How can SERVPRO Help if I'm Drying my own Water Damage?

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes customers avoid opening an insurance claim and perform their own drying services. However, they are often under qualified and have a lack of professional equipment to dry it properly. When a customer wants to do most of the work themselves, we understand that and can help them to their goal. The options could include having a moisture assessment performed by the SERVPRO team using the high-tech moisture meters to determine what has been affected, what materials the customer should remove and possible provide equipment for the remaining of the drying.

These moisture checks may have a service call fee for the consultation, but this would be discussed prior to the appointment being booked. If you choose to have SERVPRO provide equipment they would set it up for optimal performance and ensure its properly distributed for power needs.

Failure to have the correct amount of equipment to dry the area with air movers and dehumidifiers could cause risk for potential issue such as mold. Preventing mold to develop steps include removing unsalvageable wet material asap, setting up air mover and dehumidifier to stabilize humidity and temperature.  At the end of the drying process from either your own DIY drying or professional its best to have a second moisture assessment to validated everything has dried fully. When customers hire SERVPRO for the full process, it would include daily moisture checks and equipment monitoring.

Each customer’s home is different with different needs for an individual service experience.  At SERVPRO of Chambersburg we are here to help from filling in the gaps of their drying needs or fully performing all the drying services. From a big job to a small job, we are happy to help meet your needs. If you experience water damage call SERVPRO of Chambersburg today to discuss what your needs are for a service appointment to be established with our highly trained staff. Our office team is highly trained to help answer your questions and provide solutions to your problems.

How can SERVPRO work with my Insurance?

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is established and trusted with 50+ insurance companies and being a preferred vendor for many. When a customer has a claim there is policies and standards to meet as a service provider. Many of the insurance companies set the expectations in writing with our headquarters and electronic audits to ensure accuracy for performing the billing and job site procedures. The industry standard for preforming services is outlined by the IICRC. From that the insurance can put additional expectation of if for example, if the cabinet of a sink is damaged by water it would require documentation of all sides with immediate notification for adjuster prior to removing. If a provider preforms these services without understanding the expectation of that insurance company, they could risk being compensated for work completed without proper documentation.

When you hire “Joes handmade Service” for your water damage they may be able to get it dry but they removed $2,000 worth of building material that could have been save by a professional remediation company or have proper justification of damage for removal the homeowner may not be compensated for that loss.

A quality restoration company should be in contact with your insurance company threw out the process, direct billing the insurance with programs such as Xactimate, have an understanding of their rules, and be IICRC trained technicians.

Water Shut Off, Where?

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

A wand used to extract standing water from hard surfaces.

During 2021 many employees have transitioned into new jobs. According to CNBC
1 in 4 Employee will quite their job this year”. While most companies have a training program specifically lined out to have them perform their job, what about facility management? You’re a new receptionist at a dentist office your office experiences a water damage coming from one of the sinks, while you know the maintenance companies’ phone number, they can’t be there for another 30 minutes and water is gushing out everywhere. What do you do?

As a part of annual and new hire training implementing awareness to the building electrical and water shut off can help minimize damage in those disasters. To do one better, how about the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) it’s a free service to commercial clients to help tag the shut off’s, provide a handy simple 10-15 page packet of shut off and the contact points at the sprinkler company for example. Also available online and a mobile app for extra convenience.

 These programs often can be developed with less that 3 hours of your time with your designated SERVPRO representative but are worth much more. They can save you down time, less cost of damage and employee education. Here is a handy link to find info on common shut off information. https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-locate-your-gas-shutoff-valve-and-water-shutoff-valve/

Commercial Cleaning Beside Janitorial

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial business will often have a janitorial company to preform light cleaning duty recurring. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can be an additional service for deep cleaning on a bi-yearly basis. With our highly trained techs in difficult cleaning methods are able to get those stubborn stains or build up removed leaving the place look clean.

The edges of the floors are an area that need detailed cleaned as the routine mopping does not lift the soil enough. Also, walls may need washed in areas where dirt can build up, carpet to be cleaned or office chair upholstery cleaned.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has cleaned local commercial kitchen to the grease build up removed and hard to reach areas cleaned. This helps them meet the expectations of food and safety inspection by local officials.

Visit our before and after section of the commercial to see the previous work. https://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/before-after-photos/commercial

What flooring is best in a water damage scenario?

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

A photo of Vinyl Flooring.

Most customers after they experience a water damage in their home want to have a flooring change that may prevent it from being removed in a future water damage. While there are many factors that determine a floors restorability here are some of the general rules to follow:

• Wood Laminate Flooring such as the brand of Pergo is made of compressed wood and will swell and become damaged in a water loss. It is often installed my homeowners themselves due to the cost being low of material. However it is not durable and can not be refinished.
• Solid Wood Flooring(Hardwood)- When a water loss occurs and the homeowner begin remediation with specialized flooring drying equipment these floors can often be saved. If the customer waits over 48 hours the damage may be irreversible. Hardwood floors take on average 5-7 days to dry. These floors can be refinished
• Ceramic Tile Flooring – These floors resist wear and moisture. These floors need to be installed by a professional as improper grout can cause the floor to lift in the future. These are a great option for the water prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and basement.
• Luxury Vinyl Tile(LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) This has become a popular choice for customer in this day in age. It is made from PVC where it can handle water. These often click together installed or glue down. The material will not become damaged by the water but if the floor is floating the material will need to be lifted to get the trapped moisture from beneath. The floor is unlikely to be able to be taken up in a manor where it can be reinstalled as the joints will break and trying to map it out in the same order you took it up in.
• Glue Down Carpet- This is often installed without padding and a thin carpet material designed to be glued. You can see this most common in basement of commercial buildings. This carpet can be dried when it a non-contaminated water source.
• Carpet & Pad – When remediation begins quickly the carpe can often be saved however the padding most often needs to be disposed of. The carpet will be lifted/detached, and the padding is removed. The technician will inspect for any signs of delamination for un-restorability.

Frequently Asked Question After Flooded Basement

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Many homes across the United States have been affected by Hurricane Idea in September 2021. Homes in the Chambersburg and surrounding location experience water damage in their basement. This is most often caused by a failed sub-pump when it cannot keep up or the power was loss.  Customer can begin review this list to better understand “What to Expect for Hurricane Cleanup”  

1. Do you have insurance coverage? If a customer has a flooded basement, they will most likely only have insurance coverage if they have back up drain endorsement due to a sump-pump failure. These coverages are offered most in $5,000 or $10,000 packages. 
2. How much can restoration services? Each jobs every very on a specific such as materials, square foot, condition. A general rule of thumb is that a finished basement could be in the range of approximately $6-7.50 per square foot. This would total up to a 1200 Sq. foot basement to =$7000.00+ just for removal of effected drywall, flooring, and drying equipment. 
3. When should services be scheduled? It’s always recommended to ensure the water has stopped entering and even better if you’ve repaired the damaged pump if appliable.
4. Who replaces the drywall/flooring after the drying is completed? Any subcontractor of your choice may be able to complete this work for you. You can also inquire the SERVPRO of Chambersburg for their preferred subcontractor’s availability as well.
5. What can customer do to keep minimize damage and keep cost down? Personal contents can acuminate cost for service techs to move and sort threw wet vs non wet. Customer can easily remove unwanted wet contents from the space while ensure they don’t cause water damage to an unaffected area while moving. Customer should log with a list and photo for their insurance of anything damaged needing replacement value.

Mold Complaints at Your Workplace?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Interrupting business, risking the health of employees and patrons, and threatening the structural integrity of the building, mold in the workplace is nothing short of a nightmare. According to OSHA’s Mold Fact Sheet, “mold is the most common forms of fungi found on earth. They can grow on almost any materials, as long as moisture and oxygen are available.” 

How to recognize mold?

Most people have concerns by a visual concern of mold by noticing a new growth where most common can be black. Next is smell, where some may describe is as musty or damp smell.

Is it black mold?

You can address any employee’s concern regards to mold by confirming with an air and swab sample for testing. Visual inspecting are limited to what the eye can see with trained professional, in the beginning of a mold outbreak the mold may not be visual yet. According to OSHA there is 1,000 species of mold that can be found in the Untied States? You cannot visually identify the kind of the mold with a naked eye.

How do you know if you’ve finished remediation/cleanup?

Correcting the source of the water or moisture issue prior to remediation beginning. All areas should be visually addressed and no signs of musty smells. Prior to allowing those to occupy the space have it air sampled to ensure the level of the mold found inside the building are within acceptable range to those spores outside.

It Can Happen Anywhere

Remember the OSHA’s warning that mold can grow on “virtually any substance” and can therefore be found anywhere. When going about business as usual, pay close attention to any areas of your business dealing with water, including plumbing, pipes, faucets, and drains, for leaks or buildups of moisture. If any areas of your business have experienced leaks in the past, be sure to add them to your list of high-risk mold growth spots and inspect them for leaks often.

If you locate mold inside your commercial building reach out to SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310 for consultation on the procedures and recommendation. You can also send photos of the concerns to our office email at office@servpochambersburg.com To better assist you during you please be prepared to know the history of the space prior to and when the mold concern began for past water or moisture issues.

Do I need to Hire SERVPRO for my water damage?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A photo of a computer program called drybook.

When a home or business is affected by water damage there is a science to the drying to ensure additional damage dose not occur. Our technicians attend a several days course to learn the fundamentals of properly drying from the IICRC. At SERVPRO we have a program called “DryBook” where we enter the dimension of the room with conditions to calculate the correct quantity of air movers and dehumidifiers. This will justify the charge for the equipment is fair to the customer and/or insurance provider.

This program also allows us to track the daily reading of humidity and temperatures along with the material readings. The technicians will make daily adjustments of the placement of the equipment to of where areas need more focus of drying. We use our industry specialized moisture meters to determine the reading. Customer can not rely of a touch of a surface to determine its moisture content. The technicians training will also allow them understanding the moisture readings as some materials have different industry standards of what a dry reading is.

When your home or business is affected by water damage do not assume you understand what the process or area the moisture is located. Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310.

Mold Testing Vs Visual Inspection

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

When you are inquiring about mold related services SERVPRO of Chambersburg will take time to ask the correct questions about your concerns and provide recommendations.

Option 1: At SERVPRO of Chambersburg we provide visual mold inspection and estimate based on our training and experience. This can be a limited inspection without completed a pre and post air testing evaluation by and independent indoor environmental hygienist. We will need to visit the home for approximately a 1-hour estimate to thoroughly investigate those areas of concerns. The technicians will ask question about the home’s history including past water damages no matter how small. They collect photos of the areas while also taking measurements of the space to bring that information back to the office to write a detail and itemized estimate. Usually, the estimate is provided by email for the customer review in about 72 hours from the inspection. There may be a fee for this inspection/estimate.

Option 2: As mentioned above the most detailed way to identify all the areas in the home needing remediation for mold is by hiring an independent indoor environmental hygienist for testing. This company doing the testing should not be also preforming the remediation of the mold to be ethical correct as the testing can be manipulated to have a financial gain for the interested party. This testing can identify what the eye cannot see and will help the SERVPRO technicians capture all the areas in the home needing remediation during the onsite inspection. An additional benefit to testing can also validate the cost needed for remediation. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can provide a reference for a local air quality test.

The other importance prior to starting the work of a mold remediation ensuring the source of the moisture has been corrected. Failure to fix the source can cause the mold to regrow or the remediation not be effective.

No Job is to Big for the SERVPRO team.

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

This is a commercial size dehumidifier for large jobs.

Did you know when you call SERVPRO of Chambersburg the services provided are not limited just one location of resources. With SERVPRO being a franchise system of over 1800 franchises we have a network of experts and resources that are unlimited. So, from a small one-bathroom overflown toilet in your employee’s bathroom to a 100,000 + square feet warehouse with water or fire damage you have one number to call an that SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310. When the job exceeds our internal capacity, we have neighboring franchises able to help. SERVPRO has wide a network of storm response specialist who travel for disasters like hurricanes to large loss where specializes in jobs up to a certain dollar amount to the SERVPRO extreme team who can manage those multimillion-dollar losses.

Our office team is dedicated at helping find or provide references to help the customer get their disaster cleaned up by a SERVPRO professional. No job is too big for the SERVPRO team, we have a network of franchises waiting to help. Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310 for help with your commercial business’s disaster cleanup.

Fire Damage, What's next?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

When people think of fire and soot damage as a fire that has flames blazing out of the home and often people assume everything is a total loss. In our experience many fire jobs come in all sizes and severity with an unlikely to be a total loss. Fire damage can be a puffback, a cooking fire, a whole home fire etc. When a fire with flames occur often a fire company may be called during the fire company’s attempt to control the fire windows and doors may become broken or forced open. Next the fire company may apply water to put out the fire. Sometimes the fire company may cut the power to the meter. The customer may need board up services for the broken windows and door right away.

Before a cleanup of fire damage can occur, there are questions to be asked and ensure the site is ready for work. If the customer does not have the answer to the question the SERVPRO office team will determine the best course of action. SERVPRO will need to verify the following:

1. Customer Information to include Name, Address of Services, Phone Number, Email Address.
2. Insurance Info such as Insurance Company and Claim Number, Adjuster, Agent, Deductible and policy limits.
3. What kind of fire was it, gas, cooking, electrical?
4. When did the incident occur?
5. Has the fire department or fire Marshall cleared the scene meaning they are done investigating the cause, until this has been done the space needs to be protected as a crime scene.
6. Does the insurance need to complete their own investigation? If there has been report of an ongoing issue with the cause such as a faulty hot water heater electrical malfunction, they want to hold the responsible party. (Only insurance adjuster can determine coverage or subrogation issues).

With the question above reviewed then the SERVPRO team can make a visit to begin the assessment of damage and determine the scope of the work from several rooms of demo, customer move out for several months or cleaning services.

I had a fire damage what do I need to know about if I’m properly covered?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A soot cleaning demonstration.

A fire damage is often on of the most expensive services for an insurance claim. “Unfortunately, a ValuePenguin survey found that 47% of homeowners are unsure of what their insurance covers. J.D. Power similarly found that 52% of homeowners don't have a complete understanding of their coverage.” According to ValuePenguin.com. If your policy is not adequate you may have out of pocket cost.

RCV vs ACV, what does it mean? The below information was according to Progressive.

Th replacement cost is the price of replacing property or a belonging. The actual cash value is the current value (with depreciation). You bought a couch for $3,000 five years ago, and now it’s worth $1,500. If it’s damaged in a claim, here’s what you’ll get:

ACV - You’ll get $1,500 because that is your couch’s actual value after five years of depreciation.

RCV- You’ll get the value of a brand-new couch (similar model), which could be more or less than what you originally paid.

Code Upgrade: When your home was built 20 years ago the code standards are different then they are now. Most commonly for the areas changed or worked in will need to be brought todays standards. Some policies will have a percentage of insured home as a code upgrade of a fixed amount.

Total Coverage and Deductible: Some homeowners will make the mistake to insure the home for the least amount possible when buying a home. For instance, some homeowner by the home for $130,000 so they insure it for $160,000 dwelling(building) and $20,000 personal contents. This will often not be adequate as the cost to demo may be $20,000 + $180,000 to build it to todays standards with todays material prices of lumber. Therefor your purchase price of the home is not the price to insure your home for. Your deductible should also be an amount you can pay for when you least expect it.

Winter Storm Prep for Winter 2021

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A winter storm.

Winter is near for the southcentral Pennsylvania region, and we need to familiarize ourselves with the winter storm preparedness. Take immediate action if you hear these words on the news according to the redcross.org. Winter storm WARNING: life threating, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gust of 35 miles per hour plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer

Before the storm prepare your home, car, and family for the storm.

• Have food for at least several days
• Have good tires and a full tank of gas in your vehicles, recovery gear, and a blanket incase your stuck in the elements.
• Prevent your home from freezing pipes

Have ample supply of heat to include a back up heat method incase of loss of power

Preventing a Fall Fire

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Fall Fires:

Heat: Regardless of what style of heating system you use it’s important to ensure it’s properly working for the first cold day.

• Your space heaters should be at least 3 feet away from items.
• Chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned every fall.
• Use a fire screen to keep sparks inside of fireplace.

Outdoors

• Clear your roof and gutters from buildup of leaves or sticks.
• When burning any leaves keeping it 25 feet away from any buildings and pay attention to your local regulations. Have a fire-extinguisher nearby. Recycling is a safe alternative from burning

Holiday:

• Use a flashlight for your Jack-o’-lanterns.
• If you choose to deep fry a turkey for Thanksgiving, be sure the fryer is away from the home outside and not in a garage. Monitor the temperature of the oil. Ensure the turkey is completed thawed. Lower the turkey into the oil slowly.

If your home or business has been the victim of invasive smoke damage, don’t wait. Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg immediately at (717) 261-0310. We use specialized equipment and techniques, including deodorizing services as well as both structural cleaning and contents cleaning, to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and surfaces. 

Prevent A Fire This Summer

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire call our offices for help!

Starting a fire outside

With the weather heating up a lot of people are looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the warmer temperatures. Grilling, mowing lawns, and sitting around the fire pit may all be on the list of things you may have planned for this summer. Our team put together a few tips to help avoid any of these activities causing a fire. 

• Grilling 
  • Never leave the grill unattended. 
  • Make sure the grill is clean and there is no grease built up. 
  • Keep a fire extinguisher near by. 
  • Make sure the grill is placed away from your home or any other structures.
  • Ensure you are properly igniting the grill. 
• Mowing Lawns 
  • Never put a tarp over a mower that was just recently used. 
  • Ensure the mower is not leaking any oil or gas if placed in a garage. 
  • Avoid mowing when it is dry and windy, sparks from your mower can start a fire. 
  • Do not over fill your gas tank. 
• Fire Pits 
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on site just incase. 
  • Keep the fire pit at least 10 feet away from any structures as well as trees.
  • Never leave the fire pit unattended. 
  • Never add additional fuel. 
  • Build your fire pit on a level surface. 

These are just a few tips to help keep everyone safe and have a fun summer! 

Do Not Let COVID Slow Your Business

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you need any COVID-19 clean up services give our offices a call! 717-261-0310

COVID-19 In The Work Place 

It has been a long year of ups and downs and unknowns. Our team at SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been called out to multiple local business across the county to sanitize work places. Some of those work places have had confirmed cases of COVID-19 while others are just looking for a proactive cleaning to ensure their employees and customers feel safe. 

Confirmed Cases

When it is confirmed that an employee or customer has contracted COVID-19 we always recommend the space to be fogged with our patented chemicals as well as all the high touched areas wiped down such as listed below. 

• Light switches 
• Door handles/knobs 
• Phones
• Sinks 
• Countertops
• Keyboards 
• Chairs 
• Desks 
• Toilets 
• Faucets 

While we recommend the areas to be fogged AND high touched areas wiped down, we do also offer fogging only services. Fogging only services are best for a proactive cleaning scenario. 

Spring Cleaning!

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Our technicians did a wonderful job on this carpet cleaning!

Spring Cleaning! 

Spring has finally arrived after a harsh winter of snow storm after snow storm. Now is the time majority of homeowners begin their spring cleaning. Did you know that SERVPRO of Chambersburg offers cleaning services as well as carpet cleaning? Check out the photo above to see the difference our technicians made in a customers carpet. 

Tough Spots Homeowners May Miss

• Behind the refrigerator 
• Behind the stove 
• Behind washer and dryers 
• Baseboards
• Carpets
• Upholstery Items 

Items To Replace 

• Check your HVAC filters to see if they need changed. 
• Ensure your smoke detectors are working properly and swap out batteries if need be

SERVPRO of Chambersburg not only offers cleaning services, as well as carpet cleaning, but we also offer upholstery cleaning. Allow us to deep clean your upholstery furniture to leave your home feeling refreshed. Call us at 717-261-0310 for prices. 

Smoking in your home

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

After a few years of smoking in this home you can see how the smoke damaged the walls.

Why it is important to smoke outside.

As you can see in the photo this homes walls were severely damaged from years of smoking cigarettes inside. The home was not only physically damaged from the constant smoking but it also developed an odor over the years. 

How to clean it up?

• Clean the structure. 
  • A lot of times cleaning alone will not bring back the preloss look of the home that is affected from cigarette smoke. Cleaning is the first step in getting the structure back to preloss condition. 
• Odor treatment. 
  • After the home is thoroughly cleaned we highly recommend that the home goes through an odor treatment to help with any lingering odors. SERVPRO Of Chambersburg offers an Ozone treatment that has been very successful in the past. 
• Paint 
  • After the home is cleaned and ozoned, the house still may not look like preloss condition. The home may need an extra step and painting may need to be completed. Remember if the walls are not cleaned first the paint will not stick and you will be back to square one. 

SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG is capable of handling each one of these steps for anyone whose home was damaged from cigarettes. Our highly trained team is capable of the intense cleaning that is needed as well as performing the odor treatment. As for the painting we work along side reputable subcontractors that get the job done well and fast. This allows the homeowner to not stress over hiring multiple companies and scheduling services we handle everything from start to finish if that is what you wish. We also offer even just one of the three steps that we recommend. 

The Process Of Water Damage

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

This basement was flooded due to a outside water faucet being left on.

What now? 

You have recently experienced a water damage but are unsure of what needs to happen next. We have listed out a few tips to help you through if you ever experience water damage. 

Find the source. 

Sometimes it may be hard to find the source of the water damage, however it is important do find the source to stop any more water from entering the home. The most common items to cause water damage are hot water heaters, sump pump failures, broken pipes, drain backups, and toilet supply lines. 

Call A Plumber. 

If you are able to confirm the cause of loss call a plumber to get on schedule for them to come fix the issue. If you are unsure of exactly where the water is coming from a plumber will be able to assist in finding where as well. 

Call Your Insurance Company. 

Water damage can be a very costly event. A lot of the time a lot of material has to be removed in order to dry the structure out correctly. We always recommend to our customers to call their insurance company and start a claim. Due to the way some policies may be written some water damages may not be covered depending on what the source is. It is also important to make sure you have any special add on to your policy such as sewage back up, and sump pump failures. 

Call SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO runs a 24/7 365 day service and can arrive at your home within hours to begin the water mitigation process. It is always important to address water damage correctly due to the risk of mold growing it is not dried correctly. Our highly trained team have water monitors to ensure that we remove all the wet materials as well as to ensure that the materials that can be dried are in fact dry at the end of our job. Our technicians will arrive and access the job to see what exactly needs to be done such as extracting water, moving contents, removing wet materials such as carpet pad, drywall, baseboard etc. At the end of the initial day we place air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the structure. A typical water damage takes roughly three days to dry, however  there are some times that it may take up to five days to dry depending on the material we are attempting to dry. 

We Communicate With Your Insurance Company. 

Throughout your water damage claim our team is in contact with your insurance company and adjuster to make sure everyone involved is on the same page. We document everything with photos, meter readings, and paperwork that all gets sent to you as well as your adjuster. 

Repairs?

After everything is dry our local SERVPRO offers repair services. The benefit of hiring SERVPRO for the repairs is that we handle all the scheduling of subcontractors and follow along with the adjusters repair estimate to ensure that home is put back together to preloss condition. Some claims require multiple services, such as plumber, electricians, drywallers, painters, flooring companies and more. It can helpful and less stressful for a homeowner when SERVPRO of Chambersburg coordinates the repairs due to the multiple steps that have to take place. 

The Weather Is Changing

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Over Winter months gutters can easily become built up, it is important to clear any debris to prevent any damages.

Winter Damages

Winter has passed, spring is here and that means summer is on the way.  Not only is the weather changing, but so are some important things to keep an eye out for your home.  Winter may have left some damage to your home, and now is the best time to look over your home and make sure the any damage that was caused during the winter is addressed.  

Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home, is protects the interior of your home from rain and many other outside elements that may cause damage. It is especially important to check your roof and attic to make sure there is no leaks or damage to the roof.  If you see any damp or wet areas in your attic is important to see where the water may have entered. Over the winter is it possible that snow built up on your roof may have caused damage and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.

Gutters

It is important that gutters are cleaned out periodically. The gutters on a home allow the water to run off the roof. If there is any build up in the gutter it may hinder them from doing their job leading to possible water damage. If you notice that your gutters are full take the time to clean them out and remove any debris in order to restore the water flow to avoid any damages to your home.

Grading

It is also important that the grading around your home is correct. If the land started to slope down into the home, there is a possibility that water can enter the home through the foundation and cause water damage. This kind of water damage is typically not covered through insurance policies, so it is particularly important that the grading is correct.

It is important to check these places in order to prevent mold growth and any damages to your roof may cause a moldy attic or even worse.

If mold or water damages your home, call us at (717) 261-0310

Sump Pump Failed But Not Covered?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

A sump pump failed overnight flooded this homeowners basement.

Spring showers doesn't always just bring May flowers but may also include a flooded basement. Unfortunately, when an area experiences heavy rain fall a lot of sump pumps will fail leaving the homeowner with water in their basement. Sump pumps can fail throughout the year, for example this past Christmas our area experienced heavy rain that ended up melting several inches of snow that led to call after call. A lot of our customers were running into coverage issues. This is because most insurance companies sometimes do not automatically include sump pump failure on all their policies. A basement that has fell victim to sump pump failure can run anywhere between $3,000-$10,000 for dry out services. It is very important to understand your insurance policy and if you have a sump pump in your home to make sure you have this coverage added to your policy. If you are unsure if you have coverage we recommend you call your insurance companies today to make sure you have all the correct coverages added to your policy before you are underwater. 

Wind Damage

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

This home fell victim to a tree during a severe wind storm.

During the summer of 2020 we experienced a severe wind/hail storm that left many homeowners with damage to their homes. The night it occurred we had up to 15 calls within a few hours time. We scheduled the jobs according to when they came in and began to attack the large task ahead of us.

One customer had her patio furniture blow across her lawn and shatter a large bay window. She quickly called SERVPRO of Chambersburg to come out. Our technicians were able to arrive and clean up the broken glass from the window as well as the broken contents from the wind. Another service we were able to offer to the homeowner was to inventory all the damaged contents so that the homeowner had a detailed list to turn into her insurance company. 

Another call we arrived to was a large commercial building after their metal roof had been blown off. The building was severely damaged by water that was able to enter after the roof had blown off. At the time our offices were swamped with call after call but that didn't stop us from calling in another franchise to help assist and make sure that the job did not skip a beat to make sure the local business was able to reopen as quickly as possible. 

Another call we responded to was from a tree branch damaging a roof causing water to get in and flood three levels of a home. Our team was able to quickly remove the contents out of the affected area and begin the demolition part of the job to begin the dry out. Our team was able to finish the demo and set up equipment all in one day to make sure the structure dried out as quickly as possible. 

Another call that we handed off to another franchise was from a trampoline blowing across a neighborhood and damaging the side of a home. 

Another call we received was a home that had caught fire after lightening had struck the home. 

Another call we responded to was that a few shingles had blown off the roof without the homeowner noticing, after a few days that had noticed a large amount of mold starting to grow in the ceiling of their garage. SERVPRO Of Chambersburg was able to quickly put together an estimate and gain insurance approval to address the mold. 

The listed stories above are only about half of the calls we received that evening. Many times in the event of a storm no one is prepared to have damage to their home, that is where SERVPRO Of Chambersburg comes in. We are always prepared to tackle any damages from a storm, regardless if it is one small job, many average jobs, or even large losses. 

COVID Clean Up!

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO Of Chambersburg we are proud and excited to introduce our new cleaning program. The Certified Clean goes beyond just a basic cleaning and carpet cleaning, our certified clean program focuses on cleaning high touched areas to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We can create a plan that works best for your business. We offer a on time cleaning, as well as weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleans to ensure your business is properly sanitized. This not only gives your employees a piece of mind when attending work but it also rest assures your customers that your business is being sanitized throughout the pandemic.  

We also do offer a confirmed covid-19 case clean up which includes fogging the contaminated area as well as the cleaning all the high touched areas such as door knobs, desks, light switched, printers, counter tops, keyboards and other items that may be touched many times throughout the work day. We treat confirmed cases as an emergency service to ensure your business can continue to operate as quickly as possible. 

We can address your mold!

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can damage many items throughout a home and the longer it goes untreated the worse it can get and the more it can spread.

If you suspect your home may have a mold problem your first step should be to contact a professional. The more you know about mold and how to address the problem as well as the potential to impact your health, the better. 

Why SERVPRO? Here at SERVPRO of CHAMBERSBURG we have highly experienced technicians that have completed many mold jobs over the last few years. Most of the time we are able to find the mold right away and pin point exactly what has led to the mold problem. Here are some common issues that lead to mold growth.

• Lack of dehumidification. 
• Water intrusion that was not cleaned up correctly.
• Unknown slowly leaking pipes. 
• Lack of vapor barriers in crawlspaces. 
• Clogged gutters allow water into basements.
• Grading issues along the home. 
• Foundation issues allow water in.

Some common areas mold grows.

• Drywall
• Wood framing and joists
• Wood paneling 
• Soft goods such as furniture as well as carpet

If you suspect you may have mold and would like an estimate to take care of the mold call our offices at 717-261-0310. 

The Last Thing You Expect

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

After a bathroom supply line broke a caused water damage to three levels of this home.

Imagine having a full week of fun, driving multiple hours to get home to climb into bed in prep for the new work week ahead. However, when you open the door to your home you find the last thing you were expecting. 

While you were away on vacation at some point a water pipe had broke releasing gallons and gallons of water throughout your main living spaces. The brand new carpet you just had installed is not completely soaked and you are quickly realizing this job is much to big for you and a shop vac but not sure what to do? 

When it’s your home that’s underwater, mitigation can’t wait. If water damage strikes you give SERVPRO of Chambersburg a call 24/7 365 to have our trained technicians come out and address the water damages for your home. 

Inside The First Few Days Of A Fire Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage that caused the entire home to be rebuilt inside.

If you find yourself victim to a fire at your home you are probably so overwhelmed and not sure where to even start or look. You are always welcome to call SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG right away and we will be able to assist you throughout the entire damage from demo to rebuild. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

• Call your insurance company and open a claim.
• If your home is unlivable make sure to let the insurance company know you will need displacement while demo and repairs are happening. 
  • Depending on the size of your loss and how long it will take to get your home rebuilt or repaired will depend on the type of displacement. Some insurance companies will set homeowners up in hotels or some will get a short term rental depending on the timeline of repairs.
• Most insurance companies will allow a textile company to come and perform a quick 24 hour turn around on a small amount of cloths. The rest of your soft goods will take a few weeks to get cleaned in order to remove the smoke odor. 
• It is important to call SERVPRO of Chambersburg asap especially if any windows or doors were broken by the fire department. If that is the case it is important that we board up the home quickly to prevent any unwanted visitors or any further damages from the outside environment. 
• Over the next few days your insurance company should send out a field adjuster to go over all the damages, once the adjuster makes a visit and the fire department clears the scene demo can begin. 

Freezing Pipes?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

This basement flooded after a pipe broke.

It's that time of year where pipes begin to freeze and burst leaving a mess of your home and contents. Here are a few things to know if you unfortunately experience a frozen broken pipe.

• Locate your water shut off and turn off the main water supply, this will help prevent any more water from continuing to come out.
• Call your insurance agent and let them know of your water damage, they will be able to assist you with filing a claim and explain what you need to. 
• Call your plumber to come and fix the broke pipe.
• Quickly remove any contents out of the water that may not be able to be replaced.

Call us at 717-261-0310 to help you in any way with water damages to your home. 

Why You Should NEVER Use Bleach On Mold

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold that was left untreated for a long period of time.

Majority of homeowner think they should clean up mold with bleach. Cleaning the are with bleach is the worst thing to do in regards to mold clean up. Bleach is mostly made up of water, and water encourages mold growth. After applying bleach to mold it may look like the area is now clean and the mold is gone but the bleach is only taking away the color of the mold. Bleach only removes the appearance of mold. Bleach is for any material that is hard or a non-porous surface, however mold grows on porous materials as well such as drywall, wood, soft goods, furniture and carpet. When bleach is applied to the affected areas the bleach is easily absorbed into the porous materials which in other words is just creating a breeding site for the mold. This results with microbial growth to increase rapidly. If you believe there is mold growing in your home please reach out to us and we can give you tips on how properly take care of it we can also come out to your home for an inspection and put together and estimate to take care of the mold.  Call us at 717-261-0310.

Water Damage In your Business

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

After the sprinkler system failed causing this office building to flood our team quickly arrived to access the damages and start the drying process.

Common Questions After a Water Damage.

What Should I Do First?

After you find that your business has fallen victim to water damage the first step would be to stop the water from coming in. Was it a plumbing problem that caused the damage? Quickly find the water shut off valve to stop any further damage from occurring until you can get a plumber out to fix the broken pipe. We highly recommend that all employees know where the water shut off valve is just in case of emergencies. The faster the water is stopped from coming in the less that will become affected. 

When Should I Call SERVPRO?

Call us as soon as possible. Our crews work on a 24/7 365 on-call schedule and can be out within hours to start the drying process no matter what day or time. The quicker our team is able to get out to the loss the better.  The faster we are to begin drying may save some materials. For example, if you call us as soon as the water has been found there may be a chance we can save some building materials. However, if we aren't called as quickly as possible some materials may become compromised. For example, drywall is a very strange material when it comes to water damage. If the water has not yet reached the depth to touch the drywall there is a good chance we can keep it in place, however if only even the very bottom of the drywall gets wet but stays wet for a period of time the water will start to wick up the drywall which may cause more of the drywall to be removed. The key is to call us as soon as possible to help with the drying process. 

What If My Inventory Is Damaged?

We can handle it so that is one less thing you have to stress. Our team uses a special inventory software called iCat. iCat allows us to take a very detailed list of items we may be able to clean and save as well as items that are damaged. After the inventory is complete we will email you a list with photos of the inventory that makes it easy for you to go through and get prices in order to turn it in to your insurance company.

How Long Will The Equipment Stay?

Typically the average drying time is anywhere between three to five days depending on the types of materials we are drying out. Hardwood floors may even take a few extra days on top of the three to five. Our equipment will stay running 24/7 to ensure the building is being dried properly. 

Our Number One Goal

We understand that every day and every hour that your business is shut down costs money. That is why our number one goal is to get your business back to running as quickly as possible.  

Damaged Contents? Call Us!

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

After a tornado damaged a storage unit this customer's items were damaged. We quickly arrived to begin drying what items could be dried.

Content Damage? WE CAN HELP

Wet contents are never a good thing, especially if they are soft good items because mold can grow in a hurry. The key to drying out items is being quick in approach to begin the drying services. For example if you have a lot of books or possibly clothing that was damaged by water the faster we can respond the better chance it has at drying. In the photo is an example of our team attempting to dry out items from a storage unit that had damage due to a tornado. The customer called us to come inventory the damaged items and attempt to dry and clean the other items that could be salvaged.

But How Can I Keep Track?

We at SERVPRO of Chambersburg use a special content inventory software called iCat. With iCat the homeowner is able to see a detailed list with pictures of all the items we may bring back to our facility to attempt cleaning. Another feature of iCat is it also keeps inventory of all the non-salvageable items making it easier for the homeowner to go through and make a price list to turn in to the insurance company. This really makes it nice for the customer and the insurance company when it comes to attempting to get pricing for items that are damaged. 

What If Something Is Not Damaged But I Don't Want it?

That is fine! We at SERVPRO of Chambersburg can dispose of your items. You will be asked to sign an approval to dispose of items form. If something is not damage we can not place the item on the non-salvageable list but we can dispose of it for you. 

What If There Is Mold Damage On My Items?

Depending on the type of material your item is the really what decides if it will be savable or not. Most solid wood furniture can be sanded and refinished in order to return the item to preloss condition. If items are made of paper, particle board, cardboard or really anything that can not be submerged into water than we recommend those moldy items to be placed on the non-salvageable list. 

What Is The Non-Salvageable List?

The non-salvageable list will be the inventory of any items that we feel can not be returned to preloss condition and need to be replaced. The non-salvageable list will be emailed to you and your adjuster if applicable at the end. Once you receive the non-salvageable list you are able to get prices for the items that need to be replaced. 

What Causes Items To Be Put On Non-Salvageable List?

There are many things that may occur that causes damages to your contents. Whether it is water, sewage backup, mold, or fire and soot. When an item can not be cleaned to preloss condition or is damaged beyond repairable that item will be placed on the non-salvageable list. 

If you are in a situation where you need contents cleaned or even just inventoried for insurance purposes give us a call at our office at 717-261-0310 and we can put together a game plan for you! 

COVID-19

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Covid-19

Covid-19 

Covid-19 has really shaken up the world within the last few months. SERVPRO has been running non-stop to clean thousands of businesses across the country. A lot of businesses are reopening across the country but that does not mean we are all in the clear. To prevent another break out of covid-19 we all need to work together to make sure everyone is practicing good cleaning techniques.  

Your Business

No matter how big or how small SERVPRO can help. All of our franchises work together and within a few hours can have multiple teams arriving on scene to begin any cleaning that need to happen. Our highly trained technicians are very thorough and detailed when it comes to cleaning leaving your business clean and sanatized. 

Questions? Call us at (717)-261-0301 

Commercial Loss

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Questions? Call us at (717) 261-0310

Commercial Loss

A commercial loss is significantly different than a residential loss and we understand that here at SERVPRO. Any down time is critical for businesses and we want to get your business up and running again as fast as possible. No matter how big or small the loss may be we can call other SERVPRO franchises to come and help to minimize closure time. 

Water Damages

If your business falls victim to water damage please call us at (717)261-0301 to schedule services as soon as possible. The quicker we are to arrive to the business the quicker you can get back to running like a normal day. Water damages usually take around 3-4 days to dry out.

Fire Damages

If your business falls victim to fire damage please call us at our office to schedule services as soon as possible. Depending on how the fire department entered the facility could leave the business open and vulnerable to break ins. A lot of the time fire departments will break windows out and kick in doors to quickly access the fire. Our first steps of fire restoration is to make sure the building is secure. Our team can quickly get your business back to running "Like it never even happened." 

Flooded Basement? Hardwood floors? WE CAN SAVE THEM

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Drying hardwood floors. Call us at (717)-261-0310

Flood Damage

After a heavy rain a house can quickly flood, especially a basemen. We at SERVPRO will quickly arrive to remove the standing water. 

Hardwood Floors

After hardwood floors are damaged by water many people think that they will have to be removed. Almost all of our customers are extremely happy when we tell them that we may be able to save them. Keep in mind calling us as soon as possible ups the chances of the us being have to dry out the hard wood floors. We have a high tech drying system and floor mats that will actually dry out the wood.  Discoloring of the wood floor may still happen, however most hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished if that happens. 

How A Water Call Plays Out

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

This shows us drying the carpet in place at the home. We use a technique called floating which allows air flow to reach both sides of the carpet.

After you experience water damage one may wonder exactly what has to happen next. Typically once our homeowners contact their insurance company they will reach out to receive our services. We are run an on call service and have technicians ready to go at all times. After we arrive our highly trained technicians will thoroughly examine the affected areas to find exactly what is all damaged by the water. After a good evaluation we start up the truck mount to extract any water that we can. Afterwards comes the demo, some material we can in fact dry, while others always have to be removed. Majority of the time baseboard is detached, drywall is removed, and the floor is removed. However, if it is carpet as long as it can be re-stretched, we will dry the carpet in place at the home. After all the affected materials are removed, we will set up our drying air equipment that will remained in the home until the drying is complete. A standard water damage usually finishes up drying anywhere between 3-5 days.

Notice Mold?

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Severe mold damage that was left alone for to long.

Mold

If you suspect that you may have mold do not disturb it or try to clean it up. Disturbing the mold could cause the mold to release microscopic mold spores that could spread throughout your entire home. 

What to do?

• Stay out of the affected areas of your home.
• Call SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG for mold remediation. 
• Turn off any fans that may be running in the affected areas. 
• Purchase a dehumidifier to run if the mold is due to a moisture issue such as a damp basement. 

What not to do?

• Do not clean it up yourself. 
• Do not use bleach or any other product on the mold.
• Do not try to cut out the affected area, this could result in you spreading mold throughout your home. 
• Do not try to dry out your home yourself. 

24/7 - 365 We'll Be There!

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

A sprinkler system flooded this office building, leaving them no choice but to call SERVPRO.

4 AM or 4PM : We On Our Way

SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG provides a 24-hour emergency service and prides our self on being faster than anyone to any sized disaster. No matter how big or small SERVPRO can handle it. We can respond immediately to evaluate your loss. 

Residential Or Commercial 

Whether your loss is to your home or your business; our highly trained team can help. 

Residential

Our highly trained team will work vigorously to ensure your home is returned to preloss condition. We operate an on-call schedule so our technicians can arrive at 4 AM or 4 PM to assist you with your loss and begin the restoration. 

Commercial 

There is never a good time to experience water or fire damage, especially if you happens to your business. Every day that our team spends restoring your business is another day of lost revenue for you and we at SERVPRO understand that and is why we have our highly trained technicians and resources to get your business back to work quickly! 

Questions? Call us at 717-261-0310

Checking For Damages After A Storm

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged roof after a severe hail storm.

Accessing Storm Damage

After a major storm we recommend to inspect your home for damages. One of the things that takes the most beating during storms is typicaly a roof. However, it may be hard to fully see the extent of damage on the roof from the ground. Ifyou do not have a ladder or feel safe getting on the roof to inspect it below are some things to look for that may indicate roof damage. 

What to look for ? 

• Dents on siding
• Rips in window screens
• Dings on gutters
• Blown off shingles 
• Hail Strikes on roof
• Dimples on metal roof

If you are not completely sure if you have damage or not call your insurance company for a roof inspection and they will be able to determine if you actually do have damage. 

Questions? Call us! 717-261-0310 

Steps For Fire Restoration

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

This home was stripped down to the studs after a fire.

After a fire loss there is a lot that needs done. The contents need to be packed and moved out, the damaged materials need to be removed, and then the rebuilding process can begin. 

Contents 

One of the first steps we take is to remove all the contents out of the home to prevent further damage. Our highly trained team will pack up the contents and move them back to our facility to be cleaned. Below is a list of our different techniques for cleaning contents. 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Demolishing

After the contents are removed the home is ready for the next step, demo. During this step our team will evaulate what exactly needs to be removed and what can stay and be saved. Sometimes the home has to come down to the wood studs, and sometimes we can clean the walls and prep for paint. After the damaged materials are removed then it is time for rebuild. 

Tips To Prevent A Fire

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

A tiki torch was put away before it was completely cooled off causing this house fire.

House Fire 

Having a house fire is very serious tramatic event to have happen. Not only do some people lose their entire house but all the items that they also had in their home. Not all fires are preventable but here are some tips to prevent a house fire. 

Tips to Prevent - Minimize Your Risk 

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• Keep all flammables, like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes or rugs, at least 3 feet from a space heater, stove or fireplace
• Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room
• Check all cords and replace any that are frayed or have bare wires
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas on the ceiling or high on the wall

Because We Help

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Air equpiment set up to dry out a basement that fell victim to water damage.

Here at SERVPRO we can help you through your loss and help you navigate through the insurance process. We can help with determining if your loss is covered by communicating with the insurance company and or adjuster. We document everything the insurance companies expect and work directly with homeowners adjusters to make sure the losses are being addressed correctly. Throughout the entire loss our team is always in contact with the insurance compnay to keep them updated so that the homeowner has one less thing to worry about . From beginning to end we keep everyone informed and in the loop to ensure everything goes smoothly for all parties involved. A loss whether it is fire, mold or water is a big deal and we at SERVPRO want to make the process as easy as we can for our customers. 

"Like it never even happened."

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire loss this homeowner hired us for the rebuilding phase.

Here at SERVPRO we take pride in returing your home back to its preloss condition. Water damages, fire damages, and mold whatever the damage we are up for the task. We go the extra mile and find every detail to ensure our homeowners are happy at the end of their loss. Our before and after photos speak for themselves. A lot of our customers have even made comments that our end results look better than it did before. Whatever the damages may be we will go above and beyond to ensure the home is returned to how it was. Call us at our local office if you experience any damages so we at SERVPRO can make it " Like it never even happened."

Rain Rain Go Away

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

After a heavy rain this homeowners sump pump stopped working causing their basement to flood.

After a heavy rain our phone begin to ring and they may not stop for a few day. We have noticed that after a heavy rain or several days of rain that homeowners experience flooded basements. Unfortunately, some homeowners are not covered by their insurance company for ground water or flooded basement due to a storm event. We at SERVPRO can not tell a homeowner their exact coverage, their insurance company will have to determine if they are covered or not. Regardless SERVPRO can be the ones to help. More times than not the reason the basements flood is due o an issue with the homes sump pump. Our truck mount makes it easy for our team to quickly extract the water out of the structure. Our  certified water techs are trained to find all the materials that are wet and how to handle each type of material. 

Hail, Wind Damage What homeowner should know.

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

A roof shingle with a chalk mark to indentify damage

Every few years Franklin County PA will have a storm that causes hail or wind damage to homes. The damage can be minor to a small area of the roof just in need of a repair. Sometimes the damage is so severe it covers a large or whole roof and will need removed and replaced. We encourage customer to be caution during this time as you may have door to door sales representative from a new roofing company. In the industry these are often called “storm chasers”. They will often try to oversell the amount of damage and promise for the insurance to pay for the damages. These company’s often have been in business for a short period of time causing issues if they replace your roof and you later have an issue and they are now out of business.

We recommend homeowners to have a local trusted company to help them ethically navigate the process. Customer’s may hire SERVPRO of Chambersburg to be the expert to help coordinate the insurance and contractors needed for repairs. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been trusted by many insurance companies to perform their inspection during difficult times like the COVID-19 shutdowns where insurance adjuster are limited to the kind of visit they can conduct to be essential.

Why trust a restoration company to help you in construction? We are the areas preferred vendor to repair homes with an insurance claim. Our owner, Marlin Myers has spent his first part of his career running his own construction company for 20+ years and completed more roofs then he can count. See our before and after work here: https://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/before-after-photos/building-services

COVID-19 Services offered and Information needed for a quote.

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Approximately Mid- March 2020 SERVPRO of Chambersburg started receiving phone calls from local businesses getting pricing for COVID-19 cleaning. The inquiries were for proactive cleaning or suspected/confirmed case cleaning. It is highly recommended that a company has a plan in place to quickly react in the time of need with a professional cleaning service like SERVPRO! The importance of have a professional who has experience in dealing with biological contaminates that will exceed the normally janitorial duties.

SERVPRO has several different EPA registered products that are labeled hospital-grade disinfectants with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. While there are currently no products tested particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables.

What information is needed for a quote?

1. Company Name
2. Decision Maker Point of Contact: Full Name, Email Address and Phone Number
3. Proactive or Suspected/Confirmed Case Cleaning?
4. foot of area need to be serviced? Office Space vs Warehouse?
5. Time of Service, standard hours, or evening/weekends?

From this the quote can be started. There may be a few follow up questions and depending the information a site visit may be needed.

Fire Tips for Kids

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 73% of all burn injuries happen in the home. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

Servicing your Smoke Alarm

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve all heard the low, quiet, annoying beeping sound from inside the house that feels like it never beeps when you are standing next to it. Yes, you know what we are talking about, the smoke alarm. Did you know that the beeping sound is a reminder to change the batteries and perform a quick service to ensure it is working properly? The question is, do you know how to service your smoke alarms? We found some tips from NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) about how to maintain your smoke alarms. 

1. Smoke alarms should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
3. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
4. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
5. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
6. Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
7. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

When flooding affects your home our technicians may perform a technique called a "flood cut".

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

A flood cut from black water/sewage.

This specific technique requires cutting out sections of drywall about a foot above the flood line to inspect the wall behind it. While this process is not always necessary, there are a few circumstances that may require it after a flood occurs.

1. Black Water Floods

When outdoor flooding invades your home from overflowing streams or rivers, it may contain sewage, chemicals or dead animal carcasses. This water can be considered contaminated and is known as black water. A flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs because your home’s drywall and any insulation behind it may be affected by the dirty water and may need replacing.

2. Wet Insulation

Flood technicians may perform a flood cut and tear out sections of drywall if they believe any insulation behind your home’s walls has water damage. Because insulation cannot be properly dried, a flood cut may be needed to remove any wet material. Once the interior wall is cleaned and dried, new insulation can be installed.

3. Mold Growth

After flooding, mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Because mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

Let's Order a Kitchen Cleaning

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Grease built up on a light fixture.

Most operating commercial kitchens are cleaned regularly, or have a cleaning schedule. However, after many years in use sometimes grease may build up. SERVPRO takes pride in getting your kitchen as clean as possible. As picture is a light fixture that was in a small kitchen, after years of just quick wipe downs, grease accumulated. Our team used our SERVPRO HEAVY DEGREASER and lots of time and effort to get the grime off the light fixture. You can tell just how clean we eventually got the light. When we clean a kitchen we clean it right, walls, floors, sinks, anything in sight and within reach we can clean! Our customer was blown away with the ending results of this kitchen cleaning. Many people even mentioned that they have never seen the kitchen that clean! Call into our office to get your estimate for a kitchen cleaning. 

Destroy odors with deodorizations

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO handle those smelly jobs for you!

Causes of odors can be from a wide variety of sources. Cigarette smoke, pet odors, decomposition, mold and fire damages. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has several different options to help eliminate those odors. With technicians certified by the IICRC they are ready to provide specialized services that can remove those offensive odors. The first step is removing the source of the odor. This could mean hiring an exterminator to remove the dead animal under the home.

Cleaning is often a part of the deodorizing process. Cigarette smoke can leave a residue on the surfaces in the home even beyond the eye can see in the duct work. Walls may need to be washed, carpet may need to be cleaned, and painting to fully remediation the area.

Demo/Removal – In some difficult odor jobs like cat urine there may be areas that need to be demo’d or removed. Cat urine is one of the more difficult odors to remove as the enzymes in the urine create an unpleasant smell. The urine often also soaks into materials threw carpet into the subfloor. The carpet may need to be removed and the subfloor may be necessary to sealed with an odor blocker like Killz.

When Should You Call SERVPRO After A Fire?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

This fire damage was caused by a faulty stove plug.

After a large fire damage takes place a lot of people wonder what now? If the structure is exposed in anyway such as broken windows, broken doors, or holes punched out in the roof or side of the home it is best to call SERVPRO as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO team can respond within hours to board up any exposed areas of the home. The board up not only protects your home from other people just walking in; it always protects your home from secondary damages. For example, if the home's roof is exposed and it rains the joist system may grow mold from becoming wet. 

Water Damage, Fire Damage, Tree Damage?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

After a intense ice storm a customer had a tree fall on their roof.

SERVPRO responds to a wide variety of damages. A lot of people know to call SERVPRO if they have water damage, or fire damage. However, if a tree collapses on your roof and comes through the ceiling, did you know you can call SERVPRO for that damage as well? Yes, that's right, you can call SERVPRO to come clean up the unthinkable. After a severe ice storm, wind storm, hurricane, whatever caused the tree to fall, we'll be there for you. 

Your One Stop Shop, SERVPRO

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

The final result of a fire damage SERVPRO did beginning until end.

Here at SERVPRO we can handle your loss from beginning until end. Whether it be water damage or fire, our team can clean your affected contents, remove the damaged materials, and coordinate repairs leaving your home "Like it never even happened." From the beginning our first steps in most losses is to remove the contents, if they are affected our team members will clean them back to preloss condition. After the contents are removed we will work on the structure, inspecting what is wet and what is not. Depending on the types of materials we will remove what is not salvageable and leave what can remain to dry. That's when our air equipment will come in and do their job to dry out the structure, if it is a fire claim we will remove the affected materials. After the structure is completely demoed and dry we will coordinate the repairs from start to finish including electric, plumbing, floors, drywall so we can make the repair process less of a headache for you. 

Grease Clean Up On Aisle 4

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Grease piled up after a fryer overflowed.

After a small fire at a local restaurant the fryer overflowed leaving grease a few inches deep. This before picture shows the mess left behind. Our team responsded quickly and cleaned the affected kitchen area just as quickly. Within a few hours the restaurant was able to reopen for buisness leaving the managers beyond thrilled with our quick services. Not only were managers happy with how quick SERVPRO was, they were amazed at how clean we got the area.  

What Can Be Saved After A Fire?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

After a severe fire damage occured this home was demoed down to the studs.

After a fire damage occurs a lot of the structure can saved. It always depends on the severity of the fire damage as to what can stay and what needs replaced. For example a small kitchen fire that pushed smoke throughout the home may only need to be cleaned down and repainted. Whereas some severe fire damages may result in the entire structure being demoed down to the studs. Some of our projects we have worked on included removing part of the roof system and rebuilding from what remained. The key materials we usually always remove in a heavy smoke damage are: insulation, drywall, carpet, and flooring depending on the type of floors. 

Water Damage In a Business

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

After a few inches of water flooded a local business.

This business called our team to respond the a few inches of water throughout their office building. Following our steps the team was able to quickly remove the water and set up equipment to start the drying process. Our average time for drying is around 3 days. Our customer was happy to have their building dried out and able to have their workers get back to work "Like it never even happened." 

Spring Showers = Basements Flooding

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Call the SERVPRO team to help you in your time of need!

We have all heard the saying April Showers Bring May flowers. In south central Pennsylvania we normally experience a rainy spring that can overwhelm basements causing flooding. The most common causes are gutter drains clogged or too close to the foundation and sub-pump failure. Once the basement starts to flood it can be hard to control it till the rain has stopped.

If you find your basement flooded see if you can trouble shoot your sub-pump to get it working. If that does not work call a plumber for a replacement as this will take away the bulk of the water. After you have got the issue corrected, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310 to request a service call to begin water damage restoration or water damage cleanup. The professionals will collect the necessary information to properly respond to the home. You should also check with your insurance for coverage as flooded basements can have limited coverages or exclusion that your agent or claims department can help review the coverages with you.

Do carpets need replaced in a water damage?

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Here's an example of how we extract the water with professional equipment.

No. Just because carpets become wet during a water damage does not mean they are ruin. The SERVPRO Water Restoration Techs will evaluate several factors to determine the restorability then discusses with the homeowner and insurance adjuster to determine the approach.

The water source or category of the water of the levels of contaminates. Sewage from a back up has a high level of contamination vs an ice maker line. By using the information in the industry from the IICRC where the water damage tech receives its certification from will help them determine the category of water from 1, 2 or 3.

Next is the condition of the carpet to be able to be reused successfully. The backing of the carpet will be reviewed for any sign of delamination that can happen over time in contact with water  in high travel areas that will not allow the strength of the carpet to be reattached to the tack strip.

However, on the average water damage from a dishwasher, hot water heater or pipe break SERVPRO of Chambersburg can successfully dry the carpet to be relayed and then cleaned and disinfected.

The process will start with

• extraction to remove the most amount of water possible
• the carpet will be detached from the tack strip
• Removal of the wet carpet padding to be disposed of. Samples will be retained to have documentation of the quality of padding you had so the insurance can properly compensate for replacement.
• Placement of air movers and dehumidifier for 3-5 days.
• Apply antimicrobial when drying is completed.

Wind, Hail or Tree damage from a storm, Call SERVPRO

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Roof Shingles with a chalk mark to identify damaged area.

During high winds or storms, you home may suffer from wind, hail or tree damage. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can come assess your property for damage and work alongside your insurance to develop a plan of action. On more sever storm damages to your home you may need an emergency board up to prevent further damage.

Insurance coverages in storm damage situation will vary per the policy the customer has. Some insurance policies will cover a portion of the damage for example on siding damage it can be only corner to corner of the damaged area. Therefor there may be a small visual difference once repairs as the siding may be discontinues or sun faded that will prohibit it to be matched exactly. Other insurance policy may cover for the entire home to be replaced to match.

Here to help in difficult times.

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Ready to help you improve your safety cleaning at your commercial property.

Due to recent events of COVID 19 or Coronavirus many business have been impacted from reduced services to temporary closures. However, no need to fear SERVPRO is here to help with some of the most important services of proactive and confirmed case cleaning. Business are eager to get the ability to resume active to normal and we are here to help do it safely.

We are now providing Viral Cleaning, also known as Proactive Cleaning, to make sure that your location is up to code and clean in the event of a viral outbreak in your home or business. Each property will have a unique approach to their needs from fogging to high touched area’s cleaned.

If you are interested in this service, please call us at 717-261-0310 for a quote today. We're here to help, we're here to get our nation back on its feet, and we're here to make it "Like it never even happened."

COVID 19 Services for Commercial Properties.

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Safety Matters and we are here to help!

Navigating COVID-19 has been a tumultuous task. We are here to help those in need and who have been affected by the coronavirus. How are we helping clean our community?

We use Eco-Friendly products: SERVPRO is an eco-conscious brand. All of our products are safe to be used in homes or office spaces.

We follow CDC guidelines: We send our employees into the field fully protected in full PPE. We take our employees' health seriously and aim to protect them everyday.

Offering Proactive Cleaning: SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been a trusted provider for cleaning services in Franklin County PA. Our staff has master cleaning multiple different types of buildings and situation allowing us the ability to adapt to your needs.

Cleaning from Top to Bottom: We offer fogging services that clean up to 8ft up all the way to your floor. We are helping slow the spread of COVID-19 through continuous cleanings throughout the area.

Preparing for Openings: We are ensuring the safety of your space before opening back up to the public.

We are incredibly ready to help get things back to a new normal. We want to help get Pennsylania open and ready for business. As a business that plays a vital role in commercial clean-up, we will be there when you need us.

Fire Investigation, what does that mean?

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire damage occurs the fire department arriving on scene will determine if the fire martial needs to be dispatched to determined the source. It’s important to follow the produce the fire damage or police set in place as it is treated as a scene where evidence may need to be obtained. They are investigating for accident or arson as well as what item exactly caused the fire. The reason to investigate is to identify if anything was faulty or neglect that could be prevented. This is similar to auto manufacturers recalls, if they get to many notices of safety issue there needs to be someone responsible at correcting this.

When the local officials have “cleared” the scene your still not done yet. Your insurance company may have their own investors that need to evaluate the situation before the areas in question can be disturbed. This some times can interrupt or halt services till this has been completed. On the average its completed in less than a day. More difficult fires may take up to a week to determine.

Don’t worry when you call SERVPRO of Chambersburg our staff is trained to compile with these orders. Call us today at 717-261-0310 to be walked threw by a trained professional during this difficult time.

Why you should not DIY your water damage

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Hot Water Heater flooded A Basement

A lot of times we will hear "We had a small water damage before but cleaned up the water, so we didn’t feel we needed to call you." While this may be okay if the water damage was on tile flooring or concrete most of the time even after the standing water is removed, there are wet materials left behind. For example, a customer's dishwasher flooded their kitchen; they cleaned the water off the surface and went about their day, however they were not aware of the materials below being wet.  

WET LAMINATE PLANKS -If the floors are laminate planks, eventually the seams to the floor will start to separate and the water that is now trapped underneath the flooring will never dry. We at SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG always remove wet laminate planks. The problem is the floor being engineered wood acts as a sponge and will eventually ruin the floor completely. Another issue is the water now trapped between the planks and the subfloor will never dry leading to mold and worst-case scenario rotted subfloors. It is always important to call SERVPRO to ensure your structure is dried out correctly.

WET DRYWALL- Drywall is a tricky one; it is hard to look at drywall and be able to tell if it's wet or not unless it's crumbling from the ceiling. That’s why SERVPRO of CHAMBERSBURG has all the moisture meters and equipment to check every kind of material in your home. Even if the water wasn’t deep enough to touch the drywall itself doesn’t mean the drywall isn’t wet. If the baseboard trim becomes wet, then there is a chance of wicking. Wicking is when the water travels up through the drywall causing the damage to move higher up the wall. Our team always removes baseboard even if the drywall behind it is not wet. If the baseboard is wet and is not removed it can cause damage to the drywall causing it to eventually become wet as well as the moisture trapped between the two materials may lead to mold.

WET INSULATION/CARPET PAD- Wet carpet pad and insulation are always removed; the two kinds of materials act as a sponge and will never completely dry which may lead to mold. If you have a leak in your ceiling that was fixed but the drywall and insulation remained, you may want to check out the attic space or behind the ceiling separating the levels depending on what is directly above. If the drywall and insulation became wet but were never properly removed there may be a chance of mold.

WET HARDWOOD FLOORS- Call SERVPRO of CHAMBERSBURG as soon as possible if your hardwood floors become wet, because WE CAN SAVE THEM. The key to successfully drying out hardwood floors is to start the drying process as soon as possible. SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG has specialty drying mats and special techniques in drying that can successfully dry out hardwood floors. The longer the floors remain wet the less chance we can successfully dry the floors; what will happen is a cupping effect or swelling.

The key to saving as much as we can is the homeowner calling us as quickly as possible; our team works on a 24/7 on-call service and can arrive at a jobsite as quickly as possible to begin remediation. Whether it is 2 AM or 4PM call us at SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG to ensure your home is dried out properly.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is a proud member of Chambersburg Chamber

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

The 2020 Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Group. Brittany is the front row second from the left in the white shirt.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is highly involved in the community that we serve. One of the areas of engagement is being an active member of the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce since the business stated in 2010. The Chamber of Commerce is an organization where business members come together to form relationship and build trust to use one another for services. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has preformed services for the Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Chambersburg along with many of the members for the water, fire, mold and cleaning services.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has hosted Mixers where the SERVPRO storm trailer was displayed to hosting lunch and learns to educate the community in disaster prevention. Also, General Manager Brittany has been a leader in the Ambassador committed for over 7 years including other seasonal committees. The role of being in the Ambassador committee is to be a mentor for new members and connect people with other in events and increase the Chambersburg engagements.

Why SERVPRO is the only name you need to remember for disaster restoration services to residential or commercial property as a one stop shop big or sm

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to help!

SERVPRO was founded by Ted and Doris Isaacson in 1967 and franchising since 1969, the number of locations has risen steadily in recent years, coming to a current total of 1,715+, of which none are company-owned and 17 are located outside the US.

 The placement of the franchises allow the teams to quickly respond to various services calls from the busted hot water heater to the hurricane that impacts several states. The franchise system also provides unlimited amounts of resources of equipment and trained professionals to truly handle any size of disaster.

 The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division:

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. When a 1 million dollar water damage occurs througout a hospital for example the local SERVPRO office will be able to have to right qualified assistance managing a large loss from a team with proven results and experience.Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

2017 California wildfires

2017 Hurricane Irma

2017 Hurricane Harvey

2016 Hurricane Matthew

2015 Carolina floods

2014 Polar Vortex

2012 Sandy

2010 Nashville floods

2008 Ike

2007 Chicago floods

2007 Ohio floods

2007 California wildfires

2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

If I can’t see Water Damage Is, it there?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

One of the devices used to complete a water damage inspection.

Many times, we hear customer mention that they’ve shop vacuumed up the water, or its not dripping anymore do I really need to do anything else? The answer is YES! Water damage can hide beneath the surface and cannot properly be judged by appearance or touch.

When SERVPRO of Chambersburg’s trained water technicians arrive on site they are not only equipment with a vast amount of knowledge, they have several industry moisture meters to properly assess the situation. It’s better to call sooner than later as if they materials do become dry without proper drying it would have taken longer then recommended.  During that time areas you cannot see can grow mold. Mold starts for form as little as 48-72 from the water intrusion.

The water damage bill that you’ve attempted to avoid has doubled in cost into a mold remediation and now your family’s health may be impacted. Failure to remediate the water damage by delaying in contacting a professional like SERVPRO could impact your insurance claim coverage due to negligence.

Don’t try to DIY your water damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

SERVPRO's Full Service Fire Damage Services, Start to finish

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to check out our before and afters to see our fabulous work!

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is dedicated to responding immediately to your fire damage emergency.

Fire damage like smoke and soot affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Chambersburg understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Chambersburg specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. 

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home or business requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Chambersburg can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• Protecting contents from further on-site damage
• Protecting items from potential damage
• A quicker remodeling process
• Can allow contents team to clean the items while others are working the structure.

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The items could also be stored in a storage container onsite if you’d frequent access to the items, storage unit or at our facility. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service, which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding. The customer and insurance adjuster have a link to the database to access to see all important information and they can input the value of the non-salvageable items.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Chambersburg can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage.

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

Air Drying

Dehumidification

Freezer Drying

Vacuum Freeze Drying

Vacuum Thermal Drying

Electronic Cleanup

Fire damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics.

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg – 717-261-0310

SERVPRO of Chambersburg are the Drying Experts!

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

When you see your basement like this, Call the team at SERVPRO of Chambersburg.

When a water damage invades your property, turn off the water and call SERVPRO of Chambersburg for professional water damage restoration.

The SERVPRO® System Helps Save Money!

• Emergency Mitigation Services help minimize additional property damages.
• SERVPRO® of Chambersburg professionals use specialized test equipment to determine hidden water.
• Restoration versus replacement of contents saves heirlooms and money too.
• By using advanced drying techniques, SERVPRO® of Chambersburg Professionals monitor and ensure your property is properly dried.
• We understand your insurance guidelines and expectations.

Drying is a science, with lots of training. Don’t DIY with water damage cleanup.

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO® of Chambersburg Professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process. Restoration professionals must establish an environment favorable for drying.

The restoration professional must also understand how to manipulate temperature and humidity levels to produce optimum drying conditions, without causing secondary damages through improper drying processes.

Quick Services & Clear Communication.

ONE HOUR:

Within one hour from notice of a loss, a SERVPRO® of Chambersburg Professional will contact you to arrange for service. They will collect important information of how many rooms have been affected, what caused the water damage, and who your insurance company is. You’ll know help is on the way!

FOUR HOURS:

Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® of Chambersburg Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

DETAILED EXPLANATION:

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

EIGHT HOURS:

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

Home Inspection Found Mold, Now what?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

This unoccupied home with a water leak developed mold in a closet.

Most home buyers are getting a home inspection when purchasing a home today. The home inspection is a very detailed process where normally the home inspector is onsite for several hours looking everything over from the roof to the basement. The reports can be 10-60 pages long and normally includes photos and areas of concern or recommended areas needing improvements. When the home inspector suspects mold, they will normally mention something along the lines of “have inspected by a professional mold company.”

When those statements come up on the property’s report, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg to understand the options in the beginning of the estimate and remediation process. Each bank will also have their requirements of how the problem needs to be corrected based on the loan. Some will require another inspection to ensure the work has been done or some will need proof of services.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg highly recommends having air testing done prior and after a remediation. Some restoration companies will understand the seller is under pressure to have the services for the success of their sale and escalate the cost of remediation without proof. This is how the air test by a third party can ensure remediation is only being performed in the areas needed.

Don’t let the word mold on a home inspection report scare you away, SERVPRO of Chambersburg is experienced in delivering exceptional results for a reasonable price.

Importance of a Commercial Property of Planning for a disaster.

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

As a manager of a commercial property you day is already quite busy and have little time for self improvement projects. However, this is not an adequate reason to not prepare for a disaster by developing an ERP(Emergency Ready Profile). 

We heard a very inspiring story from the SERVPRO of South Tulsa, Oklahoma location where their client stated if the would have had an ERP in place it could have save life of children. 

During a tornado the children were relocated to the basement of the school for safety. Then the water pipe broke causing it to flood in the basement but were trapped due to the tornadoes debris. They were unable to locate the shut off valve resulting in a few children's death. https://nypost.com/2013/05/21/several-children-drowned-in-basement-as-tornado-leveled-okla-school-as-officials-continue-recovery-efforts/

SERVPRO of Chambersburg can offer the ERP to help located and list out the hazards along with shut off procedures. But most important is the training that can be conducted on a quarterly or bi-yearly basis so all employees are educated. 

How SERVPRO Can help Banks in the Chambersburg area

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg often preforms services aside from the standard fire and water damage. An example is SERVPRO of Chambersburg has worked with many banks regarding providing estimate, cleaning services, emptying out property and mold remediation on bank owned homes. When homeowner leaves the property due to failure to pay or foreclosure the homeowner can cause major destruction from anger. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has seen it all. From tubs, toilets, sinks filled with fecal matter to hoarding left behind. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can provide quick and efficient clean up services. In addition is the water/mold damage. When the property is unattended for a length of time as the bank manager do not have the time to do weekly inspection the property can suffer a water damage that progresses into mold. 

Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg to schedule an estimate regarding your bank owned property. 

No Job is too Big for SERVPRO

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

When choosing a company to provide you service it's best to choose someone who can adapt to any size of job you may have in the future. The SERVPRO system is a franchise system that has a variety of different level of operators with a variety of experts. From a residential hot water heater to a local area middle school fire SERVPRO can be the one brand you know you can call on. 

The SERVPRO Extreme Team is a traveling group who will relocate to a disaster area to perform work on a huge commercial job. This is where the large trailers come into the location with a strong management team who can oversee the work of hundreds of employees to clean every inch of a school fire in a short period of time. They specialized in commercial projects that exceed $500,000.

Why Realtors Should Choose SERVPRO

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

For sale, use SERVPRO to help close that deal.

In today's real estate market, you can have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings whether it be a commercial or residential listing. You also want the ability to move a sale through quickly to get your commission.  Presentation is everything.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg professionals can assist you in many different ways to make this sale the best!  We can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and also replace the vapor barrier if needed.  We can assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder clean outs with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services.  

A SERVPRO of Chambersburg professional can attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency.

So before you risk the opportunity to close the sale of the property, call Chambersburg 717-261-0310.

SERVPRO Storm Teams in Action 2018

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

In September and October, our Disaster Recovery Teams went into action, responding to those in need after the devastation left by Hurricanes Florence and Michael. DH Storm was activated for response to North Carolina wherein they mobilized 343 crews from 133 Franchises across the country.

 Less than one month after Florence devastated North Carolina, Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 Storm. Storm Team Wilson quickly activated to assist those impacted by this major Hurricane. So far, Team Wilson has activated 115 crews from 51 Franchises.

 We continue to hear about how SERVPRO Green is everywhere in impacted areas. SERVPRO is truly making an impact on those affected by these natural disasters. Both events are on-going and we certainly appreciate all the Storm Heroes that have dedicated their time and effort to the SERVPRO Brand while sacrificing weeks and months away from their families back home. 

How To Maintain Your Sump Pump

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

If your home has a wet basement, you’re not alone. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that more than 60 percent of homes have issues with water in the basement.

A sump pump can be an effective option for preventing water damage. Sump pumps are low-maintenance devices, but you can help keep your unit operational by inspecting it regularly. Steps in a regular maintenance program can include:

• Checking the discharge line to make sure it is not stopped up or frozen. If necessary, unclog the air vent hole in the line.

• Checking the inlet screen to ensure that it’s not clogged with residue and debris. Do these three or four times per year.

• Making sure the float component is unobstructed and can move smoothly.

• Scanning the pit and removing any visible debris, mud, or stones.

• Testing the pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise with the water level, triggering the unit to start pumping. If pumping doesn’t begin, check to see that the unit is plugged in. Your float switch or check valve might also be at fault.

• Going outside to see that water is discharging and flowing where it’s supposed to go – well away from your home.

Once a year, disconnect the pump from the power source and remove the unit. Flush it thoroughly with water to remove debris. While you have the pump out, also clean debris from the sump pit.  Reinstall the pump and reconnect the power source.  Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure the pump starts. If your unit has backup battery power, replace the battery every two to three years, or as directed by the manufacturer. Always refer to your pump’s instruction manual for specific information about maintenance and operation. 

In addition to maintenance your pump ensure that you have the property coverage for a failure. It's not always a standard item to be included in your policy and some coverage will have a $5,000 or $10,000 limit. 

If your sump pump does fails Call (717)-261-0310 and a team from SERVPRO of Chambersburg will come out and dry your basement and all other areas that are wet.  

Black Mold, Green Mold , Musty Smell.. What's that mean?

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Some of the devices used during a remediation.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. To establish a baseline testing will need to be performed in the areas of concern.  Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Learn more about our mold remediation process.

1. Emergency Contact - (717) 261-0310
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Your Business Flooded. What Now?

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

An example of one of the machines you may see on a large water job.

If your business has been hit by a flood, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and reduce disaster recovery costs. First things first: call your insurance provider, and then attend to the 3 Be’s.

Be Safe

Don’t enter your building until you know it’s safe.

• Check for electrical hazards; turn off power if possible
• Check for structural damage
• Wear protective gear: boots, gloves and respirators
• Check for biohazards that may contaminate the flood water, such as lead paint and asbestos

Be Quick

• Mold starts growing in as little as 48 hours, so begin water removal ASAP. Open windows and use air movers to remove moisture from the air
• Once standing water is removed, check for concealed pockets of water: under carpets and padding, between layers of building materials, behind trim and walls, under cabinets and furniture, and in mechanical spaces
• Address contaminants. If the flood water is laden with bacteria or chemicals, you’ll need to bring in an expert on biohazards, like SERVPRO of Chambersburg, to evaluate, treat and inspect your building and property

When you have suffered a flood or other water disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Be Thorough

• To help with your insurance claims, document everything with photos or video—structural damage, water-damaged property and discarded items—both before and after cleanup. (SERVPRO of Chambersburg will document your entire job and work with your insurer for the smoothest, fastest claim process.)
• Clean all salvageable material and apply disinfectants on contaminated items.
• Confirm that all building material is 100% dry before beginning reconstruction

Or ... Call SERVPRO

Recovering from a commercial flood is stressful, time-consuming and can be disastrous when you factor in your business’s downtime. But you can be sure that all the details are handled quickly and professionally when you call SERVPRO of Chambersburg after a commercial water disaster.

See before and after water damage photos: https://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/before-after-photos/water-damage-restoration

Testimonial: https://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/testimonials/water-damage-restoration

Own an Older Home? These Fire Risks May Be Lurking

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

If your house is more than 40 years old, it can harbor some unseen fire risks. If you learn about them ahead of time, you can take action to prevent a fire from starting—and keep your home sweet home safe for many more years to come.

Outdated Wiring

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), there are about 46,000 fires involving home electrical systems each year, and the majority of those could be prevented with a routine inspection. The CPSC says that in many cases, homes that were built between 40 and 100 years ago hadn't been inspected since they were built.

Be alert to obvious warning signs of a failing electrical system:

• flickering or dim lights
• a shrinking of your television picture
• frequent power outages
• sparks
• unusual sounds like sizzles or burning smells
• smoke
• any kind of electrical shock
• damaged insulation
• warm or hot outlets or switches
• reliance on extension cords for everyday use

If you can't remember the last time your electrical system was inspected, hire a certified electrician or electrical inspector to prevent a potential disaster. Even if you've had an inspection less than a decade ago, you should contact a professional immediately if you start to notice the warning signs of a bad electrical system. Hire only a licensed and insured electrician to do electrical work.

All-In-One Restoration Company Clean up and Repairs

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

One of the fire jobs that's in it's finishing stages.

A company that offers mitigation and restoration services can reduce the workload on insurance agents and adjusters while simplifying the claim process for property owners. Relying on a one-stop shop may make miscommunication less likely, prevent scheduling conflicts and allow for a faster and more thorough restoration job. Depending on a single service also means that the initial estimate is likely to be more accurate.

These restoration services set SERVPRO franchises apart from independent companies. The business model means that each location has the backing of a national corporation and the ability to call on nearby locations for additional personnel and equipment. A single estimate from a service that can clean up damage and rebuild a commercial property can also be more convenient for insurance agents, adjusters, and clients. 

Since SERVPRO of Chambersburg has opened in 2010 we have been provided customer the start to finish work. With owner Marlin Myers background as a general contractor is the expert in the matter regarding processes and codes for reconstruction. Any old handmade may be able to do some kind of repair but it's important to have a licence, experienced and knowledgeable company handling the task. 

All-In-One Restoration Company Clean up and Repairs

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

One of the fire jobs that's in it's finishing stages.

A company that offers mitigation/cleanup and restoration services can reduce the workload on insurance agents and adjusters while make things easier the claim process for property owners. Trusting on a one-stop shop may make miscommunication less likely, prevent scheduling conflicts and allow for a faster and more thorough restoration job. Depending on a single company as a project manager also means that the initial estimate is likely to be more precise.

These restoration services set SERVPRO of Chambersburg apart from independent company (mom and pop shops). The business model means that each location has the backing of a national corporation and the ability to call on nearby locations for additional personnel and equipment.

Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg today to schedule an estimate for your the rebuild of your property due to water, fire, mold, hail and storm.  717-261-0310

What Sets Smart Smoke Detectors Apart?

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Smart smoke detectors are a relatively new technology that can send push notifications to smartphones and may be controlled remotely. Find out how a next-generation smoke alarm can protect your home.

Smart Alarms Types

There are three types of smart fire safety devices:

• Smart batteries
• Smart detectors
• Listeners

Smart batteries can be used in standard battery-powered smoke detectors or as backups in hardwired units. Smart detectors may cover more square-footage than standard alarms and can be controlled remotely. Listeners send alerts when any alarm is triggered.

Technological Differences

A smart battery is an affordable way to monitor your home while you are out. This technology functions like a nine-volt battery but has Wi-Fi connectivity to send notifications. You can silence battery-powered alarms remotely, but this function does not work for hardwired alarms with smart battery backups. 

A smart smoke alarm also sends notifications, can be remotely controlled, and may be capable of monitoring more than one floor of your home. Some devices alert users to elevated carbon monoxide levels. Listeners send notifications whenever an alarm sounds in your home, though these devices are not capable of silencing alarms.

Smart Alarms Effectiveness

A single smart alarm may monitor an entire floor of your home, or more. If your home is spacious, you may want to just install a listener to notify you of any alarms.

Smart Detector Costs

Smart fire safety solutions are available in a wide price range:

• The initial smart battery unit retails for about $35 with $15 replacements once or twice a year
• Smart detectors start around $100
• Listeners range from $50 to $100

Consider a smart smoke alarm or smoke detector device to receive timely push notifications about alarms. All of these devices can increase overall safety at your residence in Chambersburg, PA. If a fire results in damage, rely on the expertise of damage restoration professionals. 

Keep your business running after a storm.

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

One of the planning tools SERVPRO offers, the ERP.

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community, and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: - Plan to stay in business - Encourage your employees to become ready - Protect your investment

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses to prepare their employees, operations, and assets in the event of an emergency. At ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

Replace your water heater before it's to late!

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Hot water heater

One pipe leak can result in major water damage throughout many rooms in a home. When a hot water heater leaks in the attic it can cause damage in several rooms below. Typically, in these situations, you don't know there is a problem until it's too late!

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is equipped to respond to these types of water damages the same day the job is called in. We will extract the water, remove damaged structure, and set up drying equipment. We will monitor the job daily until all structure is dry!

It is recommended that you check your hot water heater on a regular basis, especially if it's in your attic. When your hot water heater is in your attic it is even more important to keep a maintenance schedule and to stick to that schedule. If your hot water heater is slowly leaking, it won't take much time for the pan to begin to overflow from a 50-gallon water tank. The bottom of the water tank can then rust. Also, the leak can cause moisture in the air that can then cause mold!

Things we don't see often, or ever for that matter are easy to forget! If you are a victim of a hot water heater water damage, call us at SERVPRO of Chambersburg  today! 717-261-0310

Preventing Water Damage While On Vacation

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

One of the highest insurance claims by homeowners is water damage, according to a study done by the Insurance Institute. In fact, leaky pipes and in often cases appliances cause millions of dollars of damage in freezing weather and storms annually. While you’re on vacation, it’s no surprise that a leaky pipe can burst and cause hundreds of dollars of repairs.

Here are 7 Steps to follow before you go on vacation.

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Before embarking on your trip, check pipes under your sinks and the water heater for any rust, cracks, or damage. You should also check the seals around your windows to make sure there are no cracks that might cause water damage. Additionally, check the exterior of your house and see what condition your roof shingles are in. If any show damage, getting them replaced before leaving for vacation is a good idea.

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

It’s important that you inspect the hoses that connect to important appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, and refrigerator. If there is any damage, you should get the hose replaced before you leave to prevent extensive water damage.

Step 3. Clear Out Your Gutters

Make sure to get any debris out of your rain gutters before leaving for vacation. This way, you won’t have any blockages that can cause damage while you’re away.

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Make sure it is in good condition and clear any debris from clogging the pit. You should also run a few tests, listening to the sounds it makes and making sure that the water in the pump is actually going outside. You should also install a battery-powered backup in case there is a power outage while you’re away.

Step 5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you are planning on being away from your home during the winter, it can be a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes. This will prevent them from freezing while you are away.

Step 6. Get Someone to Check on Your Home

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you are gone. Instruct them to ensure that the heat is always on if your vacation is during the winter. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 7. Turn Off the Water

Lastly, if you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main. You will also want to drain the pipes completely so that they do not freeze or burst during the colder months. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. You should also open the cabinets under your sink to let the warm air surround the pipes.

If you do experience water damage while you are away from your home, contact SERVPRO of Chambersburgas soon as possible. 717-261-0310

How SERVPRO of Chambersburg can service hotels

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

ERP

SERVPRO of Chambersburg had provided services to many hotels in the area from water damage to standard carpet cleaning. While these services were completed there were some things to learn about risk factors. Sprinklers are put in place into commercial facilities to prevent severe fires from occurring but when they are handled improperly they can cause damage from a break. A few years ago the cause of the hotels water damage was resulting from a guest hanging there clothes hanger onto the sprinkler when pulling it down it snapped the sprinkler activating a few rooms sprinkler causing water damage. The staff onsite had no idea where about the shut off was to the water line and water kept on coming for 30 minutes. Having a SERVPRO ERP could have reduce the severity of water damage if the water was shut off quickly.

Top Commercial Mold Damage Tips to Remember After a Flood

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Our community is important to us!

If your home or commercial building recently flooded due to storm damage or some sort of plumbing issues, you're probably unsure of the next step. Not only are you worried about property damage from the water, but you also have to worry about mold in your home or business. Mold can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of! Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold in Chambersburg, PA. 

Get Rid of Moisture

This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.  

Protect Yourself 

You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, PROTECT YOURSELF by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask. 

Hire a Professional

The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds is properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the future. 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg odor removal overview

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

One of the several machines mentioned in the article.

Don’t live a life full of unpleasant smells

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells. With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Chambersburg provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold or other sources. Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more. Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products SERVPRO of Chambersburg uses various techniques and equipment to treat odors. These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Some of the tools we use include:

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke and more without the use of chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors.

 Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process; though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke, as well as biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors. Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority. Fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away.

Memorial Day Grilling Safety - Preventing Fires

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Memorial Day

Grilling & Fire Safety

Grills and smokers, while creating delicious cookout fare, have a great potential for danger. It is very important that a lit or hot grill is never left unattended; a responsible adult should stand guard as “grillmaster” to control flames and keep children and animals away from hot surfaces. Before your first grill of the year and often during grilling season, make sure your grill ready for the job. Keep it clean of grease, inspect propane fuel lines, and position your grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways. You should also take any precautions in case a flare-up or fire were to occur; keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure to know how to cut off fuel lines if you are using propane. 

To learn more visit : https://blog.americansafetycouncil.com/memorial-day-safety-2/

Soot Cleaning what you need to know

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning is more cost effective then replacing most situations.

Cleaning Services: Each fire or soot damage is different and will required testing for soot in rooms, inside dresser, inside cabinets and other area to determine what needs to be cleaned. If there are any personal items you wish to remove, please do so prior to services. Our staff is not able to handle firearms or ammo please relocated them away from the work area. The staff will do their best to place items back the way we found them please ask the technician for any assistance in relocated items if in the wrong area.

Goal of Cleaning:  Our methods are based on the foundation of attempting to clean before replacement to keep the job moving smoothly, cost down and reduce stress of repurchasing items. Our objective is to return the item to preloss condition. During the course of our service if there are items that we recommend to be replaced due to the cost of cleaning vs replacement cost or due to soot was present after cleaning. You should then document and submit the items for replacement to your insurance.

Other Customers: In the event of another customer emergency arise we will need to excuse our self to service the emergency, we will return at our soonest availability.

Odor: If the job requires the use of odor aiding machines, we will arrange to place those. Some machines will run 24/7(air scrubber, vapor-shark) and other may run while no occupants are in the home such as Ozone for a few hours.

Post Cleaning: After cleaning services are complete, we will inform your adjuster and yourself of any remain work or replacement that we find necessary. An example is wall surfaces that still contain soot after cleaning will be recommended to be painted. However, the cleaning is an important step prior to painting for the best painting results. 

Billing: It is impossible to estimate the exact time and methods needed prior to cleaning accurately. Over the course of the approximately 2-7 business days after completion we will submit our documents, invoice and estimate electronically by email to you and your insurance company. 

Future Work: If you’d like to see how SERVPRO of Chambersburg can help with any future work you may need such as repairs, carpet cleaning ect, call the office to inquire the current wait time and the procedure for requesting additional services.

Reviews: https://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/customer-reviews/reviews

Storm Preparedness

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Your family and your home needs preparation for a storm plan before it happens. Conversation should take place with all family members of if a natural disaster were to occur where would you go to meet up at. What your grab and no bag would need it. Clothing, medicine, flashlights, important personal documents are all items you should consider taking. Ask yourself if you had 5 minutes to grab your must haves, could you do it? 

At your home pending the type of storm it is you'll have some work to prevent damage from occurring. Securing your loose belongings like furniture and trash cans. Prior to a heavy rainstorm check your gutter drains that they are directed away from your house and functioning. 

After the storm has stopped you need to take photos for your insurance of any damage prior to cleanup beginning. 

The money you spend now saves you later!

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Education to our customer is important to us!

When a water or moisture problem exist you can occur some expense and start to fear of mold. However the most important thing to do is getting a professional on site within 24 hours of the incident occurring to start removing excess moisture and begin drying services. The cost of mold remediation is often double what the cost would have been for a water damage cleanup and the repairs. Fixing the leak quickly is just as important to help keep the cost under control. Also use caution for DIY mold removal information as often customer will tell us how they used a "mold" product at lowes to clean up mold but it keeps reappearing. That's because all your doing is cleaning the surface not eliminating the mold spores. Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg for assistance regarding your moisture, mold or water issue. 

Do I have to wait to talk or see my adjuster before calling SERVPRO?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

One of the moisture detection devices

Reasons not to wait for your adjuster to visit the home before cleanup. 

After your home in Chambersburg had water, fire or smoke damage it common to think that the insurance needs to visit the home before work begins or calling a professional services like SERVPRO of Chambersburg. 

1. It's in your policy to for the homeowner to prevent further damage. This includes fixing the source, turning off the water, moving items out of the area before they get wet. Also failure to respond quickly can cause some materials not to be salvageable or mold to develop.

2. A trusted industry leader like SERVPRO of Chambersburg has working relationships with majority of the insurance company understanding what documentation is needed before, during and after the job to keep things moving along. If an special item needs to be addressed SERVPRO of Chambersburg will consult with customer and insurance adjuster for approvals as well. 

3. Adjusters are busy and can take a week on average to visit the property to review damages. In fact, most times SERVPRO of Chambersburg has completed the drying services before the adjuster even arrives!  

4. The adjuster relies on SERVPRO of Chambersburg expertise to inform them of what plan of action needs to take place. Most adjuster do not have moisture meters or the standard training of the IICRC guidelines. 

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Chambersburg
• Greencastle
• Waynesboro
• Mercersburg
• St.Thomas
• Fayetteville
• Marion
• Blue Ridge Summit
• Mont Alto
• Rouzerville

Employee's complaining about mold?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Download our SERVPRO ERP app today!

As an employer your have an obligation to provide a safe environment for your employees. If you have employees who you believe are making false complaints regarding mold here's what you need to do. 

1. Do not attempt to clean any of the discoloration or possible mold spores yourself. 
2. Hire and indoor environmental hygienist to do air and surface samples. 
3. If you have a positive result for needed remediation contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg. 

An Indoor environmental hygienist is a trained professional who test for mold. This is a lab report that will provide levels of mold, kinds of mold and often explanation of reason it developed. If this report indicate that no high level of mold were found and do not need a remediation you've not only saved yourself the cost of a costly remediation but can help assure your employees are truly safe. 

Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg for your mold inquiries we are always willing to provide education and recommedation to customers. 

Lost Income on your Commercial Insurance Policy

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

On site of a local Church performing services.

When your business experiences a disaster that interrupts business you may have something in your policy to provide income to you and your staff while the building is being restored. Each business owner will have to assess how much income they produce daily to outweigh there saves as to when the policy would kick in to allow coverages.  This allows the owner to focus on the consuming task of a restoration process and to allow the property length of time to fix the damages. Rushing a project can not always be the best approach and cause unachievable deadlines. During an extensive re-build there could be time involved verifying coverages, permits, inspections and delays due to weather that area all outside anyone's control. 

Call your agent to review your coverages on an annual basis to ensure when the time arises your properly covered. 

Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg for your business needs at 717-261-0310

Secondary Water Damage: What Is it and Why Is it Treated so Seriously?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Here to help

When your building is affected by water damage, you should always retain the help of an experienced local restoration team. This is especially the case if dealing with secondary damage or, in the worst-case scenario, tertiary water damage. 

Some factors that play into a water  categorization include the following: 

• How long the water has been allowed to sit
• Where the water originated
• What contaminants might be in the water
• Whether or not initial damage was remediated in a proper manner
• Whether or not black mold is present

What Is Secondary Water Damage?

This type of water damage is damage that was not reacted to in a swift and effective manner. It may also be damage that arises from water of unknown origins. This type of water damage is categorized as such mainly because the extent of contamination and therefore potential hazardousness is unknown. Additionally, this type of damage goes beyond wet walls and wet carpet. It typically affects the structure of the building as well, and may include the following types of issues: 

• Rotted drywall
• Buckling hardwood floors
• Peeling vinyl
• Black mold or mold spores

Each of these issues is the result of both the water itself and high humidity. 

What Causes Secondary Water Damage?

The cause of this type of water damage is easy enough to pinpoint: poor reaction time. Any type of water damage, no matter how seemingly insignificant, needs to be dealt with immediately. Failure to react in a timely or effective fashion can result in the aforementioned issues, not to mention costly structural issues or liability concerns. 

You can prevent secondary issues that arise from water perils, such as black mold by taking action as soon as you notice a water issue. Your Chambersburg water remediation team is ready and willing to help. All you have to do is place the call. 

Landlord Versus Tenant Flood Responsibilities

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Drying a home after a water damage in Fayetteville PA

Flooding  can be stressful and confusing. Once you and your family are safe, it is time to think about repairing and restoring your home or business. Homeowners, business owners and renters alike now have to navigate the waters of insurance coverage. For homeowners, the process is likely clear. For landlords and tenants, however, it may be a bit more complicated. What does commercial property insurance cover? What does renter’s insurance cover?

Landlord Responsibilities

The first step as a landlord is to know your insurance coverage. Flood insurance is not typically part of general property insurance. Talk to your agent about your specific policy. Landlords are responsible for the following in the case of a flood:

• Whether insurance covers flooding or not, you as the property owner are still responsible for returning the dwelling to a safe, livable situation for your tenants. This must be done in a reasonably timely manner, so contact a water restoration specialist as soon as possible to avoid secondary damage from occurring. 
• Damages to the building are covered by the landlord, including all appliances that were not purchased and installed by the tenants. Flooring, drywall, electrical and other structures are under the property owner’s purview as well. 

Tenant Responsibilities

The landlord is not responsible for all damage, so as the tenant it is important to obtain renter’s insurance and know what is covered. As with landlords, flood coverage is not typically included in basic insurance, so talk to your agent about the details. Tenants should know the following information:

• As a renter, your personal belongings are covered under your insurance. 
• Relocation, if the apartment or dwelling is unlivable, is usually covered by your insurance and rent does not need to be paid during that time. You may choose to discontinue the lease if the damage is severe. 

Whether you are the landlord or tenant, obtain the appropriate insurance coverage. Understand what your property or renter’s insurance covers, and what your responsibilities are in the case of a flood in Chambersburg, PA. 

Keeping your items safe, you need a board-up.

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Example of a board up.

The term "board-up" may have been thrown around a few times by the insurance company and adjuster. You may have even heard it said by the firefighters. The term relates to securing your home after it has been damaged by fire.

Covering the Openings to your Home

Your home will have windows, doors, and even parts of the roof missing after a fire damage. The openings are usually man-made by the firefighters to help them ventilate the house while they fight to extinguish the flames. However, once the fire is out your home is open to the elements and looters. If you home is uninhabitable you need to have the services of SERVPRO of Chambersburg.  We will secure your home using plywood and roof tarps. The security of your home is a vital part of mitigating the damage done by the blaze.

Proper Preparedness Can Reduce the Impact of Flood Damage in Chambersburg

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

A flooded basement in Blue Ridge Summit PA

Most people are aware of how unpredictable the weather is, and how heavy downpours even in areas far off, can lead to flooding. What many people are not aware of is the different ways one severe weather event can flood their homes. It is possible for a property to be damaged by flooding while those around it remain intact even though all are affected by the same weather event. To make your Chambersburg property more resilient to flooding, you should learn the different ways flood-related damages can occur.

Driving rain can cause flood damage in Chambersburg properties by forcing water through holes or gaps around doors, windows or other access points. This seepage can happen in any section of your property, even in rooms higher than the ground floor. Therefore, even a proper elevation cannot protect property from damages caused by driving rain. Our SERVPRO technicians can help inspect your property to establish whether the sealant around doors, windows, and other gaps are filled in correctly. Eliminating any clefts protects your property. 

Air vents provide an access point for water to enter your property and though minimal, it can still cause problems such as mold. Unfortunately, you cannot do without vents, so unlike the gaps around windows, you cannot seal them shut. However, you can cover them when expecting heavy rain. You can landscape the area around your property to help prevent water from pooling. Such landscaping changes can help prevent flooding. 

Even with all these preparation steps performed, it is not a guarantee against damaging by flooding. Part of your preparation should, therefore, focus on what to do after water breaches the barriers you have set. Our SERVPRO team can help you respond appropriately by extracting any standing water in the affected areas, as well as cleaning and drying them to avoid issues like rot or mold. We have the necessary equipment including different types of pumps, water extractors, and drying equipment. 

Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg at (717) 261-0310. We can help you make the necessary plans to protect your property from flooding or clean it up if it floods, leaving it "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage and Odor in your Chambersburg Home

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Drying a basement post water damage

SERVPRO’s Steps to Ridding Your Home of Bad Odors after Flood Damage

Flood damage due to storms often contains dirty, contaminated water that can leave your home with a rank odor even after water removal. Expert technicians use various techniques to eliminate this odor and get your home smelling like home again.

SERVPRO professionals combat the foul odors after flood damage to your Dallas home by employing a multi-directional approach. Here are the steps involved in the successful elimination of bad odor after flood damage.

Eliminating the Source

The first step to combat bad odors is to locate and eliminate the source as soon as possible. No deodorizing equipment is going to mask the odor forever if the source is not eliminated. Our IICRC certified technicians make sure that they eliminate the source of the odor whether it is sewage, residual moisture, trash or dead animals before they start the actual deodorizing procedure.

Multiple Method Approaches 

SERVPRO professionals use multiple method approaches to combat various kinds of smells after flood damage. We use a wide array of deodorizing techniques including injection method, spray method and wet and thermal fogging to eliminate different types of odors.

Using Different Types of Deodorants 

No single deodorant works on all kinds of smells. So, we use a combination of different kinds of deodorants to combat different scents. Whether the odor is real or imaginary, we have a deodorizing agent that is perfect for any situation. Here are some of the deodorants that SERVPRO technicians use most often.

1. Masking agents: These agents cover bad odors by concealing them with some pleasant-smelling fragrances. These are great for both real and imaginary smells.
2. Filtration and absorption agents: These agents absorb moisture and some odor-causing molecules from the air and eliminate them. A typical example of such an agent is activated charcoal.
3. Pairing agents: These are chemicals that combine with odor-causing particles in the air and make them fall on the ground. Once they are no longer suspended in the air, they can be swiftly cleaned up from the floor.
4. Electrically generated deodorizer: This equipment produces ozone, which is an unstable oxygen molecule. The ozone combines chemically with the odor-causing particle in the air and neutralizes it.

Call SERVPRO of Chambersburg to inquire an estimate for your services. 

Storms come in a variety of shapes and sizes

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Tornado damage in St. Thomas PA

Storm damages change based on your location as the california area will have wildfires but then in our area of south central PA those are very uncommon in this area. It's still important to be informed on the various kinds of storms that could occur in your area. The spring of 2019 we had a few severe storms in the area that produces high winds even a few tornadoes. This can cause little damage as to a small branch of a tree to fall or a few shingles on your roof missing. The other side is that the damage could be extensive cause your roof to blow off completely, a large tree fall on to the home or hail damage. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can cordiate all your items start to finish for you. This allows your to continue to spend time at work and with family. 

Tornado and Hurricanes in PA?

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

At site completed board up for customer.

In the Chambersburg are many of our homes and business are not prepared for a storm even like hurricane or tornado as they are not very common to make an impact in this area. However if and when they do that can cause serious damage and a costly expense. This expenses may not be included in your average insurance policy and may need to be specially requested to be included. During April 2019 yet to be confirmed but possible a tornado touched in St. Thomas PA to a local business. During the occurrence of the incident no warning for tornadoes at time were in the local weather.  It caught the business owner by surprise and required some major cleanup effort. Surprising the property adjacent to it did not occur any damages, not even the car cover blown off. SERVPRO of Chambersburg was able to provide security control by boarding up windows and garage doors that were broken or flew off. 

Minimize business interruption.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

An example of a local business office resulting in 8,000 SQ Ft water damage.

As a commercial business owner you want to choose a company who is not only going to provide your clients quality services but fast services. That's why customer call us SERVPRO of Chambersburg as their trusted provided because when they call they know that were rushing to the scene and working long days to get the job done for them. 

We have services many different commercial client in Franklin County PA from Churches, libraries, insurance offices, much more.  

We will offer direct billing to your insurance company including all the photos, moisture maps, estimate to allow you to focus on your job. 

We'd love to help you and your business in your time of need. Just give us a call at 717-261-0310

I got to call SERVPRO of Chambersburg for my water damage

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

A flooded basement from a storm in Franklin County PA

You went downstairs to switch over your laundry and realize your basement is flooded and got to call SERVPRO of Chambersburg, what are they going to ask? 

1. Callers Name/Customer Name - Who will be responsible for decision and billing. 
2. Property Address 
3. Customer Phone Number 
4. Insurance Company, Claim Number, Deductible amount, insurance adjuster(if assigned yet) - Some of these items may not be known right away but are very important to ensure the insurance is able to be communicated with during the process. 
5. What, where, when - What broke, a pipe, toilet overfilled, storm related? What areas of the home is damaged, how big of an area, what kind of flooring? When did it happen?
6. Has the source been corrected or stopped? Before services can be effective by SERVPRO you may need to have a plumber correct or stop the leak.

During business hours 8-5 Monday to Friday you'll speak to a local representative to help guide you threw the next steps. After 5pm your call is routed to a call center who will take down your information to alert the on-call team a customer is in need of emergency services. 

Now that we got the question completed, were scheduling services to begin and load up the vans.  

Let SERVPRO of Chambersburg not only provide service but educated you along the way.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

An example of the professional vehicle that may arrive to your location.

Chambersburg 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

SERVPRO of Chambersburg provides 24/7 Emergency services for fire and water damage restoration service in Franklin County.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. 

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed and when services are needed.

During the process you may have question, no worries were here to answer question by phone or email and we will do our best to educate you on the things you may not have thought of to ensure your informed of the process. We want our customer to be confident in our services and process. 

Mold prevention tips for your chambersburg home.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in the corner of a laundry room.

It can be extremely costly and hazardous to your health, if it’s growing in your home. We want to share some information with you on how to prevent mold growth in your home. Mold can grow anywhere, with that being said there is no way to completely remove mold. Once mold spores have been disturbed, they travel through the air contaminating other areas.  Do not worry, we are here to help should you discover a mold problem. We have a mold specialist on staff to address your mold issues and determine a remediation plan that works the best for you. Here are some tips to help prevent mold in your home:

1. Identify and fix any problem areas in your home. You can’t mold proof your home, you can make it resistant though.  Anywhere moisture is present, mold can grow. If you notice any condensation, water staining on your walls or ceilings, or leaky pipes you need to get it fixed as fast as possible. Sometimes there is moisture or water in areas that you are unaware of, mold can spread very quickly in these conditions.
2. Dry any wet areas immediately. If your carpet is wet, make sure your carpet is thoroughly dried. Mold can develop quickly on your carpet and padding and will need to be removed if this happens.
3. Prevent as much moisture as possible by using proper ventilation. Your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room are high moisture areas. Make sure to vent your appliances that can cause moisture. Use dehumidifiers as needed.
4. Equip your home with mold resistant products. There are now drywall and paint products that are manufactured with mold inhibitors.
5. Inspect your gutters. Clean them out regularly and repair them if need be.
6. “Bleaching” mold is not an effective way to get rid of mold, it does just that “bleaches” it. To effectively get rid of mold and mold growth you must use an antimicrobial.
7. Having a vapor barrier in your crawl space will prevent moisture and keep mold growth to a slight minimum. If a little mold growth does occur the vapor barrier will also protect your family from the harmful fumes that come from mold.

Fire/Smoke FAQ

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in Chambersburg

When your home or business has a fire or smoke damage there can be plenty of question that you’ll think of. Here is some frequently asked question for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Webs or Cob Webs? If you look in the corners of door ways or by windows you can see black webs and you’ll think to yourself have they always been there? The answer is no, they are smoke webs that form by how the air travels during a puff back or fire.

Where did the smoke go? Each home, each room, each area is impacted differently and needs to be tested. When opening doors and windows to air out the home can cause the smoke to travel. Sometimes it can enter your ductwork be forced out threw the vents. We will test areas prior, during and after to inspect to determine in inside the cabinet/dresser needs cleaned or just the external.

How long will this take? Smoke cleaning project on the average take about 1-2 weeks to clean. Fire damages that are more extensive could be a few months due to the repairs needed.

Clothing and Electronics? Yes, these items typically need to be cleaned as well. Electronic are something that needs to not only be clean but validated it’s safe to use if the fire had any effect on the wiring or electrical outlets to the home.

Food and Medicine? During a smoke damage pending the severity of the smoke we may advise to dispose of all food or the open food to prevent ingestion of soot particles.

During your cleanup services SERVPRO will inspect and address your concerns base on your situation as to every fire/smoke damage is not the same. Call us today at 717-261-0310 to have a professional help you!  

Need to know about mold

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Mold behind paneling in basement.

-Mold has existed since ancient times.

-The human species has always lived in the presence of mold.

-There are over 100,000+ species of mold identified. The unique flavor of bleu cheese is produced by mold.

-We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives. Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles.

-Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful to health.

-While the types and concentrations of fungi existing in the environment vary from one geographic region to another, the most common types are as follows: Aspergillus (most common), alternaria, bipolaris, Chaetomium, fusarium, penicillin, and paecilomyes.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

• Water, moisture or high humidity
• Food (any organic substance)
• The right temperature (generally 68*F-86*F, but some can grow in 30*F or colder)
• Lack of ventilation
• Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immune-suppressed people.
• Some molds can produce toxins if the environment conditions are right.

Biohazard & Crime Scene-Remediation & Cleanup

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

After a trauma scene cleanup, can you tell?

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Chambersburg offer faster, reliable biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup and remediation services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. Failure to properly handle and safely remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

We are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare water for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products,  help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals can help with:

• Bloodborne Pathogens-  Removal and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. 

• Arson & Vandalism-  Your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

• Sewage Backups & Black Water Intrusions- Sewage backups and clack water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. We ensure the structure is cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

• Crime Scene Residues

Oh no, I have mold now what?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Be informed about mold remediation.

If you suspect you may have mold in your home or you are certain that you have mold in an area that is larger than ten square feet, you should absolutely be seeking a professional hygienist to perform mold testing. Many of our initial conversations with clients consist of explaining the mold remediation process and guiding them towards taking the correct actions. In this article, we will explain what it means to have mold testing done in your home, why it is important, and what you can do to get the process going correctly.

Does SERVPRO Test for Mold?

Most of our callers assume that testing for mold and removing it are the same service.

We place this process of having an independent testing company is in the best ethical interest for businesses and homeowners. The separate processes ensures that you, as the homeowner, are safe from conducting business with any company that may wish to perform testing on your property, inflate estimates for remediation, and overcharge you for services performed.

If SERVPRO Can’t Test, Who Can?

The decision of who to call to schedule mold testing services is entirely up to you unless your insurance company specifies otherwise. While SERVPRO of Chambersburg does not provide this service, we understand how confusing the search for a trustworthy mold inspection company can be, which is why we provide our callers with recommendations for mold testers that have proven to be efficient and thorough.

What Should I Expect from The Mold Tester’s I Choose?

Multiple Tests

Solid mold testing companies in Chambersburg and the surrounding areas will perform more than one test in your home. Taking surface samples from your home can determine the type of mold you are dealing with, however, doing this type of testing alone is insufficient in determining the extent to which your home is affected or the actions that must be completed to successfully remediate and ensure the problem is gone.

Air quality samples should also be taken from multiple areas throughout your home. Mold is a living organism that releases spores that become airborne and can travel throughout hour home and ventilation, affecting other areas as well. Air quality tests will determine how much of your home is affected and to what extent.

Comprehensive Reports and Protocols

A professional mold assessor will provide you with the full details of your testing results and their findings. You should expect a report that contains a variety of information such as the type of mold species that was found, how many areas are affected, and which areas contain the highest concentration of spores.

Will SERVPRO Remediate Without Testing?

SERVPRO of Chambersburg will remediate without testing but a waiver will be signed acknowledging the limitation of the services that can not be identify without testing.

How to Get Mold Testing Started

Once again, finding your own mold testing company is your choice. Be sure to do as much research into the company you choose as possible and remember the key points made in this article. If you need assistance, direction, or recommendations for trustworthy mold inspection companies, call our office at (717)-261-0310 and we will be more than happy to assist you!

New homeowner or first time owner what you need to know?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Today's learning about new homeowner insurance.

New homeowner or first time owner what you need to know?

You’ve recently purchased a home and want to ensure your investment is protected. Reviewing your insurance policy is the first step.

Question to ask your insurance provider.

1. Policy Limit – You need enough cover to not only repair your homes value but to demo possible during a claim. So, if you purchased your home valued at $180,000 means you need $180,000 + value of demoing the building. In a fire you may have sustain so much damage you need to remove the structure and start over, that price will exceed your purchase price.
2. Content Limit – If you had to clean or replace all the items in your home what value is that? Furniture, decoration, clothing, food, appliances etc. Most insurance carries will have a formula to estimate the value based on your homes value.
3. Itemize - Your specialty antique items, jewelry, and guns normally need to be itemized on your policy to ensure the replacement cost is adequate. Some policy standardly only come with $2,000 in guns and ammunition coverage.

DOCUMENT RESTORATION SERVICES

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

What if you document storage room got wet?

During a insurance claim you may find some very important documents that you need restored.SERVPRO of Chambersburg can provide those services to you for 1 box to 100+ boxes. Medical facility, tax documents, family keepsakes can be very important and need to be handled with special care. 

• Drying - Process in which an item containing moisture is frozen and dried using vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation.
• Cleaning - We offer onsite cleaning. This is cleaning each document front and back to remove debris and any surface particulate. 
• Sterilization - Gamma Irridation is a process that is used for disinfecting and decontaminating documents or other consumer goods. 
• Deodorization - Once paper has been wet, an odor can begin to form. Letting us deodorize your documents will reduce the odor and sometimes almost completely eliminate it. 
• Destruction - We offer certified destruction onsite.
• Digitization - Digitizing documents makes them easier to access as well as easier to store. We use state-of-the-art equipment to turn your paper copy into a digital file

Residential home fire, now what?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from a fire in a bathroom.

When a fire occurs at your home it can be overwhelming to understand everything that needs to be done. SERVPRO of Chambersburg is your guide along this journey to help answer question, insure the insurance is properly informed, documentation of the process is completed.

After a fire has been put out and the fire fighters leave the scene it’s possible that the cause of the fire still needs to be investigated by a fire marshal or the insurance cause and loss inspector. For them to do their job the typically requested that there is little movement inside the home till their work has been completed to gather evidence.

Your home may need to be secure while you stay in a hotel or with family and friends as the fire fighters needed to break out window or doors to do their job. We can provide those services to secure the home called a “board up”.

Once we have received permission we will then enter and assess the homes damages determining what can be cleaned and restored or replace. We will talk with the insurance adjuster to see if a move out for a length of time is needed to complete the work. Move outs are common when a large area of the home needs services, or essential area need demoed like a kitchen or bathroom. Some projects can be little as a few weeks to others more extensive for a 6-9 months window.

During our process we will document with photos and measurement of before, during and after submitting our file directly to the insurance provide. Our detailed completed estimate will be itemized for the services provided as well. We also will be in constant communicate with insurance adjuster threw out the process.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg can offer start to finish services including repairs and lining up a variety of vendors needed to service your home and personal property. Including vendors who can clean clothing, electronics, document cleaning/drying, painting and other contractors.

When to file an Insurance claim?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in a basement.

When to file an Insurance claim?

Had a water leak, flood or fire damage to your Chambersburg home? You should notify your insurance company immediately and contact a professional cleanup service like SERVPRO.  There is almost always a phone number to reach the claims department at most insurance offices anytime to report a new claim.

Why to reach out to your insurance company immediately?

• Insurance adjuster or agents can provide important policy information like limits, deductible about, preferred vendors.
• Faster processing a claim. Most adjuster are a few days out from visiting a new claim they’re for the sooner that you get on their schedule the quicker the claim can be processed, and payments released.
• The services provider, like SERVPRO, may need to ask the claims department question or get approval for specialized equipment, to provide updates and submit the billing in a timely fashion.
• Coverage, some policy may have a time limit to how many days past the loss occurred date to issue coverage.

2018 Recap of the year of SERVPRO

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

https://water.weather.gov/precip/

It's a new year so let's look back at 2018 and see what it looked like for SERVPRO of Chambersburg. If one thing stands out overall from this year it is RAIN. We experience a large amount of rain over and over again. April showers we expect every year but we were inundated with high volume call in Franklin County PA in April, June-August. According to the national weather services (https://water.weather.gov/precip/ ) we had approximately 20 inches then our normal for the south central Pennsylvania area. 

What kind of services calls were there? Sub pump failure was the biggest issued homeowners were faced with. Either their pump wasn't able to keep up with the rate of rain they were getting or they simply stopped working. Then as homeowners were attempting to fix their pumps they were learning how the big box stores like Lowes, Home Depot were all sold out. 

Once the pump was up and working again the water in their basement was able to drain most of it then SERVPRO can in with the extractor and removed the remaining water then dried out the basement with air mover and dehumidifiers. 

Understand our terms and lingo.

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Terms used in the Insurance Industry by restoration professionals.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is always "Here to Help". We know that jargon can be confusing so we usually try to break it down as easy as we can out in the field, but we know that our customers like to stay informed. Here are some common terms used in the field with their definition so you can understand better what is happening in your home or business.

Anti-Microbials: A substance, mechanism, or condition that inhibits the growth or existence of an organism.Commonly applied after a water damage to prevent mold from developing.

Fire Damage Recovery: The process of restoring and recovering property and belongings after a fire. The objectives include minimizing existing damage, damage mitigation, structure stabilization, soot & odor removal and reconstruction.

Fungi: The unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic/ DNA organisms embracing a large group of microflora including: molds, mildews, yeasts, mushrooms, rusts and smuts.

HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

HEPA Filter: High efficiency particulate air filter, a specialized filter capable of removing 99.7% of particles. Commonly used in mold or odor job sites. HEPA Vacuum or HEPA air scrubber. 

Masking Agents: Designed to prevent or remove heightened awareness to odors by providing a fragrance, which is stronger and more pleasant to smell while the source of the odor is being eliminated.

Smoke Damage Removal: Neutralizing or removing smoke odors that linger after fires.

Smoke Particles: Smoke is composed of gases / sometimes aerosols, and airborne solids. Dry wood, natural fibers and paper all produce small non-smearing material. Plastic, foam, and rubber (polymers) produce large easily smeared residues.

Benifts of Mold Testing and who to choose!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold on drywall, behind paneling.

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling may be unnecessary. However at SERVPRO of Chambersburg we find it important to do the mold testing before and after the remediation process by an independent company. 

Why have testing? You want to identify what types of mold is present, the spore count and accurately determine what areas need testing. Determining the areas of the home needing testing is important as though the mold can be visible in the basement level of the property you want to insure it's not air bore in the main level so when the remediation process is complete no areas are left unaddressed. 

After the remediation has been complete how do you know if it's safe? Testing after the remediation is recommended. 

If a testing result is positive after a remediation, what does that mean? Various different kinds of mold can be more difficult to remove and though the remediation company completed plan a but turn out it was no invasive enough to attach the mold and maybe additional steps may need completed for a successful remediation.

Why have an independent company test? Testing can be manipulated for the benefit of the remediation company. Test may be conducted longer or short there that typical environment to give the ideal results. Testing should always be completed by a company who does not have a financial benefit on the results such as a remediation company. 

Call into SERVPRO of Chambersburg to give an individually recommendation of plan of action and the contact information to the independent testing company in the area. 

Is your homes at risk for mold in Chambersburg?

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins. 
    
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  
  
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 717-261-0310

What to Do:

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

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has Re-Launched the repair division

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

One of our previous project, we built the home to replicate the image it was before the devastating fire.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg services go beyond the water and fire cleanup. In 2018 we revamped some of our services with adding the repairs/reconstructions. We heard from the agents, adjusters and customers that there was a need for a “all in one” shop to help with damages after a water/fire damage. After some planning were happy to announce we can provide those services again. But did you know about our some of the other services listed below?

Repairs/Reconstruction: Sometimes a damage requires more than just cleaning soot or removing sewage. Some damages require replacement of drywall, paint, flooring or even electrical and plumbing services. SERVPRO® of Chambersburg Professional provide many general contractor services to help return your home or business to preloss condition.

Rainy Weekend in Chambersburg PA

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

Rain, rain, go away come again another day! Over the next few days it's expected that in the Chambersburg PA and surrounding areas are going to have some rainy days. Keep an eye on those basement for flooding and be sure to talk to your insurance to know what your covered for. If you experience a flooded basement give us a call at 717-261-0310 to see how we can help you!

Kerosene Fire Cleanup

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchen Cabinets covered it soot from Kerosene fire.

This Greencastle mobile home was used as a show home for potential buyers. When a Kerosene heater was left unattended and malfunctioned causing soot to go threw out the home. SERVPRO of Chambersburg cleaned the surfaces and got the walls ready for paint. It's important in a smoke/soot lose for the surfaces to be cleaned prior to painting so the paint will stick to the walls and cover the staining remaining. 

If your home has a smoke/soot issue, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg today at 717-261-0310. Don't attempt to clean anything as it could make it an irreversible event. 

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

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

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (717) 261-0310

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor

5,000 Sq Feet Flooded in Chambersburg

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Over 3 feet of water was originally in this basement.

This Chambersburg business suffered a water main break from the street causing a massive amount of water to enter the basement flooding over 5,000 square feet. Flood water that come's from outside and enter's the property is category 3 water (contaminated). From the industry website here is what Category 3 is : Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated . Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage. To Learn more about the different types of water damage visit : http://www.IICRC.org/registrants/industry-perspective/

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give our Professionals a call and they’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Restoring Your Chambersburg Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Over 3 feet of water was in this business basement in downtown Chambersburg.

Body:

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Chambersburg

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

Meet Our Crew

Certifications

• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• OSHA - Other Training
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician

Faster to your Waynesboro Water Damage Event

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Waynesboro PA

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 717-261-0310

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Chambersburg

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

Have you cleaned your carpets?

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Your carpets may be dirty then you think!

This photo shows how dirty those carpet can be in your home. Where your children lie down and play.Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

 A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months.

So, If you need your carpets clean call into SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310. When calling be sure to have the estimated room sizes so they can calculate a price for you!

Detecting Water Damage in Your Old House

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Old Home and Water Damage?

There is no doubt that many old houses are plagued by problems. One of the biggest issues, whether the house is new or old, is the threat of water damage. It can inflict severe punishment on a home, and unfortunately it doesn't take long -- one serious storm could be enough to result in damage that requires many hours of labor and thousands of dollars to repair.

Spotting water damage

Here is a list of signs that you may have damage, from the clear to the more subtle, sneaky ones:

Water stains. That telltale stain on the ceiling or wall can be an obvious sign. If it suddenly pops up, it's time to get a professional into your house to check it out and find out where the water came from. If you are looking into purchasing an old house and you see water stains, be wary. Ask for proof that the source of the damage has been repaired.

Buckling floors and walls. This is another very clear sign, and it is often the mark of an extensive problem. The drywall or wood absorbs water, which makes it swell. The result is a buckling that you can see or feel when you walk over the area. This can happen over time, such as through a small shower leak, or it can happen all at once, especially after a major storm.

Crumbling areas. Pay attention to the area around the windows. Do you see crumbling wood? The same holds true for baseboards or molding. Any sort of crumbling could indicate the wood is falling apart because of water infiltration.

Trust your nose. The damage might be able to hide from your sight, but you can often find it with your nose. If you walk into a room and are assaulted with the scent of mold or mildew, there could be moisture damage lurking behind the walls. Many old houses have an old, musty smell -- but in rooms where water has caused damage, that smell is often much more pronounced.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 717-261-0310

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

Dealing with Sewage & Contaminated Water

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

BioHazard should be cleaned up by a professional who is trained.

Plumbing problems are no fun, but the water damage that can affect your property can be a much more serious problem. When you are dealing with sewage damage, immediate cleanup is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the damage. SERVPRO of Chambersburg is available 24 hours a day for sewage removal emergencies, large or small.

While you're waiting for help to arrive make sure that you treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly decontaminated. Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas and wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Try your best to seal off the affected area to avoid tracking contaminated material into undamaged areas. Turn off your air conditioning, forced air heat to prevent the possibility of spreading contaminated air throughout your home or business. Avoid using fans to dry the affected area as they can help spread contaminants as well.

Remember that for areas affected by sewage damage, no over-the-counter germicidal products or sprays can fully disinfect contaminated surfaces. To make sure you keep your home or business safe and free of illness-causing germs, contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg immediately to help restore your property.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help! Call Today About Our Sewage Removal Services-781-341-7007

Water Damage – What does homeowners insurance typically cover?

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Have you reviewed your policy lately?

Water damage claims are quite common in the insurance world. However, not all types of water damage are covered under every Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance policy. Below, we have listed some general coverage under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

 Burst Pipes and Leaks – Typically Covered

Water damage from pipes is usually covered. This is why homes that have updated plumbing systems will typically have lower insurance premiums. However, if you didn’t take precautions to prevent the problem your claim may be denied. An example of this would be a pipe freezes and bursts because you left your home unheated.

 Water Damage From Appliances – Typically Covered

Sudden leaking from an appliance that is not due to improper upkeep is typically covered under your homeowners insurance.

 Roof Leaks – Typically Covered

When water leaks through your roof the damage to your home is usually covered as well as damage to your belongings. The roof repairs will be covered if an external factor like hail or a fallen tree caused the roof leak. If it is a maintenance issue that led to the leak you will likely have to cover the roof repairs yourself.

 Flood Damage – Not Covered

Floods are rare, but when they do occur they can cause significant damage and even destroy a home entirely in a matter of minutes. Flood insurance is not typically a part of regular home insurance policy. If you live in a floodplain or want the additional coverage you will have to get a flood insurance policy in addition to your homeowners insurance.

 Backed Up Drain or Sewer Line – Not Covered

Damage from a backed up sewer line or drain, is not covered on standard home insurance policies. However, you can add this coverage on with an endorsement. It will be an additional cost, but it provides additional coverage.

 Ground Water Seepage – Not Covered

When water floods into a basement or causes foundation problems because of seepage from ground water this is considered a maintenance issue not an accident. Therefore, most insurance companies don’t include seepage in their policies.

 Mold – Possibly Covered

Mold is often a result of water damage, and it can begin to develop within a few days. If mold is caused by a type of water damage that is covered by your insurance policy, then mold removal may be covered as well. Like sewer line and backed up drains, you can also get additional coverage specifically for mold remediation added on to your policy so you’re covered anytime it occurs.

 Again, each person’s insurance policy is different. It’s important that you carefully review your policy to understand what water damage is covered.  For professional water damage cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg today at 717-261-0310

Hidden Water Damage that Began Growing Mold

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let your home become infested with mold, act now!

How often do you move your dishwasher out to inspect behind it for possible water damage? Not to often, right. This photo illustrates what could be larking behind your appliances that had a small leak for a period of time. For most cases when a dishwasher begins to have a leak it will be a slow drip beneath or behind the unit causing the floor to become saturate, rotting or mold to develop. 

What to do when you discover a leak in your dishwasher that caused possible water damage? 

• Turn off the source of the water
• Turn off the power to the dishwasher
• Contact a plumber 
• Contact your insurance office to assess information about filing a claim or coverage. 
• Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Got Mold?

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Caused after a Sewage Damage.

A lot of home or business owners will encounter mold growth in their property at some point. Mold is in our natural environment. The problem lies when the mold growth reaches an unsafe level. There are some things a home or business owner can do to prevent mold growth.

One way to prevent growth would be dehumidification. Removing moisture from the structure is key to preventing mold growth. There are different options available for dehumidifier systems. There is a system that can be hooked into a central climate control system. There are also dehumidifiers that can be bought and placed in areas where humidity and moisture is an issue. Dehumidifiers come with 2 options. One dehumidifier has a holding tank that needs to be emptied when it becomes full. The second kind has a drain hose that can be placed directly into an available drain. It is important to know the square footage of the space you are using the dehumidifier in and be sure the dehumidifier you are using is large enough to successfully remove moisture from that area.

A second way is controlling the climate in the home or business. Turning off an air conditioning unit can cause a spike in humidity levels in the structure. If the levels reach a high enough level they can assist in the growth of mold.

A third way in preventing mold growth is to ensure proper insulation is used in the structure. A simple vapor barrier can assist in stopping a condensation problem from becoming a mold growth issue.

Four, ensure there is no standing water within the property. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold to grow. Standing water can be present from things like a foundation leak or a empty property that has sustained a water intrusion.

A fifth way to prevent mold from developing is to be aware of the design of your property. It is important to be sure roofs are sealed, windows do not have any leaks, proper insulation is used, etc…

Lastly, it is very important to maintain your property. Check each area of the property on a regular basis, especially areas that are not seen daily, weekly, etc… Some examples of areas not seen often are empty properties, basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, etc…

Mold can continue to grow in the right circumstances and can cause major damage to a structure. If mold growth gets severe enough it can affect the structural integrity of the home or business. Mold has also been linked with certain health issues. Therefore it is important to do what is possible to prevent its growth.

Mold Prevention that Work

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Sewage Damage sat for days causing Mold

Although there are a variety of challenges that residential and commercial property owners can experience, the presence of mold is particularly problematic. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that mold can cause health problems and decrease the structural integrity of one’s property. There are ways to prevent the growth of mold, but your best course of action is hiring a professional mold remediation company. Try implementing some or all of the following six mold prevention tips:

1. Invest In A Dehumidification System.

One of the best ways to prevent the growth and proliferation of mold is to invest in an air conditioner that features a dehumidification system. These systems are effective in removing moisture from your property. Once the moisture is removed, the mold is deprived of one of the vital nutrients that help it grow.

2. Be Cautious When Turning The AC Off.

Make sure that you are cautious when you turn off your air conditioner. In climates that are humid, a long-standing period of inactivity can enable humidity levels to become dangerously high. If the humidity level becomes extremely high, it creates the moist environment necessary for mold to grow and thrive.

3. Use Insulation.

Another strategy you can use to prevent mold is the use of insulation. By installing insulation as well as vapor barriers, you can prevent condensation from accumulating on objects like plumbing fixtures, beams, and water pipes.

4. Avoid Standing Water.

Stagnant water can become a breeding area for mold. Since this is the case, make sure that you keep your tubs, showers, sinks and all other wet regions of your property free of standing water.

5. Review Your Applications.

Another strategy for mold prevention is application review. Make sure that all of your construction, design, and architectural applications are effective in preventing water from coming in contact with the interior of your property and goods. Specific regions of concern include poorly designed balconies, pitched roofs, improperly installed flashing, doors, windows, thin stucco, and vapor barriers.

6. Maintain Structure Regularly.

One final way to help prevent mold growth is to ensure that the integrity of your building envelope is maintained. You can achieve this objective by investing in regular roof flashing, caulking, sealing, and inspections of the exterior.

Conclusion

Mold can be a severe problem for residential and commercial property owners to handle. However, using the prevention tips and tricks outlined above can help you keep your property mold-free. In the event that mold growth does transpire, call a professional restoration company. They have extensive experience in the mold remediation field and can assist with your mold restoration needs.

Content Removal Clean Up

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Are you moving out or moving in? You might have discovered that you have accumulated quite a bit of junk over the years - the time has come to clean up the clutter. Whatever the reason for cleaning up, SERVPRO of Chambersburg is here to help you. We understand your time is valuable and you have better things to do. Let us do the dirty work for you so that you can finally reclaim your space. After that we can go one step further and clean all the surface of the home. 

Take the final step to truly transform your property by having SERVPRO of Chambersburg professionally cleanup your construction project. Reduce stress and maximize the beauty of your property.

Have Questions about Cleaning?
Call Us Today – 717-261-0310

The Different Causes of Commercial Water Damage

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Specaility Drying Equipment for Commercial Large water damageds

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms.
 
However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Chambersburg will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (717)-261-0310 for fast help.

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW.

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready? Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens.

Do you know how to shut off the water at your work?

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Now that's a huge water damage!

Many workplaces always call's on the boss or the maintenance man when something goes wrong. What if they were home sick, or in a meeting and you need to locate the water shut off, where do you start? 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg can help commercial property in planning for a water, fire, storm damage. How, with a free Emergency Response Profile created by the SERVPRO Marketing Department. 

By having a plan of action and including it into your regular training at your office you can minimize the cost if an unplanned event happens like a frozen pipe, fire, or anything. 

Some property manager use this as a tool to keep everything organized in one central location. 

Is your business ready for a disaster. Even a simple pipe burst can cause a lot of damage and headache. With a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile it can have the critical information to minimize damages, provide the resources for the employee's of the company, and provide property details and information. This is a FREE services that we provide to commercial properties. 

Make an appointment today to get started!

If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals at (717) 261-0310 seven days a week 24/7 to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

Here's Why Professional Water Removal Is More Effective Than DIY Methods

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Save Money and Aggravation, Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Problems

After a water emergency that floods a home or business, the last thing that most people want to deal with is a bill for cleaning up the damage. This is what leads many homeowners to attempt water extraction on their own instead of calling a professional.
 
If you're in need of water removal in Chambersburg you may be tempted to save money by trying to get rid of the excess water on your own. However, going this route typically has more consequences than benefits and will result in greater losses of time, money, and your possessions in the long run. Here's why calling SERVPRO for professional water removal is a smart move.
 
Professional water extraction works extremely well.
While some homeowners resort to opening windows and doors, turning on ceiling fans, and blotting towels around the house, SERVPRO has powerful equipment that ensures efficient and thorough water removal. We're also often able to restore documents, books, furnishings, and electronic devices affected by water damage, plus we'll get your home's humidity back to an appropriate level.
 
Many water emergencies are hazardous.
If your house has been flooded with gray or black water, such as that from a natural disaster, backed up sewer line, or a leaky toilet, expert attention to the problem is best. These types of water are risky for untrained persons to handle because it involves disease causing waste and debris. This is the type of material that can't simply be put out with the week's garbage and needs proper and safe disposal.  We're knowledgeable about how to get rid of contaminated waste during water extraction, so there are no lingering health risks to your family or pets.
 
It's important to consider mold and mildew.
One reason that so many homeowners who attempt DIY water removal eventually end up calling a pro is unseen damage caused by mold and mildew. While your flooring and possessions may look and feel dry, without proper water extraction and controlling humidity mold and mildew will thrive, cause off odors, and ruin your home's structure along with your possessions and furniture. SERVPRO technicians are skilled at protecting against the growth of mold and mildew and have effective strategies to combat it. 
 
At SERVPRO of Chambersburg, we know how important it is to get your home back in order as quickly as possible. We'll help you mitigate the costs of any water emergency by restoring your possessions and preventing future damage to your home. For more information about our water removal services or to receive a quote, call us 24/7 at (717)-261-0310

SERVPRO Named to Entrepreneur's Top 10 Franchise List for 7th Consecutive Year

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for the 13th consecutive year and moves up to the number four spot overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This is the seventh consecutive year SERVPRO has been included in the magazine's Top 10 list, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list.

Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 selection process uses "objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation" to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are "financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system."

"This recognition affirms that SERVPRO is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension its customers," said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., chief executive officer. "The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer."

According to Steen, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

• SERVPRO's strength as a brand with a national footprint, wide-spread market penetration, laser-focused brand messaging, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR and the American Red Cross.
• SERVPRO's commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company's culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.
• SERVPRO's focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and systems to allow the company's operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

Steen adds, "One of the potential pitfalls of growing too quickly is outpacing your capacity to train and support the franchisees. SERVPRO is a conservative company, and early on we took the time to build a strong system and put the building blocks in place to support growth without sacrificing support to our franchisees." "Today," Steen continues, "as a mature franchise organization with more than 1,700 locations under a single brand, recognition like this makes it clear we are reaping the rewards of having laid a solid foundation and a framework to handle quick growth. As our brand continues to grow, we will continue our winning strategy of supporting and improving upon our infrastructure and investing resources in training and support."

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies "Like it never even happened." For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com/.

How often do you clean these areas?

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know? The air in your home is 10 times more dirty than the air outside.

During the Spring and Summer months, allergens accumulate and fill areas of your home or office with dust, dust mites, animal dander, mold and other unhealthy elements. Unless you address the situation now, the air quality will continue to deteriorate.

Your friends at SERVPRO of Chambersburg want to ensure that you and your property are properly prepared for the upcoming season. Therefore, we would like to offer you some helpful tips that will adequately prepare your property for the Fall:

• Eliminate mold and mildew indoors by cleaning under the refrigerator, washing and disinfecting garbage cans, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning or changing shower curtains
• Remove any wet debris from around the home or office, as mold spores are airborne particles that can easily float indoors
• Schedule to have your chimney cleaned within the next month. Excessive buildup of creosote and debris, as well as miscellaneous branches, leaves and animal nests can create a dangerous situation as it increases the potential to spark a chimney fire.
• Remember not to ignore your ductwork, vents and HVAC systems. Unnecessary dirt and debris can pose a serious threat to the health of your family or employees if they are not properly maintained.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chambersburg for those difficult cleaning jobs at 717-261-0310.

Preventing Puffbacks

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

During the Cleaning process after a puff back

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout the interior of a home. It can happen all at once, covering the interior in grimy soot, or it can leak soot more gradually.

Initially, many people mistake soot for dust and simply wipe it away. However, once cleaned, this “dust” often reappears and can sometimes be accompanied by a strong, oily odor. There are several steps your clients can take to prevent damage to their home. Remind them to:

• Have the oil-burning furnace professionally checked and cleaned annually.
• Keep an eye out for traces of soot around their home.
• Install a carbon monoxide monitor. Puffbacks (and the soot they create) will increase the carbon monoxide levels in their home. A carbon monoxide monitor can help to detect the puffback in its early stages.

If soot begins accumulating on objects or walls within their home, they should turn off the heating system immediately. Contact a heating professional to service the heater and restore it to proper working order.

Fortunately, if your client does experience a puffback, SERVPRO has the knowledge and experience to complete a thorough cleaning and removal of any soot and odors. Our Fire Restoration Team will respond immediately and make it look Like it never even happened®.

Prevent Mold in your bathroom with these tips

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Ahhhh a hot, steamy shower feels good to achy muscles, washing away your cares for a while. And while you’re relaxing and opening your pores in your skin the humidity level in your bathroom is rising, which can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

Preventing Mold with a Bathroom Exhaust Fan.
Many people think that the exhaust fan in the bath room is there to remove away unpleasant odors. While they can help with that, these fans actually serve a much larger purpose. Bathroom exhaust fans draw the moisture-laden air that fills the room after a steamy shower or hot bath out of the bath room, bringing the room’s humidity down to a healthier level. This is a vital step in preventing mold growth and averting mold damage.

Your bathroom is an ideal location for mold because it thrives in a humid environment. One way to ensure that if comes on each time you enter the bath is to have an electrician hard wire the fan to the light switch. But for more efficient way of controlling humidity invest in a humidity sensor.

Most people turn the fan on when they enter their bathroom to shower and turn it off when they leave. Unfortunately, this does not always give the exhaust fan enough time to evacuate the steam and humidity. Ideally, the fan needs to run until the moisture level in the bathroom is back to normal. You could just leave the fan running and come back later to turn it off, but you run the risk of forgetting it. This wastes energy and can shorten the lifespan of the exhaust fan. Instead, consider installing a humidity sensor. The sensor will automatically cut the fan off when the correct humidity level is restored. It is an easy way to prevent mold damage.

Dealing With Mold
If you find that you have a mold issue in your bathroom, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Disturbing the mold may facilitate its spread and contaminate other areas of your home or business that can be prevented. Spreading and cross contaminating your home or business could end up costing more money in the long run. Instead, turn to the professionals at SERVPRO of Chambersburg. Our technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and protective gear to address mold damage. They can inspect the area, identify the source of moisture, contain the mold, remove it, properly cleanse your belongings and restore your home or business to a healthy environment.

Steps in Fire Restoration

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a kitchen caused by a toaster

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO National Call Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest SERVPRO Franchise Professional with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO Franchise Professional can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

What to do after a fire damage

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

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

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Commercial Mold Removal in Franklin County

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in Kitchen Sink Cabinet

Understanding Mold

It is important to understand that mold is present everywhere. When you walk in from outside or even open your door, you are carrying mold spores with you. It is only when mold starts originating from indoors that it becomes the problem. Mold spores can travel through HVAC systems and can cause breathing problems. They thrive on moisture so the more humid your building is, the better chance mold has of cultivating. It is important to keep your hair before 45 percent humidity in order to keep mold from growing. Mold is accompanies by a musty smell that could cause more problems in the future.

Commercial Mold Remediation in Baltimore

If left to its own devices, mold can spread throughout the entire building. While every mold infestation is different, the process of mold remediation mostly remains the same. The first step for any business owner to take is to call the Emergency SERVPRO Number.  Our mold specialists will be out to your business as soon as possible in order to inspect and assess the situation of the mold damage. The next step is to contain the area. We will not allow anyone but our crew into the area so we can make sure the mold doesn’t spread into different areas of the building. Once the mold is contained, we will install a temporary air filtration system to keep spores from moving around and settling elsewhere. We will then start removing the mold as well as the contaminated materials such as drywall and insulation that could contain mold spores. We will clean up anything that has come into contact with the mold including personal belongings.

We know that for every hour your doors are closed is a loss of business so are Mold Remediation Specialists will work our hardest in order to remove the problem. Our commercial mold remediation will return your Franklin County business back to working order as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg

Mold can halt your business, but with our Emergency Service, your Franklin County based business will be back up in no time!

Preventing Commercial Water Damage

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Dehumidifier at Water Damage

Before hurricane season rolls into the area, business owners everywhere should start thinking about how to prevent commercial water damage. Everything from maintenance checks to grading systems should be checked. So how do you plan on protecting your business from water damage? Read on to find out what you should be considering.

Building and Street Maintenance

When was the last time your storm drains were cleared? Annual inspections of your floor, storm, and roof drains can help you avoid drainage problems. If your floor drains haven’t been cleaned lately, take a vacuum hose and clear it or call a professional.

Sump Pumps

There are at least two sump pumps in each sump under your building. Sump pumps are used to keep flood waters from building up and causing water damage. But are yours both working? When was the last time they were tested? Do they have battery backups in case of a power outage? Power outages were the cause of 18 percent of water damage incidents involving a sump pump. Because sump pumps run on electricity, power outages shut down the pumps allowing water to flood your facility. If these pumps are your main source of protection, you should consider a generator to keep them going.

Generator Fuel Tanks

In areas subject to flooding, it is important to relocate your generator fuel tanks out of the basement. Generator fuel can be contaminated in the event of a basement flood, prohibiting generator functions, and prevent power from reaching the pumps.

Runoff

Does grading lead away from your building? Grading helps to move water away from your building instead of moving towards it. Checking your grading system can help keep water from flowing into your building.

Clear the Floor

One of the leading causes of water damage is the items on the floor. You can avoid this by removing porous materials, boxes, and paper from the floor of your basement. Keep all of your electronics off the floor and make sure to turn off your electronics when you are expecting heavy rains.

Overlooked Fire Hazards in Your Home

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage caused by a toaster in a kitchen

A fire can cause devastating damage your home. It’s important to take extra precautions to avoid fire hazards before they can cause irreversible damage. Often times fires are caused by something that we’ve completely overlooked. Here are a few fire hazards you should be aware of to stay ahead of the curve.

Faulty Wiring

Over 80% of residential electrical fires are a result of faulty wiring behind your walls. Winter months are surprisingly the most dangerous due to increased usage of lighting and heating appliances. Replace frayed wires and have flickering or hot light switches inspected by an electrician. New infrared technology is available that can determine if there are potential wiring hazards behind your walls.

Cluttered Heating and Storage Areas

Storing too many things in your utility room and around your heating system, boiler, or hot water heater is not a great idea. Investing in exterior storage could prevent a fire in your home.

Overloaded Extension Cords

Extension cords are not permanent outlets. Overloading an extension cord can cause overheating and put your entire home at risk of a fire. Regularly check your extension cords to make sure they are not damaged or broken. Stop using an extension cord immediately if it feels unusually hot.

Dryer Vents

If you notice that your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry it could be a sign that your dryer vent and pipe need servicing. A blocked dryer vent can cause a fire as the hot air attempts to escape. Clean your dryer vents annually and replace the dryer hose.

Electric Blankets

An electric blanket can be cozy in the wintertime, but they are also a fire hazard if left unattended for too long. Make sure your electric blankets are turned off when not in use and do not leave them around pets.

Excessive Greenery

Although shrubs and leaves can make a home look naturally attractive, too much greenery around the exterior of your home is a fire waiting to happen. Keeping the area just outside your walls clear can avoid a disaster in your future.

Get Fire Damage Repair and Restoration at SERVPRO

Tips for Preventing Mud from Tracking Inside Your Home

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

It’s hurricane season, which means mud and dirty everywhere. When it comes to wet weather, you’re going to want to take extra precautions to ensure that your home stays clean and tidy. Here are a few tips for making sure the mud stays outside where it belongs.

Designate a “Mud Room” Entrance

The most obvious thing you can do to prevent mud from tracking into your home is to set designated entrances for muddy feet and paws. Consider the high traffic areas in your home and remove any carpet or furniture from that area that could fall victim to muddy children or dogs. You’ll also want to set up an area for people to clean off with fresh towels and leave their shoes and boots. And don’t underestimate the power of doormats! They can do a lot to reduce dirt from trafficking into your home.

Keep Mud Off Your Floors

It’s a good idea to teach children and dogs early that the door rug is for wiping off feet and paws. A simple boot tray or shoe rack is also an inexpensive solution to muddy shoes and boots. If you don’t have a “no shoe” policy, now might be the time to institute one. Provide guests and family members with slippers to make the transition easy.

Maintain Your Mats

Don’t neglect your doormats either. All you have to do is take them out occasionally for a good shake to get out the dirt and dust. An occasional vacuuming is also a good idea. When mats get really grimy, give them a quick scrubbing with some soapy water, rinse, and air dry. Maintaining your mats will prevent people from picking up more dirt as they enter your home.

Install Gutters and Ground Covers Near Entrances

Ground cover plants can stop mud from trafficking into your home by limiting the amount of bare patches of dirt in your yard. Installing gutters near doorways will also divert roof runoff from pooling outside your entrances. Gutters are an easy way to make sure your guests don’t have to walk through a waterfall to get to your front door.

Does Your Home Have a Fire Escape Plan?

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Every household or commercial business should develop a plan in case of an emergency fire. Fire outbreaks can not only cause a lot of home calamity, but also loss of life. The National Fire Protection Association recommends bring your family together to make a plan, including inspecting all possible exits and routes. So how do you make a fire escape plan, and what should it include? Here are a few things you should consider.

Planning a Fire Escape Basics

• There should be two ways to get out of every room, and all members of your household should be aware of them.
• Add escape ladders to areas or homes above the second floor, especially sleeping areas. Train household members in how to use them and store them near windows.
• Practice home fire drills periodically (at least twice a year) so that everyone knows how to do one in less than two minutes. The objective of a fire drill is to practice, not to frighten, so a planned drill can be just as effective.
• Teach younger family members the stop, drop, and roll method for dealing with clothes that have caught fire.
• Make special arrangements in your plan for infants or anyone with a disability. Assign someone to assist disabled family members in case of an emergency.
• Install smoke alarms inside and outside of every sleeping area of your home.
• Find an outside meeting place that’s a safe distance away from your home that everyone can reach after an escape. Make sure everyone is aware of its location.
• Always choose the safest escape route, meaning the one with least amount of smoke and heat. Practice getting low and traveling beneath smoke when you perform a fire drill.
• Close doors on the way out during a fire to slow it down and give you more time to safely escape. In situations where fire prevents you from leaving the home, you should practice “sealing yourself in for safety” as part of your fire escape plan. Put as many doors between you and the fire as possible, and cover air vents to prevent smoke from reaching you. Open windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in.
• Under no circumstances should you ever go back inside a burning building. Do not try to retrieve belongings. If someone is still inside, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Only a trained firefighter has the skills and equipment needed to perform a rescue.

The Benefits of a Professional Carpet Cleaning

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning in process.

A professional carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home or business, your health, and even extend the life of your carpet. Although a carpet cleaning machine may be cheaper, you miss out on a number of unique advantages that a carpet cleaning service can provide. Namely, with a professional carpet cleaning you will save time and ensure that your carpet is thorough and effectively cleaned.

Don’t Stress

One of the nicest bonuses of having a professional cleaner is that you won’t have to stress over moving furniture out of the room. Once the carpets are dry, your cleaner will move all the furniture back to where it belongs. You also won’t have to worry about removing stains, applying pre-treatment solutions, or carrying heavy cleaning equipment from room to room. Nope, with a professional cleaning service you save time on all of these things.

Restore Your Carpet’s Original Beauty

A professional carpet cleaner’s objective is to restore your carpet to its original quality. Not only will this leave your carpet with a fresh and clean look, but it’ll help extend the life your carpet. Furthermore, carpets are safe havens for mold and mildew. Often times mold will occur after someone attempts to clean their carpet themselves, and leaves it excessively wet. A professional carpet cleaner will make sure your carpets avoid becoming oversaturated with water.

Certified Equipment and Cleaning Solutions

With a professional carpet cleaner, you’ll get the promise of professional grade equipment operated by experienced cleaners. When it comes to removing tough stains, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the strongest machinery. Experienced carpet cleaners also have knowledge of different types of carpets and brands, so they can suggest the best methods and products for the job, rather than risking a rental or store-bought cleaning solution.

Professional Carpet Cleaning Services from SERVPRO

If you need professional carpet cleaning services then SERVPRO are the people to call SERVPRO of Chambersburg offers a range of cleaning services for jobs of any shape or size. We follow EPA codes and can help keep your air ducts clean and mold free in order to keep it a healthy and happy place to live. For more information on our services, call 717-261-0310 visit us online and follow us on Facebook.

Preparing for a disaster

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile 

 If your home or business had a fire whom would you call after 911 and Waynesboro fire fighters have left? Your insurance agent? Your banker?  The interior decorator that made your office the warm and inviting place you did business. Now here is the important question. Do you have all of the numbers you need at your fingertips to call all the people you need to help you get back into business or your home quickly?

You can with the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile APP. This is free and only takes a little time to gather the info so you are ready for whatever could prevent you from enjoying your home or office.

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
• Profile is viewable online or on your SERVPRO READY APP and is secured with a login and password.

Don't wait until a disaster strikes.

Or visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

SERVPRO of Chambersburg 

717-261-0310

It's always best to call us directly. 

Storm Chasing Companys

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Don't be scammed by storm chasers

Contractor con. Jack and John Thayer trolled neighborhoods after storms, offering to fix damaged homes. The duo stole more than $770,000 in down payments from storm-traumatized homeowners — without fixing the homes. Many victims were elderly. At least the Thayers have a new roof: They received up to 20 years in prison. This story ended in justice but all too often Winston Salem home and business owners are taken advantage of by less than reputable people.

Be wary of door-to-door and trucks patrolling a neighborhood after a storm or telephone sales people.  Recently the BBB of North West NC reported that a consumer was contacted by a gentleman who said they are currently working in the area and they notice that she had storm roof damage and they will send a representative so they can help her claim the insurance for this damage.

You can keep scammers away. Protect your family, bank account and yourself from crooks: Stay alert, ask questions and go slow and pay attention to details.

Contact your insurance agent don’t trust that the contractor will file the claim for you. No one should be filing a claim on your insurance but you. This is a good time to talk with your agent about if you should even file a claim or not. You may need additional information like estimates from a reputable company.  

After a damage to your car or home ... Take photos of the damage and passengers. You can prevent fake injury and damage claims.

Contact your state insurance department or National Insurance Crime Bureau (1-800-835-6422) to report a scam. You can also report a scam with the BBB 

Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, if temporary roofing repairs are necessary. Know what your deductible is and know when to file a claim.

Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be proactive in selecting a business and not reactive to sales solicitations. It is common for storm chasers to call and knock on your door.

For major repairs, take time to shop around and get 3-4 estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check out references that are at least one year old, verify with your local government to find out whether or not businesses are required to be licensed/registered to do work in your area, and check with your local building inspector to see if a building permit is required.

Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business. If salespeople go door-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits.

Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it. While most roofing contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know inspect your roof. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work. This goes for Mold Remediation also. Contact an independent environmental specialist to perform an air quality test. Or ask if they do the test themselves or do they have a third party perform the test. If the mold mitigater does the testing or the roofer does the inspection what do you think the odds of them finding work for themselves to perform are?

Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. Be sure their name, address, license number, if applicable, and phone number are included in the contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety, and don’t sign a blank contract. A copy of the signed contract is to be given to you at time of signature. What certifications does the company have?

 Call a trusted contractor call SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Tips for Preparing for a disaster

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

A property that had over 4' of water in the basement after a heavy rain period.

#1 Make a Plan. Living here in Chambersburg, you’re less likely to face an earthquake than a severe storm that could cause flash flooding. Knowing what you could face will help prepare you for emergencies as you go throughout your day to day routine.  Flooding in Florida and Louisiana reminds us that you may not have as much warning with flash floods or sudden storm systems. 

#2 The Details matter. Know the details of how you escape a disaster. Planning the route of where you are going while the fire is burning is not the time to plan your route. Knowing if you are going to a shelter, motel or friends home will help get you there quickly and safely. Ensuring that everyone knows the details of the plan will ensure that your family will meet you at the prescribed place.

#3 Stay informed. Ensuring that you are informed of impending storms by listening to NOAA or the news alerts will keep you aware of changing weather. Being informed is part of being prepared. Local news agencies are committed to alerting their listeners and viewers of dangerous situations. 

#4 Communicate. Most people say I’ll just pick up my cell phone, but that may be down. If local phone lines are overloaded or out of service it is sometimes easier to call or text long distance. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or saved on their cell phones.

#5 Emergency Kit. Having a plan but no tools to implement it with is ineffective. What are some of the basics you need? Water, Food, and Shelter are the big three but what about other necessities?  Do you have medicine that you need?  A small child to care for? What are other items to help you along the way? Think first aid items, rope and flashlights. FEMA has a list of items that will be helpful here. Do you need to be a doomsday prepper? Probably not, but depending on the severity, you may have to rely on your own for 3-4 days before infrastructure is restored.  Be sure you are familiar with what is in the Emergency kit and how to use the items in the kit.

#6 Get trained. Knowing some basic emergency training will also help in a crisis situation. Know how a fire extinguisher works or how to perform CPR. The American Red Cross has education on a number of topics that can be useful in an emergency situation. Learn where the shut offs are for utilities in your home or office. Cutting them off may prevent further damage or making a bad situation even worse. Be sure that your family and coworkers are educated on the plan of what to do in case of an emergency.

#7 Now that you are planning what to do when you are at home, what about if you’re away from home? Talk to your child’s school and ask how they plan or evacuate the school? How do they communicate with you about emergencies? Does your business have a plan?  SERVPRO of Chambersburg  can help you with that. The Emergency Ready Profile can go right beside your employee handbook and be carried with you on your mobile device. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Call us to get started on your plan 717-261-0310

Replace or Restore how can you save costs?

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

A chambersburg property during the drying process.

Water is a vital part of life, when controlled properly it can be helpful and sustain us in our everyday lives. When out of control it can make our lives miserable, and can even do us harm.

If you have dealt with water damage before you know that water restoration services are not cheap. You also know how traumatic they can be, disrupting our lives and causing havoc in our home or business. However, if we look closely, the amount of money that you’ll be spending on water repair damage is significantly lower as compared to the cost of repairing structural damage and replacing personal belongings. Having SERVPRO of Chambersburg guide you through the trauma efficiently by restoration rather than replacement, can give you piece of mind and save costs.

When water enters our home, it can come with germs and bacteria, it can even promote fungal growth if given enough time and conditions. Oftentimes, mold spores inhabit our home long after the water has disappeared from view.  If you act quickly you can impact the amount of damage to your property and your personal belongings.

While there is no standard cost for water repair damage, the cost is based on several factors. This includes the type of water, the extent of damage and the size of the affected area.

Category 1 (Clean water): Water comes from a faucet, malfunctioning appliance connected to a water line or a supply pipe. This is the least expensive. However if left unmitigated fungal growth can occur in 48 -72 hours from the initial incident.  When fungal growth begins this can change the category and add to costs as procedures to protect workers are also increased.

Category 2 (Grey water): Grey water contains biological and chemical pollutants that can cause illness. Common sources are water that is discharged from washing machine, dishwasher or toilet.

Category 3 (Black water): This is the most detrimental of the group and is also the most expensive. Water contains harmful bacteria that may cause severe discomfort or sickness. Common sources are overflowing rivers and streams, sewage and standing water. Category tw water that is left stagnant for more than 48 hours falls under this category.

Restoring your home after water damage could be a frustrating experience. Water or excess moisture could harm your home and its content. The faster you take action, the less damage you’ll have in your home. Here are some tips you can use until we get to your home: http://www.SERVPROchambersburg.com/water-damage-tips  

From leaky roofs, basement leaks or frozen pipe bursts, the people at SERVPRO of West Forsyth are here to help make it “like it never even happened.”  In these situations, time is critical. You don’t want your home to be destroyed by water, call us 24/7 directly at 717-261-0310. We commit to pick up your call or call back in an hour or less, be onsite in four hours or less. SERVPRO of Chambersburg services Chambersburg ,Greencastle ,Waynesboro Mercersburg ,St. Thomas ,Fayetteville ,Marion ,Blue Ridge Summit ,Mont Alto ,Rouzerville

Timing is important with water damage

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage, SERVPRO of Chambersburg can help.

Summer time in Chambersburg humidity and summer storms. When water stands and causes damage it can continue to cause damage and cost even more money to repair the secondary damage. So, the old adage is never truer than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property is wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters.  

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Storms, floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods and training to get the job done right as quickly as possible.

If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals at (717) 261-0310 seven days a week 24/7 to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

What the Puff?!

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

The soot from a puff back is sticky, greasy, and grimy!

As the weather changes from summer to fall, shorts turn into pants, lemonade turns to hot cocoa, and the cool hum of an AC turns to the warm surroundings of heat. However, your furnace has just sat dormant for the past 6 months and this duration of time and non-usage can result in a puff back. The term "Puff back" refers to the sudden discharge of soot into the dwelling area caused by a malfunction in the heating system. The soot from a puff back is a sticky, greasy, grimy mess like you have never seen and it can create the risk of severe health hazards in your home. All those minuscule, oil based particles that just shot out of your furnace are now embed in your curtains, carpets, and clothing while contaminating the air with known carcinogens. Running a vacuum over it will only grind the soot deeper and create stains that will never come out. Wiping the soot from walls and ceilings creates a place where paint will no longer stick. Unless the soot is quickly and professionally removed, it can cause corrosion of metals on doorknobs, faucets, and even electronic equipment throughout the home. Due to the fact that every inch of the home is affected, a puff back is an overwhelming job to clean properly and should not be performed as a DIY.

This is where the SERVPRO team can help! You can trust SERVPRO to clean EVERYTHING. We are your one stop shop for puff back and smoke damage cleanup in the Chambersburg area. If your home has been affected by a furnace puff back - call us at 717-261-0310  we can help you get your home and possessions back to pre-loss condition - Like it never even happened.^® 

Two easy maintenance tips to prepare for Fall!

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

As much fun as summer can be, it has to end at some point. As the trees begin to change and the weather shifts from hot and humid to cool and crisp, it’s time to prepare for the onset of cooler months. Whether you’re ready for hot cocoa and sweaters or are still holding on to ice cream and swim suits, there’s a lot to do to get ready for the changing seasons.

1. Inspect your roof
   If you have a heavy rainstorm or a foot of snow, does your roof have what it takes to hold up? Before settling in for another chilly fall and a freezing winter take a look at your roof for weak spots or cracks in your shingles and granules. If you see anything that looks off or unstable, a roofer may be what your home needs to weather this winter’s storms.
2. Clean out your gutters
   As the leaves begin to turn, you know you’re only weeks away from them falling off entirely and stopping up your gutters. Before you find yourself with a big mess on your hands, take the time now to clean out your gutters and drainpipes to prevent the possibility of water damage and clogs. A clean early in the season may not be sufficient through the winter, but it will make sure you’re prepared for the harsher weather to come. Water damages can be caused by clogged drains or overflowing water to collect on your roof.

Preparing your house for fall may not be what you planned to do during your weekend, but it’s something you’ll thank yourself for later. With the right measures taken now, you and your family will be prepared to settle in for the fall and winter, no matter what may be coming your way!

National Preparedness Month

9/13/2016 (Permalink)

During an emergency, the last thing you should worry about is what to do next. Every second matters during an unexpected, emergency situation which is why this year’s National Preparedness Month theme is, “Don’t Wait, Communicate!”

SERVPRO of Chambersburg would like to encourage everyone in our community to develop a game plan! Residential or commercial? It doesn’t matter! Everyone should master a set of steps to perform during an emergency and answer important questions ahead of time such as; Who will be in charge of contacting 911? Who will gather everyone to a safe location? What is the best escape method in an emergency? Etc. These questions are imperative to the safety and well being of our co-workers or families.

Everyone’s focus this month should be towards developing a disaster plan or what we at SERVPRO like to call an ERP (Emergency Communication Plan). In line with the “Don’t Wait, Communicate!” theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO of Chambersburg would like to suggest developing an Emergency Communication Plan for your home or business. Several steps, listed below, can help get you started on this plan:

1. Collect all of your important contact information such as; family doctor, medical facilities, local family members, schools and service providers. Compile all of this information into one, hard-copy, easily accessible sheet. *Waterproof the sheet if possible!*
2. Share copies of this sheet with everyone within the household/business. 
3. Develop a fire/emergency escape plan that includes the safest escape routes, layout of home or business, safe meeting place and what to do if contact is lost.
4. On a monthly basis review/practice all of the important contact information and emergency escape plan.

As always, SERVPRO is #heretohelp in any emergency or disaster situation. Although September is coming to an end it is never too late to be prepared! We encourage everyone to call us today to learn more about National Preparedness Month or about our free Emergency Ready Profiles!

During a Water Damage FAQ

9/1/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage in a basement

Arrival of Technicians (Initial visit):

1. Upon the technician's arrival they will need a tour of the area that have water damage.
2. They will take moisture readings to determine what materials are affected. (i.e. carpet, carpet pad, drywall, baseboard, etc...)
3. Once the technicians locate the wet materials they will determine whether the materials can be dried. Some materials are made in a way that they can not be dried due to their composition (i.e. insulation, ceiling tiles, carpet pad, etc...). Some materials dry very well in the correct conditions (i.e. carpet, subfloor, true hardwood flooring, etc...).
4. The lead technician will explain to the property owner what needs removed vs. dried before work begins and will notify you if any changes come about.

Monitoring Visit:

1. The drying time of most water jobs is 3-5 days.
2. The techs will need access to the property to check the status of drying and to complete their on-going documentation.
3. They will make the visit with the customer for the best time inside of the standard working hours (8am-4pm : this will include monitoring on weekends and holidays as well).
4. Depending on the size of job will determine how long their visit will be each day, most water loss jobs take a 30-60-minute visit when it’s in progress.
5. We can provide a lock box to store your house key so the techs can access the home without the customer having to leave work. Or another family/friend may grant SERVRO access.
6. During the drying process it is not uncommon to experience an odor in the first few days of drying. The smell is due to the evaporation process. Therefore anything the water has come in contact with may cause an odor which is released into the air during drying (i.e. pet smells).

Final Visit:

• During the final visit the technicians will be removing the drying equipment. This usually takes approximately 60-120 minutes. The will need the homeowner to be home for this visit to complete the final paperwork for the insurance companies file.

Coverages/Cost:

1. SERVPRO professionals are not permitted to comment regarding any insurance coverage. Only the insurance professional (i.e. adjuster) will have that information.
2. The deductible is the amount a home insurance policyholder must pay out of pocket for a covered claim. The insurance adjuster will explain where/when this amount is to be paid.
3. Payment for services performed is due typically within 15 days after claim is submitted to insurance company.
4. SERVPRO of Chambersburg will send the insurance company an estimate/bill for the services provide. From then it’s common for the insurance company to release the payment to the customer home address. Once the homeowner receives the amount from the insurance company then it is time to pay SERVPRO for the services. Payment can be made by check or credit card.

Common Questions:

1. How long will the drying take? Typical 3-5 days. The onsite technician can provide daily updates as to the progress.
2. Is the equipment going to run all day? Yes, the equipment should only be ever move or turned off. If an emergency happens and the equipment is off it needs to be brought to the SERVPRO professionals attention asap.
3. Windows/Doors Open or Closed? Ask your SERVPRO professional. However, it is best to prevent any outside air entering the home. Interior doors should be left the way the technicians left them. They may be trying to concentrate drying in one room or dry two room with one dehumidifier that needs access to both air spaces.
4. Temperature Ideal for Drying? 70-90 Degrees. We understand that the temperature at times may be uncomfortable however for drying to be performed correctly it must stay in this range.
5. How to get a copy of the documents you signed with SERVPRO? Provide your email address to the technicians and it will automatically send the documents over the next 24-hour period. You may also request tech to bring a print copy on their next visit.

• Wet Hardwood Floors:  Real hardwood floors can be dried in the right conditions. The length that the water was in contact with the material will make in impact to the restorability. We utilize specialize drying systems that forces air into the floor. Due to the density of the hardwood floors it may take 3-6 weeks after the drying equipment is removed before they return to their natural shape. Some floors will need to be sanded and refinished. You &  your insurance adjuster will be advised of the recommendation for refinishing or replacement, the decision is the between you and the insurance.

1. Can my carpet be restored or will they have to be replaced? The technician will attempt to salvage uncontaminated water damage carpet. There are a few items the technicians  will look for that would classify the carpet as unsalvageable. If any of the items below are found, SERVPRO will notify the insurance company/adjuster to determine the next plan of action.
1. Delamination (when the backing separates from the carpet)
2. Permanent Stains caused by water damage
3. Sewage contaminated carpet

• Electric Bill? There is a lot of pieces of equipment in your home to dry out the property and they do need electricity. How much will it affect your bill? Each piece of equipment will affect your bill about $1 per day.

1. Example 15 pieces of equipment for 3 days.= $45

• Who’s responsibility for paying for these services? Ultimately the customer/property owner are responsible for the payment. The property owner will need to sign our standard forms that will authorize SERVPRO to perform the dryout, and acknowledgement of the payment terms.

• If this is an insurance claim, SERVPRO will submit the billing to the insurance company & the customer.(typically within 10 business days from the date it was completed the drying)

• After the insurance companies review the file, they commonly issue the check to pay for the services to your home. You will need to forward SERVPRO the funds for the amount of the bill/invoice that you received after the drying was completed.

1. When you have questions it’s best to call to the SERVPRO office and they can provide detailed instructions for you.
2. If the claim is not coverage, or you do not submit a claim, you will be expected to pay for the services at the time of the services in full.

Why hire SERVPRO of Chambersburg for your residential cleaning?

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

A Biohazard cleanup with large amounts of cat feces

Why hire SERVPRO of Chambersburg for your residential cleaning?

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is a fire & water restoration cleanup company who services the Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle & surrounding areas. Customer call SERVPRO for those difficult cleaning jobs, like heavy nicotine cleanup, hoarding, animal feces cleanup, biohazard cleanup.

            Nicotine Cleanup: SERVPRO of Chambersburg has heavy cleaning products and is skilled at cleaning walls, ceiling and contents. Our products are specialty and can’t buy most of them at the store. There is typically an odor in a home when it’s been smoked in, SERVPRO has a few specialty machines that can eliminate the smell. Our suggestion for the best results are cleaning, carpet cleaning, ozoning and possible painting the walls & ceiling if staining remains.

            Hoarding Cleaning: SERVPRO of Chambersburg has helped several different customers how could be classified to the average person as a hoarder. Some may hoard animals, items like clothes or just haven’t done general cleaning and tiding up. When customer hire SERPVRO to do an estimate for their non-emergency services they can express what items they want done. SERVPRO of Chambersburg will respect the customer’s wishes and work out a plan best for them.

            Bio-Hazard Cleaning: A biohazard job could be classified by homes with hazards such as high levels of animal/human feces or jobs that require some protection and will normally make most people’s stomach turn. Some of the jobs have needles from drug use from a previous occupant, cleaning an area for diseases, elderly’s homes who can’t care for the property.

Why Customers are pleased with our result, It’s simple most of the jobs it’s a night and day outcome. Visit our before and after photos to see our work .

Mold Myths & Facts by SERVPRO of Chambersburg

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Mold on Ceiling tiles in Basement in Waynesboro PA

At SERVPRO of Chambersburg we currently get a lot of calls regarding mold in property’s. Most of the time it’s in an un-used part of the home like a basement or attic.

Some customers try to handle the project themselves and find that the mold comes back a few weeks later. Here are some myths & facts about mold and the dangers. Although if you think you have mold, you should contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg to discuss the plans of actions.

MYTH NO. 1 BLEACH KILLS MOLD?

Liquid bleach is a solution of chlorine in water, usually 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, thus 94 percent water. Smearing bleach on mold may appear to kill it, but the effect is superficial and very temporary. Once the chlorine is gone - and it evaporates rapidly - what's left is all that water, feeding the mold.

There are many chemicals that kill mold. They're called biocides. That means they kill life. (Bio = life + cide = kill.)

MYTH No. 2   'Toxic' Mold is the only dangerous type of mold.

"Toxic" mold or "black" mold is often touted by the hucksters in the mold industry as being the one that makes people sick, the one you must eliminate. This is pure scare tactic. 

Yes, there are some strains of mold that seem to be more toxic than others. But there is no such thing as good mold, or even tolerable mold, unless you like stinky cheese. Mold in your home is a problem, because it signifies a moisture problem. Moisture inside your home enables mold growth, and it can also lead to rot, threatening the structure itself.

On top of that, any mold problem that's allowed to continue often will pave the way for the dreaded "black mold." The most infamous "black mold," stachybotrys chartarum, is what's known as a tertiary mold. It's very slow to develop and usually follows earlier mold growths, actually feeding off the previous mold colony.

MYTH No. 3, Homeowners can property remediate mold themselves?

Homeowners are not trained or knowledgeable about mold enough to properly remediate the damages, most times homeowners cause more damage when they don’t hire a professional. Most of the errors are in the contamination process. Not using vapor barriers or the proper equipment to clean the air during removal stages. When it’s not properly sectioned off, they can cross contaminate mold threw other area of the home that previously did not have mold spores.

Fact No. 1 :  Mold is everywhere and mold problems exist indoors in every climate.

Mold is, literally, everywhere on the planet, in every climate. A house in the Mojave Desert can have a mold problem as easily as one in Florida or New Orleans. 

Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, food, and the right temperature. Moisture can collect in walls, attics and crawl spaces in the driest of climates with a little help, such as a roof or siding leak, plumbing flaw, and pressure differentials created by air conditioning, or even a poorly vented bathroom.

Food for mold is pretty much everything we build with and everything we own. Mold loves household dust... even in the kitchen sink. And the warmth mold needs is the same temperature range humans prefer.

Bottom line: Every home has mold but not every home has a mold problem. If you think you might have a mold problem, don't ignore it. Get help.

Fact No. 2 Home inspectors don't know mold.
 
Home inspectors - the ones who check out a house prior to sale - are generally ignorant about mold. Many inspectors will see mold and ignore it because there's no rot or obvious moisture. Others may not see it at all.

If you think you have mold in your property, call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Chambersburg. 

The Correct Way to Handle Chambersburg Mold Damage

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in a Kitchen Cabinet

The Correct Way to Handle Chambersburg Mold Damage

In Chambersburg, mold damage is a common problem. It affects all kinds of homes and businesses. It is not something to be scared of because it happens to almost everybody, at some time in their lives. However, it does need to be treated with caution. Mold damage, though common, can be both expensive and can cause health effects. 

This is why the only effective solution for dealing with chronic mold damage in Chambersburg is to call in the experts. Qualified mold damage restoration teams have the necessary skills and expertise to make sure that all of the damaged areas of a property are safely removed. If you do not seek professional advice, you risk the problem becoming a recurring one. 

This guide to the importance of professional mold damage restoration will help you get to grips with the best possible solution. 

Fix the Source of the Issue 

While homeowners can go some way to removing the superficial signs of mold damage in Chambersburg (the visible marks and blemishes), it is much more difficult to pinpoint the cause. And this is vital if the problem is to be eradicated for good. Mold damage restoration experts are trained to look for patterns and uncover the source of the destruction. More often than not, the mold is being caused by an unidentified leak within the building or humidity issues.  

Recognize the Type of Mold 

It is a common misunderstanding to assume that all mold is the same. In fact, there are more than 10,000 different varieties. As they all require a slightly different approach, identification is key to tackling mold damage in Chambersburg. Nobody expects you to be able to distinguish between the characteristics of a thousand mold samples, so take the job to somebody is specially trained for it. 

Use the Right Equipment 

Another important benefit of using a professional mold damage restoration service is access to specialist equipment. You might have a basic dehumidifier in your home or workplace, but this won’t be strong enough to tackle a serious problem. You need heavy duty dryers, blowers, and EPA approved chemicals. If there is evidence of high level mold in the building – which causes negative health effects – protective clothing is needed to ensure safety. 

How to Prevent Kitchen Water Damage

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Dishwasher causes water damage.

The kitchen is often an ignored part of the house when it comes to preventing water damage. Sometimes the smells and moisture and lack of  regular attention can mask some of the signs that something isn’t right. Here are some of the top tips on how you can prevent water damage in your kitchen and save yourself money.

What Causes Kitchen Water Damage?

When it comes to kitchen water damage, you have three main sources, which are the refrigerator, the sink and countertop, and the dishwasher. There are actually warning signs that these all could cause water damage, however, so we wanted to make sure you know exactly what they are.

Water Damage: Refrigerators

The odds are that when you clean your kitchen or are doing maintenance, you normally don’t check behind your refrigerator. But if you do inspect that area routinely, you will reduce the chances of water damage problems down the road. If you do find water behind your refrigerator, it is a definite sign that something is wrong. Sometimes you may even find mold growth, which means you need to work with a reputable repair service immediately. If you have an icemaker, make sure that the hose is sealed and still attached to your water supply.

Water Damage: Sinks and Countertops

You use a lot of water on and around your sink and countertops, and sometimes that water can get trapped and cause damage. Check regularly underneath your sink to make sure that you don’t have any leaks. If you have a drip under the sink, that means you may have drain problems. Slow draining pipes may indicate that you have a blocked drain, and a dripping faucet also needs to be repaired promptly. For the countertops, see if you notice cracks or grout that is missing. If you have those issues, you need to fix that to prevent water from pervading. Stained pipes and walls around pipes also indicate an internal leak that needs to be fixed to prevent additional water damage.

Water Damage: Dishwashers

If your dishwasher isn’t quite emptying correctly after you use it, the main filter may be blocked. You have to have it released promptly in order to prevent water damage. Take the time to look at the base of your dishwasher for leaks on a regular basis. If you do see a leak, there could be an unsealed joint or a hose that is damaged. At this point, you will want to check the connection and get it repaired if there is an issue as quick as possible. You should also consider installing steel-braided hoses on appliances like dishwashers, but make sure that you talk with a trusted plumbing source about the best options for your appliances.

Are you helping Mold Grow in your home?

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Inspect your windows for Mold if you typically have condensation.

How to Prepare Your Chambersburg Home for Summer Storms

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Tip for Storms in Chambersburg

It seems like we just got done with winter storms, and now the residents of Chambersburg already have to deal with summer storms! While summer storms are known to wreak havoc on Chambersburg homes, a little preparation can save you a lot of time and money.We have a few helpful tips that will get you ready for whatever Mother Nature has to throw at you this summer.

Double Check Your Insurance

This may sound like a weird step to take when preparing for a summer storm, but it’s actually more important than most homeowners realize. You see, some insurance policies will only pay you for what your home was worth before the storm. Replacement cost value insurance, however, pays you for the current market value of your property loss. Of course, no one thinks about their insurance until they need it. So if you take the time to learn exactly what is covered and what isn’t, it will help you know if you need to update your policy. Again, you don’t want to have a 300-year old tree crashing into your home to be the reason why you find out what type of insurance you have.

Preventing Summer Storm Damage with Tree Inspections

Sometimes, trees may appear not to show any types of damage before a summer storm. If you have a pivot or a hump on one side of your tree, you may have a root problem. Root problems can eventually make the tree fall over, and a severe summer storm can rapidly increase the likelihood it tips over. If your top branches are bare, there also could be issues with the health of your tree. Also, big hollows and dead wood on a tree is another indication that you might have a problem. Taking the time to inspect the health of your trees is a great way to prevent damage to your home and vehicles.  If you aren’t sure exactly what you should be looking for, it is worth consulting an arborist to find out if you have any issues. If it turns out that you don’t have any issues, you can sleep peacefully at night knowing you, your family, and your home are protected. If you do, it’s a good thing you are getting it taken care of before the summer storms!

Clean Gutters Before Summer Storms

If you don’t clean out your gutters, you risk damage to your basement during a summer storm. If you have a finished basement, it’s especially important to make sure you have a backup battery-powered sump pump system if something were to go wrong. Dirty gutters can also cause damage to your roof and attic by having backed up water enter into your home.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg

Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg if your carpets do need cleaning. When we leave, your home and your life will be back to normal. For more information on SERVPRO of Chambersburg Inner Harbor’s Services, call 717-261-0310or visit www.SERVPROChambersburg.com. 

The Importance of Professional Cleaning for Crime Scenes

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Bio Hazard Clean-up

Cleaning up a crime scene is grisly work, but it needs to be done. It should be done by professionals no matter what. You may be wondering why that is, so we’re here to explain. There are actually several reasons why you should always call in a professional to clean scenes of murder, drug-related damages, or any other major crime. Are you ready to learn more? Well, let’s get started!

Crime Scenes carry sensitive information.

Once the police force has thoroughly investigated the crime scene, the area may be covered in residues specific to a crime scene. Tear gas residue, fingerprint gathering dust, and other police specific things may remain once the investigation is over. Cleaning them is not always as simple as a little scrub either. Cleaning up a fire extinguisher’s remains is also no picnic. These things are better left to the professionals.

Crime Scenes can be dangerous.

A crime that resulted in major injury or death can often leave behind hazardous waste that can pose a danger to you. Blood can carry many pathogens and should never be handled by anyone who doesn’t know what they are doing. Not to mention the fact that blood stains are difficult to clean. There are also special protocols for the removal of many crime scene elements including blood and harmful chemicals. We can also handle any leftover meth lab issues. These are particularly dangerous scenes, so please let us handle it. It’s for your safety.

Crime Scenes can be emotional.

Whether or not someone you know was involved in the crime scene doesn’t necessarily indicate whether or not it will have an emotional impact. These circumstances tend to be difficult for all people involved. So, when it comes time to clean the area, you may be better off allowing a third party to come in and take away some of your burden.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg

Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg if your crime scenes do need cleaning. We offer a full range of cleaning services for jobs of all shapes and sizes. We follow OSHA and EPA codes so that we can take your mess and make miracles happen. When we leave, your home and your life will be back to normal. For more information on SERVPRO of Chambersbug’s Services, call 717-261-0310 or visit www.SERVPROchambersburg.com We’re here when you need us! 

Lightning Safety Tips

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has helped several customer

Did you know that lightning is the third largest storm-related killer in the U.S., causing nearly one billion dollars in damage per year¹? Those are some sobering statistics you may want to keep in mind the next time you are trying to decide whether to play one more hole of golf or hike an extra mile when a potential storm may be brewing.

While summer is commonly known as the peak season for thunderstorms and lightning, such storms can strike any time and in almost any location year-round. The following guide and tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe and secure should you be caught in a lightning storm.

How Should I Protect Myself?

It is important to understand that there is no safe place outside during a lightning storm. If thunderstorms are expected, you should stop any outdoor activities quickly — even if you are still mowing the lawn or enjoying a picnic. Many lightning casualties occur because people fail to seek shelter soon enough. Keep an eye on local weather conditions and have a plan if thunderstorms are expected. Your home’s best protection against a lightning strike is a lightning protection system. In order to find out more you can contact a certified lightning protection specialist for information.

What if I am Outside During a Storm?

As soon as you hear thunder, stop all outdoor activities and get into a building or a hard-topped vehicle for safety. It may be tempting to get into a golf cart or a lean-to, but those will not provide adequate protection. If you absolutely cannot get to safety, try to stay away from open fields, hilltops, tall trees or other tall objects. Go to the lowest place possible, such as a ravine or valley, and squat in a baseball catcher’s position — with your heels touching, ears covered, and head between your knees. Minimize contact with the ground and do NOT lie flat. You should avoid water and anything metal, such as golf clubs or bicycles.

What if I am Driving?

Exit the road or highway you are on and park in a safe location. Stay in the vehicle and turn on emergency flashers until the storm subsides. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that can conduct electricity.

What if I am Indoors?

You may think that watching television or shopping on-line are good ways to pass the time during a storm, but your best bet is to unplug televisions, computers and any other high-value electronics well before the storm hits. Once the storm begins, do not touch any electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones. It is OK to use cellular or cordless phones during the storm. Be sure to stay away from windows and doors and do not go on porches. Also avoid taking baths or showers during storms.² Water is a conductor of electricity so if a lightning strike hits your house during a storm, it may travel through water and shock you in the bath or shower.

What if My House is Hit by Lightning?

If you think your home has been struck by lightning call 911 immediately and evacuate if you see fire or smoke. You may want to ask your local fire department to check for hot spots in your walls. If you use gas for heating and cooking, contact your gas company or a licensed contractor to conduct a leak test before re-entering your home. Gas system components have been known to sustain punctures as a result of direct or nearby lightning strikes.

Sources: 
¹ NOAA, http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/resources/Lightning_your_home.pdf 
² NOAA's National Weather Service,http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning_safety.htm

Identifying Hail Damage to Your Roof

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO if your roof looks like this for assistance, 717-261-0310

Are you aware that during a hail storm more than just your vehicles are potentially vulnerable to damage and future repairs? When hail hits, it can damage the roof or covering of your home as well as other personal property. Although hailstorms can be destructive, the amount of damage can vary greatly. Following are some factors that affect the type and degree of damage that may be impacted by a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.

• Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction and wind speed can vary. Changes in wind conditions can affect the location and severity of hail impacts.
• Size and density – The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage, if any, to your property. A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which can impact the type of damage they cause.
• Building materials – Building materials absorb hail impacts differently. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. Alternatively, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof. Additionally, the age and condition of a roof could affect the degree of damage.
• Barriers– The position of neighboring structures and natural barriers, like tree cover, landscaping, fences or adjacent homes can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.

What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

Shingles can react differently when struck by hail. As an example, hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles can look very different than hail damage to wood shingles. It is important to know the different effects of the damage to properly identify whether or not you have roof damage from hail.

Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage

• Random damage with no discernable pattern.
• Hail hits that are black in color.
• Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
• Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
• Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.

Wood Shingles Hail Damage

• Random damage with no discernable pattern.
• A split in the shingle that is brown/orange in color.
• A split in the shingle that has sharp corners and edges.
• A split in the shingle that has little to no deterioration at the edges.
• Impact marks or dents along the splits.

There are many other types of damage to shingles that can be mistaken for hail damage. For example, exposure to inclement weather and sunlight makes shingles brittle and gives them an aged appearance. This type of damage is normal wear and tear of shingles, which is sometimes misidentified as hail damage. Other types of normal wear and tear may include blistering, cracking, granule loss, flaking and algae. Manufacturing defects and mechanical imperfections in shingles can also be mistaken for hail damage.

If you believe your home has sustained damage from hail, call your agent or insurance representative to discuss possible next steps.

Hail Protection for Your Home

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Hail Damage

Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance — and knowing what to do — can help you stay safe and keep damage to a minimum. Consider signing up for local weather alerts, which deliver warnings when hail storms are approaching your area.

What Is Hail?

Hail is a type of solid precipitation, distinct from, but often confused with sleet. Sleet generally falls in colder temperatures while hail growth is inhibited at very cold temperatures. Hail creation is possible within thunderstorms and is formed when water vapor in updrafts reaches a freezing point. Ice then forms and is suspended in the air by updrafts and falls down to be coated by water again. This process can occur over and over adding many layers to the hailstone. Hailstones can be as small as peas or as large as softballs, and the larger ones can cause injury and serious damage.* The average hailstorm lasts only five minutes, but the damage hailstorms cause totals about $1 billion a year, according to the National Weather Service.

How to Minimize Hail Damage

• Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
• Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
• Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
• If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant material if you live in a hail-prone area. For guidance on making the right choices for roof coverings, visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety website.

Source:
* Hail Facts, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, http://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Hail-Facts_IBHS.pdf

Flood Damage Prevention

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Storm Damage, Call SERPVRO 717-261-0310

While fire may be a more common concern among homeowners, your home could in fact be as much as ten times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire.* Significant sources of water damage to one’s property can come from weather-related moisture or flooding, including flooding from heavy rains, flash floods, dam and levee failures, tidal storm surges and mudflows. In addition, new construction of buildings, roads or bridges can alter the flow of water, increasing the potential for flooding.

Living in a high-risk flood zone can increase the likelihood of experiencing a flood, but being outside a high-risk zone does not mean homeowners are safe; flooding is always a possibility due to causes such as heavy rains, snowmelt and spring thaws.

Protecting Your Property Before, During and After a Flood

There are a number of things you can do to help minimize or prevent water damage to your property. Follow these tips to help prepare and recover from potentially costly flood damage.

Before the Flood:

• Know your properties flood zone risk and evaluate your flood risk with this reference guide from IBHS.
• Have your furnace, water heater and other permanent equipment elevated above the expected flood levels of your area.
• Inspect sump pumps and drains regularly to ensure proper operation.
• If you own a generator, have a licensed electrician provide a transfer switch to your sump pump so you can operate it in the event of flooding.
• To help prevent sewage backup, have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow prevention valve.
• Keep sandbags on hand to help divert unusually high water away from your foundation.
• In snowy climates, flag drains to avoid plowing snow on top of them.
• Learn the flood alert signals of your community.
• Collect emergency building materials if you live in a frequently flooded area. These may include plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, shovels and sandbags.
• Plan and practice an evacuation route. Designate a place for family members to meet in the event they become separated.
• Review with all family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.
• Plan a survival kit with important documents, including insurance documents, medications and critical items in the event you need to leave your home.

During the Flood:

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest storm information. If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
• Move to high ground, avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After the Flood:

• Listen to the radio and do not return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Once allowed back into your home, inspect it for damage. If your property has been damaged, promptly report the loss.
• Be watchful of snakes that may have found their way into your home.
• Throw away all food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
• Remove standing water as quickly as possible, including from your basement. If your basement is flooded, pump out about 1/3 of the water per day to avoid structural damage.
• Properly dry or remove soaked carpets, padding and upholstery within 24-48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Discard anything that cannot be properly dried.
• Wash and disinfect all areas that have been flooded. This includes walls, floors, closets and shelves, as well as heating and air-conditioning systems. Do not energize electrical or electronic equipment that may have suffered water damage without first having a qualified electrician inspect and/or test it.

*FloodSmart.gov,https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/residential_coverage/rc_overview.jsp

Are you covered by your Insurance?

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

This is a question everyone should ask them self, Do I understand my homeowner’s insurance?

This article is from Fox Business

 "Insurance requires you to think about bad occurrences … medical problems, car accidents, emergency home repairs. But although it may sound pessimistic to dwell on what could happen (carpe diem, anyone?), it’s important to protect yourself from some of life’s biggest surprises When it comes to protecting your home, it’s not just about safeguarding against structural damage or theft—it’s just as much about feeling secure in where you live. If disaster strikes, your focus should be on reclaiming your sense of stability. The last thing you should worry about is money.

1. What It Covers

A typical policy will pay for damage to your property and your possessions in the event of certain storms, fire, theft or vandalism. Like renter’s insurance, it also provides liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property and decides to sue. Homeowner’s insurance also covers shelter costs, so you don’t have to face crazy hotel bills if you’re temporarily displaced from your house.

Homeowner’s insurance can protect belongings outside the home, too. If something is stolen from your car, auto insurance won’t cover it—but your homeowner’s policy likely will. “Most policies will cover your belongings when they are traveling with you,” Derrick says. “If you have a $1,200 laptop and it gets lost by the airline, call your insurance agent—right after you file the claim with the airline, of course.”

2. What It Doesn’t Cover

A standard policy has exclusions, including earth movements (landslides, earthquakes, sinkholes), power failure, war, nuclear hazard, government action, faulty zoning, bad repair or workmanship, defective maintenance and flooding. Windstorms are typically covered, including tornadoes, although insurance companies exclude tornadoes or hurricanes in some high-risk areas.

Water damage is tricky. As a rule of thumb, water from above (rainwater or a burst pipe in an upstairs apartment) is usually covered, but water from below (backed-up sewers or ground flooding) generally isn’t. If your region is prone to floods and earthquakes, you should consider supplemental coverage.

3. Why You Should Shop Around

Before committing to a policy, take the time to research an agent whom you trust—preferably one with good reviews online or via a personal recommendation.

Bottom line? Don’t just shop for a policy. Make sure you also select the best agent.

4. Which Preventive Actions Can Reduce Premiums

It may sound like common sense to have a working smoke detector, but did you know that it might also help you land a lower insurance quote? The same goes for a burglar alarm. According to insuranceagents.com, you can reduce your premium by about 5% if you install something as a simple as a deadbolt, and up 15-20% for a burglar alarm system.

Insurance companies price your premium based on how much risk they foresee, so you can reduce the premium by reducing your liability risk, thanks to some smart preventive measures. For example, if you have a pool, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of a claim—and thus, possibly lower your premium—by installing a fence and a pool cover to minimize the risk of a neighborhood kid wandering onto your property and falling in.

5. How Replacement Coverage Differs From Market Value

There are two key distinctions that every homeowner should know: “replacement cost” versus “market value.” Replacement cost covers repairing or replacing your entire home. Market value is how much someone would pay to buy your home and accompanying land in its current downtrodden condition.

When you’re considering the type of coverage to take out, a policy that’s based on market value is typically less expensive but, as State Farm puts it, “for a cash-strapped homeowner, buying a policy based on market value offers the best chance to recoup at least partial expenses after a loss.” In other words, you won’t recoup as much in the event of a serious disaster.

For those who have a good emergency fund in place, Derrick says that there is a way to possibly get more substantial coverage and still pay lower premiums: “You might consider getting a policy that covers more in terms of replacing or rebuilding your property, but with a higher deductible.”

6. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File a Claim

When buying a policy, make sure to ask about time limits to report a claim, and then abide by them! If you wait too long, you may not be eligible for benefits—especially if waiting has made the problem worse. David Baxter works for a residential and commercial restoration company in Florida, and he remembers a customer with water damage who waited almost a month to do anything about it. “When the mold set in, and he decided to call, his insurance didn’t cover him because it was outside of the 14-day window required for reporting the problem,” Baxter says.

7. Why You Should Write Everything Down

 “Homeowners must document everything that occurs during a loss, do as much as possible to mitigate [the loss]—and document such mitigation,” Garcia says.

In addition to saving receipts, contracts and appraisals, document phone calls by writing down who you spoke to and when. And be sure to stow it in a secure place! Don’t want to invest in a safe? Consider keeping digital copies online using a program like Dropbox.

8. How Jewelry Is Covered

When David Cohen lost his wife’s rings, he was relieved that his homeowner’s policy covered jewelry—but it was only up to a maximum of $3,000. “My wife gave me her rings to hold,” he says. “So I promptly put them in my jacket pocket … and then forgot about the rings when I took the jacket to the cleaners. As you can imagine, they were gone.”

Within three weeks, the Cohens received a check from their insurance company, but they were still out a good deal of money because his wife’s engagement ring was worth $6,000 alone. The lesson? When signing up for homeowner’s insurance, note the limits on jewelry. “Most people don’t realize that things like wedding rings aren’t usually covered by the basic limits in their policies,” Derrick says. “You can get an appraisal at your jeweler, and then consider buying a supplemental policy to cover it.”

9. Why Good Maintenance Matters

Insurance companies would rather pay as little as possible to repair damage, so they prize early detection and prevention. Deacon Hayes and his wife paid for a routine checkup on their air conditioner because they live in Arizona and wanted to make sure that the system was ready for summer. “The specialist told us that the unit was on its last legs because of a hail storm,” Hayes recalls. Thanks to his diligence, Hayes’s insurance policy ended up paying for a new $4,000 A/C unit.

According to Derrick, one very important thing to keep an eye on is your water bill. “If you notice an unusual spike or trend upward (and it’s not just because it’s 100 degrees outside, and you’re watering your lawn more), you could have a leak somewhere,” she says. “Finding the source early could save you from dealing with a bigger headache when a major pipe bursts.”

10. How to Save by Bundling

One way to save money is to bundle your homeowner’s insurance with other policies that you already own. “But don’t just buy a bunch of policies in order to ‘save’ money,” Derrick cautions. “For example, it makes a lot of sense to have your car and homeowner’s policies with the same company because you’ll usually get some kind of discount. However, if you don’t have a need for life insurance, don’t buy a policy just because the agent says you’ll save money on other policies.” After all, if you’re spending money on something that you don’t need, where are the savings?

http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2013/08/14/11-tips-every-home-owner-needs-to-know-about-insurance.html

When It Comes to Home Maintenance Do You Fix It or Risk It?

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Home Maintenance?

This article could be an eye opening experence for new homeowners. The article was provide by Erie Insurance's Website. 

The experts at HouseLogic.com say homeowners should set aside one to three percent of the purchase price of their homes (or whatever they can afford) each year for ongoing maintenance. That amounts to $2,000-$6,000 a year for a $200,000 home. However, we recently conducted an online survey through Harris Poll that found that 60 percent of American homeowners don’t have a maintenance fund. That means many homeowners could be at risk for major financial headaches down the road. For example, replacing or repairing a roof is one of the biggest expenses a homeowner may have—one that can come without warning. Nationally, the average homeowner spends about $6,600 to install a new roof, but prices can soar upwards of $20,000 depending on the size of the roof, materials used, labor costs and more.

Nearly one in four homeowners* (23 percent) admits they never inspect their roof or have it inspected unless there is a problem. Nearly a third (27 percent) of those who own a house either mistakenly believe their insurance will pay for damage that occurs to their roof over time, such as normal wear and tear, or they have no idea how their insurance works when it comes to this type of roof damage.

Homeowners also admitted to suffering some serious consequences from not maintaining their homes, with much of the damage related to water. When asked if their home was damaged due to lack of maintenance, answers included:

“Yes, did not fix a dripping leak in the upstairs bathroom, ended up leaking into first floor”

“Walls in bathroom dampened and falling apart because of leaky roof”

“Dripping water in crawl space caused mold problem”

“Water damage from improper plumbing repair”

“Flooding in the basement due to sump pump malfunction”.

Water Damage:

Clogged gutters can cause water to flow down the sides of the home and pool around its foundation, often leading to some major issues like uneven floors, cracks in walls and interior water damage. This type of claim, also known as seepage, is a maintenance issue and often is not covered under your home insurance policy. Home Advisor says homeowners can expect to pay around $3,830, on average, to repair foundation issues.

House Fires:

Laundry is part of life’s weekly grind. But did you know that dryers cause roughly 15,500 home structure fires, 29 deaths, 400 injuries and $192 million in direct property loss each year? The most common cause of dryer fires is failure to do a thorough cleaning. Because a lint trap is not a foolproof method for catching all the fuzzy stuff from clothes, lint can gradually build up and catch fire in the heating element or exhaust duct.

Water Damage:

Sump pumps are used to remove excess water from homes that would otherwise cause property damage. One survey respondent experienced flooding in his basement due to a sump pump malfunction, specifically. Water damage due to sewage and drain backups generally requires additional insurance coverage beyond a standard policy. Without that coverage, it could end up costing you, on average, $2,156, according to Home Advisor.

- See more at: https://www.erieinsurance.com/Blog/2016/Home-Maintenance-Survey#sthash.F9bCeW1A.dpuf

Don’t let water damage sneak into your home

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage

By the time water damage is noticed, it is usually too late and the damage has already been done. We may not have a scent or special power to always know where that one hidden leak or spoiled foundation is, but there are some areas that are important to be aware of. According to the writer of coolray.com, there are 5 different areas of your Nashville home to keep a regular inspection on. Coolray explains why each area is an important part of the home to pay attention to throughout the year. Although, some incidents cannot be prevented, being able to recognize the damage ahead of time can save a lot of money, resources and further damage done to your belongings.

• Appliances

Some appliances such as water heaters, washing machines and refrigerators have a tendency to leak over time. These leaks can start off small, but if not taken care of, can turn into a big mess. 

• Basements

Basements collect moisture from drips through the foundation that tend to cover the walls. As the moisture evaporates, it creates more humidity, which in turn can cause condensation throughout the cold basement.

• Plumbing

Even the smallest of leaks inside a wall can become a bigger issue over time. Make sure to check your plumbing periodically to make sure that there aren’t any loose attachments that could cause a leak down the road.

• Pipes

A backed up pipe can lead to much more than just that pipe being clogged. As the pipe backs up, it can cause them to back up into other drains causing a massage leak or flood under floor boards or even behind walls. If there are signs of a clogged pipe, make sure to have it looked at immediately to stop further damage.

• Air conditioner

Many people have seen the moisture that collects on air conditioners on a hot, sunny day. This moisture gets worse throughout the life of the air conditioner due to regular maintenance going unseen. Make sure to watch regularly for any signs of leaking or damage to the unit.  

Source - http://www.coolray.com/blog/article/hidden_causes_of_water_damage/ 

Cigarette Odor & How SERVPRO can help you?

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Get rid of that smell today.

Cigarette Odor Removal in Chambersburg

Do you have a friend who smokes and keeps an air freshener in their car? Sure, it’s a quick fix but you know as soon as you leave the vehicle, you’ll smell of cigarette butt as well.

At SERVPRO of Chambersburg, we know how invasive that cigarette odor can be and we know how to give it the boot. We have a few deodorization methods we can employ based on the complexity and severity of the situation.

Cigarette odors and nicotine staining often require cleaning to remove the source. We use a new technology that allows us to treat the home or car with specialty equipment that can eliminate the cigarette smoke odor at its source. We still recommend a good cleaning even if the odor and staining are not heavy because a small treatment today can help to avoid a large service later.

Here are a few examples of how we’ve helped rid Chambersburg of cigarette odor! 

Call us with your questions today. We are not afraid to tackle any deodorization challenge and we’re the most effective service in our market in Chambersburg.

Why a professional extractor unit is important vs your homeowner shop vac?

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Water extractor unit

Many times SERVPRO of Chambersburg respond to water damage after a customer has been shop vacuuming the water up, however they are unaware that the carpets most likely will still need additional extraction to get as much water as possible to ensure proper drying. 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is equipment with an industry extractor unit that is designed for water damage and carpet cleaning. This particular model will hold up to 80 gallons before it needs empty. How much is 80 gallons in a water damage? Most jobs we do not fill up the unit unless there is several inches of standing water.

It removed the water from the home using a high suction process that removes much more water than any shop vacuum. It can be used with a wand method, weighted stationary extractor or a rover (weighted portable extractor). When the water is removed from the home its stored in the take and the water will then be disposed in the proper fashion for the situation. 

Fire Damage Tips

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage clean up using specialty cleaning productions.

A fire can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Chambersburg has specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Board-ups - In some cases firefighters may break windows and cut holes in the roof in order to vent the fire. It is extremely important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders.

Types of Fire/Smoke/Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

What NOT to do after a fire:

What is HEPA and why is it important?

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

HEPA Vacuum

You have probably heard the term HEPA in commercials for vacuums, but what does it mean?  The definition of HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air.

What that means is that air that is passed through a HEPA filter will have 99.7% of particles in the air that are .3 microns or larger.    To help put that in perspective the diameter of a human hair is between 50 and 75 microns.  So as you can see a HEPA filter is capable of removing very small, invisible to the naked eye, particles from the air. Those particles could include but are not limited to dust, pollen, mold spores, soot or ash.

HEPA Vacuums

 HEPA Vacumms are used in applications where critical HEPA filtration is required such as asbestos, lead or mold mitigation and cleanup.

Air Scrubber 

Air scrubbers are disigned for restoration, abatement, and remediation. Used for cleaning and controlling air quailty and creating nagative pressure in a work area. 

How it works: air enters the unit and passes through three- stage filtration captureing smoke, fumes, mold spores, dust and particulates. Cleans air is returned to the enviorment. When large areas are to be cleaned, multiple units can be strategically placed for optium cleaning. 

Using a HEPA filtered air scrubber or vacuum can help remove these small particles from the air leaving the air we breathe cleaner and remove odors.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Soot Cleanup & Smoke Cleanup

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Soot cleanup after a furnace malfunction

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg- 717-261-0310

SERVPRO of Chambersburg Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

This home had 4' of water after heavy rains.

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 717-261-0310

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

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Chambersburg and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Mold accumulation on basement ceiling tiles.

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

What to Do:

What Not to Do:

About Our Mold Remediation Services

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG Today – (717-261-0310)

How To Select The Right Fire Restoration Company

4/25/2016 (Permalink)

When you find that your property is subjected to fire damage, it’s crucial that you address the issue as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you run the risk of exposing your home or office space to structural damage and mold issues. The secret to ensuring that your residential or commercial property does not undergo this unwanted damage is hiring the right fire restoration company. When you find the ideal team of remediation specialists, they will be able to complete the cleanup, drying, and repair processes with speed and skill. Learn more about the helpful services offered by fire restoration companies by reviewing the short outline provided below:

Why You Need Professional Services
Often, commercial and residential property owners seek to complete the fire restoration process on their own. This step is never recommended and can be quite dangerous. Unfortunately, most members of the general public do not possess the experience, education, and experience necessary to expedite and optimize the fire restoration process. One of many problems you may face in attempting to complete a DIY project is that you will likely not be able to spot hidden signs of damage. Professionals possess the extensive training and knowledge to perform this type of work, and that’s why you should leave the remediation process to them.

How Your Insurance Provider Can Help You
Once you realize that hiring a fire restoration company is the ideal course of action following a fire, you may wonder how to get started. In some cases, your insurance provider can help you. Specifically, some insurance companies will provide their clients with referrals to the fire restoration professionals they trust. Attaining this type of information is helpful because it increases the likelihood that you will attain assistance from restoration experts who work ethically and in excellence.

What Should You Look For In A Fire Restoration Company?
If your insurance provider does not offer you a referral, you can master the art of finding the perfect company on your own. There are numerous steps you can take to realize this objective, such as finding a fire restoration company that offers comprehensive services. Doing so will help ensure that you don’t have to complicate the restoration process by attaining specific services from multiple companies. Some of the services that you’ll want to look for in the remediation company include:

• HVAC system cleaning
• Debris removal
• Extensive drying
• structural rebuilding

Why Choose A Fire Restoration Company
Although fires can be nerve-wracking and economically taxing, hiring the right restoration company can help ensure that you preserve your sanity and restore your property. To attain the proficient, specific remediation services you need and deserve, call the professionals. With a team of IICRC-certified technicians, companies are able to provide clients with the knowledgeable, efficient restoration work that gets their property back in excellent condition following a fire.

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

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

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

What to Do:

·         Stay out of affected areas.

·         Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

·         Contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

·         Don’t touch or disturb the mold.

·         Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

·         Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

·         Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Chambersburg 

Faster to your Water Damage Event

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – Chambersburg

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

·         Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

·         Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

·         Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

·         Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

·         Drywall begins to swell and break down.

·         Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

·         Furniture begins to swell and crack.

·         Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

·         A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

·         Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

·         Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

·         Metal begins to rust and corrode.

·         Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

·         Paint begins to blister.

·         Wood flooring swells and warps.

·         Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

·         Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

·         Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Chambersburg

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

Chambersburg 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Chambersburg and surround areas.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – Chambersburg

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

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

·         Your name and contact information

·         Your insurance information (if applicable)

·         The street address of the water-damaged home or business

·         When did the flooding or water damage occur?

·         What caused the water damage (if known)?

·         Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Chambersburg

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

Vacation Planning? Prepare your home!

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Going on vacation should be relaxing and worry-free which is why it is important to make sure your house is secure before you leave for your trip. Be SERVPRO ready so you don’t come back to damages in your home. Here are some tips for preparing your home provided by SERVPRO of Chambersburg

Make Arrangements with an Emergency Contact

Take plumbing and electric precautions

 Right before you leave

 If you come back from vacation and encounter damage within your home, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg  717-261-0310. We clean up mold, fire or water damage to your home or business in the Chambersburg and surrounding areas.

Emergency Planning

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Even with insurance coverage, disasters can shake the foundations of even the best-managed companies. Make abusiness assessment for the survival of your company. Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on being prepared to responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs. Before any calamity strikes, you should know what tasks will need to be performed to get your company running again and who will be responsible for accomplishing them. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, every business’ strategy should include some basics. Laying the groundwork by preparing to handle insurance claims, scouting viable options for temporary operations and considering the implications of various financial alternatives before trouble strikes can make the process of recovery much easier. The impacts from hazards can be reduced by investing in mitigation. If there is a potential for significant impacts, then creating a mitigation strategy should be a high priority.

 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/5.2.1.0%20Risk%20Assessment%20Process.png

Insurance Considerations

Depending upon the details of the policy that you have selected for your business, commercial property insurance may cover damage or loss of the insured property, time element losses, loss mitigation costs, and loss adjustment expenses. It may also cover costs for public relations, research and development, and other necessities. When a disaster occurs, it is crucial to take the steps that will preserve and maximize your insurance coverage. To ensure that you receive all the benefits that your business is entitled to, familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your policy before any problems arise. Work with your insurance company to create a checklist of your responsibilities after a loss to aid you in meeting deadlines and assembling documentation. Knowing what you are responsible for and being organized will make the recovery smoother and faster.

Making Your Claim

If your business is hit by disaster, set your recovery plan into motion by providing prompt notification of any claim to your insurance company. Be ready to meet any deadlines for filing proof of loss statements. If circumstances make the deadline for these statements unreasonable, get written approval for extensions. Be prepared to meet any requirements for preserving the evidence of your claim if destructive testing or immediate remediation is necessary. You will also want to record your loss mitigation efforts and the reasons that these efforts were needed.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company's very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs. SERVPRO of Chambersburg  has a FREE customizable app that can aid your company recover in a timely manner. 

Timing Matters

Timing is critical in insurance claims. While keeping your insurance company informed is important, you need to understand any time limitations in your policy and their potential consequences. Review your policy to see if there is a deadline for electing a valuation method. See if there is a time limit for rebuilding or replacement. You will also want to check your policy for a suit limitation clause. Most policies contain one, so you will want to be sure that it is conservatively calendared to give you time to maneuver if necessary.

Payment Possibilities

It is not surprising that cash flow is a primary concern for a business working to recover after a catastrophe. While it can take time for a claim to be settled, some insurance policies contain provisions for claim advances or partial payments. Search through your policy to see if these provisions are included and identify how you would invoke them.

Re-establishing Operations

A business impact analysis (https://www.ready.gov/business-impact-analysis)  of your business before a disaster will plan and effectively get your business running smoothly again. Before anything bad happens, think about how your business could operate during the recovery phase. This may involve moving to a temporary location or finding storage for undamaged inventory or equipment, so it’s smart to be aware of the possibilities in your area. Make a note to analyze leasing and service contracts if you are forced to relocate so that you can try to tailor them to your business’s specific needs.

Property Considerations

Regardless of where you set up shop after a catastrophe, you will have to decide what to do with your original location. Is rehabilitating or rebuilding the site worthwhile? If you believe that it is, then you will need to arrange for professional remediation, design and construction services. If you decide against rebuilding, then you must figure out how to dispose of that property and acquire a new permanent location. Remember that a new location will still require design and construction services in order to modify it to suit your company’s needs. Don’t forget to review zoning issues for any new property to verify that your business will be able to build appropriate facilities and operate as desired at that location.

Financing Issues

Even with insurance, a recovery may require financing. Depending on your recovery plans, options might include a line of credit, an acquisition loan or a construction loan. In some situations, it may be possible to use legal actions to seek reimbursement from the party responsible for your loss. Weigh all the possibilities carefully and remember to consider the potential tax consequences. Understanding the pros and cons of your options before any problems start will make it easier to make smart decisions when a disaster hits

When your business needs assistance dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophe, count on SERVPRO of Chambersburg. Our professionals are prepared to respond, so when a significant event occurs, they’ll be there for you. Whether it is damage from flooding, a fire, a tornado, a hurricane, an ice event or a snowstorm, we have the resources and expertise to help . 

Prevent Bathroom Mold by Making Sense of Humidity

2/2/2016 (Permalink)

A hot, steamy shower soothes achy muscles, washes away grime and just plain feels delightful. It also raises the humidity level in your bathroom, which can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

Preventing Mold With a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Many people mistakenly believe that the exhaust fan in the lavatory is there to whisk away unpleasant odors. While they can help with that, these fans actually serve a much larger purpose. Bathroom exhaust fans draw the moisture-laden air that fills the room after a steamy shower or hot bath out of the lavatory, bringing the room’s humidity down to a healthier level. This is a vital step in preventingmold growth and averting mold damage.

Why a Humidity Sensor Can Help
Is your exhaust fan up to the challenge? The answer may depend on how you use it. Most people turn the fan on when they enter their bathroom to shower and turn it off when they leave. Unfortunately, this does not always give the exhaust fan enough time to evacuate the steam and humidity. Ideally, the fan needs to run until it the moisture level in the bathroom is back to normal. You could just leave the fan running and come back later to turn it off, but you run the risk of forgetting it. This wastes energy and can shorten the lifespan of the exhaust fan. Instead, consider installing a humidity sensor. The sensor will automatically cut the fan off when the correct humidity level is restored. It is an easy way to preventmold damage.

Dealing With Mold
If you find that you have a mold issue in your bathroom, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Disturbing the mold may facilitate its spread. Instead, turn to the experts. Technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and protective gear to address mold damage. They can inspect the area, identify the source of moisture, contain the mold, remove it, properly cleanse your belongings and restore a healthy environment.

How Much Weight can your roof support during a snow storm

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

Estimate How Much Weight Your Roof Can Support

• Unless the roof structure is damaged or decayed, most residential roofs, regardless of the location of the house, should be able to support 20 lb per square foot of snow before they become stressed.
• In some areas of New England and in mountainous areas throughout the United States, snow loads used in home design may be considerably higher and the roofs may be able to resist a greater depth of snow.
• If you live in an area known for lots of snow, you can probably check with your building department to find out if higher loads were used at the time your home was built.

Estimate How Much the Snow on Your Roof Weighs Using These Guidelines from IBHS

Fresh snow: 10–12 inches of new snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lb per square foot of roof space, so you could have up to 4 feet of new snow before the roof will become stressed.

Packed snow: 3–5 inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lb per square foot of roof space, so anything more than 2 feet of old snow could be too much for your roof to handle.

Total accumulated weight: 2 feet of old snow and 2 feet of new snow could weigh as much as 60 lb per square foot of roof space, which is beyond the typical snow load capacity of most roofs.

Ice: 1 inch of ice equals 1 foot of of fresh snow.

More Infromation: https://disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/prevent-roof-collapse-homes/

2016 Blizzard over 30 inches in Franklin County PA

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO after the storm.

During January 2016 the Franklin County PA area experineced a record breaking snow fall. Chambersburg had over 32 inches for a weekend storm named Jonas. 

Insurance coverage myths

12/21/2015 (Permalink)

This article originally appeared on Insure.com.

Something about insurance are known to be true. Customers pay a premium, sometimes have to pay a set deductible, and the insurer pays out in certain situations.  But there are plenty of myths out there surrounding the insurance business.When shopping for a policy, however, those misunderstandings can be costly for clients.

In an effort to better understand the misconceptions that surround the insurance industry, Insure.com recently surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults and asked them whether a series of 10 insurance statements were true or false. They also calculated whether men or women believed each myth more often.

Read on to see what they found...

Myth 1: "I should buy insurance coverage for my house based on its real estate market value"

·         52% think it’s true (among those who said it's true, 45% were women, 55% were men).

·         Tip: Buy coverage based on the costs to reconstruct the home. Imagine your home being leveled by fire or a tornado – this is a worst-case scenario that you want to insure for. In many areas of the country, rebuilding costs are quite different from real estate market value. In areas with a weak housing market, it might cost more to rebuild your house than what you could sell it for. And don’t include the value of the land in your coverage amount. An insurance agent can help calculate rebuilding costs.

Myth 2: "Red cars cost more to insure"

·         46% think its true (52% women, 48% men).

·         Tip: Car color doesn’t affect insurance rates and insurance companies don’t use it in their calculation of rates.

Myth 3: "If I cause a crash with extensive damage to others, my auto insurance company can cancel me immediately"

·         44% think its true (50% women, 50% men).

·         Tip: Most states have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling you mid-term due to a claim. If the insurer doesn’t want your business, they generally have to wait until your policy period is up and then they can send you a notice of nonrenewal. However, you can be canceled at any time for not paying your premiums.

Myth 4: "Small cars are the cheapest to insure"

·         40% think its true (42% women, 58% men

·         Tip: Small and mid-size SUVs and minivans are the cheapest to insure. In the 2014 model year, the Jeep Wrangler Sport is the least expensive vehicle to insure, according to Insure.com’s study of rates. Small cars do not have the cheapest rates because they are often chosen by younger, inexperienced drivers who submit more claims. Also, injury claims are higher from small cars, which lack the weight and protection offered by larger vehicles.

Myth 5: "The Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare) allows health insurance companies to base rates on medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer"

·         36% think its true (42% women, 58% men).

·         Tip: The Affordable Care Act prohibits health insurance companies from basing rates on pre-existing conditions. Nor can health insurers charge different amounts for men and women.

Myth 6: "Comprehensive auto insurance covers everything and anything"

•32% think its true (41% women, 59% men).

•Tip: If we could go back in time, we should never name it “comprehensive coverage.” Even “non-accident specific-problem coverage” would be less confusing to car insurance buyers. Comprehensive coverage pays for certain problems such as car theft, storm damage, animal collisions and vandalism.

Myth 7: "Thieves prefer to steal new cars"

•29% think its true (42% women, 58% men).

•Tip: Older cars are more valued among thieves because the market for their parts is bigger. If you want to cover car theft, buy comprehensive coverage.

Myth 8: "If my friend borrows my car and crashes it, their insurance will pay for damage"

•25% think its true (48% women, 52% men).

•Tip: Handing your car keys to a friend or relative is like handing them your insurance future. If they cause damage, the claim goes on your auto insurance policy and can affect your rates for years to come. And they probably won’t offer to chip in.

Myth 9: "The Affordable Care Act requires me to take the health insurance plan offered by my employer"

•19% think its true (41% women, 59% men).

•Tip: The Affordable Care Act requires almost all Americans to buy a health plan but doesn’t say where you must get it. If you don’t have access to health insurance through work or a spouse’s employer, mark your calendar for the open enrollment period for 2015 individual health insurance, which starts on Nov. 15, 2014.

Myth 10: "Out-of-state speeding tickets can't follow you home"

•13% think its true (34% women, 66% men).

•Tip: Those tickets can follow you, and can affect your car insurance rates.  This myth had the biggest disparity between men and women among the survey questions, with far more men believing they could get away with speeding in another state.

Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) FAQ

12/3/2015 (Permalink)

Bright Green Folder to keep all your important recovery plans in.

ERP FAQ

The marketing team at SERVPRO^® of Chambersburg has been busy helping local businesses prepare for their next challenge by creating an Emergency Ready Profile^® (ERP). Here are the most frequent questions we encounter when introducing the ERP to property managers and business owners.

What Is an ERP?

An Emergency Ready Profile^® compiled by a SERVPRO^® Franchise professional is a document that organizes critical emergency information so that a property owner or manager can respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster. While many emergency plans focus on getting people out of a building safely, our plan aims to get everyone back in the building again as soon as possible.

What Will an ERP Cost?

There is no charge for an ERP. Homeowners are encouraged to download the SERVPRO^® Ready Plan App to create their own personal Emergency Ready Profile^® for their home. Commercial property owners and business managers can contact their local SERVPRO^® Franchise to have a professional come out and create the profile for them.

What Is in It for You?

With an ERP, you will be able to reduce business interruption and quickly mitigate a loss following an adverse event, saving both time and money. Important information like where to find your water, gas, electric and sprinkler shutoffs and key contacts for beginning restoration will be right at your fingertips in the SERVPRO^® Ready Plan App, and you will be able to share this information quickly and easily with anyone who needs it.

What Is in It for SERVPRO^®?

You may be wondering what’s in it for us if there is no charge for an ERP. That is a fair question. First, we hope that helping you prepare before you need our services makes it more likely you will think of us when disaster strikes. Second, we know that having this information organized ahead of time will allow us to better serve you should you choose to call us following an adverse event. However, even if you never use our services, we will still have the satisfaction of helping our community be better equipped to survive a disaster.

Who Has Access to Your Information?

Once we compile a commercial ERP, we deliver the following to the business owner or any approved personal at your company:

·         A printed document ERP.

·         A username and password for each user the mobile Ready Plan app version of your ERP, so you can immediately share it with all necessary parties at your discretion.

Here at SERVPRO^® of Chambersburg the document is stored locally on our server, and the mobile version is stored in the SERVPRO^® corporate Ready Plan app, in case you need us to respond to an emergency at your site.

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

11/25/2015 (Permalink)

Reprinted from www.redcross.org

Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Every second counts during a fire

11/25/2015 (Permalink)

Fire damages causing smoke and soot throughout home.

Every second counts during a fire.  In just a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire, making it critical to be prepared by having an escape plan in place.  A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is important to ensure everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.  The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan for your family.

·         Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows.  Find two ways to get out of each room.  Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

·         Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor.

·         Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped.  Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

·         Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

·         Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.

Escape Planning for Your Business

Although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency situation.  OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan.

·         Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your company’s emergency plans.  You may wish to select an individual(s) to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.

·         Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees.  Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

·         Conduct office evacuation exercise and drills.  Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count.  Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed.

SERVPRO of Chambersburgis here to help with all of your business Emergency Readiness Plans (ERPs).  We are only a phone call away at 717-261-0310 if fire does invade your home or office.

State-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or office.

11/25/2015 (Permalink)

state-of-the-art drying equipment

Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying?  The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its pre-loss condition.  While you’re initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary water damages.  If your business suffers water damage, your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professional will: 

What exactly does "speed up Mother Nature" mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium.  When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material- but only if the air is, indeed, drier.  The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damage may occur while the building is drying out. 

Your local SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more.  We also utilize state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or office. 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg Professionals specialize in water damage restoration.  If your home or office experiences water damage, call us immediately.

2015 Disney Parade by SERVPRO of Chambersburg

11/24/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg Float.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg presented Disney to the town for the annual Christmas Parade in Chambersburg. Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Tinkerbell, Belle, Cinderella, Darth Vader and much more.  

SERVPRO enjoys participating in the annual parade to put a show on for the children of the community. What better way of starting the holiday season! 

Hardwood floors when to replace after a water damage

11/6/2015 (Permalink)

Hardwood floors that need replace due to length of time water was in contact with them.

This Chambersburg home was not occupied daily and when the caregivers checked on the home there was extensive damage to the hardwood floor. As the photo illustrate the height of the change of flooring these floors had to be removed and replaced.

With the right condition, speedy response, and specialized equipment hardwood are typical saved during a water damage. After the hardwood floors dry they should natural settle within 6-8 weeks and then may need refinishing and sanding. Still it is a less invasive process than replacing. 

Increase in Mold in area

10/9/2015 (Permalink)

Mold in a crawl space

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been receiving a large amount of calls in regards to mold. The cause of most homeowners mold is a water damage that was not professioal dryout out. SERVPRO professionals have specialized training and tools to insure the home is properly dry after a water damage. 

Homeowners can reduce there risk of having a mold problem by having a professional remediation company like, SERVPRO perform the services. 

Meet Brittany Snyder, GM for SERVPRO of Chambersburg

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

General Manager, Brittany Snyder

Brittany is the General Manager for SERVPRO of Chambersburg. She joined the franchise in May of 2011. During her time with SERVPRO, she has learn all function of the company.  Her main focus at SERVPRO of Chambersburg is building community relationships and customer satisfaction and devolving a strong team to service the customers. 

Brittany also serves on several community committees: Chambersburg Chamber Ambassador, United Way of Franklin County event planning, Chambersburg Chamber Referral Group, Crab Feast Committee and a few more. Brittany is also a certified continuing education instructor for insurance. 

Meet one of SERVPRO Owners

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Marlin Myers

Meet one of the owners at SERVPRO of Chambersburg. Marlin Myers. Did you know Marlin serves as a board member for the American Red Cross. He enjoys helping families in the area and with his connection to the Red Cross he is able to provide resources for families in need during a fire or similar disaster event.

Marlin was a general contactor for his own company for about 20+ years and decided to use his expertiese to help family's in need after a disaster. Marlin's experties allows SERVPRO of Chambersburg to perform repairs after a fire, water or mold damage. 

This give the customer an added bonus when choosing SERVPRO of Chambersburg for a one stop shop. We can dry out the home ofter a flood or water damage and provide the resourse to make it like new agian. 

National Preparedness Month

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Disaster Preparedness Month

Since September is ?#‎DisasterPreparednessMonth?, we'll be providing tips, facts and other ways to keep you prepared all month long! To kick off, here's one great source for more info: http://www.ready.gov/september

Follow us on Facebook  to stay up to date on how to be perpaired for anything that happens! https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROCHAMBERSBURG

Specialty Cleanup: Hoarders, Elderly downsizing.

6/30/2015 (Permalink)

Lease Agreement

Did your tenants leave behind a mess when they moved out? 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg is able to provide a wide verity of services. When the job gets to tough for the average cleaner and requires some special skill, SERVPRO is there to help get the job done. 

Weather it's a hoarders home, elderly who are looking to downsize SERVPRO is able to apply their special skills to make a safe, clean and sanitary area for others. 

Are you ready?

6/30/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

Is your business ready for a disaster. Even a simple pipe burst can cause a lot of damage and headache. With a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile it can have the critical information to minimize damages, provide the resources for the employee's of the company, and provide property details and information. This is a FREE services that we provide to commercial properties. 

Make an appointment today to get started!

Flooding In Chambersburg PA

6/30/2015 (Permalink)

One of the high tech moisture meter's we use to detect water.

This week SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been performing several water restorations due to the heavy rain causing basements to flood. Although a home may have never had water due to rain before does not mean it's not possible. Some homes we have provided services to never had a ground water intrusion for 20+ years. 

What is a typical process when your home is affected by weather and causes water to intrude your home? 

Any water that enters the home from outside water, such as rain is considered contaminated water and all pours material is has make contact with should be removed and hard surfaces should be cleaned. 

Why? Because the contaminates in the soils outside are unknowned. Is there chemicals, animal feces, fertilizer that can be contaminating the water. 

Call SERVPRO if you experience any water intrusion to your home! 

Extreme Cleanup Services

5/11/2015 (Permalink)

Hoarding

According to the ocfoudation " Hoarding behaviors can begin as early as the teenage years, although the average age of a person seeking treatment for hoarding is about 50. Hoarders often endure a lifelong struggle with hoarding. They tend to live alone and may have a family member with the problem. It seems likely that serious hoarding problems are present in at least 1in 50 people, but they may be present in as many as 1 in 20. "

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has helped assisted with many similar situations.

Unoccupied Home With Mold

3/23/2015 (Permalink)

Large growth of mold in basement

This home in Chambersburg PA was effected by a large growth of mold. The home was unoccupied for several months and without a controlled climate causing moisture to build up and cause mold growth in the lower level of the home as shown in the photos. 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg hired an indoor environmental specialist to conduct air quality sample in all areas of the home. The result were positive for mold in the basement and the main level. 

SERVPRO was able to complete the mold remediation and had the air quailty re-tested and the results were negitive. 

Freezing Pipes

1/22/2015 (Permalink)

Water

SERVPRO of Chambersburg received calls starting January 8th, 2015 for freezing pipes causing water damage to homes and business in the Chambersburg and surrounding.  When water damage is caused due to a frozen pipe typical there is extensive damage. The number one cause of pipes to freeze is due to a lack of sufficient heat.

If you find yourself in the middle of a "freeze" crisis, like broken pipes, here are some water damage tips that you can do to minimize the damage till SERVPRO arrives. Call us at SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310.... Responding to emergencies 24/7!

Are you pipes going to freeze?

11/21/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg experienced a high volume of calls from January-February of 2013 as a result of frozen pipes. When a pipe busts due to being frozen it normally results in a large amount of damage affecting several rooms or attaching homes.

Some homeowners had heat, but it just wasn't enough to prevent the damages. Be sure you protect your pipes this year before it’s too late.

If you experience damages to your home or business in the Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle and surrounding areas please call SERVPRO of Chambersburg at 717-261-0310 to assist with the cleanup to get your home or business back up and running.

2014 Red Cross Hero's Event

11/7/2014 (Permalink)

The Hero's of Franklin and Cumberland Counties.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg was proud to be a sponsor for the 2014 Hero's Recognition held by the American Red Cross. SERVPRO of Chambersburg presented the 9-1-1 Dispatcher Hero award and the Law Enforcement Hero award. We would like to thank all the Hero's for all their services that they offer for the community.

Are you ready for a disaster?

10/27/2014 (Permalink)

Are you ready for a disaster?

Ready Rating is a program that helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether you are taking your first steps or have a fully-functioning emergency management program, the Ready Rating program can help you achieve a higher level of preparedness.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg Mixer w/ the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce

8/20/2014 (Permalink)

August 19 2014 Chamber Mixer at SERVPRO

On August 19th 2014, SERVPRO of Chambersburg hosted the August Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Mixer with several sponsors including Texas Roadhouse providing the delicious food, Spirit Sound Production for the entertainment, In and Out Beverage for the adult drinks, Chambersburg Rental for the tables, chairs and tent. Along with all the table sponsors including American Red Cross, Strickler Insurance, BCM Payroll, Believe and Achieve Fitness , News Talk 103.7 Shetter Insurance, Ur Sweet Repeats, LLC

SERVPRO helping the Hamilton Heights Youth League

8/7/2014 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO on Demo Day!

Please Read this touching message that we received today! It is our goal to help our community and the kids in the area.

I want to write a thank you to SERVPRO of Chambersburg. Hamilton Heights youth league has gotten land to build baseball/Softball fields and Possibility of Football and All Purpose Fields.

The First objective was to remove Buildings from the property. The youth league was up in arms on how to accomplish this Feat. We gave a Call to SERVPRO of Chambersburg and talked to the Owner Marlin Myers. He immediately donated his time to remove the asbestos in the buildings. In Turn this was not good enough for his huge heart for the community and the Kids of the Chambersburg area.

We received a Call from him a couple weeks later saying he had some favors to Call in from several local companies. Several months down the road Marlin was still working on this for the community. We then received a call stating that he was going to help build our Dream. He stated that he was in contact with Fayetteville Contractors, IESI and Blue Ridge Landfill. He was able to get these three companies on board with him to help the youth league. Fayetteville contractors were willing to donate equipment and manpower for 1 day to remove the buildings and Blue Ridge Landfill was able to donate a total of 80 tons for the youth league to dump the buildings and IESI donated the Trucks at a extremely low rate for the Pick ups.

Now Fast Forward to August 5th 2014, SERVPRO of Chambersburg, Fayetteville contractors, Blue Ridge Landfill and IESI were going to Town removing the Buildings. We have hit a couple Snags in the road but everything is moving forward. The buildings are way heavier then anyone could have expected, but we are working to finish the job by the end of the Week. We need more money as a community to finish the Job but it is like any project always something in your way. Marlin and the other companies are still helping and Marlin will see it to the end.

If I would need any type of Fire, Water Cleanup or Cleaning Services there would be no better company or Person in the Chambersburg Area Then Marlin Myers and his staff If there is any residential Trash or Dump needs IESI will have you covered. Any Dump needs please choose Blue Ridge Landfill to help you out they are there to support the community If there is any Drive way, road work, excavating or Construction Work the Staff at Fayetteville Contactors have you covered. Again Thanks Marlin Thanks, Brett Hockensmith Volunteer and Parent at Hamilton Heights Youth League

Disaster Plannin Lunch & Learn

2/12/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg presented a disaster planning lunch & learn at the Chamber of Commerce. They learned about how to protect their belongings and prepare for whatever happened.

Cold Tempatures Cause Frozen Pipes

1/17/2014 (Permalink)

Polar Vertex is causing pipes to freeze.

The historic Polar Vortex that resulted in the coldest temps in 20 years has SERVPRO Franchises from the deep south up to the Canadian border and as far west as Kansas City busy responding to customers with water damage.
SERVPRO would like to remind residents and business owners that we are “Here to Help”. SERVPRO's Storm Team has been deployed to multiple locations across the US and is on-site helping those affected.

With the large number of claims and the need for cleanup and restoration, residents are encouraged to be patient while SERVPRO makes every effort to respond to each need as quickly as possible. To get help, file a claim online or contact your local SERVPRO Franchise.

Christmas Parade

12/4/2013 (Permalink)

WHOVILLE

SERVPRO of Chambersburg brought WHOVILLE and the whole gang to downtown Chambersburg for the Christmas Parade. We are excited to annouce that we won 3rd place.

Trick or Treat with SERVPRO

10/30/2013 (Permalink)

Trick or treat in the Borough of Chambersburg will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. It's very important that you include safety into your Halloween celebrations this season so SERVPRO of Chambersburg will be hosting a Safety Stop on Halloween night. Look for us at the "Pit" ball field in Kensington Heights during the trick or treat hours. We will have glow sticks, candy, and hot coco to set all the little ghouls and goblins up for a safe, fun evening!

SERVPRO hosts American Red Cross Blood Drives

9/19/2013 (Permalink)

Together with the Red Cross, we can save lives!

We here at SERVPRO of Chambersburg take great pride in our partnership with the American Red Cross.  One way we team up to support the Red Cross is by hosting blood drives.  For someone who has never donated before, the process can seem intimidating, but giving whole blood is simple.  The donation process, from the time you arrive unitl the time you leave, takes about an hour.  The donation itself is only about 10 minutes.  And the satisfaction you get from knowing you've helped change a life?  Timeless!

Here are some tips to ensure your donation goes as smooth as possible:

Before you give - Get a good night's sleep, have a good breakfast or lunch, drink extra water and fluids (but avoid tea, coffee, or caffeinated beverages), eat iron-rich foods like fortified cereals and broccoli, and avoid fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream.

While you give - Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow, show the staff "good veins" that have been used to draw blood in the past, and don't forget to relax.

After you give - Enjoy a snack and drink in our refreshment area. Drink plenty of fluids in the next 24 to 48 hours, avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about 5 hours, and eat a well-balanced meal.

Remember: Donors seldom experience discomfort after giving, but if you feel light-headed, lie down until the feeling goes away. If bleeding occurs after you take off your bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm until the bleeding stops. If bruising or bleeding appears under the skin, apply a cold pack. And if for any reason something doesn't feel right, call the post-donation number at 1-866-236-3276. 

Check us out in The ADvertiser

8/28/2013 (Permalink)

Front page of the newspaper.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg was on the front page of Public Opions ADvertiser. The photo is from the ribbon cutting/ openhouse in July. There was about 50-70, friends, family, co-workers, contractors, customers along with other bussiness owners.

Working for those who protect and serve our community

8/22/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chambersburg cleans law enforcement vehicles.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg takes great pride in our community and we are thankful for everything our local law enforcement agencies do to keep us all safe.  Sometimes in their line of work, law enforcement encounters situations where things get a bit messy, including the police vehicles that need to be used on a daily basis.  Cleaning these vehicles sometimes entails dealing with hazardous materials such as bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens.  Our biohazard technicians take great care to ensure the interior of their vehicles, including windows, seats, and floor, are cleaned and sanitized properly.  Using the SERVPRO Ozone Generators, we also destroy odors in vehicles rather than just covering them up.  All this is done to make that mess in the back seat “like it never even happened.”

Do you know what a Puff back is?

8/19/2013 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of the classic webs left behind after a puff back.

"Puff back" is a term used to describe what happens when built up oil ignites in a furnace, resulting in an explosion.  The soot and other debris from the explosion can easily be carried throughout a home by the exhaust and heating systems.  This means that potentially every room of a house can be damaged.  Puff backs are characterized by the oily, black soot left behind, often appearing like spider webs.  The residue from a puff back usually requires extensive cleaning and restoration services offered by SERVPRO of Chambersburg.

Emergency Supply Kit

8/13/2013 (Permalink)

Emergency Supply Kit we put together to give away at our Open House.

At our Open House on July 26, 2013, SERVPRO of Chambersburg gave away an Emergency Supply Kit to one of our guests who best completed a scavenger hunt.  The scavenger hunt was created to encourage our guests to learn more about SERVPRO of Chambersburg, what we do, and how we do it.  The Emergency Supply Kit contained necessities such as a flashlight, batteries, radio, matches, candles, non-perishable food items, and thermal blanket.  We encourage all of our friends and family to take emergency preparedness seriously!

August 7, 2013 CE Class

8/13/2013 (Permalink)

Our Production Manager explaining the equipment used to detect water.

On August 7, 2013, SERVPRO of Chambersburg hosted Continuing Education Credit Courses for Insurance Professionals.  The courses we offer are valid for both Pennsylvania and Maryland.  Today's courses offered were on Ethics and Mitigation Awareness.  Sheryl Whetstone instructed the courses.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg's New Addition

6/4/2013 (Permalink)

Our new addition is up and looking good. Won't be long now!!

SERVPRO of Chambersburg's new addition is nearing completion.  We broke ground on our new 3,200 square foot, three bay garage and warehouse in April of 2013.  We are very excited to celebrate the completion of our garage with a Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and an Open House in late July, 2013.

An unnoticed water loss turn into a Mold Remediation

4/30/2013 (Permalink)

The unnoticed water loss caused mold to grow in all areas of the basement

While a homeowner was away on a business trip their hot water heater broke. When SERVPRO of Chambersburg arrived on site there were several inches of water on the whole level of the basement. It was estimated that the water heated broke three weeks prior to the arrival of SERVPRO. The unnoticed water loss caused mold to grow in all areas of the basement. SERVPRO of Chambersburg completed the mitigation and repairs for the homeowner.

SERVPRO at PAMIC in Gettysburg Pa

4/30/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO'S display at PAMIC in Gettysburg Pa.

No job is to small or too big for SERVPRO. At a local insurance event SERVPRO's in the surrounding areas of Gettysburg displayed that SERVPRO'S have the power to complete any job. SERVPROs ablity to do any job is due to the team work of the franchies working together.