Vandalism Damage

We want to equip you to minimize home injuries with brief tips that go a long way. Stay tuned for more tips!

Do:

-Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible

-Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don’t overwet). Scrape and blot; don’t rub since it can damage fibers

-Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.

-Save containers that reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetic and paints.

Don’t:

-Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.

-Operate damaged lamps or appliances.

-Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/biohazard-crimescene-vandalism-cleanup

-Denea Duran

Why Servpro?

So why SERVPRO? Why not some other restoration company? Why not do it to yourself? Why call us? I’ll tell you.

-SERVPRO is the national leader in Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration.

-SERVPRO uses only state of the art equipment.

-Training of SERVRO professionals at the national, regional and local levels is constantly reinforcing the highest standards.

-SERVPRO presents professionally uniformed field personnel.

-SERVPRO employs experienced and certified technicians.

-SERVPRO provides a professional service fleet.

-SERVPRO offers Full Service mitigation and construction service.

-SERVPRO has the resources of a national company in times of large disasters.

-SERVPRO franchises are held to a higher standard by the National Headquarters.

So if your weekend happens to be less than beautiful due to the unplanned (say, fire or water damage?) then I think you know who to call.

Here and ready to help when you need it most: (803)755-9774

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/

-Denea Duran 

Fact.

Even a small fire can cause odors in your home for years to come. Any fire in your home is bad. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can cause odors that may resurface for years. So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call us, your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO.

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

-Denea Duran 

Smoke 101

Fire damages are complex due to the unique nature of different types of smoke. Some things you may not know about smoke.

-Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

-Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.

-They type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

-Once at a fire scene, a SERVPRO Professional tests the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred.

Types of Smoke:

Wet Smoke Residues: result from smoldering fires with low heat. Residues are sticky and smeary with a pungent odor. Smoke webs can be difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke Residues: result from fast burning fires at high temperatures. Residues are normally dry, powdery, small, nonsmeary smoke particles.

Protein Residues: are virtually invisible residues that discolor paints and varnishes. They have an extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot:  occur when furnances puff back, distributing fuel oil soot.

Other Types of Residue: include tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residues, all requiring cleanup. 

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

-Denea Duran

Photo Credit: Google Image

Winterize Your Business

The winter months may call for businesses to take some standard precautionary measures to help protect their property. These measures include basic maintenance checks and preparation to help ensure your business and employees remain safe. Some basic precautionary tips include:

-          Check your business property for down tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.

-          Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leave or debris accumulates causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.

-          Inspect property, especially walkaways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

-          Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non- slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/commercial-restoration/

Photo Credit: Google Image

-Denea Duran 

The Facts.

Fact: Restoration through mitigation is less expensive than replacing!

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster a SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives on site to perform cleanup and restoration, the better the results including lower claim costs.

Lower recovery costs: the SERVPRO System helps save money.

• Emergency Mitigation Services help minimize additional property damages. 
• Restoration versus replacement of contents saves heirlooms and money too. 
• Restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition when possible

Winter Ready

GREAT TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR HOUSE WINTER READY!

Ducts

It's the time of year when homes have their highest energy demand of the year. Heating accounts for 34% of all annual utility usage and is part of what makes an average home twice the emitter of carbon dioxide emissions as a vehicle. Here is a way to reduce the demand for expensive space heating.

Check the ducts. To ensure that as much warm air as possible is delivered through your central system, check the ductwork and wrap any leaks with duct mastic. Distribution losses (what's lost while air is transported from your furnace through ductwork to the vents) often amounts to 30%. So, sealing ductwork could increase efficiency and the warm air you receive considerably ... keeping you warmer and making your furnace work less.

More Tips for Weathering the Winter

• Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leak from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil. 

• Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.

• Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.

• Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.

• Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.

• Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.

• To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: http://www.epa.gov/Region3/winter/#saving

Photo Credit: http://www.epa.gov/Region3/winter/#saving

It's what we can do for YOU!

·        

Why choose Servpro? Why not is the question! 

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster a SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives on site to perform clean up and restoration the better the results including lower claim costs.

·      -   Lower recovery costs: the SERVPRO system helps save money

·       -  Emergency Mitigation service helps minimize additional property damages.

·        - Restoration versus replacement of contents save heirlooms and money too.

·       -  Restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to pre-loss condition when possible.

·     - Commercial properties probably have an emergency exit plan in place with illuminated signs leading occupants to safety and even facility maps strategically placed to identify alternate routes out of the building. 

But have you developed a thorough Contingency Plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours, to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible? Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Response Profile. As part of a well thought out Contingency Plan, your Emergency Response Profile will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs. 

-Denea Duran

Why Have a Professional Clean Your Carpet?

Sometimes it's better
to have a professional
take care of the
problem.

SERVPRO Home Furnishing Guide

Why Have a Professional Clean Your Carpet?

How often should you have a professional clean your carpets? The cleaning frequency for a home depends on several factors, such as the number of persons living in the home, number of children and pets, and whether any occupants are smokers. Outside factors also determine cleaning frequency, such as weather conditions, industrial pollution or dusty conditions, humidity, type of surface on outside entryways, etc.

A combination of conditions may require your carpets to be cleaned professionally more often. The main consideration is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. The dirt hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile is what causes most damage to a carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals employ six methods of carpet cleaning. The best method for a carpet cleaning situation depends on the type of carpet, type of fibers, age and condition of the carpet, how the carpet is soiled, the type of soil, and other factors including your own needs as a carpet owner.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow the highest quality standards and workmanship. You need not worry about shrinkage, over-wetting, mildew, rapid resoiling, and many other problem areas.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the loose grit from the pile of the carpet. The sharp edges of gritty soils cut the carpet fibers - this dry, loose grit must be removed before cleaning solution is applied.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the atmospheric soil created by cooking, smoking, heating, auto exhaust, etc. Removal of this oily, sticky residue will brighten your carpet color.

With six professional carpet cleaning methods, the SERVPRO Franchise Professional has the flexibility to respond to your unique situation.SERVPRO Franchise carpet cleaning will match the cleaning method to your needs.

-Denea Duran

Fall Cleaning, Call Servpro

It's Autumn.              

Pumpkins glow in golden fields. Shorter days, crisp mornings signal winter's approach.

Can the holidays be far behind?

Use Autumn's brisk and breezy days to conquer deep-cleaning chores for a clean and comfortable winter home, and wrap up summer's outdoor areas.

Our Fall Cleaning Chore Checklist will help you prepare home and hearth for the coming of winter:

Outside The House

Summer's come and gone--and left its mark on outside the house.

Time to come inside for winter! Outside the house tend to these autumn chores:

• Clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, children's summer toys.
• Touch up paint on trim, railings and decks. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint; prime bare wood first.
• Check caulk around windows and doors. Follow manufacturer's recommendations to re-caulk if needed.
• Inspect external doors and garage doors. Do they close tightly? Install weather-stripping, door thresholds if needed.
• Wash exterior windows.
• Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots. In hard-freeze areas, have sprinkler systems blown free of water.
• Check gutters and downspouts. Clear of debris if necessary. In cold-weather areas, consider installing heating cable to prevent ice dams.
• Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.

The Inside Story:

Autumn's the time for "spring cleaning". Deep clean now to take advantage of good weather, and face the coming of winter and the approaching holidays with a clean and comfortable home.

Learn how to clean efficiently! Check out the Clean House Guide for more information on how to clean fast and furious.

• Focus on public rooms: living room, family room, entryway, guest bath.
• Clean from top to bottom. Vacuum drapes and window treatments. Clean window sills and window wells. Vacuum baseboards andcorners.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture, or have professionally cleaned if needed. Move furniture and vacuum beneath and behind it.
• Wash interior windows.
• Turn mattresses front-to-back and end-to-end to equalize wear.
• Launder or clean all bedding: mattress pads, pillows, duvets, blankets, comforters. Tuck the family into a warm and cozy winter bed.
• Schedule professional carpet cleaning early this month! Warm October afternoons speed carpet drying. Carpet cleaning firms get busy by the end of October, so schedule now for best service.
• Prepare the kitchen for holiday cooking. Clean and organized kitchen cabinets, paying particular attention to baking supplies, pans and equipment.
• Clear kitchen counters of all appliances not used within the last week. Clear counters look cleaner--and provide more room for holiday cooking.
• Pull refrigerator away from the wall, and vacuum the condenser coils. For bottom-mounted coils, use a long, narrow brush to clean coils of dust and debris.
• Wash light-diffusing bowls from light fixtures.
• Inspect each appliance. Does it need supplies? Stock up on softener salt now, and avoid staggering over icy sidewalks with heavy bags.
• Check and empty the central vacuum's collection area.
• Clean electronic air cleaner elements monthly for most efficient operation. Wash them in an empty dishwasher (consult manual for specific product recommendations).
• Clean or replace humidifier elements before the heating season begins.
• Inspect washer hoses for bulges, cracks or splits. Replace them every other year.
• Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint, debris or birds' nests! Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use.
• Schedule fall furnace inspections now. Don't wait for the first cold night!
• Buy a winter's supply of furnace filters. Change filters monthly for maximum energy savings and indoor comfort. When the right filter is on hand, it's an easy job!
• Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

Content Credit: http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/fall-cleaning-chore-checklist

Image Credit: Google Image

-Denea Duran 

Small Fires

Even a small fires can cause an odor. Any firs in your home is bad But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can cause odors that may resurface for years. So, before you risk doing more by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO.

Servpro does not just cover up lingering odors, we seek out the source of odors and remove them.
Call us 803-755-9774
-Denea Duran

Who will pick up the pieces?

The leading causes of fire in a home include

• Cooking
• Heating Units
• Electrical
• Smoking

No matter how the fire started a rush of emotions and feelings of panic seem to follow. After calling the Fire Department to put out the fire, who do you call to help you clean up the damage caused by the fire?

Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia are trained in the cleanup and care of your home and personal belongings following a fire incident. Before attempting to clean up the fire damage yourself, contact us 803-755-9774


-Denea Duran

Photo Credit: Google Image

Let the pro's handle it!



Any water damage in your home is bad. Especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of your family and the value of your home. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes, these bio hazardous damages, also introduce harmful microorganisms into your home, as well as the moisture necessary to support their growth.

So before you risk your health by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration experts! Call us 803-755-9774!

Recovery Before Disaster Strikes

Your faculity probably has an emergency exit plan in place, with illuminated signs leading occupants to safety and even facility maps placed strategically to identify alternate routes out of the building. But, have you developed a thorough contingency plan with heavy emphasis on the first 24-48 hours, to help guarantee you can get back into your building as quickly and painlessly as possible?

Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington can provide you with assistane in developing an Emergency Response Profile for your facility to do just that. As part of a well thought out Contingency Plan, your Emergency Response Profile will contain information you will need in case an emergency situation occurs within your facility.

Call us 803-755-9774

Your Possesions Could Be At Risk

An accurate record of your possesions is worth more than you think. A videotape recording is not enough to protect your contents.



Reasons to Inventory Your Home Contents:
Before damage or disaster strikes
-Better information to settle claims quicker
-Add legitimacy to loss
-Assist with burden of proof for claims

For estate planning and will preparation:
-Less stress for your family and heirs
-Efficient estate closing can lessen expenses
-Ensure your heirs recieve possessions
-Factual records to fight bureaucracy
-Better information to reduce taxes

Servpro Contents Inventory Means:
-Complete preloss list and value of contents
-Detailes and accurate report filed with insurance agent or court
-Peace of mind

Prepare for tomorrrow and call today!
803-755-9774

Carpets to Catastrophes

Do you want to know what exactly we do?

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Mold Migiation and Remediation
• Contents Claim, Inventory Service
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

-Over 40 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider.
-A SERVPRO Franchise is nearby- more than 1,500 Franchise nationwide.
-More locations for faster responses. A uniformed technician will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification.
-Quick response time to help ensure the damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly.
-Large loss capabilities- no fire or water damage is too big.


-Denea Duran

Servpro of Cayce/West Columbia /Lexington

SERVPRO NATIONAL AFFLIATIONS

IICRC- Institue of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

RIA- Restoration Industry Association

BSCA- Building Service Contractors Association International

CSI- Community Assocation International

BOMA- Building Owners and Managers Association


SERVPRO of CAYCE/WEST COLUMBIA/ LEXINGTON SYSTEM SERVICES

Restoration

• Fire, Smoke and Soot
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs and Contents Restoration
• Electronics and Equipment
• Document Drying
• Contents Claim Inventory Service

Cleaning:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazzard, Crime Scene and Vandalism
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Deodorization

Call us for all of your needs 803-75-9774

You cant clean everywhere, but we can!

SERVPRO'S PROVEN DUCT CLEANING SYSTEM IS COST EFFICIENT

Unlike many duct cleaning services, Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a portable ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

CLEAN SWEEP FOR DUCTS

*Improve the Air Quality of Your Business
When addressing air quality inspecting the ductwork is your SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminats like mold and irritating dust throughout the building. Servpro uses a proven Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning system to help improve the air quality of your business.

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt- Reducing Potential Health Risks

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. Often times the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building. A routine part of a SERVPRO service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potientially extend the life span of equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money!


-Denea Duran

Image Credit: Googleimages.com

Check Your Home!

Healthy Home Checklist

[ ] Do you smoke in your home?
[ ] Do your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room have adequate ventilation and exhaust fans?
[ ] Do you change your air filters once a month?
[ ] When cleaning or doing laundry, do you use bleach, ammonia or aerosol spray cans?
[ ] Is your gas fireplace and or gas stove checked yearly for emissions?
[ ] Was your home built before 1978? If so, has it been checked for lead-based paint?
[ ] Do your bathrooms have carpet?

Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the home. Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a proven portable ventilation and duct cleaning system to examine duct work and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

We can eliminate embarrassing offensive odors in your home.


Call us SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington 803-755-9774


-Denea Duran

Water Leaks and Prevention Tips

 Water leaks withing a business can seep into flooring, carpets,baseboards and walls while moving throughout the structure, potentially creating mildew and staining walls. Quick action is critical in avoiding costly repairs ans expensive downtime. SERVPRO Professionals understand the water damage event can not only disrupt your facility, it can also interrupt day to day business functions-possibly closing the business and ultimately affecting your revenues.

Leak Prevention Tips:
-Regularly check the following items for leaks:

Exterior

• Check roofing for deterioration.
• Check gutters and down spouts for blockage.
• Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.

Interiors

• Check appliances in break rooms and cafeterias.
• Check sinks and toilets in restrooms.
• Check HVAC for leaks and blockage.

If you experience any water damage please call your
SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia/ Lexington 803-755-9774

-Denea Duran