Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Water Leak? We Have You Covered | SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
Act fast and get in touch with SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties upon discovering water damage.
As an experienced homeowner, you have a set routine for maintaining your home and taking care of your family. Despite this, you may encounter problems such as a malfunctioning dishwasher or a dripping washing machine from time to time.
Although these issues may not appear urgent, it’s crucial to address them promptly to prevent a minor water problem from escalating into a major one. We outline below effective methods for identifying and managing leaks to safeguard your home's comfort and safety.
Where to Look First
If you are uncertain about the source of a water leak, it can be challenging to locate it quickly. Water leaks can occur wherever there is a water line or pipe, many of which are concealed behind walls or under floors, just out of sight. A single water leak has the potential to quickly damage drywall or cause swelling in newly installed wood floors, making prompt action essential.
Start by examining any appliances in the affected room. Turn them off and move them away from the wall to check for water spots or mold growth. If you find the leak, locate the water valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water. If not, proceed to inspect any water lines in the room.
Check under sinks, around the toilet and near showerheads for any signs of dripping or running water. Lastly, examine windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could allow water to enter your home during rainfall.
What to Do After Locating the Leak
Once you have located the source of the leak and taken necessary steps to stop the flow of water, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. Water can seep into hard-to-reach areas, such as behind walls and under floors, resulting in issues like mold growth and structural damage.
Take some pictures of the damage, but avoid standing in any water as it may have come into contact with electrical outlets and become hazardous. Instead, open windows and turn on fans to help dry out the affected area. Next, get us on the phone! Contacting our team of experts ensures proper restoration and minimizes further damage.
The SERVPRO® Restoration Plan
It may seem like using a mop and bucket to address a water leak is sufficient, but it’s highly likely that the water has infiltrated hard-to-reach areas. This is where our expertise comes into play!
With our advanced industrial blowers and air movers, we can extract every drop of moisture from your space. Furthermore, we can repair any damage your home may have sustained, such as replacing damp drywall, restoring warped floors and addressing ceiling damage.
We can also pinpoint the cause of the leak and provide repair solutions for that specific area. Our goal is to ensure that your home is restored to its previous state, regardless of the circumstances.
Discovered water damage? Call SERVPRO of Columbia andSuwannee Counties right away.
What to Do About a Leaking Appliance | SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties
10/25/2023 (Permalink)
Have leaking appliances? Call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties to help clean up your space in no time!
Our homes are so advanced nowadays with all of the fancy equipment and appliances that we use on a daily basis. We are all so busy that we have to rely on things like our washing machines and dishwashers to perform their necessary tasks so we can go about our days with clean dishes and clothes without much thought.
However, every time we crank the dial on the laundry machine or pop another dish pod into the dishwasher, there’s a risk of suffering a water disaster.
Water damage can occur from a massive system malfunction or from something as simple as a slow drip from a leaky water line. SERVPRO® of Columbia & Suwannee Counties explains more about tracking down a water leak below.
Stopping the Flow of Water
If you get home or walk into the room and all of a sudden your socks are soaked through, you’ve got a problem. Do your best to stay out of the water while you navigate yourself to the main water shutoff valve in your home.
Turn off the valve, and consider turning off the electrical breaker to that particular area just to be on the safe side. Then you should shut the water valve or close the water pipe from the water line that is leading into the appliance.
Once the water has been stopped and the electricity has been switched off, you can now investigate the source of the leak. Sometimes seals can deteriorate over time and can lead to a significant water event, or a malfunction from your appliance causes it to overflow or back up, which leads to the watery mess. In any case, get us on the phone right away so we can get to work on your restoration.
Recovery and Restoration
Time is of the essence when it comes to water disasters because any amount of standing water can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. We will come out to your home quickly to locate the reason for the leak while we simultaneously start extracting the excess water and drying up the residual moisture.
We will work on fixing the problem that caused the leak in the first place while addressing any necessary repairs due to the standing water. Even just an inch of water can cause warped floors, stained or soggy walls, or soaked carpet. We will remove any ruined materials and replace them. After we are through, you would never know a water disaster occurred in your home!
Water damage can get worse the longer it lingers. Contact us today at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties.
Water Damage & Different Categories
10/18/2023 (Permalink)
No job too big or small
Knowing the difference between clean, gray, and black water can help a lot during the process and being able to understand what types of damage are covered under your insurance policy.
With any loss, there are ways to identify the level and severity of the damage that has occurred to your home.
What is Clean Water?
Clean water is water that comes from your faucet or showerhead that you can drink safely. It is also considered rainwater or snowmelt. Water damage from within your home can come from a broken water line, a busted toilet tank, a leaky washer or refrigerator, or rain or snowmelt entering your home. While clean water flooding your floors may not cause an immediate health risk, it can quickly evolve into the gray water after prolonged contact with building surfaces, material, and items. This can happen within 48 hours which is why it is important to call our team as soon as possible after a flood or water damage.
What is Gray Water?
Gray water is water that may contain chemicals or contaminants that may be harmful to your health. Gray water can come from the shower and sink drains, the washer drain, the dishwasher drain, and aquariums. Gray water can cause even more damage than clean water and can evolve into black water within 48 hours causing even further damage and health risks.
What is Black Water?
Blackwater is contaminated water from floodwaters and sewage waters. It can come from a flooded river, a backed up toilet or sewage line in your home. It can cause health effects and should be avoided.
Blackwater should be professionally removed, dried out and cleaned by professionals with the right tools and processes to ensure a thorough cleanup.
SERVPRO of North Clay/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is always here to help. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns for future reference.
Contact us 24/7/365 at 904-961-8870
What Are Some Dos And Don’ts If You Experience Water Damage In Your Business?
6/21/2022 (Permalink)
We are here to help in Clay County!
After any water damage situation, your primary focus should always be safety first. If the flooding is extensive, you need to ensure it's safe for everyone to stay in the building; water damage can create dangerous structural issues. As everyone knows, electricity and water are a bad combination, so that's another thing to watch out for. When moving about the premises, you will want to guard against slip and fall accidents.
You may decide to begin cleaning up the mess yourself, but please keep in mind that wet materials can be far heavier than they are when they are dry. Know your limits, and only do what you know you can do safely. Engaging the help of a restoration specialist like SERVPRO can be a wise choice that will allow you to avoid unfortunate accidents. We can be onsite at your Walker commercial location right away to start your water damage recovery process.
What Are Some Steps I Can Take If My Clay County Business Is Affected By Water Damage?
Some "dos" when handling water damage to your commercial location:
- Do remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Do wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Do remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Do place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Do turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Do remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Do remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Do gather up loose items from floors.
What Are Some Tasks I Need To Avoid When Managing Water Damage At My Commercial Location In Clay County?
Here are some definite "don'ts" to be mindful of while recovering your property from a water damage event:
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place.
- Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use a regular vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use computers or other appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is here to help you with emergencies and disasters of all types and sizes. In addition to water damage, we handle fire damage, mold remediation, odor removal and deodorization, biohazards, and more!
This franchise is independently owned and operated. We are located in Orange Park, Florida and here to help in North Clay County businesses and homes. 904-861-8870 is the easiest way to get in touch with us.
HERE TO HELP
6/17/2022 (Permalink)
Unimaginable debris after a hurricane caused flooding.
SERVPRO'S from surrounding areas head in from all over to help the in areas that have been affected by inclement weather. SERVPRO is a team oriented company that has compassion for everything we do and everyone we help. When another area of the country is impacted with a storm or tragedy we can call upon our fellow teammates to come in and help. Sometimes due to the area being affected it may require out of state SERVPRO's to respond in a time of need. We have traveled to Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Louisiana just to name a few and continue to be ready for the call when we are needed. The goal is to assist our fellow SERVPRO's and treat all customers with the best customer service experience as one, unified company. After all was said and done, all the help of these surrounding SERVPRO's were able to team up together and restore this broken community.
The 4 Classes of Water Intrusion
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Determining the way to handle the water intrusion is important!
One of the first steps our technicians will do when assessing the commercial water damage is to determine not only the category of water damage but all the classes of water intrusion. What this means to the customer is that we will look at humidity and how it affects the drying process. To do this, we determine the amount of water intrusion.
Class 1
This is generally a small area of your business property in relation to the total square footage of the area and has a low evaporation property based on the type of material that was affected. It is the least severe and easiest to deal with.
Class 2
This is a larger area of your property, up to 40%, and again has a low evaporation property based on the type of material that was affected. This can wreak a little more havoc than class 1, usually the entire room or area is affected and there is carpet and pad, possibly water has wicked up the walls and there is structural moisture to contend with. This leaves opportunity for lasting damage to the structure of the building if not taken care of properly
Class 3
In this category, we are looking at a great amount of water damage, well over 40%, of the area and it also has the fastest absorption rate with ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and subfloors all saturated and walls wet up to 2 ft.
Class 4
This, unfortunately, would be the worst-case situation for a business owner. We are talking about significant water damage covering an extensive area. An example of this would be a flood where your first floor is underwater by a foot of water and debris. You can expect longer cleanup and drying times with this type of water intrusion.
Understanding the level of water intrusion you have is important for us as professionals to understand how to remediate the best way. Call us at 386-754-0261 and we can help assess your damage at no charge and move forward with what works best for you and your company. Located in Lake City we cover eight counties surrounding us in North Florida and have a sister location in Orange Park at 904-861-8870.
Why SERVPRO is the very Best at Water Restoration
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
Located AND Serving the Lake City, Florida Area and surrounding counties - Let us help to ensure you don't end up with a larger problem!
SERVPRO is a leading provider of water damage restoration solutions in Lake City, Florida. Our employees are certified and experienced in disaster restoration and can provide expert guidance including water extraction, dehumidification, moisture monitoring, thermal imaging, and more.
Often times water damage is more than you can see. Your drywall may also be wet up a few inches. The insulation in the wall cavity or ceiling cavity could be wet. Baseboards or shoe molding may be damaged in the water area. Underneath cabinets or behind them could be wet. Water can also travel unusual paths in your home to areas you do not see. We have specialized equipment such as moisture meters and expertise to quickly determine the amount of damage.
If your uncertain about any damage done in your home or business, have concerns or just have some questions you can call us and we will come and assess the damage and answer any questions you might have. We try to be as helpful as possible when we can. With over 50 years of experience at our location and so many resources we will be able to assist you.
We service Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, White Springs, Lake Butler, Macclenny, Perry, Mayo and surrounding counties!
Ready for Whatever Happens? We can help you!
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
You don't want to lose your business when you can be prepared for anything. Call us now to be prepared!
Do you have an emergency readiness plan (ERP) if disaster strikes?
One moment everything is going fine and the next you’re facing water damage, fire and smoke damage, flooding or even sewage back up. It’s too much to face alone and you have to many possessions to save.
We at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties have a disaster clean up plan ready for your home or business if you find yourself facing these difficult situations.
We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess the damage and provide you with a quote.
Depending on the type of loss you suffer it’s important to mitigate the damage by treating the source. Then depending on the damage the cleanup phase may very there may be cleanup where items will be brought to our facility and cleaned for safe keeping.
Finally the restoration of the structure itself can begin.
Understanding Water Damage & Contamination
8/1/2021 (Permalink)
Do you know the 3 types of water damage? We can help you understand!
Did you know that there are three different types of contaminated water that can cause water damage? The three different types of contaminated water are clean water, gray water, and black water. Companies like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties specialize in mitigation for each type of water damages associated with the contaminated water.
This type of water generally comes from a clean source like a broken water supply line or faucet. Depending on the time it has been left, the temperature, contact with bacteria, and surrounding contaminates, this water can quickly become gray or black water. This is the most common type of water damage.
This type of water and water damage can cause discomfort or illness as it likely contains bacteria and illness. When left untreated, gray water will quickly become black water and the water damages associated with black water is much worse.
This water and its water damages generally spawn from sewage, biological hazards, or flooding from rivers and streams. If left untreated, it will cause microbial growth, severe illness, and even possibly death.
The best solution when there is any kind of flooding or water damage is to have it treated as soon as it is noticed. Hiring a professional company like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is recommended as they can give advice on why the flood occurred, the category of the flood, and how to prevent water damages. If you have any questions regarding SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties, contact the office at (386) 754-0261, visit the website, or message us on Facebook!
Faster to YOUR disaster
5/21/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help make sure your disaster seems "Like it never even happened."
Damage That Can Be Done..
No one likes to think about the possible ails of a disaster attacking your property. SERVPRO wants to help you become more knowledgeable. Understanding the extent of potential damage is key to taking the right steps in getting your property back to pre-damage condition!
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.
Unthought of Causes for Water Loss Damage
5/6/2021 (Permalink)
Have you Checked your water heater lately?
Water damage is a serious problem that many people don’t realize that if is left untreated it can cause mold, damage to floors, walls and insulation.
There are many causes of water damage such as plumbing system failures which lead to 48%, more water loss than system material failures which is the second leading cause. A cracked pipe, all it takes is a quarter inch crack to lose 250 gallons of water. Now imagine a pencil eraser sized crack at a constant rate you can lose up to 500 gallons of water just from a small crack. Washing machine supply lines that fail can lead to water damage, a lot of people forget to check the supply line since they aren’t visible. But wear and tear can cause a water leak. The next cause is also forgotten due to it normally not being visible and that is the water heater. Over the years the tank corrodes and if not maintained it is not uncommon to have a slow leak or burst.
These are just a few things that might be helpful in keeping your home or business from having a water loss. Keep in mind, that if you do..... SERVPRO is Here to Help! Call us at 386-754-0261 if your in the North Central Florida area and we will be right out to assess the damage and give you an estimate.
5 Uncommon Causes of Water Damage
4/16/2021 (Permalink)
Water loss can come from many places.... you must investigate to locate the source.
Water damage inside the home or business can happen at any time of the year. For the most part, these tragedies happen without warning and can cause a serious amount of damage — no matter how small or large the issue is.
You need to continually monitor your home or business for things that can be done to eliminate the possibilities of water loss. It’s essential to keeping your home, family, business, and employees safe. Without preparation, most people are just sitting ducks waiting for tragedy to strike their property.
Most people are aware of the most common causes of water damage. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the more uncommon and surprising causes of water damage.
Lake City, Lake Butler, Jasper, White Springs & Live Oak residents are generally aware of the most common causes. These include severe weather, broken pipes, floods, water spills, sewage backups and HVAC units. A majority of these occurrences require immediate assistance from a professional.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the more uncommon and unexpected causes of water damage:
- Plants – plants need water, whether they’re inside or outside. While overwatering can damage the plant, it can also lead to frequent spills. If not cleaned up immediately, that spill can cause water damage.
- Gutters – a clogged gutter can wreak havoc on your home in a variety of ways. Water can pool up on the outside and inside of your home, eventually causing water damage and mold growth.
- Wind – although rare, wind can lead to opening doors without your permission. If this happens during a rainstorm, water can leak into the home. If it happens when cold outside, it can freeze your pipes if temperatures drop low enough.
- Fire – a fire already causes insurmountable damage to your property, but that damage is multiplied if using water to stop the fire. If not dealt with in a timely manner, this water can cause damage and mold growth.
- Animals – animals can cause a variety of spills around the home if not supervised. Make sure there’s nothing your pet can spill before leaving them unsupervised.
No matter what the cause of water damage is, you shouldn’t waste any time in finding the source. Once found, time is of the essence. Stop the flow of water, remove it from the property, and contact your local SERVPRO to begin the recovery process. We take the restoration process seriously to ensure each homeowner and business owner can return to a safe property and normal daily routine.
How many layers of floors do you have??
2/25/2021 (Permalink)
Got layers??
Sometimes when you purchase a home or business you believe the floor your looking at is the original floor or I should say the "only" floor. Surprise! It is amazing what we find when we go to a water loss sometimes.... layers and layers and layers of flooring!
In this case it was vct on top of sheet vinyl on top of the subfloor. Sometimes it is carpet over sheet vinyl and sometimes it is multiple layers of subflooring that we cannot dry through. This is just an example of every loss being unique and different just like every customer is unique!
We try and treat every customer as we would like to be taken care of and create a quality experience for you. Customer service is lost art in today's world. Remember, you are our 1st priority and your home or business is going to be treated as such!
Cracking a water damage case
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Cracked toilet bowl that was the culprit in this water damage
When SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties receives a call about a water damage one of the first things we do is attempt to find the source of the damage if the home owner is unsure where it is coming from.
This particular case was a very easy find. Our office received a call about a water damage in Perry, Fla and we sent a team out to assess the damage and begin to work on fixing the issue.
When we arrived we noticed that the toilet bowl in the second bathroom had a huge crack and water had gone into most of the house.
Over the course of a few days, our crew was able to remove the flooring in the effected area along with some of the kitchen cabinets and began the drying process.
If you have a similar situation, feel free to give us a call at 386-754-0261.
Wood laminate floors--Friend or Foe
7/30/2020 (Permalink)
Water damaged wood laminate flooring
Let's play through a scenario, you purchase a home that has wood laminate flooring. On one hand the wood laminate looks great because it gives the appearance of hard wood floors. On the other hand, you could potentially run into an issue where if you have a water damage in your home and have wood laminate flooring down, a lot of that flooring may need to come up due to the fact that water cannot be extracted through the wood laminate. The wood laminate and the padding underneath would need to be removed and then you are left with a portion of your home that has the always fashionable concrete slab flooring. In no way am I saying that wood laminate flooring is something you shouldn't consider having in your home, I am just mentioning that if a water damage occurs in a home with wood laminate flooring the process is much more defined as to how our team would be able to assist with your water damage compared to carpet flooring. If you run into an issue where you see water coming up from between the pieces of wood laminate flooring in your home, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties and we will be more then happy to assist you in getting your home back to the point where it looks "Like it never even happened."
Standing water in your crawl space
3/5/2020 (Permalink)
Standing water in crawl space
Standing water in your crawl space can cause a mold issue that can cause long term physical issues for you and your family. SERVPRO of Suwannee and Columbia counties would like to provide some tips on what to do if you believe you have a water issue underneath your home.
The first step to take would be to identify the source that is causing the water issue. Look for areas where water may be puddling on the ground and signs of discoloration on the wood overhead. The water may be affected by the seasons such as rainy months of the year which could cause water to rise up from the ground. If you identify that the water is not rising up, the issue may be coming from a leaky pipe.
Depending on how severe the issue is, you may be able to correct the issue. If the job seems to difficult to take care of on your own, feel free to give SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties a call and we will take care of the water issue "Like it never even happened."
Water Damage? Clean, Gray or Black Water Damage?
2/17/2020 (Permalink)
It's important to mediate different types of water the proper way, that is why we investigate to see the cause of the damage.
Did you know that there are three different types of contaminated water that can cause water damage? The three different types of contaminated water are clean water, gray water, and black water. Companies like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties specialize in mitigation for each type of water damages associated with the contaminated water.
This type of water generally comes from a clean source like a broken water supply line or faucet. Depending on the time it has been left, the temperature, contact with bacteria, and surrounding contaminates, this water can quickly become gray or black water. This is the most common type of water damage.
This type of water and water damage can cause discomfort or illness as it likely contains bacteria and illness. When left untreated, gray water will quickly become black water and the water damages associated with black water is much worse.
This water and its water damages generally spawn from sewage, biological hazards, or flooding from rivers and streams. If left untreated, it will cause microbial growth, severe illness, and even possibly death.
The best solution when there is any kind of flooding or water damage is to have it treated as soon as it is noticed. Hiring a professional company like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is recommended as they can give advice on why the flood occurred, the category of the flood, and how to prevent water damages. If you have any questions regarding SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties, contact the office at (386) 754-0261, visit our website or message us on Facebook!
SERVPRO can handle any kind of water loss!
12/27/2019 (Permalink)
When you know you have a water problem in your home or business from a leak, a flood, or an overflowing appliance or sink, it doesn't matter how much water is present. Such a situation is an emergency and must be taken care of quickly.
In Fort White, Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, White Springs and other surrounding counties, water can cause serious damage to the interior of a home or business if removal efforts aren't started immediately. Water can quickly evaporate if temperatures are high enough, which is often the case in Florida. If the interior is cooler, due to the central air unit running, water that is not removed will soon seep into areas which might not show damage until months later.
SERVPRO equipment includes moisture detectors that can locate concentrated areas of moisture, hidden water, and elevated humidity levels in a home. Technicians will take initial readings of areas within a home to use as a baseline for later readings. These other readings will be taken on a regular basis during the entire water removal process. The initial readings will also be used to calculate how much drier the interior needs to become for it to be considered fully dry. How many dehumidifiers, air movers, and other pieces of equipment will be required is also determined by how wet a home is at the initial reading.
Training from IICRC provides SERVPRO technicians with the skills required for successful water removal in any setting. Basics, such as removing certain items so they can air out in the outdoors and place furniture on blocks to prevent staining of carpeting followed by the use of portable water extraction units are a major part of water removal.
As the home's interior becomes less damp, areas with high levels of humidity are targeted. Dehumidifiers will increase evaporation rates of areas where water has seeped into. Air Movers will help direct this humid air toward the outdoors through open doors and windows. Hygrometer readings taken will be recorded during this process, so homeowners will know that their home is once again safely dry. These readings may need to be shown to insurance companies, and the documentation should be placed with other paperwork regarding the home.
Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier, and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”
If you would like more information on hiring a Highly Trained Water Restoration Team Call SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Conties today at (386) 754-0261
Are Your Floors Buckling?
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Are your Wood Floors Buckling?
"Some moisture-related problems are visible to the discerning eye. Primarily, wood flooring problems can occur when the wood expands and contracts. This “wood movement” occurs naturally according to seasonal shifts or when ambient RH levels change in the home. These changes can also present a less-than-desirable change in the appearance of your wood flooring."
If you begin to see signs of your floors shifting, there could be underlying moisture. Failure to act on this moisture could result in structural damage.
Water Damage Specialists
We are specialists in restoration of water damaged floors and are ready to restore your business or home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment. SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties uses moisture monitoring equipment to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry.
Our technicians are certified and trained and go to continuing education courses designed to keep us up to date on all new equipment and industry standard drying methods.
If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 386-754-0261 and we will be glad to provide a free assessment, moisture check, etc. or just answer your questions.
Standing water removal
12/2/2019 (Permalink)
Some of the standing water that was in the dining area when we arrived.
SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties received a phone call early one morning that one of our local restaurants had standing water in the dining area.
Our fantastic team was able to go in and remove all of the standing water and help the restaurant staff place tables, chairs and booths back where they belonged. When all was said and done, SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties was able to get their restaurant ready for business about 5 minutes before they opened for lunch service that day.
We love to be able to show our local community, whether it is residential or commercial property, that at SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties we strive to provide the service that would allow you to say any issue is "Like it never even happened."
Water Damage May Be Hiding in Your Home or Business
8/8/2019 (Permalink)
Things you might not think of could be causing unseen damage to your home.
Building materials and water don’t mix. Insulation, wood studs, plywood sheathing, and subflooring can all degrade, rot, or develop mold when they’re repeatedly saturated with water. Making the situation even worse, this water damage is often hidden from sight, tucked away between walls or under floors. As a result, significant structural damage can occur before it’s discovered.
- In a wall underneath a window
- Behind or under siding
- Exterior Door Threshold
- Exterior Painted Windowsills
- Beneath the Dishwasher
- Next to tub or shower
- Under a wobbly toilet
- Underneath the sink
- Behind a bathtub surround
- Behind Drywall
- Around a chimney
- Inside or Under an HVAC unit
- Behind and exterior faucet
- Behind a washing machine
- Below a window a/c unit
At SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties, we are trained in water remediation and licensed in mold remediation. We are able to assist in helping to determine if you have a problem. Call us at 386-754-0261 to schedule an assessment.
5 Tips to Prepare for Water Damage
3/27/2019 (Permalink)
5 Tips to Prepare for Water Damage
Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.
- Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
- Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
- Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
- Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
- Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.
SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties will always have your back, anytime, anyplace. Visit us at www.SERVPROcolumbiaandsuwanneecounties.com.
Moisture Meters
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
Moisture Meters
Many times when a customer experiences water damage it can be hard to tell how bad the damage is just by looking around at the property. There can be underlying damage that is not visible to the eyes and this is where moisture meters come in to play. A restoration moisture meter or sensor, measures the amount of moisture in an environment and in certain materials. Drywall, flooring and other structural components can be measured to assess the damage they may have incurred as well. These meters are very useful to put a number on the level of damage a property may have incurred.
There are a few different types of meters that all have a different pros and cons. Some jobs will only require the use of one but others will require more.
- Non-Penetrating Meters: These are one of the easiest meters to use and are a popular choice because they pose no risk of causing any damage to the flooring or structure. These have two flat sensors usually located at the bottom of the device and compare the amount of moisture located between them. They are best for quickly comparing levels between affected and unaffected areas.
- Penetrating Meters: These meters have a series of prongs that will penetrate the surface of a structure to take the moisture reading. These readings are much more accurate and are great for finding any trapped moisture on a site.
- Hydro sensors: These meters are a type of penetrating meters that are great for seeing how far moisture has traveled from the surface of the structure. These work best for carpet or carpet padding but do not work with drywall.
- Thermo-Hygrometers: Thermo-hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity, which both will affect how drying equipment will function. These essentially test whether or not an environment can be efficiently dried with the tools that are at the teams disposal. The measurements these put out are helpful in determining if your dehumidifier is working properly.
These tools are very essential in water damage restoration projects as they give you a good understanding of how big or small the job will be. Also, it gives you readings to bring back to the customer and discuss the work that will need to be done in more detail. Contact SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties today for more information (386) 754-0261.
Restoration Process
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
Restoration Process
Every water damage situation is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The cleanup and restoration begins with a phone call. Our national call center is fully staffed 24 hours a day and ready to dispatch the nearest SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to your home or business. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of damage
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
The water damage restoration process begins with a detailed inspection of your property, including a damage assessment. The SERVPRO Professionals of Columbia and Suwannee Counties, are determining the scope of the damage so we can develop an appropriate plan of action.
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction
The water extraction step removes the majority of the water from your home or property. By performing a thorough water extraction, SERVPRO Professionals help reduce the drying time and help to prevent mold and secondary water damage. They use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage.
Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing
Your property’s walls, floors, and other surfaces will likely need professional cleaning treatments. Besides cleaning your property’s structure, our professionals will also clean your belongings, like furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable personal items, damaged by the water. Flooding and water damage often require odor removal and deodorization treatments, since wet materials have an unpleasant odor.
Step 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.
For a full list of our services, visit us online at https://www.SERVPROcolumbiaandsuwanneecounties.com/ or give us a call at (386) 754-0261.
How Much Do You Really Know About Water?
3/6/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know that there are three different types of contaminated water that can cause water damage? The three different types of contaminated water are clean water, gray water, and black water. Companies like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties specialize in mitigation for each type of water damages associated with the contaminated water.
This type of water generally comes from a clean source like a broken water supply line or faucet. Depending on the time it has been left, the temperature, contact with bacteria, and surrounding contaminates, this water can quickly become gray or black water. This is the most common type of water damage.
This type of water and water damage can cause discomfort or illness as it likely contains bacteria and illness. When left untreated, gray water will quickly become black water and the water damages associated with black water is much worse.
This water and its water damages generally spawn from sewage, biological hazards, or flooding from rivers and streams. If left untreated, it will cause microbial growth, severe illness, and even possibly death.
The best solution when there is any kind of flooding or water damage is to have it treated as soon as it is noticed. Hiring a professional company like SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is recommended as they can give advice on why the flood occurred, the category of the flood, and how to prevent water damages. If you have any questions regarding SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties, contact the office at (386) 754-0261, visit the website, or message us on Facebook!
Are Your Floors Buckling?
12/29/2018 (Permalink)
Buckled floors at a job site
According to Wagner Meter,
"Some moisture-related problems are visible to the discerning eye. Primarily, wood flooring problems can occur when the wood expands and contracts. This “wood movement” occurs naturally according to seasonal shifts or when ambient RH levels change in the home. These changes can also present a less-than-desirable change in the appearance of your wood flooring."
If you begin to see signs of your floors shifting, there could be underlying moisture. Failure to act on this moisture could result in structural damage.
Water Damage Specialists
We are water damage specialists and are ready to restore your home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment. SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties uses equipment such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry.
Call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties if you are located in Hamilton, Union, Lafayette, Suwannee or Columbia County and we will see what we can do to assist you.
Commercial Water Loss
12/22/2018 (Permalink)
We can take care of your documents as well as everything else!
If you have water loss in your building while at work or if you own the business, SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is here to help! We have experience in providing services whether covered by insurance or self paying.
It is important that every commercial loss is properly handled with documentation and proper steps taken. Doing the job correct the first time is important to prevent secondary damages from happening. No one wants mold where they work or if you own it you don't want the liability of having mold.
We strive to be an educational company in the disaster restoration industry. With that said if you have any questions on what to do or how to even be better prepared, feel free to reach out to us at any time. We have several team members that are trained and specialize in different areas of loss restoration. We will make it “Like it never even happened." Call us today at our Lake City Office (386) 754-0261.
Category 3 Water
3/21/2018 (Permalink)
Category 3 water, although referred to as Black Water or Dirty Water is not always visually black or dirty
In the restoration industry there are three categories of water and as industry professionals it is our job to determine which category of water each damage has. The most severe category is Category 3 which is also commonly called CAT 3, Black Water or Dirty Water. Category 3 water (Black Water) is highly contaminated water that is potentially toxic to anyone inside the dwelling.
The water is considered category 3 (Black Water) if it meets any of the following criteria. Sources could include sewage backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. If Category 1 or Category 2 are left untreated for more than three days, it is likely that it will develop into Category 3 (Black Water). If your damage is deemed as Category 3 (Black Water), it is likely that many pieces of your property will need to be replaced. Anything porous, such as furniture, carpeting and drywall is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water, although referred to as Black Water or Dirty Water is not always visually black or dirty. In fact, most times it is completely translucent.
If you are ever faced with damage to your home act fast, find your source and call (386) 754-0261, and the professionals at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties. Our team is available 24/7. We will assess the damage and ensure that it is properly mitigated to ensure your safety.
Its the Water You Don't See
2/19/2018 (Permalink)
Carpet padding holds excess water even after extraction.
Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.
The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO® of Columbia & Suwannee Counties has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of Columbia & Suwannee Counties will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools we use.
- Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
- Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® of Columbia & Suwannee Counties to monitor the drying process.
- Thermo-hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, we can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
- Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate.
- Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles.
The bottom line? SERVPRO® of Columbia & Suwannee County located in North Central Florida has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
What to Do after a Flood in your Home or Business
12/18/2017 (Permalink)
Office Library Flooded from a small pipe break in bathroom in Lake City, Fl.
A supply line breaks to a washing machine or a pipe breaks to the water softener. There is standing water in the home or water in the business. What should be done?
Water damage is one of the most serious mishaps that can occur to a property. Water damage requires immediate, professional restoration efforts, in order to avoid permanent damage and potential loss of the property. Within the first 24 hours, water damage that is left to stand can seep into drywall, structural elements and carpeting, causing lasting damage.
Luckily, there are many professional restoration companies that make their living saving properties from water damage. In this article, we'll take a quick look at the restoration process and how property owners should handle a flood damage event, should one occur.
Because so much of the United States has always been built on rivers, near lakes and in areas that experience frequent, severe weather, the U.S. flood damage mitigation industry has developed to be one of the best in the world. Over 100 years of flood damage mitigation has yielded a set of procedures that have been established as the gold standard in flood damage mitigation. There is a five-step process that all but ensures that no lasting damage to the flooded home will occur.
It is imperative to understand that a flooded home is the real estate equivalent of a medical emergency. Time is the most crucial factor. The best possible move that a property owner could make is to call a professional restoration company immediately. The sooner a restoration company can arrive at the flooded home, the more likely mitigation efforts are to prevent any lasting damage.
Once the restoration company's team arrives, they will immediately begin surveying the extent of the water in the home or water in the business. This phase of the water cleanup process generally uses high-tech gadgets, such as hygrometers and infrared water detectors, to establish all of the places that may have been affected by water in the home or water in the business. If there is an active supply line break or a pipe break, the team will locate the fault and remediate it.
Once the extent of the water in the home or water in the business has been established and the location pinned down, the next phase of the water cleanup process can begin.
The next water cleanup phase involves the extraction of all standing water from the premises. Through the use of powerful, specialized pumps, the restoration company's team will be able to remove thousands of gallons per hour from the site. The water cleanup team will use sophisticated vacuum equipment to fully remove all standing water from the premises. At this point, the property may appear dry to the untrained eye. But this leads to the next step.
Now it will be time to begin the final drying of the property. The team will use high-power dryers and dehumidifiers, capable of removing thousands of pounds of water from material and the atmosphere every hour. Drying time may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as an entire day. Completely drying the property is absolutely crucial, as it avoids the formation of serious mold and mildew, and removes water from drywall and structural elements. When the drying process is complete, the home will no longer be at risk of sustaining further damage.
The final step is to chemically sanitize and cleanse the home to prevent mildew formation and eliminate smells.
When a pipe breaks or a supply line breaks, the most important thing you can do is to call in the pros. There's no reason to let a pipe break or a supply line break diminish or destroy the value of your home.
Call us today at (386)754-0261 for more information.
What to Do until SERVPRO arrives!
12/8/2017 (Permalink)
If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives.
Shut off the source of the water.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors
Water Damage floods Dixie County home
3/15/2017 (Permalink)
What our technicians arrived on scene to. More than this homeowner's dirty laundry ended up getting washed.
Tax time is here and you were one that got a refund, but you’re one of those adults and bought a new washing machine. The appliance guys deliver and install it, you immediately get to work on the mound of laundry that never ends. What you didn’t know is that while you were off watching Netflix or cleaning the house, the delivery guy didn’t install something quite right and you return to water flooding from your laundry room.
So now you are standing there in your very own lake of water that SHOULD have been in your washing machine. What do you do?
You SHOULD call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties and let our technicians come out to not only extract the water immediately but to assess the damage done to your walls, baseboards, flooring, and sub-flooring (if applicable). Remember the faster you get the water removed and drying process started the more that can be saved. Not only money but repair wise as well.
Our technicians are trained on how to properly use the professional specialized drying equipment such as wet vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers to make sure any water is removed and dried as fast as possible. We use a variety of proven and reliable methods as well as equipment to help keep track of the entire process. We always work to restore as much of the area as possible before removing and replacing any damaged areas or items.
Don’t think your insurance will cover it? Don’t have insurance? We also work with self-pay. We can come extract the water for you. If you have all the water up already and have torn out any ruined materials, we can come set our drying equipment and monitor it for you.
No disaster is planned, Let us help make it “Like it never even happened.” Calls us 24/7 at 386-754-0261.
Why should you call SERVPRO for Water Damages?
9/27/2016 (Permalink)
One of our technicians using the "Rover" to assist with top-down drying on a water damage in a Columbia County home.
Many homeowners are not prepared for emergency situations let alone when something breaks or leaks. Sure, you may have some money set aside for those situations. Let’s face it though, how many of us would cut those costs if we could? I Thought so!
Did you know that even something as small as a mop bucket being turned over can cause significant damage if the surfaces it reaches are not fully dried properly? Say for instance your washing machine leaks. You think “I’ll just grab some towels.” But what if it has been a very slow drip until it full on sprung a leak? So you think you have saved money by using towels to dry up the floor. However, the drywall, insulation, baseboards, bottom wall plate, sub floor, etc. are still wet. This could lead to bigger more expensive out of pocket costs or insurance claim.
Let me give you a few reasons why SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties can help you save money, and keep your home your safe haven. Our technicians are trained to safely clean and restore your home or business using the following procedures.
1.) Identify the source and type of Water.
2.) Measure the temperature and humidity to assist with Drying Analysis.
3.) Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the areas for hidden moisture.
4.) Perform any necessary Emergency Water Extraction.
5.) Move and Block all furniture and contents.
6.) Inspect carpet and carpet padding.
7.) Apply any necessary treatments such as disinfectants or deodorization.
8.) Utilize advanced drying and monitoring equipment.
9.) Properly dispose of any hazardous or affected materials.
After all, your home or business is a huge part of your life. Don’t let the possibility of harmful mold, rot, and unseen damages add stress to your life. Give SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties a call at (386)754-0261 and let us make sure everything is “Like it never even happened.”
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