Factors Making Gaithersburg Fire Damage a Restoration Challenge

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals in Gaithersburg are trained to handle every level of fire damage, including the odors that follow. Call us today!

SERVPRO Has Solutions for Fire Damage Effects

It is important to recognize how destructive fire events can be for homes and businesses. In many cases, there is no option other than pursuing professional restoration and cleaning, as the insurance company is involved and the thorough level of repair necessary is beyond the capacities of the average homeowner. In addition, there are specific factors that can make fire cleanup complicated, including:

• Safety Concerns
• Structural Damage
• Soot Damage
• Offensive Malodors

Gaithersburg fire damage events require experienced professionals like our SERVPRO team to address. We have experienced FSRT-certified technicians accredited through the IICRC to mitigate loss, clean up after fire damage effects, and restore the damage that smoke and fire effects can do to contents and the structure. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage Mitigation

Mitigating damages is one of the priorities of our responding technicians, especially as soon as our team arrives. Emergency services allow us to regulate the spread and severity of loss effects without compromising the structure. It is necessary to overcome safety concerns through specific mitigating actions to make the cleaning and restoration faster and safer for our technicians and any remaining house occupants. Focuses of this effort include:

• Airborne Threats - Soot and smoke solids can become airborne. We utilize air scrubbers and filtration equipment to make the environment safer.
• Standing Water - The extinguishment process can leave standing water throughout the structure. We must remove this water damage threat to protect the property from secondary effects.
• Debris Removal - It is essential to remove burned materials, ash, debris, and other solids related to combustion. Heaps of charred remnants amplify soot and malodor threats.

How Is the Structure? 

Evaluating the structure's condition is a focal point of the job scoping process. Fires are destructive and overwhelming for many building materials used in residential construction, causing complete or partial combustion of these elements in many house areas. Our professionals must evaluate where controlled demolition is necessary and if any building materials impacted can still be preserved and restored to their original appearance.

Can Soot Damage Be Removed?

Soot is one of the most formidable obstacles to remove after fire damage. We must carefully determine the type of smoke damage, the hosting material, and test various cleaning methods to ensure that the selected methods are the kindest to underlying substrates. Typical cleaning solutions include:

• Surface Cleaning
• Abrasive Action
• Controlled Demolition

Managing Odors After Fire Damage 

Malodors are a common byproduct of the combustion process. Not only must our responding OCT-Certified technicians address these smells throughout the structure, but we must also pay careful attention to when porous materials have absorbed smoke molecules and can continue to influence damaged rooms with offensive odors. We have several deodorization practices and products to help.

Restoration vs. Replacement

Careful considerations must be made to determine the best actions when SERVPRO can restore materials at a higher cost. Unique building materials and exotic items can be beneficial to restore over replacing. However, highly available and accessible materials like drywall and particle board cabinetry are often easier to replace than to fix at great length and cost.

Gaithersburg fire damage loss events are destructive and compromising to households and businesses. Because of the urgency of these situations and the requirements of insurance companies to use professional restoration services, we are a preferred vendor to complete the recovery of your home. Give our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team a call today at (301) 963-8474.

The Urgency of Gaithersburg Water Damage Events

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Not sure what to do when you have a ceiling leak in your Gaithersburg home? Call SERVPRO for water damage remediation.

SERVPRO Acts Fast Against Water Damage Threats

Damages from water to a household or business are a standard callout for our professionals to address. These situations must be met with the same urgency, as these conditions often only worsen the more prolonged exposure occurs. We prioritize effective mitigation solutions to resolve standing water and prevent the further migration of moisture through materials or open areas.

SERVPRO shows that with Gaithersburg water damage, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster by keeping our Green Fleet of vehicles stocked and ready to help with rapidly developing emergencies. We arrive with:

• Air movers
• Extractors
• Dehumidifiers
• Heaters
• Cleaning products

What Do Extractors Do? 

Extraction is a vital process of the mitigation that our professionals perform to protect the property and its contents from greater water damage. Standing water is a significant issue for residences, as this can begin to absorb into building materials and overwhelm structures. We have several types of water removal tools to help:

• Weighted extractors
• Carpet wands
• Vacuums
• Submersible pumps
• Trash pumps

Placing Air Movers Correctly

There are multiple types of air mover equipment in our inventory to address any potential issues that could result for the household. Air movers are the foundational element of successful drying, as we have hundreds of these units that can be placed throughout the structure and impact a broad area of damp surfaces. The placement of movers is continually evaluated as progress gets monitored to ensure that we are achieving the best production possible.

What Impact Does Humidity Have? 

Humidity can be a significant hindrance to the drying process. Restorers must seek a balance in the production of evaporative drying tools and moisture management devices like dehumidifiers. Prolonged humid conditions can result in the development of mold and microbial threats.

Managing Moisture Content 

The more productive evaporation is with the placed air movers throughout the property, the more that this humidity increases in the drying zones. We place dehumidification equipment to manage this growing moisture content and can remove grains of moisture with processes like:

• Condensation – refrigerant dehumidifiers pull moist air over cold coils within the unit to produce condensation. This water is then collected and removed.
• Absorption – desiccant dehumidifiers absorb moisture, allowing them to manage a greater volume of vapor before discarding the collected deposit.
• Ventilation – proper ventilation in a room can also help the dehumidification process and prevent conditions like mold growth by promoting greater airflow.

How Do You Know Water Damage is Dried?

Providing peace of mind to our customers is a priority of restoration. After damage events like leaking pipes and moisture present in the structural cavities, customers need to know that the water is removed and the building materials affected are dry enough not to support mold colonies. We have several sensors and detection devices to track moisture and damp pockets in the house, including thermal imagery.

Who Does Repairs? 

You might find that not all water damage restoration efforts after damages from water require repairs and reconstruction. When these build-back efforts are needed, it is beneficial to have a team like our SERVPRO professionals capable of completing these actions without requiring a subcontractor. From controlled demolition to more intricate replacement of installed building materials that return a property to its original state, we have a general contractor license to allow us clearance to complete these actions.

As soon as Gaithersburg water damage begins, it is essential to work fast to overcome these pressing threats to the property. As leading restoration technicians for the area, many look to our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team for mitigative and restorative solutions. Give us a call today at (301) 963-8474.

Finding and Removing Gaithersburg Mold Damage

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to complete mold damage remediation at your Gaithersburg home quickly. Call us today!

Remediators Work Fast to Manage Mold Damage 

Mold is a microorganism comprised of innumerable spores found in almost every living space. When damp conditions exist, such as infiltrating water after flood events, colonies can be facilitated and supported. Common areas where colonies can form include:

• Attic
• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Kitchen
• Laundry room
• Bathroom

There are multiple concerns with developing mold damage in Gaithersburg homes. The most significant issue is the direct impact on the structure itself. Not all mold colonies are offensive, but nearly all can use organic matter like drywall and wood as a food source to continue their growth and spread.

Naturally Occurring Mold Spores

Many homeowners do not realize that mold occurs naturally in almost every environment. These mold spores threaten the structure only when conditions are met. This knowledge should make you cautious of any restoration group claiming to offer complete mold removal, as this is not a feasible course of action.

How to Discover Mold Damage

It is not always easy to determine where mold exists in your home. Some telling signs could indicate that microbial threats are probable, and these should be used to encourage homeowners to pursue professional inspections to validate these findings. Some signals that mold might be present in your home include damp materials and a lingering musty smell.

Honest Inspections and Work

The development of mold damage in your home can be traumatic and overwhelming. Without knowing what steps lies ahead, you can be uncertain whether you should pursue professional restoration and remediation or attempt to remove colonies on your own. Our technicians guarantee an honest inspection and detailed remediation plan, so you fully understand what is necessary, why it is needed, and the expected costs.

Remediation Solutions After Mold Damage

The remediation process focuses on the removal of active colonies in the house. There is no single appropriate action for this process, as infestations vary significantly in their penetrative properties, the hosting materials involved, and the location of this damage. Be careful inspections and evaluations of the affected areas in your home are necessary to ensure the appropriate remediation response is selected. Some options include:

• Wet Cleaning
• Abrasive Tactics
• Controlled Demolition

Contending with Secondary Effects 

Removing active colonies from the residence is only the start of completing the necessary restoration of the property after these disasters. There are also additional ways these organisms impact comfortable living conditions, the most direct of these being offensive malodors. To overcome the musty smells generated by active colonies, we must implement multiple deodorization and neutralization practices and products. Some of the tools used in this effort include:

• Thermal fogging
• Hydroxyl machines
• Ozone generators

Can Damaged Materials be Restored?

It is often a question if SERVPRO can restore mold-damaged materials or if it is more beneficial to pursue replacement and repair. When choosing SERVPRO for this work, we can complete both possible outcomes. The choice lies in the restoration cost and whether the proposed costs of replacing the material are greater than the expected estimated restoration.

With mold damage in Gaithersburg homes, there are multiple steps and stages to remediating the situation and restoring the damage to affected materials. We have extensively trained AMRT-certified technicians on our roster, ready to mobilize quickly to help when mold gets discovered in your home. Give our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team a call today at (301) 963-8474.

After-Hours Water Mitigation of Your Gaithersburg Restaurant

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown today if you need help with professional water damage restoration.

Fast Water Mitigation Gets Your Doors Open Again

It can be stressful and overwhelming when your restaurant faces water damage. Because so many areas of the structure can suffer a loss, mitigation services are crucial in protecting your investment and quickly getting you back to business as usual. Our fast-responding professionals arrive with the tools and products to help with:

• Pooling water
• Absorption
• Spreading moisture
• Potential mold growth
• Ruined equipment and dining area seating

Containment of the Work Area

With 24/7 availability, our SERVPRO professionals can help with water mitigation for your Gaithersburg eatery. Especially with the concerns of standing water in food production areas, containment is one of the crucial first steps of cleanup and emergency services. We set up physical barriers to stop the flow and movement of water as well as utilize negative pressure and drying equipment to establish a clear perimeter of the work zone. 

Setting Up a Staging Zone

A staging area allows us to clean and restore objects on-site near the work zone. In addition, this clean space between undamaged areas and the compromised portion of your restaurant eliminates the possibility of cross-contamination as our SERVPRO team works. 

Eliminating the Water Damage Threat

Because water damage is such a threatening presence to your restaurant, we must carefully place drying and dehumidification tools. The appropriate relationship between these types of machines in your building can rapidly manage migrating moisture concerns without allowing further compromise of the wet materials involved. We have commercial-rated drying equipment for Large Loss recovery solutions. 

We know how fast water damage can overwhelm your business, so we work at the most convenient times for you to get everything back to normal. We have mitigation solutions for your restaurant, even after the usual operating hours. Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

SERVPRO Offers Efficient Mold Damage Restoration in Gaithersburg

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown to help with mold restoration to your property.

It Pays to Hire SERVPRO for Mold Damage Remediation in Gaithersburg 

Mold thrives in areas with high humidity and moisture, and it can spread quickly, compromising the structural integrity of your home or business. When you notice mold damage in your Gaithersburg property, it is crucial to call a professional like SERVPRO that follows the standards set by the IICRC. 

SERVPRO techs make every effort to limit the spread of spores to unaffected parts of your home while restoring mold damage to your Gaithersburg property. We use physical barriers and negative air pressure to ensure airborne particles don’t leave the contaminated area. 

Type of Containment Barriers During Mold Removal 

SERVPRO techs follow the IICRC S520 mold remediation guidelines during the mold restoration of your property. The guidelines suggest the following three types of containment barriers: 

• Limited Containment is a minor zone used when the affected area is less than 10 square feet. A single layer of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting isolates the site from the surrounding space.
• Full Containment is used when the affected area is between 10 and 100 square feet. The site is enclosed with a double layer of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and may include an airlock or decontamination chamber to control airflow.
• Critical Containment is the most significant type of containment zone used when the affected area is more significant than 100 square feet. The area is enclosed with a double layer of polyethylene sheeting and may include multiple airlocks, decontamination chambers, and a separate area for donning and doffing personal protective equipment.

SERVPRO techs ensure that The containment zone is large enough to accommodate the remediation activities and is maintained until the completion of the remediation process and the successful clearance testing.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474; our mold specialists are available 24/7 to help you.

Fire Damage Repair in Gaithersburg Needs Experts Like SERVPRO

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

SERVPRO Can Save Your Gaithersburg Home from Lasting Effects of Fire Damage

The lingering smoke and soot residue left after fire damage to your Gaithersburg home can continue to cause structural and aesthetic harm. If the residue is not promptly removed using the right techniques, the damage can become irreparable and even compromise the structural integrity of the building materials.    

SERVPRO technicians understand the importance of time in restoring the fire damage to your Gaithersburg home. We use industry-leading technology to ensure that the soot and smoke damage is removed as quickly as possible without harming the surfaces. We use different cleaning agents and methods depending on the nature of the smoke particles and the surfaces involved. 

Using Chemistry to Remove Smoke Damage 

Smoke is a complex mixture of several chemical compounds that affect different surfaces differently. SERVPRO techs understand the chemistry of the smoke particles. We formulate custom cleaning strategies that break bonds between the particles and the surfaces on which they get deposited.   

SERVPRO techs use cleaning strategies based on the following:

• Altering the pH: We use either acidic or basic cleaning agents depending on the nature of the soot particles. For example, plastic residues are often acidic and need an alkaline cleaning agent. 
• Oxidizing or reducing: Cleaning agents containing bleach and stripping agents oxidize or reduce the soot particles, respectively, and change their chemical nature.
• Enzymatic reaction: Techs use enzymes that degrade certain proteinaceous soils by breaking bonds with the surfaces and removing them easily. Enzymes are most efficient during the restoration of kitchen fires. 

SERVPRO techs ensure that our cleaning agents are safe and won’t damage the surfaces being cleaned. We only use chemical cleaning agents approved by the EPA and OSHA. 

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for a fast and effective service you can trust.

Need Storm and Water Damage Repairs in Gaithersburg – Call SERVPRO

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t let storm damage overwhelm you, call the professionals at SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Delivers – Water Damage Repair and Restoration in Gaithersburg

While storms with high winds and heavy rain can initially cause a great deal of damage to Gaithersburg homes and businesses, often, it is the lingering effect of water and exposure to the elements that cause the most damage. Water penetrating the roof or through broken windows can cause hardwood flooring to buckle and warp, carpets to delaminate, drywall to swell and lose integrity, and mold to form if water mitigation efforts are not immediately undertaken.

SERVPRO provides water damage repair and mitigation to clients in Gaithersburg and the surrounding area. Boarding up windows and doors and placing tarps over damaged roofs prevent additional water from penetrating your home. Installing high-capacity pumps, water extraction equipment on flooring, air movers, and dehumidifiers can quickly remove excess water and moisture, preventing secondary damage and mold growth. Mold colonies can begin growing in less than twenty-four hours.

Cleaning, drying, and safekeeping of your precious belongings are on the top of our priority list. 

These items can be moved to dry areas in the home or stored at one of our facilities for safekeeping until your home is restored. Our building services team not only helps with the installation of temporary protective solutions, but they can also assist with the reconstruction, repair, and restoration of your home or business, saving time and expenses for our clients and their insurance companies.

We work closely with your insurance adjuster to manage all the insurance paperwork and claim details to help your family or business manage the stress associated with a storm disaster. Our services include:

• Water damage restoration
• Repairs to leaking roofs from storms
• Mold inspections, remediation, and removal

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for water damage repair services. We provide service to Gaithersburg and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (301) 963-8474.

Common Areas in Gaithersburg Homes Needing Water Damage Repair

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO to effectively tackle the water damage in your property. Call now!

Where Gaithersburg Water Damage Repair Is Required 

Gaithersburg homes typically suffer water damage in the same areas. This fact makes it much easier to locate leaks and determine what most likely needs to be repaired. Common places for these problems to occur are along ceilings, near piping, around windows, and beside water-using appliances. With this knowledge, residents can more easily catch leaks early before they become significant issues.

SERVPRO has been helping Gaithersburg homeowners with water damage repair work for decades. Over those years of service, our skilled technicians have performed a wide range of emergency water damage services, like the remediation of burst pipes and ceiling leaks, extensive basement flooding cleanup projects, and water damage repairs. With that said, our experts have usually found water-related problems:

• In basements where foundation cracks, corroded storage containers, or malfunctioning appliances like water heaters and washing machines are present
• Near older or faulty kitchen appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators
• Under/in front of deteriorating or ruptured piping in kitchens and bathrooms
• Beneath sinks and along the seals of shower closets and bathtubs
• Around doors, other entry areas, and windows
• On ceilings below roofing that has a clogged drainage network, loose tiles, or other forms of significant weathering

Knowing where to look for potential water issues is only half the battle, but it makes resolving your situation promptly much more likely. Early resolution of these troublesome occurrences enables you to limit your losses, have your residence cleaned up and restored more swiftly, and ultimately save your precious time and money.

If a water leak ever impacts your home and you need high-quality water damage repair work completed, remember that your friends at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown are always here to help. Contact our experienced remediation professionals anytime at (301) 963-8474 for fast and practical assistance.

Rapid Water Damage Repair for Gaithersburg Businesses

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike at any time in Gaithersburg. Call SERVPRO for the water damage restoration services needed for your commercial property.

Gaithersburg 24/7 SERVPRO Response for Commercial Water Damage Repair

There are several ways that a water emergency could wreak havoc within your Gaithersburg business. Whether you have a production facility, office, or hospitality property, you must address all water damage as soon as possible. SERVPRO is here 24/7 to assist local businesses in handling water removal services, drying and reconstruction so they can get back on their feet quickly. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Do you need commercial water damage repair in your Gaithersburg businesses’ employee lounge or kitchen? Call SERVPRO today!

Maybe you run a clinic, and the employee lounge developed a leak under the sink. You could also have a business that utilizes a washing machine, such as a salon, bakery, or spa. No matter the water emergency, getting standing water cleaned quickly makes all the difference. Once you call SERVPRO for water cleanup and repair, you can expect the following:

• Standing Water Removal – We implement containment measures to keep water from migrating and begin removals with powerful pumps, extractors, and wet/dry vacuums. 
• Drying and Dehumidification – Our water restoration technicians set up axial fans, air movers, dehumidifiers, and portable heaters (as needed) to begin reducing relative humidity (RH) and dry your interior.
• Moisture Detection – Because moisture might get trapped underneath flooring and cabinetry or behind baseboards, equipment, and walls, we use moisture sensors and meters to ensure nothing gets left behind.

Professional Reconstruction Results

SERVPRO always works to repair versus replace whenever possible. We use controlled demolition to remove partial drywall, flooring, and other materials and replace them with brand-new materials. We always carefully remove and dispose of all debris according to local guidelines. Once we finish, your commercial space will be free of any signs of water damage or moisture that could lead to musty smells and mildew.

Contact us for commercial water damage repair whenever you need it. SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown is available for 24/7 emergency service by calling (301) 963-8474.

Why Is SERVPRO a Good Choice for Flood Damage Remediation Work in Gaithersburg?

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

SERVPRO Possesses the Right Combination of Resources to Remediate Flood Damage. 

Although Gaithersburg has a fairly arid climate, it does experience occasional flooding due to heavier rains in the late fall/early winter months and spring snow melting from nearby mountains. So, it is comforting to know that services like SERVPRO can handle the effects of flooding.

Not all local Gaithersburg flood damage cleanup and restoration services have the resources SERVPRO does. Some companies simply do not have the training, experience, or locally available resources to effectively perform emergency water damage services and remediation work. Moreover, other flood restoration services have limited ties to our community and are less dedicated to protecting it.

Some of the remediation resources SERVPRO has at its disposal are:

• Locally based facilities, high-tech equipment, and skilled cleanup and restoration professionals enable us to arrive on-site and get your job done much faster than most other companies can
• Extensively-trained technicians that are individually certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in applied microbial remediation, applied structural drying, water damage restoration, and odor control. 
• An arsenal of the most high-tech equipment in the flood damage cleanup and restoration industry

With all this in mind, call us whenever you need flood damage-related services. SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown’s helpful experts are always here and ready to assist you. Contact us anytime at (301) 963-8474.

Dealing with Fire Damage Restoration in Gaithersburg

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Plugging appliances into extension cords can cause fires. Be sure and practice fire safety!

SERVPRO Assists with Fire Remediation in Gaithersburg

Currently, a heat wave has struck the country sending temperatures into the 90s and 100s in some places. People use home appliances like fans and portable air conditioning units when it gets hot. However, one thing many people don’t realize is that many household appliances are not supposed to be connected to power strips or extension cords. Plugging them into extension cords can cause shorts to occur, which might ignite a fire.

When our SERVPRO technicians work on fire damage restoration in Gaithersburg, one of the first things we do is find the source. If the origin was an extension cord shorting out, we could start our inspection process at the location of the short. We can inspect from there to see which of your contents and building materials got torched and ruined. We can also perform wipe tests from the source to other sections of your home to determine where soot residue is present. The wipe tests can also help us determine the type of soot and what methods will work best to clean them.

Once we finish our inspection phase, we can formulate a plan of attack to return your house to its preloss state, “Like it never even happened.” We will first determine which building materials and contents need to be removed and replaced. Then, we can devise a plan for cleaning your possessions and structural components.

Services we can offer after a fire ignites inside your house:

• Smoke Remediation
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Structural Deodorization
• Content Cleaning

If you ever notice that an extension cord in your home has melted and caused a fire, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

How Early Steps Can Reduce Flood Damage in Your Germantown Home

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team a call anytime that you could use our expertise and cutting-edge equipment at (301) 963-8474.

Early Steps You Can Take to Reduce Flood Damage In Germantown

Recovering your Germantown property after a flood loss often begins with what resources are available to a homeowner after this disaster, including professional restoration services. With the widespread devastation that often comes with flooding scenarios in the area, the faster you can react to the situation and begin mitigation and cleanup, the less time and money get tied up in the full recovery of the property.

Keeping restoration costs down for the flood damage in your Germantown home, you must consider how to begin reducing the severity of the situation. There are steps that you can take pre-emptively and in the early stages of mitigation, to reduce the devastation flooding can bring. Whether you intend on reaching out to our SERVPRO professionals for assistance or not, here are a few things our team would suggest for the DIY enthusiast after a flood:

Sandbags and Barriers

Sandbags are reliable for preventing water penetration, especially past the doorway thresholds. If you have a little more time, you can install a flood barrier surrounding the house, which is durable plastic fencing that you can put in place around the house to prevent any water from getting through.

Content Management

Nothing is quite as overwhelming as the loss of something irreplaceable. Take the time to gather items of sentimental value and exceptional worth to get them out of the floodwater approaching the property.

Extraction

If the damage to your property is not extreme, you can employ a wet/dry vac to begin managing extraction as standing water occurs. This partial mitigation can make restoration much more manageable for our SERVPRO professionals or help you clean the home after the floodwater and threat subside more thoroughly.

Knowing how to help your home amid a crisis can be the difference between manageable restoration times and drawn-out recovery processes requiring considerable out-of-pocket expense. Give our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team a call anytime you can use our expertise and cutting-edge equipment at (301) 963-8474.

Is Water Damage Being Stored in Your Montgomery Village Cabinets?

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Did appliance leaks cause water damage to your kitchen cabinets?

Water Removal Montgomery Village – Drying Under Kitchen Cupboards

Water often finds its way under the cupboards whenever there is a water leak in the kitchen or the bathroom. It may travel into areas that are difficult to reach. Confirming the area is wet may be challenging unless you remove baseboards or utilize moisture meters. Allowing water to remain can cause damage to the subfloor to your cupboards, and a mold infestation may begin. 

Fortunately, SERVPRO knows the areas to check for water removal in Montgomery Village homes. We have the experience and knowledge about where to check for water. We also have the tools to take measurements without tearing apart your kitchen cupboards. We also have tools to remove water from under cabinets and dry the area. 

It is Important to Avoid Delays 

If water remains for any period of time, penetration of porous materials such as wood subfloors, particleboard, and even solid wood cupboards can occur. These materials swell as the wood absorbs moisture; before long, these structures can lose strength. Swelling of the wood cabinets can cause deformation, which causes cabinet doors and drawers to go out of alignment. 

SERVPRO can react to a client's call within four hours. We are available on a 24 / 7 basis. We urge consumers not to hesitate to deal with the water leak, remove the excess water, and initiate drying activities. A fast response can limit the damage and avoid additional loss, which can be much more expensive — E.G., replacing your cupboards.

We utilize specialty drying equipment to push dry air into a cavity under your cabinets. The dry air absorbs moisture, drying the area. We may suggest homeowners turn on their A.C. systems in addition to SERVPRO deploying dehumidifiers to lower overall humidity levels in the home to normal levels. 

Call SERVPRO for assistance before water damage can cause even more damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Washington Grove, Stewart Town, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Fast Water Removal Saves Your Gaithersburg Shop

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, to keep your Gaithersburg convenience store open for business following a water leak

Stores in Gaithersburg Depend on Emergency Water Extraction

It is staggering how much damage the water from a clogged floor drain in a restroom with a broken pipe can cause to a small shop in Gaithersburg. Water removal is one of our emergency services that businesses of all sizes rely on in our area.

A flooded showroom in your shop in Gaithersburg needs water removal fast. SERVPRO can help get things back to normal for you. We understand the implications this can have for your business, both currently and in the future. We take a proactive stance on the entire situation, including preventative measures to help reduce future restoration costs related to the existing emergency.

Removing water deeper than a few inches means we arrive ready to use our truck-mounted submersible pumps. These can extract large amounts of water in a short time. As this occurs, we are assisting this by pushing water toward the extraction units. We switch to handheld wands to extract more water as soon as possible.

Some water that floods businesses in our area are clean, while other times the water is considered dirty. Clean water comes from a water line that broke or an overflowing sink. Dirty water comes from these sources but has been in place, stagnant, for a day or more, or from a drain, toilet, or other contaminated location. Regardless of how damaged your shop is, we can help you rebuild.

There are differences in what needs to take place, according to the water we find in your shop:

? We cannot salvage porous or absorbent flooring if water is considered contaminated,

? Decontamination and cleaning of impervious surfaces are sufficient when water is not clean, and

? The more contaminated the water, the more intensive our odor control efforts must be once everything is dry.

Waiting to call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 973-6257 for services can worsen the situation. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster to minimize damage to your property.

Flood Damage Remediation Is Your Key to Success

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team can restore your storm-damaged home with reconstruction, "Like it never even happened."

Start to Finish -- Flood Damage Restoration in Gaithersburg by SERVPRO

Heavy rains in Gaithersburg can cause flash flooding headaches for up-county residents. When several inches of water fall during a short time, storm drainage systems become overwhelmed, and the soil becomes saturated. These circumstances can force water into the lower levels of your home, exposing the structure to deterioration and the risk of microbial infestation from the contaminated fluids.

To assure that our crews respond efficiently to Gaithersburg flood damage we use advanced technology like thermal imaging and moisture meters as we assess and plan the remediation. These tools permit the discovery of pockets of water that migrated behind, above, and below structural components. Leaving moisture behind during remediation risks secondary damage like mold growth and persistent resaturation of walls, ceilings, and floors.

SERVPRO employs limited and controlled demolition to expose the trapped moisture. Flood water is typically considered highly contaminated Category Three, black water. We tear out porous materials like drywall and insulation to prevent microbial growth. Flood cuts extending several inches above where the wetness stops permit access to the cavities behind the damaged drywall. We pull the insulation and remove the trapped water.

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians use pumps and wanded extractors to evacuate standing water, containing it for appropriate disposal. SERVPRO employees use cleaning tools and products clear away residues from the dirty water, and EPA-registered disinfectants sanitize the areas. Opening a portion of the wall increases the speed and efficacy of applied drying equipment like air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers.  

Once the flood-damaged space is cleaned, disinfected, and dry, our SERVPRO team offers rebuilding services. We are proud to take a flooding disaster from chaos to “Like it never even happened.” Our rebuilding contracting crews restore the areas where we removed structural materials to expedite water removal and drying. Professional insulation and drywall installation followed by finishing touches mean our customers enjoy a streamlined process from a wet mess to a completely restored home.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is prepared for all aspects of flood damage restoration in Montgomery County. Call us at (301) 246-8636 for a comprehensive evaluation of what your property needs to return to pre loss condition.

First Steps When Mold Gets Discovered in a Gaithersburg Office

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid DIY mold cleaning and additional damage by calling SERVPRO to your Gaithersburg home or business.

Don't Delay in Seeking Professional Mold Damage Remediation

Mold can be a challenging situation to overcome, especially when preventative measures do not get taken in Gaithersburg offices as quickly as they could. Many property owners do not recognize the signs of budding mold colonization; before long, the situation has gotten out of control. Even with the prompt response of our SERVPRO remediation technicians, there are still some initial steps that business owners can take in the office space to help.

As problematic as mold damage in Gaithersburg offices can be for those exposed, we have a full division of qualified personnel capable of responding quickly. Mold can migrate from surface to surface, seating into these materials and contents. As the organism feeds, the host surface deteriorates, leading to structural failures and costly reconstruction efforts. Our skilled IICRC --Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) are ready to help.

 We have a quick response in a crisis, but there are still ways that you can help while you wait for our response team to arrive. Applying these tactics can help you get your doors back open and get the business up and running much faster than you might have expected.

- Protect your electronics and other valuable items by getting them out of the moist or damp areas of the facility. Not only does this reduce the exposure to mold growth, but it can help to keep this investment safe.

- Get employees out of the office until the appropriate measures are taken to seal off contamination and potentially allow the business to reopen in a limited capacity.

- Do not attempt to remove mold growth on your own. With thousands of varieties of structural mold, you need experienced professionals like our SERVPRO AMRTs to identify the best approach for removal.

Many steps are essential to protecting your business after you discover mold growth. Knowing what to do immediately and steps to follow can limit recovery times and costs. Our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help however you need by calling (301) 246-8636.

Drying Wood Floors of Gaithersburg Shops During Water Restoration

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away at (301) 963-8474.

Water Restoration Includes Effective Drying

With water leaks or plumbing damage, it is essential to get mitigation and restoration efforts started as soon as possible. Fast response to these emergencies can often protect your business from closing completely, allowing technicians to section off the affected space and work around your schedule to recover the property. Early mitigation for your shop includes:

• Content relocation 
• Surface cleaning
• Structural assessment

How Do Wood Floors Become Damaged?

Absorption begins immediately with high porosity materials before water restoration in Gaithersburg businesses. With semi-porous wood flooring, moisture infiltration into these planks does not happen immediately like with carpets. If caught early enough and the right tools get deployed in the mitigation window, surface water can be removed before the infusion of water molecules threatens structural integrity. 

Drying Trapped Water from Wood Flooring

When surface water removal is not feasible and the water absorption has already begun, it is essential to eliminate this trapped water before it impacts the molecular composition of the planks. When water bonds with cellulose in the wood planks, the units will begin to bloat or distort, requiring them to be removed. 

Verifying the Floors Are Dry

Just applying floor drying mats over the impacted areas is not enough. We must verify and monitor the progress of drying tools deployed in a business to ensure we do not overlook damp caches that could lead to more challenging secondary damage like mold and microbial growth. Moisture sensors, meters, and thermal imagery all work to track the presence of moisture in the work zone. 

Water damage can compromise a shop, especially if the flooring where inventory is displayed becomes damaged. Our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team has a quick mobilization after the first notice of loss to get you back in business. Call today at (301) 963-8474.

SERVPRO Provides Gaithersburg Homeowners a Full-Service Fire Damage Cleanup, Restoration, and Rebuild

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

For Gaithersburg House Fire Cleanups and Reconstruction SERVPRO has No Match!

Cleanup and Rebuilding Your Gaithersburg Home After a Fire

Cleaning technicians of our team are vital components to making every disaster and emergency that affects Gaithersburg homes “Like it never even happened.” Many homeowners want to take the necessary steps to help their house back to its original condition after a traumatic ordeal with cleaning and recovery, but this is not always an option. Unfortunately, with situations like a fire, damaging effects can spread far beyond the ignition point and prove impossible to overcome without the experience and advanced equipment available to professional restoration teams like ours.

Cleaning up after fire damage in your Gaithersburg home can require multiple approaches with several pieces of equipment and high-strength cleansing agents and products. With many hurdles to overcome, it is wise to rely on the experience and continued education of our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration and Odor Control Technicians. We have ready trailers at our facility stocked with effective mitigation equipment and many of these industrial-grade cleansers and cleaning agents to help your home get back to looking its best after a disaster.

Our team works to get mitigation started from the moment that we arrive at your damaged address, but much of the cleaning that your home requires must wait for debris removal and other immediate effects to get addressed to make the property safe for your family and our SERVPRO team working to restore it. Cleaning occurs in many different phases, including soot and smoke residue removal, deodorization, and even wiping down surfaces and removing dust and debris during the demolition of non-salvageable components of your house.

As we care about your family and home, we only choose the best approaches to recover your damaged property after a fire. While ozone machines, for example, can be highly effective for the purification of indoor air quality concerns, they are not safe to use around humans, pets, and plants. We approach every situation with full working knowledge of the effects to overcome and what our customer needs. Hydroxyl generators are a viable alternative to improve indoor air quality during the cleanup.

Cleaning is vital to restoring fire loss effects, and there are many phases to this facet of the restoration industry. For significant fire-damaged homes, we offer a reconstruction program, work with you and your insurance adjuster, and make a seamless transition from cleanup to renovation.

When you want to get your home looking its best after a fire, you can trust the experienced technicians of our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team. You can reach us 24/7 at (301) 963-8474.

Removing Moisture from Carpets and Hardwood In Your Gaithersburg Home

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Extracting Moisture from Carpets and Hardwood In Gaithersburg

Water leaks can occur most inopportunely from leaky pipes, overflowing tubs, and sinks. Leaky pipes burst due to age or even occasionally when pipes freeze during cold spells. A phone call can distract a client while the faucets are running. Before clients realize it, water is all over the floor, flowing onto carpeting, tile, and hardwood floors.

SERVPRO has the necessary equipment for water removal in Gaithersburg to fit every situation. We can deploy small portable water extractors and large truck-mounted pumps to remove large amounts of water from your home. We respond in less than four hours, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate equipment and human resources to remedy the situation.

Specialized Equipment

Surface water on tile and hardwood floors can be extracted rapidly using a light wand water extractor. Mops are used to remove any remaining water from the surface of hard surface floors until dry.

Water spreading across carpeting and penetrating the underpad requires deep extraction tools. SERVPRO has self-propelled water extraction tools that move slowly across the carpet and squeeze out the water, which is then vacuumed by the system. SERVPRO adds weight to the machine by the operator standing on the machine as it moves. Other units are moved by the operator every 10 to 15 seconds.

We may lift the carpet to extract moisture directly from the pad, depending on the amount of water. Air movers are brought in to blow dry air under and over the carpet to further absorb moisture. The moist air may be expelled out of the home. Or dehumidifiers are brought in to extract further moisture from the air. Many clients are encouraged to turn on the AC to add further drying capacity.

Drying Hardwood Floors

If water has penetrated between the joints of hardwood flooring, the wood may swell, causing an uneven floor or cupping and even splitting of some of the wood. Desiccant dehumidifiers may be required to draw additional moisture from the hardwood floor before there is any long-term damage.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Montogomery Village, Washington Grove, Laytonsville, and the surrounding areas. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Trust SERVPRO with Fire Damage in Your Gaithersburg Home

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

Fire Damage Cleanup in Gaithersburg Homes

Fire damage to your Gaithersburg home can be an overwhelming burden. Even after a fire has been extinguished, structural and content deterioration can persist for some time. The smoke and soot that linger in the property accelerate the corrosion of some materials in the property. 

This can significantly damage the visual appeal of metal or stone materials. Thus, a speedy response differentiates between salvaging contents and disposing of extremely damaged ones.

After a fire damage incident in Gaithersburg homes, the first 48 hours are crucial for recovering as many valuables as possible. When evaluating a home after fire damage, SERVPRO considers certain things that ease decision-making on how to repair.

Considerations While Evaluating a Property

• The effects of heat and smoke
• The sentimental value of items
• Restoration vs. replacement costs

When to Clean HVAC After a Fire

Smoke and soot leave odors absorbed into the carpets, walls, curtains, and clothing. The longer residues stay on, the harsher the smells. Also, there is a danger of hidden soot and odors in a system like the HVAC ducts, so it is sensible to work with SERVPRO. Our technicians respond with high-tech equipment for proper soot cleanup and restoration.

Cleaning the HVAC system is not mandatory after every fire damage incident. Therefore SERVPRO technicians inspect the system to test for smoke residues. The ductwork can spread smoke particles back to the house after restoration has been completed. Cleaning is usually necessary in case of moderate or heavy smoke deposits. Additionally, we can apply duct sealing when cleaning is not possible in some parts of the duct system.

Factors that Determine the Feasibility of HVAC Cleaning

• The severity of the fire
• Location of fire
• How long the fire was in progress

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown follows industry-standard guidelines after fire damage to help return your home and contents "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 963-8474.

What Do Mold Remediators Do for My Gaithersburg Home?

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your mold damage needs. Call (301) 963-8474.

Mold Can Affect Your House’s Damp Areas, From The Basement To The Attic But Our SERVPRO Remediators Can Help Manage And Remove These Threats.

Why Do I Have Mold In My Home?

Storm damages, flooding, and mismanaged water disasters in your Gaithersburg home can all attribute to the appropriate conditions for mold and microbial threats to develop. With high moisture content in the house, spores can grow on damp surfaces within 48 hours. The presence of these organisms moving through the property can have a damaging effect on the structure and its occupants, especially considering that mold colonies have already begun to spread before they become apparent to homeowners and property management. Professional mold remediation companies, like our SERVPRO team, can offer efficient approaches for cleaning, deodorizing, and repairing after mold losses.

While you might find DIY approaches on the internet encouraging you to treat fungal growth on your own, there is no equal to professional mold remediation for Gaithersburg homes. Our advanced tools, products, and experienced personnel translate to a precise result for the entire present threat. Often DIY restoration and recovery options only address the surface layers of material but do little for these colonies in structural cavities beyond the face. Appreciating what to expect with mold remediation can ensure that you waste little time securing our professionals when discovering microbial growth.

Is Remediation the Same as Removal?

There are many companies in the area that claim to be mold removal specialists. Removing mold is a misleading conclusion for homeowners. Removing mold is not feasible (nor possible) or cost-efficient in any capacity, nor is it necessary for your household. Spores exist naturally in every environment and only become a threat when moist surfaces allow settling spores to root and grow. Occupants of your house get exposed to these mold spores daily, but they only become health effects to those exposed when colonization has begun. Remediation is not absolute removal of mold, as it seeks to:

• Remove Active Colonization
• Repair Damages to Structural Elements
• Remove Lingering Effects like Odors

How Can Colonies Get Removed?

Colonies embedded in porous surfaces and other organic materials can become a threatening presence for your property. Remediation seeks to remove active colonization through several practices. These variances in approaches change based on the severity of the microbial threat for affected materials, the location of these damages, and the expense of restoring versus replacement. In some situations, it is more cost-efficient to remove and discard impacted structural elements than dry them and remove any fungal presence. The removal of mold colonies can happen in several stages or approaches, including:

• Soda Blasting
• Sandblasting
• Sanding
• Antimicrobial Surface Cleaning
• Controlled Demolition

How Can Harsh Musty Odors Get Removed?

One of the secondary effects of mold presence in your home is the lingering musty odor that must also get addressed when remediators like our SERVPRO team get to work. Colonies emit overwhelming scents that can impact the entire immediate environment around the mold growth and damage porous materials and contents. Much like the spores that can travel pathways like the HVAC ductwork, odors can migrate to otherwise unaffected areas of the house and become trapped in carpeting, drywall, and other sensitive materials. Removing and neutralizing odors involves multiple deodorization tools and products that vary based on where odor removal is needed and the severity. Several potential mechanisms for this process include:

• ULV Foggers
• Thermal Foggers
• Hydroxyl Generators
• Ozone Machines
• Air Scrubbers

What Makes SERVPRO a Wise Choice for Mold Remediation?

Remediation is an intricate process that must get performed to a thorough extent in affected properties, or the organisms continue to spread and impact materials and occupants. Our SERVPRO team values the education and development of our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) on our roster. It encourages continued education, training, and experience in this niche. We can provide a fast and knowledgeable response to give our customers fast, satisfactory results when discovering mold growing.

The presence of mold in your house can be an alarming discovery and one that should have homeowners working quickly to secure professional remediation like our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can provide. We have experience and leading equipment to remove active colonization, restore the damage to the structure, and repair the house as needed. Give us a call today at (301) 963-8474.

What Can I Do if Water During a Rainstorm Enters My Germantown Garage and Gets My Things Wet?

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you ever notice that the floor of your garage has water on it after a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown.

For Flood Damage Restoration After Items in Your Garage in Your Germantown Home Get Wet Call SERVPRO

Monsoon season is now in full swing, and it is possible that the Germantown region will see its fair share of excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms shortly. When the rain starts to pour down, small streams of water could start flowing down the streets in your neighborhood and your driveway and then enter your garage.

Can You Save Items I Have Stored In My Garage If They Got Wet?

During flood damage restoration in Germantown, our SERVPRO technicians can often save your contents and building materials if we can remove the moisture quickly. However, since the water coming in from the outside could be contaminated by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, we may have to remove and replace porous contents or building materials like your carpets. Our first step is to remove any standing water either by using a sump pump and putting it into one of your sewage drains or by extracting it with a truck-mounted extractor. Next, we can dry out your building materials and contents in place or separately, depending on the severity of the situation.

How Can You Dry Out The Wet Items I Have Stored In My Garage?

• Dry in a Separate Location: If a large portion of the contents you have stored in your garage got saturated, then we can move everything out and dry your items in a clean and dry location. Drying out your structural components and possessions separately can speed up the overall drying process.
• Set Up Fans and Air Movers: We can set up fans and air movers to create air circulation that will speed up the drying by pushing wet air away from affected surfaces so that more moisture can evaporate.
• Implement Dehumidifiers: Dehumidification systems can remove moisture from the air and help prevent secondary problems caused by elevated humidity levels.

If you ever notice that the floor of your garage has water on it after a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO Can Provide Germantown Property Owners with Safe and Measured Water Loss Restoration

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a toilet overflow? Team SERVPRO has the experienced technicians and the water removal equipment needed for the job. Call right away!

Is the Water Damage In Your Germantown Home Caused By Contaminated Water In Your Toilet?

Have your floors become water damaged from an overflowing toilet bowl? Do not touch the affected areas - they may be contaminated. We place water into three different categories depending on the level of contamination, and this determines what remediation procedures are needed.

Category 1 Water - Sanitary Water

Category 1 water is safe, uncontaminated water. The water damage from your Germantown home is less likely to be in Category 1 if it came from the toilet. Even if the toilet bowl is clean and the water is clear, it is still not safe to touch the water until remediation technicians can identify the level of contamination present.

Category 2 Water - Gray Water

SERVPRO technicians typically identify water from the toilet bowl as Category 2: significantly contaminated. This defines water that is absent of fecal matter, but present with urine and other unsanitary particles. Water that goes through the toilet tank and spills out onto the floor requires the use of gloves to reduce skin contact when handling the areas damaged by it.

Category 3 Water - Black Water

The most contaminated type of water, Black Water is present with fecal matter and possibly bacteria and other microorganisms. This water is grossly contaminated and needs to be handled with caution. Black Water can also be groundwater from flooding and water from a burst sewer. While on the job and dealing with this cleanup, SERVPRO technicians don protective gear to avoid contamination.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes:

- Gloves, Nitrile, Latex, Work Gloves

- Full-body suit

 - Respirator with particulate filters

- Waterproof boots

Black Water Removal And Home Sanitation

There are also different engineering controls needed to ensure that the contaminated water does not spread to other parts of the home. HVAC units are turned off to prevent contamination by air. Air scrubbers using HEPA filters can capture airborne moats. SERVPRO technicians can isolate the bathroom from other rooms with plastic sheeting 6-mil thick. Generally, this is needed when there is a blockage, not just a malfunctioning commode.

Is your bathroom carpeted? If so, the carpet may need to be removed. Most powder rooms and bathrooms are tiled or have a linoleum flooring material which resists water penetration.

Get rid of contaminated water as quickly as possible. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown at (301) 973-6257 for water removal and restoration services.

Mold Growth In Your Gaithersburg Home

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of where the mold infestation is located, team SERVPRO has the experience to help. We are standing by 24/7 - for your emergency call.

Three Main Threats of Mold Growth in Gaithersburg Homes

Microbial threats are among the most stressful situations for Gaithersburg homes, and ones that can easily get misunderstood or underappreciated for their severity. Any time that persistent moisture and dampness exist in the property, be it in the basement, attic, or bathroom, it is possible for mold growth to begin. When mold spores seat into organic materials like drywall and wood framing, it can spread quickly between materials and contents to create a volatile situation.

It is easy to utilize incorrect information you can find on the internet to make light of mold damage in your Gaithersburg residence. Understanding the truth about microbial growth and its actual risks can ensure that you better appreciate the need for removing these colonies before irreparable damage takes place. Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT.) Three main threats exist with mold growth.

Health Effects

One of the most significant obstacles for our SERVPRO team when we first arrive to remediate damaged homes is the effect that active colonization can have on those exposed. Homeowners and remediation professionals alike are susceptible to volatile organic compounds, an influx of mold spores, and other airborne threats.

Material Degradation

Mold uses organic material as a food source, which can be detrimental to your home in many ways. The first of these is how it can erode and degrade hosting materials over a brief period to the point that they are not usable. The more deeply and completely colonies spread throughout a material, the more challenging it is to remove this organism. Degrading materials can be among the worst to remediate, and it is often not possible to do so.

Persistent Odors

Odors might not seem like a pressing concern, but it can make comfortable living difficult. This musty scent serves as a constant reminder of the present colonization and requires professional equipment like our thermal foggers to neutralize entirely.

No matter how you discover mold in your home, our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown remediators can help. We have the equipment and expertise to handle each of these threats and make mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Give our professionals a call anytime at (301) 973-6257.

Restoring Flood Damage Right for Gaithersburg Homes

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can certainly affect your life. Contact our flood damage remediation certified SERVPRO technicians to quickly assess the damage.

Processes Ensure Flood Damage Gets Removed from Gaithersburg Properties

When contending with flood and water damage in homes and businesses, it is important to do our part as restoration professionals to have the job completed the first time correctly. With the urgency of these disasters and how invasive cleanup can often seem, homeowners benefit from the assurance that all necessary measures are taken to thoroughly dry and repair the property. There are several steps to provide this peace of mind.

Moisture Tracking

Flood damage in Gaithersburg homes can leave water and moisture in multiple structure areas. Before officially leaving a job, it is vital to understand that the necessary drying has taken place. We utilize several moisture tracking devices to identify damp pockets within structural cavities and direct the best locations for placing air movers and dehumidifiers.

Surface Cleaning and Disinfection

Another potential strategy for providing customers peace that the work has been done successfully, is watching the extensive cleaning and protective processes for the remaining structure. Preventative measures, such as applying antimicrobial products or sporicidal chemicals on surfaces, can prevent the spread of microbes and bacterial pathogens depending on the products used.

Communication

Communicating with the customer is another effective method of explaining the process completed during the restoration process and answering any questions the property owner might still have. Communication is one of our greatest tools, as this allows us to interface with the customer directly and hear their priorities and concerns to let us actively address these issues.

Thorough Final Inspections

A final walkthrough is required to consider a restoration process completed. Our management navigates recovered areas with the customer to describe restorative actions taken and preventative measures applied to protect the property further. This final inspection focuses on:

• Dryness
• Cleanliness
• Solid structure
• Content placement

After a flood, it is vital to get restoration started as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team is ready to help when disasters strike at (301) 973-6257.

Our Experts Explain the Water Damage Remediation Process in Your Germantown Home

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

If there is substantial water damage to your home don't try and clean it up alone. Call SERVPRO today for professional remediation assistance.

Protecting Belongings in a Water-Damaged Germantown Home

One of the strengths of our SERVPRO team is our content management professionals that can protect the belongings of your Germantown home. With how quickly water loss incidents can sweep through properties, many of your possessions can become affected or at-risk. As much as many homeowners have opted to seek the professional assistance that our team members can provide, there are ways that you can help reduce your loss in the items you own.

With the substantial level of water damage possible to Germantown homes, it is not surprising how a small circumstance can blossom into something severe. More importantly, spreading water can begin absorbing into material directly exposed, leaving both structural elements and your items susceptible to saturation. While we have a rapid response mitigation team that can start protecting these belongings with our pack-out and containment efforts, what do you do until help arrives?

Even with more widespread water damaged incidents that occur in the house, these emergencies are rarely enough to force homeowners and occupants to vacate the premises. Once a situation gets discovered in your property, you can save yourself time and money on the ultimate restoration costs by starting to move at-risk or compromised possessions to a safe place in the house. If protected from the developing water damage incident, even our content management might not need to remove all your belongings from your home when we arrive.

While you might not have a great idea of how water damage can affect treasured belongings throughout your property, you can at least work to elevate essential, irreplaceable items to get collected first by our response team. The SERVPRO professionals we entrust to protect these items are with them through every step of their restoration, including transportation to the facility and the cleaning and deodorizing of many of these same items. 

The team we dispatch to your address arrives with the full measure of tools needed to begin crucial mitigation efforts right away. Part of this recovery involves the earmarking and removal of at-risk items to our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown facility nearby. We go above and beyond to get things back to normal as promptly as possible. Give us a call today at (301) 963-8474.

How Flood Damage Impacts Businesses in Gaithersburg

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

SERVPRO Helps Gaithersburg Business Owners Assess Problems Associated With Flooding

When heavy rainfall surpasses the ability of the ground to absorb water or the storm drains become plugged by debris, the impact can be devastating since it floods the buildings nearby. For retail shop owners in Gaithersburg, the main focus may be combating the direct effects of flooding by saving valuables such as stock. Therefore implementing flood protection measures during the flood restoration process is critical.

The stress associated with confronting unfamiliar work such as flood damage restoration in Gaithersburg can be substantial for ordinary business owners. The impact of a flood on businesses gives rise to direct and indirect business losses. SERVPRO aims at expediting the process to keep you in business and minimize potential damage to goods.

Flooding Impact on Business

• Spoilt or lost stocks
• Inaccessible business premises
• Property damage
• Equipment damage

Dealing with Flooding

Flood water, also categorized as black water, contains contaminants. A professional should handle any cleanup involving such water. When the floodwaters recede from your store, they leave residues significantly soiling contents. Our team responds fast with standard and specialized cleaning techniques to combat heavy soiling. We also extract any water remnants from the floor and assess other damages left by the floods.

Restorative Actions

• Disposing of unsalvageable contents
• Decontaminating the store
• Inspecting for structural damage
• Drying moisture

We thoroughly decontaminate the store by spraying EPA-registered disinfectants all over and checking the building for structural damage that can pose potential hazards. Moving items around are also necessary. For example, cleaning involves the manipulation of contents. Separating damaged and undamaged stock helps prevent cross-contamination. Our team provides portable storage units to keep goods safely at the loss site.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown helps deal with the challenges presented by flood damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 963-8474.

Our Crew Is Here To Help After A Fire In Your Gaithersburg Home

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Give our professionals a call anytime that disaster strikes at (301) 963-8474 and we can help you however you need.

Improving Content Management For Fire-Damaged Gaithersburg Homes

We know that to truly protect a Gaithersburg home after a fire loss incident, we need the help of the residents before we arrive as much as they need the efficient recovery practices we provide. Preemptive actions taken by the homeowners can work to protect the contents of your home from damaging effects like soot residue. This spreading effect can leave a layer of thick carcinogens on the surface of your belongings and furniture that can be challenging for even our experienced team to clean.

With the vast array of effects that follow fire damage in Gaithersburg homes, it is no surprise that our recovery team is one of the most experienced and well-trained on our SERVPRO team. Our technicians not only pursue the accreditation from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Fire & Smoke Restoration, but many of our team pursue secondary endorsements, including structural drying, odor removal, carpet cleaning, and content management.

The sciences behind restoring your belongings after a fire loss incident are continually evolving and expanding, weaving in new practices, equipment, and products. Even with our efficient approach to loss incidents, we encourage homeowners to move at-risk contents and furniture in their houses to unaffected areas. Not only can this prevent unnecessary damage to these items, but it can also provide a better space for our mitigation processes to begin.

While we strive to provide on-site recovery for specific belongings when possible, it is unlikely that our content department does not need to move some of your possessions to our nearby facility for focused restoration. When your items reach our SERVPRO facility, we can focus on elements like soot removal, deodorization, drying, and safe storage of your belongings until they are to get returned to a restored property.

As damaging as fire losses can be for your home, our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help to reduce the cost of this recovery with our content pack-out process. We can get lightly damaged items to our facility nearby for cleaning, restoration, and storage. Give our professionals a call anytime that disaster strikes at (301) 963-8474, and we can help you however you need.

Flood Damage After Germantown Storms Calls for Expert Cleanup

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding happens, you need help right away. Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal and flood damage remediation services.

SERVPRO’s Storm Response in Germantown Helps Lessen Flood Damage Costs!

The damage that comes from flooding after a Germantown storm can suddenly disrupt your life, leaving you not knowing which steps to take. In the initial days after a storm, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the damage and concerns about repairing your property. SERVPRO wants area residents to know that proper planning is critical, but we are also there to ensure your cleanup and restoration go off without a hitch!

We Take the Hassle Out of Your Flooding Incident

Professional intervention is essential to handle all flood damage to your Germantown property whenever your home gets flooded. Failing to do so could leave you with costly hidden damage, unsalvageable belongings, or dangers from structural issues. Many benefits come from having SERVPRO handle your floodwater cleanup, including:

• Flood damage includes highly-contaminated water along with potentially harmful debris or electrocution risks. Certified technicians understand these obstacles and have the training and skill to navigate them cautiously.
• Professional emergency services water damage restoration ensures you get the job done right the first time. Where DIY methods can leave hidden moisture and harmful bacteria, SERVPRO eliminates secondary damage, foul odors, and other hazards.
• We have access to the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), EPA-registered cleaning agents, and industrial-grade equipment to help the project move along swiftly and efficiently.
• Instead of you having to deal with documentation and inventory, we handle all of these details for peace of mind and to help facilitate your homeowner’s insurance claim for the damage incurred.

Nobody understands the stress involved in a water damage incident, especially when involving floodwater intrusion, better than our team at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown. We have the advanced technology and highly-trained technicians you need on the job so that you get the results you deserve. Call us at (301) 963-8474, and we will get to work on your flood damage, making it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Mitigation FAQs From Gaithersburg Residents

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling leaks can quickly damage sheetrock and the flooring below. Our certified team is standing by 24/7 for your emergency water mitigation call.

SERVPRO’s Water Mitigation Saves Time and Money in Gaithersburg!

Ceiling leaks, a faulty appliance, burst pipes, and flooding in your home or business are emotional and stressful. In these situations, it warrants a call to experts to handle mitigation and restoration so that you can get your Gaithersburg property back in order fast. Rather than trying to approach the mess with DIY methods, SERVPRO is here with IICRC-certified technicians ready to get to work with the right equipment and know-how!

We get calls often for fire and water restorations from both commercial and residential customers. Water mitigation in Gaithersburg helps save you time and money overall on your project. These are some of the more frequently asked questions that SERVPRO gets from area customers:

• What is water mitigation service? SERVPRO believes that fast, efficient mitigation is the best way to save our customers time, money and having to part with unsalvageable belongings. We act fast to assess the situation, remove water from impacted areas, and employ specialized tools, equipment, and quality products to help us achieve our drying goals so that restoration can begin.
• How long does water mitigation take? No two water-related projects are exactly alike, so the time varies greatly from one to the next. Our crew chief assesses the job and provides you with the best estimate. Factors that may lengthen the timeframe include the amount and type of water involved, how long water has been left standing, and any materials in the impacted areas.
• Will dehumidification be necessary? Most water-related jobs require the use of our powerful dehumidifiers. We use these units to remove moisture from the air, protect your home from mold growth, and restore relative humidity (RH) throughout.

When it comes to water mitigation and industry-proven restoration service, you can trust that SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown will get it done right the first time. Give us a call at (301) 963-8474, and we can deploy a crew as soon as possible.

Immense Fire Damage? Call Pros for Skilled Restoration in Gaithersburg!

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can cause stress. Contact SERVPRO to help you through this time. We are standing by 24/7 - 365 days a year.

SERVPRO’s Fire Damage Restoration Team is Here 24/7 for Gaithersburg Residents

After a fire inside your Gaithersburg property, the fallout you face can feel overwhelming. Even if you only had a small fire in the kitchen or electrical system, you could get left with tough smoke odors and intensive cleanup. A fire is reported as often as every 24 seconds in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If you find you end up in a situation where you need help, SERVPRO is there to help area residents. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, getting your property back to normal quickly with proven methods!

Fire damage restoration in Gaithersburg means handling every aspect of the situation. Not only will there be charred debris to dispose of, but you also have to worry about hidden moisture from water used to put out the fire. On top of all of that, you have stubborn smoke odors leaving a reminder of the fire that happened. SERVPRO is the trained team you need on your side for many reasons, including:

• We leave no area unaddressed when assessing and inspecting your property. This means addressing potential hazards, looking for hidden moisture, and carefully working to separate salvageable contents that we can clean and bring back to life.
• Information is crucial in these situations, so you can always look to our crew chief and team members for explanations of all work performed. We also act as a liaison with your insurance company to help your fire damage claim move along without a hitch.
• Nobody wants lingering reminders of a fire, so our odor control technicians (OCT) get to work ensuring that the air that you must breathe is free of foul-smelling particles. The goal is to leave everything cleaned and deodorized so that you get your house back to pre-fire condition.

Do you have questions about fire damage restoration and what we can do to help? Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown by calling (301) 963-8474 to speak with a member of our team!

Saving Water-Damaged Furniture in Gaithersburg Offices

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has all the commercial damage restoration services you needed for your property. Call now!

Fast action can protect contents and furniture after water damage incidents in Gaithersburg office buildings.

It is important for our professionals to work quickly when offices and other commercial properties suffer water damages. Mitigation combines a wealth of emergency services together to provide a seamless transition. We can start these cleanup and content management solutions as soon as our SERVPRO team first arrives after a water damage incident.

Limiting Exposure with Containment

Preventing the spread and destruction of water damage in Gaithersburg home begins with the containment of the area. Physical barriers provide the most direct protection against the migration of mold spores. We can also implement tools from our inventory, such as air scrubbers and filtration equipment.

Pack-Out Process for Electronics and Furniture

Protecting and caring for the affected contents and fixtures throughout the property is a priority of our responding team. While on-site cleanup is preferred, we also provide a pack-out service that takes affected items to our nearby SERVPRO facility for focused restoration. This process showcases a variety of mitigative actions in a climate-controlled environment, such as:

• Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Drying
• Refinishing
• Safe Storage

Structural Drying Prevents Mold

We can focus on a thorough drying solution with some of the more advanced tools in our inventory, including high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers. Resolving lingering moisture makes secondary effects like mold development less likely or more easily managed with surface treatment cleaning products. Mold requires moist environments and damp conditions to develop and spread. 

With how rapidly office buildings and commercial structures can fall victim to developing water damage conditions, we must be contacted quickly to ensure the appropriate emergency services, temporary board up, and drying approaches get underway as promptly as possible. Our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team is ready to answer the call 24/7 at (301) 963-8474.

Will Mold Grow on Painted Drywall in Germantown Homes?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation services by SERVPRO are second to none. We use the latest technology and equipment for every service.

How we manage active colonization helps Germantown homes return to their pre-mold damage state.

Certain materials can be catalysts to adverse circumstances. When mold and microbial growth occur, organic matter is a food source for these organisms. A common construction element sensitive to microbial damage is drywall, even painted. We work fast to prevent substantial harm to these popular building materials when remediation gets underway.

Conditions Necessary for Mold Development

Among the most efficient methods of focusing mold remediation in Germantown, homes understand the underlying cause of the microbial growth. When moist conditions persist, organic materials and contents can become a food source and hosting element for mold spores. Because remediation also includes repairs, we can use the knowledge gained in a mold inspection to streamline build-back.

The Sensitivity of Drywall and Sheetrock

As a high-porosity building material, drywall is highly susceptible to mold infestation and permanent damage. Much like water penetration, drywall can become unsalvageable after a short exposure window to active colonies. Fast cleaning and restoration include:

• Antimicrobial cleaners
• Sporicidal products
• Light mechanical action

Partial or Complete Replacement

When drywall becomes damaged by the presence of mold and the spreading organism, it is often necessary to remove parts of panels to protect the rest of the wall system. In extreme cases, entire panels can be removed to prevent the spread of mold and microbial damage. With a contractor license, we can perform careful cuts, repairs, and replacements as necessary.

While certain surfaces seem less likely to support mold colonies than others, they threaten the entire household under the right conditions. Microbial growths are severe, so our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team should be contacted fast to help with effective mitigation. Do not hesitate to call today at (301) 963-8474.

What Cleaning Is Necessary After Flooding in Gaithersburg Homes?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO technicians have the knowledge and experience for every phase needed.

Several areas of your Gaithersburg home require direct, focused cleaning after flood damage.

Flooding can require some of the more intricate cleaning and disinfection of any disaster homes and businesses might face. To show that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, our facility has experienced professionals ready 24/7 to help with mitigation and deep cleaning after exposures to contaminants, standing water, and biohazards.

Muck-Out Cleaning

Among the first types of recovery required after flood damage in Gaithersburg, homes are muck-out cleaning. The intrusion of natural floodwater can bring solids and debris into the house, making the removal of these substances a vital part of the restoration process. In addition to bulk materials from the deterioration of exposed wall and ceiling systems, our professionals must also remove:

• Silt
• Mud
• Solids
• Organic matter 
• Insects/Vermin

Content Recovery and Restoration

Your personal belongings, furniture, and keepsakes can all become damaged by rapidly migrating moisture and standing water after a flood. Our team first evaluates the condition of these exposed items to determine their salvageability and the preferred restoration solution. While much of the cleaning and recovery can occur on-site, we also provide off-site restoration and cleanup at our nearby SERVPRO facility.

Disinfection and Antibacterial Surface Cleaning

Another one of the needed types of cleaning during a flood restoration is the removal of contaminants and biohazards. Natural flooding can feature several types of threatening contamination concerns, so our experienced professionals must work on providing the appropriate disinfection to eliminate pathogenic microbes and harmful microorganisms.

Cleaning up after flood and storm damages involves several emergency services that our team can provide. As overwhelming as flooding might be to properties, our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown professionals have experience and knowledge to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call our rapid-response team today at (301) 963-8474.

How Essential Is Mold Remediation in Maintaining Indoor Air Quality at Your Germantown Business Premises?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a mold infestation at your commercial property, time is of the essence. Mitigate the situation with a call to SERVPRO 24/7.

SERVPRO Can Help You Remove Mold Residues and Clean Up Your Facility for Better Indoor Air Quality

Paying attention to the air quality at your Germantown commercial establishment is essential for the comfort and safety of your staff and customers. Among the factors that influence indoor air quality, mold plays a significant role since it is common in buildings, whether old or recently constructed.

If you identify mold contamination and worry about air quality, the best solution is to embark on mold remediation for your Germantown premises. Ignoring or delaying action is not advisable since mold problems worsen over time. Recurrence is also possible if you only clean visible growth. SERVPRO handles the complexities of remediation, delivering long-term results and addressing air quality.

Convenience when resolving mold situation requires:

• Better inspection approaches
• Secure containment of affected areas
• Specialized cleaning techniques

Inspection is as crucial as any other aspect of remediation. When you are worried about air quality, it is a good idea to inspect the level of particulate matter. Apart from releasing spores, mold contributes other particulate matter into the air by causing deterioration of materials such as cracking and flaking of painted surfaces. SERVPRO technicians can use an air quality monitor to determine the level of VOCs, CO2, and particulate matter, thus establishing the steps to take.

Although mold may appear as patches and stains on surfaces, the bulk of the mold contamination is usually hidden out of sight. The hidden contamination contributes to most of the musty odor and particulate matter in the air. Our SERVPRO technicians can help remove such hidden mold faster and with minimal inconvenience.

Some of the essential steps for such removal include:

• Controlled demolition to reach the hidden mold
• HEPA vacuuming surfaces to remove all residues
• Cleaning HVAC systems 
• Drying any wetness and deodorizing the premises

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown can help you address a raft of issues during mold remediation. Call us at (301) 963-8474 when you discover contamination. We can make it. “Like it never even happened.”

The Effect of Cold Snaps on Gaithersburg Homes

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Take heed and prevent frozen pipes early on in the season. Contact SERVPRO for both prevention methods and water removal services.

Preventative care can help to avoid costly water damage to Gaithersburg properties this winter.

The winter months can welcome threatening conditions like steep temperature drops and heavy snowfall. When areas of your property become threatened by these conditions, our SERVPRO professionals can help with fast mitigation and reliable cleanup.

Flooding in the Attic

Between frozen pipes and ice damming for Gaithersburg homes, there are many ways properties can be damaged by harsh winter conditions. Attic flooding can often result from ice damming on the roof that ultimately forces water under the shingles and back through the roof to the attic space below.

Can Damming Be Prevented?

A few possible steps to avoiding ice damming can be implemented both in and outside the home. These include:

• Better Insulation
• Heated Cable Installation
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts
• Ice Prevention Barrier Materials

Pipe Damage and Rupturing

Another possible damage situation homes could experience freezing pipes. Ice blockages in the line build pressure, which can rupture or break water service lines in the house under the right conditions.

How Do Pipes Get Thawed?

A frozen pipe does not always spell disaster for your home, however. There are circumstances where it is possible to thaw the affected plumbing before pressures build to the point of a rupture or split. Using a hairdryer on the affected area, you can warm the pipe to melt a blockage while running the cold water from an attached faucet when possible.

SERVPRO is Here to Help

When disasters strike, you want to make sure you have experienced professionals working fast to return the property to preloss condition. With situations like flooding or burst pipes, we must prioritize removing standing water to prevent greater harm to the rest of the house. Some of the tools used in this process include:

• Electric Submersible Pumps
• Wet Vacuums
• Truck-Mount Extractors

The winter season can be a wonderful time, but it can also harbor conditions that produce the worst disasters that many homes will see. When harsh conditions impact your property through burst pipes or damaged roofs, our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help you. Call us today at (301) 963-8474.

Can Fire Damage Restoration at Gaithersburg Business Premises Be Disorderly?

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can certainly put a stop to your business. Handle the situation by contacting SERVPRO. We have the certified technicians and equipment.

SERVPRO Focuses on Creating Order During Restoration Since It Improves Outcomes

One of the reasons for doing repairs after a fire at your Gaithersburg business premises is to restore order allowing you to continue with your normal daily operations. The restoration process also needs to be orderly. Otherwise, it might become a hindrance rather than a solution to pressing problems.

Running fire damage restoration at your Gaithersburg property in an orderly manner can be easier said than done since many factors go against expectations. Issues can range from minor ones such as employees and customers spreading soot, ash, and other fine residues from affected areas to the rest of the property. They can also be complicated, such as customers demanding service while restoration of your premises is still underway. SERVPRO’s expertise in organizing property disaster sites resolves many of these issues with ease.

Organizing a fire loss site can take different procedures, including:

• Sealing off some areas to limit access
• Storing waste materials safely
• Using friendly cleaning techniques

Limiting access after a fire at your premises is crucial from a management perspective. When the fire only affects a section of the premises, you may want to keep the unaffected sections accessible, especially if you have a membership-based business such as a gym where members pay in advance. Sealing off the affected areas helps keep from venturing in and spreading residues. It also contains dust and odors allowing them to continue using the rest of the facility safely. An airtight barrier is necessary, and our SERVPRO technicians can help create one quickly with plastic sheets and spring-loaded metal rods.

Cleaning is essential in resolving fire damage. Disturbing materials is inevitable during cleaning. However, the level of disturbance depends on the methods used. SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians evaluate the damage or level of soiling and choose convenient methods. For instance, vacuuming surfaces removes loose soils conveniently without spreading them around the property. Other methods such as soda blasting limit the need for demolition while removing soils from areas such as unfinished surfaces. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown offers all the solutions you need to complete fire damage restoration safely. You can reach us at (301) 963-8474. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Why Trust SERVPRO for Water Cleanup Services in Gaithersburg?

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Quick action is necessary when water damage affects your home. Team SERVPRO is standing by for your emergency call. Call us 24/7.

SERVPRO Provides Prompt and Efficient Water Cleanup Services in Gaithersburg

Seeping water can cause pervasive and progressive destruction, which can lead to permanent damage to your valuable possessions or some building materials. This is particularly the case if you do not begin water restoration within 48 hours. After a water intrusion incident, it is essential to call SERVPRO as soon as possible to get the water mitigation process started to avoid further destruction. 

We are a certified water cleanup company in Gaithersburg. We have advanced restoration equipment and know-how to conduct the water cleanup task effectively regardless of its severity. Water-damaged items can become unsalvageable without quick restoration services. SERVPRO uses proper drying techniques to restore water-damaged structures and contents, and this can help you avoid incurring replacement expenses. Our water cleanup process may include the following activities: 

• Thorough assessment 
• Water removal
• Cleaning
• Disinfection

SERVPRO’s assessment process includes using moisture detection tools like moisture meters, which measure the actual moisture levels or content of different materials. Some of the moisture meters we use are calibrated to read moisture content in specific materials like drywall and wood. 

We can remove the standing water using pumps. The strength of pumps is stated in terms of lift and volume capacity. Suppose the standing water in your home is two or more inches deep and does not contain solid materials. In that case, we can use a submersible pump with adequate volume capacity and lift capability. Our SERVPRO water damage technicians can then use axial air movers to increase the evaporation rate in the affected areas. Axial air movers can move larger volumes of air. They deliver lower pressure at a higher volume, which provides them with the ability to cover larger areas of affected materials. Our technicians also use dehumidifying equipment to remove moisture from affected materials, ensuring effective drying. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is proud to assist homeowners with fast response times and high-quality water cleanup services. Give us a call at (301) 963-8474. We are available around the clock.

What Homeowners Can Expect from Fire Restoration in Germantown

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can seem quite overwhelming. Team SERVPRO can help with the entire process. We are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

A Company Like SERVPRO Provides Effective Fire Restoration Services in Germantown

After an emergency fire, it can seem hopeless to look at the destruction. As a homeowner, you might wonder where to start. SERVPRO specializes in remediating and restoring the structures and contents that a disaster such as a fire has caused. We are committed to each step of the restoration process to see that your residence is as good as it was before the fire. Our restorers meet the high standards of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Although a disaster can be crippling, the fire restoration process in your Germantown residence does not have to be. We can work with your insurance company and provide a rapid and accurate assessment of the destruction for repair. Our SERVPRO technicians can assess which items can be salvaged and which ones require replacement. After the inspection, we can also determine what equipment, technology, and products to use during the restoration process. The fire restoration process differs based on the severity of the damage, the type of property, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the fire. We can take the following steps to assess and repair your property.

• Debris removal
• Soot, smoke, and dust cleanup
• Move out services
• Deodorization

The soot and smoke damage that fires often produce speed up the corrosion and deterioration of the structures and contents of a building. The water or dry chemicals that firefighters use to extinguish fires can compound the problem. Furthermore, fires leave behind a toxic smoke odor that needs to be neutralized and deodorized. SERVPRO’s effective response can stabilize your property quickly to ensure the recovery of as many contents as possible.

If there is water damage, our SERVPRO team can remediate it using water extraction, air moving, and dehumidification equipment. If there is difficult soil or heavy grease on certain areas, we can use heavy-duty cleaners to remove them. Typically, they are highly alkaline solutions containing ammonia. We mix them with warm water for general purpose cleaning.

After a fire damage incident, fire restoration can bring your property to its normal state. SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown can help you minimize loss and the inconvenience that fire damage causes. Call us any time at (301) 963-8474.

Why Hire SERVPRO to Perform Mold Remediation in Gaithersburg?

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can be a cause for alarm. Contact Team SERVPRO to investigate the situation and remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO is Professionally Trained and Certified to Offer Mold Remediation in Gaithersburg

If you discover mold in your home, it is a cause for concern since it can cause health effects. Mold can grow after something as simple as a leak under your water heater or sink. It can grow 48 hours after your home sustains water damage. It is essential to hire a company that has expertise in remediating mold, such as SERVPRO.

We are a leading restoration firm and can perform mold remediation in your Gaithersburg residence effectively. Our team can assess the damage and provide you with proven professional advice on the next steps to take. We can guide you through the whole process to help you get your home back to normal. To deal with the mold damage, we can deal with the source of the problem promptly. SERVPRO provides a complete mold remediation process which includes:

• Mold containment
• Proper structural drying
• Decontamination
• Specialized item cleaning
• Removal and disposal of contaminated materials

Our certified and trained team can control the contamination as close as possible to the source of the mold and then begin the mold remediation process. We can remove materials that are too contaminated with mold. If some mold-damaged materials are salvageable, we can dry them to restoration standards. Proper structural drying is essential to ensure that mold does not reoccur. Our SERVPRO team can use ventilating or drying systems that enable us to direct airflow into wall cavities to replace moist, cool air with warmer, dry air. This increases the temperature of the surfaces, reduces the vapor pressure, and increases the evaporation rate.

Some of these systems have vents that we attach to air moving equipment, while others consist of a blower that we attach to hoses. Our restorers can also make small holes under cabinets, ceilings, and in walls to direct air under cabinets, into wall cavities, and other structural cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians are trained experts in construction and building materials and the elements of airflow. Therefore, we can diagnose and resolve your moisture issues.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 if you need mold remediation. We can make the mold damage seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Mitigation Happens Fast with SERVPRO in Gaithersburg

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Neglected water damage can lead to significant issues. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage for complete restoration.

Can SERVPRO’s Water Mitigation Service Save Gaithersburg Homes from Long-Term Damage?

Neglected water damage can cause significant problems to your property that can take a lot more time and money to repair. Hence, it is crucial to hire professionals like SERVPRO for water mitigation of your Gaithersburg home at the right time to prevent any long-term damage.  

SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art equipment and a multistep process during water mitigation of your Gaithersburg home to limit the damage and get the restoration underway.

SERVPRO restorers follow the IICRC S500 guidelines during water damage restoration and control airflow, humidity, and temperature to accelerate the drying process.  

How do SERVPRO Techs Use Temperature During Water Cleanup of Gaithersburg Homes?

Temperature is a critical factor that controls the drying rate of your water-damaged Gaithersburg home. Surfaces and the surrounding air constantly receive or give moisture to or from each other depending on the difference between surface temperature and dew point. The greater the difference when the surface temperature is higher, the faster drying will occur.

SERVPRO techs use heat to speed up the movement of moisture through the materials. Warm air can hold more water than cold air, and hence, increasing the temperature of the air in wet areas can increase the potential for faster evaporation. SERVPRO techs use space heating equipment to raise the temperature of the wet material as well. We have gas-powered portable furnaces available to boost temperatures when required. We measure efficient drying when the temperature of both the air and surface is increased.  

As the temperature rises, the water molecules gain further energy and move quickly. With an increase in the rate of movement, the bonds between water molecules weaken, causing a change in state from liquid to vapor. Our training in psychrometry manifests itself in minimal time for drying with maximum protection of the structure and contents.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for a free consultation.

How Can SERVPRO Save Germantown Homes from Extensive Flood Damage?

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Storms and flooding can occur at any time. SERVPRO has the equipment to quickly and safely remove the floodwater from your home.

SERVPRO Offers Fast and Efficient Flood Damage Restoration Service in Germantown

Flooding after a storm can wreak havoc on your property both in terms of the immediate devastation it causes and the long-term effects of the water damage. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO can help minimize the impact of flood damage to your Germantown home. 

The first thing that SERVPRO techs do during the restoration of flood damage to your Germantown home is to extract the standing water on the property. As floodwater is often contaminated, it is essential to extract it from the property quickly. SERVPRO techs use various water extraction equipment to get the job done. The more excess water restorers remove with extraction equipment, the less time is needed to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. 

What Type of Extractors do SERVPRO Techs use During Flood Restoration of Your Germantown Home?

The Commercial extractors that SERVPRO uses to remove water from your flooded Germantown home have several advantages over household water removal methods. The extractors that SERVPRO techs use can be portable as well as truck-mounted.

A portable extractor is very flexible since it is usable in almost any structure area; they are one of the few valid options within a high-rise building. They require electricity to operate, so power needs to be provided from the facility or a generator.

Truck-mounted extractors offer a more powerful vacuum compared to portable extractors. They run off the vehicle's fuel, and hence, no on-site power is needed to operate them. These are used when more energy and lift are required to remove water from a basement or submerged underground garage.

In case of a flooding event at your residence, Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474; we are available to serve you any time of the day.

SERVPRO Offers Premier Fire Restoration Service to Gaithersburg Homes

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating, and the smoke and soot often need professional remediation.

SERVPRO can Save Gaithersburg Property Owners Time and Money on Fire Restoration

Seeing your beloved home charred beyond recognition after a fire incident can be heart-breaking for any homeowner. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO for the fire restoration of your Gaithersburg home can help you put this traumatic incident behind you. Our IICRC certified technicians work tirelessly to restore your home to normal as quickly as possible.  

SERVPRO techs use several techniques, products, and pieces of equipment to clean the soot and smoke damage during fire restoration of your Gaithersburg home. The approach used depends on the extent of the damage, the type of smoke residue, and the surface involved. We use a combination of temperature, agitation, and chemical action to clean various surfaces.  

How do SERVPRO Techs Eliminate Tough Smoke and Soot Residue During House Fire Cleanup at Gaithersburg? 

Eliminating tough and oily residue after fire damage to your Gaithersburg can be a difficult task. SERVPRO techs rely on their knowledge of chemistry to deal with such difficult residues. In most cases, agents that can cause chemical alteration of the debris are used while cleaning harsh residues. 

Enzymes are often used to eliminate protein residues that are difficult to remove using traditional cleaning agents. Enzymes are biomolecules that break down the soils into simple water-soluble substances that are removable with detergents. As enzymes are effective over a narrow pH range, the SERVPRO techs maintain a neutral pH during their use. 

Bleaching agents also work by changing the chemical nature of the soils by either oxidizing them (oxidizing bleaches) or reducing them (reducing bleaches). The goal is to convert a water-insoluble residue to a water-soluble one so that it can easily wash away. 

 Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474; our fire restoration experts are available round-the-clock to answer your calls. 

Does the Dark Patch on a Gaithersburg Ceiling Need Mold Remediation?

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Handle Any Size Mold Damage Cleanup in Gaithersburg Properties

One of the things mold colonies count on to stay within Gaithersburg properties is not getting found. The mold damage continues behind the scenes as long as there is moisture, steady warm temperatures, and something organic to consume. 

When SERVPRO handles mold remediation in Gaithersburg properties, two distinct actions need to happen. First, the scale of the mold infestation needs to be investigated, and second, the cause for the elevated moisture levels also needs to be diagnosed. The technicians can rapidly pinpoint the reason for the colonies and discuss the necessary steps to end the infestation with the property owner. 

The colonies can spread quickly, and the first sign may happen when a dark stain appears on a wall or ceiling. It is not uncommon for a homeowner to attempt to clean mold using household cleaners, but this action only removes the appearance of the mold and not the issue. Also, scrubbing with bleach or bleach-based cleaners can permanently damage walls and ceilings. 

SERVPRO technicians use various pieces of equipment to target the areas with mold growth, such as: 

• Infrared cameras to detect collections of moisture behind walls or ceilings
• Probes to locate elevated moisture under a carpet
• Containment to halt the spread of airborne spores

Mold damage to a wall or ceiling does not have to result in the entire portion getting removed. SERVPRO technicians determine the actual scale of the spread and only remove the building materials that received the effects of the mold infestation. This saves homeowners the cost of replacing walls and ceilings. The remaining structural elements will get treated with proactive applications such as antimicrobial sealants to inhibit any return of the issue in the future. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 brings professional mold remediation services to local Gaithersburg properties. 

Can Flood Damage to Wood Flooring Get Restored in Gaithersburg

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration services needed for your home need to be handled by SERVPRO. We are fast and certified technicians.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Clean and Dry Storm Damage in Gaithersburg Properties

Not all storm damage in a Gaithersburg property occurs due to a flash flood or poor drainage backing up water into a home. Sometimes it is the simple act of forgetting to shut a window when torrential rains roll through the area. 

Bringing in professional flood damage restoration to a Gaithersburg property with wet hardwood floors can help save the boards and negate the need for replacement. SERVPRO technicians can use their equipment to remove the water from hardwood floors before the boards begin to warp from the excessive moisture exposure. 

• In cases where boards warp, the techs can remove them and use their heated drying equipment to restore the standard moisture content to the wood
• Techs use specialized drying equipment to dry boards in place when possible
• Dried boards that still show slight warping can easily get sanded and refinished, saving the homeowner the cost of replacement

No Water Left Behind

The technicians have multiple types of equipment to determine if there is water migration under the floorboards. This ensures that no moisture gets left behind to cause damage to the flooring or contribute to mold growth which creates an even large issue that may permanently damage the flooring. The attention to detail during the scoping phase of the water damage restoration assists homeowners in avoiding these issues. 

Verified Dry

The technicians carefully monitor the drying phase, check the air humidity levels, and use probes on the floorboards to ensure the moisture content percentage is reduced to a normal level. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 stands ready to support the local Gaithersburg community for all types of storm and flood damage cleanup. 

Is Professional Water Cleanup Worth It in Germantown Commercial Properties?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are ready at a moment's notice for all phases of commercial restoration. Call now!

SERVPRO Has Access to a Diverse Array of Water Damage Equipment for Germantown Businesses

While the regular cleaning crew for a Germantown commercial property may do a great job keeping the floors mopped and the surfaces dust-free, handing off a water damage restoration task may be beyond their abilities. 

SERVPRO brings a host of different water cleanup equipment to Germantown commercial properties. The professional equipment can make a huge difference in the outcome. A good example would be if a pipe broke in a ceiling of an office and water collected within the structure overnight. Less than an inch of water has the potential to deliver thousands of dollars in damages to the structure and then, on top of that, the ruin of contents within the building. Much of this can get avoided through the use of professional water damage restoration services. 

While the regular janitorial services may have access to shop vacuums and industrial-size fans, neither of these devices can match the power of SERVPRO equipment. The technicians have access to several types of extraction units, including some that are submersible for deep water situations. The portable pumps are some of the most relied-upon water removal tools as they allow the techs to move quickly around the work-site and have a great deal of suction to remove a great deal of water. 

The drying applications used by SERVPRO also ensure a better outcome than relying on self-cleaning or using the regular janitorial service. The trained technicians have industrial dehumidifiers and centrifugal air movers to force embedded moisture to rise. This results in faster and more thorough drying. Other types of drying equipment include:

• InjectiDry system
• Drying mats
• Self-created tubing to force air onto a targeted area

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 supports local commercial property owners with their water cleanup services, available 24/7

What Can I Do About the Smell of Fire Damage in My Gaithersburg Home? 

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration can take a toll on a family. Let SERVPRO handle all the fire damage remediation services needed for your home.

SERVPRO Can Offer Your Home Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Services! 

Many people do not realize that a home fire is far more than soot, ash, and charred bits of your belongings. Depending on the severity of the fire inside, the damage changes, therefore the remediation plan changes. However, no matter the size of ablaze, it has a way of leaving malodors behind, even when the other aspects of the fire have been covered. 

Picture needing a second look at previous Gaithersburg fire damage restoration that occurred on your property. Physical signs of the fire damage are gone, but you can still get whiffs of the putrid odor when you're in your kitchen, where the accident occurred. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that fire damage can have more than just a visual effect, SERVPRO is here to help you with that. 

Our SERVPRO technicians, local fire and smoke damage restoration experts can help you remediate all aspects of the fire that happened on your property. We use advanced technology to restore your property, and we have some devices designed for smoke-odors in particular. Some of these units and techniques include: 

• Priming paints, designed to lock odors in 
• Thermal foggers, which neutralize the particles causing malodors
• Ozone machines, for severe damage cases 

Remember, here at SERVPRO. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

If you need fire and smoke remediation solutions, call today! Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474. We're ready to help you!

How Can I Find Germantown Water Removal Services?

8/22/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage arises in your home, SERVPRO should be the first call. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO Can Provide Water Removal Solutions For Your Germantown Home

No homeowner wants to find water damage in their home. However, not all homeowners deal with the situation in an ideal way, which can benefit the longevity of their homes. Many people do not realize that something as simple as quickly taking action can make a significant difference in the remediation process. Immediate action can even keep costs low. 

When faced with pooling water in your laundry room, quickly calling for Germantown water removal services is the best thing you can do. Picture a scenario where you wake up from a pleasant afternoon nap. You check on the progress of your laundry, only to find that something had gone very wrong while you slept. Due to old parts malfunctioning, water is puddled on your laundry room floor. 

At SERVPRO, we know exactly what we can do to help you. Our vehicles are pre-packed with advanced technology, designed for water removal and restoration. Once at your home, we can use our industry-grade technology to remove the pooled water. Some devices and techniques we might use include: 

• Flood cuts on damaged walls 

• Floor removal if necessary 

• Wet/dry vacuums to clean up the standing water

• Dehumidifiers for evaporation of remaining moisture 

Using a combination of technique and technology, SERVPRO can remove the water from your home swiftly. 

If your home requires water removal solutions, never wait to get help. Speak with SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown by dialing (301) 963-8474. We're available 24/7.

Whom Do I Call For Commercial Mold Remediation Services in Gaithersburg?

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

When your commercial building is in-mold danger, SERVPRO is the professional team to call. Mold remediation is a specialty of ours.

SERVPRO Can Provide Your Commercial Gaithersburg Property With Mold Remediation Services! 

Mold damage is an issue in any residence, but it can be even more troublesome when found on your commercial property. Microbial growth can cause health effects. For that reason, it's a good idea to get professionals out to your building so that your employees can work in a clean environment free of mold damage. 

If you find your local bakery in need of Gaithersburg commercial mold remediation services, it is best to act quickly. A single phone call can get the process moving swiftly. Mold is common in basements, but a food safety inspector would not care about the colony's location. Dealing with the problem before it becomes a disaster can help your business keep its doors open and reduce the chances of hefty fines.   

Here at SERVPRO, our technicians have substantial experience in dealing with mold colonies. On top of expert training and continued education in the field, our technicians use advanced equipment on every job. During mold removal, our technicians may use: 

• wall cuts to remove damaged sections of drywall 
• Air scrubbers to trap airborne spores 
• Odor-suppressant priming paint 

When you work with SERVPRO, we work when you need us. No matter if your call is received during the day or night, we can help you. Our goal is always to help you reduce the amount of foot traffic you lose and to have your business back open as quickly as possible. 

If your property needs mold removal services, call today! Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown by dialing (301) 963-8474. We can help you day or night!

Worried About the Flood Damage Caused by a Storm to Your Gaithersburg home? Call SERVPRO

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage from a storm is nerve wracking. Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown, we can help take that worry away.

SERVPRO Has You Covered After Flood Damage to your Gaithersburg home

Flooding after a storm can create many hazardous situations in your home that might not be apparent to you. Hence, it is essential to involve professionals like SERVPRO who have the necessary training and equipment after flood damage to your Gaithersburg home. 

One of the most prominent flood damage issues to your Gaithersburg home that SERVPRO technicians face is the presence of category 3 water on the property. The IICRC defines category 3 water as containing extensive microbial contamination that can pose threats to the occupants. If the level of contamination is severe, SERVPRO professionals may arrange for testing of the contaminated area by an indoor environmental professional (IEP). Other hazards are often present during a flood restoration as well. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Respond to Hazardous Situations During Water Cleanup in Gaithersburg Homes? 

SERVPRO techs recognize additional hazards such as collapsing ceilings, electrical hazards such as wet fixtures, and even mold during the inspection of your flood-damaged Gaithersburg home. The technicians respond to these hazards by-

• Recognizing the hazard
• Communicating the hazard with others in the area, including you
• Carefully documenting the hazard
• Considering potential control measures
• Initiating control measures

Communication is very important for SERVPRO, and hence, we always keep you in the loop and inform you what precisely is the state of water damage restoration of your property. If the status changes, you are notified as soon as possible about it. 

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for help with any water damage incident. 

Do Germantown Homeowners Need Professional Mold Remediation?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold will take over your Germantown home quicker than you can realize. Call SERVPRO today.

SERVPRO Offers Fast and Effective Mold Remediation for Germantown Homes 

It can be distressing to see mold damage appear as if out of nowhere in your home. Trying to take care of it on your own can only worsen the situation. Mold remediation from your Germantown home is a job for experienced professionals like SERVPRO, who have the training, experience, and equipment to get it done safely and effectively.   

The primary goal of SERVPRO technicians once they arrive for mold remediation at your Germantown home is to contain the mold to as small an area as possible. Mold spores can become airborne by even a slight disturbance to their colony and spread extensively throughout your home. To prevent this from happening, SERVPRO technicians need to establish containment zones within the structure. Without proper containment, bathroom mold removal might result in attic mold in no time.   

How do SERVPRO Techs Establish Containment during Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal in Germantown Homes?

Protecting the occupants and their belongings is one of the top priorities of SERVPRO mold specialists, making it one of the most trusted mold removal companies in Germantown. SERVPRO technicians take extra care during the building up of containment in the affected area of the building. Some of the activities done during this include the following-

• Installing 6-mil plastic sheeting on entry points such as doors and windows
• Establishing negative air pressure in the contaminated area
• The HVAC vents might also need to be sealed to prevent the contamination of the duct system

SERVPRO experts work hard to restore your home after mold damage “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474; we are available 24/7 to help you. 

What Makes SERVPRO One of the Best Fire Damage Restoration Service in Gaithersburg?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is standing by to assist you after your fire damage.

SERVPRO Offers Fast, Reliable, and Efficient Fire Damage Restoration to Gaithersburg Homes

Cleaning the fire and the smoke residue is one of the primary challenges facing SERVPRO restorers during fire damage restoration of your Gaithersburg home. An understanding of the behavior of fire and smoke helps SERVPRO restorers to overcome this challenge.  

SERVPRO technicians use several methods backed by scientific evidence to clean residue during fire damage restoration of your Gaithersburg home. Not all fires are one in the same, and neither is the residue that is left behind. Successful smoke remediation is contingent on experts using the right cleaning strategy based on residue and the surface affected. SERVPRO experts use various cleaning agents to remove the smoke damage by enzymatically breaking down or oxidizing the residue. However, removing the water stains and the rust that can develop due to over-wetting material poses a unique challenge during fire-fighting efforts.

Cleaning Methods SERVPRO Uses During House Fire Cleanup in Gaithersburg 

Apart from the residue due to smoke and soot, a fire-damaged home might also have water damage from the water used by the fire-fighters. SERVPRO experts use the following strategy in Gaithersburg homes to clean it-

• Water Stains- Seen on fabrics as ‘brown spots’ caused by over-wetting or slow water evaporation. To remove them, SERVPRO uses peroxide water stain remover. It chemically interacts with detergent to slowly liberate hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes the stain and removes it. 
• Rust Stains- We use a solution of oxalic-phosphorus acid solution to remove rust. It has a pH of 2 and dissolves rust stains on cotton, linen, silk, wool, synthetic fibers, and carpeting.  

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for round-the-clock professional disaster management service. 

The Ultimate Guide to Water Damage Remediation in Your Germantown Residence

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Clean up after your dishwasher dumped soapy water all of your floor needs to happen right away. Call SERVPRO 24/7. We are quick to the scene.

How to Deal With Water Damage Affecting Your Germantown House

The road to recovery after water damage in a home is rarely straightforward. One incident such as a faulty appliance causes the damage, but the damages are widely distributed, affecting several areas within the property. Involving professional water damage restorers can help in managing such distributed nature of the damage efficiently. 

Different stains can develop after water damage in your Germantown home, affecting carpets, upholstery items, and even items with polished wooden surfaces. Stains are irritating because, even though they do not cause actual physical deterioration of the item, they diminish the visual appeal. This problem is even more pronounced for high-end items. Our SERVPRO technicians use different strategies to deal with stains, and other issues left after a water damage incident. We do spot cleaning, which helps remove any settled stains from carpets. We also schedule stain removal before the affected item dries to prevent further settling. We wet the entire item during cleaning to avoid water lines to deal with stains and patches affecting upholstery items.

Water Clean Up

Different materials of the structure deteriorate after exposure to high amounts of water or moisture. Wood, which is used in different sections of the house, including floors and other surfaces in the home, can rot, warp or even crack depending on exposure and the speed of extraction. Different materials like drywall and wood composite lose structural integrity. Our SERVPRO technicians help take steps that prevent or reverse the effects of water exposure. Moisture detection equipment such as moisture sensors and meters allow us to establish the level of wetness in different materials. On the other hand, Thermal cameras help us identify wet materials in concealed sections of the house. We usually bring a variety of moisture control equipment to a damaged site, including:

• Truck-mounted water extractors 
• Portable water extractors 
• LGR Dehumidifiers 
• High-velocity air movers 

Water spills might lead to foul odors originating from different sources, including stagnation, dissolved materials, or the products used during cleanup. Our SERVPRO technicians use other odor control techniques, including fogging, which vaporizes deodorizing agents, allowing deep penetration into materials neutralizing stubborn odors. 

To address all the problems that crop up after water damage incidents, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 to assist. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage In Your Gaithersburg Home

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Did a recent fire leave soot and odors in your home? Contact our certified SERVPRO team for effective fire damage remediation services.

Tackling Attic Fire Damage in a Gaithersburg Home

One of the most common locations for home fires is in the attic. FEMA estimates that thousands of fires — as many as 10,000 — originate in the attics of United States residences every year. These fires can cause an average of $440 million in property damage annually. On top of the stress and devastation that fires can leave behind in their wake, the proliferation of soot and smoke residues can leave behind hard-to-remove stains, odors, and other issues.

If your Gaithersburg home needs fire damage mitigation that can begin within hours of your initial contact, your local SERVPRO has you covered. This team is trained in IICRC standards for fire damage mitigation and restoration so that homeowners can benefit from swift service that seeks to preserve their possessions whenever safe and feasible to do so. Technicians coordinate closely with both you and your insurance adjuster to preserve your possessions where possible and remove debris.

SERVPRO Takes Education Seriously

Educating staff, restoration techs, and franchise owners on the ins and outs of disaster mitigation is a crucial step in maintaining a high standard of service. With this in mind, SERVPRO offers plenty of opportunities for employees to continue their training with self-paced learning modules, videos, and much more. SERVPRO also provides credit and noncredit courses and seminars for insurance and real estate professionals.

SERVPRO Saves the Day

Attic fires pose a variety of challenges for homeowners. Not only do they damage insulation, electrical wiring, and other essential components of your home, but they can also leave long-lasting smells that do not recede when treated with consumer-grade products.

SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians work on restoring soot-damaged materials with wet and dry cleaning solutions before attempting deodorization measures. This is because one of the most effective methods of deodorizing is simply removing odor-causing soils and residues. Demolition of burnt structural materials like drywall and insulation may be necessary. Soda blasting can aid in eliminating light charring and odors from wood supports and flooring.  

Smoke odors on surfaces and in ventilation systems can be addressed with the help of thermal foggers and ventilation box fans, which are used to eliminate foul odors from fires and circulate clean, fresh air through the residence.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown serves the community with cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (301) 963-8474 for your disaster mitigation needs today.

What Makes a Self-Priming Pump Ideal for Gaithersburg Flood Damage?

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

Standing water can damage both the contents and the structure of your home. Don’t tarry! Contact team SERVPRO for water removal.

Trash Pumps Offer a Great Deal of Versatility in Removing Standing Floodwater from Gaithersburg Properties

Efficient water removal is critical for flooding scenarios. Eliminating standing water protects the property and its contents from irreparable harm. Our SERVPRO team has multiple options to help.

How Fast Can Trash Pumps Remove Standing Water?

Many of the two or three-inch portable transfer pumps used for flood damage in Gaithersburg homes are versatile enough to handle most floodwater concerns. The pace of extraction is critical in flooding situations, as conditions can worsen as long as materials are exposed to this water damage. Individual outputs may vary, but gas-powered pumps can often reach thresholds of more than 200 gallons a minute for discharge.

Do These Pumps Manage Solids and Debris?

Matter and solids present a unique obstacle for our restoration professionals, primarily because of the limits it puts on possible extraction tools available. Not all water removal equipment in our inventory is capable of handling debris and water collectively, so we must choose among devices and machines like trash pumps and truck-mount extractors when specific substances are present, such as:

• Mud
• Silt
• Organic matter
• Vegetation

Flooding can affect homes differently, so our SERVPRO professionals must implement direct strategies for eliminating surface water and possible solids from the house. As threatening as these conditions might become, the fast response of our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help. Give us a call at (301) 963-8474.

How Our Extraction Gear Can Restore Your Water Damaged Germantown Home

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Pooling water from water damage in your home needs the service of a professional outfit. SERVPRO provides top-notch water damage restoration services.

Extraction Gear For Substantial Water Damage In Germantown Homes

Water damage incidents can often leave standing water in areas of your Germantown home. Without the appropriate means of handling this situation, homeowners often struggle to fully address the concern, allowing moisture and dampness to persist without fully understanding the extent of the damage. Pooling water and oversaturation can continue to be concerning in areas out of sight, affecting points like wall cavities, flooring, ceilings, and other structural elements or materials.

While most owners can immediately appreciate a need for water removal services in their Germantown home when incidents arise, some fail to see the urgency of the situation when they can begin drying and sopping efforts independently. Our SERVPRO team has sophisticated devices to identify moisture content and saturation levels in materials and spaces and a wide array of extraction tools to remove standing water that water damage incidents can cause in the property.

We can appreciate how important the right tool is for the job, and that is why our technicians roll out from our facility with a sample of our complete inventory of recovery equipment. We have multiple extraction units that begin with full-sized extractor trucks in the SERVPRO Green Fleet that can remove water at 300 psi. This approach is one of our most effective removal practices, but it is not always necessary for the location or severity of the water damage situation.

Portable options are among the most popular for getting standing water under control in your home after an emergency. We can quickly maneuver portable sump pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands to address the lingering pooling water throughout the house and prepare the property for the drying solutions that must follow.

We have many different devices and machines that can help get the most severe water damage incidents resolved quickly. Our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown professionals have the expertise and the equipment to make these damages “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (301) 963-8474.

Does Your Gaithersburg Business Have an Emergency Ready Plan and Profile?

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage remediation by companies other than SERVPRO is not a wise choice. We have IICRC certified techs and all the latest equipment.

Collaboration Makes Your Gaithersburg Business Stronger in the Face of Commercial Flood Damage

Tornadoes and other fierce wind and rainstorms can batter the Gaithersburg area, causing significant damage to property and exposing your business to flooding. Extreme weather is more common than ever before, with record-breaking precipitation and wind speeds. Forward-thinking business leaders make it a priority to plan for weather-related disasters. Consult with us for a flooding recovery plan that sees you through every aspect from mitigation of flooding to rebuilding. 

When heavy rains and severe winds expose your Gaithersburg business to flood damage be ready with a comprehensive response plan from our full-service flood damage restoration company. When we consult with businesses ahead of a crisis, we are better able to dive right into the tasks needed to get you back up and running.

SERVPRO invites you to take advantage of our Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We send an experienced project manager to your premises to sketch out a blueprint of your space and learn about your business functions. Once we have a firm grasp of your layout, inventory, equipment, storage, and front and back-office operations, we make suggestions that improve the odds of flooding causing a minimal negative impact. 

You give us the details we need to do our best restorative work by using our mobile app. List for SERVPRO the vendors and contractors that created your systems and sold you equipment and materials. If we contact them during the recovery, we can increase the probability of a successful outcome. Use the mobile app to appoint us as your preferred restoration company, eliminating delays when an event occurs and you need immediate assistance. Designate staff members you trust or other individuals to act on your behalf if you are out of the area or otherwise unavailable when the floodwaters rise. 

The ERP is a concise compilation of our careful assessment and documentation and your vital insights as an owner-operator. SERVPRO knows skills, training, cutting-edge equipment make all the difference, but pre-planning makes gaining “Like it never even happened,” condition faster and more efficiently an attainable goal. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is eager to start planning for the worst by offering you the best through our innovative ERP program. Call (301) 963-8474 to set up an appointment to begin the process.

Fire Damage Restoration By SERVPRO in Your Gaithersburg Home.

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Residues and smoke damage from a fire in your home is no DIY project. Let SERVPRO technicians handle all the dirty work for you.

Gaithersburg Residents Should Work With SERVPRO When Deodorizing Their Fire-Damaged Property

Odor removal is one of the key tasks that our SERVPRO technicians focus on during fire damage restoration in Gaithersburg. The tricky thing about eliminating the odors is that not all come from a single source, which means we cannot rely on a single procedure to do the job. Every fire incident presents us with unique odor problems, but we never panic since we have developed effective deodorizing methods over time.

Which Deodorization Techniques Do SERVPRO Technicians use in your Fire-Damaged Gaithersburg Home? 

Our SERVPRO technicians start by inspecting your fire-damaged Gaithersburg property for odor-causing agents. It cannot make sense if we attempt to deodorize the smell and leave the debris or source in place. After removing the charred structural particles, we then clean the surfaces where the odor-causing particles were resting. We understand that odor particles are so small, and their penetration levels depend on the following factors:

• Heat: Increased heat causes surface expansion, which creates conditions for deeper odor penetration
• Surface porosity: Highly porous surfaces absorb odors
• Residue concentration: Heavily concentrated residues cause much impact on surfaces
• Exposure time: Prolonged exposure to the odor particles leads to greater penetration

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is Faster to Any Size Disaster. We are always ready to help with fire and smoke clean-up after the unfortunate incident. Call (301) 963-8474 and have when you face any restoration or cleaning emergencies.

Does Flood Damage Make Gaithersburg Homes Unsafe?

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO wade through the worries of your flood damage woes.

SERVPRO Can Ascertain the Extent of Flood Damage in Your Gaithersburg Residence

Flooded properties can be a nightmare for homeowners. SERVPRO technicians work hard to assuage any concerns and doubts by communicating with you throughout the service. Our first protocol is to stop the source of water intrusion, which is essential to limiting losses in the property.

Our technicians have experience restoring:

• Emergency services water damage
• Basement flooding
• Leaking roof from storm damage

Water contamination can be a genuine concern with flood damage in your Gaithersburg home. Technicians can quickly assess whether contamination levels are category one, two, or three. Understanding the depth of the issue can counteract potentially damaging scenarios such as water migration and cross-contamination.

• Blocking furniture can help to remove it from contact with a contaminated water level.
• Technicians provide you with a customer information form for reference that details the services being carried out.
• Photographs of damage are taken and digitally stored, which can help with your insurance claim. 

We can help you with emergency flooding services. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for flood damage restoration at (301) 963-8474.

Are Ceiling Repairs from Water Damage Expensive in Germantown?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Not sure what to do when you have a ceiling leak? Call SERVPRO for water damage remediation.

SERVPRO Provides Cost-Efficient Water Damage Repair for Germantown Residents

Ceilings are prone to cosmetic damage following a water emergency. These issues can occur due to moisture migrating through floors on the upper levels or higher humidity levels, causing vapor damage. Common signs can include cracking of paintwork, bubbling, yellowing, or odor.

Our technicians can assist with:

• Ceiling Repairs from water damage
• Ceiling leaks
• Water damage remediation

One of the first duties of water damage repair technicians in your Germantown home is to stabilize the situation. Stabilizing can be setting up work tables, protecting areas in the vicinity of damage, and saving furniture. Once the issue is stable, we can address the source of damage before repairing and restoring the ceiling.

• Lath and plaster ceilings may suffer damage as laths break away from the plaster. These can often be fixed with dry lining methods.
• IICRC Certified Technicians can overboard plaster and repaint it to a preloss condition. Fortunately, most wall and ceiling materials are now fabricated from gypsum boards.
• Circulating warm air into ceiling cavities with an air-mover can help to address long-standing moisture issues.
• Ceilings with water intrusion can get worse over time. 

Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown mentioning water damage repair at (301) 963-8474 for assistance.

Are there Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup Services in Gaithersburg?

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO to get your home to pre loss condition after fire damage.

SERVPRO is a Licensed Restoration Service in Gaithersburg that can Help with Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup

Gaithersburg is one of the top tourist destinations in Montgomery County and possibly the broader state of Maryland. The one hundred and fifty-year-old city has spent much of its life as a farming and agriculture center. Since the turn of the twenty-first century, it has grown into an exciting tech and infrastructure hub. Despite urban planning and modernization, Gaithersburg and its close neighbor, Germantown, retain an old-fashioned feel with numerous farming markets, walks, wineries, and independent family-run businesses. During the summer months, a trip to Gaithersburg can be the perfect getaway with its orchards and the Great Seneca Trail, which runs along the Seneca River banks. Part of urban redevelopment plans has unlocked Gaithersburg's cultural potential with contemporary art galleries, museums, and a bubbling downtown.

In the summer months, the leading attraction of Gaithersburg is its stunning state park. The Seneca River, which runs through Gaithersburg, was once central to its formation, with access to trade routes across the country for its homegrown agricultural products. Today, you can experience the trails yourself while enjoying excellent facilities that include camping grounds, picnic tables, Kayak rentals, horseback riding, and nature tours. Stop by some of the local markets, which run on most weekends, to pick up fresh local produce and snacks before heading into the city's intriguing art and history museums. Butler's Orchard highlights "pick-your-own" days during the season and an excellent dining room serving cider and traditional foods. 

• The Blackrock Center for the Arts is a premiere center for performing and visual arts. The space features seasonal exhibitions, a fantastic permanent collection, and its auditorium for performances. The eclectic program offers jazz, blues, country, and world music.
• Exploring the great outdoors is a central theme of Gaithersburg and Maryland state. Hunt View Riding Academy is a certified training school that offers hacks and tours to the local community. Classes are designed for all skill levels using a tiered system. 
• Lancaster County Dutch Market is a celebration of Gaithersburg's cultural heritage. Dutch explorers first colonized the city, and this market, which has been in operation for over twenty years, offers unique cheeses, baked goods, and Amish produce.

You Can Rely on SERVPRO to Return your Gaithersburg Home to its Pre-loss Condition after Fire Damage

A house fire can often be successfully contained and cause significant staining to your home. Smoke deposits can be challenging to remove, which is why SERVPRO offers:

• House fire cleanup
• Smoke remediation
• Fire damage restoration 

Picking apart a home after a fire can be a stressful and emotional event. Our technicians work with compassion and understanding. Speak to the crew chief about sentimental or high-value items in the home. Our specialist cleaning services can frequently restore things to their pre-fire condition using state-of-the-art restoration technology. 

• Using soda or sandblasting equipment, we can remove charring from wooden frames and furniture.
• Our attention to detail is second to none, and we have experience replacing damaged cabinets or cupboards.
• Using oil-based solvents, we can successfully remove greasy deposits that commonly result from kitchen fires.

Mitigating losses in your home can save thousands in restoration costs. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for fire damage restoration at (301) 963-8474.

One of the Best Water Restoration Companies for Electronics Stores in Germantown

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water restoration for your commercial building should be handled by the professional team of SERVPRO. Their techs are trained and experienced for you.

Our time-tested strategies can help your Germantown business overcome any disaster.

Water-based disasters can create severe hazards around electronic devices. In a commercial environment with great quantities of electronic equipment, exceptional care must be taken to avoid harm.

As one of the premier water restoration companies for Germantown electronics stores, SERVPRO trains extensively to handle the unique challenges that may present themselves in your business. After an incident, we impose several measures specifically intended to prevent further damage to your building and merchandise, such as:

• Extracting standing water with powerful pumps.
• Lowering humidity to a strict 25% threshold.
• Disconnecting batteries, breakers, and other potential hazards.
• Maintaining warm temperatures to prevent condensation.

After stabilizing the situation and drying out your sensitive merchandise, we contract a trusted specialist to evaluate individual items, determine the potential for restoration, and salvage all possible items. As a result, many of the damaged items may be sold for much of their original value. We keep detailed logs of all work we perform to help you receive the largest and fastest payouts from your insurance company.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for our 24/7 assistance with water damages of any kind.

Need Help with Mold Removal in Gaithersburg?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is a job for SERVPRO. Their technicians are IICRC certified for any mold remediation project.

SERVPRO Trains Technicians in the Best Gaithersburg Mold Remediation Technologies

Other companies often lack the experience necessary for these advanced strategies.Stopping a mold infestation requires expertise, attention to detail, and timely responses to the evolving situation. Some of the ways that SERVPRO combats mold are only feasible with advanced training and special-made equipment.

Our Gaithersburg mold remediation strategy involves a variety of active countermeasures. On top of passive environmental controls, these actions rapidly work against mold growth in your home. Some of these measures include:

• HEPA vacuums that filter small particles

• Air scrubbers with HEPA filters to trap airborne spores and debris

• Containment chambers within the treatment area to prevent cross-contamination

• Decontamination rooms with advanced sanitizing techniques

• Chemical Antimicrobial and UV ray treatments that kill living fungi

In the hands of untrained crews, these tools and techniques can sometimes be dangerous may be ineffective. Many SERVPRO technician receives IICRC certification and education in the most advanced technologies. As a result, our AMRT applied microbial remediation technicians can wield these tools for a preloss restoration in most cases.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is a locally owned and operated team of mold remediation professionals. Call us 24/7 at (301) 963-8474.

SERVPRO Expertise Saves Valuables in Gaithersburg Flood Damage

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for the help you need for your property.

The world-class laboratories in Gaithersburg

Many of us spend many years in Gaithersburg with only a slight idea of the scientific projects constantly underway in our city. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has its headquarters and primary laboratory complex in downtown, providing employment to several thousand people across the region. 

Unlike most other physical science laboratories of its size, this facility is not a corporate investment project. The NIST traces its origins back to the turn of the 20th Century when it was tasked with maintaining standards of weight and measurement, along with various public research projects. Over the years, the institution has morphed into a scientific powerhouse, conducting detailed and highly advanced research into materials science and chemical applications.

One of the most recent and compelling projects from the NIST was its assistance in the September 11 investigations almost two decades ago. Work done at the laboratories here in Maryland helped to solve many mysteries surrounding the attacks. As a result, recently constructed skyscrapers are made with better materials and safety standards that could help to avoid catastrophic loss in future disasters.

 If you want to read more about the achievements and ongoing projects at the NIST, their website has a wealth of information for any curious mind.

Gaithersburg is one of the most diverse cities in America.

Diversity is the strength of America. Throughout our history, we have always been strongest when we have been united across racial barriers and working together for the better of all. Today, few in America can claim to promote diversity better than Gaithersburg: out of five hundred ranked cities, only one surpassed ours.

Wallethub compiles an annual list of the most diverse cities in America to show which cities have done the best work of creating inclusive and well-rounded environments. As part of their ranking system, they include:

• Ethno-racial diversity of the population
• Linguistic diversity among households
• Birthplace diversity across all age groups

By scoring excellent marks in all categories, Gaithersburg earns the second-place spot, less than a single point behind the top spot. However, that gap may not exist for long: thanks to companies seeking well-qualified applicants from around the globe, we may be on track to become the most diverse city in America within the next several years. 

How the experts handle black water flood damage

Flooding can be difficult to recover from, especially when contaminants and hazards enter the home through murky black water. In these situations, professional damage restoration companies like SERVPRO can help in many ways.

Blackwater flood damage in Gaithersburg can have the potential to destroy many materials and belongings in your home without IICRC professional attention. Although we do replace some low-cost materials affected by black water, such as carpeting and most upholstery, we do have a method to treat expensive and delicate items affected by these waters.

• First, we hand-clean the objects.
• Next, we soak the objects in a potent sanitizing compound.
• Finally, we dry the materials out and perform careful restorative work.

At the end of this process, expensive items such as area rugs typically look as though the disaster never happened at all.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown has years of experience helping local homeowners recover from flooding disasters. Call us at (301) 963-8474.

Are Premises Managers Responsible for Flood Damage Restoration?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is dedicated on getting your business up and running A.S.A.P. Flood damage restoration should be handled by the professionals. Call anytime.

SERVPRO Can Work with Property Managers in Germantown to Quickly Recover Flooded Properties

Flash flooding can cause excessive damage to entranceways, windows, and roofing. The impact of water intrusion can affect both the building assembly and any electronics that may be being stored in the business. We take care in preserving capital investments, raw materials, and products stocked for shipping.

 SERVPRO is an expert commercial flood damage restoration service for Germantown businesses. As a premises manager, you can continuously communicate with our crew chiefs to ensure that you stay in the loop throughout service. Any specialist services can be arranged alongside guidance from trained water restoration technicians. 

• Special restoration services for appliances and electronics are available.
• We work closely with insurance adjusters to provide fast verbal estimates.
• Commercial restoration technicians can arrive within four hours of notification of loss.

Restoring business premises quickly can reduce losses in revenue. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for commercial flood damage repair at (301) 963-8474.

Can Water Intrusion Cause Secondary Damages?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage may cause numerous unhealthy effects to your home. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified for any size water restoration job.

Wet Properties Can Encourage the Growth of Mold, Bacteria, and Viruses in your Gaithersburg home.

Microorganisms proliferate under the influence of moisture. A relatively small appliance malfunction can lead to significant damage due to microbial growth. SERVPRO can quickly and efficiently dry your home to reduce secondary damages.

The most important rule of water restoration in Gaithersburg is to dry the home efficiently. We use industrial standard drying equipment to control ventilation, temperature, and humidity in the property. This atmospheric control is known as psychrometry and can be adapted to reduce the timeframe of restoration. By maintaining control over the indoor atmosphere, our technicians can reduce drying times and secondary damages.

• Dehumidification successfully reduces water vapor damage in the home.
• Air-movers can help to maintain consistent ventilation in an enclosed space.
• Drying properties quickly can mitigate secondary microbial damages.

We can apply antimicrobial agents to disinfect the affected areas and to help prevent the potential for fungal growth. We welcome a walkthrough with our customer at the completion of the project.

To prevent further damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for water restoration at (301) 963-8474.

Can Business Fires Harm the Bottom Line?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fires are no laughing matter. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the fire restoration service needed. They are ready 24/7 365 days.

A Fire Can Lead to Temporary Closure of your Gaithersburg Business and Revenue Losses

The city of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County has a 59,933 population that is spread across two distinct districts, the east and west. Gaithersburg's eastern side is colloquially known as the old town and features most of the cities early historical buildings. The west-side is a thriving business district with extensive shopping as well as some globally significant company headquarters. Among the largest businesses in the west of Gaithersburg are pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca, IBM, and Lockheed Martin. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is one of the region's largest employers. The main tourism events are commerce centered, with many people flocking to the city during Black Friday and other sales-oriented holidays. The Kentlands, Washingtonian Center, and Lakelands are all award-winning communities for urban development.

Despite its modern new-urban feel, Gaithersburg's city remained a quiet, agricultural community for most of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. During the 1970s, the population of the area exploded while its official status as a city was only granted a year before in 1969. Today, it is among the most ethnically diverse regions in the United States. The growing city is currently underway with two exciting 'new urban' developments which are connected to the inter transit bus line. The city is also home to a prominent sports focus, with NBA player James White, NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins and Major League Baseball player Chris Coghlan born in and around Gaithersburg.

The Washingtonian Center (RIO) is a lakeside shopping district on Rio Boulevard with retail, dining, and entertainment for the whole family. 

The Gaithersburg Community Museum celebrates the city's earliest history with a faithfully restored 1883 steam train. It is located on Summit Avenue, just off Observatory Park.

The Water Park at the center of Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg is a highlight for family activities, which is incorporated with a mini-golf course.

A Premises Fire Could Affect your Business Revenues

Fires can affect indoor air quality, create slip & trip hazards and create an unsanitary environment at your company. Our rapid response teams are available for businesses in the area that need immediate attention following a fire.

SERVPRO technicians have experience in dealing with commercial fire restoration in Gaithersburg's prominent business districts. Our focus is on providing high quality, efficient service to the local business community with leading expertise and equipment. External storage facilities are available for the temporary safe storage of contents or stock during the restoration process.

• Air filtration devices with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.
• Hot water extraction can help to restore and pre-clean carpeting in your business. 
• We have special procedures for the recovery, restoration, or replacement of acoustical tiles after fire damage.

A quick response can reduce business interruption following a fire. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown for commercial fire restoration at (301) 963-8474.

Learn Some Improv Techniques from Your Cozy Gaithersburg Home

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t let mold damage cause you stress. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to restore you home.

Life in Gaithersburg is Good but Better with Improv 

Although improv, short for improvisation, often deals with humorous situations, its techniques can help you better cope with everyday situations, including circumstances that might otherwise get testy during work or school. The ability to reframe a problem can help diffuse tensions and help keep things going in a productive direction. Precipe Improve Theater conducts a free online class every Sunday, starting at 2:30 PM. Call (202) 258-6888 to register. Participants in the weekly event can observe or take an active role.

Improv entertains audiences when done as a play, but those who practice improvisation techniques gain several benefits:

• Reduced anxiety in situations with high levels of uncertainty,
• Increased ability to think creatively, and 
• A deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork.

Why SERVPRO Uses Containment Methods when Removing Mold for Gaithersburg Customers

There is nothing funny about mold infestation. The serious nature of mold is why SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown uses internationally accepted ways to contain microbes and prevent their migration to the rest of your Gaithersburg residence. Call (301) 963-8474 for the fastest service.

Germantown Residents can Create Entries for the First Annual Snowpeople Pageant

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the weather, SERVPRO is on call to restore your fire damage.

Earn the People’s Choice Award and Make Germantown Proud!

Between 9 AM and 5 PM, everyone is invited to come to the Meadowside Nature Center (a short drive from Germantown) on Monday, January 25, 2021, and make their best snow creation. Bring snacks, extra gloves or mittens, a box of facial tissues, and your imagination (plus your camera!) Staff from the Nature Center are ready to post photos of the Pageant entrants on their Facebook page so your friends and neighbors can view them and vote for their favorites. The three with the most votes receive an award.

Here are a few more facts about this (hopefully) snowy day:

• Only all-natural materials are allowed (some materials provided at the Center’s doorway),
• Participation is free,
• Registration is optional, and
• You can call (301) 258-4030 for more information about this activity in Rockville.

Fire Damage Restoration and Cleanup Eliminates Dangers in Germantown Residences

As white as snow is, a fire can leave your Germantown home’s interior coated in black soot. Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for fire damage cleanup services.

The Diverse Culture of Gaithersburg

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Gaithersburg has it all! Including SERVPRO-the only call you need to make for water damage restoration.

The City of Gaithersburg is Second on The List of Most Diverse American Cities

Living in a highly diverse area like Gaithersburg might seem daunting to some individuals who have lived in more homogenous surroundings. However, having many different backgrounds can make a community much stronger and vital than in other populated areas. 

The Chinese are One of the Many Asian Cultures that Settled in Gaithersburg

China has a bountiful number of subcultures, with the Han being the largest and most known. Splendid Chinese Ethnic Groups carries out many educational activities for the public regarding China’s inner diversity, as does the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC). Celebrations held in Gaithersburg sometimes showcase one culture or another as its centerpiece. These two organizations typically celebrate the Chinese New Year together at Lakeforest Mall.

The traditional respect and reverence for the elderly in Chinese culture is a year-round focus of the CCACC. They provide services for elderly adults and their families, working within our community as a highly dedicated non-profit. 

The Hispanic and Latino Presence is Even More Populous

Most communities from other countries living in Gaithersburg do not have a festival of their own like China does. However, the Hispanic community relies on the El Salvadoran Festival to help share widely held customs, including music, food, and different styles of clothing. Their festival includes a raffle and a beauty pageant.

Amongst all the individuals from Central and South America, Spain also has a few families living here. Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Panama help give our city a genuine experience of colorful clothing and delicious cuisine not available elsewhere in America.

The “Melting Pot” Continues in Gaithersburg

Other Asian countries represented in Gaithersburg include Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Sri Lankan, and Indonesian. Ethiopians, Indians, and Pakistanis live in our area who contribute daily to occupations ranging from domestic services to medical science technology.

We are fortunate to have people from around the globe as our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Other nations with individuals who have decided to call Gaithersburg “home” include those in Europe:

• Germany,
• Ireland, 
• Poland, and 
• Scotland

An inclusive worldview acknowledges the abilities and cultures of those who made the often-arduous move from their home country to ours. It shows our appreciation for those who now live here. Understanding that they might miss their birthplace but want to share their culture with us enriches everybody’s lives.

Why SERVPRO Should be Your Go-To Water Restoration Company in Gaithersburg

The diversity that comes from the individuals in our community is a benefit. However, there are numerous ways that water can damage your property. Our ability to handle any damage left behind by water, flooding, or elevated humidity is why SERVPRO is a trusted Gaithersburg water restoration company. 

We keep up to date with the latest advances in our industry. Our employees become certified technicians in various areas of mitigation, remediation, and restoration. Each team member learns how to use several methods in a highly effective way. 

Many of these methods require specialized machinery and tools. We invest in these items, just as we do our team members’ training. Each piece of equipment, tool, and chemical has its own space, both at our facility and in our Green Fleet. Not only does maintaining a high level of detail keep us highly efficient, but it also cuts down immensely on wear and tear.

Clean Water Damage is Still Damage

Water from a leaky pipe or loose feed line to an appliance drenches floors with clean water. With this kind of problem, SERVPRO technicians first repair the plumbing issue. Then we perform the extraction, followed by drying of the affected area. Large amounts of water saturating your residence often require extraction machinery, air movers, desiccant machines, and heaters. We follow up to ensure that everything in your house reaches dry conditions according to standardized measurements. 

Specialized treatment needs to happen when it comes to certain flooring types, like wood flooring. Pieced wood tiles prove much more fragile than wooden boards. Any significant amount of time can destroy more fragile flooring, and we can help you decide the best approach if this happens to your house.

Dirty Floodwater Can Quickly Mess up a Home

When clean water sits inside a home for more than a few days, microbes begin affecting the water, making it like floodwater. We often perform the same techniques when there is a delay between the incident and our arrival.

Because flooding also brings debris into a home, we use a different approach overall:

• Extraction includes removing water, silt, sand, mud, and debris.
• Removal of damaged furnishings – flooring, low-to-the-floor furniture, wet walls.
• Rinsing of nonporous surfaces with clean water, followed by a disinfectant spray.
• Drying out of the property, including basement areas, crawlspaces, and enclosed areas like under stairways.
• Replacement materials brought in and installed to complete the restoration project, ranging from drywall, and paneling to electrical systems, HVAC ducts, and floor coverings.

Elevated Humidity can Cause Residential Damage and Unwanted Health Effects

SERVPRO technicians do more than cleanup situations. They also help families in Gaithersburg prevent conditions from escalating and becoming worse. While some humidity inside your home makes the air more comfortable to breathe, too much can lead to mold and other microbes. A growth explosion of such microbes can soil clothing, eat away at walls and wood, and create a musty odor. 

Before this happens, we can come in and use specific cameras to locate the source of excess humidity. Frequent sources are clogged appliances, a leaky roof, and disintegrating drain systems. Other problems can also cause this, but our infrared cameras readily locate these areas.

All these reasons are why calling SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for your water restoration needs makes sense. We are always available.

Shop at the Holiday Arts Market in Gaithersburg

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Shop around a the Holiday Arts Market while SERVPRO takes care of your homes water removal.

Shop at the Holiday Arts Market in Gaithersburg

The Holiday Arts Market in Gaithersburg Has Several Unique Items to Buy

One of the best places to shop in Montgomery County is the annual Holiday Arts Market put on at the Arts Barn Gallery during the holiday season. The market takes place every year through a collaborative effort between the city and the Gaithersburg Artist Collective. The special holiday art show gives visitors the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces created by over 30 different kinds of artists in the area.

When coming to the Holiday Arts Market, it is wise to remember the following:

The market is open starting in mid-November, and it runs until December 30.

This event is currently available by-appointment-only, and people can make appointments between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The market will feature the Gaithersburg Artist Collective's collaborative pop-up exhibit that includes works from artists specializing in various forms of artwork.

If you ever need water mitigation inside your home, it is wise to call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 24/7.

Don't Miss Butler's Orchard Farmer's Market in Germantown

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Stop by Butler's Orchard's Farmer's Market in Germantown on December 20th.

The Farmer's Market at Butler's Orchard Is One of Germantown's Best Attractions

The famous farmer's market is open year-round, and this year everyone is welcome to come and make those last-minute purchases before Christmas on December 20. The market offers everything you think a farmer's market should offer and more. Something, the Butler's Orchard is known for including their unique sweets to enjoy while shopping. The farmer's market venue is the home of their famous slush, or you can also enjoy some of their Butler's Apple Cider Donuts.

Other items shoppers can find during the holiday season at the orchard's farmer's market include:

Honey Crisp Apples

York Grapes

Pink Lady Pears

Moorenko's Ice Cream

Delightful Dairy Milk

Cherry Hill Farm's pork, chicken, and beef products

Palmyra Cheeses

Butler's Famous Lemon Pound Cake

Fresh Kettle Corn

Caramel Apples

If a rainstorm ever devastates your property, you can always call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 24/7. We can return your home back to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Professional Fire Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO Proudly Serve Gaithersburg

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Leave your fire damage to the experts. SERVPRO will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."

If You Experience a Fire in Your Gaithersburg House, SERVPRO Can Help

Gaithersburg, Maryland is located northwest of Washington, D.C, and many consider it a suburb of the capital city. The city itself has a population of about 60,000 people, and it is split in half by Interstate 270, which is the route from Washington.

The first people that began to settle in the region came to the area as early as 1765. This first agricultural community called their settlement Log Town. A little bit later, in the early 1780s, a man named Henry Brookes bought a large portion of land in the area from a land grant and built a cabin and a brick house on the property.

The town remained to be called Log Town or Forest Oak as the region’s post office was named after a large oak tree in the city until the railroad came through the community. By that time, everyone had started calling it Gaithersburg, named after Benjamin Gaither, who married Brookes’ daughter and ended up inheriting his land.

On the east side of the city sits the older part of town before it grew to the size it is now in recent years. The city’s older half is home to the following:

City Hall: The town was established in 1878, and it became a city in 1968 before the town grew onto the west side of the interstate.

Lakeforest Mall: This famous mall is on the east side of Gaithersburg, and it is a two-door indoor shopping area that is home to over 120 stores and a food court.

Bohrer Park: This city park is a popular recreation hang-out spot with an outdoor pool and water park for families.

Montgomery County Fairgrounds: The home of the annual county fair and a venue for other events during the year.

Olde Towne: When visiting this section of the city’s eastside, visitors can see buildings and landmarks of the region’s past.

The west side of the city is where all of the newest regional growth has occurred. Most of the city’s west side developments were designed using an idea called New Urbanism that keeps smart growth design in mind when developing. The newer, wealtheir half of the city is home to the following developments:

Kentlands Community: This award-winning community was made using New Urbanism principles.

The Washingtonian Center: This region is also known as “Rio,” and it is a famous shopping district. The neighborhood is the home to several big-box retail stores, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target.

Lakelands Community: This is another newer subdivision that was built with keeping smart growth design principles in its architecture.

Watkins Mill Town Center: This neighborhood is still in the works, and it is slated to be a community oriented around public transportation systems.

“Science City”: This giant development is still under construction, but it is supposed to be one of the most significant new developments in the city.

The City’s Economy is the Home to Several Big Employers

The city is home to several industries, and it is considered one of the most ethnically and economically diverse cities in the country. When matched up against the largest 300 cities in the U.S., Gaithersburg has rated first in ethnic diversity and the top five of the most social class diverse cities. Some of the top employers in the area include:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Headquarters

IBM

Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services Area Headquarters

AstraZeneca

Sodexo

United States Army Reserve Legal Command

Don’t Forget to Visit the Kentlands Mansion

Officially labeled as the Tschiffely-Kent Property, the mansion has long been a famous landmark to admire while traveling down Darnestown Road. The mansion was originally built in the early 1900s by Frederick Tschiffely, and then he sold it to Otis Beall Kent in 1942. The property is now owned and kept up by the city of Gaithersburg as a historic structure.

This glorious building is now rented out by the city as an event and wedding venue. The Victorian Style structure can offer dream weddings with its fabulous lawns and beautiful balconies that overlook the exquisite grounds. Right now, the building can only be viewed on an appointment-only basis, but it is still available to rent for private events.

SERVPRO Is Available 24/7 For Anyone Who Suffers from a Fire on Their Property

Fires big and small can happen when the homeowner least expects it. Many structural blazes ignite during cooking mishaps. It is rather easy for someone to get distracted and leave whatever they are cooking unattended. It doesn’t take long for foods to burn or the grease it is being cooked in to get too hot and ignite.

Sometimes, the biggest problem with fires, even if they are small, is the smoke expelled during the blaze. Smoke coming from the flames can travel through rooms of a house that were previously unaffected. Once these partially combusted particles touch cooler surfaces, they can turn into soot residues that can affect several surfaces throughout a home.

Despite the problems associated with soot residues, smoke can also deeply penetrate porous items and become a source of the unpleasant aroma. Luckily, SERVPRO knows how to remove burnt-like odors from structures. The first step is to clean and remove all burnt debris and soot residues, but it is possible that foul odors can still exist. All SERVPRO technicians are certified by the International Institute for Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC program and have access to the following deodorization tools.

ULV Foggers: These foggers can dispense deodorants into a mist, breaking them down into small particles.

Thermal Foggers: These machines add heat to oil-based deodorants and break them down to even smaller particles to mimic the way smoke behaves and penetrate porous items in the same fashion.

Ozone Generators: Ozone units generate unstable O3 molecules into the atmosphere. The ozone molecules give off an oxygen molecule to oxidize and neutralize malodor particles.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help with fire damage repair needs. Call (301) 963-8474, because We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Keep your Swing this Winter with Indoor Golfing Practice at Germantown's Topgolf Center.

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO professionals take care of your business property's water removal while you enjoy a game of indoor golf.

Topgolf Tournaments are Open for Booking From November to December for Germantown Businesses and Residents. 

At the beginning of 2020, Topgolf opened in Germantown to provide an indoor golf entertainment center for guests and residents. The indoor, climate-controlled ranges offer all year round golf experiences that can be booked for parties, events, companies, or personal practice. The tournament opportunities can host an incredible 612 players at a time with room for 600 spectators. Bookings are accepted for those who have never taken a swing as well as experienced players. Best of all, the indoor environment means no rain-outs are allowing for a rich golfing experience all through November and December.

• Tournament bookings include a golf professional to help guide and assess the logistics of supporting your dream tournament. 
• Golf clubs, as well as reserve bays, are available for all entrants into your golf tournament.
• Refillable soft drinks and catering staff are available to help you host your golf tournament this winter. 

As temperatures drop below freezing, the risk of burst water pipes or plumbing issues increases at your business. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for commercial restoration technicians.

Relax to a Live Orchestral Performance from the BlackRock Center in Gaithersburg While Sitting in your Living Room.

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy a Live Orchestral Performance from home. Played From the BlackRock Center for Arts in Gaithersburg, December 6th.

On December 6th, A Live Virtual Stream of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Compositions is Played From the BlackRock Center for Arts in Gaithersburg.

This virtual streaming performance is a donation-based, one-hour performance from the INSCAPE Chamber Orchestra. Renditions of both Quintet for Clarinet and Strings and Deep River are set to be performed on December 6th. The BlackRock Center is situated next to Montgomery County Public Library on Middlebrook Road. The arts center gets its name from historic BlackRock Mill in Germantown and has been providing performing arts to Gaithersburg residents since 2002. While the center remains open during Covid, masks are mandatory and temperature checks on arrival. They have a 210 seat theater, dance studio, and rehearsal rooms available for booking. 

• Classes at the BlackRock Center cover dance & fitness, music, theater, and visual arts. 
• The learning methodology includes face to face classes, private tuition, as well as e-learning tools.
• People of any skill level can apply for expert tuition or classes on their performance of choice.

The presence of mold in your business could drive away customers or force a temporary closure. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

Groundwater Flooding Can Occur During Seasonal Rainfall or From Rising Sea Levels and Salt Water Rivers.

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are always available to assist you. Call right away, if your property experiences storm damage.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / German Town is Equipped to Secure your Home and Reduce Floodwaters Rapidly.

Gaithersburg is a thriving city in Maryland County with a growing populace of around 60,000 people. We are one of the largest cities in Maryland, alongside Frederick, Rockville, and Baltimore. Originally a small township established in 1878, we gained city status in the late sixties as urban redevelopment and businesses made their way to this corner of the United States. While our residents enjoy the opportunities afforded by our growing business district and technological innovation companies, Gaithersburg still retains much of its small-town feel with a welcoming community and a wealth of natural beauty. However, by heading into the West Side of the city, visitors can experience a thriving business and tech hub of the Kentlands community, the Lakelands, and the Washingtonian Center- colloquially known as the Rio. 

The west side of Gaithersburg is the home to some of the biggest multinational corporations in America. These have helped drive the local economy and secure a continuous regeneration of the West Side's various districts. Our list of companies includes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on the Bureau Dr, IBM on Frederick Avenue, and Astra Zeneca HQ. A short commute to Washington has made this city an ideal spot for many businesses worldwide, including French Multinational Sodexo. At the heart of Gaithersburg is a rich, traditional history, shopping centers-which offer some of the best Black Friday deals, and an excellent school system. Visitors often enjoy the wealth of activities that are available in Gaithersburg, including:

• The BlackRock Center for Arts is a premier performing and visual arts venue that attracts the top 1% of talent from all over the country. Located on Towns Common Drive, this venue covers music, theater, comedy, circus, exhibitions, and dance. 
• The Butler's Orchard provides various products on its 300-acre plot, which visitors can fill bags full of when visiting. The Butler family has owned and cultivated this land for three generations and sell home-made preserves as well as cider at their unique marketplace.
• The Great Seneca Stream Valley is popular among cyclists, hikers, families, and kayakers for its fulfilling trails, natural visages, and wildlife. The national park is replete with pavilion cafes, playgrounds for kids, and canoe boat rentals. 
• The Lancaster County Dutch Market on Wisteria Drive has been running strong for twenty years due to its firm commitment to providing the best local produce to residents and visitors all seasons. We celebrate holiday seasons here while a visit to the hand-made furniture section provides visitors with a unique piece of Gaithersburg to take home with them.

Learning to Kayak on Gaithersburg's Near by Potomac River

The Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic coast spanning 405 miles through Washington and Maryland County. Close to Gaithersburg, this river offers opportunities for visitors to experience serene wildlife by taking canoes and paddle-boats or testing their skills on the white water rapids by Kayaking. The Valley Mills Kayaking Club has a rich history in training some of the world's greatest Kayakers, with the first Olympic medals awarded to our very own Kayakers. Today, they offer classes to suit all skill levels from beginners right up to experienced professionals. In nearby Rockville, the Valley Mills Club has its indoor heated pool to train you in freestyle and rolls before heading onto the river. 

• Beginner, intermediate and professional classes, are available to Kayaking enthusiasts with patient and inclusive instructors.
• There are several freestyle clinics to improve your style on the waters with private instruction options to nail your form. 
• Stand-up paddling lessons and top-sitting techniques are also trained for those who want a leisurely drift on the calmer parts of the Potomac River.

Relaxing with some of Gaithersburg's unique breweries and eateries

Gaithersburg has an agricultural history, which has made it an ideal place to brew ciders and unique beers. On East Diamond Avenue is the local legend Growlers Brew Pub which was the first to open in Maryland County. They have an award-winning selection of beers to compliment a tasty traditional pub menu. In the summer months, you can while away a few hours on the outdoor heated deck bar or head into the saloon for live music and late-night serving hours. Alternatively, head over to Ellington Boulevard to sample the 90 craft beers on offer at the Old Town Pub House. This Chicago-based business has set up an outpost here in Gaithersburg and serves modern cuisine, including fried pretzels, Crab Fondue, and Duck Confit Nachos. Experiencing this ever-evolving town's flavors and culinary traditions is an essential part of living or visiting Gaithersburg this winter. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown Can Provide Emergency Floodwater Extraction to Residents within Four Hours of Notification of Loss. 

Groundwater flooding can occur when underground aquifers overflow as a result of heavier rainfall or riverine rises. These events can be sudden and cause the swelling groundwater to come up through the floors of your home. In some cases, these floods can contain saltwater, damaging wood framing, and building assemblies in your home. Controlling and mitigating groundwater flooding losses often involves carefully removing the layers of a building assembly such as the carpets, subfloors, and fittings. SERVPRO technicians can help to dry these areas of the home quickly and mitigate potential losses. 

• Our technicians can adapt drying equipment like air-movers to provide warm air circulation on both the upper and lower layers of a building assembly to speed up drying times. 
• Using a combination of hygrometers, moisture meters, probes, and infrared imaging cameras, our technicians can uncover hidden moisture pockets and rectify them before they cause lasting damage.
• Using proven techniques, we can return semi-porous materials like lumber or hardwood to their natural equilibrium moisture content, preventing permanent warping or buckling.

If your home begins to flood due to rising groundwater levels, contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

Why Does My House Still Smell of Fire After Cleaning Soots and Smokes?

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of fire damage, including the odors that follow. Call us today, we are always available.

Getting Rid of Soots and Smokes May Require Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services. SERVPRO is Based in Gaithersburg with Expertly Trained Fire Technicians. 

What causes the blackening of walls during a fire?

A house fire in your Gaithersburg residence could lead to soot and smoke residues sticking on walls and ceilings. The chemicals that combusting materials produce can adhere to surfaces and bond with them on a molecular level. These residues appear as thick black soiling on covers, which can be incredibly tough to remove. Sometimes, smoke residues can travel far beyond the initial fire location, leading to light or moderate odor-causing residues that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. SERVPRO technicians undergo extensive training to trace smoke throughout a property and ensure that soilings are cleaned appropriately. 

What influences smoke deposits in a burnt property?

• The temperature of the ashes or soots is produced by combusting materials and traveling in smoke.
• The relative temperature of the surfaces that hot smokes contact with cold surfaces typically attracting hot smokes
• The amount of pressure created by the changes in temperature which can drive soots into surfaces.

How does convection affect fire damages?

A key component of fire damage restoration for Gaithersburg residents is convection. Convection refers to the transference of air- with hot air rising and cold air pushing downwards. These convection currents can lead to continuing damage after a fire is extinguished. It is vital to open windows or use vent boxing fans to establish substantial property ventilation and mitigate against losses. A property with poor ventilation can often have fire odors throughout the house even after a low-level kitchen fire. 

What are the different types of smoke?

• Driven smoke may refer to smoke damages that occur from a high-pressure fire quite literally driving smoke into wall or ceiling surfaces
• Free-floating smoke is gases from smoke that lose their temperature and float through a building until gravity pulls them down onto surfaces.
• Temperature differentials between smokes and surfaces can result in more massive smoke deposits on colder surfaces like windows or draperies' backing. 

Understanding how smoke moves through a building can help to ensure an active restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

Can Proactive Inspection Minimize Water Damage to My Germantown Shower?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown offers mitigation and restoration that lets homeowners feel, “Like it never even happened.”

Certified Restoration Technicians at SERVPRO Provide Water Damage Restoration for Germantown Homeowners

According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in 50 homes are affected to some extent by water damage each year in the United States. A pinhole leak or small crack in a pipe can add between $100 to $600 additional dollars a month to a Germantown property owner’s water bill.

SERVPRO professionals can render water damage restoration for Germantown homes that returned your property to a preloss condition. Restoration technicians are certified to not only handle water damage mitigation but also make necessary structural repairs and replacements so that you can enjoy a safe and comfortable living space once more.

How Can SERVPRO Availability Save Homeowners Time and Money?
SERVPRO technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays, to ensure that homeowners get the access necessary to minimize damage to their homes and belongings. Proactive disaster mitigation is key to maximizing cost-saving measures and reducing the potential presence of mold and microbes on surfaces and in the air.

    •    Water saturates surfaces within minutes of exposure and begins damaging items within hours of contact. This damage can include waterlogged drywall, damage to wall studs and subfloors, and delaminating adhesives holding down such materials as vinyl flooring.
    •    After as little as 24 hours, mold can proliferate on water damage surfaces, especially porous surfaces like carpeting, wood, and drywall.
    •    In less than a week, water damage can multiply damages to your home considerably. This can include corroding metals, delaminating carpet, destroying drywall, and warping, swelling, and cracking wood in both structural materials and furniture.

How Can Property Owners Detect a Shower Leak Behind a Wall?
    •    Take note of water stains and leaks. Homeowners with a first-floor shower and a basement underneath, or second-floor bathroom with the leak, may find signs of water damage on the ceiling immediately under the bathroom or water dripping from the ceiling.
    •    Create an inspection window in your drywall. If rear access to your shower is possible, use a stud finder to cut an approximately 8" x 10" rectangle for viewing the wall interior. Consider installing an access panel for ease of inspection.
    •    Evaluate the wall interior for signs of water damage. If there is an internal leak, you may find water stains on the drywall beneath the tub drain. Examine pipes for signs of fresh moisture or oxidation on copper pipes, especially after running your tub or shower.
    •    Run the shower to see if leaks occur. While rear access to a shower valve can be difficult for many homeowners, front access is doable, though it is often more challenging to find the source of a leak. Sometimes the showerhead or arm may be the cause. rather than the shower valve.

If you are still unsure of the source of the water leak in your shower, contact a licensed plumber about repairs and a trusted restoration team like SERVPRO for cleanup.

What are Some Common Fixes for a Leaking Shower Valve or Arm?
A leaking shower valve is one of the more common culprits of a shower leak. If this component is the source, consider the following solutions:
    •    A leaky valve stem can indicate that the cartridge needs replacement.
    •    A direct leak from the body of the shower valve may necessitate the removal and replacement of your shower valve.

When replacing a shower valve on copper pipes, take care that you leave enough room to piece in a new valve with a repair coupling. Germantown homeowners with PEX pipes do not have to be as precise to perform the same task.

If the shower arm is the issue, begin repairs by removing the escutcheon around the shower arm. This plate can be either split or solid. The former can be removed without unscrewing the showerhead, while the latter means that the showerhead requires removal to take off the cover. Once you have access to the shower arm, you can:
    •    Tighten screws.
    •    Clean and dry pipe threads.
    •    Wrap the pipe in plumbers tape or seal with Teflon pipe dope.

How Does SERVPRO’s Sanitation Resources Remediate Microbial Growth and Odors?
SERVPRO technicians have access to over 100 EPA-registered proprietary antimicrobial solutions that virtually eliminate microbes and odor-causing particles, especially when used in tandem with moisture extraction, structural drying, and odor control equipment. This multi-pronged approach removes water damage odors in your bathroom at the source.

After performing moisture extraction, SERVPRO can focus on remediating potential microbial growth if signs of mold are present. Mold containment and remediation are performed before drying to prevent spores from spreading through the air while centrifugal air movers are operational.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown offers mitigation and restoration that lets homeowners feel, “Like it never even happened.” Call (301) 963-8474 to begin the cleanup process.

What Causes Musty Odors in Business properties?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of mold damage, including the odors that come with it. Call us today, we are always available.

Musty Odors are a Common Sign of Mold Growth. SERVPRO is a Gaithersburg Commercial Mold Remediation Specialist Available 24/7.

Are odors a sign of low indoor air quality?

Musty odors in your Gaithersburg business could be putting off customers and affecting staff. Usually, these odors result from a microbial growth issue that may be residing somewhere in the company building. Commonly, these issues occur due to a slow leak or damp spot, which could occur seasonally or as the direct result of an event. Mold does not just release odors but also microscopic spores. These spores often become airborne, where they can be inhaled or ingested by people using the space. If musty odors lead to the discovery of molds, you may need to restore indoor air quality to get your business back to its preloss condition.

What are the stages of mold growth?

- Spores land on damp or wet spots with enough organic matter and temperature to reproduce

- Hyphae grow from the spore onto, or into, surfaces

- Colonies produce additional spores which can spread further throughout the structure

What tools control indoor air quality?

It is typical for commercial mold remediation techniques used in your Gaithersburg business to include air scrubbing. Cleaning air uses specialized equipment known as air-filtration devices. These can be placed throughout your company, drawing indoor air into a complex set of filters. These filters are known as high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) and can pull microscopic mold spores out of an indoor environment. Usually, SERVPRO technicians create an exhausting duct in the business to remove contaminated air from the building altogether and replace it with clean air. 

How should air-filtration devices be set up?

- Identify the affected area and enclose the system by shutting doors or windows

- Place an air-filtration device within the closed system

- Attach ducts for exhausting clean air and drawing out waste air

When your business shows signs of mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

Should I Be Worried About Increased Flooding in Germantown?

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our goal is to restore your residence to preloss condition – “Like it never even happened.”

Preparing Your Germantown Home and Family Can Lessen the Problems that Come with Flooding

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration reports, high-tide flooding is increasing in Maryland. This, combined with increased rainfall, portends a rise in flooding occurrences starting this year. Germantown homeowners need to know what to expect and how to be prepared.

What Can I Do to Prepare My Home for Flooding?

Flood damage in Germantown is a serious concern. Floodwaters can destroy homes by dumping heavily contaminated water in homes. But there are certain things you can do to prepare your home that can lessen the impact.

•    Keep storm drains and gutters free of leaves and debris.

•    Move valuables to higher levels if your basement is prone to flooding.

•    Keep essential documents and valuables in waterproof containers.

•    Have an emergency plan in place for your family.

•    Prepare an emergency kit with things like bottled water and flashlights.

Safety is paramount. Do not try to enter your home to save valuables. SERVPRO technicians understand the hazardous circumstances surrounding floods. We know your heirlooms and other important items are valuable to your family. If you are not able to enter the home, we do our best to recover these treasures for you.

What Happens if My Home is Flooded?

When our technicians arrive on the scene, safety is the first concern. Before getting started, they look for electrical issues, fuel and chemical hazards, and structural integrity. They can provide emergency mitigation such as roof tarping and containment to keep the moisture from spreading. Flood damage cleanup can include:

• Water extraction

• Sanitizing and disinfecting

• Removal and disposal of affected materials

• Flood cuts

When the cleanup and sanitization are completed, then the drying and restoration process can begin.  Our goal is to restore your residence to preloss condition – “Like it never even happened.” Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Can Water-loss Contents Return to Pre-loss Condition in Germantown?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Removing the water completely from your home after water damage can seem insurmountable. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation.

SERVPRO is the Expert Water Damage Restoration Service for Germantown Residents

What is content restoration?

There are many circumstances when Germantown residents may require contents restoration with two of the most common reasons being water or fire damage. These issues are usually divided into separate stages to allow professional technicians to control and organize an efficient restoration effort. A water loss scenario, for example, may first require emergency services, then water mitigation to dry the Germantown property before moving onto the final stage, restoration. Restoring contents is activities that return dry contents to their original condition. These activities may include spot and stain removal or other cleanings, deodorizing, and drying methods.

What restoration techniques are used for content?

• Cleaning and deodorizing materials in the home to remove soiling
• Resurfacing or refinishing natural materials like wooden furniture
• Replacing some or all of the affected contents that non-savable

Is content restoration possible on site?

Contents that require water damage restoration can often be restored in your Germantown home. SERVPRO technicians appreciate that time may be a significant factor during the repair. It is more time-efficient to conduct contents restoration on-site compared to packing out large amounts of possessions to an external storage facility. We can set up a clean, dry area for contents restoration using water-proof polyethylene sheets. On-site contents restoration could include cleaning, buffering, power-washing, sanding, or refinishing. With a wide range of tools and techniques, we are confident of returning your home and contents to a preloss condition.

How do I plan content restoration?

• Sort through items based on salvageable, non-salvageable, and disposable
• Remove any disposable items from home using double-sealed bags
• Perform demolition of non-salvageable materials found if necessary

If your house gets wet, you may need to consider a professional water restoration team. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 now.

Click here for more information about Germantown.

How Challenging is Odor Removal After a Gaithersburg Structure Fire?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage linger long after extinguishing the fire.

While There are Many Steps to Fire Restoration and Recovery, Lingering Noxious Odors can Hinder Comfortable Living in a House After a Disaster 

Fires can present multiple layers of hazardous and damaging effects for Gaithersburg properties, many of which require the experience of professional fire restoration teams like SERVPRO to resolve. As widespread and threatening as these situations are, focused efforts like containment and cleaning can prevent these circumstances from overwhelming the house and its occupants. Odors are frequently one of the most challenging obstacles in this regard, as these conditions can spread far beyond the initially damaged ignition point. 

Of all the fire damage in Gaithersburg homes after a disaster, our initial focus is rarely deodorization. In truth, these efforts most often happen at the end of the restoration process, where the final touches get made to the property before returning it to the homeowner. Despite the lack of urgency with removing odors, unlike other restoration practice is necessary after a fire, there are several steps that we can take throughout the recovery of your home to minimize the severity of odor damage and migrating smoke effects. 

What Practices Can Reduce Odors?  

We can understand the importance of making living conditions more comfortable for occupants when relocation is not required after a fire loss incident. As challenging and unlikely as this might initially seem to homeowners, we have effective containment practices that can reduce the spread and severity of odors, soot, and other hazards present in the house after the disaster. Understanding how each of these initial steps can impact the overall presence of noxious odors in the house is essential to ensure that these stages occur at the appropriate times. Some of the scent reducing practices we set in motion during fire restoration include: 

• Debris Removal – Ash and partially combusted debris make up a considerable volume of the cleanup required immediately following extinguishment. In the ignition areas, these structural remnants are often wet, odorous, and responsible for circulating soot and smoke particles. Shoveling out this debris and cleaning up the spaces with wet vacuums can noticeably reduce odor concentrations.

• Surface Cleaning – Smoke residues can come to rest on services and contents, which can also be responsible for more severe odors in these specific areas. Through practices like wet cleanings, such as dissolving and emulsifying, we can trap and remove soils.

• Controlled Demolition – Demolition is always one of the last considered options for reducing the severity of odors and other circulating threats. By removing damaged portions of wall systems, flooring, and ceiling materials, we can better prepare the area for the reconstruction required and reduce odors at the same time.  

What Deodorizing Products Help Absorb Foul Odors?  

Apart from specific tasks that our SERVPRO team can perform to reduce odors present in the house after a fire in Gaithersburg, potent products can also help in this regard. Even before official deodorization begins, many products and counteractants can remove severe odors from the environment. These granules or solutions often get applied to areas with the most airflow to keep the spread of these fire damage smells to a minimum. Some of these products include: 

• Counteracting Beads
• Deodorant Granules
• Water-Based Odor Counteractants 

Are Special Tools Used in Odor Removal?  

Deodorization is a necessary process that often falls at the end of the restoration phases for fire damaged homes and businesses in our region. There are multiple tools and technologies used in this endeavor, tailored specifically to the individual loss incident and these properties' needs. As in all aspects of restoration, our professionals find the most efficient path to make these fire losses "Like it never even happened." Some of the equipment used in this approach include: 

• Thermal Foggers – Fogging is one of the most efficient methods for removing and neutralizing present odors in the house after a fire. Its gaseous state ensures that we can affect the overall environment where fire losses occurred and any porous materials surrounding this damaged point that might have absorbed smoke and its odors.

• Hydroxyl Machines – Hydroxyl machines are another popular choice for deodorization and environmental cleaning. These machines work in numerous ways to improve conditions within the house after a disaster. Onboard HEPA filtration removes harmful particulates from the air while UV cleaning approaches eliminate harsh odor molecules.

• Ozone Generators – The generation of ozone through these machines creates an unbalanced compound the bonds with odor molecules to neutralize them. As useful as these approaches can be, it is unsafe for living creatures to be around the same environment where ozone is present, slowing other restoration aspects when ozone is required. 

Fire losses often leave harsh odors behind, but our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help. Contact us today at (301) 963-8474.

Does Leak Repair and Water Damage Go Hand in Hand?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can make water damage in your home, "Like it never even happened." Contact us today at (301) 963-8474.

SERVPRO Ensures Your Gaithersburg Property Gets Rapid, Reliable Leak Repair and Water Damage Restoration.

Right after you notice a leak anywhere in your home, it is critical that you act fast. After the water source has been stopped and you know that electricity is not an issue, making a call to our team at SERVPRO gets you the rapid response you are looking to have. Because soaked materials can start to develop mold in as little as 24 hours after saturation, the faster we act, the better chances we have of salvaging the belongings within your Gaithersburg home.

What Caused My Water Leak?

When it comes to water damage repair in Gaithersburg, we often see that leaks come about due to a broad range of causes. Some of the most common reasons our customers call us for leak repair and water damage restoration include the following:

• Broken Seals
• Corrosion
• Clogged Lines
• Damaged Piping Joints
• Excessive Water Pressure
• Tree Root Intrusion
• Loosened Water Connections
• Drastic Temperature Changes
• Human Error

If you have a leak in your home that comes from leaking pipes, then this is considered to be a clean water situation. A clean water event means that the water involved is relatively harmless or does not contain contaminants. 

Once called, our Green Fleet is on the scene in as little as a couple of hours to start the assessment phase. We bring a variety of industrial-strength tools and high-powered equipment to pull up as much water as possible. Our crew also utilizes moisture detection equipment to ensure no hidden moisture pockets get left behind. We take the time to carefully monitor the drying and dehumidification process so that everything is left “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown is available when you need us for skilled water damage repair. Call us 24/7 for emergency response at (301) 963-8474.

Learn more about Gaithersburg.

What Should I Do if My Walls and Floors Get Wet After a Pipe in My Gaithersburg Kitchen Bursts?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

If your walls and flooring ever gets wet after one of your kitchen supply lines breaks, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown.

For Water Damage Repair Inside Your Kitchen in Gaithersburg Call SERVPRO

Your kitchen is one room in your Gaithersburg house that has several water lines running in and out of it. If one of these lines breaks, several gallons of water could spill out into your kitchen and other living areas. If any of your organic building materials such as your floorboards, drywall, or wall studs stay wet for more than 48 hours, mold can start to grow.

How can you remove moisture from my wet walls and floors quickly?

During water damage repair efforts in Gaithersburg, our SERVPRO technicians start with the extraction process. We can then set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers that can remove moisture from your contents and building materials as well as air in the atmosphere. However, we must calculate the proper ration between the two machines because if there are too few air movers, the process will go too slowly, and if there are too many air movers, secondary damage can result because there will be too much moisture in the air.

How do you know how many air movers to set up inside my house?

All of our SERVPRO technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) program, and we follow the standards set by the organization to determine how many air movers to use. The IICRC S500-2015 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration says that an air mover needs to be placed in every affected room. Then the restorer should add additional air movers using the following guidelines:

    •    One air mover should be added for every 50 to 70 square feet of wet flooring.
    •    An additional fan should be placed for every 100 to 150 square feet of wet ceilings or walls above two feet high.
    •    An air mover should also be added for each wall inset or offset that is more than 18 inches.

If your walls and flooring ever gets wet after one of your kitchen supply lines breaks, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 seven days a week.

What Repairs Must Happen After Water Losses in My Gaithersburg Hotel?

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

Plumbing breaches can happen without warning and leave your hotel contending with thousands of gallons of damage.

After a pipe burst in your Gaithersburg hotel, many rooms could be affected and require restoration, repair, and reconstruction

One of the more threatening aspects of significant water loss events in your Gaithersburg hotel is how rapidly the situation can get out of control. With pipes bursting from cold snaps or age, this scenario can unload hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into structural cavities containing the utilities. With much of these pipes hidden within shared walls and between the levels of the facility, a single loss event could have widespread ramifications for your guests in this wing of the hotel.

Among the most troublesome realizations for property owners in this scenario is that the conditions require more than water damage repair for your Gaithersburg hotel to return it to normal. Many restoration and recovery levels must begin as soon as possible to limit the impact on your guests, your facility, and the atmosphere you provide. Between the initial assessment of the property and the emergency services that you can expect from the licensed contractors on our roster, work begins immediately to get your hotel back in top form.

How Bad is the Water Damage?

One of the first steps that our professionals must take when we arrive at your building is to gather as much data as possible about the current conditions. A job scoping procedure can help to identify the present threats and what steps must occur immediately. Much of this initial inspection happens on the surface and exposed contents. However, we have sophisticated tools and technologies that allow us to better understand the water damage in structural cavities where the plumbing fixtures were located. Some of the tools that can help to see beyond the surface include:

    •    Surface Moisture Meters
    •    Thermal Imagery
    •    Probing Detection Devices

Why Is Controlled Demolition Necessary?

Responding contractors with our team can provide controlled demolition solutions. This approach can be beneficial for restoration and recovery. There are multiple advantages to this mitigation solution, though with the situation of a burst pipe in a shared wall of your hotel structure, here are some ways it can help:

    •    Access to Damaged Pipe – One of the immediate advantages with removing damaged portions of drywall and other affected materials is the access to the compromised piece of pipe. Demolition grants easy access to these damaged fixtures.
    •    More Efficient Drying – Drying can be a drawn-out and involved task for even our experienced restoration professionals. Controlled demolition provides more uninterrupted access to the damaged areas for direct drying practices.
    •    Oversaturated Construction Materials – Overexposure to water damages can leave materials like drywall too compromised to dry and restore. Removing these saturated materials leaves the room ready for reinstalling new materials.

Can Structural Cavities Get Dried?

The damage to your building's structural cavities can leave water penetration, becoming a pressing threat to numerous rooms and communal areas of the hotel. Drying out the wall openings reduces the migration of water effects throughout the structure. Accomplishing this requires some of the sophisticated tools in our drying inventory, including positive pressure systems, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

If controlled demolition has occurred, these drying efforts can often shorten due to the more unhindered access to the compromised areas. In situations where controlled demolition was unnecessary, positive pressure systems become a non-invasive approach to infuse the wall cavity with heated air to promote evaporation.

What Repairs Are Necessary?

Water damage repairs and restoration often go hand-in-hand. While the fixation usually involves the drying and extraction of immediate water and moisture concerns, the structural integrity of your hotel and its appearance to your guests must also share this same urgency. We have a team of in-house contractors that can work with you to determine your priorities in this recovery effort. Prioritizing what matters most ensures that you are ready for guests and continued business despite our restoration approach. Some of the common repairs and replacements that your hotel rooms require after water losses include:

    •    Plumbing Repair
    •    Drywall Reinstallation
    •    Carpet Replacement

Plumbing breaches can happen without warning and leave your hotel contending with thousands of gallons of damage. Battling these conditions should get left to our fast-responding and well-trained SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown professionals. Between our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) and our licensed contractors, we can make water losses “Like it never even happened,” when you call (301) 963-8474.

What Must Happen Immediately to Protect My Fire Damaged Gaithersburg Home?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Fire Damage In Gaithersburg

Emergency services are a critical element of the fire response our technicians provide, and this could detail many specific actions.

Fire damages can be devastating to your Gaithersburg home, especially when it happens without you being around. Returning to the result of a damaging fire can be overwhelming and stressful. That is why our SERVPRO team takes such careful consideration with the job scoping after this disaster. By communicating with you, we can determine pre-existing conditions and work to streamline the restoration of your home as much as possible.

While there are several tasks involved in restoring fire damage in Gaithersburg homes, it is critical to have emergency services start as soon as possible. In many situations, these tasks precede even the job scoping phase. This time and effort provided by both our in-house contractors and restoration professionals work to make even the mitigation portion of restoration shorter and less expensive. The initial tasks completed focus most on structural breaches and conditions that amplify loss effects in the house. Some of the emergency services that our SERVPRO contractors and restorers provide include:

    •    Roof tarping
    •    Controlled demolition
    •    Fire debris removal
    •    Board up services
    •    Content management

When Can Mitigation Begin for the Property?

Because emergency services precede the job scoping, these efforts can make later phases like mitigation more efficient. Once the inspection of the property has completed, our team has a better understanding of what corrective actions are still required and what personnel and equipment are necessary to reach these goals. Mitigation is a vital stage of the complete recovery of a fire damaged property, so it happens as soon as possible once the damage assessment is done.

As much as it might seem like your home has suffered a total loss after a structure fire, our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team can help to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (301) 963-8474.

The Damage To My Home Doesn’t Look That Bad. Do I Still Need To Worry?

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include water damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Hidden Damage in Montgomery Village Can Occur During Storms That Can Lead to Major Problems

Rain, wind, and hail can inflict severe damage on homes in Montgomery Village when storms strike. Often the impact is easily seen, but hidden damage could be lurking beneath the service. SERVPRO seeks out and restores homes hit with storm damage.

What hidden damage do you look for from flooding?

Flooding is one of the biggest problems caused by storms. In February 2020, five tornadoes touched down in Maryland, according to the National Weather Services. Tropical storms send torrential rains inward in many places in Maryland. If your home has weathered flood damage in Montgomery Village, you may wonder if the water intrusion truly damaged it. Here is what can happen:

• Walls, floors, and ceiling cavities can become flooded.
• Structural frame warping
• Water migration 
• Problems from black water migrations
• Mold or microbial damage
• Electrical systems damaged
• Plumbing systems damaged
• Condensation can cause problems

Act Quickly – Stop Flood Damage in its Tracks

The wisest thing any homeowner can do is to get emergency water mitigation quickly. The quicker our SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) technicians are on the scene, the lower the chance of things spiraling out of control. Our techs are experts at searching out hidden water. The right equipment will remove the water and moisture and leave your home “Like it never even happened.” Here are some ways we clean, restore, and repair: 

• Moisture sensors
• Powerful water extractions methods
• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Restore as much as possible
• Specialty cleaning for your contents
• Move out services if you can’t stay in your home

 Don’t let flood damage cause hidden problems in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301 963-8474 for emergency water mitigation service that is Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Find more information about Montgomery Village.

I Need Help with Water Removal in Montgomery Village, What Tools Does SERVPRO Use?

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration will ensure your interior is like-new once again.

Prompt, Reliable Water Damage Restoration is Where SERVPRO Shines – Call Us to Your Montgomery Village Home for Emergency Service

The kitchen and the bathroom are two common areas around the home where water incidents happen. Whether you had a dishwasher that malfunctioned or a pipe burst in your bathroom, the moments after the event are the most critical. Any water loss scenario calls for prompt cleanup to mitigate the damage and cut back on the severity of the loss. SERVPRO features highly-trained technicians who arrive prepared to get to work quickly so that your interior gets restored sooner. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we come to your Montgomery Village property with all of the technology and tools for the job.

I Started to Clean Up the Water, Is That Okay?

The main goal for water removal is to ensure that the standing water does not migrate into other areas. Water likes to travel to dry spaces while following the path to least resistance. Until we arrive, you can carefully try to mop up the water, but you must be mindful that you are not pushing it into hidden cracks and crevices. In many situations, we suggest that you leave the water damage restoration in Montgomery Village to our trained water restoration technicians (WRT) at SERVPRO.

Leave Water Extraction to the Trained Professionals

Whether you have hardwood flooring or carpeting in the water loss zone, our skilled team has the training necessary to remove standing water quickly. Handheld wet vacuums allow us to pull up water from hard-surface floorings, such as tile floors, linoleum, and hardwood. Weighted extractors, or rovers, are beneficial for removing water from carpeting as well as the carpet padding below.

We Track Water Migration

Once water removal begins after the initial water loss incident, there might not be any visible signs of water remaining. This is why our IICRC-certified team uses moisture detection equipment to determine whether we need to address potential problem areas, such as:

• Behind your baseboards
• Under cabinetry
• Within your walls or ceilings
• Under carpeting and subflooring

These are all common areas where residual moisture might be found, which calls for the use of professional drying and dehumidification equipment.

Detecting Moisture in Hard-to-Reach Areas

There are occasions when water may get between walls or into the subfloor as it travels to find lower points within your home. We utilize several moisture detection tools that allow our team to detect hidden moisture spots while also helping us to avoid the onset of mold. A few of the moisture detection tools that we use include:

• Moisture sensors
• Moisture meters
• Infrared cameras
• Thermal hygrometers

In some instances, the team might have to drill a few holes into the walls and then use a vacuum to pull water out of the cavity. This gets done while also blowing dry air into the space to facilitate drying.

What Happens During the Drying Phase?

For total water damage restoration to occur, the use of industrial-grade, specialized drying equipment is essential. If your subflooring call for drying attention, our technicians carefully remove your flooring or tile as needed. We utilize a range of drying equipment and technicians to circulate the air while cutting back on moisture levels. What this does is allow for optimum drying using technology such as:

• Industrial-strength fans
• Drying mats
• Centrifugal air movers
• Dehumidifiers

Should there be any small spaces that call for special attention, we utilize our InjectiDry system. This is ideal for addressing wall cavities once we remove the baseboards. The advanced drying method helps us to dry the space without the need to open the wall further with controlled demolition.

We Have a Special Formula to Enhance Drying

Once we put the plan in place to help with water damage restoration, our crew chief determines how many drying units and dehumidifiers are necessary to handle the project. Air movers work to pull moisture to the surface from materials like flooring, paneling, and drywall. Because water moves from wetness to dry spaces, it creates a reverse action where moisture makes its way out to get closer to the air currents.

Do I Have to Worry About Mold?

Many homeowners forget that even the slightest bit of leftover moisture can create the perfect atmosphere for mold and mildew growth. This is why professional restoration is best to ensure your interior is arid after a water loss incident. Elevated moisture levels and the right amount of humidity must be addressed to ensure your interior is clear and ready for you to enjoy once again. Our skilled technicians perform a variety of proactive treatments to the surfaces and structural materials throughout your home to eliminate the onset of bacterial growth.

Water damage restoration will ensure your interior is like-new once again. Call us at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 to enlist our team for emergency service 24/7.

Can I Stay in a Burnt Property While Restoration Takes Place?

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

For your many questions regarding your homes Fire damage, Call us at SERVPRO. We are always available to help you.

SERVPRO Makes Every Effort to Work Around your Needs During Fire Restoration While Maintaining an Efficient Service

Can restorers work around my schedule?

Restoration is a time-sensitive task that could lead to permanent harm of possessions or structure if there are delays. But we understand how technicians, chemical agents, and equipment can be an inconvenience to the homeowner. When it is safe for occupants to stay in their homes after a fire, SERVPRO performs emergency cleaning to make it livable. This cleaning may include essential rooms like kitchens or bathrooms, as well as laundry and dry cleaning services. Frequently, we can seal off areas of the property where damage is most severe while leaving the main functional areas of your home free to use. 

What should I do first when cleaning fire damage?

The first twenty-four-hours of fire restoration in your Gaithersburg home is crucial to controlling the extent of harm. Water, which may have been used as part of a firefighting procedure, can begin to damage fabrics or textiles, bond with soots, or create a microbial growth issue. Equally, odor particles may still emanate from the worst affected areas and spread throughout the home. SERVPRO can perform the emergency drying of the property. We can also seal or remove fire debris to prevent them from causing further odor issues while cleaning takes place. 

How can I remove fire odors from the house?

- Locate and remove the source of the odor

- Clean surfaces thoroughly to clear away odor-causing residues

- Use deodorant solvents ideally with misting or fogging equipment at sites of odor

- Apply odor sealant primer to surfaces that continue to produce fire smells

Fire and odor issues can be a massive inconvenience to your everyday life. Our technicians can make your home livable while performing the efficient restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.

 Find out more about Gaithersburg

How Can I Get Mold Out of My Office’s Ceiling?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

There are many different ways for mold to be detrimental to your Gaithersburg store. Call SERVPRO to learn what needs to be done properly for company.

SERVPRO Techs Provide Fast-Acting Commercial Mold Remediation in Gaithersburg 24/7

If your Gaithersburg office’s conference room had a ceiling leak repaired recently, you might think that your problems are over for the moment. However, moist conditions can allow for mold to thrive in other areas without thorough mitigation.

When you need commercial mold removal for your Gaithersburg business, SERVPRO is ready to answer the call 24/7 so that you and your staff can enjoy better indoor air quality once more.

What Situations Can Allow Mold to Develop?

All mold needs to proliferate is water and oxygen. Consider if your building has endured one or more of the following conditions recently:

• Inconsistent building maintenance schedules
• Poor construction or building with wet materials
• Leaky window seals, doors, or pipes
• Unusual amounts on condensation or humidity
• Landscaping that causes water to flow toward the building

If any of these situations have affected your office, have a licensed professional inspect your facilities for potential mold growth.

What Does SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Process Entail?

SERVPRO’s mold remediation strategies can be broken down into four major steps:

• Establishing containment: Sealing entryways and vents, introducing negative air pressure, and dedicating space to decontamination prevent mold spores from spreading outside of the affected area.
• Removing contamination: Technicians clean loose mold deposits with HEPA vacuums. Agitation methods such as sanding or brushing are better-suited to semi-porous materials like wood and concrete.
• Cleaning dust and spores: Several rounds of damp cleaning combined with HEPA vacuuming eliminates settled mold spores.
• Drying the structure: After cleaning, structural drying returns items to normal moisture levels and prevents conditions that allow mold to return.

Contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for mitigation that keeps your business looking, “Like it never even happened.”

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

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.

Extensive training and specialized products

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. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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 process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown today at 301-963-8474 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

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.

SERVPRO Offers Pandemic Cleanup for Gaithersburg Communities

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO procedures generally include the cleaning of porous surfaces using an EPA-registered product.

Protecting Our Community Through Deep Cleaning With Disinfectants

In these troubling times, extraordinary measures are sometimes required to protect our health. It is important to follow the advice from expert sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other government announcements and orders. Preventative cleaning is always mentioned as a line of defense against this pandemic.

SERVPRO offers Gaithersburg and Germantown Professional Cleaning Services

There is a notable difference between professional-level specialty cleaning and the DIY cleaning that is being done by the majority of our population. Professional cleaning companies such as ours have employees who have completed training and have earned certifications in performing a variety of difficult cleaning processes, such as crime and death scenes, sewage spill cleanup, mold, and other anti-microbial remediations. Many of our people even have experience in past cleanup of the SARS virus. Our technicians know how and when to don protective clothing and equipment. They are careful not to spread contamination. Our expert team members are accustomed to following various protocols from OSHA, the CDC, and EPA on a number of different cleaning scenarios.  All of this knowledge and experience can be applied toward proper deep protective cleaning against this current outbreak at your home or place of business.   

We welcome you to reach out to us with questions. We look forward to learning about your needs and discussing how we may be able to help you.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown protects the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (301) 963-8474 for reliable sanitation services 24/7.

Click here to learn more about Germantown. 

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

How Do I Deal with Basement Soiling After Storm Flood Damage In My Gaithersburg Home?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Gaithersburg Residents trust SERVPRO for water restoration and removal from their basements

SERVPRO Can Help With Challenges Such As Accessing the Soiled Areas and Waste Disposal, Restoring Pre-loss Conditions

Cleaning a Gaithersburg basement or other crawl spaces is challenging at best. Soiling from flooding incidents worsens this challenge, and unlike spring-cleaning, you cannot postpone it until it is convenient for you. Doing so would lead to other problems such as mold development or worse. Successful basement cleaning is 50% planning, without which the challenges involved can make the exercise overwhelming.

What complicates cleaning in such confined areas?

In case of storm flood damage, your Gaithersburg basement is likely to be filled with significant volumes of water, silt, or mud. Cleaning must remove all these foreign materials promptly to restore preloss conditions and prevent secondary damages. Several factors can get in the way when trying to accomplish the cleaning goals. Typical issues include:

• Limited space in the basement
• Small access points
• Unseen hazards such as the presence of sewer gas
• Presence of bugs such as spiders, or even snakes and raccoons

How does SERVPRO address these challenges?

Cleaning a flooded basement or crawl space is less challenging with access to the right resources. For example, removing the water and other foreign materials poses the main challenge because of the small access points. Our crews have a variety of pumps, which counter the challenge. High-pressure pumps help lift water from the basement conveniently since they have a discharge head of up to 360'. We also have self-priming trash pumps, which remove water with solid materials. The slurry variety handles mud and sand efficiently.

Lack of sufficient natural light or lighting fixtures is another challenge that can complicate your efforts to clean confined areas after flooding. At the very least, venturing into a poorly lit area where there might be bugs such as spiders, is scary. It is also unsafe since there might be sharp objects and other hazards. Our SERVPRO technicians use different lighting fixtures to ensure the basement is well-lit as we perform the cleanup. Wobble lights help us when we need a flood of light from a single point. We also use stand lights for directional lighting, which is essential in identifying items or hazards within the basement area.

What issues do SERVPRO technicians look out for when cleaning?

Although the main goal when cleaning the basement is dealing with soiling to restore preloss conditions, preventing additional damages or injuries is also crucial. Knowing in advance what issues might lead to such damages or injuries helps in formulating a plan to avoid them. Typical things to look out for include:

• Electrical wiring, gas lines or other utility hazards
• Exposure to hazardous materials
• Contaminants
• Fragile items

Use of PPE, Personal Protective Equipment such as rubber boots, heavy-duty gloves, bodysuits, and hard hats protect our SERVPRO crewmembers from most of the hazards. We inspect the area to identify any fragile items stored there and identify the utility lines to avoid damaging them during cleaning.

What cleaning steps are necessary?

• Removing dirty
• Sanitizing or disinfection
• Deodorization
• Moisture control

Various approaches can help remove soils from the basement after extracting the water, including agitating with brushes or spraying the surfaces with pressure washers. These methods help remove soils from rough or unfinished surfaces conveniently.

Sanitizing the area with mild cleaning agents such as bleach helps remove undesirable substances that cleaning fails to address. In case the flooding involves raw sewage or other biohazards, our SERVPRO technicians use products with disinfectant and antimicrobial properties to disinfect the area.

The accumulation of soils and other wastes in the basement can leave foul smells. Another source of bad smell in the basement is the deterioration of materials when wet. Deodorization is the best way to deal with such odors. Our technicians can mix the water-based deodorizers with the cleaning or sanitizing solutions to replace the bad odor with a sweet scent. Alternatively, we apply the deodorizer on surfaces using misting tools such as ULV foggers for better penetration into materials.

Leaving moisture or wet materials in the basement after cleaning is almost as bad as leaving the soiling in place. Mold develops quickly in such conditions since organic materials in the area provide a food source.  Our crews set up drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers for some time to remove excess moisture. In case access points limit the possibility of setting up equipment in the affected area, we rely on our training to find other solutions. For example, we can use flex hose as ducts to move air between the confined space and the drying equipment.

Although a flooded basement presents many challenges, SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown can find ways to address the problem, "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 963-8474.

How Much Damage Can a Leaking Pipe Do in Gaithersburg?

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of the level of water damage that is present in your home, you can trust that our team at SERVPRO gets to work fast.

Promptly Addressing Water Damage from a Leaking Pipe in Your Gaithersburg Home is What SERVPRO Does Best!

Even the smallest leak coming from a pipe within your home can send out enough water to cause plenty of damage. There are times when a household develops a slow leak within their plumbing system that begins to seep into the walls, behind cabinets, and other tight areas. The moment that you notice a leak has been dripping and soaking an area, calling in the help of trained water restoration technicians (WRT) is the best way to get the cleanup and repair necessary to return your home to preloss condition.

Why Should I Call SERVPRO for Restoration?
Water damage in Gaithersburg should never be left to chance with a do-it-yourself cleanup job. We have IICRC-certified technicians that come to your home quickly so that we can get started on assessing the water loss.

    •    Our skilled technicians are available for water cleanup and restoration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and always ready to get to work on your schedule!
    •    The Green Fleet arrives at your property with trucks loaded with the latest equipment and products to help us facilitate fast, efficient service for quality results.

After we assess the loss and formulate a plan to address the water from the leaking pipe in your home. We use moisture sensors, and thermal imaging cameras allow us to find hidden pockets of moisture trapped behind baseboards, wall cavities, and cabinets. Our team removes any damaged materials using controlled demolition so that we can restore your home to make it look, “Like it never even happened.”

Regardless of the level of water damage that is present in your home, you can trust that our team at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown gets to work fast. Give us a call at (301) 963-8474 to schedule an emergency service call, and we will deploy a crew as quickly as possible.

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

How Can I Stop Water Damage from Ruining My Gaithersburg Office?

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Give our specialists a call 24/7 at (301) 963-8474, and we make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Water Damage is Best Left to the Professionals – Call SERVPRO to Restore Your Gaithersburg Office

Whether you had a leaky roof during a storm or a pipe burst, an immediate response is necessary to get your commercial space back in order. If you have an office that suffers from water intrusion on any level, you need to act fast to help lessen the damage. While you may think that a wet-dry vacuum and some cleaning supplies will do the trick, this is a situation best left to trained professionals. Our team at SERVPRO not only arrives quickly, but we also have the training and equipment necessary to ensure everything is done right the first time.

How Does Water Damage Restoration Work?
With any water loss, removing the water from the equation helps to decrease the severity and allows our team to concentrate on other things. We arrive quickly to assess your commercial water damage in Gaithersburg so that we can implement necessary restoration steps. We have equipment that allows us to quickly remove vast amounts of water while keeping a steady pace. If the culprit was a burst pipe that put out a lot of high-pressure water over a period of time, we suggest that the water supply gets shut off until we are able to arrive and get to work.

Our Green Fleet
Once you call our team here at SERVPRO, we send out technicians in as little as four hours to get started. When our Green Fleet arrives at your office space, our trucks are loaded with all of the right equipment for water extraction and cleanup of your interior, including:

    •    Extraction Equipment – We have both truck-mounted and portable extraction equipment that allows us to remove water from floors, carpets, and upholstery throughout your office.
    •    Air Moving Equipment – Helps to speed evaporation and drying throughout the structure.
    •    Dehumidification Equipment – Removes water vapor from the air to help speed up the drying process.

Do I Need to Worry About Water Seeping into Other Areas?
Water migration is a common issue that occurs with water damage situations. With a water loss, the moisture likes to move into dry spaces, so our team follows this path of migration to find all water to eliminate it. Any leftover moisture that is left in various cracks or crevices can destroy the building materials as well as pose a potential threat for mold and mildew growth. Depending on the level of destruction, our crew may need to cut holes in the ceilings or walls of your Gaithersburg office to allow for proper drying. We use strategically placed holes or flood cuts along with the placement of air movers and industrial fans to enhance airflow and drying.

How Can You Be Sure No Moisture is Left Behind?
Moisture control and detection is a significant component of our water removal and cleanup process. We take the time to use special equipment that allows us to monitor moisture levels in the air as well as to detect any patches of hidden moisture. Some of the equipment that we have on hand includes:

    •    Moisture Detectors: We have a vast array of moisture detection tools, which includes moisture meters and moisture sensors. They allow us to find any area within the small spaces or your walls where moisture may be lurking.
    •    Inspection Cameras: We have thermal imaging camera technology, including borescopes, which allow for the detection of moisture within walls and other hidden spaces. This technology is ideal for finding moisture without the need for complete removal of wallboards.

I Have a Dehumidifier, Can I Bring it to My Office to Remove Moisture?
At SERVPRO, we have industrial-strength dehumidifiers that allow us to get the job done in a fraction of the time that it would take traditional units. Our skilled technicians also use a unique formula that tells us how many air movers and dehumidifiers should be placed within your building to get the most drying done in a specific timeframe.

    •    Refrigerant dehumidifiers are sometimes used in the beginning phase of a water cleanup job when the humidity levels are high within the structure.
    •    Desiccant dehumidifiers are best used with structure materials that are still fairly wet, but porous materials throughout your office are dry.

Before We Leave, We Clean and Disinfect
For any water damage call in Gaithersburg, professional cleaning agents and disinfectants must be used to help control or inhibit harmful microbial growth. We start by removing moisture with drying procedures, followed by the removal of all contaminated materials. Our team then ensures everything is thoroughly wiped down and cleaned with EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectant.

Whenever you are hit with water damage in your commercial space, you can count on our expert technicians at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Give our specialists a call 24/7 at (301) 963-8474, and we make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

What to Avoid When Dealing With Commercial Water Damage in Gaithersburg

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

If water damaged has affected your commercial space, contact team SERVPRO. Our certified technicians are ready 24/7 to take your call.

We Act Quickly in Gaithersburg When You Require Commercial Water Removal

Any amount of water damage in your commercial space can translate into significant hassles and expensive repairs if not addressed quickly. Waiting too long to have the water and moisture removed means the potential for mold growth that leads to health hazards for your staff and customers. Should the water loss include sewage, then the cleaning event is rated at the biohazard level to deal with potential pathogens and contaminants properly.

When you need commercial water removal in Gaithersburg, you must never rule out the idea that sewage may be a problem. Your janitorial crew does not have the powerful equipment or the right cleaning products to deal with such a situation, so you need to contact our team at SERVPRO. We provide you with industrial-grade solutions and professional equipment used by trained technicians.

Water Extraction

With a commercial water loss event, our technicians have protective gear that includes the use of respirators to ensure no airborne molecules get breathed in. If the bathrooms are impacted in your commercial space, we scope the bathrooms and use extraction pumps to pull out all solid waste and water quickly. A standard measure taken in such a situation is the application of anti-microbial solutions to the water to cut down on the potential hazards in the standing water.

Contaminated Materials

Water loss events often have damaged sheetrock as the water wicks up through the materials. Our SERVPRO technicians make flood cuts above the water line to remove and discard the contaminated pieces. This also allows for the airflow to get into the wall cavities to speed up drying. 

Drying Process

SERVPRO has tried and true methods to speed up the drying process after the extraction phase. We have a unique formula that allows us to determine the right number of air movers and dehumidifiers to place throughout your commercial space. To help capture air particles and to improve upon the air quality in the building, we also commonly run air scrubbers.

Sanitization

In a heavily contaminated water loss situation, we step up the amount of antimicrobial and anti-bacterial agents used to clean and disinfect. This not only ensures that potential hazards from bacteria are eliminated, but it keeps foul odors from developing.

The team at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown is ready to help when you have commercial water removal needs. We can send a team out to make it “Like it never even happened,” when you call us at (301) 963-8474.

Click here for more information about Gaithersburg.

How Fire Damage-Related Odors Are Eliminated in Gaithersburg

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have training in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery & fabric cleaning.

SERVPRO Teams Work Swiftly to Remove Odors and Improve Air Quality in Gaithersburg

Odor-causing particles resulting from fire damage could further harm your home and possessions long after a fire.  They also may have adverse health effects. Fortunately, in Gaithersburg, there are ways to handle these harmful particles.  

House fires are relatively common occurrences.  When they happen, the first concern is to limit and repair obvious structural damage.  Of course, fire damage in Gaithersburg often involves much more than this.  There is usually substantial smoke damage and deposited acidic soot residues that could affect your home long-term.  Associated particles left around your home that produce unpleasant smells could later cause respiratory issues. Over time, these might also impact your interiors.  Acidic soot, if not properly removed from surfaces, could eventually lead to discoloration of materials and corrosion in metals.  

In Gaithersburg, there are several services like SERVPRO that are professionally trained and experienced in handling such fire-related concerns.  They can save you a lot of time and money in the long-run. SERVPRO, for example, has a wide variety of specialized equipment that can quickly eliminate unwanted smells and harmful residues.  Moreover, our technicians are knowledgeable about various cost-effective methods that can mitigate any particular fire damage situation. Within four hours of your call, our experts arrive on-site to fully inspect your home.  We then develop a plan of action specific to the nature of the surfaces and residues involved.

As part of the plan, SERVPRO first removes irreparable odor-causing items and debris.  Our Gaithersburg technicians employ wet or dry cleaning methods, depending on the nature of the surface or material, to remove troublesome smelly residues from structural elements and furnishings.  Next, they work to control odors from hard to remove elements. Generally, this involves either counteracting odors in these things or sealing the smells in. Workers often use foggers to neutralize unwanted smells in these hard to move home elements.  If this is not effective, our technicians usually control these odors by sealing them in with paint.  

The aftereffects of a fire can be troubling and lead to future damage.  While it is stressful to think about these problems, you are better off dealing with them as soon as you can.  If you need help with fire-related cleaning and restoration, call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for assistance.     

Find out more about Gaithersburg.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help keep your home or business clean

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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 Gaithersburg/Germantown 301-963-8474

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

We Act Fast In Gaithersburg After A Water Loss

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We use our infrared cameras which allow for more accurate damage assessment when restoring your home. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

Don’t Let Water Damage Lead to Immense Costs in Your Gaithersburg Home

Once you get hit with a water loss event, all potential hazards must be contained within the home. If you call the experts right away, years of training and all of the right equipment help ensure your home gets back to normal as quickly as possible. The skilled technicians at SERVPRO can be reached if you find yourself in a bind due to water damage. We can send out a team for emergency services 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, to make it “Like it never even happened.”

After you call SERVPRO, a team of skilled technicians comes to your property to assess your water damage in Gaithersburg. We spring into action quickly to ensure that the water does not begin to migrate into other areas of the home. The more that water seeps into other areas, restoration is slowed, and it calls for invasive measures and highly sophisticated equipment. In order to halt water migration, our technicians use light wand extractors as well as powerful air movers, dehumidifiers, and industrial fans. When strategically placed throughout your home, we can facilitate expedited drying due to optimum airflow.

Minding Mold Growth

Water damage incidents always pose a threat in terms of microbe growth. Microbes are living organisms that thrive when the right conditions arise, such as increased moisture in the home after a water damage event. To limit the amount of damage to porous materials throughout your interior, SERVPRO works to thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces with the help of specialized cleaning agents that not only kill bacteria and inhibit mold growth but also halt foul odor development. 

Assessment and Planning

SERVPRO has devised a plan of action with each water damage assessment, allowing us to get to work quickly to help minimize damage. All of our trucks come fully equipped with the pumps, tools, and chemical compounds that we need to remove water, clean up the area, dry everything, and make sure all surfaces are thoroughly disinfected. Once your home is dry and clean, we then use anti-microbial compounds on all of your upholstery and carpeting with misters or pressure sprayers to finish up the project.

There is no water damage incident that we cannot handle at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown. If you need help, put in a phone call to us at (301) 963-8474, and we deploy a team as quickly as possible.

See more about Gaithersburg.

Flood Damage Recovery In Gaithersburg

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

What to Expect from Professional Flood Damage Recovery in Gaithersburg

Flash flood warnings last summer and fall and a major municipal water break make many Gaithersburg residents wary about what spring flooding might bring. Partnering with our highly-qualified crews of flood control specialists makes what could have been a long-standing home disaster into a cleaned, deodorized, and dry return to comfort and security, “Like it never even happened.”

Round the Clock Response
Waiting for regular business hours is not the experience had by our customers. Flood damage in Gaithersburg needs a response as soon as possible, and we answer inquiries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Within hours of the first contact, a project manager and crew arrives in a fully-stocked service vehicle. Securing your structure with board-ups and tarps, if needed, is a priority while the crew chief completes a more in-depth evaluation of the damage. Once safety concerns such as electrical, slip and fall, and contamination hazards are noted and accommodated for, water extraction can commence.

Coping with Category 3 Water
Because of the myriad of toxic and infectious substances floodwaters pick up as they move overland or back up from the sewer system, SERVPRO must be vigilant about containment and legally regulated disposal of the contaminated fluids. We often begin with an overspray of EPA-registered disinfectant to minimize the risk before working hard to capture the tainted water and clean soiled surfaces. To avoid airborne drift of hazardous substances and pathogens, we consider sealing the workspace using heavy-duty plastic, using air scrubbing technology to filter dangerous residues and vent to the outside. Our workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and to prevent tracking biohazards into unaffected areas of your home.

Mapping and Monitoring Moisture
To ensure all excess flood water, both standing and absorbed, is removed from your home, we use moisture detection and metering tools. Thermal imaging uses temperature variation patterns to pinpoint trapped water, and thermo-hygrometers measure ambient temperatures and humidity levels. SERVPRO crews use the data provided by these devices to set and achieve drying goals. Applied structural drying proceeds with our technicians, striking a balance among air movement, temperature, and dehumidification to reduce elevated moisture levels to normal for your home.

Have confidence that the trained and professionally equipped team at SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown can bring your flooded home back to preloss condition. Call (301) 963-8474 to schedule an assessment.

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

Restore Your Fire Damaged Gaithersburg Home

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Once you have successfully extinguished a fire, do not let the aftermath distort your daily life.

Why Trust Experts to Restore Your Gaithersburg Residence After Fire Damage

Most fires happen unexpectedly, and they can ruin a property severely or cause other issues that negatively impact the property owner’s quality of life. Immediately the unfortunate incident is under control; you need to call a restoration firm like SERVPRO that can mitigate fire damage of any size or scope. We respond fast since we understand how devastating the situation can turn out for you.

We have licensed and certified technicians who can handle the fire damage in your Gaithersburg residence to make it “Like it never even happened.” We have decades of experience and training that helps us restore our customers’ properties effectively. Our team of technicians has access to state-of-the-art equipment that helps us handle the restoration process fast and comprehensively.

Once we get to your residence, our team can assess the fire damage. If the firefighters used water to extinguish the fire, our team can use a thermal imaging camera to see how water and moisture traveled. Water reacts fast with smoke and soot. We can use pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove the water and moisture to prevent secondary damage.

Soot removal is another vital step in fire damage restoration. Soot residue is often acidic, and it can destroy metallic items or items with exposed metal components in your property. It is easy to see soot on affected surfaces, but soot particles can get into your HVAC system. The acidic residue can corrode the metallic components inside, and this could cause your HVAC system to fail or become a fire risk. Our team can check your HVAC system and use appropriate cleaning procedures to eliminate soot.

We use unique techniques and products to clean affected surfaces effectively. If the soot ruined fabric surfaces and wool carpeting, our technicians can use a natural fabric brightener that removes oxidized stains produced after water and soot react. The product acts as a bleaching agent and clears the brown color.

Our SERVPRO team can also evaluate your possessions to determine which items are salvageable and which ones are not. We can dispose of the severely damaged items properly. We train our technicians to use various procedures to restore contents made of different materials. For instance, we can use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean delicate items. We place the contents in an ultrasonic tank containing water and the right cleaning solution.

High-frequency sound waves in the tank form millions of bubbles by expanding and compressing molecules of liquid in the tank. The bubbles burst inward or collapse and produce high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid, which remove contaminants from the contents we are cleaning.

Once you have successfully extinguished a fire, do not let the aftermath distort your daily life. Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 for fast and effective fire damage restoration.

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

We Can Restore Commercial Flood Damage In Your Gaithersburg Fitness Center

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

When intense storms damaged a roof at a fitness center, the resulting flood damage left pools of water on the rubberized carpet.

Fitness Center with Commercial Flood Damage in Gaithersburg

Many people make New Year's resolutions to work out and get fit starting in January; however, commercial flood damage can put a halt to those plans and hurt the business of a gym. The goal after any water loss is to restore and reopen as fast as possible.

When intense storms damaged a roof at a Gaithersburg fitness center, the resulting commercial flood damage left pools of water on the rubberized carpet. If there was a positive in the situation, using their moisture detection equipment, SERVPRO techs determined that the floor covering prevented the water from reaching the subfloor and lessened the loss.

Fast Water Extraction
SERVPRO technicians know each water extraction comes with its own unique challenges. In the case of a fitness center, the workout machines get bolted to the floor for safety, and very few are moveable. This is good because their secure placement stops water from running underneath but creates a challenge for working around to ensure all the water gets removed.

Drying Around Equipment
Much like the extraction process, drying requires that the techs ensure each area is dry. In a case where there are immovable items, the techs set up multiple configurations of air movers for complete coverage in tandem with their dehumidification equipment to rapidly lower the moisture. Once the process completes, the techs use their detection equipment to ensure the premises verifies as attaining previously set drying goals.

Odor Control and Sanitizing the Loss Area
There are two things anyone utilizing a gym expects; one is a sanitary establishment and two, a place to work out in that does not have an unpleasant odor. After drying, the techs wipe down the affected area with their exclusive cleaning agents, including deodorizers and antimicrobials. Water can leave behind a musty smell, and SERVPRO techs have multiple applications to eradicate odors.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 is available 24/7 to clean up and restore properties with commercial flood damage and leave the business, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

Winter Storms can Leave Homeowners Dealing with Storm Damage in Gaithersburg

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call us any time at (301) 963-8474. We are always available.

Why You Need Help Fixing Storm Damage In Your Gaithersburg Home  

Storms during the winter bring not only rain but also freezing, damp weather closer to your comfort zone. The wind makes things worse as it lowers the temperature around your Gaithersburg home and whisks warmth off more rapidly than if things were dry. Trees dropping limbs on your roof can let water in, drenching your attic and trickling downward. Debris can clog outside drains and force the water to enter your home.

We want to assure residents in Gaithersburg that while flood damage of any type has serious consequences for residential properties, SERVPRO can handle everything and make things "Like it never even happened." We have the tools to locate unwanted water, extract it, dry content, and get everything clean again for your family. Our building crew can remove any overhead trees and fix your roof. Your family does not need to go through this alone. We can put our experience and expertise to work for your benefit.

The sooner we begin working on your property, the less damage we need to correct. Mitigation stops the spread of contaminated water, decreasing the risk of mold infestations. We use potent antimicrobials that adhere to surfaces to prevent this from developing into a problem later. We make sure that your home holds no known microscopic dangers. 

SERVPRO also gets things cleaned up with the silt and debris often found on floors and pushed into small areas and corners after a flooding event. These items, along with the particles in the water, can make your home's interior smell extremely unpleasant. We can handle this aspect of flood damage, also, making a recovery faster and less costly for you.

Drying out a house after a flood means stringent monitoring must take place. Many of the control panels on our equipment give readings of their performance, and this often includes information that we can use to determine how dry everything is at any given time.

Some of the individual pieces of equipment used during mitigation also have different uses. One example is our InjectiDry systems. They extract water from floors and hollow cavities like underneath cabinets and inside of walls, but we also use it to force air into places that the air currents from our axial fans or air movers can reach. Without these, and our other pieces of equipment, mitigation would not be as successful, and our work would also take longer to finish.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown wants to get your family back in your Montgomery Village, Washington Grove, or Oldetowne Gaithersburg residence as quickly as possible. Call (301) 963-8474 for professional fire damage mitigation, rebuilding, and cleanup.

See more about Gaithersburg.

Fire Damage In Gaithersburg

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Call (301) 963-8474 for a professional evaluation and implementation of industry best practices.

Health And Safety Considerations During The Fire Damage Restoration Process In Gaithersburg

When homeowners try to cope with the mess left after a fire, assessment of safety hazards presented might appear to hinder proceeding directly to cleanup. Our crews must take the time to evaluate and address health and safety concerns before starting emergency services and restoration work. Customers need to understand the purpose of moving this phase to the top of the agenda.

Common Hazards
The fire damage your Gaithersburg home suffered and efforts taken to knock down the fire can expose occupants and restoration technicians to a broad array of hazards. As we assess your home, we are always mindful that every fire damage project is unique. Electrical and other utility line configurations, types of building materials damaged, categories of water and chemicals used to fight the fire, and the discovery of hazardous substances previously present or created by heat and combustion vary from structure to structure. Safety risks we encounter include but are not limited to:
    •    Overhead and underfoot hazards -- partially burned ceilings and floors that threaten collapse
    •    Contaminated fire fighting water
    •    Slip, trip, and fall hazards -- wet floors and debris, some submerged
    •    Electrical shock hazards
    •    Poor lighting and unknown parameters of confined spaces
    •    Severe deterioration of air quality -- the release of airborne particulates known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of heat or combustion
    •    Occupant or bystander safety --  during work activities or any time if the structure remains unsecured

Safety Risk Controls
SERVPRO crews respond by the implementation of controls to prevent workers and inhabitants from suffering injury. Types of controls we put in place include:

Elimination/Substitution -- avoiding the hazard or using safer means.

Example: Shut off the power until water removal and drying completes.

Engineering -- adapting the work environment to eliminate or reduce hazard exposure.

Example: temporary bracing of floors, walls, and ceilings or sealing off building materials that contain lead or asbestos during mitigation and remediation.

Administrative -- training technicians in safety strategies and  scheduling tasks so to limit exposure during task completion.

Example: partitioning and sealing off the affected space while using air scrubbing technology to limit the effects of off-gassing VOCs before SERVPRO crews enter.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Example: outfitting our technicians with barrier-type work clothing and respirators for working in spaces where airborne or contact hazards are present.

Trust that the time taken by SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown to assess and plan for fire damage restoration task hazards improves both the safety and outcome of your project. Call (301) 963-8474 for a professional evaluation and implementation of industry best practices.

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

Our Professionals Can Save Your Gaithersburg Property From Mold

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown Serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Remediating HVAC Mold Damage in Gaithersburg

Business owners all across the United States need to be aware of the effects mold can have on the quality of commercial spaces. Something as simple as delays in a maintenance schedule can lead to eventually having to deal with damages from mold in HVAC systems or elsewhere in your facility. While mold exists in some form in all buildings, remediation is necessary to maximize safety.

If your retail business requires commercial mold damage remediation in Gaithersburg, certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to work with you any time of the day or night to mitigate disaster. Your business might run on a nine-to-five schedule, but disasters do not, so technicians are always available, even during the holidays, to remove mold and restore your business to a pre-mold condition.

How Mold Proliferates in Businesses (And What You Can Do About It)
The most common ways that mold proliferates commercial spaces are through roof leaks, delayed or insufficient maintenance, a lack of ventilation for combustion appliances, and gutters or landscaping that direct water toward your building. There are numerous measures businesses can take to minimize the spread of mold in their buildings, including:

• Being mindful of condensation and wet spots in your building
• Keeping HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed
• Properly venting moisture-generating appliances
• Maintaining 30% to 50% relative humidity in your building
• Performing regular building and HVAC inspections as scheduled

SERVPRO is Here to Help
This experienced team can tackle mold with a variety of methods. Removal techniques largely depend on the surface that the mold is on. Non-porous materials can generally be cleaned with ease. Porous materials, on the other hand, may need to be removed or otherwise discarded with the knowledge and consent of the business. The risk of mold proliferation posed by porous materials like drywall, carpeting, or fabrics is eliminated by removing contaminated materials.

Non-porous materials include glass, metals, and plastics, and can be cleaned to remove mold. Technicians can use HEPA vacuums or OSHA-approved, EPA-registered detergent solutions if dirt and other soils surround the mold. A combination of techniques may also be used. For example, a HEPA vacuum can loosen mold fragments, which can then be removed with agitating tools. Semi-porous materials like wood and concrete can be sanded or cleaned with damp cloths, wire brushes, and other abrasive tools.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown Serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can call (301) 963-8474 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when a disaster occurs in your business.

For more about Gaithersburg click here.

SERVPRO States--Call Us to Your Flood-Filled Gaithersburg Home for Black Water Extraction and Disposal

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

The Right Gear, Transported in SERVPRO Trailers, Means Flood Water Removal in Gaithersburg Homes

Safe Disposal of Black Water from Flood Damage Emergencies for Gaithersburg Residents

Flood Damage Gaithersburg
Water that enters your property as the result of a flood is known as a black water emergency. Blackwater is the highest category of contamination and contains either biohazardous substances or human pathogens. Practicing the correct safety guidelines when dealing with black water is essential to your health. Before beginning work on a black water job you should make a checklist of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE.) These include safety goggles, respirators, as well as chemical resistant gloves and heavy-duty gloves for larger debris, and rubber boots. Regularly wash your hands after using disinfectants and other cleaning material.

While it may seem prudent to handle Flood Damage in your Gaithersburg home, there are several crucial considerations for you to make. Experience in dealing with these situations is essential. You also need to consider how safe it is for you to enter a property as well as potentially harmful chemicals like sewer gases. SERVPRO technicians are trained to conduct a safety inspection known as scoping before beginning any work. These inspection checks include slip & trip hazards, electrical power shortages as well as safe use of potentially dangerous chemicals.

Removing standing water from the home is an emergency service to mitigate loss at the beginning of restoration. Water removal is vital to keeping the expense of your claim down and, once completed, gives you a clearer picture of what is and what is not suitable for restoring. SERVPRO trucks are fitted with mounts to attach powerful extraction equipment. In severe cases, standing water level reduction can be quicker using a submersible gas pump.

The disposal of black water is held to strict state and federal EPA guidelines. When dumping wastewater, there is a risk of contaminating septic tanks, storm drains, as well as natural waterways. SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) filter wastewater while dumping it by fitting the dump hose onto a waste tank filter or a window screen. If there is no access to sanitary sewer lines, we may need to store the contaminated water and dispose of it at a licensed water treatment facility.

Keeping your home and community safe when clearing away black water is a legal and moral requirement and responsibility. If you need help, contact SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474.
 

We Clean Up And Restore Your Germantown Flood Damage

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

We have the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Flood Damage in Germantown Home From Locally Heavy Rains

Among all the types of water damage that hits local homes, flood damage is one of the worst. It does not even have to be deep to leave behind a huge mess to clean up.

Groundwater brings two significant issues with flood damage to Germantown homes. Homeowners do not know what is in the water, and until the rain lets up, they do not know how much is coming into the property.

Fast Action Needed for Water Loss

Extraction is a crucial element in flood cleanup, and SERVPRO technicians begin upon arrival. If the situation has water more than two inches deep, it will not delay removal as the technicians have submersible pumps in their arsenal of specialized water removal equipment.

Equipment Makes the Difference

One of the most significant factors that set SERVPRO technicians apart is their access to specialized extraction and drying equipment. The carpet may be a loss in a groundwater intrusion, but thorough flood damage removal and drying can save the homeowner from having to replace the subfloor.

The drying equipment goes beyond blowing air on wet surfaces. The centrifugal air movers deliver airflow at such a high velocity it causes deeply embedded moisture to rise. At that time, the released moisture gets captured and ported off-site by the dehumidification equipment. This cycle results in progressively drier air circulating and works to rapidly lower indoor humidity and dries the structure and contents effectively.

Ready for Repairs

The technicians remove items that are beyond restoration from water loss and work hard to restore contents for the homeowner to save them the cost of replacement whenever possible. Common actions include the disinfection of the property and proactive treatments to discourage mold growth, such as antimicrobial cleaners and sealants. If the property requires any odor control measures, the technicians ensure any musty water odors are gone before repairs and reconstruction begin.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 cleans up and restores homes with flood damage to make the loss "Like it never even happened."

See more about Germantown.

SERVPRO's Advanced Equipment Provide Maximum Opportunity for Salvaging Soot and Smoke Damaged Belongings for Our Gaithersburg Customers

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

For Delicate or Sooty Fire Damaged Belongings from Your Gaithersburg Home, SERVPRO Provides Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions

How Does Ultrasonic Cleaning Work for Gaithersburg Fire Damaged Contents?

With almost countless tools designed to address specific effects of fire loss incidents in Gaithersburg homes, professional restorers now have a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to get you back into your house quickly after an emergency. With content management being such a vital element of our fire recovery effort, our investments in top-tier restoration equipment for fire-damaged personal belongings that reach our SERVPRO facility help to improve our ability to make fire loss “Like it never even happened.”

Among the advanced tools that we now have in our warehouse for these restoration projects is our ultrasonic tank, which can help to address fire damage to Gaithersburg house contents directly. The submersion tank works to remove set-on soot, smoke, and odor residues from surfaces through the introduction of sound waves. Bubbles generated by these vibrations reach the surface of materials to get cleaned and implode, and the minute pressurized force generated can effectively remove residues. Hard materials like silverware, glass, porcelain, tile, and other like compositions are ideal for these tanks.
 
This immersion technique is the most effective way of applying adequate cleaning solution to damaged wares from your house, as these items become submerged in potent products designed exclusively to aid in clearing surfaces of soot and other residues. Once removed from the solution, the treated items get dried before being stored in the climate-controlled facility awaiting move-back.
 
While it is one of the most effective soot removal practices that our SERVPRO team can implement, it is not without its limitations. Only contents small enough to fit into one of the submersion tanks can benefit from this cleaning. Also, even though the soot might get removed, additional processes like odor removal in our ozone chamber might still be necessary before the item is entirely restored and ready to get returned to your restored house. Though seldom the case, this non-abrasive nor intrusive treatment is ideal for delicate and intricate items and collectibles.
 
There are many advanced tools and machines available to our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team that can help to protect and recover fire-damaged personal belongings after a disaster. We are here to help. Give us a call anytime at (301) 963-8474.

Why Gaithersburg Locals Choose SERVPRO for Their Restoration Services

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

You won’t be sorry you let us help for any of your disasters in Gaithersburg.

Let us show you all of our Why you should choose SERVPRO for any restoration issue in Gaithersburg.

Accidents, appliance failures, and bad weather all contribute to different types of damage for Gaithersburg property owners. No matter if the residence receives fire damage, water loss, flooding, or has a mold infestation, it is vital to engage a professional restoration services company. Failing to do so leaves the property open for additional damages from secondary issues. 

Why SERVPRO?

When damage threatens your property and contents, it is vital to work with a company that understands, some items may have no dollar value, but the sentimental value is priceless. SERVPRO technicians bring not only extensive training to each job site but also compassion for the people they help through their knowledge of the restoration sciences for limiting loss every single day. 

Fast Water Cleanup is Crucial

When a bathtub overflows, toilet backs up, or the washing machine decides to drain water on the floor rather than the drain in a Gaithersburg home, the timer starts ticking for unrecoverable water damage to the structure. SERVPRO technicians arrive within an hour of the initial call and bring every single piece of equipment they require for the job on their green service vans. 

The complete extraction of water is crucial to complete drying, and they have numerous special attachments such as weighted extractor heads to pull deeply embedded water out of pile carpeting or other types of equipment designed to assist in water removal from upholstered furniture. As long as the water loss has not remained untouched for more than 24-hours, the highest restoration potential remains. After that time frame passes, less and less of the contents in the home have the possibility of recovery through drying and cleaning. 

Return from Fire Damage

When a property burns, the fire damage left behind in each Gaithersburg home is unique. There may be accompanying water damage, smoke odors, and numerous structural issues to address. SERVPRO technicians immediately scope the structure to ascertain safety issues, where mitigation needs to start and if there is water loss to handle. Another common action is the establishment of a security fence around the worksite to protect the property and contents from any intruders during the fire loss cleanup. 

The cleanup of smoke residue requires testing and knowledge or more damage to the structure has the potential to occur from incorrect cleaning methods. For example, dry smoke is a fine, powdery substance that lightly sits on surfaces. Technicians learn in their extensive training that this type of smoke residue does not react well to liquids, and this has the possibility of driving it deeper into surfaces. Instead, the technicians know the correct dry cleaning methods involve picking it up and moving the mitigation process forward. 

Odor removal is a large part of fire damage restoration. Technicians have a diverse selection of equipment and applications to neutralize residual smoke odors left by the fire. For light scents, time-release gel pellets may prove to be enough. More pungent odors may require the use of equipment such as hydroxyl generators that work as a neutralizing agent against airborne particulate matter. Another frequently used solvent-based method is thermal fogging, which also neutralizes odors at the molecular level, never to return. 

Storm Damage and Flooding 

Storm and flood damage in Gaithersburg homes receives handing from SERVPRO technicians much in the same manner as water damage resulting from a suddenly broken supply line, with one caveat, when it is groundwater, it is contaminated. 

When a tree limb falls on a roof or hail breaks a window and rainwater enters the property, that is still "clean" water, and it poses no real health issues as long as the cleanup begins within 24-hours. As water remains standing within a property, even clean water degrades and after 48-hours, requires handling as a class-three biohazard the same as groundwater.

Even a small amount of floodwater entering a home wicks rapidly into sheetrock, and it requires removal as it is absorbed and immediately begins weakening building materials. Damaged sheetrock buckles and warps and has no restoration potential. SERVPRO technicians learn controlled demolition techniques as part of their certification and skillfully perform flood cuts to save as much of the sheetrock as possible by removing only the damaged portions and halting any further absorption of the water.

Disinfection and the application of antimicrobial products are a standard part of flood damage mitigation. Technicians ensure that the property is sanitized and ready for any reconstruction that needs to occur.

Technicians perform any temporary repairs needed such as tarping over holes in a roof or boarding up windows. Afterward, homeowners receive a list of the actions taken for both restoration services as well as repairs necessary to return the home to its pre-flood condition. 

Mold Remediation

Mold damage sometimes accompanies water and fire loss in Gaithersburg homes. Unlike those types of home disasters, mold infestations are often a symptom of another issue. When SERVPRO technicians scope a home for potential mold, they look for musty odors, water spots and collections of excessive moisture within wall cavities and under flooring. Poor ventilation is another common reason for mold growth in attics. Technicians diagnose both the locations of mold colonies and the cause for their establishment in the home. 

Technicians are very cautious during mold remediation about the potential for cross-contamination, and containment is a standard action. Using a simple barrier or more intensive negative air chamber setups to ensure airborne mold spores do not travel to any other part of the home. 

Careful drying and lowering of the ambient humidity cause the existing colonies to dry in place. Technicians carefully remove by gently hand-scraping or when infestations prove challenging to remove, they use methods such as soda blasting, a light abrasive that does not mar surfaces, making it ideal for wood or brick. 

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474 is ready to assist property owners 24/7 with any needed restoration services. The knowledgeable technicians have training and certification in water damage, fire damage, storm damage, and mold remediation to make the loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about Gaithersburg, click here.

SERVPRO Can Mitigate the Storm Loss to Your Property with Rapid Cleanup and Restoration Services

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

This Germantown House Will Start Smiling When SERVPRO Arrives for Floodwater Removal and Restoration

Why Hire Professionals to Handle Flood Damage in Your Germantown

No homeowner wants to deal with flood damage, but the inevitable can happen. A substantial and slow-moving rainstorm can dump multiple inches of rain in your area and turn streams into raging rivers and roads into streams. If this water finds its way into your residence, it can destroy building materials and contents.

Dealing immediately with flood damage in your Germantown home is crucial. However, it is difficult to do so on your own. Therefore, you should seek professional help. A remediation company like SERVPRO can help you clean up, dry, and disinfect your property. You can gain the following benefits after hiring our technicians:

Immediate action
It is essential to act when dealing with water damage quickly. If you do not take immediate action, the water can penetrate deeper into the walls, floors, and furnishings, causing more damage. Our crew can take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage.

Professional advice
Our crew can inspect the flooded areas properly and advise you where restoration is needed. We can tell you which items are salvageable and which ones are not. Our technicians can also inform you how easy or difficult it is to remove moisture from a material based on how the moisture is contained within it. We describe moisture in materials in three forms.

* Surface water – This is the liquid moisture on the surface of a material. We deal with surface water first during the drying process. We can extract it, pump it out, or wipe it out.
 * Free water – This is the liquid moisture a material has absorbed, either through exposure to humid air or through contact with the water. Free water starts to evaporate when restorers direct airflow across wet surfaces.
 * Bound water – This is the moisture that a material such as wood has absorbed and is now bound in within its cells. It takes longer for absorbed water to evaporate when compared to free or surface water. We can increase the rate of evaporating bound water by heating the damp material if desired. In the case of hardwood floorboards, it is often a slower moisture extraction that does not splinter and ruin the wood.

We use the right equipment
We have several advanced water restoration equipment and products at our disposal. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians can use thermal imaging cameras to detect water intrusion without removing building materials like drywall. With the help of such cameras, assessments are precise, and repairs are less costly and take less time. We also have different types of pumps, deep extraction tools, air movers, and dehumidifiers that can remove all the water and moisture from the affected areas. Advanced equipment like drying mats and injectidry systems can salvage many materials and limit losses.

If you are dealing with a flood damage disaster, you can trust SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown to restore your home to a preloss state. Contact us at (301) 963-8474 for a fast and smooth recovery. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Residential Floors, Evaluation and Restoration by SERVPRO, Can Vary from Home to Home and Event to Flood-Damaging Event

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has the Green Fleet, Trained Personnel, and Equipment to Restore Homes in Gaithersburg After Storms, Even Hurricanes

How SERVPRO Handles Flood Damage to Different Kinds of Flooring

When flood damage happens, flooring bears the brunt of the accident. Even a small amount of groundwater that enters the home has the potential to spread into carpet, padding and into the subfloor.

Flood damage in a Gaithersburg home requires a quick turnaround. Every minute the water remains in the house, it increases the amount of loss and lessens the chances for restoration.

Thorough Extraction Lessens Drying Time
When SERVPRO technicians handle flood damage, they use different methods to prep the flooring and room for drying depending on the surface or materials affected. Evaporation is one technique, and the other is the extraction of excess water.

Types of Extraction Used
The most common method utilized by SERVPRO technicians during groundwater cleanup is wet vacuuming using the power of a truck-mounted unit. This type of extraction technique gives techs the ability to remove copious amounts of water efficiently due to the lift of the vacuum function pulling moisture up and out of flooring. If the water in the property is more than two-inches in-depth, pumping is usually the removal option of choice.

Carpet Removal
Groundwater renders both carpet and padding unrestorable due to its unsanitary nature. However, even lightly saturated carpet is extremely heavy and has the potential to cause injury from the wet. SERVPRO technicians extract and dispose of the water, so the carpet is lighter and easier to handle for removal and discarding.

Hardwood Flooring Extraction
 It is vital to remove the water to dry hardwood floorboards thoroughly. Due to the porous nature of wood, this often presents a challenge for SERVPRO technicians. Along with using a portable pump or truck-mounted unit for a maximum pull of the embedded moisture, sometimes a drying mat is also set up to force warm, dry air into the boards to dry them even faster. In instances where a large area of flooring has effects of water damage, the application of several drying mats is commonplace. These can be daisy-chained with vacuums or set up with injectidry systems for maximum water and moisture extraction.

When flood damage occurs, homeowners need a fast response. Call SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown at (301) 963-8474, and our technicians arrive within four hours after the call because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Our Technicians Will Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Gaithersburg

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Whenever disaster strikes, let our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team show you that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Content Management Solutions For Fires In Gaithersburg

Keepsakes, heirlooms, possessions, and belongings all make up the contents of your Gaithersburg home. Each can hold a place of regard with homeowners as something that they have purchased or acquired through the years. In many ways, the items within a house are more important than the home itself according to its owners. That is why our crew of professionals has a division of technicians devoted exclusively to protecting your possessions from the harmful effects of fires and other disasters.

Acquiring the services of our experienced content management division can help to address multiple aspects of fire damage in Gaithersburg homes. Our SERVPRO professionals understand the finite amount of time before affected furniture and other items become too severely and profoundly damaged to restore with our methods. As a leading name in fire recovery throughout Montgomery County, our team has decades of experience to lend to our customers in their time of need.

Content management begins with the assessment of your property once our professionals first arrive at the house. Items get earmarked to get removed from the home to allow for better protection from the spreading fire effects or to give them focused cleaning and deodorization attention. Whatever the reason, our technicians carefully package each item to protect it in transit to whichever of our three facilities within Frederick and Montgomery Counties is the closest. Once it arrives, we can address each concern to ultimately make these fire effects “Like it never even happened.”

Soot cleaning is a considerable step to restoring the look and function of items removed from a damaged home. Our SERVPRO team has multiple strategies for cleaning damaged belongings affected by these carcinogens, and a leading approach is our ultrasonic submersion tank. A combination of vibration and microscopic bubbles can restore many contents of your property, including silverware, dishes, porcelain, glassware, and more.

Keeping track of your items throughout their recovery and even their storage in one of our facilities provides peace of mind to our customers. We give each box of your belongings a unique QR code, allowing us to quickly identify where individual items are upon a customer’s request, and allow them access to these items whenever they might need it.

Pack-outs and content management are a considerable element to our respected fire recovery efforts. Whenever disaster strikes, let our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team show you that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Give us a call at (301) 963-8474.

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How Our Technicians Will Save Your Gaithersburg Home After A Fire Incident 

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

After fire damage you need help getting your apartment back on track. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

A Candle Left Alone in Your Gaithersburg Apartment Can Cause Fire Damage

Fire damage becomes more likely in a small living space, such as an apartment, than it does in a larger home. In your apartment, in particular, you used candles very often for aromatherapy, to erase the stress of a long day at work. Using candles isn't a problem, so long as you always keep fire safety in mind when it comes to your home. 

Unfortunately, in your case, the fire damage in your Gaithersburg apartment was caused by a lapse in fire safety. You placed a candle on the edge of your bookshelf and then laid down on the couch to read a book. While reading, you fell asleep and left the candle to its own devices. You woke up from your nap to the smell of smoke and saw that the candle had caused a fire to break out on the bookshelf. The fire ate through a row of books and was beginning to burn the bottom of the shelf above. Acting quickly, you used an extinguisher to put the fire out, but there was a noticeable odor left behind and scorch marks on the shelf. 

Even if the fire damage left behind was relatively small, that doesn't mean that you cannot reach out for professional help. Here at SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we are happy to work with you during your time of need. Our fire damage restoration technicians (FDRT) are certified by the Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC.) Going through the course, and all of the training scenarios associated with it, means that our technicians are ready for anything. 

When SERVPRO arrives at your apartment, we can start with a brief investigation. After factoring in all of the details, we can create a remediation plan. We can start with setting up an air scrubber outfitted with a carbon filter, to remove the odor left by the fire as we work. From there, SERVPRO can use a specially formulated lubricative cleaning solution, designed to gently lift soot and staining from the surface of your shelf. Once we finish, and return your living room to its preloss state, our technicians hope to leave you feeling, "Like it never even happened." 

If you need cleanup and remediation assistance, large or small, get help immediately. Reach out to SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown by phoning (301) 963-8474. Night or day, we keep the damage away.  

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Our Fire Damage Professionals Will Save Your Gaithersburg Diner!

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

When your diner sustains fire damage, call us, SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown, at (301) 963-8474.

Mitigation And Restoration Of The Mess When Commercial Fire Damage Takes Out Your Gaithersburg Diner

Kitchen fires often spread quickly, moving from the stove to cabinets and food products, and soon begins affecting non-cooking areas with flames, heat, and smoke. The smoke coming from burning food quickly spreads a heavy, greasy, foul-smelling smoke into dining areas, offices, adjoining bars, and restrooms. The odor produced by the smoke deposits becomes more than a detrimental nuisance, as soot contains many substances that can cause unwanted health effects. Restoring your Gaithersburg diner requires considering all these and other factors.

Helping business owners like those in Gaithersburg after commercial fire damage destroys all of part of their property keeps our community thriving. SERVPRO technicians gain extensive experience on top of the work they earn recognition from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, including restaurants, medical and dental clinics, housing complexes, and many other situations.

When your diner has problems with fire-related odors, water, and destruction, we know how to get things normalized again and fast. To get rid of of the majority of the odors that detract from your fantastic menu items, we perform a deep cleaning of surfaces covered in smoke residue. Removing the soot leaves surfaces clean and ready for your staff when you re-open.

Sometimes, materials get destroyed in a fire, so we remove anything that falls into this category. This helps reduce the source of odors even more. Smoke particles that found their way into deep grooves (like you might find in the sliding mechanism of shelving units and drawers), carpets, interior spaces of your diner's walls and ceiling, and also your ventilation system become the source of highly unpleasant scents. Our building services department is on call, just as our mitigation team, to help out in these areas.

Once mitigation and restoration work concludes, we ask for your opinion on odors that you feel might bother your employees or patrons. We use different methods to bring this facet of your diner up to your expectations. Even though we use air scrubbers during the initial phases of restoration, particles continually disintegrate and float back into the air.

Using some of these methods, like thermal fogging, combats odors at their source. When carpeting seems hit especially hard by smoke odors, we use cleaning, followed by gels injected directly into the padding so more pleasant odors waft through your establishment.

When your diner sustains fire damage, call us, SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown, at (301) 963-8474. Our coverage area includes Montgomery Village, Washington Grove, and Laytonsville.

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Gaithersburg Trauma Scene Cleanup--SERVPRO Does It Right

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Gaithersburg Area Commercial Shops Rely on SERVPRO for Biohazardous Recovery Services

Our Fast Response to Biohazard Trauma in a Gaithersburg Grocery Store

Recently, our professionals were called to help clean and restore a Gaithersburg area grocery store contending with the damaging and stressful effects of a personal trauma. The call came in sometime in the night, and to meet the request of our client to reopen the business the following morning, our team worked tirelessly to restore and clean the damaged property thoroughly. In these situations, owners need assurance that their business does not have to stay closed for long, and that experienced professionals trained by both the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can help.

Cleaning biohazard traumas in Gaithersburg businesses requires implementing every facet of the extensive training and experience that our SERVPRO professionals have for this niche of the industry. We undergo OSHA training to prevent the spread and harmful effects of bloodborne pathogens as well as thorough cleaning practices to ensure that 100% of the damage, including odors, get entirely addressed. Per the request, we got the grocery store back up and running the following day, “Like it never even happened.”

We know in these traumatic situations, much like this grocery store, your mind is with the recovery of your property and the effect that traumas can have on your staff and customers. We are empathetic and understand the need to proceed unobtrusively. Law enforcement also must secure the scene and require working technicians to follow strict safety procedures, and specific guidelines and protocols to not compromise the active investigation. Our SERVPRO team can help both our customers and law enforcement with our detail-oriented approach to recovery.

With a focus of remediation and cleaning, we could isolate the damaged areas and work to restore these spaces quickly. From the OSHA-approved cleansers, biocides, and disinfecting agents among the products that we use, we can clean surfaces, materials, and other damaged areas. We do not leave the premises until all is clean and fresh smelling. Our skilled crew can don full PPE personal protective equipment from boots to googles, and hardhat to follow minimum risk protocols.

You can never account for specific traumas and other bio-threats that can compromise your business. While home and business owners can work to fix many emergencies on their own, biohazards can be threatening to inexperienced and unprepared individuals. Let our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team help you. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call today at (301) 963-8474.

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Why Training is Important for Water Damage Restoration Professionals in Gaithersburg

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to dry your home quickly. Call us today!

The Training of Our Water Restorers for Gaithersburg Homes 

Effective cleanup and restoration of your Gaithersburg home after substantial water loss incidents can often be more problematic to secure than you might think. You cannot trust just anyone to this task, as you want technicians with extensive experience and training in water restoration and recovery. Our professionals have some of the most rigorous continuing education programs for being knowledgeable assets to the restoration industry. 

We understand how valuable it is to have experienced professionals respond quickly to your home when you need water removal and recovery solutions in Gaithersburg. Substantial water loss incidents can spread effects throughout the property, allowing for a considerable volume of saturated structural elements, construction materials, and exposed contents. 

Knowing how to address each of these concerns is a trait that homeowners should look for in a restoration team. Our SERVPRO professionals have an intricate training process and continued educational programs to ensure that we are among the most experienced and knowledgeable water restoration specialists in the region. 

Each of our SERVPRO technicians on the water restoration and recovery team must obtain certification through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). At a minimum, these professionals must become certified Water Restoration Technicians (WRT), though many also obtain secondary accreditations in Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and even related niches such as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT). 

Continued education is a big part of our preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Through in-house training opportunities and online coursework, we can stay up to date with the most current extraction and drying approaches to make our efforts more efficient and less expensive for our customers. Additionally, we study the use of the latest technologies and equipment for water restoration to ensure that we always have industry-leading tools to get the job done quickly. 

You cannot predict when water loss incidents might occur in your home, but you do have a choice as to what team can help you to restore these effects. You can count on the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown team. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (301) 963-8474. 

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After A Fire In Your Gaithersburg Home, You Need To Be Concerned About Indoor Air Quality!

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Whenever disaster strikes, you can reach our qualified professionals 24/7 at (301) 963-8474.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns After Fires In Gaithersburg Homes

There are legitimate concerns for the safety and wellbeing of those living in your Gaithersburg home after a fire. Even apart from structural damage that could exist, some of the most detrimental effects for homeowners and their families is contaminants, debris, and other particulates in the air. Addressing these effects must happen quickly, and is often a part of the mitigation work that begins as soon as our professionals first arrive at your damaged address.

Fire damage in your Gaithersburg residence might exist in many forms after an incident, but our SERVPRO team of professionals must work to overcome the most hazardous of these conditions before anything else. While structural compromise can open the door to other damages and effects to damage your property, indoor air quality concerns can provide immediate health concerns for those exposed without the appropriate personal protective equipment.

We can set up machines to help with these damages as soon as our team first arrives at your home. While some of our professionals work towards moving fire debris and starting controlled demolition, others are working to both reduce the created dust and to eliminate particulates and contaminants that already existed in the environment after the fire loss incident. Some of the best machines for this task are the air scrubbers, hydroxyl generators, and ozone machines. All of these options have onboard HEPA filters to trap contaminants, debris, and other particulates as small as 0.3 microns.

Odors can also prove hazardous to those exposed, but more often, they threaten comfortable living when a family does not require relocation after a small fire. Many of these same machines our SERVPRO team uses to address air quality concerns can also help to reduce the strength and presence of harsh smoke odors after a fire as well.

Indoor air quality concerns can prove hazardous to the health of homeowners and their families without the appropriate preventative actions taken by our SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown professionals. Whenever disaster strikes, you can reach our qualified professionals 24/7 at (301) 963-8474.

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Don’t Tackle Water Damage Remediation Alone in Your Gaithersburg Home

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage starts out small before becoming a large problem. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Water Damage to Full Restoration: Why SERVPRO is the Only Choice in Gaithersburg

After a water loss disrupts your life in Gaithersburg, the last thing needed is to change horses in midstream. Many disaster remediation companies commit only to water removal and drying of a property. Homeowners are on their own when the time comes to replace and repair structural components damaged by moisture or the remediation efforts. Our decision to provide our customers with rebuilding services is an important reason why we are a local restoration leader.

Cleanup after water damage in Gaithersburg can be complicated. Water tends to migrate far from the source of the break or leak. It absorbs quickly into porous building materials like drywall, ceiling tiles, hardwood, and insulation. As it wicks into the structural components, it might disappear from view, but it continues to promote deterioration. The risk of secondary damage including  mold growth increases. Hidden moisture must not be ignored, and our proven ability to locate and eradicate pockets of water is why we need to be your partner.

Finding and drying out wet building cavities is a vital part of any remediation efforts. To do so efficiently often requires controlled demolition. Our willingness to create flood cuts, careful removal of wall sections a foot or so above the water damage line gives our technicians access to the pooled water behind walls and supports better airflow when we move to applied structural drying. Our rebuilding capability explains why SERVPRO is comfortable with seemingly bold strategies during water removal and drying.

Our technicians are masters of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses that form the knowledge base for the water remediation industry. The construction and rebuilding skills we bring to a project are why SERVPRO can push the boundaries to achieve complete water removal and thorough cavity drying.

As you consider the beginning and the end of a water damage restoration project, it is clear why SERVPRO made a strong rebuilding division a priority. Our customers want the best outcomes, which must include cautious demolition to release water and give access for drying. Hiring a different contractor to repair and replace the materials removed is a daunting prospect. Working with us from the initial assessment of the water emergency until the finishing touches after rebuilding truly make it “Like it never even happened.”

Trust SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown to work by your side from your initial call for help until the complete restoration of your water damaged home. Contact us for an assessment at (301) 963-8474.

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Flood Damage Remediation Your Key To Success

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage can lead to mold and other issues. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation needs.

Start to Finish -- Flood Damage Restoration in Gaithersburg

Heavy rains in Gaithersburg can cause flash flooding headaches for upcounty residents. When several inches of water fall during a short time, storm drainage systems become overwhelmed, and the soil becomes saturated. These circumstances can force water into the lower levels of your home, exposing your home’s structure to deterioration and the risk of microbial infestation from the contaminated fluids.

To assure that our crews respond efficiently to Gaithersburg flood damage we use advanced technology like thermal imaging and moisture meters as we assess and plan the remediation. These tools permit the discovery of pockets of water that migrated behind, above, and below structural components. Leaving moisture behind during remediation risks secondary damage like mold growth and persistent resaturation of walls, ceilings, and floors.

SERVPRO employs limited and controlled demolition to expose the trapped moisture. Flood water is typically considered highly contaminated Category Three, black water. We tear out porous materials like drywall and insulation to prevent microbial growth. Flood cuts extending 12 to 18 inches above where the wetness stops permit access to the cavities behind the damaged drywall. We pull the insulation and remove the trapped water.

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians use pumps and wanded extractors to evacuate standing water, containing it for appropriate disposal. SERVPRO employees use cleaning tools and products clear away residues from the dirty water, and EPA-registered disinfectants sanitize the areas. Opening a portion of the wall increases the speed and efficacy of applied drying equipment like air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers.   

Once the flood-damaged space is cleaned, disinfected, and dry, our SERVPRO team offers rebuilding services. We are proud to take a flooding disaster from chaos to “Like it never even happened.” Our rebuilding contracting crews restore the areas where we removed structural materials to expedite water removal and drying. Professional insulation and drywall installation followed by finishing touches mean our customers enjoy a streamlined process from a wet mess to a completely restored home.

SERVPRO of Gaithersburg / Germantown is prepared for all aspects of flood damage restoration in Montgomery County. Call us at (301) 963-8474 for a comprehensive evaluation of what your property needs to return to preloss condition.

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