Carpet Cleaning | Reston/Herndon

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

When you have a business that your clients walk into on a daily basis, presentation is everything and having nice clean carpets goes a long way. It doesn't matter if it's commercial or residential we can do it all.

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

Contact us today at (703)471-6040.

Commercial Water Damage Experts Explain Drying Methods

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Hard to Mitigate Storm Damage to Your Place of Business

If your office complex in Reston/Herndon has multiple floors, problems like pipes breaking in other parts of the building could cause damage to your business as well. When water flows into your office from the ceiling, many problems can result. Moisture can cause ceiling tiles or drywall to become weak and fall onto the floor.
 
Water coming from the ceiling starts there and then spreads down the walls. Many commercial water damage projects involve removing moisture from ceilings, walls, contents, and flooring. Any time moisture stays inside a building more things get ruined, and foul odors develop as time passes.
 
The goal when SERVPRO works on any restoration project is to get all of the moisture out of the structure most quickly and efficiently. When working with businesses measures are taken not to hinder your routines. Depending on what happened, procedures can get changed so that you maintain your standard flow of revenue or activity.
 
In the cases where water invades your office from a floor above any water that is found on furniture or carpeting is removed with extraction equipment, a simple mop, and bucket or maybe just cloths and sponges. Our restoration technicians may be able to complete water extraction around your employee's cubicles and desks while they keep working and maintaining ordinary business procedures. After the extraction stage, the next step is to dry out moisture that cannot necessarily be seen.
 
Our technicians, beyond visual inspections, use monitoring devices to determine which materials in the office got wet. Once the location of the damaged areas is determined, air- moving and dehumidification systems get placed around the affected area. Our crew can position the drying tools around work areas inside your company's office, so disruptions are kept to the minimum.
 
The correct placement of this equipment is vital to speedy drying. Air movers are set up so that they blow air in a counterclockwise motion hitting all of the walls at a 45-degree angle. Air movers get placed against walls pointed upwards to dry out ceiling tiles. When moisture levels are higher than usual in the wall materials, the baseboard gets removed, and holes are drilled into the wall so that air can flow into the wall cavity and dry out the studs, any present insulation, and drywall cardboard backing.
 
Drying out moisture damaged materials inside an office complex can be more difficult than other buildings. Calling SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon at (703)471-6040 can save your business time and money

Do's & Don't | Reston/Herndon

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

DO:

• Shut off the water or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• After removing lamps and tabletop items, wipe excess water from wood furniture. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive items to a safe, dry place. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and draperies off damp floors.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Leave colored rugs/items on wet carpets or floors which mat cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

If services are needed please don't hesitate to contact us! 703-471-6040

Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon is Here to Help® when your home or commercial business in the surrounding areas sustain hurricane damage. Below is some information on how to stay safe during a hurricane: 

Stay Informed

• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
• Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home. 

Personal Safety

• Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
• Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible 
• Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, our local team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-471-6040.

4 Tips for Keeping Mold Out of Your Rental Homes

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention

The best way to avoid water damage from mold growth is to be very serious about mold prevention. Use the following list of tips to reduce the risk of mold and related damage in your Reston/Herndon, rental properties:

Inspect Your Property

One of the reasons that mold is a common problem is that it survives well in a variety of situations and especially in dark, out-of-the-way corners. Your very first step should be peeking into those corners, inside closets and cabinets, in the basement, at the foot of the shower, and in the attic. Look for visible signs of mold and for any signs of water or moisture.

Teach Renters To Clean Up Spills and Leaks Immediately

It's easy to think that a spilled glass of water isn't problematic, but, in reality, anytime you leave moist areas on the carpet or watery footprints on the floor of the bathroom, mold could begin to grow. Mold prevention requires that your renters respond immediately to any type of water in places where it shouldn't be. Even in places such as sinks and showers, the humidity levels must be controlled.

Lower the Thermostat and Increase Ventilation

A cozy warm corner with consistent humidity is inviting to mold spores, so keeping your properties a bit cooler during humid weather could reduce the risk of mold. Airflow is effective at reducing humidity in bathrooms and kitchens. Discuss these facts with renters.

Reach Out to Professionals

If there's already mold on the property, contact mold remediation professionals right away. With specialized equipment and training, these technicians can respond thoroughly to existing colonies. It only takes a little hidden spot of mold to grow throughout your rental property.
Use these mold prevention tips to protect your rental property. Thoroughly inspect for water and mold, clean up all moisture, use temperature to resist mold growth, and get help when you need it.

What To Look for When Troubleshooting a Commercial Irrigation System

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

How to Troubleshoot a Commercial Irrigation System

A faulty sprinkler system can be a huge problem for your business in Reston/Herndon. If sprinklers malfunction, they might spray excessive amounts of water in the area, which could disrupt business operations or even cause structural damage to the building.
If you see a problem in your building's irrigation system, you may not know how to find the source of the damage. Here are several things to look for when troubleshooting.

1. Electrical Issues in the Irrigation System
There are many electrical parts in the system that can be damaged, such as valves, solenoids, wires, and timers.

2. Broken Pipes and Sprinkler Parts
If someone steps on a sprinkler head and damages it, the sprinkler may start to malfunction. A broken sprinkler head may be easier to fix than an electrical issue.

3. Damage From Tree Roots
One of the common causes of pipe damage is pressure from tree root systems.

4. Stress From Traffic
Extensive foot traffic in the area over an irrigation system can create stress that damages pipes and supply lines. If this is an issue, you may need to evaluate the placement of the sprinkler system and how you might change it.

5. Evidence of Water Damage
If you see that standing water has leaked into a building or commercial structure, you should be wary of potential damage to the building's structures and mold growth. Even if you cannot see any flooding, there may be serious damage nonetheless. A large sprinkler leak can cause water to seep into the basement or the building's foundation.
If you suspect that there may be water damage, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional water restoration company. A team of professionals can help you assess the damage and prevent mold growth.
Looking for these common issues may help you diagnose irrigation problems. If you are unable to ascertain the source of damage yourself, seek professional help

Is Your Dryer Safe?

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

A dryer seems like a convenient, safe appliance that lets you forget it and go. If you don’t maintain it properly, a lint fire can happen, which can cause sever fire damage to your home.

A Surprising Amount of Lint

Depending on your family size and how often you go through clothes, it is likely that you do a lot more laundry than you realize. An average family does approximately eight to 10 loads a week. Every load means small fabric, dust and dirt particles are collecting in your dryer’s lint trap, vent and duct work. Lint is highly flammable, making it vital to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning Out the Lint

Instead of dealing with a potential dryer fire and needing expert help in repairing the damage, good habits can go a long way. Lint traps should be cleaned after very load. Most dryers make this easy. The trap usually slides out and the lint can be lifted off. Any lint that is leftover should be removed with a brush. Every few weeks, the screen should be rinsed with water. While the screen is out, vacuum in and around its entry point. Approximately once a year, unplug the dryer and inspect the vent and hose or pipe connected to the dryer. Wipe lint off the opening and clean any leftover in the hose or pipe. A brush can bused to clean the interior of the vent. Don’t forget the exterior vent. Ensure the vent flap is still attached and working properly. Vacuum or wipe out the opening. This should be done a few times a year.

Extra Safety Tips

To further avoid a lint fire, ensure your dryer is properly installed. Additionally, avoid drying clothes stained with chemicals, gas, oil or cleaning products, and only operate the dryer while at home. In most cases, a lint fire happens because of improper cleaning and maintenance. Taking a little extra to be safe is worth it.

GET IT DONE RIGHT! | SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

When you come home after work and find that a pipe burst and that water has been sitting for a couple of hours you just hop into action. But after you’ve shut off the water and called a plumber what’s next? Do you clean it up? You can try but do you have the equipment to properly clean and restore your valuables and home to its precondition? Probably not, so why take those chances.

Our highly trained restoration technicians are prepared to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your property. We have experience, expertise and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment and practices to find and remove water in a quick and efficient manner. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process from start to finish ensuring your experience with us goes seamlessly. Weather can be unpredictable so being prepared is paramount to ensuring your property or business can return to normal after a disaster. SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon will have your back from beginning to end in any disaster!

Our goal here at SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon is to serve and be the best Cleaning/Restoration Company in Reston/Herndon or anywhere in between, we take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience! Give us a call today at 703-471-6040.

What to Expect During the Water Damage Inspection Process

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, causing significant stress and disruption to your property. At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of a thorough water damage inspection to assess the extent of the damage and to formulate an effective restoration plan. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during a water damage inspection.

Why Is a Water Damage Inspection Crucial?

Before initiating any restoration work, a comprehensive inspection is crucial. This inspection serves multiple purposes:

Assessing Damage Extent: The inspection helps determine the scope and severity of the water damage, including affected areas and potential hidden issues.

Tailoring Restoration Plan: Insights gained from the inspection help in formulating a customized restoration plan tailored to your property's specific needs.

Documentation for Insurance Claims: Detailed inspection documentation provides crucial evidence for insurance claims.

Step-by-Step Water Damage Inspection Process

1. Initial Assessment

Upon arrival at your property, our trained professionals will conduct an initial assessment to identify potential safety hazards and evaluate the overall situation. Ensuring safety is important before proceeding with the inspection.

2. Determining Water Source and Type

Locating the source of water loss is crucial. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or natural flooding, identifying the source helps in mitigation efforts. Additionally, understanding the type of water involved (clean, grey, or black) helps assess contamination levels and guides appropriate cleanup procedures.

3. Assessing Visible Damage

Our team will meticulously inspect visible areas affected by water damage. This includes examining walls, ceilings, floors, and structural components for signs of moisture, staining, or deterioration.

4. Utilizing Specialized Equipment

Advanced moisture detection tools like infrared cameras and moisture meters are employed to identify moisture levels in hard-to-reach or hidden areas. This helps pinpoint areas needing immediate attention and prevents future issues like mold growth.

5. Documenting Findings

Thorough documentation via photographs, videos, and detailed notes ensures a comprehensive record of the damage. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and the formulation of an effective restoration plan.

6. Discussing Restoration Plan

After completing the inspection, our team will discuss their findings with you. They'll explain the extent of the damage, and the proposed restoration plan, and answer any questions or concerns you might have.

What Sets SERVPRO® Apart?

With years of experience in handling water damage restoration, our trained professionals bring expertise and know-how to every inspection. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, we ensure precise and accurate assessments, enabling swift and effective restoration processes. Our tailored approach addresses specific needs, ensuring a thorough restoration while minimizing disruptions to your property.

When faced with water damage, trust the expertise of our SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon professionals. Contact us today for a thorough water damage inspection and personalized restoration plan!

Navigating Water Damage Safely: Understanding Electrical Hazards

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common concern in our coastal community, and it often brings along unseen dangers—especially electrical hazards. When water and electricity mix, it can lead to serious risks for homeowners and businesses alike. In this blog, we'll delve into the critical importance of understanding electrical hazards during water damage incidents and how to stay safe in Portland's picturesque surroundings.

1. Risk of Electric Shock

Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and when it comes into contact with electrical systems or appliances, it increases the risk of electric shock. Even a small amount of water can pose a significant danger if it reaches outlets, switches, or electrical equipment.

2. Potential for Fire

Water damage can compromise the insulation of electrical wiring, leading to short circuits or exposed wires. This can generate sparks, heat, and potentially start a fire. Electrical fires are a severe risk during and after water damage incidents.

3. Hidden Hazards

Some electrical hazards may not be immediately visible. Water can seep into walls, ceilings, and floors, making it challenging to identify potential dangers. Hidden electrical hazards can persist even after visible water has been removed.

4. Impact on Appliances

Water damage can affect electrical appliances and equipment. Moisture can damage sensitive components, rendering appliances unsafe to use. Attempting to operate water-damaged appliances can lead to electrical accidents.

5. Damaged Electrical Panels

Electrical panels or circuit breaker boxes can be vulnerable to water damage. If these essential components are compromised, it can result in power surges, outages, or other electrical issues.

Safety Measures During Water Damage

The safety of you and your family or employees should be the top priority. If it's safe to do so, turn off the electrical supply to the affected area or the entire property. Never enter areas with standing water until you're certain it's safe to do so. Standing water can conceal electrical hazards, and contact with it can be life-threatening. Avoid using any electrical appliances or equipment that have been exposed to water until they have been inspected and declared safe by a professional.

Contact a qualified electrician to assess and repair any electrical damage caused by water damage. DIY electrical work is highly dangerous and should be avoided. After water damage, have your electrical systems thoroughly inspected to ensure they are safe for use. This step is essential to prevent future hazards.

Understanding the dangers of electrical hazards during water damage is crucial for the safety of your home or business in Reston/Herndon. By being aware of these risks and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize the dangers associated with water damage incidents. If you ever find yourself dealing with water damage and electrical hazards, remember that SERVPRO® is here to assist Reston/Herndon residents with professional cleanup and restoration services. We prioritize safety and are dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of water damage while ensuring a safe and secure environment.