’re aware of any potential hazards it has created, and we’ll go about determining which items and surfaces can be restored and what’s going to have to be replaced.

Water Removal |

At this point, the removal can begin, as we remove the bulk of the water present using powerful vacuums and pumps. It’s very important that we do everything necessary for complete removal of all excess moisture.

Damaged Material Removal |

Our first hope is to restore everything to its rightful state, but some things simply may need replacement. Those things will be hauled away in a quick, safe manner, leaving a clean work space and adequate room for the drying and repair of the remaining items.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization |

Obviously, water everywhere can create quite a soggy mess, and we’ll be able to get rid of stains, toxins and odors at this point. It’s going to start feeling like home again soon.

Drying |

Once removal is done, drying can begin. Moisture left behind after water invades can cause mold if it’s not managed, so we’ll use our high-powered equipment and HEPA vacuums to remove moisture from carpets, walls and other surfaces.

Monitoring |

We’ll be in contact regularly, giving any needed updates and making sure the whole process runs smoothly. If any adjustments to the plan need to be made, we’ll be close by to manage them.

Repairs & Construction |

Now we can make the final touches, whether they be as minimal as carpet or drywall or as significant as major reconstruction.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of East Cobb for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Numbers That Will Make Your Head Spin | SERVPRO of East Cobb

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of East Cobb.

There was a movie a couple years back about a team of heroes that fought a large, purple bad guy—you remember the one? He had a big chin and he told everyone that the success of his destructive plan was “inevitable.”

If that movie were a metaphor for your life, and the galaxy in question was your house, the titanic villain would almost certainly be water damage, and the heroes would be your pipes, roof and drainage system.

Water damage can definitely seem inevitable once you see how often it happens. That’s why it’s so important to keep your plumbing system well-equipped and maintained–it’s your best defense against leaks and flooding from inside the home.

Check out these shocking numbers:

24% - That’s the percentage of all U.S. home insurance claims covering water damage incidents. A quarter of all claims—that means one of every 50 homes in the country will file a claim this year.

48 Hours - This is how many hours it takes for mold to start growing in dampened areas after water damage. Under the right conditions, it may not even take this long.

98% - These are the highest odds stacked against you. If your home has a basement, this is the percent chance that your basement will take on water damage at some point in time.

$10,234 - This is the cost of the average water damage claim. Water makes a big mess in a short amount of time, so this may not be all that surprising.

14,000 - This is the number of water damage incidents that will be reported, not over the next year, but today. This equates to a new incident happening once every six seconds.

13,000,000,000 - Anytime a number reaches into the billions, you know it’s serious, and this number is definitely that. This number represents the annual dollar amount spent on the repair and recovery of home water damage incidents.

These numbers may make it seem that water damage to your home is indeed inevitable, but keep your head up. An attentive eye to maintenance, upgrades and safety can give you your best odds to stave off the dreaded aquatic attack of the water surging through your pipes.

*If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves your property all wet, you’ve got help on your side...SERVPRO of East Cobb! Contact us at(770) 424-0400 or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com to learn more about our water restoration and cleanup services. Call us as soon as water damage occurs and see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

¿Ha revisado últimamente la Impermeabilización de su hogar? | SERVPRO de East Cobb

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Hay muchas cosas sobre la propiedad de una vivienda que son emocionantes y satisfactorias, pero nos aventuraríamos a adivinar que la mayoría de los propietarios no pondrían "comprobar su impermeabilización" en un lugar muy alto de esa lista. ¡Sigue siendo una tarea que no querrás saltarte!

Verificar la impermeabilización de su hogar es una tarea importante para prevenir daños por agua, y también puede ser una excelente manera de ahorrar dinero en costos de calefacción en el invierno porque garantiza que no se escape el aire. Si aún no ha comprobado la impermeabilización de su hogar esta temporada, ¡ahora es el momento!

¿Qué es la impermeabilización?

La impermeabilización se refiere a dos cosas: tanto el acto de impermeabilizar, cuando se usa como verbo, y el material que se usa para impermeabilizar, cuando se usa como sustantivo. Alrededor de cada ventana y puerta, pueden desarrollarse huecos microscópicos que dejan salir el aire caliente y entrar el aire frío; además, estos huecos pueden fácilmente provocar daños por agua alrededor de los marcos de las puertas y ventanas.

Al abordar la tarea de impermeabilización en el otoño, puede asegurarse de que todos estos huecos se rellenen para ahorrar dinero y evitar que surjan daños.

¿Dónde debo instalar la protección contra la intemperie?

Afortunadamente, la impermeabilización es un proyecto de bricolaje fácil para que los propietarios lo aborden como parte de sus proyectos de fin de semana. La protección contra la intemperie debe instalarse alrededor de cualquier entrada exterior de la casa, ya sea alrededor de puertas, ventanas, chimeneas o conductos de ventilación.

Cualquier lugar que tenga el potencial de que el agua ingrese debe estar cuidadosa y completamente a prueba de intemperie para que no descubra problemas ocultos cuando llegue la primavera.

¿Qué pasa si usted sospecha que ya hay daños?

Si sospecha que el agua se está abriendo camino alrededor de sus ventanas y puertas, hay algunas cosas que puede buscar para ayudarlo a determinar si ese es el caso. Alrededor de los marcos de puertas y ventanas, verifique si hay pintura burbujeante o descascarada, decoloración, suavidad de las paredes u olores almizclados, todos los cuales serán especialmente frecuentes después de una lluvia intensa, lo más probable.

Si nota alguno de estos sucesos, asegúrese de llamarnos y podemos ir a evaluar la situación para que pueda determinar si hay humedad oculta.

* Cuando ocurre un daño por agua, ¡sabes que SERVPRO of East Cobb es el equipo al que debes llamar! Póngase en contacto con SERVPRO de East Cobb a cualquier hora al (770) 424-0400 y nos comunicaremos con usted rápidamente. Contáctenos hoy para informar daños o visite www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com para obtener más información sobre nuestros procesos y servicios de restauración de agua.

Have You Checked Your Home's Weatherproofing Lately? | SERVPRO of East Cobb

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help when water damage happens to your home. Call us at 770-424-0400 for 24-hour help and water restoration services.

There are many things about home ownership that are exciting and fulfilling, but we would venture to guess that most homeowners would not put “checking their weatherproofing” very high up on that list. It is still a chore you do not want to skip!

Checking your home’s weatherproofing is an important task for preventing water damage, and it can also be a great way to save money on heating costs in the winter because it ensures that no air is able to escape. If you have yet to check your home’s weatherproofing this season, now is the time!

What Is Weatherproofing?

Weatherproofing refers to two things: both the act of weatherproofing, when used as a verb, and the material that is used to weatherproof, when used as a noun. Around every window and door, microscopic gaps can develop that let warm air out and cold air in—plus, these gaps can easily lead to water damage around the window and door frames, too.

By tackling the task of weatherproofing in the fall, you can ensure that all these gaps are filled in to save money and prevent damage from arising.

Where Should I Install Weatherproofing?

Fortunately, weatherproofing is an easy DIY project for homeowners to tackle as part of their weekend projects. Weatherproofing should be installed around any exterior entrance to the home, whether that be around doors, windows, chimneys or vents.

Anywhere that has the potential for water to work its way in should be carefully and thoroughly weatherproofed so you do not discover hidden issues when spring arrives.

What if I Already Suspect Damage?

If you suspect that water is working its way in around your windows and doors, there are a few things you can look for to help you determine if that is the case. Around door and window frames, check for any bubbling or peeling paint, discoloration, softness of the walls or musky odors—all of which will be especially prevalent after a bout of heavy rain, more than likely.

If you notice any of these occurrences, be sure to give us a call and we can come assess the situation for you to determine if there is any hidden moisture.

*When water damage strikes, you know that SERVPRO of East Cobb is the team to call! Get in touch with SERVPRO of East Cobb at any hour at (770) 424-0400 and we will get to you quickly. Contact us today to report damage or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com to learn more about our water restoration processes and services.

The Most Common Places to Find a Water Leak | SERVPRO of East Cobb

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of East Cobb team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Many people start their mornings with reflection or prayer, but we’re willing to bet none of those prayers include a petition to discover an expectedly flooded laundry room. Nobody’s begging the heavens for a sewage-back to fill up their basement, but unfortunately, it happens. The good news is that you can give yourself better odds to avoid a surprise water attack if you know the most common points of failure. Let’s run down the top few.

• Toilets - The toilet is a simple machine that manages gallons of water every day. A leak or failure here can be a big problem—make sure your flapper gets replaced when it starts to wear down, and an old valve seal under the tank can cause a mystery leak in the floor.
• Appliances - Any appliance that uses water uses hoses or pipes to transport or dispose of it, and over time they may crack, dry out, or in the case of water heaters, even burst, sending water everywhere.
• Clogged Gutters - Spending an afternoon on the ladder probably isn’t your idea of fun, but it can save you the hassle of tracking down and dealing with a leak in your attic or walls later. Keep leafs and debris out, or install a gutter shield of some kind to prevent buildup.
• Roof Damage - Your roof is an under-celebrated hero at home. It takes a constant licking from hail, rain, sunshine and other factors, and it stays strong as long as it can. But it can only do so much—check your roof periodically for signs of wear or damage, and have a professional examine shingles and flashing if you suspect a leak.
• Pipes - There are many reasons pipes may fail—old age and oxidation are probably the most common, but faulty joints and high water pressure can do it, too. And there are dubious threats outside and underground as well, such as tree roots, which can sneak their way into sewer and water lines.
• Blocked Garbage Disposals or Other Pipes - Certain foods can cause garbage disposals to clog, and things like rice or pasta can clog drains because they soak up water and expand. These clogs can cause backups, and the plunging they may require can cause old or loose pipe fittings to fail.

You may not get a phone notification or text message warning you about a pipe break or impending water damage, but a little prevention and attention can make them less likely, less frequent and reduce overall recovery costs.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO of East Cobb today at  so we can get started or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information.

What Kind of Water Damage Does Home Insurance Cover? | SERVPRO of East Cobb

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb 24-hours a day at 770-424-0400 or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information on water damage restoration.

Water damage is an issue that is never fun to face as a homeowner, and it can leave you with a lot of questions if you discover it in your household. While homeowners insurance is an important component of protecting your investment, when it comes to water damage, the rules about what is and is not covered can be rather unclear.

To make things less confusing for residents of Cobb County, we thought it would be helpful to compile a general list of water damage types that are and are not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. While it is always best to check your specific policy to understand exactly what is and is not covered, hopefully this guideline can help you be aware of where your policy may fall short in the event of water damage.

Types of Water Damage Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance

The type of coverage that your insurance policy will extend to help you with water damage typically depends on where the water in question is originating from. Some of the water damage scenarios that are typically covered by a standard insurance policy are:

• Water damage due to burst pipes
• Water damage due to secondary damage (i.e. a branch breaks a window and lets rain in)
• Water damage due to broken sprinkler systems
• Water damage due to extreme weather conditions
• Water damage due to ice dams

Additionally, some insurance policies will cover water damage due to sewage backups, while others will not. That is something that is definitely worth looking into with your specific policy.

Types of Water Damage Not Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance

The most well-known type of water damage that is not covered by a standard homeowners policy is flooding—this almost always has to be purchased separately by the homeowner. However, there are other scenarios where insurance may not provide coverage as well, such as:

• If water damage is due to neglect (i.e. leaving a window open in the rain)
• If water damage is due to a known issue (i.e. forgoing roof repairs)
• If water damage happens over time (i.e. an ongoing leak that was not repaired)

*If you discover water damage in your home, SERVPRO of East Cobb can help—and we can work with your insurance company, too. We are here for you 24/7. Give us a call today at (770) 424-0400 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you ASAP.

Considerations When It Comes to Household Water Damage | SERVPRO of East Cobb

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb at (770) 424-0400 if your Cobb County home or business suffers water damage. We're here to help 24-hours a day!

If you discover water damage in your home, there are many things to consider right away. How you will mitigate the damage now, who you will use for restoration and what you will do to recover are all very important elements, and something that is worth thinking through well in advance to reduce the chaos.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of East Cobb has been able to help many area homeowners with water damage and have developed some helpful advice for things to consider if you are in the same situation. Below, we have listed out some of the most important things to consider when you discover water damage in your home.

What to Consider After Discovering Water Damage in your Cobb County Home

Can You Safely Cut Off Water and Power in the Home? 

If your water damage is caused by a leak or burst pipe and you can safely cut off your home’s water main, that is a wise first step so you can mitigate the damage that is being caused. Additionally, if you can safely cut off power to the home, you can reduce the dangerous risk of electricity being conducted through the water and causing injury or harm to your family.

Do You Know the Source of the Water?

Not all water damage is created equal, and depending on the source of your water damage, there may be extra considerations to keep in mind. The different water damage categories are used to determine the contamination level of water damage, which can impact the cleanup and restoration process tremendously. Water damage from clean sources, such as water pipes, will typically require less restoration work than water damage from flooding or sewage backups.

Is There a Restoration Plan in Place?

Treating water damage as quickly as possible is always recommended, as mold and mildew can begin growing in as little as 24 hours when moisture is introduced to an area. Having a restoration plan in place and knowing what company you plan to call is key for making sure that you can quickly address any damage and have the restoration begun as soon as possible.

*If you have discovered water damage in your home, do not delay in giving us a call. We are

here for you 24/7—contact us at any time for a rapid response to your water damage call (770) 424-0400.

How Can I Tell if I Have Water Damage in My Basement | SERVPRO of East Cobb

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help 24-hours a day. If you've experience water damage call us at 770-424-0400.

A basement can be a great addition to homes in many areas of the country. In addition to providing extra storage or play space, it can be fitted for living areas and provide necessary shelter in case of potentially damaging storms.

However, being surrounded by moist ground on two or more sides can mean that over time your basement becomes prone to taking on some of that moisture.

While this is not a certainty, statistics show that a large percentage of homes with basements will experience water leakage or damage of some kind.

Let’s examine a few of the most common signs that water may be present. And if these apply to you, remember that your local SERVPRO water technicians are close by and on the job for emergency situations.

Common Signs of Water Damage in a Basement

• Unpleasant and Musky Odors - The water from the surrounding ground areas may in fact be clean when it first enters your basement, but no matter—over time, it stagnates and creates that signature pungent smell. This is true so often that many people think all basements inherit a musty smell, but this really shouldn’t be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these may not be visibly noticeable at first, they are easy to smell.
• Flaking Paint on Masonry or Walls - People often coat the basement in waterproof paint, thinking that will shield it completely from water damage. Unfortunately this paint will simply mask the problem for a while leading to a bigger problem when the water eventually breaks through, revealing bubbling, cracking or flaky paint.
• Foundational Cracks - Foundations may shift over time, but a crack is not normal, and it may indicate significant water damage. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls and are often harbingers of moisture damage that’s putting excess pressure on your structure. Hairline cracks are no emergency, but call us right away if they get bigger.

If you notice any of these signs in your Cobb County basement, let SERVPRO of East Cobb take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. If you have experienced water damage give us a call at (770) 424-0400 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you as soon as possible.

How Auto-Owners Insurance Customer and Agents Benefit from Choosing SERVPRO of East Cobb to Service Water Restoration Claims

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb has a great working relationship with Auto-Owners Insurance agents and adjusters. As a preferred service provider for Auto-Owners Insurance customers along with many other insurance providers, SERVPRO of East Cobb can even assist clients in filing claims. We offer free moisture inspection and estimates to all insurance referrals, including Auto-Owner Insurance water damage claim referrals. 

With over 10-year of providing industry leading water, fire and mold restoration and mitigation services to the greater Cobb County area, SERVPRO of East Cobb is your number one choice in restoration services. We are here 24-hours a day, everyday, to provide emergency restoration and mitigation services to Marietta and Kennesaw home and businesses owners. Let SERVPRO of East Cobb make your water damage claim “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of East Cobb’s 1-4-8 Emergency Service Guarantee 

• ONE - Within one hours from notice of loss SERVPRO of East Cobb will contact the insured to arrange for service.
• FOUR - Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of East Cobb will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary). In most cases we are on-site within two hours of notification of loss because we know quick action is often key to water and fire claims.
• EIGHT - Within eight business hours a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the adjuster by SERVPRO of East Cobb. 

*Agents can assign SERVPRO of East Cobb, without making an additional phone call at first notification of loss to Farmers.

Auto-Owners Agent and Customer Benefits of Choosing SERVPRO of East Cobb

Customer Service

What SERVPRO does: The science of restoration can be a complicated issue, but SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration professionals have the training, technology, equipment and customer diplomacy for any sized disaster.

Benefit: SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration specialist will handle each job according to the highest professional standards and interact with customers in a professional manor to provide excellent customer service.

Customer Retention

What SERVPRO does: We thoroughly document and communicate each step of the restoration process, because an informed customer is often a happy one and is always better prepared to restore their home or business. SERVPRO of East Cobb also produces the correct claim documentation for fast and easy claim processing.

Benefit: Satisfied customers translate to a higher rate of policy retention. Keeping agent’s client lists full and saving customers the hassle of having to shop for a new insurance provider.

Additional Product Sales

What SERVPRO does: If a large-scale disaster or storm strikes, SERVPRO of East Cobb has the resources to get to customers quickly. When an insurance client’s claim needs are met quickly, this reflects positively on both SERVPRO of East Cobb and Auto-Owner Insurance. This positive interaction adds value to the relationship with their insurance agent.

Benefits: Satisfied customers who are pleased with the claim handling process are more likely to provide new referrals and to be more receptive to allowing agents to offer additional insurance vehicles and products.

Two Year Limited Warranty on Labor & Manufacture Warranty

What SERVPRO does: We warrant for two years the workmanship of the emergency mitigation service or restoration work performed. We warrant for one year that all materials, furnished by us, will be new, of good quality and free of defects.

Benefits: Customers enjoy knowing we will meet expectations, or we will provide re-service at no additional cost for up to two years.

*If you are an Auto-Owners customer or agent that is in need of a reputable water restoration company call SERVPRO of East Cobb at (770) 424-0400 or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information.

SERVPRO of East Cobb's Carpet Cleaning Process

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb can make carpet stains "Like it never even happened." Call us today for carpet or water damage restoration.

When water damage happens, many of our customers are pretty worried and even despondent in the beginning before our team of restoration professionals arrive on-site. These feelings of worry and sense of uncertainty quickly abate once our team outlines a tailormade restoration plan and starts restoring their property. Many of our customers even turn the water disaster into an opportunity to have their property professionally cleaned. When your home or business has suffered water damage, this can be the perfect opportunity to have all of your carpets, marble, stone or hardwood floors professionally clean. Sense SERVPRO of East Cobb is already performing water mitigation services in other areas of your home or business, why not have the rest of your property professionally cleaned as well?

Since 2011 SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration professionals have been handling stains and soils of all types, from residential homes to commercial facilities. Using Institution of Inspection and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards for carpet care as a guide, SERVPRO of East Cobb will guide you in the best decisions to care for your carpet. This includes:

• Showing you what cleaning option would be best for your level of soiling.
• Give you an estimate of time and cost for the carpet cleaning
• Explaining the benefits of soil protection and the advantages of a clean carpet for good indoor air quality.

SERVPRO of East Cobb Carpet Care Options

Bonnet Cleaning is the preferred cleaning/maintenance method for light soiling. The carpet is lightly sprayed with SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning solution and a rotary extractor with a “bonnet” pad is used to pull soil from the carpet.

Hot Water Extraction is the preferred cleaning technique for light to moderate soiling. Using one of SERVPRO of East Cobb’s truck mounted or portable extraction units, we apply SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning solutions with hot water while extracting soils.

Deluxe Precondition & Rinse is the preferred cleaning procedure for moderate to heavy soiling including a pre-treatment and rinse. First a soil emulsifier is sprayed on carpet and allowed to dwell for 10 to 15 minutes, then the carpet is thoroughly rinsed and extracted to remove soils.

Showcase Premier Cleaning is a premium service available to clean moderate to heavily soiled carpet. This is a two step process where SERVPRO’s proprietary carpet shampoo is applied using rotary equipment, then the carpet is thoroughly rinsed and extracted to remove soils.

*For answers about carpet cleaning and care, contact SERVPRO of East Cobb today at (770) 424-0400 or visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com/carpet-upholstery-cleaning for more information.

Water Damage From Clean Water

DON’T:

• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water and can not be safely powered off.
• Enter rooms where ceilings are sagging and retaining water.
• Attempt to operate equipment exposed to water.

DO’S:

• Shut off the source of the water, if possible, or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Shut down power to the affected areas where access to the power distribution systems is safe from electrical shock.
• Instruct people to avoid/limit access to wet areas to prevent the tracking of water and the risk of slips and falls.
• Place any available wet floor signage you have to prevent people from entering affected areas if possible.
• Identify high-value paintings, furniture, office equipment, etc. and report them to your SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration professional as quickly as possible.
• Identify critical or important work areas, and prioritize where you would like cleanup to begin.
• Identify any critical or important documents that were damaged, and inform the SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration professionals.
• Ensure all electronics such as computers, printers, and toner cartridges are off of the floor and not sitting in water.
• Wipe moisture from wood furniture surfaces, mop wet floors, etc.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Helena M. of Marietta, GA - “The work was done quickly and done well. SERVPRO did a fantastic repair job on our ceiling and was very friendly and thorough. It was nice dealing with SERVPRO and I would recommend them for any job.”

Jackie M. of Marietta, GA - “SERVPRO of East Cobb was great! We had water damage that managed to hit three levels of our home. They came immediately and set up their equipment. We used them not only for water removal but also to rebuild and rehab our home. We were in a hotel for four months and they went out of their way to keep us posted on all things that were happening along the way. We give them 5 stars!”

Floyd T. of Marietta GA - “Carl Sylvester came to our home and did a fantastic job with cleanup. He is very professional. Tells you what he is about to do before he does it, then he proceeds to do it with excellence. He managed my expectations and his crew very well.”

More Customer Online Reviews and Endorsements

• Over 70 Positive 5-Star Google Reviews
• BBB - A+ Accredited Business
• 5.0 Customer Rating on Facebook

SERVPRO of East Cobb’s team of commercial restoration specialists have serviced hundreds of Cobb County businesses over the past 17 years, and are specifically trained to handle commercial large losses. From large logistics centers and storage facilities to locally owned barber shops and beauty salons, SERVPRO of East Cobb has assisted a wide range of customers and got them back up and running quickly and safely. Our restoration technicians hold certifications from the IICRC and undergo rigorous initial franchise training and continued education class to hone their mitigation and restoration skills. If your commercial facility has suffered a water, fire, mold or other type of loss event, call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Cobb. Let us show you why our motto is “Like it never even happened.”

How to Remove Glued Down Carpeting After a Water Loss

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage carpet can start growing mold in as little as 24 hours. If your home suffers water damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb as soon as possible.

So you’ve experienced a water loss in your Cobb County home or business and you are trying to sort out the mess caused by the water damage. Perhaps a toilet supply line leak caused water to spill from your bathroom into other living spaces that happen to have glued down carpeted flooring. When dealing with water damaged glued down carpeting there are a few things to consider. How large of an area is affected? What type of water caused the damage? Has the carpet begun to delaminate? How old is the carpet in question? All these questions must be considered when deciding how to handle a restoration project that includes water damaged glued down carpeting. 

According to IICRC S500 standards if a living space suffers water damage and the carpet shows signs of delamination, has been in contact with grossly contaminated water, or shows signs of microbial growth the carpet most likely needs to be removed and disposed of properly. Removing carpet often requires that the baseboards in the room also be removed and cleaned (if the baseboards were exposed to grossly contaminated water they will need to be replaced and disposed of properly). Removing carpet can be tricky particularly if it is glued down. SERVPRO of East Cobb strongly advises all property owners faced with water damage to their home or business to work with a reputable, licensed, and insured restoration company that they trust to complete any restoration project or repairs to their property.

SERVPRO’s Professional Guide to Removing Glued Down Carpeting

SERVPRO technicians will don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves during the restoration project. Cleaning up after a water loss can require a wide array of PPE depending on whether the water contains hazardous materials and the type of materials the water has come in contact with. If the water is grossly contaminated or the materials contain heavy metals or other caustic elements, tyvek coverall, rubber boots, chemical resistant gloves and respirators may be required. For other water losses that have less caustic conditions protective goggles, rubber gloves, and a respirator or dust mask may suffice. SERVPRO of East Cobb’s highest priority is the safety of our technicians and customers alike. Our technicians are specifically trained to deal with dangers one faces when mitigating or restoring a water damaged property. You should never put yourself in harm's way by taking on a restoration project, unless you are properly trained and experienced in the water restoration field. 

Other equipment and supplies needed to remove glued down carpet include professional cleaning products like those found in SERVPRO’s line of proprietary cleaning products (CitraSolvent and Bright-N-Neutral Cleaner), as well as pump sprayers, hand scrapers, squeegees, a buffing or sanding tool, air movers, mop, mop bucket, and carpet removal tools like a carpet puller or electric floor scraper.

How to Remove Glued Down Carpet

Glued Down Carpet Removal

• Remove glued down carpet using carpet removal tools like a handheld scraping tool, carpet puller, or an electric floor scraper. Be sure to consult the operational manual or owners manual prior to using each piece of equipment to ensure safe operation.
• If the carpet will not release from the subfloor or other substrate using hand scraping tools, carpet puller, or electric floor scraper apply a professional grade cleaning solvent like SERVPRO’s CitraSolvent to help release carpet from the floor.
• Make sure to properly ventilate the work area while performing this procedure.
• Apply professional grade cleaning solvent between the carpet and floor if possible.
• Saturate the carpet with professional grade cleaning solvent to allow penetration through the carpet backing.
• Let professional grade cleaning solvent dwell on carpet for 10-15 minutes.

• Utilize hand scraping tools, carpet puller, or an electric floor scraper to remove remaining carpet.

Removal of Glue from Concrete

• Using the aforementioned handheld scraper tool or an electric floor scraper, scrape up as much glue and glue particles from the floor as possible. A buffing or sanding tool may also be used to buff or sand away glue residue. 
• Generously apply the professional grade cleaning solvent to the carpet and concrete. This will loosen the glues hold and help facilitate glue removal.
  • On smaller jobs you can use a brush to work professional grade cleaning solvent into glue that is stuck to the concrete.
  • On Larger jobs you can use a buffing machine with a brush attachment to work professional cleaning solvent into glue that is stuck to the concrete.
• Allow the professional grade cleaning solvent to dwell for 10-15 minutes. This will help the solvent’s effectiveness and help the glue release from the concrete.
• Scrub the affected area using hand scrapers, electric floor scraper, or with an abrasive sanding block or buffing tool.
• Remove any excess liquid and residue using a squeegee or portable water extractor.
• Repeat as needed until no glue remains adhered to the concrete.
• *IMPORTANT* Mop the floor with hot water and a professional grade cleaning product like SERVPRO’s Bright-N-Neutral Cleaner to remove any residual adhesives or solvents.
• Finally rinse the entire affected area by mopping with clean clear water to remove any residual residue left behind by the professional cleaning product.

When water damage happens it can cause a whole host of issues in your home. From damage to your belongings and contents, to structural damage that denies you access to parts of your home that could force you to make adjustments to your living arrangements while the issue is resolved. Water restoration projects are never fun for homeowners to deal with, but choosing the right restoration company to handle your claim can save you tons of headaches and stress. If your home or business suffers water damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb today. We can restore your property quickly, safely, and cost effectively. Let the professionals at SERVPRO of East Cobb ease your burden and take all of the guesswork out of restoring your property.  

SERVPRO of East Cobb is Cobb County’s Preferred Water Restoration Services Provider... Don’t Take Our Word For It....

• Over 100 Positive Reviews Across Different Online Platforms
• Nearly Perfect Google Review score
• Accredited A+ BBB Business 
• Five Star Rating on Angie’s List, BBB, & Google My Business 

*If you enjoyed this blog check out some of our previous blogs on water restoration: “Drying and Mitigation of a Three Bedroom House in Marietta, GA”; “Roswell Toilet Leak Lead to Water Damage Throughout Home”; “5 Way Hard Water Can Damage Your Cumberland, GA Home”; “How to Handle a Cobb County Clogged Toilet, Sink, and Other Simple Plumbing Issues”; “The Best Water Restoration Company in Kennesaw, GA”; “The Science Behind the Drying Process”

Importance of Responding Quickly to a Water Loss

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what time day or night, SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help cleanup water damage in your Cobb County home.

Water can cause severe damage to the materials it saturates. That's why SERVPRO of East Cobb is ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year.  Water losses can happen at any time and when they do, time is of the essence to prevent further damages. Water spreads quickly and will saturate floors, walls, furniture and many more porous surfaces it comes in contact with. SERVPRO of East Cobb will immediately respond to your loss and extract water to prevent further damages and reduce the cost of restoration. 

Some effects of water are immediate, while other effects can take days or weeks to become noticeable. The extent of damage depends on factors such as how much water is involved, how long the water sits and what type of materials is saturated. Let's take a look at how water can cause damage over time.  

Water Damage within minutes

• Water migrates throughout your home, saturating the porous materials it touches 
• Furniture finishes can bleed causing permanent stains on carpet and furniture
• Family photos, books, and  important documents can become soaked causing bleeding, swelling and warping. 

Water Damages First 24-Hours

• Drywall starts to breakdown and swelling occurs
• Furniture swells and cracks, veneer buckles
• Odors start to occur due to bacteria and mold 
• Metals start to tarnish 

Water Damages The First Week

• Doors, jambs, window seals and studs start to swell 
• Rust and corrosion begins on metal
• Paint begins to bubble
• Wood floors start to cup and buckle
• Water becomes category 3 water which is unsanitary 
• Microbial growth can set in and spread 

Water Damages Over a Week 

• Structural safety becomes a concern 
• Microbial growth and bacteria becomes a concern for occupants
• Cost increases significantly 

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb for Emergency Service (770) 424-0400

*Check out some of our Water Restoration Pictures previous Water Restoration Projects Before and After Photos: ”Roswell, GA Home Suffers Water Damage - Dining Room & Bar Area”; “Roswell, GA Home Suffers Water Damage - Dining Room & Kitchen”; “Roswell, GA Home Suffers Water Damage - Kitchen”; “Kennesaw Home Toilet Supply Line Leak”

What About the Water You Don't See?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is faster to any size disaster and is here to help 24-hrs a day 7 days week. Call us today for water restoration services!

There’s no such thing as a small disaster, especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. When water damage happens, you need help fast. No matter what time of day or night, contact SERVPRO of East Cobb to begin emergency mitigation. Emergency mitigation means under normal circumstances, SERVPRO of East Cobb professionals can be on-site with two hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed the less chance of serious damage to your facility. 

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future repairs is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of East Cobb has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water, before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss.

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of East Cobb will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our highly trained technicians.

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, walls and other building materials.

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of East Cobb professionals to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information SERVPRO of East Cobb technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach.

The bottom line? The professionals at SERVPRO of East Cobb have the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of East Cobb professionals are trained and understand how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which help prevent secondary water damage. SERVPRO will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents. Help ensure the value of your property by calling SERVPRO of East Cobb today. As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 17 years of experience and expertise to help ensure your home or business is taken care of quickly and safely.

Defense Against Mold Growth:

Prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 or 48 hours under certain conditions. Here are some tips on preventing mold growth:

• Keep the humidity between 30 to 60 percent.

• Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations.

• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.

• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.

• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

• Respond to all water instructions immediately.

• Contact SERVPRO of East Cobb for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold.

If you enjoyed this blog here are a few related Water Restoration Blogs: “Drying and Mitigation of a Three Bedroom House in Marietta, GA”; “Roswell Toilet Leak Lead to Water Damage Throughout Home”; “5 Way Hard Water Can Damage Your Cumberland, GA Home”; “How to Handle a Cobb County Clogged Toilet, Sink, and Other Simple Plumbing Issues”; “The Best Water Restoration Company in Kennesaw, GA”; “The Science Behind the Drying Process”

Drying and Mitigation of a Three Bedroom House in Marietta, GA

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you suffer water damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb at (770)424-0400. We are available for emergency services 24-hours a day, every day!

SERVPRO has become the name that homeowners know and trust for water restoration, mitigation, and drying services nationwide. SERVPRO of East Cobb is proud to serve the Cobb County community and is available 24-hours a day, even during major holidays. We make it our priority to help Marietta and Kennesaw homeowners recover after disaster strikes. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for most major insurance companies like State Farm, Farmers, Auto Owners and The Hartford as well as a great working relationship with our local insurance agencies. We adhere to strict industry standards put forth by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and use Xactimate guidelines for flat rate fixed pricing which ensures that our estimates also adhere to industry standards (Xactimate is the computer program insurance companies use to price restoration and mitigation services). If you’ve suffered water or storm damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb today! 

*The following is a summary of the services SERVPRO of East Cobb performed for this Marietta, GA customer. SERVPRO believes strongly in our customers' rights to privacy and would never publish any materials related to the service we’ve performed for our customer, without their express written consent. This homeowner was gracious enough to authorize SERVPRO of East Cobb to share their experience working with us, and for that we are very thankful.

Late one evening early this year, SERVPRO of East Cobb received an emergency water restoration service call from a customer in the Hidden Creek subdivision in Marietta, GA. The vinyl sided home consisted of three levels (upstairs, main level, and a finished basement) and was built in the late 1980’s. The homeowner explained that there were several inches of standing water in their finished basement and that they needed help ASAP. SERVPRO’s highly trained team jumped into action. Our 24-hour call center took down the homeowners information, details about the water loss and dispatched four water restoration technicians immediately to the homeowners address. The four SERVPRO of East Cobb restoration technicians arrived on-site in less than an hour and helped the homeowner turn off the water supply line to their leaking water heater. They assessed the affected areas for safety concerns and began documenting the damage for the homeowner’s insurance company to help facilitate filing a home insurance claim. After extracting the standing water from the affected areas, our restoration professionals assessed the affected areas and contents of the areas, for cost-effective restoration. Items deemed more cost effective to remove were properly disposed of and both restorable contents and contaminated areas were dried to IICRC S500 Standards and sanitized using Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution (an antimicrobial professional cleaning product). Over the course of four days a total of 23 Phoenix AirMax air mover and two Dry-Eaz Evolution LGR dehumidifiers were strategically placed in affected areas to dry the structure of the home, and a single Dry-Eaz HEPA 500 air scrubber was used to remove water related odors caused by moisture in the basement and filter out particulate matter in the air introduced during the demolition phase. Contents of the rooms were carefully inspected for water damage, documented by photograph, and boxed up. They were then either taken to our 10,000 sq. ft. restoration and storage facility for cleaning or they were cleaned and stored on-site. 

Bathroom: The bathroom measured seven feet by five feet with a seven foot ceiling. Heavy water extraction was required of the 21 sq. ft. bathroom. Glued down carpet covered the entire floor of the bathroom and was 100% affected by class 2 grey water which meant it would have to be removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The sink, vanity, and counter-top in the bathroom were temporarily removed for cleaning/sanitization and stored on site for re-installation by SERVPRO’s construction team. Holes were drilled at the base of the drywall in the bathroom to allow airflow and to facilitate the drying process. This is called cavity drying, and is less invasive and much easier, quicker, and economical to repair than removing the drywall all together. Twenty-four linear feet of baseboards were also removed during the mitigation phase. The entire affected area was sanitized and cleaned using Sporicidin which also prevents future mold growth. Two AirMax air movers were strategically placed to safely and efficiently dry the bathroom to preloss condition over the course of the next four days. 

Bonus Room: The bonus room measured seventeen feet by thirty-one feet with a seven foot ceiling. Heavy water extraction was performed on the affected carpeted area, totaling 342 sq ft using SERVPRO’s high powered truck mounted water extraction vacuums. The flooring in the room was glued down carpet, which was about 60% affected by class 2 grey water, totaling 343 sq. ft of affected flooring material to be removed, bagged, and disposed of properly. Some of the baseboards, drywall, and insulation were also removed due to contact with grey water, totaling about forty linear feet of baseboards, twenty-four square feet of insulation, and twenty-four square feet of drywall. A sink located in a counter-top bar that measured sixteen linear feet, was detached to facilitate drying and was re-installed by our construction team once clean and sanitized and the mitigation and drying phases were completed. Contents of the rooms were carefully inspected for water damage, documented by photograph, boxed up, and either taken to our 10,000 sq. ft. restoration and storage facility for cleaning or cleaned and stored on-site. Antimicrobial agents were applied to all affected surfaces and used to clean/sanitize the affected area, before nine AirMax air movers, one low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifier, and a Dry-Eaz HEPA 500 air scrubber were strategically place in the affected area to dry the bonus room to IICRC S500 Standards.

Hallway: The hallway measured eight feet by five and a half feet with a seven foot ceiling. Water restoration technicians extracted water from a forty-eight square foot area in the hallway to remove standing water before beginning the demolition process. Glue down carpet covered the floor and was 100% affected by class 2-grey water, totaling about forty-eight square feet that was removed, bagged, and properly disposed of. The walls were largely unaffected but did require about eight square feet of both drywall and insulation to be removed, bagged, and properly disposed of. Baseboards were completely removed totaling about twenty-six linear feet, so that five holes could be drilled into the base of the drywall to facilitate airflow and make the drying process more effective. Antimicrobial agents were used to clean the affected area to prevent future mold growth and sanitize the structure and building materials. Three AirMax air movers and a single LGR dehumidifier were strategically placed to facilitate the drying of the affected area over the course of four days.

Utility Closet: The utility closet measured eight and a half feet by eight feet with eight foot ceilings. This was the room where the cause of loss occurred, which was a busted water heater. Our technicians helped the homeowner turn off the water supply line to the water heater to stop the water leak. Water extraction also began in this room, as this was the area that held them most standing water. Glue down carpet covered the entire floor in the room and was 100% affected by class 2-grey water, meaning that about sixty-nine feet of glue down carpet needed to be removed, bagged, and disposed of properly. Baseboards were removed totaling thirty-three linear feet so that eight holes could be ported in the base of the walls to facilitate air flow and effectively dry the area. Additionally, some drywall had to be removed as well totaling about eight square feet due to severe water damage. Antimicrobial agents were used to clean the affected area to prevent future mold growth and sanitize the structure and building materials. Three AirMax air movers were strategically placed to facilitate the drying of affected area over the course of four days.

Basement Landing: The basement landing measured seven feet by eleven feet with seven foot ceilings. Water extraction was performed to remove class 2-grey standing water from a one-hundred and five foot area. The contents of the room were carefully inspected for water damage, documented by photograph, boxed up, and either taken to SERVPRO of East Cobb’s restoration and storage facility for cleaning or cleaned and stored on-site. The flooring in the room was glue down carpet, of which about 75% would be required to be removed, bagged, and disposed of properly due to contact with the class 2-grey water. Along with the glue down carpet, thirteen linear feet of baseboards were removed to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was treated with antimicrobial agents like Benefect Disinfectant Solution to prevent future mold growth and to clean/sanitize the home’s structure and building materials. A total of two centrifugal air movers were used over the course of the next four days to dry affected materials by circulating warm dry air throughout the area.

Billiards/Game Room: The billiards/game room measured thirteen feet by eleven feet with seven foot ceilings and the flooring in the room was glued down carpet. Heavy water extraction was performed throughout a one-hundred and five foot area and the carpeting covering that area was also removed due to contact with class 2 grey water totaling about 75% of the room flooring. Baseboards were removed totaling thirteen linear feet to help with the drying process. Antimicrobial agents were used to clean the affected area to prevent future mold growth and sanitize the structure and building materials. Five AirMax air movers were strategically placed to facilitate the drying process over the next four days, safely drying the room to preloss condition and in accordance with IICRC S500 Standards.

*If you have enjoyed this blog take a look at SERVPRO of East Cobb’s related water restoration blogs: “Roswell Toilet Leak Leads to Water Damage Throughout Home”; “Call the Cleanup Team That’s Faster to Any Size Disaster”; “Water Damage Restoration - What You Need to Know”; “What to do before help arrives!”

Check Out SERVPRO of East Cobb’s Before & After Water Restoration Pictures:

• Roswell, GA Home Suffers Water Damage 
• Dining Room & Bar Area
• Dining Room & Kitchen
• Kitchen
• Kennesaw Home Toilet Supply Line Leak
• Water Heater Leak in Cobb County Customer's Garage
• Sewage Backup in Kennesaw Master Bathroom
• Kitchen That Required a Complete Rebuild

SERVPRO of East Cobb's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb for all of your water restoration needs. We can make water damage seem "Like it never even happened."

We here at SERVPRO of East Cobb have always prided ourselves on being faster any size disaster. Meaning that no matter what size water, fire, mold, or cleaning project you have on your hands, be it commercial or residential, you know that help from SERVPRO of East Cobb is on its way and will be there quick, fast and in a hurry. Our trained professionals will come equipped with all the equipment needed to stabilize water damaged areas and are ready to extract standing water with their powerful water extraction tool if necessary. SERVPRO has developed a set of Service Response Guidelines to ensure that all SERVPRO franchises are able to respond to our customers's needs in a swift and timely manner. 

Service Response Guidelines

1 Hour – Within one hour of notice of loss, one of SERVPRO of East Cobb’s loss coordinators will contact you to arrange for service.

4 Hours – Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of East Cobb will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary). 

8 Hours – Within eight business hours, we will initiate a verbal briefing of the scope of damage and needed mitigation efforts.

*While these guidelines are a good way to ensure that all of our customers are taken care of properly, SERVPRO of East Cobb strives for greatness and averages less than a two hour turn-around-time when responding to emergency water or fire service requests.

Let's take a look at the first part of our Service Response Guideline, “Within one hour of notice of loss, one of SERVPRO of East Cobb’s loss coordinators will contact you to arrange for service.” What does this mean? This means that no matter what time you call, day or night, your call will be answered by a SERVPRO of East Cobb team member, and that technicians can be immediately dispatched to your location ready to start extracting water, mitigating damage, and restoring your home or business. Our loss coordinator will gather information about your water loss like: Is there standing water on-site? How many levels are affected? What type of flooring is affected? What year was the structure built? Are utilities like electrical power and water available on-site? We gather this information to better prepare our highly trained technicians and allow them to equip their service vehicle with the appropriate equipment.

The second part of the Service Response Guideline, “Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of East Cobb will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).” This section is pretty cut and dry. Within four hours of notification of the loss, SERVPRO of East Cobb will be on-site to stabilize the affected area(s) and start the remediation/restoration process. SERVPRO of East Cobb likes to point out that our average response time is well under the four hour guideline and in most cases, response time is actually less than two hours. Should our customer choose to delay our initial service call, our loss coordinator can help them schedule a more convenient time for our initial visit. We always advise our customer that the longer water damage sits unmitigated, the more likely it is to cause additional damage. The sooner SERVPRO of East Cobb can stabilize affected water damaged areas, the better!

Finally we have the third part of our Service Response Guideline, “Within eight business hours, we will initiate a verbal briefing of the scope of damage and needed mitigation efforts.” This is the step in the Service Response Guideline that gives you some solid information on what it is going to take to return your property to preloss condition and explain how SERVPRO of East Cobb can make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of East Cobb does not use scare or high pressure sales tactics. We prefer to work with customers that are well informed and understand the restoration process. This is why SERVPRO of East Cobb provides estimates and a scope of work to explain what it will take to restore your property, before performing services.

SERVPRO of East Cobb’s highly trained and professional restoration team will help you navigate all of the twists and turns that can come with restoring your home or business after water damage and can help you regain control of the situation. Upon notification, SERVPRO of East Cobb can have technicians on-site within an hour in most cases, ready to start the drying process so that your life can get back to normal. If your home or business has suffered water damage, give SERVPRO of East Cobb a call today! We are approved and preferred vendors for most insurance companies and have a great working relationship with local insurance adjusters. If you happen to be a State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Auto Owners, or The Hartford insurance customer, SERVPRO of East Cobb is a preferred provider of these carriers making the process simple for our customers. Taking all of the guesswork out of filling out insurance paperwork, scheduling with adjusters, and documenting your claim.

*Check out some of our related Water Restoration Blogs: “Roswell Toilet Leak Leads to Water Damage Throughout Home”; “5 Ways Hard Water Can Damage Your Cumberland, GA Home”; “How to Handle a Cobb County Clogged Toilet, Sink, and Other Simple Plumbing Issues”; “The Best Water Restoration Company in Kennesaw, GA”

Roswell Toilet Leak Leads to Water Damage Throughout Home

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers water or fire damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

In a well established and quiet neighborhood on the East side of the growing city of Roswell, GA, disaster struck a two story traditional brick house in the form of a toilet supply line leak. The homeowner was out of town on business for a couple of days and returned home to find water cascading down through the ceiling of his living room, kitchen, and dining room. He was immediately hit with an overwhelming sense of worry and dread. At the time, it seemed like everything he owned was ruined. He began playing through his head the process of having to rebuild his entire life, all because of this most unfortunate water leak. This only added to his feelings of uncertainty and frustration, and just when all seemed lost...He called SERVPRO of East Cobb.

SERVPRO of East Cobb’s highly trained and professional restoration team will help you navigate all of the twists and turns that can come with restoring your home or business after water damage and can help you regain control of the situation. Upon notification, SERVPRO of East Cobb can have technicians on-site within an hour in most cases, ready to start the drying process so that your life can get back to normal. If your home or business has suffered water damage, give SERVPRO of East Cobb a call today! We are approved and preferred vendors for most insurance companies and have a great working relationship with local insurance adjusters. If you happen to be a State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Auto Owners, or The Hartford insurance customer, SERVPRO of East Cobb is a preferred provider of these carriers making the process simple for our customers. Taking all of the guesswork out of filling out insurance paperwork, scheduling with adjusters, and documenting your claim. 

It is SERVPRO’s policy to protect our customers personal information and SERVPRO would never publish identifying information about our customer’s property. We asked this Roswell homeowner if it would be alright to share his restoration project story with prospective customers and highlight the work we performed on our website. Having been thoroughly impressed with our level of service and attention to detail, he acquiesce without hesitation. The following is a step by step walk through of his water restoration claim.

Our customer called SERVPRO of East Cobb just after lunch on a Sunday afternoon, to notify us of his home water damage issues. Our loss coordinator fielded his call, and calmed his nerves by assuring him that SERVPRO help was on the way. Then immediately dispatched one of our IICRC certified water restoration technicians to his home to perform an emergency water extraction and start the drying process. While on the phone with our loss coordinator, we gather pertinent information about the homeowners property like when it was built, insurance policy information, and the number of rooms affected. Is water and electrical power available on-site? What type of materials were affected by water damage (hardwood floors, carpeting, drywall, etc.)? The information gathered was electronically transferred to our water restoration technicians, who were in route to the customer’s home. By gathering and providing this information to our technicians, they are ready to start the restoration process as soon as they set foot on the property. Equipped with specialty drying equipment suited to the type, condition and size of the loss at hand. 

SERVPRO’s goal is to save all building materials and restore them to their preloss condition through our advanced drying and restoration techniques and processes. Materials that can not be saved are documented for the homeowner and adjuster, then removed and disposed of off site. Sometimes materials may not be cost effective to restore, in which case the item(s) or material(s) are again, documented for the homeowner and insurance provider’s records then removed from the home or business.

The first step our water restoration technicians take on any restoration project is to assess the structure and affected areas for safety hazards like falling sheetrock or electrocution risks. Once the property was deemed safe, our technicians started documenting and assessing the extent of the water damage. Taking pictures and notes of damage to be compiled in the restoration job file along with drying-logs that document the progress of drying the structure, building materials, and contents of the home. 

Room by Room Mitigation Scope of Work

Cause of Loss: The cause of loss was a broken toilet supply line on the second level in the master bathroom. Water leaked from the broken toilet supply line for approximately three days and did damage to all three levels of the home, affecting fifteen rooms. The cause of loss, first, and second levels were all classified as a category 2 water damage due to contaminants in the water that could potentially cause illness through contact or ingestion. The basement level was upgraded to category 3 water damage because of potentially pathogenic, toxic organic and inorganic substances. 

*The home was divided into three zones and individual scopes of work were written up for each zone.

Zone 1: The basement was designated as zone one and consisted of three affected rooms. The basement was largely unfinished and used primarily for storage. Our team extracted water from the cement basement floor, safely packed up what little items were in the basement to be safely stored off site at our 15,000 sq. ft storage facility. Specialty commercial grade equipment was placed once all standing water was extracted. Using SERVPRO’s proprietary psychrometrics software, our technicians set up twenty-eight directional air movers, four low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers, and a courtesy HEPA air scrubber to filter unpleasant odors associated with the water loss. Affected areas were treated with antimicrobial and professional cleaning products to prevent mold growth. After a few days of drying, zone one was dried to IICRC S500 Standards and returned to preloss condition. Finally the contents that had been moved off site could be returned to the customer’s basement.

Zone 2: The main level was designated as zone two and consisted of four affected rooms (kitchen, dining room, living room, and hallway bathroom), an entryway, and a couple of hallways. The affected rooms all required light water extraction due to a small amount of standing water that saturated the free flowing hardwood floors. Extensive demolition was required throughout portions of zone two. 

• In the kitchen, hardwood floors were 70% affected requiring 235 sq. ft of flooring to be removed along with all wall baseboards. A small amount of standing water was extracted from the kitchen floor. Cabinets and countertops were emptied and belongings packed for cleaning and storage off site. The ceiling was 100% affected and required all 280 sq. ft of ceiling sheetrock to be removed. The walls and cabinets were largely unaffected and were able to be restored with minimal demolition, only the cabinetry baseboards would have to be temporarily removed to facilitate drying. Once demo was completed the entire area was cleaned using professional cleaning products and antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold from growing in the home. Using eight centrifugal air movers and a single Evolution LGR dehumidifier the kitchen was dried to IICRC’s S500 Standards and was now ready for our construction team to complete repairs and finish the restoration of the kitchen. New hardwood floors were installed. Baseboards were remounted to the fully restored kitchen cabinets. Touch up paint and drywall work was completed by our talented paint and sheetrock crews. The entire kitchen was given a final cleaning and the contents were returned to their rightful places, completing the restoration of the kitchen. 
• In the dining room, hardwood floors were 25% affected requiring 39 sq. ft of the flooring to be removed along with the removal of all baseboards. The contents of the room were safely packed into boxes and moved off site, taking special care of the customers antique dining room table. After demolition, the affected area was treated with antimicrobial professional cleaning products to prevent future mold growth, and two air movers were placed to dry the affected area to preloss condition in just a couple of days. Once our construction department replaced the hardwood floors and baseboards, the dining room table and other contents could be returned and arranged as they were before the loss. 
• In the living room, hardwood floors were 100% affected requiring 356 sq. ft of the flooring to be removed along with all baseboards in the room. Standing water was extracted using one of SERVPRO’s truck mounted water extraction vacuums and debris was cleared from the area. The ceiling was also 100% affected requiring all 375 sq. ft of the ceiling to be removed. Once demolition was completed the entire affected area was cleaned with antimicrobial professional cleaning products to deter mold growth in the future. Twelve Centrifugal and directional air movers were strategically placed to encourage drying of the subfloor and ceiling joists, along with two Dri-Eaz LGR dehumidifiers and a courtesy air scrubber to remove airborne particulate matter. Once the structure was dried to preloss conditions, SERVPRO’s construction department stepped in, replacing the hardwood floors, ceiling drywall, baseboards, and touched up paint and drywall.
• In the hallway bathroom, the hardwood floors were 100% affected requiring 18 sq. ft of the flooring to be removed along with the baseboards in the room. The cabinets, granite vanity and sink in the bathroom were detached to facilitate drying and the entire area was treated with antimicrobials and professional cleaning products to prevent mold growth. Two directional air movers were set up in the bathroom and drying in this area was completed in just a couple of days. The construction team replaced the hardwood floors, touched up paint, reset the vanity and sink to complete the restoration of the bathroom.

Zone 3: The second level of the home was designated as zone three and consisted of five affected rooms (master bedroom, master bathroom, two guest bedrooms, and a study/home office), and a long hallway that spanned the length of the second level. Excluding the master bedroom suite and hallway, the second level had free flowing carpet throughout which was completely saturated with standing water in some places. Water was extracted from the carpet and pad, then the carpet and pad was cut out and removed. The homeowner had postponed replacement of the carpet on the second floor for several years and used this disaster claim as an opportunity to complete the flooring renovations.

• In the master bedroom, hardwood floors were 100% affected and required all 228 sq ft of hardwood flooring be removed as well as all baseboards in the room. SERVPRO technicians utilized portable water extractors to remove standing water and carefully packed the contents of the master bedroom for cleaning and storage off site prior to removing the flooring. Professional cleaning products with antimicrobial agents were used to clean the affected areas, as a preventative measure against mold growth. A total of six Sahara HD TurboDryer air movers and a single low grain refrigerant dehumidifier were used to dry the master bedroom over the course of several days. The construction team reinstalled new hardwood floors and baseboards then touched up sheetrock and paint prior to final inspection. 
• In the master bathroom, tile floors were 100% affected and required all 60 sq ft of tile flooring to be removed from the master bathroom. Standing water was extracted from the tile floor and master bathroom contents were cleaned and packed for offsite storage. The toilet was detached to facilitate drying and the removal of the tile flooring. Then the entire affected area was treated with professional cleaning products and antimicrobials to prevent mold from growing in the future. Three centrifugal air movers were used alongside a single LGR dehumidifier to dry the master bathroom over the course of several days. Once the master bathroom was dried to preloss conditions SERVPRO’s construction department replaced the tile flooring, reset the toilet, and touched up drywall and paint, completing the restoration of the master bathroom.
• In the hallway, hardwood floors were 100% affected and required all 135 sq ft of hardwood flooring be removed as well as all baseboards. Standing water was extracted from the hall prior to removing the baseboards and hardwood floors. SERVPRO’s proprietary professional antimicrobial and cleaning products were used to clean the affected area and prevent mold from forming. Four centrifugal air movers, two axial air movers, and one dehumidifier was used to dry the hall to IICRC S500 Standards. Restoration of the hallway was completed when SERVPRO’s construction department installed new hardwood floors, baseboards, and touched up minor drywall and paint flaws.
• In guest bedroom one, carpeted flooring was 40% affected, requiring 65 sq. ft of carpeting to be removed. At the homeowner’s request our team removed 100% of the carpeted flooring in preparation of the new hardwood flooring that would be installed after structural drying was completed. The entire room was cleaned using professional antimicrobial cleaning products. The contents of the bedroom were packed up and moved off site for cleaning and storage. Only four air movers were required to dry all affected materials and subflooring in just a few days. As mentioned, our construction department completed the restoration of the bedroom by installing new hardwood floors, replacing baseboards, and touching up paint and drywall issues. 
• In guest bedroom two, there was no damage caused by the water loss, but in preparations of upgrading the flooring, carpet and pad was removed from the room. The contents of the room were packed up for safe storage off site, so that hardwood flooring upgrades could be completed in guest bedroom two. 
• In the study/home office, carpet was 10% affected and required that 14 sq ft of carpeting to be removed. Again, at the homeowner’s request our team removed 100% of the carpeted flooring in preparation of the new hardwood floor installation. The contents of the study/home office were carefully packed and transported off site for cleaning and storage. Antimicrobial professional cleaning products were used to clean the damaged area. Two centrifugal air movers quickly dried this partially affected room. Once dry, the construction department completed the restoration and flooring upgrades by installing new hardwood floors and touching up paint and drywall blemishes.

What to Expect Until Help Arrives!

When you call, SERVPRO of East Cobb a loss coordinator will ask you 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 East Cobb

SERVPRO of East Cobb 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.

• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

5 Ways Hard Water Can Damage Your Cumberland GA Home

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is a preferred service provider for most major insurance companies. We can can even help you file a claim!

So you’ve probably seen the late night infomercials advertising water treatments and devices that prevent hard water. You might have wondered to yourself, “What is ‘hard water’ and can it actually affect my home?”. Let's take a quick look at what “hard water” is and how it can affect your house.

SERVPRO of East Cobb is open 24/7. Our water restoration professionals can be at your door within an hour!

Hard water is just water that has a high content of minerals like calcium, magnesium carbonate, bicarbonates and sulfates (minerals commonly found in limestone and gypsum). These minerals are suspended in solution and are so small they can not be seen by the naked eye. To find out if you have hard water you can use a home test kit or by calling your local water department. Levels of hardness in water varies regionally. You can check to see if your water falls in line with Georgia’s average on the US Geological Survey’s (USGS) website. 

If your water has a slight metallic taste or smells like rotten eggs, you might have hard water. Hard water is typically not harmful to humans or animals, and some studies even suggest that water with slightly elevated mineral levels can be beneficial. The human body needs to take in many different types of minerals. The primary way we take in these minerals is through the food we eat and the liquids we drink. Household plumbing and appliances on the other hand are another story. Over time, hard water can cause major issues in homes, and can also cause minor discomfort to the occupants. Let's take a closer look at how hard water can affect your home.

5 Major Ways Hard Water Can Affect Your Home

• Hard water shortens the lifespan of your hot water heater and other appliances. Minerals can build up inside of your hot water heater causing it to fail. This can result in costly and time consuming repairs. By having your hot water heater and other appliances regularly serviced according to the manufacturer, you can prevent mineral buildup and prolong the life of your appliances and hot water heaters. 
• Hard water can cause faucets to drip and can discolor brick and other sidings. Hard water minerals can build up on just about any surface they come in contact with. Areas around water spigots, downspouts, and gutters are prone to discoloration for this reason. Exterior water sources are also prone to mineral buildup that can cause fixtures to drip. Having the exterior of your home pressure cleaned once a year will remove built up minerals on “high traffic water areas”, and can keep your home looking new. 
• Hard water can leave behind shower and tub rings. Overtime, minerals build up along the fill line of the tub or shower and leave them with an ugly brownish-red slimy residue that can be quite difficult to remove. Cleaning your shower regularly can help prevent shower and tub rings, and in most cases using household cleaners like CLR will remove the unsightly ring/residue. This tip also works on toilets, by preventing toilet rings.
• Hard water can cause slow draining Toilets, sinks, and shower heads. Not unlike the other examples, minerals can build up in side pipes, fittings, and connectors causing them to corrode and drain slowly. Being careful what you put down your drains is a good way of preventing blockages, but if you believe you have corrosion in your home plumbing system it would be advisable to call a reputable plumbing company you trust.
• Hard water can cause cloudy drinking water. The reason hard water sometimes appears cloudy has to do with the high mineral content (the higher the mineral content the more cloudy the water). You should never use water that you feel has been compromised in any way, but hard water is safe to drink and can help with some of your daily intake of minerals. Hard water will however, leave your dishes spotty, cause laundry to look less clean or dingy, and can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy.

If you’ve experienced a water loss and need some help cleaning up, call SERVPRO of East Cobb. We have the trained professionals that can make it “Like it never even happened”! Check out some of our great reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook!

Winter Weather is Coming to Cobb County, Don't Let Your House's Pipes Freeze

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Winter is coming and temperatures are dropping, make sure your home is prepared for cold weather!

Winter is fast approaching North Georgia and will be here before we know it. The best time to prepare for winter weather and the dropping temperatures is to assemble supplies and fortify your property before it arrives. Trying to gather supplies once the cold weather event is upon us results in more accidents on the roads and people stranded in the cold. Having a general all purpose disaster ready kit is a great idea and will help prepare your home and family for cold weather events.

One of the leading causes of water damage in winter months is due to pipe freezes. When pipes freeze fittings, connectors, or even the pipe itself can crack. When the pipes eventually thaw out the water leaks from the pipes causing water damage to the structure. The best way to prevent pipe freezes is to not allow the temperature in at risk areas to drop below freezing by heating these spaces. PEX flexible plumbing lines are better suited for cold weather and could be used in place of traditional PVC or copper pipes. Insulating pipes will also help prevent pipe freezes, and can also improve the efficiency of your hot water heater.

SERVPRO of East Cobb and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention want everyone in the Cobb County & Metro Atlanta areas to be better prepared for winter weather this year. Most Atlantans remembers “Snowmageddon” back in 2014, when we were caught off guard by a few inches of snow and ice. Almost the entire metro area was brought to a stand still because of impassable roads and wrecked vehicles. Hopefully some of these tips will better prepare us and keep us safe this winter.

• Tips For The Home

You can winterize your home by installing insulation and weather stripping in areas that have gaps where cold air can infiltrate your home. You can also insulate water lines installed in exterior or exposed walls to help prevent pipe freezes. Having a working and well maintained heating system, whether it is gas or electric is very important. You should have your heating system serviced professionally once a year, and check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly for charged batteries and are in good working order. Having a backup source of heat that can operate on alternative fuels is also a good.

• Tips For The Car

The CDC has a few simple tips to prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and has a full tank of fuel. This will help prevent fuel lines from freezing and keep ice from forming in the tank. Use cold weather windshield washer fluid and radiator fluid to prevent your vehicle’s systems from freezing. Always carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with blankets, cell phone charger or extra batteries, flashlight, first-aid kit, and some food and water.

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help the Cobb County area with any water restoration projects that might come up. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO here to help. We are the restoration company that can get the job done right the first time. Check out some of our satisfied customers on Facebook, Google, and Yelp!

How to Handle a Cobb County Clogged Toilet, Sink, and Other Simple Plumbing Issues

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can not only be a hazard to your home or business. It can also be hazardous to your health!

Picture this, you are at your Cobb County home in your master bathroom using the facilities. Upon finishing your business you flush the toilet and notice the water level in the toilet raising (not draining as usual). Oh no! You’ve got a clogged toilet. Soon water begins overflowing from the bowl and spreads throughout the bathroom floor. In a panic you look anything nearby to sop up the mess, frantically soaking up as much water as you can.

Once the water finally stops coming you are faced with a couple of options. One, to clean up the mess yourself, exposing yourself (and possibly your family) to all the contaminants and risking additional damage to your home. Or option two call SERVPRO of East Cobb and let our trained professionals make it “Like it never even happened”. Our team can be on site within an hour in most cases and are on call 24/7.

Little known facts about common types of plumbing issues:

• Almost 20% of homeowners experience a clogged toilet on a regular basis
• Nearly 2 of 5 homeowners regularly have issues with packed up sinks or drains
• 1 in 20 homeowners have low water pressure
• Just shy of 5% of all garbage disposals have plumbing issues

How to fix a clogged toilet

The first rule of unclogging a toilet is to refrain from pressing the flush handle over and over again. This will only release more water into the bowl and sinse the drain is blocked all of that water will overflow into your floor. A better course of action is to use a quality toilet plunger. For best results use a flange plunger. Take the following tips under consideration:

• Making sure you have a good seal between the plunger and the toilet use a plunging motion quickly and repeatedly with firm pressure. With any luck this will break through the blockage clearing the line. 
• Be mind full of the water level and don’t attempt to flush the toilet until you are sure that the blockage has been cleared.
• It is inadvisable to use chemical drain cleaners on your toilet. The chemicals can damage you plumbing and tend to be very costly. If they come in contact with your skin, they can irritate or even burn your it.
• If you are unable to unclog a toilet or drain on your own, contact a trained professional.

If you or someone you know has experienced a water loss please give us a call today. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. We have trained professionals awaiting your call and can have a technician dispatched to your home or business in less than an hour in most cases. SERVPRO of East Cobb is faster to any size disaster, and can make it “Like it never even happened”. 

Check out what some of our satisfied customers have had to say about their experience working with SERVPRO of East Cobb.

The Best Water Restoration Company in Kennesaw GA

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb has many different pieces of equipment at our disposal to extract water safely from your home/business and we are available 24/7!

SERVPRO of East Cobb has provided the very best in 24/7 emergency water extraction and removal services for over 17 years. When it comes to water extraction, we know a thing or two. We’ve seen just about every scenario you might come across in a residential or commercial setting. To the average person it might just look like a bunch of people using big vacuum cleaners to suck up water, but in reality there is a lot of science, training and specialized equipment being utilized.

If your underwater, Call SERVPRO of East Cobb (770) 424-0400. We can dry you out!

SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and spent hundreds of hours on the job training. They also have the opportunity to take advantage of our continued learning opportunities. We like to say “Choose SERVPRO of East Cobb because we are the best”. The truth is SERVPRO East Cobb is the best because of our people. Our certified and trained technicians will treat your home or business like it is our home or business. When water damage happens it’s nice to have somebody on your side that has your best interests at heart.

Having the right equipment is also important when it comes to water restoration and that’s why SERVPRO of East Cobb has heavily invested in our equipment. Not only do we have more equipment than your average local water restoration company, but we also utilize the latest and greatest equipment available. SERVPRO of East Cobb uses moisture mapping technology to monitor the progress of drying over the course of our services. SERVPRO of East Cobb also has thermal imaging technology that helps track progress of  drying, as well as helps locate the source of water intrusion.

Our trucks and vans contain complete carpet cleaning/extraction systems. Our skilled technicians utilize this cutting edge equipment to extract dirty contaminated water from carpets and clean deep within its fibers. They can also use this equipment to safely sanitize other floorings like tile and cement, as well as to pump out massive amounts of water. Along with these truck mounted cleaning systems SERVPRO technicians have access to portable carpet cleaning/water extraction systems. The portable cleaner/extractors can be utilized when access to an affected area is limited or requires special attention. We also have a diverse fleet of pumps available to remove water. From sump pumps to trash pumps and even larger pumps capable of moving hundreds of gallons of water per hour. If you need to move a lot of water move quickly, SERVPRO of East Cobb has the equipment to get it done.

If you home or business is in need of emergency water removal call the extraction team that can handle any size disaster...SERVPRO of East Cobb!

Lower Recovery Costs - The SERVPRO System Helps Save Money!

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb extracted water from this Smyrna crawlspace and replaced the vapor barrier to prevent moisture issues, odors, and mold growth.

When it comes to mitigating a home or business water loss a quick response time is vital. Emergency mitigation services help minimize additional property damages. Calling a trained professional as soon as possible is the best way to prevent further damage to your property. In the Cobb County area, SERVPRO of East Cobb has been fastest to any size disaster for over 30 years. We believe our customers deserves our upmost respect and perform our work accordingly. Call SERVPRO of East Cobb and you can expect to have a technician on site with the hour in most cases (never more than 4 hours). 

Emergency Water Damage Process Overview

• Hour One: SERVPRO of East Cobb’s loss coordinator will reach out to our customer to immediately dispatch a remediation crew to your address to administer emergency services. Knowing that help is on the way, can restore your sense of control of over the situation!
• Detailed Explanation: A uniformed, trained SERVPRO professional equipped with the latest in drying technology will walk the site evaluating and scoping the job. Once our technician has completed the walk through, they will sit down with the customer to go over the scope of work. They will explain, step-by-step, the SERVPRO recommended services to be completed.
• Pretesting: One of the ways SERVPRO saves our customers money is by pretesting effected materials like upholstery, carpets, drywall, flooring, and other textiles. By pretesting these materials, we can quickly discern how viable restoration of the item(s) will be. This prevents time consuming and costly cleaning of materials that are not suitable for restoration. Pretesting also allows our technician to choose the appropriate cleaning method for individual items, preventing them from being damaged during the cleaning process.
• Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of arriving on site, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
• Cleaning & Restoration: SERVPRO professionals are trained not only to effectively help you regain control of your property but are also trained to work neatly and efficiently when a damaging event has turned your life upside down. They will use stat-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your home or business is properly taken care of, the first time.
• Final Walk-Through: To ensure our customers are completely satisfied, our technician will walk the entire job and review the scope of work with our customer a final time once all services have been completed.

SERVPRO of East Cobb is locally owned and operated with the backing of over 1700 locations nationwide. This means that no matter what size disaster, SERVPRO of East Cobb is up for the challenge and is ready is ready to provide 24/7 emergency water restoration services.

SERVPRO of East Cobb can make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Science Behind the Drying Process

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb 24/7 Emergency Water Restoration Services - (770)424-0200 - We work with insurance companies and adjusters!

Having the knowledge of psychrometrics in essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of East Cobb Professional will:

• 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 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, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals have the tools and equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom-line? SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb at: (770) 424-0400

Cobb County Emergency Water Damage Restoration Service

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

When every minute counts and customer satisfaction is critical, you want experienced people you can rely on!

Emergency flood water damage restoration requires urgency and skill. Trained and certified to the highest standards in the industry, our professionals respond immediately – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion and respect.

SERVPRO of East Cobb provides 24-hour water damage restoration service in:

• Kennesaw, GA
• Westoak, GA
• Mount Bethel, GA
• Blackwells, GA
• Cumberland, GA

Recognizing that water damage causes a devastating setback to families or businesses; we do whatever it takes to give back that sense of security with minimal disruption. Our recovery and restoration process is aimed at property and people. We offer water damage repair solution; you can rely on to minimize the impact of flooding and water damage.

Take a Moment to Consider

Our commitment to customer excellence includes you, which means that you can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting from us. We understand your requirements. We will provide a complete estimate within 24-48 hours.

SERVPRO of East Cobb offers the following emergency water damage restoration services:

• Emergency water extraction
• Removal and containment of odor caused by mold and mildew
• Drying and dehumidification
• Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
• Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
• Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals

Call us immediately at (770) 424-0400 for water damage restoration services in Cobb County.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Cobb is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

We are proud to be an active member of the Cobb County community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. We are also proud to serve our local communities:

• Kennesaw, GA
• Westoak, GA
• Mount Bethel, GA
• Blackwells, GA
• Cumberland, GA

How To Cleanup A Flooded Basement

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb for professional emergency water extraction service (770) 424-0400

One of the most common areas that flood in our homes are our basements. The water seeps in from different places and can ruin many beloved items. Typically, garages are near basements and can run into the same treatment. Water damage requires a professional to make sure you steer clear of possible mold damage. Here are some techniques you can use to make the process easier before we arrive:

• Use wooden clothespins to hang up clothes, children’s stuffed animals, and photographs that may have been effected.
• Make sure that furs and leather items dry separately and at room temperature.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture and wet carpeting.
• Remove upholstery and cushions for drying.
• Remove any excess water by mopping or blotting until we arrive.

SERVPRO is ready for any size disaster. If your basement floods, call us at (770) 424-0400.

Check us out on Facebook and Google Local

Locally Owned and Operated

We live and work in East Cobb too! We might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Cobb is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member in our community  and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Kennesaw, GA
• Westoak, GA
• Mount Bethel, GA
• Blackwells, GA
• Cumberland, GA

How a Water Damage Restoration Company Can Help Your Kennesaw Home

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

A Kennesaw Water Damaged Home and Help

Once a flood or fire has damaged your Kennesaw home, it's important for you to obtain water damage restoration services. Restoration services are multi-faceted in so much as they involve both cleaning, removing excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As the water damage specialists know from SERVPRO, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that the water damage is minimized and that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property. Learn more about the helpful services that this water damage restoration company can offer by reading the following short reference guide: 

A Water Damage Restoration Company Remediates Your Property Quickly

One of the benefits that results from employing a water damage restoration company is that they complete the cleanup, repair, and restoration processes quickly. A water damage restoration company like SERVPRO employs a large staff who can work with expedience and excellence. This group effort ensures that they can tackle a large number of problems that have resulted in the accumulated water damage in your Kennesaw home. The end result is the rapid restoration of your home, a reality which can greatly reduce the onset of secondary water damage and offer you peace of mind.

A Water Damage Restoration Company Limits Mold and Mildew Proliferation

Another great service provided by this water damage restoration company is the treatment of mold and mildew growth in your private living space. Restoration specialists accomplish this objective by removing excess water quickly so that the fungi do not have an opportunity to form and proliferate. If mold has already begun to grow in your home, this will commence in 48-72 hours after the initial water intrusion, the restoration specialists can eliminate it through the use of cleaners and industrial-grade disinfectants. These cleaners will not put you and your family at risk. It's important to let a team of trained professionals handle your water damage issues rather than attempting to solve the problem on your own. In recognizing that a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO can restore your home to its original condition, you may wish to ask your insurance agent for recommendation and advice.

Let's Get Started Now 

Homes that have been subjected to water damage are in need of high quality remediation services. Once you start looking for a professional water damage company to assist you in restoring your home, you should look no further than SERVPRO. Our company is committed to consistently offering cutting edge, expedient restoration services that get your home back in great condition with lightning speed. For water damage restoration services that work, contact us today and let's get started.

Locally Owned and Operated

We live and work in East Cobb too! We might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Cobb is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member in our community  and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Kennesaw, GA
• Westoak, GA
• Mount Bethel, GA
• Blackwells, GA
• Cumberland, GA
• 
  
  

The Restoration Process Begins When You Call Us.Here is the number for an immediate response.  (770) 424-0400

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration

6/13/2018 (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 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 making a call to SERVPRO of East Cobb 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.

(770) 424-0400

Prevent Water Damage While On Vacation

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb (770) 424-0400

Lots of things can go wrong in your home while you’re on vacation, most commonly leaks and water damage. Read our steps below to learn how to help prevent and reduce the risk of water damage when you’re away:

Check for Leaks

Before you leave on vacation, be sure to check around your house for any leaks. Pipes under sinks, your water heater, anything resembling rust, cracks, or other damage. It’s important to check the seals around your windows and the exterior of your home as well. If you find any leakage, be sure to fix it right away so everything can be repaired and in good condition before you leave.

Inspect Appliances

Important appliances such as your dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator are all connected to your home by hoses. If these hoses are damaged in any way, they can cause major water damage to your home. Inspect your appliances and, if needed, replace their hoses prior to leaving on vacation.

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning leaves and other debris out from your gutters before taking a vacation is an easy way to prevent potential blockage and build up. To learn more about the advantages of clean gutters, click here.

Turn Off the Water

Whenever you leave your home for an extended period of time, it’s important to turn off the water main and make sure the pipes are completely drained. This will stop any water from continually leaking in your home while you’re away. Simply run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water.

Have Someone Check on Your Home

Coordinate to have someone come over and check on your home while you’re away. Having a friend, neighbor, or family member keep an eye on your property can help keep it in good shape, and they can notify you immediately if something goes wrong.

With these tips, you can truly enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential water damage that could occur in your absence. If your home does suffer from water damage, call our team at SERVPRO of East Cobb. We can help remove, repair, and restore any damage to your home.

Going on Vacation

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

24/7 Emergency Water Extraction Call SERVPRO of East Cobb (770)424-0400

Going on vacation should be relaxing and worry-free, which is why it is important to make sure your house is secure before you leave for your trip. Be SERVPRO ready so you don’t come back to damages in your home. Here are some tips for preparing your home provided by SERVPRO of East Cobb.

Make Arrangements with an Emergency Contact.

• Choose a close friend or neighbor you trust as your emergency contact and provide them with all of your itinerary information in case they need to contact you.
• A timer on lights will give the impression someone is home.
• Leave written directions for alarm codes, doors, or other information needed to properly care for your home.
• Make sure your mail is collected; burglars often look for homes with overflowing mail. 
• The Post office can suspend your mail and deliver the day you get back. Here is a link to the US Post Office.

Take plumbing and electric precautions.

• Prevent leaks and floods from damaging your home by shutting off gas and water at the meter, supply tank, or appliances.
• Turn off the water valves to washing machines, sinks, and the dishwasher.
• Unplug electronics to cut down on any possible shortages which could potentially cause a disastrous fire.
• Check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Adjust your thermostat for the season. Keeping your thermostat at 55-60 degrees in the winter and 75-80 degrees in the summer should help control usage.

 Right before you leave:

• Notify your security company that you are leaving town.
• Take out the kitchen trash and other trash that could get smelly.
• Go on one last walk through of your house to secure windows, blinds, fences, doors, and plugs. This will ensure all entries are safe from hazardous obstructions.

 If you come back from vacation and encounter damage to your home, call SERVPRO of East Cobb (770) 424-0400. We clean up mold, fire, or water damage to your home or business in the Kennesaw Area.

source: http://www.SERVPRObiloxioceanspringsgulfport.com

Steps to Restoring Your Kennesaw Property After Water Damage

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Steps To Restoring Property After Water Damage

Water or flood damage restoration is the removal of water and its residual effects from a business or home.

If you have a pipe break, supply line break or any other water or flood damage related issue, don’t delay, call the water restoration experts at a restoration company.

Water in business or flooded home can result from supply line break, pipe break busted or natural flooding. No matter the reason for water in home or water in business, a professional's fast response to your water damage location will help prevent further damage and give you the peace of mind you need during a catastrophe.

Mitigation professionals know the impact water in business or flooded home can have on appliances, furniture, flooring, and appliances, and that’s why they provide a one-stop solution for complete water damage restoration. This means restoration technicians help with every step of the mitigation process including water cleanup, drying and sanitization and repairing damaged areas.

Any business or home owner who is experiencing a flooded home or water in business, should contact a restoration company as soon as possible. A pipe break or supply line break and the water damage that it causes is the nightmare of every business or home owner. Even a broken sink pipe or toilet overflow can cause a significant amount of damage to a business, home and possessions.

When you contact a reputable restoration company for water in home or water in business problem, the water cleanup experts will respond promptly to address the situation properly. Professionals have the right equipment and skills to provide efficient water cleanup and drying and ensure successful mitigation.

Here’s the formula for re-mediating damage from flooded home or business property:

When you call a restoration company, trained technicians arrive at the scene of the flood damage as soon as possible. That way they can contain the damage quickly and take other necessary steps.

Once they arrive at the property, the first step is to locate the source of the flood water and ensure that any pipe break or supply line break is dealt with appropriately. They make sure that no more water is seeping in before they can get to work with their assessment.

A disaster response team will assess the extent of water damage using innovative technology like moisture reading equipment and thermal imaging. After assessing and documenting the water damage, an in-depth restoration plan is prepared.

Once they’ve stopped the flow, they extract all stagnant water using commercial grade extractors. They have thorough water cleanup procedures that ensure every last drop of water or moisture is removed from the building. They also clean away silt and continue with sterilization of water damaged areas.

Once the water is extracted, mitigation professionals will carefully pull up any carpeting making sure to avoid tearing, and carpet padding will be discarded.

Then certified technicians begin drying the area in order to get rid of hidden pockets of water and moisture. They do this by setting up large dehumidifiers and commercial fans to make sure everything in the home or business’ building structure is dry.

Once they have dried out the area they use thermal detectors to determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be disposed off. Often carpeting and dry wall cannot be saved if it remained in wet condition for too long.

The final step in flood damage cleanup and drying is to restore the home or business to its pre-damage state – restoring flooring, structural damage, rebuilding ceilings and walls and repainting.

The process of flooded home or business restoration is neither simple nor easy.
Whether you are dealing with water in home or business, a reliable restoration company has the resources and a team of skilled technicians to address the situation properly. It is imperative that you contact a restoration company immediately for all of your flooded home or water in home or business mitigation needs. Visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information on water damage.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Kennesaw, GA
• Westoak, GA
• Mount Bethel, GA
• Blackwells, GA
• Cumberland, GA

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb! (770) 424-0400

source:http://www.SERVPROnorthnaples.com

How to Select a Credible Water Damage Restoration Service

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

How to Pick a Credible Water Damage Restoration Service

Unexpected storms, floods, sewerage leakages, and burst pipes can cause serious water damage to a property if not resolved promptly. A quick restoration is very necessary in rectifying water damage in order to avoid further expensive damages like mold growth, plumbing defects, and circuitry disconnections. Although a DIY approach is an option for solving the issue, massive water damage can only be solved by professionals with the right skill set, equipment, and experience in restoring a water in home or water in business disasters.

Unfortunately, there are several unqualified handymen out there who masquerade as qualified and licensed water damage mitigation professionals or experts by overstating their qualifications and experience. Hiring a trained technician will help a homeowner or commercial building manager a lot of dollars. Here are tips on how to choose the perfect flood damage mitigation expert who can get the job done right the first time:

• Certification

Although the industry doesn't have strict regulations, a property owner should ensure that he or she interviews certified candidates who have some training on water damage mitigation. A contractor with a certification is proof that he takes his jobs seriously and he can do the necessary repairs adequately. A property owner should hire a contractor or an agency that has technicians who are certified by the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The certification shows that the candidate has up to date training and latest techniques in handling water in homes or water in businesses. IICRC has a certified firm registrant database that enables property owners who have suffered flood damage to get professional help reliably.

• Reputation

Insurance companies have a list of established flood damage mitigation service providers who can come in handy in helping property owners to get quick help in case of water in homes and water in business premises. Unfortunately, some insurance companies keep a list of cheaper restoration companies or contractors who might not offer the best technology or services. Other credible options include seeking for referrals from friends and family members who have dealt with water damage disasters in the past, including moisture drying.

• Equipment and services

It's advisable to choose a company that uses modern technology, protective gear, hazmat suits, and advanced equipment in the water cleanup processes. A good company should use the latest dehumidification, water extraction, and pump outs in drying and repairing the damaged property. It's also necessary to settle for a water cleanup contractor who offers you a wide range of water cleanup services. It's possible to find a mold removal company that offers water remediation services as well. This is a standard field of knowledge that experienced and advanced contractors should possess.

• Availability

Steer clear of companies that are not willing to start the remediation and drying process immediately. Good companies with professional technicians who are available 24/7 for water cleanup can dry water in homes and water in business premises within a few hours, depending on the degree of damage. When there is standing water on a property, every minute counts! Reputable and professional flood damage mitigation experts know this, and they will act swiftly to salvage the damaged property. A technician who insists on telling the client to wait before he can begin the remediation portion of the process cannot be trusted to see the job through in a timely manner and carry out the drying.

The homeowner should choose a contractor or company that will give him a list of services and price estimates after evaluating the flood damage. Even a company that provides flood damage restorations services on an hourly basis should be able to give an estimate. Quality of service should come before price when choosing the right water cleanup restoration services to handle water in a business premise. Visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information on water damage.

Give us a call 24/7! (770) 424-0400

source:http://www.SERVPROnorthnaples.com

What to do before help arrives!

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb for all your water removal and restoration needs! - (770) 424-0400 -

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO of East Cobb arrives.

• Shut off the source of the water.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

SERVPRO of East Cobb provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial emergency.

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

Call SERVPRO of East Cobb -(770) 424-0400 -

Source:http://www.SERVPROfresnonorthwest.com/

Water Damage Restoration - What You Need to Know

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

If your home or business floods call SERVPRO of East Cobb - (770) 424-0400 -

From a broken pipe to inclement weather, standing water in a home or standing water in a business can cause mayhem on possessions and the property. It is hard to be prepared with full mitigation plans, but it is very important to react as fast as possible and expect to need water damage restoration. To minimize the harm done to the home, water cleanup and water damage restoration must happen quickly. When an emergency flooding happens, it is best to seek expert help and to do so as quickly as possible. Experts will arrive with high-tech, powerful equipment that will extract the water and minimize flood damage.

It is best to seek out certified experts who are trained extensively to deal with flooding emergencies whether the water is in the home or if the water is in a business. They can also advise homeowners on how to handle mitigation of water damage while the tenants or owners wait for them to arrive. Below is a list that can help reduce flood damage and help manage fallout mitigation.

1. If possible, immediately stop the water at its source to reduce the water in the home or the water in the business and speed up water cleanup.
2. If it is safe to do so turn off all electricity and move all smaller electric device. 
3. Pin up any furniture skirts, drapes, or tapestries that hang low or have contact with the floor to avoid water damage to the fabric.
4. Wash your hands after moving damaged belongings.
5. As much as possible, avoid walking on carpet.
6. Remove all moisture-sensitive, fragile belongings, anything of high-value, as well as items that could cause stains.
7. Move any furnishings that can be moved from the carpeted area of the home or place aluminum foil underneath furniture legs. This should help mitigation of the risk of long-lasting rust caused by flood damage.
8. Plan for a water damage restoration team to move furniture to already drying areas.
9. Avoid any/all possibility of electric shock to any living persons and pets. Do not use any electric devices until the emergency flood removal crew tells you it is okay. Do not use a shop or home vacuum to attempt water removal on from the property without cleanup experts onsite.
10. Do not turn on the heating, air conditioning, or fans in an attempt to speed the drying and cleanup process. Air movement may spread contamination if the flooding is at all sewage-related.

Powerful extraction and air movement gear is then brought into the home by expert cleanup crews to remove any presence of freestanding water. Water is then thoroughly removed from upholstery, carpet, and carpet padding. Then the drying by air movement with professional fans begins.

If flooding is particularly bad, carpet and carpet padding may be moved temporarily to assist with drying.

Water in a home can be an extremely expensive emergency if there is extensive flood damage. Water damage can be even more costly if there is water in a business that carries a large inventory. In order to prevent flood damage and water damage, it is important to contact professional cleanup crews that can speed up the drying process with water cleanup and air movement as soon as possible. The sooner water cleanup is completed water damage restoration can begin.

In the event of a home or commercial water loss please contact SERVPRO of East Cobb – (770) 424-0400 - or you can visit www.SERVPROeastcobbga.com for more information on water damage.

Source: www.SERVPROdowntownlasvegas.com/

Faster To Your Water Damage Event

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Faster to any Disaster

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

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

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 bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Call the Cleanup Team That's Faster to Any Size Disaster

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

There's no such thing as a small disaster-especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage. A pipe bursts. A water heater leaks. A bathtub overflows. Flood waters rush in. A sprinkler system malfunctions. Water damage can happen in any number of ways. But if your business or home is under a few a backseat. Only one thing matters when your business can't operate and there is just one thing on the mind of the water-logged resident: A solution.

SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals are that solution. Equipment with the knowledge, the experience, and the training to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened," SERVPRO of East Cobb  Professionals will start helping the moment you call. Backed by more than 40 years of experiences, your SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals will help put your worries to ease, because they understand the science of drying. Before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call SERVPRO of East Cobb (770) 424-0400, your local water damage clean up and restoration professionals.

Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property. SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for your home or business. SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals are trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time and full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of East Cobb Professionals can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.

When water damage strikes, give SERVPRO of East Cobb a call (770-424-0400);we will help to make things right, make things dry and make it "Like it never even happened."