We Mitigate and Repair Damage from Heavy Rainstorms

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rainstorms can clog storm drains with debris.

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

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

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

Electrical Fires Are No Joke

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Even the TV was melted in this electrical fire.

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

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

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

Flooded Church Facility? We Can Help!

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

The scope of this job was huge!

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

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

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

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

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

SERVPRO Has Its Own Meteorologist?

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

We take storm preparedness very seriously.

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

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

Commercial Jobs Require Commercial-Sized Equipment

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Our industrial-grade equipment can handle anything!

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing For Spring Storms

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Don't get caught in the rain this Spring!

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

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

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

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

Introducing the New Phoenix DryMAX BLE Dehumidifier!

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

Storm Response Program

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

How We Use Thermal Imaging

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

The Flir C2 Thermal Camera helps us detect unseen moisture!

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

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

We Offer Businesses Emergency Ready Profiles (ERPs)

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

Introducing The New Phoenix Focus II Air Mover!

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our newest weapon against water damage!

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

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

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

February is American Heart Month!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is wearing red to promote American Heart Month!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Prepare for Winter Storms

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experienced A Fire Loss? Call the professionals at SERVPRO!

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

Call Today! (703) 739-2800

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

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

Alexandria's Premiere Water Damage Restoration Company

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

Call Today – (703) 739-2800

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

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

Winterizing Commercial Buildings

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preventing Winter Fires

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the IICRC?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

Creating Precise Estimates with Xactimate

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Xactimate can even be used on an iPad!

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

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

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

3 Important Home Fire Safety Equipment

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Fire Extinguisher –

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

Smoke Detectors –

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

Carbon Monoxide Alarms –

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

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

Our 1st Annual Coat & Blanket Drive!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Donations are piling in!

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

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

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

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

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

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

This home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

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

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

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

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

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for your delicious turkey!

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

For general oven and stovetop cooking:

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

If you prefer your turkey deep fried:

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

Bonus tip:

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

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

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

Introducing Our SERVPRO Construction Team!

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Alexis Chavez and Maria Fuster, Our SERVPRO Construction Team!

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

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

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

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

Restoring Your Alexandria Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Alexandria

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

Keeping It Clean & Green

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Dedicated SERVPRO of Alexandria Crew Members Thoroughly Cleaning Equipment.

Do you ever wonder, "how clean is the equipment that's being used to clean my home?" Do you fear that the dirt and germs that were once in someone else's home, may be transferred into yours? Scary thoughts, right? These are just a few of many things that SERVPRO of Alexandria considered before stepping foot into anyone's home. After all equipment is used, our dedicated crew members take the equipment back to the warehouse and clean each piece inside and out. With SERVPRO of Alexandria, you will never have to worry that unwanted dirt will end up in your home. 

SERVPRO of Alexandria is a Family

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a picture of the team celebrating one of our youngest members, Martin, graduating from high school!

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

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

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

SERVPRO of Alexandria is Committed to Accuracy

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

The team looks focused at one of our daily morning meeting

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

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

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

It is this commitment to doing the job well that sets us apart from any other damage restoration firm in the Alexandria area! We love what we do here and we do it well. If you have suffered through a fire, flood or have an ongoing mold problem give us a call here at (703) 739 - 2800

Unexpected Ways to Protect Alexandria Homes From Storms

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

A tree fallen on a home during a storm

4 Unexpected Ways to Protect Alexandria Homes From Storms

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

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

1. Cutting down surrounding foliage and trees.

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

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

2. Replacing gravel with mulch

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

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

3. Roof maintenance

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

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

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

4. Secure your Garage Door

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

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

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

If, after following these steps your home unfortunately does sustain some storm damage, give us a call at (703) 739-2800.

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

We are here to help, whether it be a simple consultation, to help clean, or if there's more serious structural damage, give us a call. Once again our number is (703) 739-2800.

Signs of Water Damage in the Bathroom of Your Alexandria Virginia Home

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Peeling sealant around the tub is an early sign of water damage

How to tell if you Have Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is surprisingly more common than many homeowners realize, and that's because most people assume water damage only happens after a major flood or storm.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case, many cases of water damage occur as a result of plumbing or erosion of water sealants/coverings as a result of frequent daily water use.

Since there isn't a major event that might trigger water damage, it's important to do a routine check of some of the most places in your house with the highest susceptibility of water damage: your bathroom, kitchen and basement.

In this article we'll cover the signs of water damage in your bathroom.

Before we start its important to remember to consult with a water damage expert when inspecting water damage and ESPECIALLY when trying to clean or repair water damaged areas.

We here at SERVPRO of Alexandria specialize in all things water damage! If you suspect you have water damage in your home or office, please, give us a call at (703) 739 - 2800 and we'll walk you through the next steps.

Sign #1: Peeling sealant around the edges of the bath tub

Peeling sealant can be both the cause as well as a sign of bathroom water damage.

An initial breach behind the sealant is made by running tub water which seeps deep into the wall causing the wood to expand This expanding wood pushes against the wall causing more sealant to peel and may even cause some of the paint to peel surrounding the tub.

Sign #2: Sunken Floors

It isn't uncommon for there to be rot wood under the flooring at the corners of a bathroom floors, especially near the tub and toilet bowl. If when you apply pressure/stand and you feel or see a lowering of the floor, there's a very good chance there is rot wood due to water damage.

Sign #3: Discoloration on the Ceiling of the Room Below the Bathroom

Discolored ceilings are a tell-tale sign that there is water damage in a structure. If you see even a subtle change in color (usually to a darker/browner hue) there's a good chance there is water damage happening from pipes in the room above the discoloration.

Sign #4: A Funny Smell

If you smell a weird, musky smell coming from your bathroom, there's a good chance there's water damage present.

The weird smell is usually mold, which happens as a result of the water damage.

These 4 signals will help you detect water damage early, but what do you do after you discover you have water damage in your home?

Call SERVPRO of Alexandria and we'll repair any damage quickly and professionally, all while providing the highest quality of customer service.

Once again, our number is (703) 739 - 2800 give us a call!

Commercial Water Damage: Prevention and Response

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Call you SERVPRO of Alexandria commercial water damage restoration experts today!

Severe floods, cold spells or internal plumbing failures can cause water damage that brings your business to a standstill. The impact is immediate on employees as well as the bottom line. There are Preventive Measures that mitigate the impact of these emergencies and Commercial Restoration Services to assist with the proper Response.

Preventative Measures

In the office environment, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of damage due to water leaks.

• It is beneficial to educate your office managers on water damage preparedness
• This means that your managers should know how to turn off the water, electric, and gas supply
• They should know who to call in order to have these items completed.
• Keep basic tools in the office in the event of an emergency
• Create and maintain a list of emergency contact phone numbers for all employees
• Maintain contact information for your local fire and police numbers for medical emergencies

Response

Rapid response is critical to water damage in the office. The longer you wait before the area is restored mold can develop creating the need for commercial mold removal services.

The best immediate course of action is to:

• Call a plumber to fix the source of the loss
• Call SERVPRO® of Alexandria to remediate the damage

Of course, you can call your insurance first, but recall we are experts at the insurance side of damages and can help you get the best coverage.

At SERVPRO® of Alexandria we are the leaders of commercial water damage restoration. Contact us today to learn more!

Lingering Smoke Smell or Visible Soot in Your Alexandria Home?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained professionals follow strict protocol and procedures when restoring the damage caused by fire. Call SERVPRO of Alexandria for help.

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (703)739-2800

Storm Damage To Your Home in Ways You May Not Consider

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria responds 24 hours a day to your storm emergency. We restore property damages to help make it "Like it never even happened."

One of the reasons why prompt storm damage remediation is so critical is because a storm may damage your home in ways that aren't always obvious. A professional can help you identify and solve any storm damage to the structural portions and other inner workings of your home.

Discover some of the ways a storm could damage your home's structural integrity. Let's get into it!

Roof Damage

• Your roof can have obvious structural damage if a tree falls on it. However, that's not the only way that a storm could damage the structure of your roof. For example, large tree branches that fall on the roof can also cause damage even though they don't cause an evident cave-in.

Foundation Damage

• One type of storm damage that can affect your foundation is flooding. Another is erosion. Localized flooding can increase the pressure of water against your foundation wall, which could result in cracks, shifting, sinking, and bowed foundation walls.

Interior Water Damage

• Whether it enters through a broken window or a roof leak or rises up from the ground, water can be one of the biggest forces of storm damage. Although water may not destroy literally everything it touches, it can come close. Water can cause structural failure in commonly used building materials in your walls, ceilings, and floors.

Pest Damage

• Although storms don't actually create pests, they can send wildlife looking for places to shelter and can sometimes create damage that allows pests into your home. While most pests are just a nuisance (and sometimes a potential health and safety hazard), some can actually affect your home's structure as well. Prompt storm damage repair can reduce the chances of picking up any of these pests due to storm damage.

As you can see, your home's structure is susceptible to many other types of damage than just large falling objects. For more information on storm damage, how you can prevent storm damage, and what to do if you suspect your home has sustained damage from a recent storm, get in touch with SERVPRO of Alexandria  today. 

For Immediate Service for your Business in Alexandria, VA, Call SERVPRO!

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial

We know that commercial water damage can cost a business thousands of dollars in productivity; it is always our goal to help keep your business running as flawlessly as possible through the restoration process.

Commercial Services

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

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

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

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (3703)739-2800

Let SERVPRO of Alexandria Provide Turn Key Services After a Fire

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our Fire Restoration Experts, and in-house Reconstruction Team are Ready to Assist After Fires in Alexandria!

We handle everything from the fire restoration, to the storage and cleaning of the smoke on your home's contents, to the reconstruction.

• demolition
• storage and cleaning of the client's contents
• fire restoration 
• insurance negotiation
• material selection
• building permitting process
• reconstruction

Hidden Water Damage in your Bathroom Could Amount to Thousands of Dollars in Damage if Left Untreated

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Don't ignore any smells or indicators of water damage in your bathroom

A musty smell in your bathroom could be a sign of hidden water damage.

3 common issues are:

• Cracked shower tile
• Leaky seals at base of toilet
• Damaged or old caulking and grout

Hidden water damage could lead to extensive microbial growth that can go undetected for long periods time, and can pose several potential health effects.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - (703)739-2800ere is no standing water, there could be underlying issues, and we have the highly trained property damage professionals to assist. 

SERVPRO of Alexandria is Committed to Keeping our Streets Clean!

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria participates in quarterly litter pick ups as a team

Restoring your homes after water, fire, and mold damage isn't our only commitment to the members of our community.

SERVPRO of Alexandria is also committed to keeping our streets clean! 

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

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

SERVPRO of Alexandria Proudly Supports Local Business Owners by Offering After Hours and 24 Hour Services

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Alexandria Business Owners: We provide immediate service day or night!

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

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

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

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

Disinfect your Alexandria Office today to Welcome Back Your Employees!

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

We are constantly monitoring CDC guidelines and adjusting our commercial cleaning and disinfection practices to fit your needs.

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

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

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Alexandria, 703-739-2800.

What to do if a Fire Strikes your Alexandria Home

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained professionals follow strict protocol and procedures when restoring the damage caused by fire. Call SERVPRO of Alexandria for help.

Limit Traffic in the Home

Once the fire department releases the home to you, keep the number of people walking through the house to a minimum. Things like soot and other debris can quickly grind into carpets and upholstered items, and it will be much harder for the restoration company to remove from the fabric.

If you do need to move around in the house, lay down some plastic runners in the traffic areas, and try to keep everyone out that does not need to be in the building. People often want to see the aftermath of the fire, but if they don't need to be in the house, they just add to the potential problems and could be a safety concern. 

Cover Your Furnishings

If the furnishings in your home are still relatively clean after the fire, put some plastic over them to keep dirt, soot, and ash off the upholstery. The upholstery may smell like smoke or other odors from the fire, but if the fabric is still clean, dealing with furnishing restoration is much easier. 

Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer

The electricity to your home is often shut off during fire suppression efforts, and if you can’t move back into the home for a while, take the time to clean out the refrigerator and the freezer so that the food does not spoil and ruin the appliances. Once all the food is out, prop the door open on both the fridge and the freezer to keep them from getting musty or growing mold inside.

Unplug Appliances and Electronics

If appliances or electronics are in the house that may turn on when the power comes on, unplug them from the outlets. If the items do not appear to have damage on them, they could have water damage inside or a short that you can’t see.

Something as simple as a wire with the insulation melted off could create a spark and start another fire when the power comes on. Unplugging the attached electronic or appliance is the safest way to isolate it and make sure everything is in working order.

Retrieve Your Important Documents

If you have documents in your home that are important like birth certificates, death certificates, your marriage license, or important insurance documents, retrieve them from the home as soon as possible. The longer these documents stay in the home, the more likely they are to sustain damage, and some of the documents will be hard to replace. 

Locate the documents and put them in something secure to protect them. Move them to a safe deposit box, or invest in a lockbox to keep with you until you are able to return to your house. If you decide to keep the documents with you, make sure the lockbox is fire-, water-, and tamper-proof so that you don't risk losing these documents again. 

Fire Prevention Tips from your local SERVPRO

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Questions about Fire Damage, Call Us Today – (301) 856-5402

Fires in your home can be catastrophic and extremely costly. It is crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent such disasters, sparing personal belongings, and, more importantly, lives. Here are some tips from the experts at SERVPRO of Alexandria:

Smoke Detectors

By law, you are responsible for having and maintaining smoke detectors on each level of your home and basement in Maryland. Smoke detectors act as the first line of defense against ignition and spread of fire. Confirm with your local regulations as to whether or not your home is up to code. Early detection of smoke can help prevent bigger damage and expensive repairs.

Fire Extinguishers

In addition to installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers are great to have on hand in case of an emergency. If you don’t currently have one in your home, pick up one or more of the standard five-pound extinguishers. They are lighter in weight and easier to use.

Fireproofing Techniques

Reduce the chances of spreading fire in your home by taking every necessary precaution. This includes checking the condition of your kitchen, attic, garage, roof, living room, and chimney.

When smoking indoors or in the garage, make sure there are no combustible materials nearby. When baking or cooking, keep pot handles turned in and over the stove, use oven mitts, clear greasy messes from the area.

There is no substitute for training and experience when it comes to dealing with loss from a fire. As fire damage specialists, our business is built upon fire restoration expertise. We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

If You Have Questions about Fire Damage, Call Us Today – (301) 856-5402

Say "Smell ya Later" to the Odors Left Behind from Fire Damage by Calling SERVPRO of Alexandria

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, odors can get trapped beyond the areas affected by the fire and will be absorbed into your drywall, carpet etc. Let us Help!

Fire and smoke can wreak havoc on your home or business with devastating consequences. 

In addition to the physical fire damage that occurs, it can be a trying time emotionally. After a fire, odors can get trapped beyond the areas affected by the fire and will be absorbed into the materials in your space such as carpeting, drywall, furniture, drapes, wood, and more. Let the experts at SERVPRO of Alexandria help because we know exactly what to do.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

As fire restoration pros, we use 2 primary methods to eliminate odors:

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent-based deodorants as very small particles
2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to

If your home or commercial space has been affected by a fire, contact SERVPRO of Alexandria TODAY as we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Alexandria Gives Back to our Great Community in Which we Live and Work

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERPVRO of Alexandria makes several conscious efforts throughout the year to give back to different organizations in our community

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

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

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

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

SERVPRO of Alexandria is Dedicated to Keeping Our Streets & Your Homes Clean

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our dedication to the individuals in our city extends past helping you inside your homes and businesses into keeping our streets CLEAN as well!

We are EXCITED to share that we are now a part of the Adopt a Block program through the City of Alexandria.  

We have officially adopted a 2 block section of South Van Dorn Street, stretching from South Pickett Street to Stevenson Avenue. Being a part of this program means we must clean this section of road at least 3 times a year and report the number of bags of trash we collect, in addition to any street lamps that are out, sidewalk repairs needed, or storm water drain problems. Our pickups will typically coincide with "Earth Day" in April and the "Day to Serve" in Autumn.

It is so important to us, as a company, to give back to our community and build stronger relationships within our team. 

We will participate in our first street cleaning on Earth Day, April 22nd, and can't wait to share our experience with you!

How to Protect your Alexandria Home from Secondary Damages After a Storm

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria for all of your storm damage needs 703.739.2800

Whether your home was damaged by a storm or a fire, secondary damages are a real concern. The term secondary damages refers to the types of damage that occurs after but as a result of the initial event. For example, if your roof was damaged during a storm, water damage that occurs during subsequent storms, as a result of the damaged roof, would be secondary damages. Fortunately, options exist for preventing these damages.

Tarp Over Services

A properly installed roof tarp can provide protection for up to three months — plenty of time to settle insurance issues and schedule a repair. The key is to contact a damage restoration and mitigation company immediately so they can apply tarp and dry out any moisture in your attic before further damage occurs.

What to Expect

Professional tarping services are much more secure than the average DIY job. Professionals first remove the debris and measure the damage to ensure that they use the correct tarp size. Tarps must be larger than the damaged area to ensure moisture cannot penetrate the roof.

Further, the tarps must be positioned so that water cannot flow underneath them, which is achieved by always bringing the tarps over the peak opposite the damage and sandwiching the edges beneath boards so that future winds and storms will not pull the tarp free.

Window Boarding

Not all window damage results in broken glass. Damage to the seals or frames can be just as devastating, since moisture can still get into the home.  Signs that you need damage control include damp ceilings below an upstairs window, moisture leaks in around your windows, bubbling paint on the walls surrounding your windows, or mold on the window frames.

What to Expect

Professional boarding services are able to cover your windows without causing permanent damage to the frames or your home's siding. Boards are cut to fit each specific window. Any damaged glass is removed, and then the window may have a sheet of plastic to keep out moisture.

Once the window is covered with plastic, the boards go into place. The boards typically screw into the frame or siding, but the damage can be patched after the window is replaced. Keep in mind that boards are more for security and to prevent further damage, not moisture prevention.

Check out our other Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration services for more information. 

Our Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians Can Help your Through any Unexpected Storm or Flood

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria has a HUGE team of highly trained water restoration technicians ready to help during crisis

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

1. Clean Water Flooding

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

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

2. River Flooding

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

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

3. Groundwater Flooding

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

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

4. Sewer Flooding  

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

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

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

If you would like to know more about types of flood waters and damage or if you need to request a quote, contact us at 703.739.2800 today.

Experiencing your First Water Damage Crisis? Here's How We Can Help

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandra, Faster to any Size Disaster

A fast response is the single most critical factor in restoring water-damaged materials.

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your space.

As each and every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, however, the general process stays the same.

1. Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
2. Water Damage Assessment & Inspection. Recognize and stop the water source quickly. Identify the category of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises. Move or block furniture.
3. Move-Out and Pack-Out. Begin the removal process almost immediately. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth. Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet.
4. Drying / Dehumidification while monitoring the floor & walls of the affected areas. High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.
5. Cleaning and Sanitizing, Odor Removal, and Deodorization. Sanitizing Treatments depending on the scenario. We may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property. We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.
6. Restoration, the final step, is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If you experience water damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of Alexandria a call (703)739-2800, we are Here To Help.

SERVPRO of Alexandria Water Restoration Team Drives for over 24 Hours to Texas to Assist During a Storm Event

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marlton / Morningside answered the call when storm Uri threatened the Midwest.

Winter Storm Uri was a major winter and ice storm that affected over 170 million Americans in mid-February 2021. 

The storm brought severe destructive weather and caused blackouts for over 9 million  people, requiring the need for professional water and extreme weather damage restoration professionals. 

SERVPRO of Alexandria answered the call!

Our brave team members at SERVPRO of Alexandria answered the call by driving for over 24 hours to Irving, TX. Homeowners & business owners alike were faced with unprecedented snowfall while dealing with power outages, frozen pipes, and water damages.

Nationwide Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit any part of the US, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (703)739-2800

Leave it to the Professionals of your Alexandria SERVPRO to Extract Water From Your Crawl Space

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call 703.739.2800 today if you have standing water in your crawlspace!

What You Should Know If You Have Water in Your Crawl Space

Your home's crawl space is one of those areas you may not often think about since you likely rarely see that part of your home. However, when you have a problem with water damage in your crawl space, you realize how essential this area is to your home.

Water damage can easily occur in a crawl space, so you should look at it every few months to scan for problems. The question often remains, however, is how the water damage happens in the first place. Unless you had a major weather event or other obvious leaks, you may be puzzled to find water damage in your crawl space. Read on to learn more about water in your crawl space.

What Causes Water in the Crawl Space

Increased Humidity

Some houses have a higher level of humidity. This is often the case with older homes with broken seals or homes that need more sealant around the windows and doors. If your crawl space is not sealed, the problem is often worse.

The excess humidity in a crawl space can cause a variety of problems for your entire home, including bad air quality, water damage, or mold growth. Your crawl space can even take on a thin layer of standing water in some cases.

Broken or Leaking Pipes

If you see a large puddle of water in your crawl space, you may have an issue with one or more of your pipes. The water may be from different pipes in your home, from fresh water pipes going to your sinks and showers to used water from the toilet.

Leaking Roof

Crawl spaces are located in different areas in homes. If your crawl space is near the bottom of your home, chances are you will notice a roof leak before the water makes it to the crawl space. If your crawl space is at the top of your house as part of your attic space, you may not notice the roof leak right away.

You may also have a leak into the attic that is going down a wall and into the crawl space. You may not notice the leak right away until you see water damage to the walls. Most homeowners look for roof leaks in the ceilings as they are more noticeable. A leak into the crawl space and down the walls are not generally noticeable until they have done great damage.

If you have water damage in your crawl space, or in any area of your home, please contact us (703)739-2800

Fire Damage Specialists on Standby Ready to Help Restore your Alexandria Home or Business

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call your local SERVPRO today to restore your home or business back to pre-fire conditions

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (703)739-2800

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

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your fire 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 fire-damaged home or business
• When did the fire or fire damage occur?
• What caused the fire damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Have Fire Damage? Call Us Today (703)739-2800

When April Showers hit Alexandria, SERVPRO is ready!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Alexandria.

SERVPRO of Alexandria specializes in storm and flood damage restoration, and we are prepared to assist you through any downpours any season may bring. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Alexandria, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (703)739-2800

Alexandria Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Alexandria specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (703)739-2800

Our IICRC Certified Specialists can Restore your Alexandria Home

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

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

IICRC Certified Firms must

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

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Alexandria

SERVPRO of Alexandria 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.

Meet Our Crew

Our Certifications

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

Don't Wait Until the Problem Gets Worse; SERVPRO of Alexandria Available 24/7 for your Water Restoration Needs!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Alexandria

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –(703)739-2800

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

Don't Wait! Damages, costs, and safety/health concerns rise the longer you wait to call our team of experts.

Water Damage and Thermal Imaging

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water hiding in your space, we will find it with our Thermal Imaging technology.

When it comes to the latest tools of the trade, SERVPRO of Alexandria spares no expense equipping our team. 

One of the best tools in our toolbox is the thermal imaging camera. Thermal imaging technology uses infrared radiation to measure heat differences. This creates a color picture of the area being evaluated. 

The biggest value of using thermal imaging comes to us during a water loss situations. With a thermal imaging camera, we can literally look behind walls, ceilings, and floors to determine if the possibility of water is present. 

When used in conjunction with a moisture meter, we can narrow down the cause of your problem. In the past,  we would have needed to do exploratory demolition which is costly.

On a recent loss in a commercial building where the loss started on an upper floor, we were able to assess the wet areas quickly and accurately. The pictures illustrate the wet areas in dark colors and allow us to focus specifically on those areas.

Just know when you call SERVPRO of Alexandria, you are getting the best technology used in the industry. This equipment is in the hands of our talented and dedicated teammates and will help us make your situation “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage & Safety

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home or commercial space? Call SERVPRO of Alexandria TODAY!

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety. Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. Water & electricity do not mix! Wires that come into contact with standing water should be immediately replaced by a professional. 

After any water damage emergency, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Be sure to: 

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

When your Alexandria home has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

If you encounter a water damage emergency in your home or commercial space, call (703) 739-2800 & SERVPRO of Alexandria will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Tis the Season of Giving!

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

The Holidays are the season for charitable giving. Please share with us your story!

The Holidays are the season for charitable giving.

It is the time of year when we should all give a little to those who have less. However, since not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to their loved ones, food, presents, or a home, the holidays are also an important time to spread cheer to those less fortunate.

This holiday season, SERVPRO of Alexandria seeks to make a long-lasting difference to the life of a child within our community. Help us spread a little cheer to those who really need it. Please share with us your story (via email @ jrueda@SERVPRO10867.com) of those in our community worthy of that joy of caring and sharing this season.

Our team will select from the proposed nominees, a child and their family to among others receive surprise holiday gifts, donations, and a sumptuous dinner with the SERVPRO of Alexandria family. 

Tell a friend to tell a friend and let us help brighten up a child's face this Christmas! We can't wait to hear from our community and see your submissions! Let's make this holiday season special!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – Program

The program is grounded in our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult

Not all businesses are the same, which is why a SERVPRO professional who understands the business will create a custom cleaning program to meet their specific needs. SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries with businesses ranging from start-ups to global, multinational organizations. The business’s specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. As a result, they’ll know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is not just the industry-leading standard in clean, they’ll know that the clean they receive is customized

to their unique needs.

Clean

Based on the specific needs of their business, their location will undergo a thorough, expert cleaning rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product. Combining our proprietary training, cleaning solutions, and processes creates a solution that will provide their business, employees and customers the peace of mind that they are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. People. SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

Process. SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials. Based on their individual business needs, we will recommend a frequency of cleaning. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, a SERVPRO professional will be there ready to safely and thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect the facility to ensure they get back to business as

quickly as possible.

Product. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive professional cleaning products to meet any need, including our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowest toxicity category and is NSF certified for sanitizing surfaces in and around food processing surfaces

Certify

We’re going to extend our credibility as the premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to their business—to give assurance to their employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once their business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, they will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that they’ve selected the highest standard of cleaning available to protect their employees and customers. And because we add the date to that proprietary stamp of clean, their guests will know that their location is being cleaned regularly at this standard

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help! Call SERVPRO of Alexandria today at 703-739-2800.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Commercial Water Damage: Immediate Action is Crucial

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is active on scene in a commercial property remediating water damage!

Severe floods, cold spells or internal plumbing failures can cause water damage that brings your business to a standstill. The impact is immediate on employees as well as the bottom line. There are Preventive Measures that mitigate the impact of these emergencies and Commercial Restoration Services to assist with the proper Response.

Preventative Measures

In the office environment, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of damage due to water leaks.

• It is beneficial to educate your office managers on water damage preparedness
• This means that your managers should know how to turn off the water, electric, and gas supply
• They should know who to call in order to have these items completed.
• Keep basic tools in the office in the event of an emergency
• Create and maintain a list of emergency contact phone numbers for all employees
• Maintain contact information for your local fire and police numbers for medical emergencies

Response

Rapid response is critical to water damage in the office. The longer you wait before the area is restored mold can develop creating the need for commercial mold removal services.

The best immediate course of action is to:

• Call a plumber to fix the source of the loss
• Call SERVPRO® of Alexandria to remediate the damage

Of course, you can call your insurance first, but recall we are experts at the insurance side of damages and can help you get the best coverage.

At SERVPRO® of Alexandria we are the leaders of commercial water damage restoration. Contact us today to learn more!

Preparing for Your Church to Reopen

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Administering clean up practices has helped provide peace of mind to our church leaders and their congregation.

Are you the right team to do the job? How can SERVPRO of Alexandria help our church? Our team has had the opportunity to assist our local churches with preventative facility cleaning services upon return to “normal” operations, along with establishing routine cleanings throughout the year.

Administering clean up practices in accordance with the guidelines provided by CDC guidelines and local authorities has help provide peace of mind to our church leaders and their congregation.

We’re Here to Help! Call SERVPRO of Alexandria today at 703-739-2800.

We are Commercial and Residential Cleaning Experts

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

We're Ready When You Are!

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Alexandria, 703-739-2800.

Insurance Claims & Water Damage in Alexandria

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Alexandria assist in your water damage claim process!

Water damage is the second most common claims for home insurance. If you are preparing to make a claim on water damage it would help you to know what to expect. 

If you need help making an insurance claim on your water damage repairs contact us to help now!

Problem Areas:

You might run into some trouble making your claim if you are claiming a loss that was the result of gradual damage. Gradual damage is anything that happened over the course of a prolonged period of time, as opposed to an accident, or a sudden damage. Loss such as leaky ceilings due to plumbing defects, water damage caused by cracks in the foundation, and in some cases, mold fall under the category of gradual damage. These things are generally not covered by home insurance.

However, there may be some exceptions to these cases. For example, the insurance company would likely cover mold if it was resulting from another claim that was covered under insurance, but was not properly fixed, and the mold was the result.

On the other hand, if water damage is sudden and accidental you’ll probably have a much easier time getting covered for the damages. This is the true nature of insurance – to cover accidents. Of course everything is dependent upon the language of the policy that you purchased, but this is the very nature of insurance: coverage for sudden and accidental loss. A good practice for homeowners is to keep a record of all repairs and transactions for services that are made to your home.

At SERVPRO of Alexandria we are not only experts at restoring your home “Like it never even happened.” We are also experts at dealing with insurance companies. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you through the entire recovery process today!

Choose SERVPRO® of Alexandria for Crime Scene Services

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

BioHazardous Waste Disposal

Choose SERVPRO® of Alexandria for Crime Scene, Trauma, and Biohazard Removal and Cleaning Services.

Contact SERVPRO® of Alexandria for Biohazard Cleaning Services Today!

SERVPRO® of Alexandria specializes in remediating, sanitizing, and cleaning zones that have been affected with hazardous waste materials. Such cleanup situations include:

Bloodborne pathogens
This cleanup includes body fluids, tissue, and other substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. As most people are aware, dealing with blood is potentially dangerous work. You should get professional help to properly dispose of and clean up the affected area immediately.

Sewage Backup
Such problems are not just nasty, they are harmful to the health of inhabitants. If you have a sewage backup it is a hazard that only gets with each hour if it is left unattended.

Hoarding Scenes
People who hoard personal belongings are often in need of more than just cleaning assistance. In many cases a counselor comes into play to help these individuals. However, just like in the above-mentioned cases, when it comes to cleaning the hoarding scene SERVPRO® of Alexandria is the company that gets the job done right, and at the best price.

SERVPRO® of Alexandria ensures that your home or business is clean, sanitary, and safe for all habitants after it has been affected with a hazardous waste material. Unlike our competitors, however, we offer our services at an affordable price. Contact SERVPRO® of Alexandria for your hazardous waste cleanup services today!

Defending Your Home Against The Storm | SERVPRO of Alexandria

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

We don't know when exactly a storm will strike, we can only prepare for it. Our job is to get your property ready and restore any property damages.

Dealing with a strong storm, such as a severe thunderstorm or tornado, is not easy, but following the right procedures helps keep the damage to a minimum. Naturally, you want to prepare well for any upcoming storm, and of course, you also want to restore your home to its original condition if any damage occurs.

This article looks at how to prepare for strong storms and also examines some key restoration issues.

Preventing Damage From A Storm

One important task for homeowners expecting severe weather to strike their area is to trim back any large tree branches that could potentially fall on their house. In many cases, roof damage from strong storms is the result of large branches falling on the roof and letting rainwater into the home.

Doors and windows often sustain significant damage during strong storms. A good way to keep any damage to a minimum is to cover doors and windows with plywood. If you live in an area where storms are common, it's a good idea to install storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters.

Do not leave any outdoor furniture outside when a storm is expected. Strong winds can easily lift outdoor chairs and tables and turn them into dangerous flying objects. Put all outdoor furniture in a garage or storage room well in advance of any storm.

Another good idea is to disconnect all of your electronic equipment, such as televisions and computers, before the storm hits. Also, make certain that you know how to turn off your utilities should this become necessary once the storm is over.

Restoring Damage After a Storm

Roofs frequently suffer a significant amount of damage during severe storms. The shingles are often blown off, or tree limbs and other objects create holes in the sheathing. To prevent water from getting into the house through a damaged roof, have a tarp placed over the roof by a professional restoration service, such as SERVPRO.

Also, if you must leave your home after a storm make sure that the doors and windows have been boarded up if you have not done so already. If the storm damaged any boards that you put up in advance, have the damaged boards replaced.

Another vital issue that typically crops up after a major storm is mold remediation. Storms tend to let water into the house, and excessive moisture provides an excellent habitat for mold growth. Mold can gain a foothold in your home in a short period of time, so you must deal with mold problems quickly.

Some mold is not harmful to humans, but other types of mold can cause health effects, so your best course of action is not to deal with the issue yourself. There is no reason to take a chance with your health when experts are available to do the job. Call a qualified restoration firm and have them get rid of the mold. 

It's also quite common for important documents to receive damage after a storm due to exposure to moisture. You will want to save your documents if at all possible. Document restoration is not a do-it-yourself job. Fortunately, many storm restoration companies offer document restoring services.

A great way to save damaged documents is to have them freeze-dried. Air-drying damaged documents is another option. The best method usually depends on the amount of damage the documents received.

Preventing storm damage is important, but it's not always possible to prevent a very strong storm from damaging your home or your belongings. If a storm does cause damage to your home or personal property, SERVPRO of Alexandria can provide vital restoration assistance. Contact us for more information. 

Impact of Water Main Break in Alexandria

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water Main Break

Water is a necessity of life but can also be a devastating force. A water main break can flood your home or office. Damage caused by water can be costly, both in terms of monetary value, and inconvenience. Such occurrences typically cause not only an interruption in service with the water supply, but also force affected people to leave the area until the structure has been repaired. That alone can take days or even weeks.

It is a good idea to allocate some resources to ensuring that your home or office is receiving routine maintenance on the plumbing system. This practice could save you thousands later on. If you have experienced this, or any other type of water damage you should contact us, along with your trusted plumbing contractor immediately. This will ensure that the problem will get fixed, both in terms of repairing the cause of the problem and cleaning up the mess. At SERVPRO® of Alexandria we are always here to help!

Emergency Water Damage Tips and Techniques

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

When Pipe Fails on Second Floor

Many of our customers have learned the hard way that water damage is a big problem. It can destroy not only your home and your finances, but also destroy the sentimental items that you can’t put a price tag on. For that reason it’s a good idea to learn what causes water damage so that you can better avoid it. But if you cannot avoid it then here are some tips on what to do if you have been victimized by it. Depending on the severity of your damage you may need to contact the local authorities, and insurance provider, but eventually they will most likely get a SERVPRO® crew out to your location to fix it up.

Safety First with Water Damage

The first concern is the safety of friends, family and you in your home or area. Common causes of injury after water damage to a structure are slip hazards, and electrical shock due to careless mistakes that might have been avoided. Essential Water Damage Info Here

On this note, don’t just go about business as usual, avoid kitchen appliances, and avoid tampering with major electrical devices that are connected to the building until authorities have deemed that it is safe to do so. This includes ceiling fans, lights, and televisions.  Water Damage Emergency Tips

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Water Damage Restoration - The SERVPRO Advantage

We're Moving Closer to Serve you Better

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria (VA) & SERVPRO of Marlton/Morningside (MD) is moving closer to better provide our nationally recognized restoration services. Dorel Watley will lead the new company as President. Dorel brings over 20 years of leadership experience and over-sight to the commercial janitorial and facilities management market.

“After servicing Alexandria, VA for almost 25+ years we are extremely excited about finally having an office presence here that will support our customers in both territories. Our new team and leadership are looking forward to providing the highest level of service to our customers.” said Mr. Watley.  “We encourage not only residents but business owners and commercial property professionals to contact us about any restoration needs they may have – especially following a water loss or fire when emergency response is vital to protecting their assets from further damage.”