Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

For Immediate Service, Call SERVPRO

1/31/2024 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (540)423-6688

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

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

Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Does Your Restoration Company Use These Five Advanced Technologies?

1/24/2024 (Permalink)

Disasters have a devastating impact. Luckily, advanced technology has made it possible to effectively and efficiently clean and restore buildings after these events.

It's essential to make sure that the specialist you’re counting on is up to date with all of the latest technology and knows how to properly handle and deploy advanced equipment—helping you to get back to business. At SERVPRO Culpeper & Fauquier, we're proud to provide our clients with innovative solutions in these four key areas.

Moisture detection and measurement equipment. After a flood, detecting and measuring the moisture levels is crucial to determine the extent of the damage and create a plan for drying and restoration. Moisture meters and infrared cameras quickly and accurately identify areas of high moisture content, while thermal hygrometers measure the humidity in the air and help to determine the best drying methods.
Water extraction equipment. It is important to remove any standing water from a disaster as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. This can be accomplished with pumps and vacuums paired with more specialized equipment like Injector dry systems that extract water from hard-to-reach places such as walls and floors.
Drying equipment. Once the water has been extracted, the affected areas must be dried to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microbes. Air movers and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and surfaces while drying systems like drying chambers and drying mats can be used to dry hard-to-reach areas.
Odor removal and deodorization. Floods and other disasters often leave behind unpleasant odors that can be difficult to remove. Advanced technology like ozone generators and hydroxyl generators eliminate odors from the air, while specialized deodorization products clean odors from surfaces and materials.
Sanitizing agents, germicides, and anti-microbial treatments. Affected areas must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Ultraviolet light disinfection systems kill bacteria and other harmful microbes. Specialized cleaning products and techniques also help to remove contaminants and prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

At SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier, we take pride in staying on top of industry standards—upgrading equipment whenever necessary and ensuring that we’re ready and prepared to meet your needs quickly—no matter how big or small they may be.

Let's talk about why we should be #1 on your emergency contact list.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

1/24/2024 (Permalink)

When you experience fire or water damage in your home or business, our local Culpeper & Fauquier team is Here to Help. ® Fast mitigation is key to minimizing the potential for secondary damage and more time-consuming and costly repairs. Our teams are on call 24 hours a day to respond to property damage emergencies. We follow the one-four-eight-hour rule as follows:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Disasters can be stressful and chaotic, and everyone in the household will be affected. We treat everyone with empathy and respect and will take special care of your belongings and property. We have established relationships with all major insurance companies and can assist with the paperwork and process. You can rely on us to be with you every step of the way until we restore the damage to preloss conditions.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a disaster may strike, but if your home or business has fire or water damage, our local team in Culpeper & Fauquier will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 540-423-6688.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Holiday Safety Tips

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

During the fall holidays, there are many things to be excited for: spending time with family and friends, honoring traditions (or starting new ones), and preparing food. Review the following safety tips to help make your holiday a safer one!

Safe Cooking Practices

Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter, to prevent bacteria growth. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw turkey and it's juices away from other foods.

Child and Pet Safety

Keep children and pets away from the cooking area to prevent accidents and burns. Secure cords from appliances to prevent tripping hazards.

Deep Fryer Safety

If using a turkey fryer, do so outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials. Thoroughly dry the turkey before lowering it into the hot oil to prevent splattering.

Travel Safety

If traveling, ensure your vehicle is properly maintained before hitting the road. Check weather and road conditions in advance and drive cautiously.

Fall Water Damage Prevention Tips

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

As the vibrant hues of fall begin to grace our landscapes, it's also the time to prepare our homes for the challenges that the fall season can bring. One of the most pressing concerns during this transitional period is the potential for water damage. The combination of falling leaves, heavy rains, and fluctuating temperatures can create the perfect conditions for water infiltration into your home.

To help navigate this season with confidence, we've compiled a comprehensive list of water damage prevention tips. From safeguarding your roof to fortifying your basement, these strategies will empower you to protect your home and enjoy the beauty of autumn without worrying about its potential pitfalls.

Leaves and Debris

Falling leaves can accumulate into your gutters and downspouts, causing blockages. When heavy rain comes, water can overflow and seep into your home's foundation or walls. So, before those leaves really start to fall, it's important to make sure that your gutters are cleaned out from any debris. Once the leaves do start to come down like a bad leafy storm, it's crucial to continue to check the gutters throughout the fall season.

Heavy Rainfall

Fall often brings an increase in rainfall, and it's of course known as hurricane season, which can lead to flooding - especially if your home is in a low-lying area or lacks proper drainage. If you've lived in an area where you see a lot of rainfall during this season for a while now, you probably know when it's time to prepare your home for hurricanes and bad rain storms.

These preparations include boarding windows if the storm coming is a bad one, checking all of your window and door seals so water cannot come through, and if there is a chance for flooding, prepare the outside of your home with sandbags to help deter the water away from the foundation of your home.

Freezing and Thawing

Living on the east coast, we all know too well about the fluctuating temperatures in the fall. Water can seep into cracks and crevices and freeze and expand, causing structural damage. It's important to pay attention to the weather changes so this doesn't affect your home or business.

Roof Damage

Strong winds and storms in the fall can damage shingles or other roofing materials, creating vulnerabilities for water to enter your home. If you suspect any kind of roof damage after a storm, contact a professional restoration company immediately so they can check for water damage and any mold growth that may have started.

Mold Growth

Speaking of mold, if water damage is not restored in a timely fashion, there's a huge risk of mold that can develop in your home. Not only is this unhealthy for the structure of your house, but for those living inside of it. If you suspect any mold or have water damage, please call SERVPRO or a restoration specialist to assist. They'll be able to detect moisture and mitigate any existing water as well as locate and remediate mold.

Properly Sealed Windows and Doors

As mentioned before, it's important that you properly seal the windows and doors of your house or business. This ensures that water cannot sneak into the building, helping prevent water damage. If they are not properly sealed, water can get in and damage floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, and more.

Types of Water Damage

We use a rating system to decipher whether the water that is in your house is clean or contaminated. How we do this is by breaking it down by clean water, gray water, or black water. Now, this rating system has nothing to do with the actual color of the water, this just gives us an idea of the steps we need to take during the restoration process.

So, clean water is basically just from a broken appliance, faulty sprinklers, burst pipe, or rain water. Although this type of water damage isn't dangerous, if it's not treated correctly, mold could develop from excess water - causing it to become a danger.

Gray water damage is considered unsanitary due to the source or the amount of time it has been stagnant. This standing water is usually caused by a broken toilet, washing machine, or anything that could leak hazardous material.

Black water damage is the most hazardous. It comes from natural disasters or sewage problems. This water is considered to be very contaminated, so do not touch or go near it. A professional will come out and mitigate this water for you.

Why Prepare Your Home?

Preparing your home for water damage is a of paramount importance, as the consequences of water infiltration can be both financially burdensome and emotionally taxing. Water damage has the potential to wreak havoc on your property, leading to structural deterioration, mold growth, and the loss of valuable possessions.

The disruption and upheaval caused by water-related emergencies can be emotionally distressing and highly inconvenient. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your home against water damage, you not only protect your investment but also provide peace of mind, ensuring that your home remains a safe and comfortable haven for you and your family. Prevention is not only cost-effective, but also a wise and responsible approach to maintaining the integrity and value of your property.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. Check out our process by reading the list below:

Step 1: Emergency Contact - The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Water Damage Assessment - We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction - The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mildew.
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification - We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing - We clean all the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 6: Restoration - Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Culpeper & Fauquier Proudly Wear PPE

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, helmets, googles, or any other garment or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from an injury or infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include and are not limited to physical, electrical, heat, chemicals, biohazard and airborne particulate matter.

Most common types of PPE:

Latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves
Goggles
CPR mouth barriers
Aprons
Full protective suits
Respirators
Waterproof boots

PPE Rules to Remember:

ALWAYS check PPE for defects or tears before using.
If PPE is torn or defective, replace it for a new one immediately.
Remove PPE BEFORE leaving a contaminated area.
Do not reuse disposable equipment!

Culpeper & Fauquier Counties - Board Up Services

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties provides 24 hour, 365 day a year emergency board-up services for any residential or commercial location in the Culpeper & Fauquier area. Whether you experience vandalism, storm damage, a fire, or another unexpected disaster, you want to restore your property to its normal state as soon as it can be done. Boarding-up incorrectly can cause additional moisture damage, making the situation even worse. We have Contractors standing by and ready to assist in any emergency event. We can provide you with one-stop shopping. Leave the inconvenience of board-ups to the professionals at SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us at 540-423-6688 to ensure no further damage occurs to the structure or its contents.

Water Damage to Wood Floors

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals is always making sure to inspect spaces carefully for water damage. While some signs of water damage can go unseen, one indicator of damage is cupping or warping on a wood floor.

Cupping is when the floorboards create a concave shape with higher sides than the center. Cupping can occur when the underside of the boards gain moisture.

Warping is more severe than cupping because it involves the floor buckling or popping off of the subfloor. Water vapors can cause this to happen.

A problem that can stem from neglecting floors with moisture is the possibility of microbial growth. If this continues without proper restoration, it could potentially permanently damage your floor.

When Pack Out Services Are Needed

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

In servicing our community, we have come across losses of all sizes. There unfortunately have been cases where areas of a home are so heavily affected that thorough steps are needed to fulfill proper restoration including packing out rooms or an entire residence. Why does this happen and what can this mean for you and your family?

Reasons for Packing services

Each project we restore is evaluated on a case by case basis but the following are guidelines we employ to ensure the health, safety and proper restoration of every project. First, a source of loss may be considered Category 3 where all affected materials (touched by the source of loss) need to be removed. Another scenario often occurs when a home is built before 1985 and tests positive for lead and asbestos. Per industry standards affected materials with lead and asbestos require a very specific procedure for removal. These are two common scenarios that require access to all affected materials which may run behind, under, in between and/or above personal belongings and furniture.

The Packout Process

It's important to our team to help guide each homeowner through this step. What may already be a difficult process can become seemingly even more overwhelmingly. However with our expert packing teams you can rest easy. After obtaining approval from your insurance, we work directly with you to make sure you have access to the items you need and the rest is covered, padded and sealed under lock and key.

Dealing with water damage in your home alone is no easy task, we are here to help our community no matter the scope of the job!

How Do Hygienists Check for Mold?

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Hiring an environmental hygienist to perform a mold test is the most accurate method for determining whether mold is growing in a residence. Learn about the sampling techniques professionals use and how test results can increase the effectiveness of mold cleaning.

Obtaining Samples

An environmental hygienist will take samples to send to a lab for analysis. Depending on the situation, a hygienist may obtain different types of samples:

Air
Bulk (contents or materials)
Spores

Any of these methods can yield conclusive results about the type of mold present in a house. Air testing may include analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds and spores. Bulk testing may focus primarily on the presence of spores. All of these methods allow for targeted mold remediation measures.

Analyzing Samples

There are several methods of lab analysis that a hygienist or mold specialist may recommend. The amount of detail and speed of these methods vary:

Microscopy
Culturing
A combination of these methods

Microscopy involves visual analysis and can provide results in as little as two days. Culturing is a slower process that involves growing mold spores in a Petri dish. This process can provide more detailed results, such as the subspecies of mold, but is slower and more expensive.

Reporting Findings

A hygienist can provide test results and recommendations for mold cleaning. A homeowner may want to work with a full-service restoration company to ensure that mold remediation proceeds as efficiently as possible. Depending on the species of mold and the extent of an infestation, different cleaning or quarantining methods may be recommended.

These are the three major stages of checking for mold. An environmental hygienist can recommend the best mold cleaning methods for a particular species of fungi or type of infestation. If a homeowner is concerned about mold damage at a residence in Culpeper & Fauquier he or she should hire a certified hygienist.

3 Ways To Prevent Mold

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Discovering mold in your Culpeper & Fauquier home is one sign of a moisture problem. In addition to repairing water damage, you'll have to begin mold remediation immediately, as mold can quickly get out of control and spread throughout your home. Because mold can thrive virtually anywhere that dampness exists, the key to preventing mold growth is controlling the moisture level in your home.

1. Keep Relative Humidity Low
You should keep your home's indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a maximum of 60%. You can measure relative humidity with a moisture or humidity meter. Many hardware stores have inexpensive ones that work well.
There are various ways to reduce your indoor humidity if it is too high. You can run fans and dehumidifiers in multiple rooms. It also helps to run exhaust fans while you're cooking, running the dishwasher or showering. Keep the exhaust fan on for 30 minutes after a shower, because there is typically a lot of humidity in a small space like a bathroom.

2. Dry Spills and Leaks Immediately
It's essential to immediately and thoroughly dry excess water resulting from a spill or a leak. Also, dry any damp or wet materials. Mold can begin growing within 48 hours of water exposure. If the water intrusion is extensive, it's best to call water damage remediation professionals to tackle the job. They can deal with large amounts of gray or black water and also do a thorough inspection for mold throughout your home.

3. Prevent Condensation
You may notice condensation on your windows. This moisture can also form on pipes or walls. Wherever it is, it's crucial to dry it immediately. Then, identify the source of the water. It could be simply that the humidity in your home is too high. Temperature changes due to poor insulation can also cause condensation.
Mold prevention depends on managing all water damage immediately. Once mold growth begins, it can be challenging to completely eliminate it to avoid it spreading into unaffected areas.

Ozone Generators Remediate Smoke Smell

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Using ozone generators is a secure and efficient technique to eliminate smoke odor.

Ozone generators are used to remove smoke smell from a property. In this article, we'll discuss how ozone is made, the science behind it, and how it's used to remove smoke smells.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a device that emits ozone in the air. It's typically used to clean up rooms, buildings and other areas that have a bad smell. Ozone generators can be used indoors or outdoors, even after the smoke smell from a fire has already dissipated.

For example, if there was an electrical fire in your home and you had to get out quickly, there will still be lingering smoke smells left over after the flames have been extinguished. These odors can be hard to get rid of on their own; but with an ozone generator it's easy! With one quick pass of your unit through each area affected by the smoke smell — whether it be simply walking through all affected rooms or using some sort of fan system — the room will feel fresh again!

Ozone generators are also good options if there was mold in your home at any point before this incident happened (or if there is now). The high levels of humidity caused by flooding leaves behind spores which need cleaning up immediately because otherwise they'll spread throughout nearby areas quickly creating more problems down the line.

How does it work?

Ozone generators are powerful oxidizers that break down organic compounds in the air. Ozone, the ozone generator's product, is a gas that can be used in a variety of ways. It's produced by an ozone generator and acts as an odor neutralizer by attacking smoke odors at the source. Ozone is naturally occurring in the earth's atmosphere and created by lightning when it strikes oxygen molecules in the air.

Is ozone bad for my stuff?

Ozone is a natural element that comes from the air, so it's not harmful to people or animals. Ozone is safe to use in homes, offices, and other settings where ozone generators are used to remediate smoke smell.

Ozone does not damage furniture, carpet, clothing, or other household items. If you're concerned about using an ozone generator around your belongings, test a small area before using it all over if you have any doubt at all about whether it might be harmful.

Important factors in odor removal

Ozone is a powerful oxidizer. In the presence of smoke, ozone will react with the organic molecules and break them apart. When this happens, the odor will be removed from your home. Ozone is not effective at removing other odors besides smoke or mold and mildew. It can't remove pet odors because they're caused by bacteria that grow on the surfaces where pets spend time (their beds, for example).

If you want to neutralize a room filled with smoke odor, consider using an ozone generator in combination with another method like dehumidifiers or air purifiers (or both!).

What is the key to ozone's effectiveness?

The key to ozone's effectiveness is its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. In fact, ozone is an extremely powerful oxidizer. It can be used to purify water by oxidizing organic contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins in the water.

Ozone generators are also used for deodorization in a variety of industries such as food processing plants where they eliminate odors from smelly foods such as fish or chicken carcasses that may have spoiled during processing into products such as tuna fish cans or chicken nuggets.

Ozone generators also help remediate smoke smell from fire damage by using the same principle: killing bacteria with ozone gas so that no further contamination occurs after your home has been cleared out of fumes or toxic particles from a fire rescue effort

Why SERVPRO professionals recommend using ozone to remediate a home after a fire.

Ozone generators are a safe and effective way to remove smoke smell after a fire. They're also safe for use around pets and children. In addition, ozone generators are portable, so you can use them in any room of the home.

They're easy to use: Simply plug in your ozone generator, turn it on and set it on the floor near where you'd like to deodorize. Within minutes, that smoke smell will be gone!

There are many ways to remove smoke smell in your home. You can try cleaning products, air fresheners, or even candles (though those aren’t recommended). But the best way is to call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier who uses ozone generators. That way, you know that the job will be done right and that you won’t have to worry about any toxic chemicals being released into your indoor environment.

Can You Trust SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties is here to provide your specialty services! Give us a call for more information at (540)423-6688.

At SERVPRO, we take pride in sending highly trained Technicians to service Culpeper & Fauquier locations. Each Technician of ours is IICRC Certified and is required to maintain that certification. Here at SERVPRO our Technicians are trained to look for damages that may not be visible to the eye and utilize the latest method & equipment to locate damages.

IICRC Training & Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, biohazard remediation, carpet & upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning courses.

SERVPRO’S Technicians Arrive Quickly to Help Prevent Additional Damages

Whether you have an overflow in an upstairs Bathroom or water damage caused by a recent storm, SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier can provide you with services to recover quickly and efficiently.

You only have to make one call! SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier offers full service solutions, making your restoration experience as stress free as possible.

If you are looking to receive quality results give us a call!

(540)423-6688

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties is Available Around the Clock!

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage is something that is never an enjoyable experience. It can be extra difficult to experience. Many people put off planning for water damage as it seems like something that may never occur, but it is more frequent than most anticipate. Approximately one in 50 homeowners file a water damage claim each year in the United States, but for those who plan ahead, the damages tend to be much less severe.

Do you know what to do in the event of a Burst Pipe?

Shut off your water main – When a pipe bursts and is left unattended, it will continue to pour into the area until it is taken care of. It is very important to be able to find and switch off your home’s water main as this can prevent water from fully affecting the area.
Shut off your electricity – Keeping water away from electricity is KEY, so it is safe to do so, turn off your home’s power from your breaker box to prevent the soaked area from becoming a shock or fire hazard.
Contact your local restoration company – One of the things you can do to plan for water damage in advance is decide which Company you will be working with. This way, you can contact them immediately when you discover water damage to have the restoration started right away.
Record of the damages – If you are filing an insurance claim, it is important to keep your own thorough records of all the damages via photos, videos and lists. Even if you can’t file a claim, these can come in handy as to work to recover.
Contact your Insurance Company – While all insurance policies are different, contacting yours is the best way to determine if you are eligible to file and confirm your policy coverage.

If you have water damage in your home or commercial building due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for your needs.

Contact SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier at anytime to learn more about our services!

(540)423-6688

Is your business ready for a disaster?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?

Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?

You may know SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties.

When our dedicated, local SERVPRO Representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence.

One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile.

Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO.

Call SERVPRO when winter weather hits

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO for your winter disaster-

Winter has arrived and the freezing temperatures, snowy days, and ice storms have come with it. This cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause major damage to your home or business property. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties has the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. Below are a couple of the common damages we deal with during the winter.

Frozen Pipes?

The freezing tempurtues accompanied by the weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst. In general, your pipes are more likely to freeze below 20 degrees Fahrenheit but regardless you should be careful once it drops below freezing. The resulting damage can be very destructive. Outdoor pipes or pipes in an unheated areas will freeze more easily if they are not properly insulated. We recommend shutting these off if possible or insulting them if needed. SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Roof Damages?

Snow and ice can create the environment for significant damage to occur to your gutters or roof, and many times both of them together. The additional weight created by the dense snow and layers of ice that build up can cause a roof to collapse if not taken care of properly. When there’s a cold snap, the melted ice drips water that can get into cracks and small spaces. When this occurs it eventually expands once it has frozen, causing larger cracks to be created and even more damage. The repetition of this cycle can create major damage you should be watching our for and examining before each winter season.

Here to help!

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the unique ability to help property owners in a variety of ways. Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. With over three decades of experience we have seen most everything. We cannot say everything because even in the decades of helping our neighbors in the Carthage/ Joplin Area, we still see new things. But here are a few disasters we commonly take care of.

Water Damage – We see water damages from all kinds of sources. Busted pipes, malfunctioning appliances, human accidents or neglect, and ground flooding to name a few common sources. No matter the cause, or the epic story that explains it, we have a solution to return you to normal “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Restoration – A fire can be very a huge inconvenience but it is not the end of the world. Many times, you would be surprised at how much of your personal property can be restored. We specialize in cleaning and deodorizing anything from family heirlooms, documents, to the very walls in your home or business.

Mold Remediation – With naturally high levels of humidity in the area of the country we live in mold can be an issue if a water intrusion is not properly taken care of. Not only do we offer remediation services but we also do mold testing and offer preventative measures such as crawl space moisture barrier installation.

Bio Hazard Clean Up – This area of our work is not enjoyable to talk about but many times it is necessary. We have the training and experience to properly clean up any area they may have the threat of blood born pathogens being present. These cases include trauma and crime scene clean up.

These are by no means the only services we offer. Frankly, whatever mankind or mother nature can throw at a structure, we can more than likely assist in the restoration.

If you need assistance, call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties at 540-423-6688

Smoke alarms

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury by half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the follow tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from cooking appliance.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Why SERVPRO? Document Restoration Leader

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? We are an Industry Leader - in Document Restoration!

We use the same state of the art process that is used by the Library of Congress!

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties is one of the industry leaders in restoring and salvaging water damaged documents, books, photos, microfilm, microfiche, X-rays, audio/video tapes and other materials by using state-of-the-art vacuum freeze drying technology.

Document Response Team - We have an experienced and trained HIPAA certified team ready to mobilize for on-site pack out, pickup and transportation of your wet or damaged documents.

Water Damaged items that can be salvaged using vacuum freeze-drying:

Books and manuscripts: coated papers, maps, parchment, pulp paper, drafting linens, text books, reference books, manuals
Business/Personal records and documents: legal/bank/company files, patient and medical records, x-rays, engineering and architectural plans and drawings, catalogs, reference materials, certificates, contracts, passports, transcripts, tax records
Historical and collectible items: archival documents, rare documents, maps, stamp collections, money collections
Keepsakes: photographs, leather and hide items, newspaper articles, recipe books, cards, scrapbooks, baby books, wedding albums, yearbooks, baskets, awards & achievements
Textiles: embroidery and needlework, silks, tapestries, flags
Artwork: acrylic paintings, linen drawings, water colors

Mobile Document Restoration

We have access to one of the only portable document restoration vacuum freeze drying machines, in the industry. In the event that you have a project where the documents are legally required to remain onsite, we can accommodate.

Additional Document Services Available

Secure Document Destruction
Gamma Irradiation
Document Cleaning
Scanning/Digitizing
Ozone Treatment (Deodorization)

Businesses of all sizes can have a need for document restoration. Whether it is a small file cabinet filled with financial records or a warehouse full of important documents and customer files, SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties is the solution.

Time is of the essence in Document Restoration. Wet documents should be stabilized with in the first 48 hours and with as little manipulation as possible. Give SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties a call as soon as possible so we can mobilize your Document Response Team to stabilize your documents.

The Best Biohazard Cleaning Company

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? We are an Industry Leader - in Document Restoration!

We use the same state of the art process that is used by the Library of Congress!

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier is one of the industry leaders in restoring and salvaging water damaged documents, books, photos, microfilm, microfiche, X-rays, audio/video tapes and other materials by using state-of-the-art vacuum freeze drying technology.

Document Response Team - We have an experienced and trained HIPAA certified team ready to mobilize for on-site pack out, pickup and transportation of your wet or damaged documents.

Water Damaged items that can be salvaged using vacuum freeze-drying:

Books and manuscripts: coated papers, maps, parchment, pulp paper, drafting linens, text books, reference books, manuals
Business/Personal records and documents: legal/bank/company files, patient and medical records, x-rays, engineering and architectural plans and drawings, catalogs, reference materials, certificates, contracts, passports, transcripts, tax records
Historical and collectible items: archival documents, rare documents, maps, stamp collections, money collections
Keepsakes: photographs, leather and hide items, newspaper articles, recipe books, cards, scrapbooks, baby books, wedding albums, yearbooks, baskets, awards & achievements
Textiles: embroidery and needlework, silks, tapestries, flags
Artwork: acrylic paintings, linen drawings, water colors

Mobile Document Restoration

Additional Document Services Available

Secure Document Destruction
Gamma Irradiation
Document Cleaning
Scanning/Digitizing
Ozone Treatment (Deodorization)

There are Different Types of Soot

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Why Does SERVPRO Top the List for Help When Old or Failing Plumbing Leaks?

Complete water removal in Culpeper & Fauquier Counties requires an investment in training and an extensive inventory of specialized equipment to rid homes of standing fluids and lingering moisture. Dedication to industry best practices is why SERVPRO acquires the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for all workers. Our fleet of service vehicles delivers the following crucial machinery to every water emergency project:

Submersible pumps
Truck-mounted and portable extractors
Air movers
Heaters
Dehumidifiers

Although it is unlikely today that antique plumbing fittings from the "Brass Capital of the World" cause water removal urgency, the ability to manage even that scenario is why SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties, should be your first call. Reach us at 540-423-6688

3 Reasons To Connect With a Mitigation and Restoration Service for Your Business

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Connecting with a restoration service before tragedy strikes can give you peace of mind, no matter the nature of your business.

3 Reasons To Connect With A Mitigation And Restoration Service For Your Business

Your business is likely a large investment for you in terms of both time and money. Commitment to growth, finding qualified employees and maintaining inventory are likely all important to you; however, when fire damages your building and its contents, this can pull focus away from these important tasks and leave you with the question of how to rebuild. Connecting with a restoration service before tragedy strikes can give you peace of mind, no matter the nature of your business.

Improved Risk Assessment

You may have some idea about what constitutes fire, flood, mold and storm risks, but your building may contain hidden dangers that could increase the chance of a property damage. Reaching out to a mitigation service that responds to a variety of disasters can help you uncover these issues with a professional inspection of your commercial property. Outdated electrical wiring, basement debris and the improper storage of flammable chemicals are only a few risks these inspections might uncover.

A Variety of Services Under One Roof

Facing a fire, storm, flood rebuild at your business can seem overwhelming, especially when paired with insurance matters and how to handle the financial losses you are likely to encounter during the repair process. Having a mitigation and restoration team on call can be of utmost assistance during this difficult time, as its professionals can advise you about which services you will need, from tear-outs, mold remediation, water pumping to soot and smoke cleaning, so you can handle other aspects of the rebuild process without feeling overwhelmed.

Any Service, Large or Small

Having a restoration service number in your commercial contact list can help you resolve any emergency, no matter its size. Whether you had a small fire in your breakroom and need deodorizing solutions or rebuilding services after a major fire or water damage on the first floor of your building, you can turn to your contracted company day or night for assistance.

Owning a business comes with many responsibilities. However, contracting a fire restoration service for on-call protection can provide you with peace of mind against the unknown. Call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties.

IICRC Sets A High Standard For Inspection, Cleaning And Restoration

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC Sets A High Standard For Inspection, Cleaning And Restoration

Nearly everyone respects certification. It gives businesses and trained professionals credibility in the marketplace. SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties requires all of their Crew Chiefs and Technicians to have up to date IICRC credits. It gives customers confidence in the qualifications of those holding the certification. IICRC is the gold standard for certification in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. The Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is more than just another credential. People and businesses earn and keep this certification through:

Education
Initial certification
Continuing education
Membership

Comprehensive Certification Offers Clients Peace of Mind

Comprehensive certification is not a single certificate. There are at least thirty different categories of inspection, cleaning and restoration certificates available. The institute provides training and testing for each one. It awards students a mitigation certificate upon successful completion of each category.

An IICRC certified provider employs professionals with one or more mitigation certificate. Each inspection, cleaning or restoration job requires a combination of certified skills. The business assembles a team with the appropriate skills and dispatches them to the job. The mix of professionals on the job changes as the list of required skills changes.

Happy Clients Are the Foundation of a Certified Provider

A provider may survive with an occasional unhappy customer. A provider cannot survive without its certification. A certified provider holds itself and its employees to a high standard. This high standard is what certification is all about. Failing to meet this standard jeopardizes the value of the certification for others. This failure can lead to discipline and, eventually, revocation of the certificate. Without that, the provider is out of business.

The same level of standards applies to individuals and their certifications. Revocation is a real possibility if there are problems. It makes attaining employment in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry difficult.

Certification Is a Key to Provider Selection

Find an inspection, cleaning and restoration provider with an IICRC, and you are off to a good start. Next, you want one located nearby. Confidence in the provider will give you confidence in the quality of the job once it is complete. Call your local SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties 540-423-6688 to have a certified technician assess whatever remediation related problem you may be having.

Why Choose Us?

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know we are part of 1,700 franchises altogether? We are responsible for creating, maintaining and implementing a disaster recovery plan. For example we have helped business, homes and schools in several catastrophic events. Having a disaster recovery team helps create an actionable disaster recovery program. SERVPRO having many franchises nationwide helps us get to you faster. We are proud to be one of the few top disaster recovery teams across the United States because we are experts at our job so when you chose SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties you get;

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

Residential Services

With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties for these residential services:

Water Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation

Commercial Services

Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly. Learn more about our commercial services:

Commercial Fire Restoration
Commercial Cleaning Restoration
Commercial Water Restoration
Commercial Storm and Major Events

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, we live and work in this community too. We are close by and ready to respond immediately when you need cleaning or restoration services. For questions of services please call us at 703-644-0620 and we will be glad to assist you.

The SERVPRO advantage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not just a local brand, but a national one.

Since its founding in 1967 SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada. Since then SERVPRO has also greatly expanded the array of services we offer. Since those services range from carpet cleaning and deodorization to large scale disaster recovery and with SERVPRO’s 1,700+ locations our collective knowledge and experience are one of the greatest assets SERVPRO has and we know how to use it. SERVPRO locations provide all kinds of support to each other ranging from equipment to people-power and technical advice. Sometimes we might run into an issue that we have not encountered before or possibly elements to a job that prevents our normal methods for jobs. This is when we have been able to rely on the knowledge base which our corporate office and other SERVPRO’s have accumulated. It does not matter what emergency you are facing. From Water Mitigation, Fire Restoration, or Mold Remediation. SERVPRO has the team and backing to handle it all. We are known for taking care of big problems and disasters, but we also are adept at helping people with issues you normally may not know the solution too. If you have an emergency which makes you think “I don’t even know who does this”, try giving us a call.

How To: Hand Sanitizer but DON'T

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

During this time of the Coronavirus, hand sanitizers are being wiped out of local stores. In fact, once it is back in stock, there is a limit of how many you may purchase.

Here's how to make homemade hand sanitizer: 3 simple ingredients, or so you think. Rubbing alcohol (to disinfect), aloe vera gel (to soothe the skin), essential oil (to gentle the smell & soothe).

Here's why you shouldn't make homemade hand sanitizer: First, it is actually better to wash your hands with soap and water vs hand sanitizer. Second, it is easy to mess up if you do not have the right ratio of ingredients. With a homemade hand sanitizer you are more than likely to end up with something non effective or too harsh.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/why-you-shouldnt-make-your-own-hand-sanitizer/

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer#ingredients

Wash Your Hands Properly

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

It has, is, and always will be important to wash your hands.

But are you washing them properly? It's incredibly important; othwerwise it's as if you never even washed them.

With the Coronavirus going around, make sure to take the proper steps.

Wet your hands, apply soap, scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, and wash them under warm/hot water (dependent on your tolerance level)

If you have a hard time standing still for 20 seconds; here are some fun ways to wash your hands:

Sing a 20 second clip of a musical (Charles R. Wood Theater has a list)

Wicked- Defying Gravity
Chicago- Cell Block Tango
Phantom- Phantom Of The Opera
Hairspray- You Can't Stop The Beat
Les Miserables- On My Own
Funny Girl- Don't Rain On My Parade
Cats- Memory
Rent- Take Me Or Leave Me

https://woodtheater.org/

Make up a song

Make up a dance

Enjoy your 20 second breather

Think of your to do list for the day

DAY DREAM

Better Safe than Sorry

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes it’s hard to think on your feet in the middle of an emergency. That’s why it’s good to plan ahead. We at SERVPRO use an ERP (Emergency Ready Program). To hear more about it contact us at 540-423-6688 or office@SERVPRO10476.com. In the mean time, here are some tips to be emergency ready if something ever goes wrong while you’re in the car!

Mini First Aid Kit: Gauze Pads, Alcohol Swabs, Moist Towels, Medical Tape, Band-Aids, Neosporin
Mini Tool Kit: Screwdrivers, Pliers, Adjustable Wrench, Pocket Knife, pen and paper
Mini Emergency Kit: Flashlight with extra batteries, Duck Tape, Weather Radio, Map, Fire Starter, Tea Candles, Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker, Fire Extinguisher, Whistle, Pepper Spray
For Cold Weather: Ice Scraper, Salt/Sand/Kitty Litter, Mini Shovel, Hand/Toe Warmers, Blanket,
For Tire: Spare Tire, Tire Pressure Gauge, Block of Wood/Brick, Tire Iron/Lug Wrench,/Torque Wrench, Jack (under the jackpoint),Tire Inflator and Sealer
Work On Car: Jumper Cables, Portable Battery, Emergency Flares, Working Gloves, Hand Towel, Gas Can, Red Bandana/Neon Vest
For Warm Weather: Anti Freeze/Coolant, Motor Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Windshield Wiper Fluid,
For you in Car: Gallon of Water, Snacks, Car Phone Charger, Emergency Money, Spare Clothes, Book/Cards
For EMT: List of Emergency Contact, List of Medications, List of Allergies

https://lifehacker.com/30-essential-things-you-should-keep-in-your-car-1263514115

https://www.idrivesafely.com/driving-resources/how-to/drive-in-extreme-heat/

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html

Ringing in the 2020 New Year

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2020! Ringing in the New Year means a fresh start with new goals. A lot of common goals that people have are exercising, eating healthy, or maybe getting that raise/promotion at your job. Another great goal to add on for 2020 is using SERVPRO of Culpeper and Fauquier Counties as your go to emergency experts! Why SERVPRO you ask? That’s easy! We at SERVPRO have 2020 vision; to be at your service immediately for any type or size disaster 24/7 that you may have this year.

We at SERVPRO are a package, from start to finish, step by step. We don’t just take your first call, and then leave you to another company. We take your call (insurance or not), schedule an estimate, give you an estimate, go through the process of packing up your belongings so we can properly clean/fix the damages, send reports on the process, speak directly with you/your insurance, do demos, paint, take before and after pictures, whatever is necessary in order for the job to not only get done, but get done right and in a timely manner. At the end of each job we check in to make sure YOU are satisfied. Because YOU are not just another job to us; we want to leave your house/company seeing a smile on your face. So ring in the 2020 New Year with SERVPRO!

Christmas is…Here!!

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Things can get pretty hectic around the holidays. Food preparations, cleaning your house, decorations, and more! And of course, there is nothing like doing everything last minute….right!? We at SERVPRO like to take a step back, unwind, and remember what the holidays are truly all about: your community coming together, and most important, family!!

There may always be something to cook, or clean, or fix, or do; but it is most important to enjoy the time that we get to share with our community and our family. That’s why, we at SERVPRO enjoy every year in our local areas participating in the Christmas Parades!! There is nothing like decorating our truck, passing out candy, dressing up as an elf or in a funky Christmas sweater, and letting our community know we are here for them!

Although the Christmas parades are done for this year, we are still in the Christmas spirit! Want to know why? Because we at SERVPRO are the ones you call when your kitchen pipe burst and you can’t finish cooking for Christmas eve dinner, we are the ones you call when your cleaning your house and find water damage in the basement where you were going to have all of your nieces and nephews play with their new toys on Christmas morning, we are the ones you call when you decorate your house with so many lights that your outlets burn out leaving burn marks running up your walls. And we at SERVPRO are the ones who come, immediately, with a smile on our face to fix it all in the (saint) nick of time. We stay in the Christmas spirit because we know that we can be there for you, no matter what size disaster; ensuring that your Christmas miracle this year was SERVPRO fixing your disasters so it appears as if it never even happened.

SERVPRO response guidelines

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Have you heard of SERVPRO's Service Response Guidelines?

Within ONE hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.

Within FOUR hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.

Within EIGHT business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.

What can SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do for you?

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

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (540) 423-6688