Lessen Fire Damage and Cost for Your Wilmington Property

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

Bark away your fire damage worries with our team in Wilmington at SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Has Skilled Fire Damage Technicians in Wilmington Available 24/7

Once fire strikes at your home or business, you start to think about the best way to clean up all damage. Not only can you have charred debris and unsalvageable contents or materials, but you may also have water damage from putting out the flames. There are many aspects to consider, with safety being paramount. Hiring fire damage restoration by a team of skilled professionals is the best way to ensure everything gets underway safely and effectively. SERVPRO is available 24/7 for an emergency response so you can get your business or house fire cleanup underway. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Fire damage in Wilmington can be life-changing, and rebuilding is stressful and daunting for many property owners. Fires are known for causing billions in fire damage each year, so you need a team that can get results while also lessening the cost and overall loss. SERVPRO does this with our' repair versus replace' methodology and our entire crew of IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT).

Selecting Your Restoration Team is an Important Decision

Even the most minor fire can bring on some damage that is not evident to the untrained eye. There are several reasons why any property owner should enlist the help of a trusted and trained restoration company rather than attempting a DIY, including:

• 24/7 Availability – Here at SERVPRO, you can reach out to our customer care team 24 hours a day and any day of the week. We will have a crew mobilized and our Green Fleet at your door within four hours of initial contact. 
• Certified and Insured – Anyone working in and around your home should be appropriately trained and insured should anything happen on your property. IICRC-certifications also offer further assurance that our technicians have the knowledge and abilities to handle your fire restoration and cleanup.
• Investigation and Assessment – Safety is critical with any restoration project. This is especially true when fire and water may have damaged your structural elements. Our trained crew chief thoroughly inspects your property and assesses the damage. This allows us to address possible hazards and select the best equipment, tools, and methods to help us achieve our goals.

What About Smoke Damage to Contents and Surfaces?

SERVPRO uses specialized cleaning methods to handle smoke remediation so that no lingering odors get left behind. This may include dry wiping with cloths or brushes or wet wiping with cleaning solutions. We inspect all surfaces to determine the types of soot soiling present and perform spot testing to ensure no further damage occurs. 

For handling odors, both from smoke residue and water/moisture, our team includes trained Odor Control Technicians (OCT). We have the training to identify all offensive odors and eliminate them rather than masking them. Our professional odor removal techniques pinpoint the cause and get results, so you never have lingering reminders of the fire event. We use tools in our arsenal such as:

• Odor Counteracting Beads – Treated porous beads that release volatile odor counteractants, working by time release to freshen and fragrance the area being treated.
• Deodorant Pellets or Granules – Made with an active mineral, these products help to pull in and hold odorous molecules.
• Water-Based Products – We have wet mist deodorizers and odor counteractants our team will use to neutralize malodors in various situations.
• Air Scrubbers – These filtration devices have onboard HEPA filters to pull and capture particles in the air. 

Any fire damage cleanup and restoration project gets structured to make your property "Like it never even happened." Get the results you deserve by contacting SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington when you require assistance. Request help online or call us 24/7 at (302) 762-8080.

Handling Water Damage and Drying for Wilmington Residents

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools and training to complete isolation drying during water damage restoration in your Wilmington home.

Experienced Water Damage Restoration is Best – Call SERVPRO in Wilmington

You might be amazed at how many water incidents occur each day. Many of these spills, broken pipes, and appliance malfunction can lead to immense damage if not addressed correctly. All too often, homeowners may reach for a mop and bucket, not realizing they are missing areas where water migrated. Because hidden moisture can bring possible mold, mildew, and secondary damage, calling in the help of professional restoration is a smart move. SERVPRO is Here to Help Wilmington home and business owners whenever they have water restoration needs! 

Here at SERVPRO, we receive countless calls to help area customers with water damage in Wilmington. We feature all the latest equipment and have perfected our water removal services to complete the job faster and more effectively than any DIY. Our IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) will arrive within hours of your call to begin assessment and water mitigation. Everything gets done to help lessen your stress level and salvage as much as possible.

We Understand the Different Types of Water Damage

Not only are we experienced and hands-on with a variety of water-related projects each day, but our technicians also go through regular training. Staying up-to-date on the latest techniques helps us adapt to each client’s needs. With professional restoration, you are getting a team that knows the correct contents recovery and water mitigation solutions based on the level of saturation, the type of water, and other factors. 

Some of the moisture damage situations we see often include:

• Category 1, 2, and 3 water events – Category 1 is clean water from incoming piping. Category 2 is grey water that may come from a water heater, dishwater, or another appliance. Category 3 is black water that is highly contaminated, coming from flooding situations.
• Hidden moisture – We sometimes get called to properties with a hidden plumbing leak or a spill that went unattended. The moisture migrates into structural cavities and causes secondary damage or mold develops.
• Surface/standing water – We utilize powerful pumps and extractors to pull up as much water as quickly as possible. If dealing with category 3 flooding, our team applies antimicrobials before extraction begins.

What Equipment Does SERVPRO Have That I Do Not?

Not only does our Green Fleet come stocked with all the equipment necessary for any given project, but we also have warehouses with immense inventory our technicians have access to. Some of the top options we choose for water cleanup projects include:

• Extractors – These tools are suitable for removing water from flooring, carpeting, and upholstery. They include three main components – the vacuum system, pump, and heat. These units are either portable or truck-mounted.
• Pumps – We have pumps with varying volume capacity and lift capabilities, and our team knows which are best suited for each situation. 
• Dehumidifiers – This equipment helps pull the water vapor from the air while working to lower relative humidity (RH) in any given space. 
• Drying Equipment – We have various air moving units that help us to reduce drying time and increase evaporation. Other drying equipment may include wall cavity ventilation setups, industrial-grade fans, drying mats, etc.

SERVPRO Works to Restore Versus Replace Whenever Possible

When water damage wreaks havoc on your property, you must remember that not all is lost. We can salvage many materials and contents with our techniques and specialized cleaning. However, we perform controlled demolition that helps you put your home back together. 

• Repairing subfloor, replacing flooring and baseboards
• Relaying carpet after putting in new carpet padding
• Flood cuts (if applicable) to repair drywall or perform complete drywall replacement

Residential contractor license #: 1992104829

Our SERVPRO team is there to address any questions or concerns you have at each restoration step. We are the team you want in your corner for water damage repair! Call us at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We will make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Never Leave Mold Damage Cleanup to Chance in Wilmington

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t despair when your home or office in Wilmington sustains mold damage. Contact SERVPRO to assess and remediate.

Mold Damage Remediation with Help from SERVPRO in Wilmington Gets Results

If you notice fuzzy, grayish spots developing under your kitchen sink or around your bathroom cabinets, you may start to panic. Whenever you suspect black mold growing within your Wilmington property, you mustn't try to disturb it by spraying it with chemicals or wiping it. This can dislodge the spores, causing them to become airborne within your home. Rather than attempting any DIY, you need a team like SERVPRO that arrives with mold remediation expertise – available whenever you need it!

But why SERVPRO for mold damage in Wilmington? Because we are a locally-owned and operated team armed with the manpower and skill to handle any size or scope mold cleanup project. We get in to assess the damage so that we can select the best processes for safely cleaning and freshening your interior. We begin cleaning up, but we also address the source of the mold problem to keep it from coming right back.

How Much Do You Know About Mold?

You could have mold development somewhere inside your home whenever you have a slow pipe leak that goes undetected or fails to remove all of the moisture from a water-related incident. Given the right conditions, mold develops in as little as 48 hours. It is essential to keep the following in mind:

• Microscopic mold spores float through the air, coming into your home via the doors, windows, HVAC system, and even on your clothing or outside pets.
• Mold thrives on moisture and tends to colonize fast when exposed to water and an organic food source is present – drywall, paper, carpeting, etc.
• You will often notice a foul, musty odor that could be telling you that a mold infestation is developing.

SERVPRO Offers Comprehensive Mold Remediation with Processes that Include:

• Mold containment measures using poly sheeting and negative pressure
• Thorough structural drying and moisture detection using sensors, meters, etc. 
• Decontamination of all surfaces 
• Specialized cleaning for contents 
• Removal and safe disposal of all contaminated/unsalvageable materials and contents

Our IICRC-certified mold remediation specialists can control microbial contamination closely to the source, then begin careful cleaning. All materials get removed that are overtaken with mold contamination and disposed of according to local guidelines. Any items that can get salvaged will be dried and thoroughly cleaned to our standards.

Structural Drying is Essential for All Mold Damage Remediation Projects

The last thing anyone needs is hidden moisture lurking within your property that can mean a repeat mold infestation. SERVPRO technicians have options like ventilation or specialized drying systems to direct airflow through wall cavities. This helps to replace any cool, moist air with dry, warmer air. When this takes place, it raises surface temperatures, cuts back on vapor pressure, and helps to speed up the evaporation rate. Other steps that take place may include:

• Ventilation attached to air moving equipment
• Blowers that get attached to hoses
• Small holes are drilled into ceilings, walls, or under cabinets to help redirect air into the various cavities
• Drying mats to help address moisture found within the flooring

Why Mold Removal as a False Statement – Don't Be Fooled!

If you see a product that claims to eradicate mold or a company that says they offer mold removal, don't believe it. Microbes are essential for the earth's ecosystem, and they are present everywhere – both indoors and outdoors. Under some conditions, they may colonize within your home. Hiring skilled technicians is the best way to get the results you need.  

Why contact SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington when you have an issue with mold damage? Because we have the proven processes and knowledge to ensure your property is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Call us 24/7 for restoration and cleanup at (302) 762-8080.

SERVPRO Offers Quick Water Damage Repair for Wilmington Homes

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

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

Water Damage Repair is Fast and Efficient, with SERVPRO In-charge

One of the key aspects of water damage repair of your Wilmington home is creating conditions that accelerate the drying of the hidden moisture in wet surfaces. SERVPRO techs use their knowledge of drying science and psychrometry to manipulate the temperature and humidity conditions of the drying air that favor evaporation. 

SERVPRO techs use dehumidifiers and air-moving equipment during the water damage repair of your Wilmington home to create ideal drying conditions. The goal of the restorers is to maintain a set of conditions where the moisture will evaporate away from the wet surfaces at a steady rate. 

Role of Air Movers in Water Restoration 

Air-moving equipment plays a dual role in the water cleanup of your property. Firstly, the air movers ensure warm, dry, dehumidified air circulates throughout the structure. Secondly, they prevent the formation of the boundary layer over the drying surfaces. 

As evaporation cause cooling, the air close to the wet surface quickly becomes saturated with moisture forming a boundary layer. It reduces the evaporation rate and prevents the surface from drying properly. Air movers can remove this boundary layer, replace it with warm, dry air, and speed up the drying process. 

SERVPRO techs use two types of air movers during water damage remediation:

• Centrifugal air movers
• Axial air movers

While centrifugal air movers produce high static pressure and direct airflow to a specific wet area, axial air movers can generate high air volumes. 

Drying Structural Cavities 

Directing airflow into wall cavities can be challenging during water damage restoration. SERVPRO techs use drying systems consisting of vents attached to air movers to replace cool, moist air with warmer, dry air in structural cavities, accelerating the drying rate. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for a fast and efficient service you can trust.

Wilmington Businesses Trust SERVPRO with Water Restoration

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away.

SERVPRO Offers Quick and Efficient Water Restoration to Wilmington Businesses

Water damage in commercial properties can have significant consequences, including loss of income and damage to the building structure and contents. Although the water restoration process of your Wilmington property can be complex and time-consuming, it is possible to minimize the impact with help from professionals like SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO techs use the latest technology in water restoration of Wilmington commercial properties to help you get the business running quickly. Our IICRC-certified techs ensure the restoration process is meticulously planned for faster results. We aim to restore your property to its preloss state “Like it never even happened.”   

The Role Of Air Moving Equipment In Commercial Water Damage Repairs

One of the most critical aspects of water restoration of commercial buildings is controlling the drying conditions. SERVPRO techs manipulate the humidity and temperature of the drying air to ensure that the moisture evaporation rate is held at a nearly constant value.  

As evaporation results in cooling of the surface, the evaporation rate can drop significantly if the moisture-saturated air near the surface is not replaced. SERVPRO techs use air-moving equipment to remove this layer and replace it with warmer and drier air to shift the equilibrium back in favor of drying.  

SERVPRO techs use the following two types of air movers when drying a commercial property:

• Axial air movers create a large volume of air movement and can be positioned to direct airflow in specific directions. They are best for drying large areas or creating air flow over surfaces to aid evaporation.
• Centrifugal air movers use a fan blade to produce a high-velocity, low-volume air stream and can build air movement in hard-to-reach areas.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for a water restoration service you can trust.

Wilmington Homeowners Trust SERVPRO with Fire Restoration

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO Offers Quick and Efficient Fire Restoration Services in Wilmington 

Cleaning the soot-covered surfaces is one of the most important aspects of the fire restoration of your Wilmington home. SERVPRO techs use appropriate cleaning methods to remove residue from various surfaces, ensuring they don't damage the surface. 

The goal of SERVPRO's restorative cleaning during the fire restoration of your Wilmington home is to remove the smoke and soot particles as quickly and efficiently as possible. The chlorides and sulfides present in the smoke and soot particles can combine with the moisture in the air to form acids. If SERVPRO techs don't clean these acids promptly, they can cause extensive and often irreparable damage. 

Cleaning Fire and Smoke Damage

SERVPRO techs use various cleaning agents to dislodge the soot residues from the surfaces and suspend them in a solution. Some of the professional cleaning agents we use during house fire cleanup include:

• General surface cleaners are detergents with a slightly alkaline pH, ideal for cleaning glossy surfaces, painted walls and ceilings, hard surface furniture, wallpaper, and paneling. 
• Heavy-duty cleaners are excellent at removing greasy and sticky soils in fire-damaged homes. These cleaners have higher alkalinity and can remove acidic soot particles easily.   
• Liquid crème cleaners can clean hard surfaces and polish, brighten and deodorize them. As these contain abrasive agents, SERVPRO techs use them on surfaces not harmed by mild abrasives like metal, ceramics, Formica, and fiberglass.
• Strong acid cleaners are excellent at removing soot and smoke damage from stone and brick. Some of these agents contain Phosphoric acid that can clean ceramic tiles and aluminum window frames.

SERVPRO techs use science and the latest IICRC guidelines to select a cleaning agent that is effective, safe, and efficient to restore your home to its preloss condition. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Beginning Brandywine Mold Removal by Finding Colonies

12/25/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the mold, our team can help. Contact us right away for effective services and the necessary equipment for the job.

Determining Your Need for Mold Removal

Does your home need mold remediation and removal services? Being on the fence about needing remediation can create costlier situations when recovery and cleanup services begin. Some signs can help you narrow down your need for mold removal efforts from our professionals.

Persistent Damp Conditions

Damp conditions often lead to mold removal in Brandywine residences because they present one of the worst scenarios for your home's building materials. Wet environments can progressively destroy impacted elements and make them susceptible to mold infiltration. Long spans of moist conditions can signal that homeowners should be wary of mold growth.

The Physical Sighting of Mold

Spotting can be one of the earliest physical signs of mold growth and infestations of your residence. Materials like drywall are highly susceptible to being hosts for mold colonies, and in the earliest stages of an organism settling into these building materials, spotting occurs. This irregular spackling of spots and irregular blots can be many different colors based on the type of residential mold involved, including green, black, grey, orange, and red.

Harsh Malodors

Sometimes one of the clearest signs of microbial growth in your home is a persistent and offensive musty odor. Volatile organic compounds get created by active mold colonies, which are responsible for the strong, musty smell often associated with microbial development in a residence. This odor can be so significant that it moves through wall systems and overcomes small areas of your home without any other signs of growth. After remediation, these smells can linger, requiring deodorization approaches like:

• HEPA air scrubbers 
• ULV Foggers
• Ozone/oxidation machines
• Hydroxyl generators

It is often more challenging than you think to determine when mold might grow in your home. When you discover some telling signs of microbial development, you must reach out to accredited remediation professionals of our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help. We are available 24/7 at (302) 762-8080.

Completing Storm Water Damage Repair in Wilmington Attics

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

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

Effective Attic Water Damage Repair Objectives

Storm and water damage repair involves understanding how these natural disasters impact your home and the destruction they can cause to the exterior components of your residence, like the roof. Penetration of water into the attic space can be one of the most threatening situations you do not notice immediately during a passing storm.

Inspecting Your Loss

The first step in water damage repair for Wilmington homes is to thoroughly inspect the damage to determine where the action is necessary. Early mitigating stages can involve removing sagging or damaged materials through controlled demolition, which can expose other components of roof systems and structural assemblies for direct drying and mold inhibition cleaning. Inspections are looking for:

• Roof damages
• Sagging materials
• Contaminants
• Structural integrity loss

Is Contamination a Concern?

With any situation involving intruding water into your home from external sources, the threat of contaminants should not be overlooked. Even with runoff and driven rain, these introduced floodwaters can become contaminated by exposure to certain materials or foreign elements. We carefully handle all wet materials for biohazardous threats. 

Thorough Drying of Structural Supports

The drying process is essential for any restoration action our professionals take in this niche and can be especially important when working in a confined space. Wet structural supports can begin to weaken and degrade with prolonged exposure, requiring tear-out and reconstruction. Fast action with drying tools like centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers can help prevent this need. 

Needed Roof Repair After Drying

Repairing the roof is an important part of the work that our professionals must complete to fully return a home to pre-damaged condition. Resolving the attic's water is insufficient to prevent recurrences and strengthen anywhere water, or moisture penetration weakens this critical defense system for your property. Our general contractor license ensures that we can complete needed build-back services as they are necessary to restore a residence.

Water damage repair for Wilmington homes can often include the impact of storms on the attic and roof. Understanding how our professionals can help with restoration and repairs makes us a trusted choice to help. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Reading Homeowners Need Results with Water Damage Repair

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO gives you access to expertly trained water remediation specialists that put vast resources and years of experience to work for you.

SERVPRO Makes Reading Properties Like-New with Water Damage Repair Service

A tub overflowing, appliance malfunction, flooding, or hidden leaks, can severely deteriorate your building materials. Not only do you want to avoid costly damage, but you also have to be sure that black mold and musty odors do not develop. Knowing that you have a trained team to repair all the damage is a relief when you have water-related issues in Reading. Here at SERVPRO, we take pride in working with area residential and commercial customers to ensure they get the results they deserve. 

When it comes to water damage repair in Reading, SERVPRO always works to restore versus replace whenever possible. However, there are times when controlled demolition is a must to reach affected areas without adding unnecessary damage. Some of the ways that controlled demolition help with water damage repair include:

• For soaked drywall, we may make flood cuts to remove saturated materials to replace and refinish to make it look new again.
• When there are areas behind walls where water is found, we can use boreholes to release the water and then implement drying measures to ensure the cavity is thoroughly dried.
• Scoping all areas with moisture meters allows us to find places where moisture must get addressed rather than having to pull out cabinets or rip up the flooring.  

Water damage comes in various forms, from saturated porous materials to water stains on walls and ceilings. With any injury, our team always addresses the cause to ensure no further destruction develops. Everything is then finished, repainted, and brought back to pre-water event condition. Our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) get to work ensuring that no foul, musty odors get left behind – making your home “Like it never even happened.”

Do you have questions about water damage repair and how the process works? Call us at SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 and speak with a member of our team.

Do You Struggle With Commercial Water Damage Remediation in Brandywine?

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Plumbers can help fix the leak but certified water damage technicians help with removing the damaged materials as well as drying out the area.

Professional Commercial Water Removal Helps Re-open Brandywine Restaurant Faster 

Water spills can cause severe damage leading to the closure of a business. In Brandywine, a water pipe burst in an apartment unit situated above a restaurant filling it with water, thus leading to closure. Some water was trapped in the ceiling while the rest pooled on the floor, almost an inch deep.

Various factors can make commercial water removal cases in Brandywine challenging to address. However, with support from a professional team such as SERVPRO, it is easier to address all challenges that arise. At the hotel, the primary challenge was the delayed fixing of the leak since the owner of the apartment was away at the time. The passage of time creates the opportunity for the water to spread, affecting more materials and installations compared to a leak dealt with instantly.

The restaurant was closed to allow water removal, inspection, and cleanup to restore the pre-damaged conditions. However, extending such a closure would hurt most workers who rely on it for daily upkeep. Our SERVPRO technicians were tasked with finding ways to expedite the removal.

As we waited for plumbers to fix the damaged pipe, we did a partial content move out to halt further deterioration. Unlike a full pack which takes time and resources, the partial move-out relocates items to a section within the same property, so it is doable in a matter of minutes. 

Once the plumbers fixed the leak, we embarked on removing the water. Our SERVPRO technicians drilled weep holes in the ceiling to drain water trapped there. When drilling, we start with a hole close to the edge and only move inwards when that hole stops leaking to prevent catastrophic outcomes such as the collapse of the ceiling. Wet-vacuuming with a truck-mounted water extractor helped remove most water pooling on the floors. After dealing with surface water, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers to extract moisture absorbed by materials.

Water loss incidents hurt businesses. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How SERVPRO Restored a Wilmington Home After Grease Fire Damage

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Grease fire damage is very hard to clean.This photo shows where SERVPRO technicians have cleaned and what remains to be cleaned.

Recovering from a Grease Fire Damage in Wilmington

Kitchen fires are most commonly experienced in Wilmington, producing greasy protein-based soot that sticks tightly to walls and ceilings. No surface or fixture is immune to the residues. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) trained Fire and Smoke Remediation Technicians (FSRT) are ready to use their skills and specially formulated cleaning products to remove the soot. 

After experiencing fire damage, a Wilmington family sought our help. A dinnertime mishap resulted in an intense but short-term blaze in their kitchen. The fire was hot enough to distort a sheet metal panel above the stove. An oily coating of soot is deposited throughout the room and elsewhere in the home. 

Using dry sponges as a first step, SERVPRO technicians work up the wall, carefully removing the residues completely but without smearing. Examine our progress mid-project in the photo. The apparent line of soot-free space on the affected surface illustrates the difference our skilled crew members make. We avoid the long-term disruption and excessive expense of demolition and rebuilding with our cleaning success. The rest of the wall and the light fixture similarly responded when we continued the cleaning process, making the formerly blackened surfaces and fixtures “Like it never even happened.” 

The most pervasive effect of the fire cannot be pictured. Grease fires are notorious for creating noxious odors, the stench moving throughout the house on air currents, and possibly via HVAC ductwork. SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians (OCT) employ strategies to trap or neutralize odor-bearing airborne residues. Valuable techniques to eliminate odors include running a negative pressure air scrubber during the soot removal phase. The scrubber captures airborne particles carrying the smell and improves the general air quality for safety. 

We pursue odors that linger even after clean-up is complete. The approaches we follow include judicious use of SERVPRO proprietary deodorizing products applied in locations where the odors continue to be troublesome. Innovative technologies that neutralize odors at a molecular level are also available and applied or operated by our certified technicians, including: 

• Ozone machines
• Hydroxyl generators
• Thermal foggers 

Have confidence in the highly-qualified fire damage recovery team at SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. Call us at (302) 762-8080 and see the difference in our training and carefully curated products and equipment delivery. 

What Should You Consider When Hiring Fire Damage Restoration Professionals in Wilmington?

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure you hire restoration professionals who stand on their work.

What to Look for When Hiring the Pros for Fire Damage Restoration in Wilmington 

No matter the fire damage level, quick action is pertinent to stop the soot, residue, and odors from permeating your home. Whenever moisture is left behind, the issue becomes even direr, calling for professional extraction and drying methods. Waiting too long can end up weakening building materials, and your property turns into a breeding ground for dangerous mold and mildew. 

When you suffer from fire damage in Wilmington, the best way to get results is by hiring professionals. There are just a few of the things that you should think about when finding the best restoration team for the job: 

What Items Need to be Tossing? 

Our technicians at SERVPRO catalog every item we handle to report on the condition, making sure to note what needs discarding and why. We establish a detailed chain of custody and take pictures of all items throughout the restoration process to make for an easy insurance claim expedition. 

Will You Work with My Insurance Company? 

At SERVPRO, we work with the homeowner and insurance adjustor to make sure everyone is in the loop during your fire damage cleanup, which includes all phases of your home restoration process through to the final details. 

How Can I Get Rid of Smoke Odors? 

Some homeowners think that DIY methods are good enough for smoke odor removal. However, the best way to ensure you remove all residual smoke odors is by hiring trained professionals. SERVPRO experts come to your home with specialized equipment and cleaning techniques to ensure the removal of odors at a molecular level. Once the drying process is complete, we go through thoroughly clean surfaces with disinfectants for both odor removal and to hinder mold growth. 

Do You Address Cross-Contamination? 

When you suffer fire loss, heavy foot traffic spreads soot and odors throughout your home. SERVPRO contains the work area with plastic sheeting, or we employ negative air chambers to help eliminate cross-contamination throughout your property. 

When it comes to quality fire damage restoration, you can always count on our team of trained professionals at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington. If you have questions on the processor you need to schedule services, please give us a call at (302) 762-8080, and we can send out a team as soon as possible. 

Certified Mold Removal Servicing Claymont Area Properties

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be a serious issue in your property. Don't let mold take over. Call SERVPRO for help today.

SERVPRO in Claymont Offers Professional  Mold Remediation and Removal 

Mold spores are present everywhere, which means this is a problem that can occur inside any Claymont home. For mold to thrive and grow, all it needs is the perfect environment – this generally includes the right temperature, darkness, moisture, and an organic food source. Whether you require basement mold remediation or mold specialists to look at a potential issue in another area of your home, SERVPRO is the team to call.

Why call SERVPRO for help with mold removal in Claymont? There are several zones in your home where mold may develop. This fungus is known for lingering in bathroom and kitchen corners, in and around furniture, basements, storage areas, garages, and more. Because of the nature of mold and the potential health effects it can cause, you need a mold remediation crew you can trust. 

We are here to offer extensive knowledge and mold removal services for all types of mold. Some of the methods we may use when addressing attic mold or bathroom mold removal include:

• Application of EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials
• Vacuums with HEPA filtration and dry brushing to remove spores from walls or furnishings
• Careful media blasting where mold spores are present in crawl spaces or on brickwork
• Freeze-drying methods to halt damage to documents, photographs, and books
• Hydraulic or ultrasonic cleaning methods where mold is present on textiles or utensils

SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington handles mold removal to make it “Like it never even happened,” including deodorization to get rid of any lingering musty smells. Call us at (302) 762-8080 to have a crew dispatched to your property.

Understanding How Water Changes Amid Wilmington Flood Damage

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

When a flood hits your property, you need to call the technicians at SERVPRO.

Flood Damage Changes the State of Water Many Times

Intruding water into your home can be more likely than you think. Trusting experienced restoration professionals like ours comes with industry knowledge that secures a faster restoration of flooding by manipulating states of water like: 

• Melting
• Evaporation
• Condensation
• Sublimation

The Natural Phases of Water Movement

Flood damage to Wilmington properties is a rapidly changing and destructive environment for restoration technicians to enter. Our SERVPRO professionals' experience shows an understanding of water behavior through its different stages and appreciation of natural processes that change the state of moisture and saturation. We know how to manipulate environmental conditions and chemical processes to dry thoroughly.

Drying Through Evaporation

When air movers are deployed in residence to begin the drying process, their positioning against wet surfaces helps promote steady and controlled evaporation. Our inventory's high-velocity air mover units are suitable for evaporative drying on dozens of building elements in the house, including the wall, ceiling, and flooring systems. This chemical process describes the vaporization of surface water on affected materials, increasing the moisture content of the environment and requiring a suitable humidity management approach. 

How Condensation Helps Water Removal

Another state of water that plays a role in cleanup and drying is condensation. Dehumidifiers like the refrigerant models of our inventory pull wet air across cold coils in the machine. The result, much like warm air surrounding a cold drink, is the formation of condensation. Collecting and discarding this water provides a steady stabilization of moisture content in the environment. 

The states of water impact the productivity and effectiveness of drying and restoration tools work in the house. With how rapidly water damage can spread and impact the entire household, we must get mitigation services started immediately. Give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call to help however you need at (302) 762-8080.

How Flooding Affects Wilmington Basements

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remediate your water damaged basement quickly.

Threats of Natural Flooding Against Wilmington Foundations 

When torrential downpours and prolonged soaking rains raise water levels in creeks and streams surrounding your Wilmington home, the entire neighborhood could become susceptible to flood damage. While you can take preventative measures to reduce the penetration of this rising water into the main level of your home, it can be more challenging to keep floodwater out of your basement when vulnerabilities already exist. There are many threats to your property with natural flooding, significantly when this disaster impacts the walls of your foundation.  

Many homes in the area have aging basements or cellar areas that can lead to flood damage in Wilmington. As challenging as these circumstances might be when you have a moderate amount of water to remove and dry up, natural flooding presents multiple risks beyond standing water. Addressing these concerns is the responsibility of our SERVPRO water restoration technicians and our licensed (#1992104829) general contractors. 

Hydrostatic Pressure 

This force can collapse basement walls even without flooding, but a softening of the soil around the house after flood damage can make the home more susceptible to this structural failure. Under these compromised conditions, the pressure against the blockwork can become too substantial to maintain. Our SERVPRO team must consider this possibility to gauge the rate of water removal from the basement.  

Contamination  

Many of the surfaces in the basement are block or concrete, and they do not require removal and replacement, even with immediate exposure to contaminants. Instead, these surfaces can get cleaned with our line of potent products such as foam cleaning, agitative cleaning methods, and other strategies designed to disinfect, inhibit mold growth, and even reduce any lingering odors.  

Flooding can present many potential hazards to the lowest levels of your home. Still, our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team has the experience and the equipment to help. We can help your home through nearly every phase of recovery after a flood loss incident. Contact us today at (302) 762-8080.

Contacting Our Experts Is Vital When Your Wilmington Home Experiences A Water Damage Issue

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can provide you with the 24/7 emergency cleanup and restoration services you need to regain control.

Having A Quality Restorer For Water Damage In Your Wilmington Area Home Is Crucial

Having water intrude on your Wilmington living environment can be an upsetting experience for any property owner. It disrupts your typical lifestyle, creates possible health risks, and wreaks havoc on building materials and contents. However, it does not have to be difficult to recover.

Gaining access to a company that supplies water damage restoration for your Wilmington home can be a valuable asset. A restoration company with the proper training, expertise and specialized equipment can help dry and restore water-damaged structural components and other household contents to a quality pre-damage condition.

In addition to applying the technical aspects of your water damage restoration, SERVPRO technicians maintain open communication. We satisfy the needs of every customer, finding a balance between cost reduction and loss. Helping you achieve the best results possible.

At SERVPRO, we use our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an Employee Certification Training Program (ECTP), and continuing education to keep our technicians a head above the rest. The IICRCs Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (S500) governs the services we supply with five fundamental principles.

• Provide for the safety and health of workers and occupants
• Document conditions and work procedures
• Mitigation
• Drying
• Cleaning and repair

SERVPRO technicians perform a safety evaluation on your property as a first step in every job. We address all possible concerns before beginning emergency services or restoration work. Our technicians maintain a safe working environment to help protect everyone involved.

The team that comes to your home has all of the equipment and resources necessary to get the job done right. Even in hard-to-reach areas that are hard to enter, lack ventilation, are hard to move around in, and would be hard to escape from in an emergency. Typically confined spaces, such as crawlspaces and your attic, may contain serious hazards many are not equipped to handle. These hazards include sewer gases, electrical shorts, and gas line breaks.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can provide you with the 24/7 emergency cleanup and restoration services you need to regain control. We take pride in supplying quality to the Claymont, Talleyville, and Edgemoor communities. Call (302) 762-8080.

Our Experts Discuss The Steps Toward Fire Damage Recovery In Your Wilmington Home

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Steps Toward Fire Damage Recovery For Wilmington Residents

Waking up to the sound of your fire alarm, then having to quickly evacuate the property while calling the fire department is every homeowner's worst nightmare. After the fire has been contained, anxieties over your possessions, valuable documents, and financial costs arise. There are measures you can take to make the process of getting your home back to its pre-damaged condition runs smoothly after the initial shock.

The first thing is to contact a restoration service to carry out repairs on the fire damage in your Wilmington home. SERVPRO operates an emergency line day and night for homeowners needing assistance and reassurance. You might want to contact your insurance company to get a better picture of the task at hand, as well as any utilities or lending companies. Fire situations are recognized as debilitating situations, and many companies can put in place holds on bills or payments in exceptional circumstances while you prioritize the restoration of your home.

A fire marshall can inspect the property after the fire and clear you for entry. Now's a good time to gather any necessary documents:

• Passport
• Driver's License
• Certificates
• Social Security
• Financial Documents
• Tax Records
• School Records
• Vehicle Registration

Some or all of these documents may show signs of damage from soots or smokes as well as water damage from the firefighting procedure. Do not discard documents. SERVPRO operates specialized document recovery that can mitigate losses through a vacuum or freeze-drying procedure for waterlogged documents. Although we cannot reverse existing damages, there is a strong chance we can restore documents to a usable condition using these special procedures.

While you wait for a SERVPRO fire and smoke damage restoration technician (FRST), you can begin mitigating losses by covering floors and furnishings with sheets or tarpaulin, which can prevent falling soots from causing further harm. Open the windows to allow air circulation throughout the property, which aids drying and replaces polluted air with cleaner outdoor air. For now, it is essential to leave walls, ceilings, appliances, and electrics until a qualified technician arrives.

SERVPRO trains technicians to the highest standards. On arrival, they can direct the restoration effort, as well as to conduct crucial tests on materials, soot deposits, and smoke residues. These tests keep procedures efficient and ensure soots are not spread around, causing further issues to unaffected areas. Where necessary, our team can bring in odor control technicians to restore your indoor air quality.

We have extensive experience in handling fire restorations from start to finish. Using a combination of testing, cleaning, deodorizing, and drying, we can help you get your property back to its pre-damaged condition. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

How Can I Rid My Wilmington Business of a Mold Infestation?

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

You never know when you are going to find mold in your business. Contact SERVPRO quickly for mold damage mitigation.

Bring in SERVPRO for a Professional and Thorough Mold Remediation in Wilmington

Why Can’t I Spray Bleach on Everything?

Bleach and other chemicals may stop mold from growing, but that is only one step. Commercial mold remediation for Wilmington convenience stores also requires the removal of all visible mold growth and elimination of the water source to prevent future problems. SERVPRO technicians have access to cleaning agents, equipment, and training not available to the general public.

Doesn’t Removal Mean Wiping Off an Item or Throwing It Out?

Our technicians take every step necessary to restore an item unless it costs more than it would be to replace personal or structural property. While an anti-fungal cleaner can stop further growth, it cannot remove the mold. Team members use everything from sponges on windows and drywall panels to powered agitators on marble and brick surfaces to completely remove the stains and markings of the mold infestation. 

For tight areas like a crawlspace, technicians can use an air blaster and soda powder. This high-pressure device strips mold off of support beams and other structures the way a sandblaster strips paint off a car. Soda, though, is less damaging to surfaces, and team members can easily vacuum up the soda and mold spores into a sealed bag for easy disposal. The medium also provides a deodorizing source if musty smells are still present.

Why Is It Important to Dry Up All the Water?

SERVPRO team members know that mold and spores remain dormant without enough moisture. Even a minimal amount can cause spores to expand and search for food and more water. Since mold can penetrate surfaces like drywall and even wood, it is essential to eliminate any possible water source as quickly as possible.

For more details about what SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can do for your business, call today at (302) 762-8080. We are here so you can be there for your customers.

How Monitoring Helps Wilmington Water Restoration Projects

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Water Restoration Must Be Thorough 

A critical portion of every water recovery project is thoroughly drying the property and its contents. There are many potential issues with failing to remove all hidden damp caches in building materials or not fully addressing environmental moisture concerns. Some of these include:

• Structural deterioration
• Continued water damage
• Mould growth and microbial threats

Where Has the Water Gone? 

An initial question our technicians must ask when starting water restoration in Wilmington homes is: Where did the water reach? Pooling liquid finds the least complicated or challenging path through a residence, which can mean travelling through the open space of the floor plan or migrating through-wall systems. We use sophisticated tools to pinpoint where moisture pockets exist that must be addressed with direct drying. 

Evaluating the Progress of Drying Tools

When these drying tools are deployed throughout a household, we must continually monitor their progress to ensure that we are on the most efficient restoration path for the home. Air movers work to eliminate surface moisture directly, so moisture meters used on impacted wall systems can show when the material still requires further evaporation. 

Reaching the Desired Humidity Levels

Moisture sensors can also help maintain reading on the humidity content in an environment. Hygrometers, in particular, are used for this purpose and help our SERVPRO technicians document the saturation of the atmosphere through various dehumidification and ventilation approaches. Readings and results show that a greater volume of dehumidification units could be necessary to maintain steady water removal and drying progress.

Water recovery services can be complicated even with our fast response and experienced team of restoration professionals. Mitigation and cleanup focus on getting moisture out of surfaces and the atmosphere, which can be monitored with special equipment. Our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team is ready to help 24/7 when you call (302) 762-8080. 

Is There a Local Service in Wilmington Skilled at Mitigating Water Damage?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Water leaks in your home can stress you and your family out. Contact SERVPRO to get water mitigation services in your home.

Yes, One Local Wilmington Company, SERVPRO, Has a Long Track Record of Successfully Mitigating Water Damage.

When a water leak impacts your Wilmington home, the first things on your mind are stopping the leak, minimizing its effects, and restoring your property to its pre-accident condition. Luckily, companies like SERVPRO can help.

Properly dealing with the effects of a water leak is an involved process that requires the right tools. Many Wilmington water damage mitigation companies cannot effectively complete specific jobs simply because they do not have the necessary equipment. SERVPRO does not suffer from this issue, and our technicians routinely use state-of-the-art tools like:

• Moisture sensors and meters to identify water-impacted materials and measure moisture levels in them
• Infrared cameras that can precisely locate water leaks through walls, baseboards, and ceilings
• Strong wet vacuums and extractors that can rapidly remove inches to feet of standing water
• High-velocity fans and air blowers circulate interior air, blowing moisture-laden air out while drawing in drier exterior air.
• High-tech dehumidifiers that remove excess moisture from the air
• Injectidry systems to dry out hard-to-reach areas behind ceilings and walls
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) and thermal foggers to spread antimicrobials and deodorants around your home

Once SERVPRO professionals have treated your home with this equipment, it is far less likely to suffer from fungal issues like mold/mildew stains and dry rot. This treatment also essentially prevents persistent unpleasant, water damage-related smells in the future.

As you can see, it is essential that you contact the right service to handle your water damage. If a remediation company does not have the right equipment, it cannot successfully resolve your issue. Conversely, a company with the necessary equipment for your job can properly mitigate the effects of water damage, saving you time and money in the long run.   

If your home ever suffered water damage, contact SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for assistance.

How Does Smoke and Fire Damage Move in Wilmington Offices?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Smoke Behavior Dictates the Needed Fire Restoration for Wilmington Commercial Properties 

Knowing how smoke and soot particles react after a fire loss incident provides the necessary restoration and recovery approaches. Our SERVPRO team utilizes several mitigative strategies based on the types of smoke damage experienced. Some of the ways that your office building can be damaged after a fire include:

• Smoke solids
• Soot
• Harsh odors
• Residues

Turbulent Movement

To begin fire restoration in Wilmington offices, restorers must first understand the behavior of smoke damage circulating in the environment. Among the chief concerns is the turbulent motion of hot and cold air, creating convection currents that force smoke solids against ceilings and walls systems with pressure.

Spread of Smoke Solids

Smoke solids and soot damage circulate fast through open areas. Open floorplans common to office buildings are an ideal layout for widespread soot coverage. Air filtration equipment can help slow this progression and how many surfaces and contents are ultimately affected.

Available Pathways for Smoke Migration

Allowing structural openings to continue without management and containment strategies permits smoke damage and subsequent odors to spread quickly throughout the building. The priority of responding technicians to seal over these openings is to prevent the continued migration of smoke damage to other office areas.

Smoke Odor Spreading

Another unfortunate behavior of smoke damage is the production of harsh malodors that overwhelm the property. The combustion process destroys multiple materials, and based on the composition of these elements, the type of odors created vary significantly. We have several deodorization practices, such as powerful neutralizing products and equipment like thermal foggers and hydroxyl machines.

It is essential to provide the most immediate and efficient smoke damage remediation and restoration services as soon as possible. Your office can continue to suffer fire loss effects until these conditions are managed. Give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call today at (302) 762-8080.

Our Certified Mold Technicians Arrive Right Away In Wilmington

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

The wet area was left unattended to in this home and as a result this is how much mold grew. We were able to clean this for them right away.

Local Wilmington Mold Remediation Services Available 24/7 

Many situations could cause mold damage in your Wilmington home. Any damages revolving around excess water could cause the growth of a mold colony in your home. When the mold spores in your home are exposed to excess moisture, it takes less than three days for a potential colony to begin growing. For this reason, if your home sustains water damage, you must reach out for remediation services before the problem can worsen. 

However, it should be noted that humidity could also cause mold damage to your Wilmington home. During the humid months of the year, you must ensure your home has the proper ventilation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a few ways to help reduce the risk of mold in your home when it is humid. The CDC recommends using dehumidifiers or even air conditioning during the hot and humid summer months to reduce the risk of mold spores activating.  

However, what would happen if a mold colony growing in your home, despite your efforts? In that case, the best thing you can do is reach out for professional help as soon as possible. Here at SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington, we work around your schedule- whenever you need us, our technicians can bring a van full of advanced technology to your location. Remember, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our technicians are highly trained and have many certifications, including the Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC). Furthermore, some of our technicians even have general contracting licenses and electronic restoration certification, making the services we can provide to you varied. 

Once our SERVPRO technicians get to your home, we can begin to work straight away. In this scenario, the mold damage formed near a window that was kept open to try and beat the heat. Our technicians would quarantine the area to prevent the spread of active spores and then thoroughly clean the area with antimicrobial cleaning agents. We could also set up an air scrubber to run while we work, which can remove airborne mold spores. Once our SERVPRO technicians were finished the job, we could use an antifungal agent to try and prevent regrowth. 

If you find your home is in urgent need of mold remediation, do not hesitate to get help. Speak with SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington by dialing (302) 762-8080. Whenever you need our help, we are ready to come to you.

Removing Water From Your Wilmington Clinic

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Removing Water from Materials in a Wilmington Clinic’s Bathroom

When toilet supply lines malfunction or freeze and burst in your Wilmington clinic bathroom, our professionals must work quickly to dry up the damage to prevent the migration of damaging effects throughout the facility. The construction of the bathroom in your building was intended to withstand some water damages when sinks overflow or excessive water might accidentally make its way to the floor.

Water removal for Wilmington medical facilities involves an understanding of what areas and objects are at risk for exposure and deterioration. The flooring of this bathroom is often a ceramic tiling that can resist water penetration to encourage the standing water threats to find the nearest available drain inside the room. Unfortunately, other materials cannot resist saturation as consistently, such as the bathroom cabinets, wood trim along the walls, or the drywall. Addressing these concerns involves prompt extraction and drying techniques.

Because you might only have one available public restroom for the patients coming to the clinic, resolving water damages is critical. Standing water is not a concern as installed drains should catch any pooling that might result from prolonged leaking. However, exposed structural elements might still show signs of deterioration after only 24 hours.

When reached quickly enough, even elements like damp drywall can be recovered with directed airflow from centrifugal air movers. Evaporative drying efforts can often be sufficient when water damage has not migrated into structural cavities. Focused drying can reduce water movement to neighboring areas like exam rooms, offices, and structural holes.

Our licensed (#1992104829) general contractors can help with controlled demolition and eventual build back for unsalvageable materials. This team can also help replace damaged supply lines to the toilet to ensure that our restoration is sufficient.

No matter how our team can help, from widespread drying efforts to the reconstruction of your clinic bathroom after sufficient water loss, you can reach us 24/7. Our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington professionals have the expertise and cutting-edge equipment to help make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (302) 762-8080.

The Best Way to Deal with Flood Damage in Wilmington

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Take steps now and call SERVPRO to refurbish your flood damaged Wilmington home.

Avoiding Unlicensed Contractors After Flooding in Wilmington 

Needing reconstruction and repairs following flooding is not uncommon to Wilmington homes and businesses. With the frequency that many of these properties deal with this substantial water damage, it becomes more apparent with every emergency the benefit of choosing restoration companies based on their ability to offer fast and quality reconstruction. The downside to this need is that many predators take advantage of your compromised position after a widespread disaster like flooding. 

Because of the threats like contamination, flood damage in Wilmington homes often falls to the hands of skilled restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. We even have a licensed (#1992104829) division of experienced contractors that can help to repair damaged areas of your property and also establish effective containment strategies for our mitigation experts to begin protecting other areas of your home upon our arrival. 

After a crisis, resources naturally get stretched thin with area restoration companies. Our crew has a direct link through a Large Loss Recovery Team to allow us to better pool our personnel, equipment, and expertise after flooding occurs. We can work around the clock on damaged properties to get them back to pre-damaged condition and your precise specifications and expectations. We know that after a flood, every second counts, so we have a prompt response to these emergencies and can handle multiple jobs simultaneously.  

Fake companies and unlicensed or uninsured contractors can appear out of thin air when flooding and other natural disasters strike. They offer deals that sound too good to be true, or they have reasonable pricing but want a portion of their expected estimates upfront to cover the initial expenses of materials and the ‘cost of doing business.’ Our SERVPRO team also has an overhead to consider, but we do not ask for money upfront from our customers regardless of the severity of damage to their property. 

You must stay prepared for the possibility of false companies and fake businesses popping up to “help you through your crisis” by exploiting your trauma. Let our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team help you through every phase of recovery by calling (302) 762-8080.

Chemicals Used During Fire Damage Restoration in Claymont

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for fast and efficient service.

SERVPRO Can Provide Fire Damage Restoration Services to Claymont Residents

Anyone who has ever suffered from a fire on their property knows that it can be devastating and create quite a mess. The flames, of course, can torch anything it comes into contact with, and the smoke released can also cause problems. Smoke can travel to areas in your home far away from the fire's source and leave behind soot residues.

Our SERVPRO technicians often spend a good portion of their time cleaning soot residues from your contents and building materials during fire damage restoration in Claymont. Since the various types of smoke can cause different issues, we have an array of chemicals and cleaning methods we use during the remediation process. 

We Can Offer Several Services to Return Your Home to its Pre-damaged State

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

When cleaning soot residues from your contents and building materials, some of the cleaning procedures work by chemically altering the soot residues. When our SERVPRO technicians use strong acids, bleaching, enzyme digestion, or oxidizing, chemical changes occur that help us remove the soils. Enzymes are living organisms that digest soots made from protein like burnt food. The enzymes turn the soot particles into soluble molecules that can be cleaned using detergents, water, or ammonia solutions.

When cleaning soot residues from the surfaces of items in your house, we can use two types of bleaching agents. Oxidizing bleaches add oxygen to a soil that changes its chemical structure and breaks it down. Reducing bleaches (or strippers) work the opposite and can neutralize the effects of an oxidizing agent.

If you ever notice soot residues on your walls or furniture after a fire, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. 

Early Mitigation Help Reduce Flood Damage in Brandywine Homes

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call your local SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington today.

Our Fast Responding SERVPRO Team Starts Emergency Services to Overcome Flood Damage in Brandywine Properties. 

Flooding can impact many areas of your home. The differences in these affected rooms and materials require our responding technicians to be prepared for various obstacles and hurdles in returning your property to preloss conditions. When our SERVPRO team first arrives, we can often focus on specific areas likely to have been initially impacted by infiltrating floodwater like:

• Roof
• Attic
• Ceiling Materials
• Foundation Masonry
• Basement Building Materials

Temporary Repairs and Sealing

The penetration points of flood damage to Brandywine homes must be determined and sealed to prevent worsening the situation. Temporary construction solutions like board-up, tarping, and hydraulic cement application prevent further flood infiltration and allow our team to get started on other mitigating actions to protect the house. 

Removing Standing Water 

Our professionals must work quickly with various powerful extraction devices to manage surface water concerns and pooling. When floodwater invades your living space, several inches or more of this water can affect the flooring and related building materials. We combine vacuums and pumps to manage both standing water and debris threats. 

Addressing Contaminated Surfaces

Contamination can be another one of the major concerns when floodwater intrudes into your home. Because natural flooding must be treated with the same care and consideration as a blackwater event like sewage backup, exposed porous surfaces must often be removed where the contact occurred, and non-porous surfaces like concrete, tile, and stone get thoroughly cleaned with powerful disinfectant products and sporicidal solutions to prevent secondary concerns like mold development. 

Mitigating losses from flood damage can be one of the most necessary undertakings our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team begins in area homes. The faster these emergency services get underway, the more we can protect the structure, its contents, and its occupants from harm. Flood restoration is possible 24/7 when you call (302) 762-8080.

Drying Out Moisture in Structural Cavities of Claymont Homes

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs. Call (302) 762-8080.

We Have Special Techniques for Promoting Faster Drying of Damaged Materials in Claymont Properties. 

From leaks that spread moisture and water throughout structural cavities to water damage events on the second floor that move through wall assemblies below, drying and managing moisture concerns is a top priority. We have less-invasive options for draining outstanding water and helping to promote a fast and thorough drying of the affected materials. This process begins with the identification of trapped moisture in wall assemblies. 

Tracking Moisture Damage in Claymont

The entire structural cavity might not be affected by migrating moisture and water damage. We use sophisticated tools and equipment to track the movement of water beyond surface materials and in the environment with:  

• Thermal imagery
• Surface moisture meters
• Probing moisture detection
• Hygrometers

Drilling Weep Holes Behind Baseboards

Baseboards will be removed and set aside if they can be reinstalled. To remove a small amount of standing water in the structural cavity, weep holes are drilled in the newly exposed areas of the surface material. These openings can also promote air circulation to this damp area of the property to help dry the building materials affected. 

Positive Pressure Systems

With weep holes drilled and some of the pooling in the structural cavities resolved, we can work on infusing this space with dry, warm air to promote the evaporation of the damp pockets. Positive pressure systems are stationary units moved into the workspace that has several outlet hoses placed into the drilled holes behind the removed baseboard. The machine pushes warm air into the wall assembly through these tubes when the device is running. 

The fast action of this type can often be enough to prevent the need for tear-out and reconstruction of the wall or ceiling systems. Our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team has experienced and continued training to provide the most efficient solutions to drying damaged structural elements after a disaster. Give us a call at (302) 762-8080.

What Hazards Can Flooding Create for Wilmington Homes?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington.

Intruding Flood Damage can Overwhelm Wilmington Properties and Require Swift Restoration Actions.  

The impact of flooding is often overwhelming to homes in the path of rushing water or rising water bodies. With how rapidly properties can be consumed in this disaster, having the right restoration response can be vital. We determine the immediate needs of your house to overcome several of the hazards, and threats the property might endure. 

Structural Damages and Vulnerabilities

One of the initial concerns regarding flood damage in Wilmington homes is the structure's condition. Flooding finds ways into the property, which can ultimately take small vulnerabilities in your home's construction and expand them rapidly to be significant breaches in the property's envelope. Some commonly affected areas of the house include: 

• Foundations
• Basements
• Attics
• Roofs

Safety Hazards 

When water begins to pool within the home, several hazards exist. Not only must homeowners be cautious and mindful of the debris and matter brought in with the flooding, but excessive pooling and deep waters can be impacted by live electricity or feature live creatures and undesirable pests brought in with the surge.

Health Effects and Contamination Concerns

Natural flooding is treated like a blackwater event since the possibilities of contamination cannot be ruled out. Exposed materials and items are treated as contaminated, and we prioritize thorough cleaning and restoration practices when possible to overcome this.

Standing Water Damages

There is little productive work that can be done to overcome the harsh effects of an active flood damage event without managing the standing water first. We utilize multiple extractors capable of heavy water output and handling possible solids and debris, such as trash pumps and truck-mount extractors.

Water and flood damage can be significantly destructive events for homes and businesses. Emergency services help limit the loss and protect the property, and our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team can get these actions started as soon as we arrive. Call today at (302) 762-8080. 

How Can Water Get Removed From Old Carpets In Wilmington Homes?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away at (302) 762-8080.

Aging Carpets Rarely Fare Well Against Water Damage in Wilmington Properties. 

Carpets are among the most common flooring in area homes, so they quickly become damaged after water emergencies. Rapidly spreading moisture and water damage effects can overwhelm carpets and padding, so our team works fast to preserve this flooring if possible.  

Evaluating The Damage

When carpets are part of water cleanup in Wilmington homes, a careful evaluation of the material must take place. We can inspect this flooring to determine its salvageability, including:

• Condition of the carpet
• Moisture detection for nearby surfaces
• Pooling concerns
• Degradation signs

Removing Surface Water

Before the carpet can be cleaned or the padding extracted, any standing surface water must first be addressed. Once water saturates the rug, it does not immediately penetrate semi-porous materials used in the subflooring like plywood and OSB board. Quickly addressing this surface water can prevent more significant harm. Wet vacuums and carpet wands can effectively pull out this moisture.  

Intricate Extraction Approaches

There are many times where surface material extraction is not enough. While carpet wands continue to be one of the standards in water removal from carpets and the padding underneath, weighted extractors can also be a powerful tool to help. 

Drying When Possible

While there are times when carpets, especially older ones, must be replaced after prolonged moisture exposure, drying can also be a feasible option in some scenarios. With successful extraction, floating the carpet can simultaneously dry the upper carpet layer and the padding with infused warm air from low-profile centrifugal air movers. 

Old construction materials and flooring options in area homes can be targets for water and flood damage. The longer these elements remain exposed to standing water and moisture, the greater the degradation and ruin. Aging carpet is one such material that could become quickly compromised by saturation. Our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team can help with effective drying and cleanup and even replacement when you call (302) 762-8080.

What Mold Remediation Strategy Best Helps Claymont Homes?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold intimidate you, keep your home fresh with SERVPRO by your side.

Inspections Help Determine The Best Mold Removal Tactics For Claymont Properties. 

Mold and microbial threats are rapidly developing concerns to area homes and businesses after moist conditions persist. The development of microbial colonies from spreading organisms creates several obstacles for our responding remediators to overcome. Between mold removal, odor elimination, and needed repairs, our SERVPRO team must work fast to overcome these emergencies. 

Mold Inspections by Specialists

Mold damage in Claymont homes can be challenging to remove and remediate without a clear and concise restoration path. Mold specialists on our roster carefully inspect the damaged property for affected materials, the organism's spread and choose the most efficient remediation strategy when possible. Much of this evaluation involves the hosting materials. 

The Affected Materials Hosting Colonies

The structural elements that can support mold colonies can vary considerably in a household. Organic matter is the only connecting trait, including widespread construction materials like drywall to rare fabrics on contents and keepsakes. The variances in affected materials change the best remediation strategies to remove active colonization.

Are Mold Damage Repairs Needed?

Considering how destructive mold damage can be to structural elements, repairs and build-back are often necessary to take place after mold colonies are eliminated. In some situations, demolition is used to discard heavily damaged structural elements that cannot be restored and remediated through other removal methods. Some of the most common materials impacted by mold colonies include:

• Drywall
• Ceiling Materials
• Insulation
• Wood Flooring
• Baseboards

Mold can be an underrated threat to homes and businesses in the area. As widespread and ultimately destructive as microbial growth might be, our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team must respond fast. We are the leading remediation specialists trained in the most effective mold removal techniques and damage effect management. Give us a call when you suspect mold at (302) 762-8080.

Returning Pre-Loss Condition After Wilmington House Fires

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Let the experts at SERVPRO help restore the fire damage in your home.

Following Fire Damage in Wilmington, SERVPRO Works to Restore Pre-loss Conditions.

Among the first steps that our professionals undertake after a fire is mitigating loss and protecting the property as much as possible. Emergency services like these include: 

• Fire debris removal
• Air filtration
• Content relocation
• Water removal services

Consulting With The Customer

No one knows a property like its owner, so when fire damage restoration for Wilmington gets underway, it is the customer who can be of the most significant help in labeling preloss conditions. One of the advantages of consulting with a customer after extinguishment is learning pre-existing damage or factors that could lessen the length or intricacies of the restoration process. 

Establishing The Restoration Baseline

Between the conversation with the customer and the thorough examination of the property, we can establish a credible restoration point that becomes the objective of mitigation and recovery actions. Much of these paths deal with the property's aesthetics and pre-fire appearances. Still, it can also mean proposed moisture levels, air quality, and other factors contributing to a safe and stable post-fire cleanup. 

Restoring The Damages 

Once the appropriate baseline for restoration and recovery has been determined, our SERVPRO team can get to work on cleaning and protecting the house. Removing soot and smoke residues is one of the largest obstacles in the path to returning to a pre-damaged condition, so we work on eliminating loose debris with pressurized air or vacuuming and entirely removing it with dry solvents or detergents. 

Pre-loss condition is always the objective of our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington fire restoration team. With multiple methods of collecting information and determining the property's original state, we can achieve this objective to make the fire loss incidents "Like it never even happened." Give our experienced FSRT-Certified technicians a call now at (302) 762-8080.

Business Establishments in Wilmington Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians are prepared with the training and state of the art equipment your property needs after a water incident.

Can SERVPRO Offer a Reliable Water Damage Restoration to Wilmington Eateries? 

Water damage to your restaurant can leave a trail of devastation and financial liability in its wake. The first step toward recovery is hiring professionals like SERVPRO for water damage restoration of your Wilmington property. Our IICRC certified technicians have the right tools, training, and experience in mitigating water damage to commercial buildings. 

SERVPRO techs work hard to ensure the least possible downtime during water damage restoration of your Wilmington establishment. Our state-of-the-art equipment to detect moisture and dry the structure plays a crucial role in speeding up the restoration process. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Detect Hidden Moisture During Water Cleanup of Your Wilmington Property?

SERVPRO techs use several inspection devices to locate the areas of structure into which water has intruded in your Wilmington restaurant building. Identifying such areas is crucial in determining the drying strategy that is effective and efficient. Some of the devices that the techs use include-

• Moisture sensors
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Moisture meters
• Thermo-hygrometers

Thermal imaging cameras, also called Infra-Red cameras, can detect moisture on a surface using temperature differences on the material's surface. As water evaporates from the wet surfaces, the temperature falls, and a thermal camera can detect this drop in temperature. 

Why are Thermal Imaging Cameras One of the Best Methods to Detect Hidden Moisture? 

Thermal imaging cameras can detect moisture without harming the surface, but they often show how water might have traveled throughout the structure. Another advantage of this technique is that it can reveal moisture content of difficult-to-reach areas such as high ceilings. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for any assistance regarding water damage restoration. 

SERVPRO is the First Choice of Wilmington Property Owners to Deal with Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Severe winter weather can lead to ice damming and many other catastrophes. You want help from the experts! Call SERVPRO for assistance.

SERVPRO Offers Restoration of Water Damage Due to Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming to Wilmington Homes 

As the temperatures plummet, the risk of frozen pipes and ice damming increases in Wilmington homes. If you experience water issues due to ice dams or burst pipes, SERVPRO is here to help. 

SERVPRO is one of the fastest to arrive for water damage restoration due to frozen pipes or ice damming in Wilmington. Our IICRC certified water restoration technicians have years of experience in dealing with such incidents in the harsh winters of Delaware. 

How Can You Prevent Ceiling Leaks From Ice dams in Your Wilmington Home?  

If you have ice dams formed on the roof of your Wilmington home, there is a high chance of ceiling leaks. While it is ideal for preventing the ice dams from forming in the first place, you can take steps to prevent leakage even if some degree of damming has already taken place. 

• Blow cold air against the underside of the roof: Blowing cold air with the help of a box fan can refreeze the melted water preventing leaks.  
• Rake the snow from your roof 
• Use calcium chloride ice melter filled in a porous net-like material to melt the ice dams before they can cause any further damage. 

Hacking away at the ice dams can be tempting, but it is not a smart idea as it can damage your roof, increasing the chance of leaking. 

When to Seek SERVPRO’s Help? 

It is crucial to seek professional help before the situation becomes overwhelming. If you suspect that you have a frozen pipe about to burst or an ice dam on your roof, it's wise to get them looked at by professionals. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080; we are here to help you round the clock.  

How Can Claymont Businesses Implement Fast-Acting Fire Damage Restoration?

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

You want help from the professionals after a fire in your home or business.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Services Preserve Claymont Commercial Facilities

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), structure fires impacted an estimated 500,000 structures and dealt a total of $21.9 billion in damages in 2020. These disasters can prove highly damaging for business operations in Claymont and take considerably more time to recover from without certified professionals assisting.

Claymont SERVPRO fire damage restoration tools and technologies target smoke soils, odors, and debris to return facilities to a clean, safe state free of malodors. 24/7 cleanup services lower commercial downtime while increasing cost savings for business owners.

Eliminating Fire Damage Odors with SERVPRO Odor Control Solutions

SERVPRO fire cleanup entails thorough cleaning of smoke residues and fire damage debris with OSHA-approved antimicrobials and other solutions tailored to specific fire-damaged soils. Light soot stains inside break room cabinets, for example, might primarily require careful cleaning with dry cleaning sponges. Oily soot deposits from a burnt electrical cord on a countertop coffee maker, meanwhile, may necessitate the use of solvents for removal without smearing.

Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) can implement fire damage malodor removal solutions like:

• Dispensing solvent-based deodorizers with a thermal fogger, which emits a smoke-like solution that binds with soot particles to eliminate them
• Careful HVAC cleaning with agitation tools and other manual cleaning methods can minimize ventilation repair and placement costs
• Soot pickup with HEPA-filter vacuums catches particulates as small as 0.3 microns
• Enzyme digesters that convert greasy protein residues from cooking fires into odorless, water-soluble byproducts
• Water- and solvent-based biocides that address hydrophilic and lipophilic soot residues

Commercial property owners can contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for rapid-response restoration services.

What Kind of Equipment is Necessary for Water Damage Repairs in Wilmington?

12/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for an appliance situation. SERVPRO techs are ready at a moment's notice for the help you need.

Wilmington Residents with Water Damage Can Call SERVPRO for the Best Equipment for Water Damage Repairs

Wilmington property owners may find themselves needing water damage repairs after an appliance malfunction or a ceiling leak. Rather than piecing together how to address the ensuing damage on your own, calling a water restoration technician can reduce the time and disruption associated with leaks and flooding. With the right equipment, the right crew can make all the difference in returning your home to mint condition.

To help you with water damage repairs in Wilmington, our SERVPRO staff is ready to jump into action as soon as you call us. We are trained and certified by experts in the industry to apply the latest techniques, and our experience speaks for itself. Understanding that acting fast is essential, we bring into your home some of the following to make the process seamless and swift:

• Water extractors include handheld, truck-mounted, and submersible. Depending on the volume of water we need to extract, we may use one or a combination of them to remove water from your home.
• Drying equipment to encourage evaporation and restoration of normal humidity levels. We measure moisture with advanced devices and adjust our efforts as needed.
• Anti-microbial and cleaning solutions deter mold growth, which is often a by-product of water damage.

When you call our offices at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington, you access a crew of experts used to tackling water restoration jobs of all sizes and severity. When you want to have your home back to its original condition with a minimum of disruption, call us at (302) 762-8080 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Is Flood Damage in Wilmington Inevitable?

11/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate storm damage restoration now. 24/7 365 days a year.

Prevention Can Help Avoid Flood Damage to Wilmington Homes

Flooding happens after large storms occur, and Wilmington homeowners often cannot avoid flood damage despite their best efforts. However, taking care of your gutters and keeping your home in good repair can minimize the possibility of damage and make the water restoration process less intrusive. As important as prevention is, knowing who to call after stormwater enters your home is just as important.

For flood damage restoration services in Wilmington, SERVPRO is your best option. Executed by a certified team of professional water restoration technicians, our specialists offer services, including specialty drying solutions, move-out services, and even drywall repairs. Our goal is to assist in every step of the water damage and repairs process to make it as efficient as possible.

Our SERVPRO team has at its fingertips the latest techniques and equipment in the water restoration industry, which allows for flexibility and speed. When you reach our 24/7 hotline, you can rely on us to handle each step of the process, including the following:

• Water removal services with the help of pumps and extractors to remove standing water from your home.
• Drying of the home and each surface with the aid of air movers, dehumidifiers, and desiccant equipment to help stabilize humidity levels in your home.
• Application of anti-microbial solutions to deter the growth of mold and bacteria, a typical by-product of home flooding.

Our highly trained technicians at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington are available by calling us around the clock at (302) 762-8080. Place your trust in our certified team and let us work for you until your home feels “Like it never even happened.”

Who Should a Claymont Homeowner Call for Fire Damage Restoration Services?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year.

Our Professional Fire Restoration Team Supports the Claymont Community After a Residential Fire

Homeowners in Claymont visiting their home after a fire may feel despair as they look at the state of their home. Assessing the impact of the fire damage and determining how to clean up soot and ashes left behind is not simple. Protecting unaffected areas of the house is also difficult, and all restoration activities require the help of a professional team with certified training and experience.

In Claymont, fire damage restoration expertise lives within our SERVPRO team. Removal of soot, debris, and smoke residue falls within our typical service scope and is at the core of the restoration plan we tailor to your needs. Upon arrival, our team evaluates each affected area and establishes a course of action based on the type of surface and the corresponding EPA-recommended cleaning solutions. Typically, soot will fall into one of the three following categories:

• Protein-based soot- commonly caused by grease in kitchen fires, it tends to be airborne and sticks to surfaces while leaving a foul smell behind. Sometimes it is invisible but can be felt to the touch.
• Dry soot- wood, paper, and other organic materials leave this kind of residue behind, which is light and generally easy to remove with the correct cleaning solution.
• Wet soot- when polymers such as plastic containers burn, wet soot sticks to each surface. This remnant is sticky and thick and cumbersome to remove.

As a homeowner, you only need to place a call to SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 and let us take care of the rest. Our expert team brings fire and smoke damage restoration services to your doorstep and leaves your home “Like it never even happened.”

What is the Best Response to the Need for Water Extraction in a Wilmington Commercial Property?

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Pipe breaks in a commercial setting can cause damage. Call our certified SERVPRO team for certified technicians and effective equipment.

SERVPRO Assists Local Wilmington Business Properties With All Sizes of Water Damage Remediation

Many types of water damage in a Wilmington business, such as a pipe break, floodwater, or a sewage backup, can result in the temporary closure of the business until the cleanup and sanitization of the property tasks are complete. Handing off the job to a professional restoration services company increases the likelihood of the best outcome possible. Waiting to begin the removal can lead to problems such as: 

• Ceiling collapse from water weight 
• The need for mold remediation 
• Delays in reopening due to the need for extensive repairs

It is more likely than not that a Wilmington property will need commercial water extraction at some point. SERVPRO focuses on getting the water removed quickly, and the structure and contents are paramount for getting daily operations back to normal. The leading equipment used is different types of pumping equipment. The technicians have multiple kinds of equipment depending on the specific needs of the structure.

Typically, the leading equipment that SERVPRO uses for commercial water removal is pumping equipment, extraction devices as well as dehumidification. Each type of equipment needs to adapt to the specific needs of the structure. This is particularly applicable when the techs handle floodwater or sewage-tainted water containing debris and solid waste. The self self-priming trash pumps allow solids up to 5/8" to pass through. SERVPRO technicians also have access to submersible units that work in standing water greater than two inches in depth.

There are also weighted, and light extraction equipment brought on-site. The heavier extractor heads are beneficial in businesses that have wet carpets. The heavy heads push down and force water held by the fibers up and out. The lighter heads are generally for removal on tile and slab substrates.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 holds a commercial contractor license and can perform commercial water extraction and repairs on local Wilmington properties.

What Can Claymont Homeowners Do About Kitchen Water Removal?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

When your dishwasher leaks water onto your kitchen floor, you need SERVPRO. Contact our certified team right away for effective removal services.

SERVPRO Technicians Implement Emergency-Response Water Removal for Claymont Homes

Water damage incidents can potentially leave behind an overwhelming amount of moisture to clean up, whether the culprit is a damaged dishwasher gasket, a refrigerator supply line leak, or plumbing damage affecting a kitchen faucet. Worse still, this moisture penetrates surfaces, delaminates vinyl flooring, damages subfloors, and potentially harbors mold growth that can cause health effects.

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) accredited SERVPRO techs respond to Claymont water removal needs with 24/7 service, targeted restoration solutions, and cohesive restoration plans that can be enacted within hours of a homeowner’s initial call.

Kitchen Flooring and Cabinetry Restoration After Water Damage

SERVPRO teams tackle water damage in a Claymont kitchen with a variety of strategies:

• Cabinets affected by water migration or under-sink leaks can often be repaired and restored after the water has been removed
• SERVPRO’s penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters work in tandem with imaging tools to determine moisture content, establish drying goals, and monitor surfaces during mitigation and drying
• Delaminated or damaged vinyl flooring is typically more cost-effective to replace than repair. Subfloors affected by water are frequently salvaged with careful extraction, sanitation with EPA-registered antimicrobials, and structural drying
• Axial or centrifugal air movers coordinate with low-grain refrigerant (LGR) and desiccant dehumidifiers to pull moisture off surfaces and into the air. Dehumidifiers isolate this moisture for disposal in a treated sewer
• After extracting water and drying surfaces, Odor Control Technicians can focus on using sanitation and odor control strategies, like fogging, to remove odors from a property

Homeowners who want their disasters to look “Like it never even happened” can call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

What Should Wilmington Business Owners Consider for Fire Restoration?

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

When facing an electrical fire at your commercial location, you need a fire restoration plan. Contact SERVPRO to assess you're commercial location.

SERVPRO Helps Wilmington Commercial Properties Receive Necessary Fire Restoration and Repairs

Fire damage on commercial property, whether it stems from an electrical malfunction or cooking, can wreak havoc in unexpected places. Without professional intervention, these damages can leave odors, stains, and even potential corrosion or damage to metals and finishes.

SERVPRO teams implement rapid-response fire restoration for Wilmington businesses whenever they need it. They can respond quickly to late-night, weekend, and holiday calls to minimize commercial downtime. SERVPRO technologies, sanitation solutions, and techniques strive to salvage as much as possible after a fire.

What Wilmington Business Owners Can Do After a Fire

There are a few things that businesses can do after a commercial fire to streamline the restoration process:

• While SERVPRO can handle tasks like taking inventory and photographing damages, businesses and property managers are also advised to take photos after a disaster once it is safe to do so. Also, consider taking photographs of the property while there is no visible damage. Being able to compare the damage to its prior, loss-free state helps IICRC-certified technicians more successfully return it to a pre-disaster condition and streamlines claims filing
• Research contractors, and only choose professionals licensed for commercial repairs. Consult with property management, especially if contractors are asking for them to pull permits. Typically, licensed contractors can pull building permits themselves, and an inability to do this can indicate that the contractor lacks the necessary licensure to perform the work
• Business owners leasing commercial space should contact property management for building permits and any other paperwork that may be necessary for implementing structural repairs. SERVPRO requires permits to implement rebuilding services after performing fire and smoke damage mitigation

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is proud to demonstrate that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster when property owners call (302) 762-8080.

The Assistance You Can Get from Water Restoration Companies in Brandywine

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Dog gone it! Call SERVPRO for water damage restoration and cleanup for your Brandywine business.

SERVPRO is one of the Leading Water Restoration Companies in Brandywine

As water runs through a commercial building, it can contract and expand as it varies in temperature. Over the years, it can cause the plumbing lines to burst or crack. When pipes leak, they can cause staining or discoloration on the walls or ceilings. The flooring can also buckle, bulge, or sag.

When a water intrusion incident affects your office, you need assistance from one of the leading commercial water restoration companies in Brandywine. SERVPRO is ready to restore your office to minimize disruption. Water damage in an office can ruin carpeting and furniture, among other components. It can also cause a musty, damp odor and contribute to mold growth, which can cause health effects.

The areas that are likely to have a musty odor include poor ventilation and dark areas hidden from plain view or behind surfaces like subfloors or drywall. We can remove the water using powerful portable pumps.

Our SERVPRO technicians are trained in psychometry, which is the science of drying. We have monitoring instruments that can detect the presence of moisture even under flooring and behind walls. They include penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters and thermohygrometers. After adequate testing with the sensitive instruments, we can dry your office building thoroughly.

When it comes to odors, our SERVPRO team identifies the odor source and chooses the deodorization method that can counteract a specific odor source. At times, we employ multiple procedures that involve different professional equipment and products to produce results. Some of the professional products we can use to remove products include:

• Odor counteracting beads
• Water-based odor counteractants
• Pellets or deodorant granules

These products are designed to cause different deodorizing actions to leave a pleasant odor in the office.

If your commercial building or retail shop has sustained water damage, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help you clean it up and restore it to its normal condition. Let’s keep your business in business. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Where Can Homeowners Get Fire Damage Restoration Services in Claymont?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet Arrives as the Red Fire Trucks leave a fire damaged Claymont home or business

SERVPRO is Proficient in Performing Fire Damage Restoration in Claymont

Fire is a damaging element, and if you do not perform repairs quickly, more destruction can occur. SERVPRO has experienced restorers and high-quality equipment to bring your home back to its original state. Our priority during the restoration process is preventing more destruction from taking place. This involves plugging up any weakened structures or holes. We also inspect the floors, walls, and roof to determine if they need repairs or replacement.

The process of performing fire damage restoration in your Claymont home can be challenging, but our technicians know what to do. We know that different types of fires require different methods of repair. SERVPRO uses the right techniques to remove soot, restore wooden structures and upholstery. Based on the extent of the destruction, our customized restoration plan usually includes:

• Eliminating charred contents that could seal in smoke like burned wood and insulation
• Cleaning and restoring affected surfaces.
• Deodorizing the home.

Smoke can leave corrosive by-products behind, which can cause irreversible destruction within a short period. Our SERVPRO team can remove the smoke residues and treat the surfaces at risk using a corrosion inhibitor. Some surfaces that smoke can damage include grout, stone, marble, fixtures, and glass.

To remove bad odors from the property, we can open windows and doors to ventilate it. Our team can also use air filtration units and deodorizers to eliminate the odors. We choose the most suitable deodorizing products based on the odor source. At times, our SERVPRO technicians use many procedures using different professional equipment and products to produce results. For instance, we can use deodorizing pellets or granules to absorb the odors. Their main ingredient is a mineral known as fuller’s earth, and it functions as a sponge to absorb and hold smells. Instant odor counteracting pellets are formulated to offer continuous control of lingering smells. We can apply them to a specific area or the whole home.

If you need fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We can make the fire damage seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Why Trust SERVPRO for Mold Remediation Services in Wilmington

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can soda-blast mold stains off porous surfaces like walls and ceilings in your Wilmington home

Homeowners Can Expect High-Quality Mold Remediation Services in Wilmington

Mold can grow across walls, crevices, and other areas. Finding mold in your home is not fun because it can cause health effects. When most homeowners find mold, their first reaction is to scrub it as soon as possible, but this might not be effective. Mold remediation is not a one-play game, and it is essential to know how to identify and treat spore species accordingly. This is a skill that SERVPRO technicians have acquired through practice and experience.

When seeking mold remediation services in Wilmington, we are the right company to call. Mold remediation involves addressing the whole mold issue. It involves the following steps:

• Inspection
• Air filtration
• Containment
• Removal of mold-infested materials and items
• Cleaning--soda blasting
• Restoration

Before beginning the remediation process, our SERVPRO team tackles the source of moisture. We search for signs of water damage and dry the affected areas thoroughly. We can run fans continually around the clock to expedite the drying process. Our team then contains the mold to prevent the spread of mold spores. We can do this through negative air chambers. We create them using physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent the mold spores from leaving the affected areas during cleanup. Our SERVPRO technicians also turn off the HVAC system at this stage to prevent the spread and exchange of air.

We can filter the air using specialized filters, air scrubbers, and HEPA rigged vacuums to begin trapping mold spores from the air while the mold removal process goes on. Our technicians can use anti-microbial and antifungal treatments to treat and eradicate mold colonies. If porous items such as drywall, carpeting, or furniture have severe mold growth, we can remove the items and discard them following standard local procedures.

Cleaning is also essential when it comes to mold remediation. Our SERVPRO crew can sanitize the affected surfaces. We also deodorize the area using special fogging equipment to remove the mold odors. The level of restoration is dependent upon the space’s specific conditions and the amount of time the mold has grown unchecked. Merely removing the surface infestation may not remedy the problem.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington has the expertise to eliminate mold. Call us any time at (302) 762-8080 for assistance.

Can Claymont Fire Damage Restoration Remove Soot From an Area Rug?

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration by SERVPRO is top-notch. Call now for the help you need.

SERVPRO Has the Professional Equipment to Handle All Types of Fire Cleanup in Clayton Properties

When a Claymont property undergoes professional house fire cleanup, many homeowners assume anything with a coating of soot is an automatic disposal. That is not necessarily the case. 

SERVPRO techs have ongoing, comprehensive training for handling fire damage restoration in Clayton properties. This education entails more than learning how to deal with structural issues. The technicians establish cleaning stations outside the worksite manned by other techs ready to perform different cleaning applications to restore contents from the house. Examples include:

• Washable items for the Esporta Washing System
• Immersion cleaning for non-porous items
• Abrasive cleaning for stuck-on residues on non-porous articles

Carpet and area rugs without signs of heat damage get handled in similar ways. SERVPRO technicians have steam cleaning equipment that can refresh and restore rugs and carpets. The process usually starts with a tech vacuuming the area to be cleaned to remove any loose soot or debris. Then a steam cleaner is used to remove any embedded soot and debris. This process can also remove water stains that happened during the first responders fighting the house fire. When it is not feasible to clean the carpets or rugs on-site, SERVPRO can bring them into their warehouse for manual cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 brings professionalism, experience, and compassion to every Claymont fire damage restoration service. The certified technicians are available 24/7 for any size house fire cleanup needs. 

What is the Best Way to Remove Flood Damage from a Wilmington Basement Floor?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here for the help you need.

Floodwater Can Contain Multiple Hazards, Wilmington Homeowners Should Engage Professional Flood Water Removal Services

A mere inch of water in a finished basement has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in terms of flood damage. Because the groundwater can harbor a myriad of biohazards, residents of the home, including pets, should not come into the area with the water until it gets tested to determine if any harmful elements are present. 

Upon arrival at a Wilmington home for flood damage restoration services, SERVPRO technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and have professional water testing kits to identify any pathogenic or harmful biological elements in the water. Though rarely utilized, we assume that floodwater is always a Cat 3 Black Water biohazard.

A finished basement usually has a framework built up against cinder block or brick walls and usually has glue-down flooring of either tile or carpet. Floodwater can destroy the floor covering, and as the water gets wicked into the walls, the sheetrock can begin to buckle or warp. SERVPRO technicians measure above the highest area on the wall and remove the sheetrock as needed. The extraction equipment used by SERVPRO can draw water from the floor quickly and dispose of it safely per municipal regulations. 

This SERVPRO location holds a general contractor license #1992104829, and the techs can handle all types of restoration and reconstruction actions needed, such as:

• Replacing walls
• Installation of tile or carpet
• Priming and painting as wanted by the homeowner

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 supports the Wilmington community with flood damage restoration services, including any repairs or reconstruction the structure requires. 

Is It Easier to Use the Same Company for Cleanup and Water Damage Repair in Wilmington?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your floors is a job for SERVPRO. Fast and immediate service for your home.

SERVPRO of Wilmington General Contractor License #1992104829 and Will Fully Restore Wilmington Properties Post-Water Damage Cleanup

Finding that your Wilmington home has water damage from a toilet backup, leaky pipe, or storm damage can be daunting enough for many homeowners. The backend of that situation is that after the cleanup, repairs need to get made, which means more sourcing and vetting. 

This SERVPRO location holds a general contractor license and can move seamlessly into the water damage repair for a Wilmington property. Frequently seen actions during water damage services include:

• Removal of ruined walls or ceilings
• Disposal of deteriorated carpet and pad
• Loosened tiles or glue-down carpet requiring removal

Once the water cleanup efforts are complete, SERVPRO technicians leave all the surfaces clean and sanitized. This preps the portion of the home with water damage for the needed repairs. The technicians can handle any level required. They have the training to install new carpet, cabinets, or rebuild walls or ceilings. If the homeowner wants to update the look of their home, they can choose an updated color palette for their room. SERVPRO techs are happy to assist the property owner in order to make sure not only are there no reminders of the previous water damage, but the updated look is something they are happy with. 

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 can handle the cleanup and water damage repair as needed in Wilmington properties and make the situation “Like it never even happened.”

How Can Floodwater Get Removed from a Wilmington Crawlspace?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Call now for the help needed for your home.

Tight Quarters Can Make Extraction Difficult After Wilmington Homes Get Flooded. 

While a crawlspace often serves the purpose of keeping the main level of your home from the harm of rising floodwaters, flooding of the crawlspace should not be ignored. Standing water in this space beneath your home can weaken structural supports for the main floor and create ideal conditions for facilitating mold growth. Our SERVPRO team can help with efficient flood recovery options.

What Extractors Work Best in Confined Spaces? 

Flood damage in Wilmington residences can overwhelm areas quickly, and in confined spaces like a crawlspace, simpler mitigation actions like extraction can be more complicated. Some of the tools that are often used for removing standing water in flooded crawlspaces includes:

• Truck Extractors
• Light Wands
• Wet Vacuums
• High-Pressure Pumps

Is Encapsulation Worth Considering?

Crawlspace encapsulation is a process that covers exposed building materials and the dirt/concrete base of the area with thick poly-sheeting. Water diversion and pump equipment can be installed to prevent further flooding in the future. Encapsulation can prevent multiple flood restoration and mold remediation needs for your residence. 

When crawlspaces become flooded, it can be a devastating and rapidly worsening situation for the homeowner. Flooding damage requires fast restoration solutions from experienced professionals like our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. We can offer various services and permanent solutions when you call (302) 762-8080.

Is Professional Mold Remediation Worth It for Claymont Homes?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. Call the team of professionals at SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

With the damage that mold can do to a structure and its contents, professional remediation can help Claymont properties. 

You might not always see the merit in professional services, but when it comes to mold removal, there are considerable advantages to choosing SERVPRO. Our dedicated team of remediators can help quickly and knowledgeably. We have:

• Certified remediation professionals
• 24/7 availability
• Continued education and training
• Stocked trailers for restoration and recovery actions

How Can SERVPRO Begin Remediation for Damaged Properties? 

Getting mold remediation for Claymont homes started quickly is critical in these situations. Evaluating the extent of the damage and the affected materials can allow our team to choose various remediation approaches. Surface treatments are attempted first to prevent any tear-out or reconstruction when possible.

Are Odors a Challenging Obstacle? 

Deodorization is one of the needed actions for mold remediation, namely because active colonization can develop musty odors that spread fast in open spaces. From the overwhelming odors of colonization to these smells being trapped in porous materials like carpeting and drywall, SERVPRO IICRC certified professionals can implement several practices ranging from ULV fogging to hydroxyl generators.

One of the advantages to choosing professional mold remediation is the comprehensive solutions that SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can provide your home. From deodorization to efficient mold removal tactics, we can make these situations “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (302) 762-8080.

Water Damage Restoration Testimonial For Brandywine

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

We Love Receiving Feedback from Our Customers. We are always happy to help.

Following is a summary of our comments regarding the work done by your staff at the time of a major water damage in our basement.

Promptness

We called several water mitigation companies recommended by State Farm staff at the time of the problem on June 21^st at 9pm. SERVPRO was the only one to respond in two hours. A whole team came and immediately started working. We were so impressed with their knowledge and ability to explain to us what their plans were for the next few days. Having never encountered such a problem in our house, we felt well assured.

Problem Solving Skills/Flexibility

As days went by, we realized how knowledgeable the crew was and their willingness to attend to minute details we pointed out each time.

Communication

Each member of the team had the ability to explain what was going on. Unfortunately, I did not jot down the specific names but the Project Manager, Bob Milley stands out as a shining example of the professionalism, leadership, and integrity exemplified by each and every person on the team.

Follow Up

The report from SERVPRO was sent out promptly to State Farm and everything has been moving along smoothly. Later on, checked on the duct cleaning, Pam was very helpful in checking in out with state Farm and making arrangements.

Overall, we give a five-star rating for the performance of SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. Do continue to keep up with your excellent work.  

-OC and Nirmala A.

What Types of Smoke Damage Threaten Wilmington Homes After a Fire?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes home and leaves a mess, SERVPRO is there with the help you need for any size fire restoration job.

Knowing the Obstacles of Restoration, SERVPRO Professionals Can Recover Wilmington Properties More Efficiently. 

Property inspections help our team to see where immediate action is necessary. Identifying the type of smoke and soil damage in this inspection can ensure the right tools are available for mitigation and cleanup.

What Types of Smoke Damage Exist After Combustion? 

The materials burned before fire restoration in Wilmington begins can directly impact the residues involved and the composition of soils that threaten the household. Some include:

• Wet Smoke – Wet smoke damage is often among the most challenging, as it is thick and cannot be cleaned with chem sponges or traditional cleaning measures.
• Dry Smoke – High heat fires that do not leave many partially combusted materials can create dry smoke damage. This looks like a chalky film on surfaces that can often be wiped clean.
• Oil/Puffback Damage – With many area residences running furnaces that use oil as fuel, puff back damage is not uncommon. These micro explosions in your duct network can leave surfaces coated in stringy soot.
• Protein Residues – These are common to see after kitchen/grease fires. Protein residues can be thick and challenging to remove and carry a powerful odor with them that spreads. 

Understanding the type of fire and smoke damage in your home after a disaster can be critical in identifying the best cleaning and restoration approach. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team can help with efficient cleaning solutions based on the composition of soils. Give us a call today at (302) 762-8080.

Why Wilmington Properties Deserve Quality Water Damage Restoration

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians know all the steps to take after water damage strikes in your home. Call in the experts at (302) 762-8080.

Water Damage Restoration by SERVPRO Ensures Less Interruption and Cost in Wilmington

Overflowing sinks or tubs, significant spills, burst pipes, and faulty appliances – these are just a handful of the reasons that Wilmington homeowners may seek assistance with water clean up. While a wet/dry vacuum is a helpful tool for minor spills, professional water remediation is often the best route to eliminate secondary damage and the onset of mold and mildew. SERVPRO can handle any water event you encounter, ensuring that your home is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Why call on SERVPRO for water damage restoration in Wilmington? Because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, arriving within hours to get started. Timing is critical for any water clean up project, and we always get it done right the first time. 

• Addressing Water Migration – Spilled water stays in motion, often seeping into cracks or building up in building cavities. Even if you try to mop up a puddle of standing water, the chances are high that hidden moisture is lurking that can turn into secondary damage or mold growth.
• Moisture Detection – SERVPRO has a Green Fleet of vehicles filled with advanced moisture detection technology. We utilize thermal imagine and moisture meters to ensure no damp areas get left behind. Should a mass amount of water get trapped behind a wall, we may carefully punch or drill a hole to allow the fluid to escape.
• Specialized, Highly-Efficient Drying Equipment – Just setting up a few household fans is insufficient to address moisture and high relative humidity. We bring powerful dehumidifiers and industrial fans to get the job done.

SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington ensures dependable water damage restoration to address your removal and cleanup needs. Call us 24 hours a day at (302) 762-8080.

Cut Costs Restoring Your Wilmington Shop After Fire Damage

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient remediation services, you can count on SERVPRO. We are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Performs High-Quality Fire Damage Restoration to Give Wilmington Business Owners Peace of Mind

Running a storefront brings its own set of daily challenges, including staff management, inventory, security, and much more. However, when a fire breaks out, you have to worry about the loss level and how devastating it could be to your bottom line. Calling in the help of IICRC-certified technicians for water & fire damage restorations gets you the results you deserve. Let SERVPRO assess your needs within your Wilmington business so that we can save you time and money!

Commercial fire damage in Wilmington could mean substantial downtime for your shop if you hire the wrong team. SERVPRO arrives within hours, and we begin the assessment as soon as first responders give the green light. With the help of high-tech tools, equipment, and insider industry knowledge, we get the job done right the first time.

During Fire Restoration Within Your Commercial Space, You Can Expect:

• Securing the space – We will provide board-up services for your damaged doors and windows to protect the shop from vandals or theft during the restoration process.
• Damage assessment/inspection – We look through the affected area to determine the level of fire loss, which helps us determine which equipment and restoration techniques to implement.
• Preservation of furnishings/inventory – Pack-out services allow us to move inventory off-site for safe cleaning and storage. This also allows us more space to work freely within your business. 
• Repair and replacement – Not only will we clean impacted surfaces and address odorous smoke and soot particles in your HVAC system, but we will also perform controlled demolition as needed. Commercial Contractor License #: 1992104829

Call (302) 762-8080 to talk with SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington about emergency fire damage restoration.

Does SERVPRO offer Water Damage Repair Service to Claymont Businesses?

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the manpower and experience for any size commercial water damage restoration service. Call now!

SERVPRO Helps Claymont Businesses in Water Damage Repair of Their Commercial Spaces

Hiring SERVPRO professions for water damage repair of your Claymont office can save your property from incurring any secondary water-related issues. No matter the extent and type of the water damage, We're Faster To Any Size of Disaster.

SERVPRO can perform water damage repair at your Claymont commercial space for issues arising due to several reasons, including-

• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Sewer backup

Water damage, especially during a sewage cleanup and flood restoration, is often accompanied by contamination. SERVPRO water damage restoration experts use several antimicrobial agents and products to decontaminate the premises during restoration. To achieve effective remediation of contaminated buildings in Claymont, SERVPRO technicians rely on-

• The use of appropriate techniques to promote rapid drying
• Complete removal of contaminated materials 
• Application of biocides 

Types of Decontamination Agents SERVPRO uses During Water Cleanup in Claymont. 

We use several chemical agents for decontamination of water damaged business places; some of them are-

• Disinfectants- Germicides that can destroy 99% of the microbes they contact. Disinfectants often are not very useful in eliminating bacterial and fungal spores. Phenols, formaldehyde, and alcohols are common disinfectants used during water damage repairs.
• Sanitizer- A chemical agent that can reduce the microbial load to an acceptable level as public health authorities deem.
• Sporicides- Germicides that are active against bacterial and fungal spores. 
• Sterilizers- They destroy all microbes, fungi, and bacteria along with their spores. However, sterilization after water damage is generally not feasible. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We are here to help you at any hour of the day.

Flood Damage in Wilmington Homes Need Professional Restoration Services

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoratio9n is no easy task. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Wilmington Residents Trust SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration of Their Homes

Flood damage to your Wilmington home due to a storm can cause lingering issues long after the water is removed. One such problem is the odor of a flooded home. SERVPRO technicians have decades of experience and expertise in deodorizing flood-damaged homes and leave them smelling "Like it never even happened."

The source of the lingering odor after flood damage to your Wilmington property is the residual moisture. Hence, the first step in SERVPRO's deodorizing strategy is to eliminate as much moisture during flood restoration as possible quickly. In most cases, however, there is a need for active deodorizing even after moisture removal. SERVPRO restorers use various deodorizing methods since one method may not work on all kinds of odors. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Combat Odors During Water Cleanup from a Flooded Wilmington Home?

Some of the deodorizing methods that SERVPRO routinely uses in Wilmington during flood restoration are as follows- 

• Wet fogging- A water-based deodorant is dispensed with the help of an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) fogger. The instrument generates tiny particles of the deodorant that can penetrate most areas where odor particles hide. Wet fogging is preferred over direct spraying during water damage remediation as it does not wet the surface being deodorized.
• Air scrubbers- Can remove airborne particles as well as odors and chemicals from the air. The device captures odor-causing particles using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that can capture 99.97% of particles that are down to 0.3 microns in size. 
• Injection method- Involves injection of a small amount of deodorant directly into spots on carpets or upholstery. Ideally suited when lifting carpets to get to the padding is impractical during water damage restoration. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for around-the-clock assistance.

Wilmington Homes Need Professional Fire Restoration After a Fire Incidence

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fast and reliable fire restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. Call 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Provides Fast and Reliable Fire Restoration Services to Wilmington Property Owners

You can save both time and money during the fire restoration of your Wilmington home by hiring professional restorers of SERVPRO. Our restorers are fast to respond and have the necessary skills, equipment, and expertise to restore your home to a preloss condition as fast as possible. 

Cleaning smoke and soot residue from walls and ceilings during fire restoration of your Wilmington home is a multi-step process. SERVPRO techs need to employ different strategies to tackle the residue depending on the texture and type of surfaces on walls and ceilings. Technicians identify the type of surface and pretest for cleanability. The factors that determine the best cleaning method from a fire-damaged home include the following-

• Type of the residue- dry or wet
• Type of surface- painted, finished, wood paneling, or acoustic tile

Cleaning Methods Employed by SERVPRO for Walls and Ceilings During a House Fire Cleanup in Wilmington

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians use the following three methods to clean walls and ceilings of your fire-damaged home in Wilmington- 

• Dry cleaning- Used if the smoke damage residue is non-greasy and light to medium. Dry cleaning is usually done with the help of a dry-cleaning sponge and requires less time to complete
• Wet cleaning- Used in painted, metal, or wood ceilings or walls with heavy dry soot or light to the heavy grease-based residue. It might take a longer time to mitigate this type of damage. 
• Peroxide active cleaning- Used mainly for porous ceilings and surfaces such as acoustic ceilings. The method is suitable for textured surfaces that might not be suitable for wet cleaning. The peroxide reacts with the residue and can loosen the bonds between surfaces, making it easier to remove. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080; we are available 24/7 to assist you.

How do Brandywine Residents Begin Flood Damage Restoration for their Homes?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

After your home suffers flood damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

Using a Leading Flood Damage Restoration Service like SERVPRO Can Reduce Losses in your Brandywine Home. 

Flood and storm-related damages at your home require urgent mitigation activities to prevent further loss. These mitigation activities could include draining or pumping out liquid moisture, providing humidity and temperature control, or even boarding up and securing the structure. These activities are common in:

• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Sewage cleanup

To legally perform flood damage restoration in your Brandywine home, you must give us a completed Authorization to Perform Services Form. These forms are provided to you by technicians at first arrival for you to fill out while technicians assess your home's condition and contents. These forms give our technicians the authority to perform vital mitigation and loss prevention works at your home. 

• The Authorization to Perform Services allows technicians to mitigate loss and set about restoring the structure. 
• We cannot begin repairing or reducing the structure's losses until the homeowner confirms by signing this form. 
• Job Diaries are held throughout the restoration procedure to assist with accountability. 

The sooner technicians can begin restoration, your property sustains the less damage. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration at (302) 762-8080.

What Safety Standards are Necessary for Water Removal in Wilmington?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a water catastrophe. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO Engages with Nationally Recognized Safety Standards when Performing Water Restoration in Your Wilmington Home. 

Water intrusion events present significant hazards to technicians and inhabitants of the property. Frequently water restoration projects require technicians to work in dark areas or restrictive spaces. It is essential to have comprehensive safety protocols for the type of work carried out by water restoration technicians (WRT.)

Safety protocols are necessary for:

• Water clean up
• Water removal services
• Water damage repairs 

The process of water removal from your Wilmington home could present several hazards. Electrical safety, the structural integrity of walls, ceilings, and floors, and slip or trip hazards must be neutralized to ensure a safe working environment. Technicians can also advise the occupants of necessary safety measures during a water intrusion event. 

• The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates safety procedures for licensed restoration technicians.
• We abide by OSHA Standards for General Industry and OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry.
• Safety equipment is provided on-site and adheres to the laws set out in the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

Avoid unnecessary hazards by using professional restoration services. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for water removal at (302) 762-8080.

Can Ceiling Leaks Lead to Roof Collapse in Wilmington Homes?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our storm damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your property to pre-damage condition.

SERVPRO is Available for Wilmington Residents Experiencing Flood Damage

The city of Wilmington is the largest in Delaware state and one of the oldest settlements in the US, with its beginnings tracing back to the seventeenth century. The majority of Delaware's unique history can be found in Wilmington with its pre-colonial historic sites, American Revolutionary War heritage centers, and early twentieth-century mansions owned by some of America's richest families, such as the Du Ponts. The city is also nicely located nearby to some of the East Coast's favorite beaches, golf courses, wildlife centers, and state parks. 70,166 residents live in Wilmington permanently, while the surrounding metropolitan area numbers 719,887 people. 

The first settlements in the region took advantage of the surrounding nature, with the Brandywine and Christina River intersect proving a valuable trading way. Both these rivers deposit into the Delaware river further down, allowing shipping across the United States. The city, and wider Delaware, is associated with the Du Pont family, which is one of the richest in America. Originally from France, the Du Ponts developed Wilmington significantly during the 19th century with the production of gunpowder and became a leading contractor for the US military. Today, the legacy of the Du Pont family remains both in the historic downtown district and at the stunning Nemour Mansions. 

Rehoboth Beach is a short drive from Wilmington city center and is one of the most-visited beaches in the state. The beachside boardwalk is lined with entertainment, nightlife, food, and drinks outlets, which complement the town's annual festivals, which typically run through the summer months.

Hagley Museum and Library is an excellent place to explore Wilmington's abundant history. Delaware was the first state in America, and this 200-acre historic site offers guests the opportunity to explore the Brandywine Creek, historic structures, and the role of the Du Pont family in growing the city.

Alapocas Run State Park covers over 400 acres of sprawling natural forestry, wildlife, waterways, and creeks. Inside the park are several hiking trails, mountain climbing options, and camping grounds. There are also a number of historic buildings within the state park.

SERVPRO Offers Flood Damage Assistance to Residents of Wilmington 24/7, All Year Round

Floods can expose your home to hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of water. The effect of these quantities of water on your home can be catastrophic. We are a licensed emergency services restoration service for local residents. 

Our team can help with:

• Leaking roof from storms
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Emergency services water damage

Licensed technicians from SERVPRO can help make the correct drying decisions in your home. Usually, we calculate the efficiency versus the cost of conducting restoration or replacement. This equation can be invaluable to organizing emergency services repair, performing mitigation, and ensuring restoration is conducted quickly. 

• Wet cabinets in your home may be cheaper to replace than restore after flooding
• High-value items such as hardwood furniture or floors can be dried using desiccant dehumidification equipment. 
• Refinishing and resurfacing of high-value items is possible with SERVPRO

After flooding your home, contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration at (302) 762-8080.

How do Professional Services Reduce Water Damages?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

We have the experience, specialized training, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition.

Establishing Engineering Controls Can Significantly Reduce the Impact of Water Damage. SERVPRO is a Wilmington Based Water Restoration Service.

Water intrusion can create chaos in a home environment. Traveling in and out of the affected area can spread the damages to unaffected areas of the home. This issue is especially prevalent when water intrusion contains biohazardous waste, and occupants risk spreading contaminants from one location to another. 

Correct water damage restoration in your Wilmington home involves meticulous attention to detail and organization. Engineering controls are one example of how organizations can improve the efficiency of repair. Creating containment can involve erecting tents and sealing off certain areas. In some situations, a decontamination chamber can be installed to prevent waste from being spread from one room to another. 

• Solid wastes are double-sealed in thick polyethylene bags for transportation out of the property. 
• Negative air pressure can prevent airborne contaminants like sewer gases from escaping the affected area. 
• HVAC systems are typically switched off with both return and supply sides ducted over with a polyethylene sheet. 

We can mitigate potential losses in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for water damage restoration at (302) 762-8080.

What Happens When Homeowners Are Relocated from a Flooded Property?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Floods can cause extreme damage to property and a person's pocket. Call SERVPRO for the help to take a lot of pressure off your hands.

SERVPRO Can Secure your Wilmington Home and Restore Flood Damages

In a severely flooded property, it may be necessary for the occupants to relocate temporarily. It is always stressful to leave a damaged property. SERVPRO is a responsible restoration provider that can secure your home and restore it to a safe condition for your return. 

Natural disasters that lead to flood damage in Wilmington can cause extreme damage to the property. Entrance Ways can be broken open, and the roofing or structure may be compromised. Our technicians are capable of draining the property and then securing it against unlawful entry or further damage. In situations where remodeling is necessary, our technicians can create a safe working environment so that we may utilize our franchise’s General Contractor License #: 1992104829.

• Boarding up broken doors and windows using sturdy wooden panels can deter trespassing while the property is vacated.
• If the roof structure is compromised, our team can place a temporary tarpaulin to seal your home from outdoor elements.
• We are licensed to deal with biohazardous substances and remove them from the worksite quickly to ensure a safe working space for all restoration technicians. 

Protect your home after a flooding emergency. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage recovery at (302) 762-8080.

What Services Restore Property after Fire?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Our fire damage experts can have your home back to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Operates in Claymont and Can Provide Expert Fire Restoration Technicians

Claymont is a residential community that lies along Naamans Creek banks, a waterway feeding directly into the Delaware River. The area is of enormous archaeological significance, with evidence of people settling in the area dating back to 1200 AD. Naaman Creek is named after the Chief of the Lenape Indians, whom Dutch colonists met in the seventeenth century. Over 600 acres of the land was purchased in 1681 by John Grubb, who took advantage of the creek's geographical location as a passover between Washington and Philadelphia's growing settlements. 

Proximity to the Delaware river allowed early colonists to export goods into larger cities. Gristmills, agriculture, and later factories all cropped up in Claymont from the eighteenth century onward. By the nineteenth century, the inclusion of Claymont as a station on the Philadelphia railroad saw the region transform from a primarily agricultural community into a wealthy suburb. Over the past thirty years, a concentrated effort on urban renewal has taken place in Claymont with the construction of a new regional transportation center to replace the train station, at an estimated cost of $71 million. Renewal projects have also sought to revitalize Claymont's historic architecture with the Claymont Stone School, Robinson House, and Darley House renovations.

• Nemours Estate is an enormous estate built in the French Neo-classic style. The 300-acre gardens surround a French Chateau of around 47,000 square feet and 105 rooms. The mansion was formerly owned by the du Pont family and still contains rare eighteenth-century masterpieces, antiques, and tapestries. Tours are available to the public through the open season.
• A short drive downriver from Claymont is the Bellvue State Park, formerly of the wealthy du Pont family. The state park covers 328 maintained acres and was owned by William du Pont junior. Historic sites on the Bellevue State Park include the Mount Pleasant Episcopal Church, which features in the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Darley Food and Wine Festival usually takes place every October near the Historic Darley House's grounds at Philadelphia Pike & Manor Avenue's corner. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of wines and beers from the local community as well as live performances and entertainment.

SERVPRO Can Return your Property to its Pre-loss Condition after a Fire

Porous surfaces in the home can often be most adversely affected by smoke and present a challenge to restoration technicians. Porous surfaces absorb fluids by nature. This absorption can be problematic as it limits the tools or cleaning agents available for removing smoke. As a rule of thumb, unfinished or porous surfaces should be dry cleaned to avoid the absorption issue. 

• Unsealed wood should be cleaned using dry sponges or, for heavier soiling, denatured alcohol. 
• Alkaline cleaning agents are effective when clearing residues from masonry, while abrasion blasting can be practical for thicker residues.
• Plaster can break apart easily and is often impossible to clean when heavy soil has set. Technicians can replace plaster with little expense material like sheetrock.

Use professional services to minimize losses after a fire. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for fire restoration at (302) 762-8080.

Which Parts of Your Shop are Susceptible to Mold Damage?

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold will spread 24 to 48 hours in no time. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified for mold remediation services.

SERVPRO deals with mold damage in Claymont

If you spot signs of mold damage in your business premises, it is vital that you contact SERVPRO immediately. Mold spores can quickly spread, and the longer you go without remediation, the more damage the spores can do.

SERVPRO recommends making regular mold checks a part of your Claymont business maintenance. Signs to look for include: 

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls.
• Visible patches of mold – this might be black, green, gray, or brown.
• Unpleasant musty odors.

Pay special attention to the most susceptible areas. Mold thrives in damp, dark places with organic food sources. That means kitchens, restrooms, and storage areas are often particularly at risk.

Do not let mold eat into your business. SERVPRO is on hand to help using dry cleaning, HEPA vacuuming, air scrubbing, media blasting, and other techniques. 

We also dry damp areas of your business to discourage regrowth. We can advise you on which items, such as drapes or carpets, we can salvage and which it is better to replace.

For mold damage remediation you can rely on, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

What Is the Best Equipment for Deodorizing after Fire Restoration?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your home is no DIY project. Leave the fire restoration service you need for your home to the professionals at SERVPRO.

SERVPRO helps Wilmington businesses smell fresh once more

If you have the misfortune to suffer fire damage in your Wilmington business, you might find that one of the most annoying aspects is the leftover smoke odor. Because smoke molecules are tiny and can get into the smallest nooks and crannies, smoky smells often linger for a long time after a fire.

After fire restoration in Wilmington stores, dealing with smoke odors is especially important because unpleasant smells can put customers off. It is vital to get your premises smelling “Like it never even happened,” as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO equips our teams with industry-standard odor-combating equipment. Popular devices include:

• Sprayers can be electrical or hand-pumped. We use them to direct odor-fighting chemicals directly onto fabric or structural components.
• Air movers ventilate your premises by keeping air flowing and exchanging contaminated air for fresh air.
• Air scrubbers pull in contaminated air, trap particles in a series of filters, and then release clean air into the room.

We provide our teams with full protective equipment so they can use these tools safely.

For fire restoration that leaves your business smelling fresh, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Do You Need Help with Water Mitigation in Wilmington?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your property is no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO. Let their team of experts handle the job.

SERVPRO helps keep this vibrant city dry

Wilmington is a large, vibrant city. It is the largest city in Delaware, with a population of 70,166. Modern-day Wilmington is on a site named Fort Christina, which Swedish settlers built to be the first Swedish settlement in the United States. 

During the seventeenth century, governors ruled the colony under Swedish law, and today you can visit the Fort Christina National Historic Landmark. Delaware created the memorial in 1938 by making a beautiful park that incorporated stone from original historic earthworks. Sweden gifted Wilmington a monument bearing a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel, the ship which brought settlers from Sweden to America. The name is a combination of Kalmar, which is a Swedish city, and Nyckel, which is the Swedish word for "key."

Enjoy festival life in Wilmington.

With such an exciting past, it is no wonder Wilmington today is a multicultural city that honors the many kinds of people who helped build it into the thriving town it is today. If you happen to visit during a festival, be sure to check it out! Some of the most popular festivals include:

• The Italian Festival takes place every June, and is so big that it closes six city blocks for a week! Visitors can enjoy Italian food and drinks, along with family activities and fairground rides.
• The Greek Festival is not quite as big as the Italian Festival, but it is still worth a look. Besides traditional Greek food, drink, and music, you can try your hand at authentic Hellenic crafts.
• Hispanic Week runs in October of every year and ends with a pageant, parade, and carnival along the riverfront.
• Big August Quarterly is an African-American religious festival that celebrates freedom and challenges slavery everywhere. The Big August Quarterly has been part of Wilmington's life since 1814.

The fun does not stop with a wealth of cultural festivals! Wilmington is also home to several other arts and culture festivals. Each summer, Wilmington hosts The People's Festival, which is an annual riverfront tribute to Bob Marley. The city also holds a week-long jazz festival, known as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. If blues is more your scene, check out the three-day Riverfront Blues Festival, which showcases both internationally-acclaimed artists and local acts.

Wilmington is also home to the oldest memorial day parade in the country. If you are visiting in winter, be sure to check out the annual tree-lighting Festival and the yearly Nutcracker performance.

SERVPRO helps control microbial growth after water mitigation

When it comes to water mitigation, the first step is to remove as much water as possible before we tackle cleaning and drying your home and belongings. However, it is also essential to consider the risk of microbial growth and how to control it. Microbes can increase if they have enough time and the right conditions. That is why it is essential to take steps to prevent microbial growth:

• Removing as much excess water as possible, so there are fewer places for microbes to grow.
• Swiftly disposing of contaminated materials that are beyond saving.
• Rapid drying to starve microbes of water.

Our teams use fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to create an effective drying environment. We can also apply anti-microbial agents if needed.

If you need help with water mitigation, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Fire Restoration in Claymont Depends on a Multiple Step Plan

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

You can contact our professionals 24/7. Our fire damage experts are trained in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning.

Expertise in cleanup and buildback is why SERVPRO is a good fit 

When fire moves through your Claymont home, the damage varies in type and intensity. Homeowners cannot discern the remediable harm from severe destruction, needing controlled demolition and reconstruction. Hiring a full-service restoration firm saves time, reduces disruptions, and eliminates additional contractors.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

SERVPRO's robust construction department hastens the process of Claymont fire restoration. Our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) work hard removing residues and surface charring. Holding general construction certification and licensure as a company permits us to enhance our response:

• Follow up on safety and damage assessments 

• Securing floors, walls, steps
• Building and installing needed temporary supports

• Careful release of trapped firefighting water from ceilings and walls

• Punching weep holes from room edge to center
• Drilling or sawing release holes near baseboards
• Performing flood cuts

• Tear-outs of irreparably charred and damaged structures

• Repair and reconstruction as needed
• Consult  with insurance and the customer to limit out of pocket costs

Training and professionalism are why SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington seamlessly approaches fire restoration. Call (302) 762-8080 for prompt evaluation.

Contractor Licenses:

General: 1992104829

Residential: 1992104829

Commercial: 1992104829

Is Turnaround of Wilmington Water Incursion a Realistic Goal?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a water catastrophe. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO offers resources needed for Wilmington water restoration 

A plumbing leak or an appliance malfunction presents an obvious water emergency. Then technicians discover hidden damage from long-standing water seepage. Although the fix for the immediate problem might be an easy mop up, professional water damage restorers show their true worth when tracing water migration, locating hidden structural and fixture damage.

What Steps Are Necessary for Comprehensive Water Damage Abatement?

SERVPRO integrates levels of intervention, making complete Wilmington water restoration possible. Our crews graduate from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), prepared to meet or exceed industry best practices. Maintaining a dedicated general contracting division completes the journey from water disaster to “Like it never even happened.”

• Preliminary assessment

• Water damage mitigation and remediation plan

• Moisture detection and metering outline the work area and provide drying goal data
• State-of-art equipment supports skilled interventions removing water and drying structures
• Controlled demolition releases trapped water and open confined space for drying

• Rebuilding experts repair, replace, and reconstruct

Water restoration takes many steps, and SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington handles them all. Call (302) 762-8080 to learn how.

Contractor Licenses:

General: 1992104829

Residential: 1992104829

Commercial: 1992104829

What Is the Best Response to Wilmington Flood Damage?

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our storm damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your home or commercial property to pre-damage condition.

Reach out to SERVPRO experts when Wilmington flooding threatens

Wilmington's twenty-first-century citizens hope past mistakes will not put them at risk of flooding events. Innovative construction methods, mindful building codes, and infrastructure improvements seem reasonable to expect. Most recently, communities near the ocean hear disturbing information about rising sea levels and lengthened and more intense hurricane seasons battering the Northeast and Atlantic coast. Enhancement and progress should protect the city's residents from anticipated issues and those "hundred-year" catastrophes that seem to repeat much more often than expected. 

What Can Wilmington's Riparian Location Mean for Flood Intensity?

Wilmington lies along the Delaware banks, with the Christina River and Brandywine Creek wending their ways through the city prior to joining that famous waterway before it takes that last corner into Delaware Bay. Residents of some low lying neighborhoods in Wilmington have long lived with the worry of seasonal, storm-related flooding. As they try to absorb the new implications of sea levels rising, they also express concern that their homes continue to suffer decades-long flooding crises due to precipitation. 

Do Solutions Exist Short of Moving Out of Cherished Homes?

The footprint humankind imposes often interferes with natural ways of mitigating flooding. Partnering modern engineering with nature hopes to set things right in the Southbridge neighborhood. The South Wilmington Wetlands Park developed as a viable effort to return a brownland site to the marshy, filtering system that "flushed" the high tidal and rainstorm water. Avoiding flooding imperiling the neighborhood just south and west of the Christina River's confluence with Brandywine Creek is the goal. The design includes:

• Installation of rainwater diversion piping to drain precipitation into the developing wetland rather than the water treatment center

• Removal of "fill" soil dumped into the brownland over years

• Digging of wetland channels

• Planting of appropriate wetland vegetation

The park works somewhat like a bathtub, accepting, absorbing, and filtering the water that otherwise would have pushed into residents' basements.

Can Antiquated Sanitary Sewers Worsen Flooding?

The 200-year-old sanitary sewer system is also an issue for many flood-prone areas of Wilmington. Flooding seen in some streets without enhanced sewers nearly swallows cars when torrential rains occur. Although replacement is an expensive proposition, diligent cleaning and a slow and steady upgrade of the conduits that drain the stormwater has a positive effect. 

What Is the Recourse if Heavy Rains Have Flood Water Lapping at Your Door?

Regardless of hopeful advances, Wilmington's flood damage cannot be ignored when it strikes in your home. Although your inclination might be to wade in and mop up, hiring the professionals at SERVPRO is the wiser course. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crews manage flooding efficiently, keeping you and your family safe and your structure intact. Expect the following:

• Safety assessment and appropriate controls

• Removal of flooding with pumps and extractors

• Location of hidden floodwaters in cavities

• Planned and controlled demolition to reach and release trapped water

• Containment of floodwaters, categorized as hazardous, and lawful disposal

• Cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products before drying

Rely on SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration, including repairs and rebuilding using our construction division. Call (302) 762-8080 for a prompt assessment and a return to "Like it never even happened."

Contractor Licenses:

General: 1992104829

Residential: 1992104829

Commercial: 1992104829

Bring in the New Year with a Tour of Wilmington's Unique Breweries

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at the Liquid Alchemy tour.

Liquid Alchemy Tours Provide Wilmington Residents with a Chance to Learn the Processes of Making Honey Wine and Mead 

Liquid Alchemy is a tour and tasting event that is much fun for adults looking to understand honey wine and mead production processes—visitors tour Delaware's only meadery, where wines are produced from honey rather than grapes. The tasting tour shows you the entire journey from honey to glass and includes a complimentary meal. Many of the ingredients that go into produce Wilmington meads are sourced from the local area, while the tours are well-suited to family trips and tourists. There are nine drinks to choose from that span over ciders, wines, meads, and gluten-free beverages. Tours run from 28 Brookside Drive at Liquid Alchemy Beverages every weekend from January 1st. 

• Tour and tasting sessions start at midday each day and close at 9 pm.
• The Liquid Alchemy Brewing Company was formed in 2012 and has been a stalwart of the Wilmington community.
• The minimum age requirement for those taking tours and tasting is 21. 

Repairing a home after a recent fire can be complicated. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for expert assistance.

Change your Career Path with Statistical Training for Claymont Residents

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Statistically speaking, SERVPRO is your trusted choice for fire damage restoration.

Tech Training Solutions Offers Claymont Residents Two Week Courses in Statistical Analysis from December 29^th 

With a new year on the horizon, it may be time to consider making a change in your career. The IT training center near Claymont has helped thousands of people take up a new career path. Statistical training can help advance you in the business world and offer a statistical analysis career, UX design, and many other life-changing career opportunities. The two- and half-week short course is designed to introduce beginners to the world of statistics. Courses are led by an experienced instructor and operate in the evenings to allow for flexible study.

Classes include the practical hands-on experience to equip you for real-world problem solving and scenarios.  

• The course covers 10 hours over a two-and-a-half-week period. 
• Areas of study include distribution, hypothesis testing, and statistical significance.
• The course is suited to those looking for an introduction to data science and machine learning.  

A fire at your business premises could impact your revenue streams. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Water Leaks Can Lead to Mold Growth in your Wilmington Home

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

We stand on our restoration services so you can enjoy all Wilmington has to offer.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington Can Help Recover Damaged Possessions and Fittings Following Water Intrusion.

Delaware's largest city is Wilmington. The 17 square mile space is filled with 719,887 residents and is part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. It also boasts one of the original Swedish settlements of America by Fort Christina. The influx of Swedish colonists is a part of the Wilmington flag, which flies over several rivers in the local area. The subtropical climate of this city provides humid summers with mild winters. Wilmington's early life began as a settlement of Swedish colonists, which was later challenged by Dutch and English Continental forces. However, many of the place names and rivers derive from the original Lenape people. Despite being a large city, relatively few battles were fought over Delaware during the revolutionary war, and, as a result, many historic sites and buildings remain to this day. Wilmington was incorporated into the United States in 1777, a year before the British vacated near Philadelphia.

The foundations for Wilmington's rapid expansion into a metropolitan city began during the American Civil War when a high demand for gunpowder and products from both confederate and union forces dramatically increased production. This increase in production brought populations from all over Delaware to Wilmington in search of jobs and allowed the city to enlarge its boundaries from the Chistina and Delaware River. Wilmington's industrial output was significant to the War effort in the twentieth century, while the town was at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Wilmington has a thriving economy, with some of the largest banks and lenders setting up headquarters in the nineteen-eighties. There are also numerous Fortune 500 companies set up within this part of Delaware and prominent science and technology firms.

• The Daniel S. Frawley is a lively venue for local sports, including women's soccer and baseball. The 6,000 seater arena offers affordable tickets to locals and a fantastic atmosphere despite its relatively small size. Professional teams to play at the ballpark include the Wilmington Sharks Blue rocks. While mainly reserved for baseball, soccer, college sports, and athletics also take place at the stadium on Shipyard Drive. Concessions are available for children and seniors while athletics take place during some seasons.
• The Grand Opera House is one of the United States' oldest theatres and has been in continuous operation since its opening in 1871. The historic hall on Market Street boasts a 1,208 amphitheater and is a cultural center for performing arts in Delaware. The building itself is listed with the national register of historic places as a shining example of 19th century American Ironworks. Today's theatre hosts operas, ballets, and light shows throughout the year.
• The PlayHouse on Rodney Square is Wilmington's premier music venue showcasing jazz and contemporary music. Event listings are typically eclectic, with the forum playing host to several festivals throughout the year. Notable festivals include the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Saint Patrick's Day Parade, and the First Night Wilmington.
• The Hotel Du Pont of West 11th Street is the city's most famous hotel and has a prestigious guest list, including Presidents, World Leaders, Artists, Actors, and Olympic Athletes. The 1913 period building has 217 rooms, while the Green Room Restaurant has a AAA Diamond Award rating and the Four Star Award provided by Forbes.

Eating out in Wilmington

Wilmington's streets offer a diverse blend of cuisines that are readily enjoyed by residents and tourists. Delaware and Christina River's proximity plays an influential role in the style of local delicacies, with many restaurants serving up fresh fish and seafood. The diverse community ensures a healthy mix of Sushi, Traditional American, and Continental foods.

• La Fia is a phenomenal small bistro in downtown Wilmington. The cozy dining room is owned by Bryan and Andrea Sikora, while Head Chef serves up a culinary feast of seasonal and sustainable foods. The in-house bar provides a distinguished menu of cocktails and craft beers inspired by the local area.
• For a more casual dining experience, the recent acquisition of Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront is a superb taste of the fresh local seafood. Big fish began in Sussex County but has recently opened a waterfront eatery along the Christina River. The restaurant is ideally situated on Justison Street next to the Hyatt hotel.
• On the same street as the Big Fish Grill is the Iron Hill Brewery. While serving up a surprising range of local craft and in-house brews, the restaurant area is an understated gem. Blue crab quesadillas and Salmon Spring Rolls provide an updated take on modern American Cuisine.

Water Intrusion Can Have an Expensive and Permanent Impact on your Wilmington Residence. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is Here to Help.

Water intrusion can cause lasting damage to property without immediate intervention. Moisture typically contains microbes, which can lead to unsanitary bacteria or viruses affecting the home. Over time, these damp spots can mold growth, while semi-porous materials like hardwoods can warp or buckle. SERVPRO is a leading provider of restoration for residents with water damage. Our technicians can establish the right atmospheric conditions for quick-drying your home. Using desiccant dehumidifiers, we can lower the relative humidity to below 60 grains per pound and return hardwood fittings to their equilibrium moisture levels.

• SERVPRO has access to advanced drying equipment, including DX generators, portable furnaces, and water extraction tools.
• We use drying science to ensure that your property's drying is complete and efficient, allowing you to get on with your everyday life.
• Incomplete drying of a water issue can lead to expensive secondary damages that may not be included in your insurance.

When water enters a home environment, it begins causing damage that could become permanent. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Delaware at (302) 762-8080.

Have a Great Time Enjoying Live Music in Wilmington

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the Soulful Sunday Brunch!

Wilmington Inhabitants and Visitors Can Enjoy Music and Delicacies at the Soulful Sunday Brunch

Over a hundred festivals take place in Wilmington each year, including community events, sporting events, comedy, music, and stage productions. On December 6, 2020, you can enjoy the Soulful Sunday brunch with recording artist and vocalist Toni Trower and Co. Enjoy the specialty Bloody Mary or bottom list mimosas. Delicious Afrocentric cuisine from Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean.

The venue for the event is 340 South Market Street. The venue abides by Covid 19 guidelines, and attendees should wear masks. Here are other particulars for the event.

• The venue is open beginning from 11 AM, and music starts from 12 PM to 2 PM.
• No need to purchase advance tickets.
• Attendees should pay a $5 entertainment fee.
• Reservations are advised.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is glad to welcome you to the Soulful Sunday Brunch. We support local businesses that organize such events. If your Wilmington business has sustained flood damage after a storm, call us to perform commercial storm flooding removal. Our helpline is (302) 762-8080.

Celebrate the Gift-Giving Season at the Bellevue Community Center in Claymont

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the Fresh Air Gift Fair!

Bring Your Family and Friends to the Winter Wonderland at Claymont to Enjoy The Fresh Air Gift Fair.

The Fresh Air Gift Fair provides the community with an opportunity to support small local businesses in Claymont and enjoy the gift-giving season. This event aims to support the local economy that has been hit by the pandemic and bring people together to have fun.

Held on 6th December, the outdoor gift fair features local businesses that specialize in various products, including:

• Handmade gifts and crafts
• Local breweries
• Food trucks
• Locally grown food gifts

For the safety and comfortability of the attendees, local authorities, and the event organizers, can only allow a limited number of guests at a time. Get a free timed ticket to enter at your designated time. Attendees must wear masks at all times while in the shopping areas, apart from the designated eating and drinking areas.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington affectionately welcomes you to the Fresh Air Gift Fair. We support enterprises that make such events possible. If your business premises have mold, you need to remove it because it can cause health effects. Contact us at (302) 762-8080 for effective commercial mold removal in your Clayton business.

Get Professional and Effective Fire Damage Restoration Services in Wilmington

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

Facing fire damage alone can be quite overwhelming. Contact our certified SERVPRO team for remediation services.

SERVPRO Restorers are available 24 Hours a Day to Offer Fire Damage Restoration to Wilmington Property Owners

Wilmington, DE, is among the most populated cities in the United States. It hosts a population of 70,166 as of the 2019 U.S Census. Thomas Penn named the city after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, the prime minister who served during George II of Britain. It is among the great cities of the Delaware Valley Metropolitan area.

The Brandywine Valley and Wilmington are like a romantic, riveting tale of two centuries, two cultures, or even two worlds. This is a destination that has sharp contrasts. Gardens and Town. Culture and Commerce. Hip and Historic. Gritty and Gorgeous. These contrasts make each sight more beautiful and authentic, and each moment more distinct.

Built on the site of Fort Christina, which was North America's first Swedish settlement, Wilmington city is also home to other several Swedish settlements, including:

• Oversidolandet near Ashley Heights and Woodcrest
• Strandviken near Simonds Garden
• Sidoland in South Wellington
• Timmeron, also known as Timber Island along Brandywine Creek

In 1609, before Henry Hudson sailed up the Delaware River, the Lenape or Delaware Indians settled in the area led by chief Sachem Mattahorn. Back then, the residents called the area Bear Place or Maax-waas Unk. They named the area after the river flowed by the Maax-waas Hanna, now known as the Christian River. 

In March 1638, the Swedish South Company led by Pete Minuit arrived on Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip. The company bought Maax-waas Unk and built Fort Christina. It served as the base of the New Sweden colony that consisted of the lower Delaware River, presently known as Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Industrialization and growth of Wilmington city

The First and Second World Wars stimulated vital industries to produce products needed in the war effort. These industries included machinery, shipyards, chemical producers, and steel foundries, which operated 24 hours 7 days a week. Other industries produced products like clothing, automobiles, and leather products. Due to the scarcity of labor, minorities moved north and settled in Wilmington. That caused tensions, which resulted in the 1919 race riot in Wilmington, Delaware.

The prosperity of the post-war period led to residential development on the outskirts of the city. This attracted more people to live in the suburbs of North Wilmington. Roads and highway upgrades and the construction of Interstate 95 construction that passed through several neighborhoods caused the city center’s population to reduce. Between the 1950s and 1960s, urban renewal projects cleared housing blocks in the East Side and city centers.

The city’s economy

The economy of the readily accessible city in Delaware is based on its high population. The city has many financial institutions with favorable policies and a well-established judicial system.

In 1981, Governor Pierre S. du Pont enacted regulations that turned the city into a national financial center. He targeted the credit card industry. The 1981 Financial Center Development Act did away with usury laws that eliminated the cap on interest rates that financial institutions might legally charge clients.

The chartered corporations of Delaware depend on the Court of Chancery for all legal issues. The court does not have a jury but a Judge who places legal decisions. It is a popular court both countrywide because of its competence, well-informed judiciary, and speed. When stakeholders seek to enjoin or block corporate activities, the court comes in handy since it can grant relief in the form of injunctions or restraining orders.

Arts and Culture of Wilmington

The city is home to several museums, galleries, and gardens for residents and tourists to enjoy. The most popular museum in the city is the Delaware Art Museum, which has a wide range of collections that focus on the mid-19th century English Pre-Raphaelite movement and the 12th to the 19th-century illustration of American art.

Wilmington city also hosts several traditional festivals and other events every year. The most popular one is the Italian Festival held in the second week of June. A Catholic Church, St. Anthony of Padua, organizes the festival, and it features Italian traditional food, music, and activities such as the carnival ride.

The Greek Festival is another event that brings large crowds together. The festival features traditional Greek music, food, crafts, and drinks. Other festivals include:

• The Polish Festival features lots of entertainment, carnival rides, Polish cuisines, and lots of music.
• The IndiaFest is an event organized by the Indo American Association of Delaware.
•  The annual Big August Quarterly, which is a celebration of African American culture and history.
• The Haneef's African Festival commemorates African American legacy.

The city’s fire department maintains a marine fire fighting force, a rescue squad company, two ladder companies, and five engine companies. Since 2002, all the city's firefighters are trained to the EMT-B level.

Emergency medical services throughout the city are provided through a contract with St. Francis Hospital. The hospital‘s EMS department operates with a minimum of five BLS transport units. 

How do SERVPRO technicians help Wilmington property owners with fire damage restoration?

Dealing with a fire's aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if the restoration process does not begin right away. Smoke and soot can cause significant damage to your valuable items and surfaces, leading to costly repairs. Involving a reputable restoration company like SERVPRO within 24 hours after the unfortunate happens can help minimize damage and get your house back to normal right away.

Our team of experienced restorers can assess the extent of the destruction, provide you with a detailed estimate, and start the process of reversing the effects of fire damage. Our restorers can also provide you with an overview of salvageable contents and those that need replacement. We also work with our customer’s insurance company.

Some of the common steps we take to secure a fire damaged property include:

• Thorough property inspection to determine the severity of the damage and document our findings through videos or photos.
• Prevent further damage by removing valuable items in the affected areas and securing the property by tarping the roof or boarding up openings.
• Clean-up using advanced cleaning agents and innovative equipment to salvage various items and surfaces.
• Deodorization using cutting edge techniques and products.

We can work quickly and carefully to get your property to its preloss state within the shortest time possible.   

A fire can cause devastating damage to your valuable items and structure. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to get your home to its preloss state. "Like it never even happened."

Enjoy the Wilmington Light Show

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the drive through holiday light show!

Wilmington's Famous Drive Through Holiday Light Show

Running from Nov 27 until Jan 3, the city's Drive-Thru Holiday light show has something for everyone. While this event began years ago with drive-in concerts and movies, the show has progressed to a new holiday event that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The light show is located on the city's riverfront. There are thousands of lights providing a fantastic show. There is lots for the family to see. Residents and visitors may want to visit several times to avoid missing the:

• Animated areas
• Interactive music and
• Seasonal decorations

The price is $25 / car, and interested parties must purchase tickets online ahead of time. Due to the coronavirus, the three theaters in the area are not operating until further notice. However, the Winter Holiday light show can be enjoyed by the entire family.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington provides professional water damage cleanup services to Wilmington residential, business customers, and the surrounding area. Call (302) 762-8080. We are available 24/7to help with all water damage cleanup, mitigation, and restoration needs.

Can Smoke Residues Affect Indoor Air Quality?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage and soot clean up and restoration needed? Stop, think, and then call SERVPRO to restore your Claymont home, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Fire Damage Professionals Can Restore the Air-Quality of your Claymont Home After a Fire.

How do fires affect indoor air quality?

A property fire can influence the interior of your Claymont home in numerous ways. Combusting materials release hundreds of chemicals and volatile particles. These can often linger after a fire causing unpleasant odors or affecting indoor air quality. When entering a property with visible signs of smoke or soot soiling, it is vital to wear a respirator to avoid inhaling microscopic dust or soot particles. SERVPRO recommends using an N95 or equivalent respirator when inside the property to filter out potentially harmful micro-soots. Our team can scope your property for potential instances of soot or smoke, which could be airborne and damaging your indoor air quality.

What is the best method for restoring air-quality?

When carrying out fire damage restoration in your Claymont home, it is vital to remember that the most straightforward solutions are often the most effective. Airborne soot and ashes come from smoke residues or soiling that may reside on surfaces. By enacting a cleaning strategy to disconnect these soots from surfaces and then remove them, we can start returning indoor air to a normal condition. Not all soot is the same, which means our crew chiefs conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify the different types of damage as well as the correct method of eliminating them. Sometimes, we may apply small cleaning solutions or solvents to understand how likely items are to clean without causing excessive harm. A thorough inspection allows us to divide our workload, focusing on salvageable materials and therefore increasing efficiency.

What do production technicians do in a fire-damaged environment?

• Find and identify the types of residue and the surfaces that are affected. Both of these factors can influence the cleaning strategy.
• Technicians seek to capture these residues in a dry particulate form or suspended in a solution.
• Rinse and remove residues and then dispose of them correctly under federal and state laws or regulations.

How do restoration services find and identify residues?

In most situations where some or all of a property requires restoration, SERVPRO sends a project manager and a crew chief. Your insurance adjuster may sometimes accompany these members of staff. Crew chiefs find residues using their extensive training to locate hidden spots, causing odor or stuffy conditions in the property. A production technician usually tests these areas of soiling to assess the cleanability. All of this information relays to you and your insurance adjuster. We can then set to work, separating non-salvageable materials and concentrating on restoring the salvageable materials. Working methodically can help us assign specific tasks and provide an accurate time frame for your restoration procedure.

How are soot and smoke residues removed from surfaces?

• To remove a residue effectively, they first have to be captured, which can refer to suspending or disconnecting the soots from the surfaces they adhere to.
• Professional technicians use air or fluids to dislodge or release soot and smoke particles before carrying them away for disposal.
• Two methods of dealing with bonded soot could be through vacuuming and dissolving the soot soils.

Is vacuuming appropriate for cleaning soots?

It is prevalent for homeowners to seek to aid the restoration. These home disasters can be both inconvenient and traumatic, so it is only natural that a homeowner wishes to help. Vacuuming can be a useful method of collecting carbon residues which may have spread across the home. Carbon particles typically do not bond with surfaces on a chemical level, which means they can often be dislodged or eliminated by agitating the affected surfaces or applying negative air pressure and vacuuming. While these soots may appear relatively benign, they can absorb into surfaces in moisture, making them more challenging to clean. SERVPRO recommends avoiding introducing water to any areas of smoke or soot soiling without first consulting a professional. Sometimes adding a water-based cleaning product like detergent can exacerbate losses.

How are fire soils dissolved?

• Soot that bond to surfaces on the chemical level must be dissolved or suspended in a solvent before they become removable.
• Using a cleaning product can help loosen soots from surfaces, allowing us to flush them away using a cleaning agent.
• Hot water extraction equipment can help remove soots from textiles and other soft furnishings in the home after the application of dry solvents.

Can soot residues be thrown in the trash?

Several rules and regulations are surrounding the disposal of fire soiling and the chemical solvents used to dissolve them. Different states have different rules and laws that we must adhere to and prevent environmental damage. General rules of thumb are to avoid disposing of solvents in septic systems or open-sewer points. Dry cleaning solvents, in particular, must be bagged up in sealed packaging and taken to an industrial waste facility for disposal. Equally, disposing of cleaning fluids in a storm drain is prohibited. SERVPRO can collect debris and waste to take away from your property after restoration is done and leave your home in a clean, preloss condition.

The correct elimination and disposal of soot, ashes, and residues in general from a fire-damaged property are essential to controlling indoor air quality, odor, and loss mitigation. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

How Eco-Friendly are SERVPRO’s Cleaning Products?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

After a flooding event in your Wilmington home, call SERVPRO for groundwater removal, cleaning, and disinfecting. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

SERVPRO Uses EPA Approved Products to Clean Wilmington Homes After Flooding

Wilmington, DE, is a coastal town and subject to flooding. With sea-level rise increasing along the coasts and storms intensifying, the chances of flooding are increased. When a flood does happen, contaminated floodwaters pour into homes in the area. It can be overwhelming, but SERVPRO can help. We provide professional flood damage mitigation and restoration services.

What are Some of the Products You Use?

When homes experience flood damage in Wilmington, it is a more serious situation than water intrusion from a burst pipe. Contaminated water is the reason. Also known as black water, floodwater is a biohazard full of contaminants such as bacteria, debris, and chemical waste. SERVPRO strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Our chemists produce our cleaning products and include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean – This cleaner is biodegradable. It's pH neutral. It has no phosphates, dyes, fragrances, or solvents.
• All Surface Green Clean – This cleaning agent is non-toxic. It is phosphate-free, dye and fragrance-free. Its biodegradable makeup allows it to break down quickly.
• Window Green Clean – A volatile organic compound compliant that is rapidly biodegradable. We use it premixed with soft water; it doesn’t leave spots or streaking on glass.

One of the leading products we use in a flood situation is SERVPROXIDE. This hospital-grade disinfectant is EPA-registered. It is a stabilized chlorine dioxide-based agent and potent antimicrobial. SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. It leaves no strong odors and dissipates quickly, making it perfect for use around those who are sensitive to smells.

Proud Member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) Initiative

These products were created exclusively for our company and cannot be found in any store. If you have questions, our technicians can provide Safety Data Sheets. Our company is licensed and bonded.

Contractor Licenses:

• General: 1992104829
• Residential: 1992104829
• Commercial: 1992104829

Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Does Drywall and Insulation in the Walls in Wilmington Need to be Replaced?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

If you think you have gotten all of the water out of your home, you could be mistaken. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.

The Ultimate Deal on Wilmington Flood Damage Remediation

Flooding of homes in Wilmington can cause a great deal of damage in a matter of minutes, not only bringing water into homes but also toxic chemicals and biohazards. If the floodwaters recede quickly many clients ask why flood cuts in the drywall are needed and why the insulation inside the outer walls must be replaced?

SERVPRO has been serving the community of Wilmington and surrounding areas for over 20 years, providing flood damage restoration, working on fire, storm, and water damage from leaks and overflows. Our team has extensive experience and training we bring to every emergency.

Water quickly penetrates porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and particle board commonly used in cupboards.

• Water absorption causes these materials to swell, and they cannot be repaired.
• If water is allowed to remain longer than 24 to 48 hours, hardwood floors can absorb moisture and begin to swell and warp.
• Mold colonies may also start to form.

These materials must be replaced in addition to thoroughly drying your home and returning humidity levels to normal ranges.

Can Clients Remain in Their Homes During Restoration?

Many clients would prefer to remain in their homes. They are concerned about their belongings and probably feel more comfortable at home. Every situation is different. If living areas have been flooded, the combination of the damage, high moisture levels, and the repairs needed may make it impossible for clients to remain in their homes.

Even with minor damage, the drying equipment can be noisy and must run continuously until all moisture has been removed. Daily monitoring is also usually needed by insurance companies to justify insurance claims. If restoration is necessary for:

• Bathrooms,
• Bedrooms or
• Kitchen areas,

Most clients find it is more comfortable making alternate living arrangements. SERVPRO suggests that clients check with their insurance company regarding coverage for these situations.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington (302) 762-8080 to help with flood damage to your home.

Click here for more information about Wilmington.

How Soon Can SERVPRO Be Here for Water Mitigation?

9/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Our Customers in Wilmington with Heavy Duty and Advanced Equipment for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services

SERVPRO Arrives at Your Wilmington Home in as Little as Four Hours of Your Call to Begin Water Mitigation Efforts

Saving money is wonderful, but it should never lead to excessive damage to your interior. While you may want to save money by trying your hand at water removal, it is best to contact skilled technicians to handle your water mitigation needs. SERVPRO mobilizes quickly so that we can be at your Wilmington home to begin the assessment, planning, mitigation, and restoration efforts.

With our detailed plan for water mitigation in Wilmington, we quickly get to the heart of the issue. This ensures your family is back to their routine quicker and that you save money on restoration overall. We have an IICRC-certified staff with access to a wide variety of extraction tools that help us bring your interior back to preloss condition faster than any DIY efforts could achieve. Once we arrive on the scene, we inspect the water damage to determine severity levels. From there, we plan out the best course of action and the right tools for the job to remove water and execute the drying phases of the project.

How is Standing Water Handled?

Excessive standing water in your home calls for prompt mitigation and extraction. Any water left festering within the loss zone for too long puts your structure, building materials, and contents at risk of breakdown. Once we formulate a mitigation plan, we start removing all surface water. In many instances, the next phases of our restoration planning cannot move forward until all of the standing water gets thoroughly removed.

The mitigation efforts that SERVPRO sets forth come with numerous benefits, such as:

• Surface Water Extraction – Depending on the type of surface water present within your home, contamination brings the potential of harmful health effects to your family, pets, and our responding water restoration technicians (WRT). Before water extraction, we always consider any possible hazards and injury risks when standing water is present within your interior, such as slip or shock incidents.
• Saturation Reduction – Water within the house is a threat to any exposed materials. Water often migrates to dry spaces, meaning that some flooring or wall systems might be more at risk of moisture saturation. We remove all unsalvageable and saturated porous materials, such as carpeting, carpet padding, and drywall.
• Prevention of Water Migration – Reinforcing the importance of addressing water migration, our team knows how to proceed to stop water in its tracks. We understand that moisture left to fester after migrating can bring about immense secondary damage and mold growth potential.

What Extraction Tools Get Used?

When handling water mitigation, SERVPRO has a broad selection of tools at our disposal. These tools work well to help address pooled and standing water within your home's loss zone. To decide which tools are best, we look at factors such as:

• The depth of standing water in the incident zone
• The severity of the water damage
• Areas to where the water may have traveled
• The kinds of materials affected by water and moisture

Many of these elements get considered with the initial phase of assessing your interior before the start of mitigation. Our crew chief helps determine the best extraction tools for the job, and we always adjust as we go to cut back on the cost and time for your restoration project. Some of the most common tools that we use when there is pooling water calling for removal include:

• Mops
• Wet vacuums
• Truck-mounted extractors
• Submersible pumps, and more

Will My Carpeting be a Total Loss?

We carefully address wet carpeting in your home to determine the best way to proceed. We must test the sensitivity of fibers as well as color-fastness so that we get the best results. We also look at the carpet padding under the carpets to determine if the subfloor needs attention. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, which helps us to salvage carpeting in many situations. Some tools and methods that we use may include:

• Weighted Extractors: Also known as rovers, the technician's weight helps to force moisture out of the carpets so that the on-board vacuum can pull it up.
• Carpet Wands: Wet vacuums and mobile extractor tools are excellent for interior water damage restoration. Our crew selects the best attachments to help us pull up moisture from the carpeting and the padding below.
• Controlled Demolition: If it is impossible for us to salvage your carpeting or carpet padding, we will use controlled demolition to remove and replace materials so that everything gets left in like-new, preloss condition. Residential Contractor License #: 1992104829

When you need water mitigation, give SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington a call at (302) 762-8080. Our crews are available for emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Should I Do After Water Intrusion in My Property?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Your Wilmington Home? Why Call SERVPRO? We Can Help with the Claim to Expedite the Restoration and Mitigate Losses

Contacting a Professional Water Restoration Company in Wilmington Can Help to Mitigate Losses in your Home. SERVPRO Water Technicians Are Local to your Area.

What questions should I answer about water restoration?

When we receive a Wilmington resident's call, our approach is to gather as much information as possible. After calling your insurance provider, you can reach out to a local restorer to file a notification of loss. The first notice of loss (FNOL) includes information about your address and the type of losses at the property. You do not need to be an expert in water damage restoration to file the first notification of loss. Our customer service team can guide you through the form, asking questions related to the incident. The source of water intrusion, the condition of your property, and how long ago the incident occurred are all typical questions to answer. Using this information, our team can put together a job guideline for our technicians.

What factors do water technicians consider after receiving a notification of loss?

Information about the type of harm occurring at the property is essential to providing water restoration in your Wilmington home. Preparation is crucial in any time-sensitive job, and our goal is to mitigate losses quickly to reduce inconvenience. We can use your information to calculate our equipment needs, how many technicians are necessary, and the safety equipment we may need on the job. A clean water emergency, for example, may require electric submersible pumps to remove excess water. A contaminated water issue, on the other hand, may need pumps capable of transporting solid waste. SERVPRO promises to arrive on-site, with the necessary equipment to begin work, within four hours of notification of loss.

What are your essential values for water restoration?

• Arriving at the right location and on-time
• Stocking the correct equipment, human resources, and professional products to complete the job
• Communicating with customers courteously and professionally throughout

Filing a notification of loss is the first step to getting your home back to its preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Faulty Wiring Caused Fire in My Home Leaving Me With Severe Fire Damage. Whom Should I Call?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our professionals have state of the art equipment to clean up and restore your home so you can return safely after faulty wiring causes a fire.

Hire SERVPRO Technicians in Wilmington to Help You Handle the Fire Damage in Your Property.

The aftermath of a fire can cause more severe damage than the flames caused. Immediately the firefighters leave your residence, contact a reliable restorer in Wilmington like SERVPRO to minimize losses and get your property to its pre-fire condition. Our technicians have the skills and experience in handling fire damage of any magnitude.

Why SERVPRO professionals?

At SERVPRO, we have well-trained, certified, and highly skilled technicians who can handle the fire damage in your Wilmington property. Our professionals can professionally handle the cleaning and restoration of your property after the unfortunate incident. We take all sorts of safety precautions, and we can mitigate the fire damage quickly. We can perform a thorough inspection of your home and determine the services you need to get your home to its pre-fire damage state. We offer services such as:

Pack-out services

Water damage restoration

Soot and smoke damage cleanup

Deodorization

Our restoration process is simple, fast, and efficient. Our team is certified and strives to provide our customers with a stress-free restoration experience.  Our general contractor's license number is 1992104829.

Can technicians clean my stained kitchen appliance? 

Our technicians use approved and unique products that can clean soot and smoke residues on various surfaces. Manufacturers use materials that cannot withstand aggressive agitation to make kitchen appliances. We can first clean the soils with a cleaning agent before we apply absorbent powders. We can use stain absorb powder mixed with a solvent spotter to clean the surfaces effectively and safely.

How do restorers handle mold?

During water damage restoration, our technicians can conduct mold removal. Mold infestation can ruin your home and cause serious health issues if not dealt with promptly. We use approved techniques and advanced products when dealing with mold growth to minimize its spread. We can use concrobium, an antimicrobial that destroys 99 percent of organisms it contacts on the affected area. We can also remove the moldy materials and dispose of them.

We also dry the affected area thoroughly. We can use a ventilation box fan to increase airflow in the property and remove any odors. The equipment also eliminates the charcoal-like smell in the property.

Do not let fire damage stress you out. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for effective restoration. "Like it never even happened."        

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Does SERVPRO Have The Best Equipment For Dealing With Flood Damage?

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO be your lifesaver after flood damage.

Dealing With Wilmington Flood Damage Professionally

Wilmington homeowners know that sometimes you need to call in an expert, whether that’s because of a flood, or because you need a plumber, electrician, or landscape gardener. Your home is precious to you, so naturally, when you need to call in a professional, you want someone you can rely on to treat your home with care. 

No homeowner wants to deal with flood damage in Wilmington, but unfortunately, sometimes disasters occur whether we want them to or not. If you need flood cleanup services, make SERVPRO your first call – we’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

When it comes to flood restoration, there are three things you need from your remediation company:

• Well-trained staff
• A fast response
• The best equipment for the job

Are SERVPRO staff well-trained?

Yes – we train our staff to a high standard. We educate each team member at our central facility. We also ensure all staff receive ongoing training and stay on top of the latest industry developments and standards. Although SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is a local company, we are part of a national team with access to excellent industry-recognized training. 

Can I expect a quick response?

Yes – our teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We know that when flood damage occurs, a swift response is essential. The faster we can assess your home and get started on a restoration plan, the faster you can get back to your life.

How do I know SERVPRO has the best equipment for the job?

We do all our work to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards. To clean and restore a property to these standards, we need to have the correct equipment.

Outfitting our teams with the best equipment for any size or type of job is a crucial part of our philosophy. We know that our teams need a combination of proper training and access to appropriate materials to do their jobs to the highest standard.

What is psychrometry, and why does it matter?

Psychrometry refers to the thermodynamics of moisture in the air. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide instructs water restoration experts in the art of using psychrometry to:

• Manipulate relative humidity levels in the air 
• Manipulate room temperature
• Remove moisture

By using high-tech equipment to measure moisture and humidity, and then dry out your property, we can get the best results. Thorough drying of your home is key to preventing further structural damage, discouraging spore growth, restoring your personal belongings, and leaving your home fresh and pleasant once more.

What equipment does SERVPRO use to remediate flood damage?

Our teams use specialized equipment for each stage of the flood restoration process.

We use moisture detection equipment to assess the levels of moisture in your property. Some devices, such as penetrating moisture meters, thermal hygrometers, and infrared imaging, help us gauge moisture levels behind walls, floors, and ceilings. We also measure humidity in the air. Having an accurate set of moisture readings means we can devise a restoration plan that is just right for the situation.

We use extraction equipment to remove as much water as possible from your home before beginning the drying process. We use a combination of powerful free-standing and truck-mounted pumps to vacuum the water out of your house. We also have carpet wands, rotary extractors, and manual extractors to work moisture from carpets and rugs.

Proper drying is necessary to ensure moisture is eliminated and reduce the risk of warping or swelling of furniture, doors, floors, and window frames. We use a range of drying equipment that includes high-speed air movers to encourage evaporation and dehumidifiers to draw water from the air.

In some cases of flood damage, there may be contaminants present. For such scenarios, we have a range of OSHA-approved cleaning and disinfectant products on hand for use in submersion, scrubbing, or spot cleaning of walls, belongings, furniture, and soft furnishings.

We also equip our teams with effective deodorizing equipment. Deodorization leaves your home smelling good, but it also removes contaminants from the air and restores air quality. We use thermal and wet foggers and air scrubbers to deodorize your home as needed.

How will I know when the job is complete?

We monitor each drying job carefully throughout every stage. We use moisture detection equipment to monitor progress and ensure all equipment is working as it should. Because we use accurate tools, there is no guesswork involved, and we will not quit until the readings are as they should be.

Our team is done when the job is done and not a moment before. We follow up with you a week from completion to be sure you are happy and answer any questions.

If you are concerned about flood damage, give SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington a call at (302) 762-8080.

How do I remove water from an underground Wilmington parking lot?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what level your water damage is on, SERVPRO has you covered Wilmington.

Moving Water from a Subterranean Level Requires Powerful Equipment. SERVPRO can Perform Commercial Flood Damage Recovery at your Wilmington Business.

What are the dangers of leaving floodwaters in parking lots?

Heavy rainfall over Wilmington can lead to flooding of your commercial enterprises. These issues tend to affect underground spaces first because water migration naturally flows downhill. Once there is a significant buildup of standing water, it can begin to deteriorate and stagnate. When the resulting flood comes from road, river, or dam overflow, water is likely contaminated from the start. These issues can force a temporary closure of your business, causing you to lose vital revenues. There are also associated health risks from black water, which could affect your staff or parking lot users. To ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, we recommend you enlist a professional technician to assess and perform a vital mitigation procedure.

How do you remove water from lower levels?

Subterranean spaces are challenging for commercial flood damage restoration services in Wilmington because it is tough to move water uphill. SERVPRO technicians use high-pressure pumps with sufficient lift capacity and volume to move water out of a subterranean area. These pumps can dispose of water into a nearby sewer point or store into water tanks situated outside the city. Once standing water levels reduce to below two inches, we can use light-weight water extraction equipment to remove the remaining residues. Since floodwaters commonly contain contamination, our technicians can thoroughly disinfect the area and remove any solid waste from the structure for disposal at a designated wastewater facility. 

What are the losses associated with parking lot flooding?

- Damages to vehicles that may be parked inside

- Mold buildup as well as sewer gases or other harmful pathogens

- Unsanitary conditions that could become a health and safety issue

Take an active approach to flood by using a local commercial restorer. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Are the Signs of Wilmington Flood Damage Always Apparent?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage can take over before you know what has really happened, depend on SERVPRO today.

When Storms Hit Wilmington, SERVPRO Knows How to Look for Flood Damage Inside and Outside Your Home

Storms are unavoidable at any point throughout the year. Once a storm rolls through the Wilmington area, it is reasonable to worry about the potential for water damage. Calling in help from technicians with a trained eye to handle the assessment and restoration is the best route to take. SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians to address your flooding on any level, including mitigation, to limit the overall extent of the loss.

What Should I Be Looking Out For?

If you are worried you are taking on flood damage in Wilmington, it is imperative that you look in several areas. You can inspect your exterior for things like:

• Damage from Wind – Excessive wind damage is generally present when storm fronts bring wind around 45 mph and higher. The signs of wind damage include fallen debris around your property and missing or damaged roofing shingles.
• Miscellaneous Damage – Other damage from a storm may include siding dents, fallen gutters, and substantial washouts around your home that may also point to interior water damage.

The signs to look for inside your home after storm flooding include:

• Water-saturated insulation
• Staining on your walls, ceilings, or floors
• Water that seems to be seeping from your attic or crawlspace
• Cracks or leaks in your skylights, and more

When you notice any combination of these tell-tale signs of damage, our SERVPRO team can assess and assist. We ensure no standing water or hidden moisture is left to fester, as this brings about secondary damage to your home and the potential for mold and mildew growth. We have industrial-grade extraction tools to pull up water combined with powerful air movers and dehumidification equipment. Everything works in unison to restore your interior while bringing down relative humidity throughout your home. 

Call us at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington when you need us for flood damage restoration, and our crew makes it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24/7 for emergency service by calling (302) 762-8080.

What Does Fire Damage Restoration Entail?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have training in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery & fabric cleaning.

Our SERVPRO Technicians Cover Every Corner When Dealing With Fire Damage In Your Home.

Fire Damage Remediation Services in Wilmington, Like SERVPRO, Remove Harmful Soot Residues from Various Surfaces, Neutralize Unpleasant Odors, and Reconstruct Fire-Damaged Structural Elements and Objects.

When fire impacts your Wilmington area home, it damages it in specific, predictable ways. In general, depending on the kinds of materials burned, how oxygenated the fire is, and how long it lasts, fire harms your residence in the following four primary ways:

It consumes certain materials, leaving behind soot residues.

It produces airborne particles that later settle throughout your residence.

It forms acidic waste products that discolor, causes corrosion, or otherwise damage surfaces they form or settle on.

It generates persistent unpleasant odors that negatively affect the overall air quality in your home.

After suffering fire damage, you need to contact a reliable remediation service. These experienced professionals can effectively remove odorous soot residues from around your home, helping to both prevent additional fire-related damage and neutralize annoying odors. Afterward, they can also help you reconstruct structural elements and materials harmed or destroyed in the blaze.    

How Do Soot Residues Affect Surfaces?

SERVPRO, a Wilmington fire damage restoration company, understands how soot residues affect surfaces around your home. This knowledge enables our technicians to more easily locate and effectively eliminate or treat these odor-producing fire wastes. Some ways fire residues reach, and bond to surfaces around your home are:   

Fires burn many synthetic substances, leaving hard-to-clean greasy residues where they occur.

Inefficient combustion of materials produces particle-carrying smoke that travels throughout your home, depositing odorous particles wherever it goes.

Porous surfaces and objects most readily absorb settling smell-causing smoke particles.

Fire-related heat enables odorous particles to more thoroughly bond with household items and structural elements.

As smoke rises, it covers the interior surfaces of your HVAC system with smelly particles that can later blow into other parts of your residence.

SERVPRO uses different cleaning methods to remove odorous particles and soot residues, depending on how these substances are initially bonded to particular surfaces. Sometimes our technicians have to use a combination of methods to successfully remediate affected materials.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Neutralize Odors in Your Fire-Damaged Home?      

Often, the most daunting task involved in fire damage restoration is odor neutralization. These unpleasant, challenging to remediate fire-related smells are a product of both airborne particles and surface-coating residues. Our experts, therefore, employ methods that address both sources of these persistent reminders of a fire. In doing this, they:

Use air movers and high-velocity box fans to replace particle-rich air with cleaner outdoor air.

Filter your home’s air with state-of-the-art scrubbers that eliminate odorous particles and noxious gases.

Counteract smoke particles with ozone gas machines.

Neutralize smells with natural oil-aerosolizing Vaportek devices.

Use thermal foggers to deodorize even the most difficult-to-access areas.

Clean your HVAC system with specialized cleaning systems.

Remove non-grease residues with dry sponges.

Clean up greasy fire-related deposits with cleaning solutions made of vinegar or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP).

Employ abrasive blasting, wire brushing, or scraping techniques to removing charring and tough-to-clean smoke residues.

Pressure wash non-grease deposits off of impacted structural elements.

These various measures often successfully remedy the annoying odors related to fire damage. After they have been employed, impacted homes often make a fire event smell "Like it never even happened."  

Is SERVPRO Capable of Fully Restoring My Fire-Damaged Possessions and Furnishings?

As a firm certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), SERVPRO professionals are specially trained in the restoration of numerous things. They can restore harmed objects and reconstruct those that have been destroyed. Some of the various things our workers are experts in restoring are hard surfaces, carpets, rugs, upholstery, leather-covered furnishings, and items made of various fabrics. Also, as members of the Association of Builders and Contractors, we are skilled at reconstructing destroyed structural elements and certain household contents.

With all that said, house fires are relatively common occurrences that often take homeowners by surprise. They can arise from any of a number of causes. Many of these blazes result from such mundane things as cooking mishaps or careless accidents around the house. Grease fires that quickly get out of control and family members falling asleep on the couch with a lit cigarette in hand are both oft-seen, unfortunate scenarios. Other times, more unusual circumstances, such as rogue lightning strikes or gas leaks, could start a house fire. Regardless of the cause, though, you certainly need trained fire damage restoration professionals after the fire has been extinguished. Quality services like SERVPRO have the right expertise and equipment to return your residence to its pre-fire condition quickly and cost-effectively.        

If you ever need help neutralizing unpleasant fire damage odors and restoring your home to its original condition, call SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. 

Is Carpeting Easy to Repair After Water Losses in My Wilmington Home?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can quickly damage the flooring in your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation efforts.

Flooring is always susceptible to water absorption and damage, so our SERVPRO team works quickly to restore these materials. 

Water loss incidents are particularly problematic for flooring in your Wilmington home. Despite the type of material you have installed for flooring throughout the house, pooling water after a disaster can threaten these elements' structural integrity and become a challenging area of the house to dry and restore. Our SERVPRO professionals have multiple tools and technologies specifically for addressing trapped water in flooring materials such as carpeting. 

After compromising emergencies, you might have several pressing needs for water damage repair in your Wilmington residence. With the team of licensed in-house contractors that can help oversee both controlled demolitions and varying degrees of build back that your property might require, we are prepared to address the needs of your home after a substantial water loss. From extraction and cleaning through carpeting removal and replacement, we have professionals that can help.

Does the Subflooring Need Repair? 

Carpeting is often one of the most readily damaged flooring materials in a house. The top layer consists primarily of fibers that are highly absorbent to standing water, making it challenging to prevent the migration of this water to areas like the subflooring. Our responding technicians' objective is to avoid irreparable water damage to this underlayment so that reinstallation and replacement of the carpet and padding are more cost-effective and efficient. Inspecting the exposed subflooring can detail potential concerns with warning signs like:

• Visible Damage
• Wet Surface
• Discovered Moisture Damage 

Removing and replacing the carpet is often a need after a water loss incident, and this problem could extend to supports, joists, and subflooring materials as well. We can offer full-service recovery for your property with in-house contractors available along with our fast-responding restoration technicians. Give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call 24/7 at (302) 762-8080.

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What Happens to Flood-Damaged Contents in My Wilmington Home?

6/21/2020 (Permalink)

Act quickly when your home floods. Our technicians will dry out your property and remediate the damage.

Your belongings are a valuable asset that should get protected as soon as professionals arrive to restore your flood-damaged property. 

There are many priorities of responding technicians when flooding occurs in a Wilmington home. From the potential for contamination to structural damages, our SERVPRO team must carefully address each of the pressing loss effects to make flooding “Like it never even happened.” We have skilled technicians accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in many areas, including structural drying, water restoration, biohazard cleaning, and more.

Among the chief concerns of our professionals addressing the flood damage in your Wilmington residence is the effect that the disaster has on its contents. Your personal belongings and possessions are some of the keys to making your house a home, and when these items are damaged, it can be a stressful experience for the occupants of the house. We have many useful methods for cleaning and restoring these affected contents, and this process typically begins with a thorough assessment of the damage during our job scoping phase.

How Do Personal Belongings Get Assessed After a Loss?

Initially, our professionals, like the project manager and crew chief, can work together to identify damages to the structure and its contents. Careful inspections here can ensure that affected materials and items get the attention that they need. Surface inspections and evaluations can often be the first action taken to determine if cleaning and recovery steps are necessary. In addition to the surface inspection, we can identify more substantial damages by looking more closely at the possessions, furniture, and textiles with moisture detection tools and thermal imagery.

What On-Site Recovery Solutions Exist?

Our responding content management technicians always focus on restoring and cleaning items in Wilmington on-site rather than pursuing alternative recovery approaches like the pack-out procedure. In many ways, if the migrating effects do not damage the present belongings in the affected areas of the home, there are specific practices that can clear surface residues and prevent the relocation of your possessions.

• Surface Cleaning – Cleaning residues, dirt, and mud from your possessions in the house might be an efficient way to inspect these items for further damages like saturation or odors.
• Deodorization – Flooding threats often come with foul odors, especially when some of these contents were exposed to standing water for extended periods. We have several tools that can help remove odors, including thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, or ozone machines. 
• Drying – Flood effects can leave your possessions saturated or damp from the high moisture content in the damaged areas of the house. With air movers, dehumidifiers, and other drying tools, we can help remove the trapped water in your belongings.

What is the Pack-Out Process?

In some situations, the damage to the contents of your home is too significant to restore these items where they get found. Instead, our team works to carefully remove these belongings and catalog their placement in the house. Once loaded onto our SERVPRO Green Fleet vehicles, your possessions make their way to our nearby facility for focused cleaning, drying, and other restorative approaches. Some of the phases of restoration in our warehouse include:

• Drying
• Deodorization
• Surface Cleaning
• Safe Storage

What is the Move-Back Process?

When the work ends in the house and flood damage has gotten successfully recovered, we can remove your items from their climate-controlled storage in our care and prepare them for their return into your restored property. Even this move-back process involves specific steps to ensure that we do not miss a more significant issue with the recovered belongings in our possession.

• Completion of Restoration – The first of the phases of the move back involves completing the restoration work in the house following a flood. From drying and cleaning, there are many steps necessary to restore the home, and your items cannot get returned to the residence without addressing these damaging conditions.
• Staging – In the days leading into the return of your belongings, our SERVPRO professionals stage these restored contents in groupings based on where they are getting returned. This process also allows us to get a final look at all of the items to inspect them for missed moisture or flood damages.
• Placement – Once our content technicians determine that the items are back to their preloss conditions, move-back can begin. We return removed belongings to their original positions in the house. 

Protecting your belongings is critical to the restoration and recovery work that we can do for your home after a flood. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call at (302) 762-8080.

What is the Smartest Way to Deal with Flooding in Wilmington?

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and subsequent flood damage can totally catch you by surprise. Contact team SERVPRO if your home is facing this situation.

SERVPRO Have a Local Roster of Qualified Restorers for Flood Damage in Wilmington

Should I stay away from floodwaters?

Floodwaters are full of pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can be harmful when coming into contact with humans. When water intrudes in your Wilmington residence, it can be tempting to remove possessions or items from the flooded area. However, you should contact professional restorers before wading into standing water. Most household items have some resilience to water in the first few hours and are often restorable. Our services guarantee to arrive at your property within four hours of notification of loss, which is enough to mitigate potentially expensive losses.

How do you measure water loss?

Water loss has categories from one to four, with four being the most substantial. We measure these classes based on how far the water has absorbed into structure or materials—usually, flood damage in your Wilmington home measures as a category three or four emergency. With consistent exposure, water can enter floorboards, sheetrock, or cavities. The excess moisture content can lead to permanent losses. A SERVPRO technician can use a moisture sensor to probe materials like baseboard and drywall to assess how much water absorption is taking place at the property. These measurements are influential in the scope of the restoration project.

How can I remove wet building materials from a flooded property?

• Measure the standing water line on the wall
• Draw a line directly onto the wall surface at least two-foot above your standing water line
• Test for any loose wiring, fittings or pipes behind the wall
• Remove the baseboard and cut along the line using a circular saw then leverage out the section

Encountering a flood emergency at your property can be emotionally draining. By using a professional restorer, you give your home a shot at returning to its preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. 

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How Do I Restore Different Flooring Materials After a Water Loss in Wilmington?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

We have the tools to make losses “Like it never even happened.”

Your Wilmington Home Has Multiple Flooring Types, and Our SERVPRO Team Can Help You Clean Them After Water Loss Disasters

Most Wilmington homes do not have the same flooring throughout the entire structure, meaning that situations like water losses can impact all of these materials differently. The more than you know about how your home was constructed and what materials were used, the better you can appreciate the different tools, equipment, and techniques required to restore them after a loss.

From carpets to wood flooring, water cleanup in Wilmington homes is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Careful consideration must occur to ensure that the most efficient and effective practices are being utilized to save a customer time and money on the restoration work. Before any restoration work can officially begin on the individual materials affected by a water damage scenario, it can be beneficial to understand the process before our SERVPRO team arrives.

What Must Happen to Remove Water Damage from My Home?

While there are multiple phases and techniques that can be instrumental in both extraction and drying your home after a loss incident, each situation is different. In some situations, extraction is a wasted effort to the appropriately placed air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the house. Knowing what the house needs falls to the competent job scoping by our project manager and the information updated regularly in the DryBook software exclusive to our restoration brand. The steps of water restoration often involve these tasks:

    •    Extraction – This step involves removing surface water from flooring using submersible pumps and wet vacuums typically.
    •    Drying – This phase involves the broadest array of equipment, from air movers and dehumidifiers to drying mats and positive pressure systems.
    •    Controlled Demolition – Not every job requires controlled demolition, but it can provide access to damaged plumbing or help prevent further wicking of moisture into other drywall panels.
    •    Content Management – Protecting what matters most in your house involves relocating your belongings or cleaning them on-site. Ensuring your possessions’ safety and restoration can often be more valuable to homeowners than protecting their structure.

Can Wood Flooring Get Protected?

Wood flooring is a standard implement and material throughout area homes and businesses. It is not impossible to reduce the threat to this flooring with concentrated efforts beginning with extraction and drawing out moisture from the planks. To accomplish this, several advanced tools can help. Here are some areas of focus for our technicians working to reduce the loss of building materials:

    •    Surface Moisture – Standing water is one of the greatest threats to wood plank flooring because the cellulose in the planks continue to pull moisture from the surface into the material until they become oversaturated. Removing surface water with a combination of submersible pumps and wet vacuums can help to move to the drying stage promptly.
    •    Floor Mat Drying – While there are several drying tools like air movers and dehumidifiers that can help remove moisture and evaporate water damage, wood plank floors often respond best to direct evaporation strategies like floor mat drying systems.
    •    Cleaning the Surface – Once the water has gotten removed from the plank flooring and the flooring seems stable, it is crucial to take the time to clean and even resurface the material when necessary. Citrus and thymol oils are both excellent cleaning products to renew the shine to the floors.

Do Wet Carpets Require Removal?

Numerous factors play into whether wet carpets require removal, and often this involves the amount of time that these materials remain exposed and saturated by the water loss effects. Migrating beyond the fibers of the upper layer is common, so several tools and devices are necessary to remove trapped water and get the area dry enough to save the carpeting. These include:

    •    Carpet Wands – These attachments get used with powerful extractors and can focus suction on carpeted floors using similar implements to hot water extraction cleaning.
    •    Weighted Extractors – Using the weight of the technician involved through stationery and ride on tools, weighted extractors force the fibers, padding, and subflooring together to bring water to the surface for collection and disposal.
    •    Air Movers – Centrifugal air movers, especially low-profile units, are instrumental in floating carpets to dry the upper layer and the padding simultaneously.

Who Cleans Carpets After a Water Loss?

With a team of qualified cleaning technicians, we can restore the look and vibrancy of tired carpets after a loss. Not only can this remove set-in sediment and soiling, but it also can eliminate residual soiling from trapped water.

Restoring flooring after water losses can feel overwhelming, but our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team can help. We have the tools to make losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (302) 762-8080.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

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

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington today at (302) 762-8080 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

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

Why is Professional Fire Restoration in Wilmington Better than Regular Cleaning Methods?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot travel throughout your home and are difficult to clean. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Handle the Fire Damage in Your Wilmington Home with Expert Precision 

Fire ripping through your home leaves a substantial amount of devastation in its wake. Even your best efforts only go so far using over the counter cleaning products and home cleaning tools. The professionals come to each fire restoration job with industrial strength equipment and insider knowledge and techniques to get the work done more efficiently. 

How Does SERVPRO Handle the Cleanup After a Fire? 

Facing the fire damage throughout your Wilmington home can feel overwhelming. However, our skilled technicians arrive quickly and begin an assessment immediately to take the burden off of your shoulders. Our goal is to implement a plan to facilitate restoration in the most effective manner possible so that your interior is back to preloss condition sooner. Areas we address during cleanup include: 

• Ashes that settle throughout the home from burned items.
• If the fire is in your kitchen, we handle strong odors from burned food items.
• Stubborn, thick smoke residue that collected on your personal belongings and the walls throughout your home.
• Damage to your electronics and cables.
• Pungent, noxious smells that linger due to burnt synthetic items. 

Should unpleasant odors fill the air in your home after cleanup is complete, we have several deodorization methods we use to get rid of them. Depending on the type of odor, we may use fogging or direct spraying to address it. Our trucks come fully equipped with everything we need to eliminate odorous particles and clean the air, including: 

• Thermal Foggers
• Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Misters
• Hydroxyl Generators 

We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington. Give us a call at (302) 762-8080, and we can send a crew out in as little as four hours to assess your fire damage needs. 

More about Wilmington.

What Do I Do if My Wilmington Daycare Facility Suffers Water Damage?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you had plumbing failure or the washing machine at your daycare center leaked, expert water restoration ensures you are back up and running.

Calling SERVPRO for Water Damage Gets Your Prompt Restoration of Your Wilmington Daycare Center

In any commercial location, water damage spreads moisture at a rapid rate. Whether you had plumbing failure or the washing machine at your daycare center leaked, expert water restoration ensures you are back up and running without a hitch. SERVPRO arrives, and our IICRC-certified team gets to work quickly with the latest equipment and restoration techniques.

Are There Any Safety Hazards I Should Worry About?
In the time before we arrive to assess your water damage in Wilmington, you can have your maintenance team mitigate potential safety issues. This includes keeping foot traffic from the water loss zone, mopping up visible water, and shutting off electricity to the area.

Upon Arrival at Your Business
The crew chief works with the technicians to put together the best course of action to bring your facility back to preloss condition. Some of the steps that we often use with commercial water restoration includes:

    •    We safely remove the standing water that may remain in the building
    •    We assess the building materials
    •    We test the contents of your commercial space
    •    We formulate a plan to determine drying goals

Equipment is crucial with any water damage situation. Our dehumidifiers are elemental for helping to lower the relative humidity in the space, while air movers and industrial fans ensure proper airflow. To ensure we meet all of our drying goals, we send out a technician for daily testing until we can be sure that all of the moisture levels are back to normal in your building.

You can count on us at SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington whenever you need prompt water damage restoration. When you call us at (302) 762-8080, you can expect a team at your door in as little as four hours to get started with the assessment and planning.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Should I Treat Commercial Water Cleanup In My Wilmington Bookshop As An Emergency?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage. Let our teams help you get your Bookshop back in order.

SERVPRO Crews understand the different ways moisture can cause damages helping you mount an appropriate response

Various incidents can leave pools of water and swatches of wet materials in your Wilmington bookshop. If it is the first time such a case affects your business, you might consider the worst phase of the incident over after stopping the water source, thus responding lightly. However, treating such an incident as an emergency is crucial because most require elaborate cleaning processes afterward. When done correctly, cleanup helps deal with soiling, prevents secondary damages, and restores the business premises to its preloss state in good time. Many businesses close for extended periods leading to loss of customers.

What unexpected issues are likely to crop up?

It is easy to underestimate the process of water cleanup in your Wilmington bookshop, especially when the incident leaves minimal areas visibly soiled. However, the threat of unexpected problems developing is highly likely in many cases, so failure to respond appropriately can leave you grappling with:

• Invasion of insects such as silverfish
• Stubborn odor
• Mold or other microbial growth
• Physical deterioration of books

High humidity levels in a property attract different types of bugs or create a perfect breeding environment for them. Preventing such infestation is one reason you should take cleanup as an emergency since bugs such as silverfish feed on glue and paper in books while others feed on organic materials such as wood, destroying shelves and other furniture.

Books can also absorb moisture from the air when there is a delay in taking corrective steps because of the hygroscopic properties of some papers. Deterioration of bookbindings and warping are just a few of the problems that might affect your stock, thus inflating the cost from the loss unnecessarily. 

The development of mold and other forms of deterioration can also lead to the bad smell felt within the shop. Although the smell itself may not have a significant effect, it may lead to discomfort for your staff, as well as the customers.

How does a restoration company like SERVPRO help?

The main reason you need a professional restorer to help with water cleanup is the resources such a professional team avails. The resources can prove handy in quickening the restoration processes, thus eliminating any secondary problems. We also tackle difficult cleaning tasks that may arise, including washing and drying carpets and upholstery in reading rooms. Some of the resources you can expect our crews to have include:

• Sophisticated moisture detection tools
• Specialized upholstery cleaning equipment
• Professional grade cleaning agents
• Drying equipment

Before embarking on cleaning to soiling and deal with other problems, there is a need to remove any remnants of spilled water. Our SERVPRO teams wet vacuum floor sections with significant wetness. We also focus on contents such as area rugs or upholstery in the back office or reading room if there is one since the porous materials they are made of can be perfect moisture reservoirs. 

We also take other crucial moisture management steps, such as setting up dehumidifiers around the premises to regulate humidity levels. In many cases, the relative humidity level inside a house spikes above 50% when there is a water spill leading to problems such as moldy smell in books or even rusting of internal components in electronics.

What essential cleaning actions does the restoration crew carry out?

Although a water loss situation is inconvenient, it also presents an opportunity to perform a thorough cleanup around your store. You may not realize it, but dust and other light materials tend to accumulate on shelves, book surfaces, and hidden areas within your shop. Our SERVPRO technicians help remove the dust and other soils by wiping surfaces and contents with a magnetic cloth or feather dusters.  

We take steps to restore contents and materials directly exposed to water during the incident.  Moisture readily damages documents, paintings, books, and other paper materials, but with our expertise and experience dealing with water damage cases, we can help save some. We store the affected materials in a freezer facility immediately after discovering the loss to halt further deterioration. We then evaluate the items to determine whether we can save them through different drying methods, including:

• Air-drying
• Freezer drying
• Dehumidification
• Vacuum thermal-drying

Deodorization is also crucial to deal with any unpleasant smells that develop. We mix deodorizing agents with other cleaning agents so that we can deal with odors while cleaning. We can also apply deodorizers after completing the cleaning process. A process such as misting with ULV foggers is highly effective in the application of such agents.  

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can help you respond appropriately when your bookshop needs clean up after a water spill. Call us at (302) 762-8080. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What is the Best Way to Dry Wilmington Hardwood Floors?

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know how to dry hardwood floors SERVPRO does! Call us today!

Water Removal Wilmington – Drying Hardwood Floors

Placing hardwood floors throughout the home has become very popular in recent times. So much so that you find hardwood in the kitchen and occasionally in bathrooms as well. This flooring material type looks excellent; however, this flooring type presents unique challenges, especially when exposed to water spills or leaks from dishwashers, sinks, or plumbing leaks. Hardwood floors can swell and crack if we do not remove it quickly.

SERVPRO provides water removal services in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Our franchise is a family business serving the community for the past 30 years. We have expanded, adding employees, taking IICRC certified training in all aspects of restoration for residential and commercial properties. We respond within 4 hours and are available on a 24 / 7 basis with fully equipped trucks to meet every emergency.

Managing Wet Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring can be saved and dried, providing we can remove the water quickly before it has a chance to be absorbed by either the subfloor or the hardwood. We urge clients to stop the water leak by turning off the water faucet or the main water valve to the home. We also urge clients to mop up as much of the water as possible to reduce the impact. There are spaces between the boards, and this is where the potential problem is.

The subfloor and hardwood planks absorb any remaining water on the floor and between the boards. Absorption of the water causes swelling of the wood, which can disfigure the floor and potentially cause cracks, cupping, and crowning of the boards affected. We avoid these issues by removing moisture quickly before it has a chance to be absorbed.

SERVPRO uses drying mats that are placed on the floor and attached to high powered suction hoses. We pull the water from the floor before it has a chance to be absorbed by the wood. Air movers and dehumidifiers can reduce humidity levels further to avoid damage to the floor.

We also have contractor licenses: General: 1992104829, Residential: 1992104829, Commercial: 1992104829. SERVPRO can provide water mitigation, restoration, repair, and reconstruction services as needed.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Talleyville, Greenville, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Wilmington.

Viral Decontamination for Wilmington Medical /Dental Offices

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

The last thing employees want to do at the end of the day is to disinfect door handles. SERVPRO does the job after they go home.

SERVPRO Can Help Clean and Decontaminate Waiting Rooms

Although elective medical appointments and procedures might be on hold right now in many Wilmington clinics, some treatments cannot be delayed. Healthcare providers remain vigilant, checking for information from the Delaware Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but must make testing and medications available on even a daily basis to some patients.

Possible Clinic Contamination Requires Cleaning and Application of Disinfectants

Your local SERVPRO has extensive experience with biohazard cleanup in Wilmington, including containing and lawfully disposing of human pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Our firm commitment to the community combined with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training on on-the-job experience with flooding and sewer backup means you can have confidence in our preparedness for coronavirus pandemic cleaning.

You Enforce the Social Distancing--SERVPRO Completes the Decontamination

Our crews have flexible schedules so that we can set up one or a series of deep cleans, with the disinfectant application to decontaminate surfaces in your clinic. We focus on “high-touch” areas, but also have equipment that can facilitate fogging or spraying of disinfectants that are on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of granted emerging viral pathogen claims. Frequently touched areas are cleaned with soap or detergent and water and then receive a disinfectant treatment:

• Doors, door handles, and locks
• Push bars
• Chairs
• Counters and tables
• Keyboards
• Restrooms
• Patient rooms and furnishings
• Credit card machines

Rely on SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington to help with your clinic’s decontamination needs. Call 24 hours a day at (302) 762-8080.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

What Is the Best Way to Prevent Damage in My Home after a Leak from My Dishwasher?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has Advanced Equipment for Water Clean Up and Drying in All of Wilimington

Call SERVPRO For All of Your Water Removal Needs!

Many situations could leave you with a puddle of water in your home. A leaky dishwasher could soak your kitchen floor, and an overflowing bathtub could have water leaking out from your bathroom. You may think, "What's the big deal? I can clean up some water by myself." However, what many people don't consider is the growth of what they cannot see: mold spores.

Why Not Remove the Water Yourself? Read Below!

If your home in Wilmington ever found itself in urgent need of water removal services, it can be comforting to trust experts with the situation. Here at SERVPRO, our technicians are expertly trained and have access to advanced equipment that allows them to do the job as quickly as possible. The problem with stagnant water is that it takes less than 72 hours for mold spores to activate and begin to grow into a colony. Using some towels and a mop to clean up the water that you can see may seem like a decent solution to the problem. However, it's the water that you cannot see that could cause an issue.

Water seeks the path of least resistance. For example, if the bathtub on the uppermost floor of your home overfills and spills out onto the floor, the water can spread out. Once it hits the walls, it can follow the framing of your home to other floors and spread the moisture throughout your home. Hiring professional help can help negate these issues.

Here at SERVPRO, our water damage restoration technicians (WRT) use advanced equipment to handle every job we take.

    •    Our techs can use wet/dry vacuums and extractors to pick up the stagnant water.
    •    Other devices such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras locate hidden pockets of water
    •    Drying devices like air movers and dehumidifiers follow

With the help of our advanced technological equipment, our SERVPRO techs can locate the excess moisture in your home and quickly remediate it. Doing so allows you to return to your everyday life.

If you find yourself in need of water removal services, never hesitate to get help. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington by calling (302) 762-8080. Our technicians are always ready to help you.

Here is Wilmington.

We Act Fast In Wilmington After A Flood

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

We used our desiccant and generator to work together in order to dry the property after a flood. We are available 24/7 to prevent further damage.

Steps That Help In Controlling Microbial Growth after Flood Damage Incidents in Wilmington

Microbial growth in properties is usual if the conditions are favorable. High moisture levels in an indoor environment encourage such growth. Therefore, after an incident of flood damage, there is a need to take steps to curb such growth.

Although water extraction is expected after flood damage incidents in Wilmington, taking too long can lead to microbial growth. Such growths start within 24-48 hours, so there is a need to expedite extraction and start drying procedures within this timeframe. Our SERVPRO technicians try to achieve this by using a variety of extractors and pumps.

Slowing down microbial growth is also a crucial strategy, especially when it is impossible to complete extraction and drying within a reasonable timeframe. Spraying antimicrobial agents can help stop or limit the growth of microorganisms in the affected areas providing the opportunity to carry out other restoration steps. The term antimicrobial agent refers to different chemical agents, including fungicides, sporicides, and mildewcides, among others.

When using chemical agents to control microbial growth, there is a need to ensure proper exposure for maximum effectiveness. Our restoration technicians ensure this by mixing products according to dilution ratios recommended by the manufacturer. We also use quantities and methods, which allow the solution to reach all the contaminated surfaces or materials. Allowing sufficient dwell time and maintaining the right pH and temperature levels guarantee optimal performance from the chemical agent.

Microbial growth is usually worse in some sections of a flood-damaged property, including subfloors and wall cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians focus on such areas when applying antimicrobial agents. We apply them on wall bottom plates, tackless strip, and subfloors, where the presence of organic materials or concentration of moisture leads to widespread microbial development and bad odor. Proper drying of these areas helps eliminate chances of growth. We use dehumidifiers to extract all excess moisture.

Microbial growth is likely after flooding incidents. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help take the necessary step and stop such development before it gets out of hand. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Wilmington.

Principles of Effective Cleaning for Fire Damage in Your Wilmington Home

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO’s Guide to Fire Damage Restoration in Wilmington Homes

The biggest issue following a fire is not charred items around your home, but the lingering and difficult-to-remove offensive smoke odor. Even the smallest of kitchen fires can produce smoke that penetrates the smallest cavities throughout your home.

Fire damage in your Wilmington home most certainly means smoke damage to accompany it. Cleaning and restoring items within your home are far less costly than replacing or resurfacing, making it the most practical approach in most cases. There are principles for effective cleaning that SERVPRO restoration specialists use in instances of fire and smoke damage.

Locate and Identify Smoke Residues

The projector manager or lead technician inspects your home to locate the smoke residues. They begin near the source of the fire and figure out the route and distance the smoke took throughout the structure. From there, the restorer identifies the different types of smoke residues so they can choose the most appropriate cleaning method to remove every kind of residue.

Capture and Remove Smoke Residues

Restorers use air and cleaning fluids to release the smoke residues and then carry them away. Vacuuming works for dry particles loosely attached to surfaces. If dry, it is crucial to vacuum rather than use wet cleaners since fluid can smear the dry particles into the surface, making them much harder to remove. Dissolving works for residues not loosely attached by loosening the bond with the surface so that the soils suspend in the cleaning solution enabling it to flush away when rinsed. Dissolving includes; washing with a cleaning agent to agitate and penetrate, rinsing to remove suspended soils, and drying through the use of air movers and ventilation. 

Dispose of Smoke Residues

Only dispose of cleaning solvents and wastes into state and locally approved disposal sites. This means not to dispose of them in sewers, storm drains, or septic systems. Wastewater without cleaning solvents, depending on your locality, may be disposed of in treated sewer lines. Your SERVPRO restoration specialists know the regulations pertaining to your residential zone to avoid health risks and hefty fines for improper disposal. 

For 27/7 assistance with fire, flood, or water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington (General Contractor #1992104829) at (302) 762-8080.

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Why the Equipment Used to Fix Water Damage in Your Wilmington Home Matters

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Leave water damage to the experts. Call us any time at (302) 762-8080.

Our SERVPRO Teams are Equipped with the Proper Training and Equipment Needed to Successfully Restore Your Home After Water Damage Takes Place

Responding to water spill incidents in Wilmington is not as straight forward as it seems. There are several, often conflicting goals, to be achieved to restore the property to its preloss state. For example, there is a need to work fast to reduce any secondary deterioration and to allow quicker reoccupation of the affected areas. At the same time, avoiding further damages is essential.

The equipment used to fix water damage loss in Wilmington affects many aspects of the restoration, including the completion speed and any additional damages that occur. The correct choice of equipment can lead to better results. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to a wide variety of equipment and sufficient training to tackle any restoration task effectively. 

The workhorse in most water spills is a water extractor, which helps remove any surface water left in the affected areas. There is a considerable variety of extractors and pumps, including submersible ones, high-speed pumps, and specialized extractors such as trash pumps. The perfect extractor should have the right lift and volume capacity. Our SERVPRO technicians also consider the accessories to use with the equipment, including the type of wand to attach or the length of the hose. A very long hose can affect efficiency while surfaces such as carpets require different wands compared to hard surfaces such as tiles.

Drying all excess moisture from a loss site is an essential part of the restoration process because secondary problems such as mold can develop due to residue moisture. Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in drying wet materials. They also help maintain moisture within optimal levels during the restoration process preventing issues such as condensation. Dehumidifiers vary in many ways, not just their sizes, so the choice made can affect the outcome of the restoration. For example, desiccant dehumidifiers can lower humidity levels to the extreme, drying materials beyond normal levels, which can lead to cracking of wood or other damages. Our SERVPRO technicians constantly monitor the moisture levels of different materials and adjust drying equipment to ensure balanced drying.

Using the right equipment can improve the outcome of water damage incidents. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Wilmington.

SERVPRO Provides Complete Water Damage Restoration Services for Commercial Property in Wilmington

2/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our Green Fleet is always stocked with equipment to restore your water damaged property.

Commercial Water Damage Wilmington – Don't Wait for Subcontractors

Whenever there is water damage in a commercial building, there are often far-reaching consequences. There is the apparent damage to the contents, the structure, and electronic systems. There are other consequences. You may have to lay off employees. Customer orders go unfulfilled, and customers may migrate to your competitors. As time goes on due to delays caused by coordinating subcontractors to complete repairs, cash flow may become an issue for many small companies.

SERVPRO provides commercial water damage and full restoration services in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Our business began in 1990 and are a multi-generational family operated business. Our franchise also holds general contracting licenses for both commercial and residential restoration and reconstruction projects. Contractor Licenses: General: 1992104829, Residential: 1992104829, Commercial: 1992104829.

Avoid Delays Waiting for Subcontractors

SERVPRO can provide complete end to end service for our clients. Not only do we remove all water and moisture from your building, but we can also complete repairs as well. If the structure is damaged, we provide emergency services such as boarding up windows or placing tarps over the roof to prevent further water damage.

While the crew is removing water that has entered your building and drying the contents, our general contractor can also begin repairs. There are no delays until finding a subcontractor. Our general contracting team coordinates with our water restoration crew to return your company’s operations to normal as quickly as possible. We can work closely with your employees to prioritize activities.

Our SERVPRO team also provides electronic restoration, document drying, and mold remediation along with upholstery and fabric cleaning and odor control. We train our technicians following industry standards. Our objective is to restore your commercial operation as quickly as possible and help you meet your customer's needs.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Edgemoor, Ardentown, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Removing Water From Your Wilmington Clinic

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Removing Water from Materials in a Wilmington Clinic’s Bathroom

When toilet supply lines malfunction or freeze and burst in your Wilmington clinic bathroom, our professionals must work quickly to dry up the damage to prevent the migration of damaging effects throughout the facility. The construction of the bathroom in your building was intended to withstand some water damages when sinks overflow or excessive water might accidentally make its way to the floor.

Water removal for Wilmington medical facilities involves an understanding of what areas and objects are at risk for exposure and deterioration. The flooring of this bathroom is often a ceramic tiling that can resist water penetration to encourage the standing water threats to find the nearest available drain inside the room. Unfortunately, other materials cannot resist saturation as consistently, such as the cabinets of the bathroom, wood trim along the walls, or the drywall. Addressing these concerns involves prompt extraction and drying techniques.

Because you might only have the one available public restroom for the patients coming to the clinic, resolving water damages is critical. Standing water is not a concern as installed drains should catch any pooling that might result from prolonged leaking. However, exposed structural elements might still show signs of deterioration after only 24 hours.

When reached quickly enough, even elements like damp drywall can get recovered with directed airflow from centrifugal air movers. Evaporative drying efforts can often be sufficient when water damage has not migrated into structural cavities. Focused drying can reduce the movement of water to neighboring areas like exam rooms, offices, and structural cavities.

Our licensed (#1992104829) general contractors can help with controlled demolition and eventual build back for unsalvageable materials. This team can also help with the replacement of damaged supply lines to the toilet to ensure that our restoration is sufficient.

No matter how our team can help, from widespread drying efforts to the reconstruction of your clinic bathroom after sufficient water loss, you can reach us 24/7. Our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington professionals have the expertise and cutting-edge equipment to help make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (302) 762-8080.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Let Our Experts Save Your Wilmington Property

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

There is a myriad of concerns facing a homeowner when unexpected mold, water, storm, or fire damages occur.

Wilmington Residents know which Restoration Services to use in an Emergency

We set up shop here in Wilmington in 1990, intending to provide honest restoration services to the community during times of need. While the challenges facing homeowners and restorers have not changed, our approach to them is continually developing. We look to incorporate new technologies and techniques into our everyday services. Whether you are suffering from mold, fire, water, or storm-related property issues, SERVPRO of Wilmington is on-hand to prevent further losses.

Fire
Many challenges are facing a professional restorer in the aftermath of a property fire. Charred materials need removal, refinishing, or replacement. Equally, smoke residues can be widespread, leaving behind sooty, odorous deposits on walls and ceilings. However, one of the crucial parts of fire damage restoration in Wilmington is the assessment and repair of your heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit.

HVAC systems recycle air by pulling it from a supply area and distributing it through the rooms of your Wilmington home via return vents. Hot smoke can enter the supply side of your HVAC system, damaging the protective filter and spreading throughout the interior of your home. Failure to mitigate for a smokey HVAC system can result in soot deposits being redistributed into rooms after the cleaning procedure is complete. This is especially prevalent with odors that can often linger on long after fire damage has been removed. The culprit can often be an HVAC system that needed inspection at the time.

SERVPRO restoration services encompass HVAC inspection and light repairs. Where severe damage is noted, we can arrange for a third-party specialist to perform a unique restoration. When soots are caked onto the interior, we can use mechanical speed whipping equipment with negative air pressure machines to loosen and remove soots from interior vents. SERVPRO technicians can replace filters on the supply side of your HVAC and ventilation plates in each room to prevent future soot or smoke damages.

Water
Furniture can be expensive to replace and increase the expense of your claim after water damage in your Wilmington home. However, getting the right restoration services can mitigate those losses. Fabrics in sofas, mattresses, armchairs, and carpets are all up to 50% weaker when wet, which can make cleaning a challenge. Equally, different materials respond differently to the introduction of cleaning agents or can suffer discoloration and watermarks if not attended to correctly.

Our team of highly trained technicians has training in multiple areas of furniture restoration. To mitigate losses, SERVPRO can block furniture propping it up above, standing water level while removal is carried out. We can also identify staining patterns or the potential for watermarking in your sofas. In these situations, drying furniture too quickly can often cause permanent harm.

Our restoration services are sensitive to furniture staining and can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage by cleaning while wet or controlling the drying procedure. Using plastic sheeting, we can form a protective barrier between fabrics to avoid dyes bleeding into one another. These barriers can be essential to reducing the risk of furniture dye staining carpets or walls. Once a SERVPRO is satisfied that the risk of further loss is under control, we can perform the tasks to thoroughly clean and dry the structure and contents.

Mold
Microbial life exists everywhere in a home environment. Comprising bacteria, fungi, and viruses, these microscopic organisms are rarely harmful to human health. However, when microbes settle and reproduce, they can form large colonies, produce unpleasant sights or smells, and make your home unhygienic. There is no comprehensive removal of mold, but we can remove mold damage from your Wilmington property using trained technicians, equipment, and cleaning agents.

Mold colonies generally appear as grey or green fluffs in corners, ceilings, and behind fittings. The appearance of these colonies can be a longstanding mold problem or appear in as little as 72 hours after a water spill or leak. Cleaning surface areas rarely treats the underlying problem. So it is not uncommon for Wilmington residents to notice mold returning every few days. This frustrating phenomenon is especially prevalent during the wetter times of year, where poor insulation is more exposed to adverse weather conditions.

Our restoration services are geared toward providing a quick, long-lasting solution to microbial growth issues in your Wilmington home. A thorough assessment of wall cavities as well as insulation may be necessary to ensure the root cause of your issue is removed. By removing the root causes of mold growth, we can be confident that it does not return after the restoration service is complete. As an extra precaution, our technicians can apply anti-microbial treatments to the affected area and items in close proximity to the mold issue.

Storm
As a resident of Wilmington, you should keep an eye on state weather alerts to ensure your preparations are kept up to date. Storm preparedness month featured several articles and advice columns on how to prepare your home and family for a violent weather event. In the aftermath of storm damage to your Wilmington home, it is vital to contact a professional restoration service immediately after contacting your insurer.

Houses contain valuable possessions and documents accumulated over a lifetime. Violent floods or heavy rainfall that enters the property can cause damage to these documents. SERVPRO restoration service that operates here in Wilmington can help to recover valuable documents and paperwork like wills, investment documentation, insurance papers, registration, and books.

Specialist restoration services are focused on preventing further losses. It is not possible to reverse existing damages but, with the right care, a SERVPRO document recovery technician can keep items in a usable state. We achieve this primarily by freezing documents as soon as possible. We can then take our time to decide on the best course of action on a document by document basis. Freeze drying and vacuum drying equipment can help return your precious documents to a usable state.

There is a myriad of concerns facing a homeowner when unexpected mold, water, storm, or fire damages occur. Our technical restoration team is here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/

You Can Succeed With Storm Damage Remediation in Wilmington With Team SERVPRO

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Structural damage of a roof can quickly lead to attic flooding. Contact SERVPRO right away to mitigate the situation and prevent further damage.

Cleaning and Drying Attic Flooding in Wilmington Homes

When any structural damages occur in the roof of your Wilmington home, these vulnerabilities can allow a fast and devastating invasion of water from the weather event occurring outside. Your attic space was never constructed to withstand an onslaught of water damage, and this penetration can quickly saturate flooring plank, plywood backer for the roof, insulation, and framework. This damage could become even more costly and destructive if your attic has gotten renovated into usable living space.

When structural damages first occur, sealing up the residence must come before stormwater cleanup in Wilmington homes. With an in-house division of general contactors licensed (#1992104829) through the state of Delaware, we can offer emergency repairs to your roofing that temporarily stop the intrusion of water with tarping and board-up approaches. When the storm passes, these same contractors can work with your insurance provider to begin full reconstruction to the damaged portions of the roof to completely reseal and protect your attic space and the rest of the house.

Our SERVPRO team often deals more with drying out saturated elements during the mitigation stages of recovery after flooding in the attic. Some affected materials and contents must get removed and disposed of to reduce moisture content in the area. Insulation is an excellent example of oversaturated materials that must get removed to better dry and protect structural elements that can remain. Clearing out this material is much simpler when we use a HEPA-filter insulation vacuum. This unit reduces the production of airborne fibers that could be harmful to those exposed.

Drying up the attic space is often a combination of many of the industry-leading tools that our SERVPRO team has at our disposal. Most often, direct drying practices, including heaters, air movers, and dehumidifiers, are most effective in vaporizing saturation and collecting it for removal.

Storm damages can strike without warning, leaving homes vulnerable to flooding. Whenever your property faces flood effects, you can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team. We have trained technicians available 24/7 by calling (302) 762-8080.

Click here for more information about Wilmington.

Why We Are The Leader In Wilmington Flood Damage Restoration

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

We are removing cellulose insulation from a home and you can see we use the right tools and dispose of it properly.

Identifying Problem Areas after Flood Damage Incidents in Wilmington

After overcoming the shock of dealing with flooding incidents, you have to clean up and rebuild your Wilmington home. The process can be lengthy or straightforward, depending on the extent of damage caused. Some unexpected problems might also develop delaying or hampering restoration in other ways. One advantage of working with a professional like SERVPRO is the possibility of identifying such obstacles early. Common obstacles preventing the restoration of flood damage include:

• Barriers to Fast Water Extraction

• Issues Affecting Decontamination

• Barriers Preventing Moisture Removal

• Contents Overcrowding the Work Area

Although heavy soiling is the most likely outcome of flood damage incidents in Wilmington, overexposure to moisture is likely to cause most of the problems that develop. Fast water extraction, either in liquid, gaseous, or another form, can help stop secondary damages from occurring. Our SERVPRO crews try to establish whether there are factors that can hamper such extraction immediately. If the water reaches hidden cavities such as wall panels and subfloors, access even with sophisticated extraction equipment can be difficult. For the moisture soaked into materials such as wall panels, barriers such as wallpaper or glossy paint can hamper removal. Venting air movers into the wall cavities helps quicken drying in case of a barrier which punching weep holes or making flood cuts releases water from cavities.

Flood damage introduce a wide range of contaminants into the house, including biohazards, chemicals, and fuel oils. Cleaning procedures can remove these contaminants effectively, especially when detergents or other cleaning agents are used. However, contaminants can remain in the structure after cleaning because most of the cleaning products work through direct contact. The presence of porous materials such as carpets, upholstery, and gypsum-based wall panels in the areas reached by floodwaters can hamper decontamination because cleaning alone cannot eliminate all contaminants. Our SERVPRO technicians perform controlled demolition to remove such porous materials.

Identifying any potential obstacles before starting the restoration helps fast track the process. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help plan and execute the restoration of damage, “Like it never even happened.”

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We Point Out Some Useful Deodorizing Products For Your Wilmington

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Wilmington's Fire Damage Professionals Point Out Some Useful Deodorizing Products

It is a rare occurrence, but fires tend to happen more than you think, and one day, your house in Wilmington could suffer from an unexpected inferno. According to nationwide statistics, fire damage is the third most common type of property claim sitting under water-related issues and theft. Any time even a small burn occurs on your property, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO.

One major problem during even small cases of fire damage in Wilmington is the presence of burnt, unpleasant aromas. When working towards deodorizing a structure, our SERVPRO team can use a wide variety of techniques and products. The first step to removing malodor particles is to remove all burnt materials and soot residues from the affected structure. Once burnt and charred items get disposed of, and soils and soot residues get cleaned, it is still possible that foul odors can linger.

When malodor particles are still present after the cleaning and demolition phases, our SERVPRO team must take other deodorization steps to restore your home to its preloss state and make it seem “Like it never even happened.” When attempting to rid your home of all unpleasant aromas, we often use the six following products.

1. Odor Counteracting Beads

These beads are made of porous materials that get permeated by deodorant chemicals. Once the package gets opened, these chemicals fill the air and work to mask malodors.

2. Deodorant Granules or Pellets

These pellets or granules are designed to absorb malodor particles by acting as a sponge and holding foul odors.

3. Water-Based Odor Counteractants

These chemicals get mixed with water and react with malodor particles to help neutralize them.

4. Water-Based Wet Mist Deodorizers

These products are used in an ultra-low volume fogger and get broken down into a fine mist to help the chemicals penetrate porous materials deeply.

5. Solvent-Based Thermal Fog Deodorizers

These chemicals contain various fragrances and odor counteractants, and they get broken down to microscopic particles when used in a thermal fogger.

6. Water-Based Thermal Fog Deodorizers

Some deodorants used in the "smoke" created by a thermal fogger are water-based and contain counteractants specifically for odors related to smoke, tobacco, or pets.

When mitigating smoke-related odors, we can use a large variety of industrially approved products and methods. For professional assistance after a fire takes place, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We are available 24/7. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Wilmington click here.

The Best Way to Deal with Flood Damage in Wilmington

10/20/2019 (Permalink)

Take steps now and call SERVPRO to refurbish your flood damaged Wilmington home.

Avoiding Unlicensed Contractors After Flooding in Wilmington 

Needing reconstruction and repairs following flooding is not uncommon to Wilmington homes and businesses. With the frequency that many of these properties deal with this substantial water damage, it becomes more apparent with every emergency the benefit of choosing restoration companies based on their ability to offer fast and quality reconstruction. The downside to this need is that many predators take advantage of your compromised position after a widespread disaster like flooding. 

Because of the threats like contamination, flood damage in Wilmington homes often falls to the hands of skilled restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. We even have a licensed (#1992104829) division of experienced contractors that can help to repair damaged areas of your property and also establish effective containment strategies for our mitigation experts to begin protecting other areas of your home upon our arrival. 

After a crisis, resources naturally get stretched thin with area restoration companies. Our crew has a direct link through a Large Loss Recovery Team to allow us to better pool our personnel, equipment, and expertise after flooding occurs. We can work around the clock on damaged properties to get them back to preloss condition and your precise specifications and expectations. We know that after a flood every second counts, so we have a prompt response to these emergencies and can handle multiple jobs simultaneously.  

Fake companies and unlicensed or uninsured contractors can appear out of thin air when flooding and other natural disasters strike. They offer deals that sound too good to be true, or they have reasonable pricing but want a portion of their expected estimates upfront to cover the initial expenses of materials and the ‘cost of doing business.’ Our SERVPRO team also has an overhead to consider, but we do not ask for money upfront from our customers regardless of the severity of damage to their property. 

You must stay prepared for the possibility of false companies and fake businesses popping up to “help you through your crisis” by exploiting your trauma. Let our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team help you through every phase of recovery by calling (302) 762-8080.

Click here to learn about the city of Wilmington

Nadca- National Air Duct Cleaning Association

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

One of our team's Certification

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is certified with NADCA. This organization stands for National Air Duct Cleaning Association and holds the highest standards in the duct cleaning industry. As a NADCA certified firm of a HVAC inspection, cleaning and restoration professional, we understand the importance of indoor air quality. We have awareness for the need of positive indoor air environments. There are many VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) found in the average home. Did you know there are pollutants that can be released into your home from cooking to cleaning to the filler insider your furniture? Some of these chemicals and particulates have been linked to thyroid disorders, respiratory issues and cancers. Click here for more on indoor air quality 

We try and help maintain indoor air quality by helping homeowners to keep a clean environment. While we cannot eliminate all of the VOC’s or semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in your home, we can clean the duct system in your home that helps improve the air quality. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is here to help. 302 762 8080.

Our Professionals In Wilmington Discuss The Industry's Best Surface Cleaning Products

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

We're available seven days a week, and we like to say that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage Experts In Wilmington Point Out The Industry's Best Surface Cleaning Products

After something burns inside your Wilmington home, the smoke coming from the blaze can cause soot residues to adhere to the surfaces of your contents and building materials. During most fire damage restoration projects, our SERVPRO technicians are tasked with cleaning surfaces inside your house. Soils and soot residues come in all forms, and some are harder to remove than others. Residues adhere differently to the various surfaces of your possessions and structural components.

During the cleaning phase of your fire damage project in Wilmington, our SERVPRO crew can figure out the best methods and chemicals to use to clean each type of soiled surface. As soon as we arrive at your residence, we inspect your building in and out to find all of the damage. As a part of this initial inspection, we test clean surfaces to see which products are most effective. We often use one or more of the following six surface cleaners when removing soot residues.

1. General Surface Cleaners
General surface cleaners are detergent cleaners for use on all painted and washable surfaces. Their alkalinity is low enough (pH of around 10) to protect semi-gloss interior paint.

2. Heavy Duty Cleaners
Heavy-duty cleaners are excellent at removing heavy grease and difficult soil. They are typically highly alkaline solutions and contain ammonia.

3. Liquid Creme Cleaners
Liquid crème cleaners are used for cleaning hard surfaces and will also brighten, polish, and deodorize. They contain mild abrasives that make them excellent at removing soap scum, stubborn spots, rust stains, black marks, and grease.

4. Strong Acid Cleaners
Strong acid cleaners are excellent for removing soot and smoke from stone and brick, as well as mildew, soap scum, and hard-water deposits.

5. Wood Creme Cleaners
Wood creme solutions are a more gentle approach, but they can still prove to be quite useful. The creme can remove stains and also aid in deodorization.

6. Oxidizing Cleaners
Oxygen-based products can remove stains created by an organic substance such as coffee, tea, food, and blood. These detergents also work well as a deodorizer by breaking down and eliminating odor-causing molecules.

If smoke ever enters your house in Edgemoor, Ardentown, Claymont, or Talleyville and you need help with cleaning soot residues left behind, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. We're available seven days a week, and we like to say that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Wilmington click here.

When Mold Checks Into Your Wilmington Hotel

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold will keep hotel guests from returning. SERVPRO can remove and remediate the mold.

Mold Damage Remediation in Your Wilmington Hotel 

When you welcome guests to your Wilmington inn, the rooms or suites must be fresh, sanitary, and sparkling clean. Unfortunately, opportunistic mold spores give those in the hospitality industry a run for their money when conditions are right for microbial proliferation. Mold spores coexist with us always, but when dry cause little concern. If an unnoticed spill or small leak in a guest room moistens mold spores, the pristine state can transform in a matter of 24 to 48 hours into an incubator for a microbial infestation. 

Your housekeeping staff is not well-prepared to manage mold damage remediation in Wilmington. Conventional cleaning techniques ironically, can make a mold infestation worse. Often the strategy used to eliminate the mold is to scrub areas with a diluted bleach solution. Although this approach briefly lightens any mold staining, the concoction does not penetrate deeply enough to kill the hyphae of root-like structures mold colonies develop. 

Mold makes itself known with a distinctive and unpleasant musty odor. SERVPRO might also contract with a licensed mold testing service to help determine the extent of the mold growth. If your hotel has the odor and staining in a bathroom the grout lines holding tiles in pace can show cracking, allowing water to seep into the cavity between walls. Sometimes successful remediation result indicates partial demolition of the wall or ceiling. 

The SERVPRO mold remediation team employs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-developed protocol for commercial and school buildings when abating mold damage. We contain the area to prevent drift of moldy materials to other areas in your hotel. Plastic sheeting sealed by the action of negative pressure air scrubber technology ensures the perimeter is secure. Technicians scrape or brush off the mold, using HEPA-filtered vacuums to clean up the residues. The air scrubber pulls contaminants through another set of HEPA filters before exhausting the air outside.  

SERVPRO removes and discards significantly infested porous materials, following local hazardous waste regulations. Light infestation responds well to soda blasting, gently abrading off the mold and inhibiting the deep roots from regrowth. A final treatment with an EPA-registered antimicrobial minimizes the chance of further mold growth as long as the original moisture issues are discovered and eliminated. 

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington has effective options for hotels struggling with mold damage. Call (302) 762-8080 for a sustainable approach to mold remediation.

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How Drying Zones Are Use With Water Restoration in Wilmington

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

This is just some of our equipment that we have at our disposal to restore your home. Call us today!

How Drying Zones Help Water Restoration in Wilmington Homes 

In most water damage scenarios, only a portion of a Wilmington home suffers the loss effects. While you want to maintain areas where no water loss has occurred, the establishment of drying zones can help streamline the recovery process as much as possible. Our SERVPRO professionals can quickly construct these containment elements to get mitigation and restoration efforts started in your home as soon as possible. 

Containment practices have been a practical approach for both drying and water removal in Wilmington homes. We always work to produce the most effective solution for a property experiencing any loss situation. This process comes with the use of cutting-edge equipment and the employment of the latest practices that ensure the efficiency of the work getting completed. Drying zones are a way that we can better control the affected regions of the property to prevent additional damages and costlier repairs or restorations. 

Drying zones are areas where our SERVPRO team can control the flow of air, the relative humidity (RH), and even regulate the speed where affected materials get dried. We establish this segregation with thick 6-mil plastic sheeting installed between the damaged and undamaged areas of the household — the smaller that we can make this zone, the faster that extractions and drying work. Because of how rapidly moisture and water damage can spread to neighboring areas of your house, this drying zone becomes a way to prevent water damage from spreading beyond these established parameters. 

Within a drying zone, we can deploy our capable water removal equipment. Depending on the size of the damaged region, several tools could be beneficial, including our portable sump pumps, light wands, wet-vacs, and even stationary trash pumps for more significant loss scenarios. Once the area gets dried sufficiently and returned to a safe place for homeowners to be, we can deconstruct the containment to reintegrate all areas of the property. 

Our containment practices establish set borders in affected areas of your home so that our drying and extraction tools have an even more significant and productive impact. However water loss affects your home, you can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help you make it right again by calling (302) 762-8080. 

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We Are The Leader In Flood Damage Restoration In Wilmington

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a desiccant and a generator working together in order to dry the property. We are available 24/7 to help so call us right away.

Why SERVPRO Is Your Reliable Partner for Flood Damage Solutions in Wilmington

The last thing a Wilmington homeowner needs after storms cause flooding is to fall prey to unscrupulous contractors. Some individuals can try to take advantage of your vulnerability without providing a high-quality restoration outcome. Your home is your refuge and the anchor for your entire family. When flooding or other issues need attention seek out a local disaster recovery company with a proven track record and a community presence.

Three Decades as a Trusted Local Presence

The trend toward extreme weather patterns in Wilmington causes flood damage and other challenges more frequently. If you experience the fear and chaos, strong winds, torrential rains, and overland flooding severe storms bring, a fast response from a trustworthy disaster restoration business is crucial. Our team of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians is dedicated to seeing your flood damage mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction project through, start to finish. Our doors opened in 1990, and we pledge to back you up for decades more.

Access to Nationwide Resources

When severe weather events occur, many of your friends and neighbors might need help, too. SERVPRO calls on our fellow highly-qualified franchises if needed for extra workers and equipment. Depending on the extent of your flood damage, we might need to provide everything from board up and tarping services to flood water mitigation and remediation to repairs and rebuilding inside and out. We have the resources to get all phases of your job done fast and to the highest industry standards.

Benefits of Choosing Your Community SERVPRO

Do not fall for a false claim from a traveling storm damage contractor insisting their service is faster or more affordable. Our customers know we are with you through every step of restoration, including follow up concerns and questions. We handle a broad range of flood damage-related issues, and are just a local call or visit away. You need not act as a general contractor to manage the enormity of flood damage recovery when you partner with us. We live, volunteer, play, and work in this community. Our commitment to you and other residents and businesses in the area is second to none.

Put your trust in SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington when catastrophic flooding damages your home and disrupts your peace of mind. Call us 24/7 at (302) 762-8080 for reliable help from a community business leader.

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Commercial Flood Damage Contaminates Food Preparation Facilities in Wilmington

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will get your Wilmington business through the water damage.

Don’t let a Wilmington flood damage your food preparation.

Food production facilities in Wilmington undergo inspections frequently. Cleanliness is essential to providing the public with healthy food items. Dust, soiled towels, and other sources of contamination can shut down a plant until after cleaning and disinfecting of affected production lines.

When a food packing plant in Wilmington sustains commercial flood damage, the contamination is spread throughout the entire facility. Production comes to a stop, many employees lose hours, and consumers become upset about the unexpected inability to purchase their desired items. Flooding can affect your customer base far from your geographic location this way. SERVPRO is always ready to help you recover in a fast and efficient manner that restores safe conditions for both food production and your employees to work. 

We can handle any sized job and any degree of complexity. To eliminate the damage caused by flooding, we carry out many different tasks, such as removing standing water deeper than two inches with submersible pumps and smaller units for shallower puddles of water, washing down machines' components and then applying protective food-grade lubricants on moving parts, spraying disinfectants on flat surfaces and using other methods wherever necessary to ensure complete coverage, and removing debris that covers floors, equipment, and stairways.

• After we finish these parts of the job, we concentrate on drying the interior and the deodorization process. Some food production facilities already implement hydroxyl generators to eliminate noxious odors because of its safety and effectiveness, and we often choose this option for the same reasons. 

Restoring safe conditions for both your workers and your product takes time, but we work as efficiently as possible through teamwork. Our employees can also team up with yours to pack undamaged raw materials, making it possible to securely place it in a more protected, safe location. We work with you so you understand the options available that can help speed up your recovery time as much as possible.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington helps all sizes of businesses in every industry within Claymont, Brandywine, and Talleyville when they need to recover after a disaster. Flood damage brings many problems with it beyond dirty water, and our building services crew can assist with electrical issues, roofing, and several other aspects needed to normalize a business under Commercial Contractor License # 1992104829. Call (302) 762-8080 for experienced specialists who understand the complexities faced by a business after a disaster.

To learn more about Wilmington, click here.

Our Flood Damage Technicians Can Restore Your Wilmington Home

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Give our professionals a call anytime disaster strikes at (302) 762-8080.

No Flood Insurance? SERVPRO Can Still Help Your Wilmington Home

Many people assume that if an insurance policy does not cover restoration work, that Wilmington homeowners cannot afford the experienced professionals that we can provide. While there are less expensive routes such as attempting to perform the work on your own, emergencies like flood losses present multiple threats simultaneously to a property that demand experience and state-of-the-art equipment to address. So how can you get this same premium level of recovery when you have no insurance policy to cover the work?
 
Flood damage in Wilmington homes can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you are contending with several inches (or even feet) of standing water. With how rapidly exposed materials can absorb this water and become structurally compromised, we encourage property owners to reach out to our experienced SERVPRO team as promptly as possible. We understand that many people, especially those that do not live in the flood-prone areas of the region, do not have flood insurance for their houses. Despite this, our experts can help.
 
With your initial call, you can mobilize an entire unit of experienced and highly trained professionals accredited through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Water Restoration (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), and even secondary elements like Applied Mold Remediation (AMRT.) We can work immediately to establish parameters of the damage and what must happen to protect the property and to reduce the overall loss to your residence.
 
We have estimators and our management team that can work directly with the customer to establish a baseline of budgetary limitations. We are honest and straightforward, providing the fastest and most helpful path to the successful restoration of your property. We can establish how to help your home right away to ensure that our effective mitigation practices can begin along with our arrival to your damaged property.
 
You might not have flood insurance, especially if you think your home never would need it. If you find yourself without the support of your home insurance provider, you can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help find a suitable solution to fit into your budget. Give our professionals a call anytime disaster strikes at (302) 762-8080.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Our Flood Damage Professionals Can Save Your Wilmington Home

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

We can make flood loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”

Can You Reduce The Likelihood Of Flooding In Wilmington?

Wilmington homeowners have seen their fair share of widespread flooding throughout the community over the past several decades. Even with renewed construction to reinforce structures and reduce the impact of these disasters, it does not change their likelihood. Finding ways to reduce the damage flooding can do to your specific property is one of the best approaches, and our SERVPRO professionals would like to help. We have been a trusted name in restoration and recovery in the area for years, and we want to protect our customers and their properties from the devastation of flooding.

Flood damage in Wilmington homes is seldom going to be entirely preventable, as the circumstances leading up to this disaster change and catch homeowners by surprise. Ideally, finding solutions that can protect the contents of your home and even the structure itself can save you money and time on the recovery efforts to come. Here are some quickly functional solutions to employ when severe weather threatens the area.

    •    Barriers: One of the solutions that you can attempt is barriers. These typically get constructed of high-grade malleable plastic or rubber sheeting. This defense is held into place using support posts. With several people working together, this perimeter fencing can be up quickly and is a top choice in preventing water flow towards your house.
    •    Sandbags: One of the advantages of sandbags is that you can see how they are working for your property in real-time. You can make changes to these barriers as needed. A disadvantage to this choice is the weight of individual bags, as many of them can be more than 50 lbs.
    •    Dams: These solutions are temporary and can get installed fast as they are necessary. These surround the immediate structure and get filled with water, making them reusable and environmentally friendlier than the sandbag counterpart.

Even with all of the products that exist to help you reduce the presence of floodwater in your home, even an inch of standing water can cause substantial damages to your household. Our SERVPRO team can respond fast with drying solutions that can protect many of your belongings and structural elements of the property.

Floods can happen with little warning, but even when the installation of some of these defenses does not work entirely, you can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help. We can make flood loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give our technicians a call today at (302) 762-8080.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Tips to Clean up Water Damage

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Boring Holes for Air Flow

Shut off the main water valve. Contact a plumber to fix the leak

Call an IICRC certified professional water restoration firm like SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington immediately for mitigation services. IICRC Certified Firms have the knowledge, experience and specialized equipment to locate water wherever it goes, remove the excess and dry your structure to industry standards.

Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces to prevent slip and fall hazards.

If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.

Dry out thoroughly before you rebuild. Professional water restorers, like SERVPRO, have a variety of instruments to determine when a building is dry and to prevent microbial growth. Drying should not stop until wood or drywall moisture content falls below 16 percent.

Water damage incidents may be covered under your insurance and you may choose to contact them.

SERVPRO is dedicated to providing proper and safe clean-up in water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Rapid Cleaning of Damaged Wilmington Homes Prevents Demolition

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the top - tier equipment for rapid cleaning in your Wilmington home after water damage.

We know how vital it is to get back to normal after a water damage in Wilmington.

Cleaning is a vital component to the recovery of every Wilmington home after disasters or smaller mishaps, and we have a growing roster of competent and continually trained professionals capable of providing that premier cleaning service after water loss incidents. While water cleanup can often get attributed to extraction and drying, there are often added steps that the DIY enthusiast might not recognize or consider. While not everyone can see the merits in seeking professional restoration after a water loss incident, rapid cleaning of your damaged property can prevent costlier and more alarming recovery requirements. 

To successfully implement water cleanup in Wilmington homes, you need top-tier equipment, cleaning products, and practices. Our SERVPRO professionals have the training and continued education from the standard-setting Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) We have technicians trained both in water restoration and also in structural drying solutions in both residential and commercial applications. We can make these effects “Like it never even happened.” 

Trained technicians are crucial for water loss recovery

Even more than the roster of water restoration technicians we have available to help, we also have a full array of cleaning technicians qualified in multiple areas and niches of the industry, including: 

-    CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician

-    UFT – Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

-    RCT – Rug Cleaning Technician

-    OCT – Odor Control Technician 

-    Content Management – including Pack-Outs and Storage

-    Biohazard Recovery

Following Best Practices Produce Restored Properties

With a full assortment of certified technicians at your disposal, we can help to quickly manage the mitigation of your property with real-time solutions that protect your construction materials, installed fixtures, and other affected areas of your property. Our SERVPRO professionals continually train and pursue in-house and online educational opportunities to be among the most experienced and knowledgeable in the trade. 

We strive to provide every customer with money-saving and time-effective solutions for whatever disaster might impact their home. You can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to showcase our years of experience in water loss recovery to get your property back to preloss condition as promptly as possible. You can give us a call anytime you need us at (302) 762-8080.

To learn more about Wilmington, click here.

We Are Available 24/7 to Restore Your Wilmington Home

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

We have the proper equipment and expertise to mitigate your home as soon as you call.

Reasons DIY Water Cleanup in a Wilmington Home Can Cause More Damage

When water damage happens in your home, DIY cleanup with towels and mops or using a consumer-grade wet/dry vac if you own one, is sometimes enough to clean up the spill adequately. However, there are times that homeowners need to outsource the task to a professional restoration service.

Problems that have the potential to occur from improper water cleanup in a Wilmington home are many. When water loss incidents result from situations ranging from a broken supply line under a kitchen sink to a teenager daughter forgot the bathtub faucet was on and water drenched the upstairs bathroom leaking into the ceiling below before the water was turned off. If excessive moisture is overlooked or left behind, it can quickly turn into foul odors, ruined or weakened building materials or even create a perfect environment for mold growth.

Since water migrates and follows the path of least resistance, there are places in a home excessive moisture winds up that require specialized equipment such as used for moisture detection. In some cases, our technicians use controlled demolition techniques to remove damaged building materials or improve airflow for thorough drying.
The restorability potential of saturated carpet improves with the use of weighted extractors and specialized drying configurations
Weep holes assist with both drainage and drying in walls and ceilings; this is particularly useful for drying floor joists
Baseboards require careful removal for water extraction behind for efficient drying
Removal of warped or buckled sheetrock and the wall cavity improves airflow for better drying results

Once our technicians finish the cleanup and drying of the water-damaged areas because we are also general contractors, Delaware license #1992104829, our technicians have the knowledge and skill to repair or rebuild any remaining issues in your home from a broken pipe or reconstruction of a wall to replace damaged sheetrock including repainting in your choice of color to return your home to its preloss condition.

When your home needs water cleanup pronto, call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. Our technicians arrive on-site quickly and make any size water loss in your property "Like it never even happened."

See more about Wilmington.

Avoid Fire Damage Remediation Mistakes For Your Wilmington Business

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage residue can truly take over your home if not dealt with properly. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Get Back to Business Fast After Commercial Fire Damage in Wilmington

When your Wilmington shop, hotel, cafe, or other business faces the aftermath of a fire, you strive to achieve two equally important objectives. One is to engage a reputable fire restoration company for professional damage assessment and development and implementation of a comprehensive recovery plan. The other is to reassure your customers, suppliers, and business partners that the fire does not mean the end of your successful enterprise. Working with our highly-qualified team accomplishes both objectives.

Clean up and restoration of the fire damage your Wilmington business suffered depends on fast action from our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians. We arrive at your property as soon as possible after your call, experienced managers ready to assess the scene and develop a mitigation and remediation plan.

SERVPRO technicians hold multiple certifications from the IICRC, very beneficial for fire restoration scenarios which nearly always require significant firefighting water extraction as well as smoke and soot removal. As the waters recede our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) evaluate and characterize soot damage throughout your commercial property, matching products, tools, and techniques to eliminate the dry, wet, and protein-based soot residues found inside your property. 

We work with you to determine if any sections of your property are undamaged and can remain open during the fire damage restoration. Containing the work areas is possible with substantial plastic barriers sealed in place and air scrubbers filtering and venting the airborne debris as SERVPRO technicians complete remediation tasks. Inspiring confidence that you can overcome the challenges of fire damage recovery is easier if you can meet customer needs for goods and services in at least a limited way throughout the restoration period. 

Consider developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) before a fire or any other disaster strikes. We review the layout of your business, recommending strategies to limit fire risk and itemizing a list of action steps we would follow in case of fire. Our mobile app permits you to provide an individualized profile, describing details and appointing trusted staff to act in your absence, avoiding any delay in our fire damage restoration response.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080, so we can arrive as the firefighters take their leave, ready to get your company back to business. Our highly skilled team is well-positioned to restore your commercial property to preloss condition.

Contractor Licenses:

General: 1992104829

Residential: 1992104829

Commercial: 1992104829

Click here to see more about Wilmington. 

How Fast Water Damage Mitigation Reduces Costs for Wilmington Homeowners

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know how to repair water damage? SERVPRO does! Call us today!

Advantage to Quick Mitigation for Water Damaged Wilmington Homes 

Water loss incidents can quickly spread throughout your Wilmington home and threaten areas even far removed from the source of the emergency. As much as many homeowners might strive to handle many of these disasters on their own, water losses can affect areas beyond what can get easily seen, requiring sophisticated equipment and mitigation tools to overcome. Without a fast turnaround on the effects to your house, construction materials risk deterioration and the property also becomes susceptible to hazardous conditions like mold growth. 

Professional restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team can offer real-time solutions for water damage to Wilmington homes. We have a broad inventory of equipment, and with the connection to a larger parental brand, we can continually upgrade and improve our equipment and tools to be the most competitive in the restoration industry. We know how quickly water loss incidents can get out of control, so we have a 24/7 response to these emergencies to begin mitigation work as soon as our professionals first arrive. 

Mitigation serves to reduce your overall loss when disasters strike your residence. While this ultimately involves multiple tasks happening simultaneously, it involves working to extract standing water, dry saturated elements, and protect the contents of your house that are at risk for damages. Our SERVPRO team has extensive training the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in both Water Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) to offer our customers fast and confident solutions when every minute counts. 

Our fast response in a water loss crisis can get vital drying efforts started immediately to prevent unnecessary tear out and replacement of materials like carpeting and drywall. We have a restore before replacing mentality, and that begins with a quick mobilization whenever emergencies occur. 

While many homeowners might strive to provide their house with the restoration and cleaning it needs when damaging situations occur, water loss incidents can spread much farther than you might realize. Trust in our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to work quickly to make these situations “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (302) 762-8080. 

More about Wilmington.

Storms Affecting Your Home or Business

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

This duct vent was affected and not cleaned quickly resulting in mold.

Few things can be as bad as a storm damaging you home or business. Properties can get damages from multiple weather events like flash flooding, high winds or even hailstorms. Reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy can help out by making sure you have the proper insurance to cover the claim. Hiring a restoration company as soon as possible to help mitigate your loss is important. Even if your insurance has not accepted financial responsibility yet getting the emergency work done can be crucial. The work will have to be done anyway and often times the longer it sits the worse it may become.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is locally owned and operated and has been serving the community since 1990. We are here to help you at 302 762-8080.

Upholstered Furniture in Fires

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

During an Upholstery Cleaning

Often times when people sustain a fire or smoke damage to their home, they worry about their belongings. Furniture and upholstery often times are affected by this. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is able to successfully clean most items.  We clean furniture even when it is not soiled and dirty looking.  Germs, dust and mites often invade your furniture and you may be unaware.  We are able to professionally reduce these allergens and help extend the life of the furniture.  The smoke and soot from an event may add to the soiling of upholstered furniture.  In this picture you can see the amount of soiling left behind.  We were able to use our SERVPRO products and training to remove the soot.  The odor also was also eliminated with our cutting-edge technology. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals here to help.

Taking a Bite out of Grime

6/1/2019 (Permalink)

Police Canine Suits being Cleaned Properly

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington partners with local police departments for cleaning/restoring training gear.  This week SERVPRO, using the patented “Esporta Wash and Sanitizing System”, cleaned some police canine training gear. These suits are designed to keep the wearer protected from bites from large dogs while performing necessary canine training.  Suits like these can pose quite a challenge.  Each suit has many layers of padding and cloth. They are soiled with dirt, grime, as well as animal saliva and fluids. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington must not only sanitize the material, but also protect the fabric from being damaged as well as not having any residual detergents that could harm the animal. After cleaning, each piece is hand dried without heat to ensure there is no shrinkage of the material. All of these pieces were properly cleaned and restored “Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning Up After A Rodent Infestation

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Cute lil' Critter's Can Wreak Havoc

Rodent infestations can be difficult to deal with; for many homeowners, getting rid of the critters is only one part of the process. Afterwards, many people are also faced with the task of cleaning up the house and making repairs to any damaged spots caused by chewing or nest-building. It’s hard to believe such tiny animals can wreak so much havoc on a house, but they can really make a mess, especially if an infestation isn’t caught right away. It’s also imperative that a thorough cleaning is done immediately. While not all mice are disease-carriers, many can spread bacteria and viruses through their stool.

Cleaning up your home and making small repairs may not sound like big jobs, but they can be if they aren’t done right. After hiring a professional exterminator to come in and take care of the mice you’ll need to create a budget for repairs so you’re not blindsided by additional expenses. Often, mice like to hide behind baseboards or wood furniture, and in spaces like attics, crawlspaces, and basements. Doing a thorough examination of your home can help you figure out what needs to be addressed first.

Find the right help

For major infestations, a DIY job just won’t cut it. A professional exterminator can come in and take care of the problem safely and efficiently, so it’s important to find the right company for your needs. Look online at all the different options in your area and do some price comparisons. You can also read reviews to get an idea of how each company rates with their customer base.

Look for damage

You may have noticed damage from mice in certain areas of your home -- such as beneath the kitchen sink or in the pantry -- but it’s important to do a thorough investigation around your home to look for any other spots they might have infiltrated. Check behind, inside, and underneath wood furniture for any signs of chewing or nesting, as well as around baseboards. Even if you find no damage, you might still find signs that mice have been around, such as droppings or scratch marks. Remember to throw away any food that might have been in contact with a mouse, including pet food, to avoid contamination by disease or bacteria.

Clean and disinfect

Cleaning and disinfecting your home will take some time, so be prepared to spend a few hours going over every area inside your home with bleach, hot water, and vinegar. These are the best solutions for cleaning up after an infestation because there are no chemicals involved, and because vinegar will neutralize any odors left behind. Remember to use gloves and open the windows if possible for ventilation.

Use an air purifier

Because mice can contribute to unhealthy air quality in your home, it’s a good idea to do everything you can to clean things up. Airing out each room is a good start, but if inclement weather prevents you from opening windows, consider using an air purifier with a good filter. Be sure to clean it out often to prevent bacteria from growing inside.

Cleaning up after a rodent infestation can be a big chore, but if you start things off right by using the correct tools and cleaning supplies, you can get it done in no time. Be sure to call in a pro if the job seems too big; it’s always better to err on the side of caution so you can make sure everything is done right.

SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington is here to help! 302 762 8080

Desiccant Any Better

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Desiccant and Generator in Action

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington has a lot of tools and equipment at our disposal. Drying large commercial areas in a short period of time is important to minimize secondary damage as well as loss of downtime for any business. Desiccant dehumidification is one of these tools. In this case, a commercial sized desiccant dehumidifier was used to dry a portion of school that was affected by a severe water damage. Desiccant dehumidifiers work differently than conventional and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers. They are able to dry faster and at lower temperatures than the other type of dehumidifiers. The lay-flat ducting can be directed to all of the affected areas. This ducting can be utilized on the floor or hung from the ceiling for ease of egress.

Small Commercial Water Damage

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Three crew members working together

There are often times we like to share insights our team has developed over the years to help one make a confident decision when choosing a clean-up company such as SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. Our company has been operating since 1990. We have developed a team of people who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable in our industry that work well together.

Here in this sanctuary we are helping clean up from a small water damage. We have three technicians here who are working to get the job done right. We treat all commercial jobs, big or small, the same way. We successfully dried this project in a timely manner the proper way so they were able to button it up with a sound mind that no microbial growth would occur. No commercial job is too small nor too big for us here at SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington.

Fire in Utility Room

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire stricken room

There are often times we like to share insights our team has developed over the years to help one make a confident decision when choosing a clean-up company such as SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. When it comes to fires that occur sometimes the damage can be devastating. In the photo attached, the home sustained a substantial loss. The cause of the fire was unknown at the time of this posting. You can see where the fireman banged holes to see if there was flame or burning inside the wall cavity. There was a lot of debris from the ruined contents throughout the area. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington was able to retrieve and save some of the contents and clothing from the adjacent rooms. The items we brought back to our warehouse in order to clean and deodorize them while the home was being re-built. We were successful in getting out both the black soot and odors from what we salvaged.  

5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home ready to Sell on a Budget

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

Clean Homes Sell Faster

Selling your home can be a stressful time, especially for busy parents who are managing overpacked work, home and school schedules. It can be really challenging to stay on top of your home-selling progress, especially maneuvering around showings when you are often drawn in multiple directions. Not only will you need to be out of the house during those times, but so will your children and pets. On top of that, you’ll need to make sure your home is ready for a showing, and that means finding time to clean and pick up clutter in a day that is already full.

Selling your home shouldn’t have to steal all your free time. Here are 5 easy, simple ways you can keep your home spotless and attractive with time and money constraints.

Set the stage

Staging your home not only makes it more appealing to buyers, but it also helps them imagine what their lives would be like in your home. When you set the stage with potential buyers’ perspectives in mind, you create a blank slate for their imaginations. It might seem cost-prohibitive to purchase items that you are only going to use to stage your home, but there are many ways to stage your home on a budget. For example, you can save big on small, but meaningful, touches, like decorative hand towels and dining room table settings, from top brands like Macy’s—simply look online for Macy’s discount codes, coupons and cashback offers before you head out on your shopping trip.

Storage as décor

Quickly pick up and store clutter by using storage options that also function as décor or furniture. This is a great way to make a quick and easy sweep through the house the night before a showing. You can save money on these items by using inexpensive storage solutions, like baskets with lids, from retailers like Michaels (which offers new sale items each week). They can be stashed in a closet and still look organized, or set out in a room to appear decorative.

Ask a friend to be a pet sitter

Keeping up with the clutter and mess that comes with owning a pet can be a challenge for anyone, but it is especially stressful when you are selling your home. You can limit the amount that your dog or cat adds to the mess by asking a friend or family member to keep your furry family member on a part-time basis. Whether this is before or during showings or for an extended period of time, it can also be helpful to your pet. Moving is stressful on animals, so spending more time with a human they trust in a home where they are comfortable could not only cut down on clutter, but on anxiety as well.

Create a chore chart

Selling a home is a whole-family affair. Get your partner and your kids involved in the process by setting up a “Home Selling Chore Chart.” These are simple nightly chores everyone is assigned to help pitch in to keep your home looking its best. From straightening up the yard to dusting the blinds and from sweeping the bathroom to making the beds, a chore chart can help you feel confident during those unexpected showings that tend to pop up. This is a far more cost-effective option than hiring a cleaning company, and since you are spreading the workload among the whole family, it makes cleaning less time consuming as well.

Emphasize curb appeal

It’s a cliché, but it’s true—you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. And that first impression occurs before potential buyers even enter your home. That’s why curb appeal is so important—and can often become one of the costlier aspects of preparing your home to sell. You can manage those expenses by purchasing outdoor décor through Amazon Warehouse Deals. This side of Amazon offers steep discounts on used or refurbished items. You can also get deals on lawn care services by looking for companies offering deals on Groupon or through your realtor.

Selling your house is a transition time that can sometimes feel like limbo. You are probably eager to spend your time and money on your new home, so it’s easy to look only ahead instead of where you are right now. However, trying out some of these time- and cost-saving home prep tips could be the very thing that gets you closer to enjoying the next chapter in your life.

Tips to Thaw Frozen Pipes

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Leaky Pipe

Tips to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Locate the problem pipe, if possible, and open the faucet. It is important to open both the hot and cold handles to help relieve pressure. As the pipe thaws, running water aids the melting process. If one pipe is frozen, there is a chance another may have frozen too.

Apply heat to the frozen section using a hand-held hair dryer or portable electric space heater. Do not use a blow torch as it could be a fire hazard. Do not use a propane or kerosene heater as these are hazardous for indoor use.

If the pipe bursts make sure you shut off the main water line into your property.

If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe area, call a licensed plumber.

After a plumber comes out, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington can help you out with any water damage that may have occurred.

Practicing Safety With Space Heaters

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Space Heater

As you probably know the winter season is upon us. There are ways we can batten down the hatches and try to stay safer and warmer. Fires are a major winter hazard. It is important to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Make sure your portable space heater is up to date, well designed and placed properly. The newer space heaters turn off automatically when they reach a certain temperature and if they accidently get tipped over. Choosing a place to put the portable space heater is just as important. Make sure it is clear and free of another object and it is placed on a hard, even, nonflammable surface. Avoiding extension cords with space heaters are a good practice. We always unplug them here at the end of the day. Unfortunately, some people do not heed or pay careful attention to these warnings and may have a fire that could have been preventable. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington cares about your safety.

Frozen Pipes

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe in basement wall frozen

Winter storms can be blistery cold. When the temperatures drop down and stay down into the lower teens pipes tend to freeze.  Water expands as it freezes and this put tremendous pressure on the pipe.  It does not matter if the pipe is metal or plastic.  Often times people do not know they have a frozen pipe until it bursts. One of the most common frozen pipes we find are pipes that are exposed to the elements of the outdoors like; hose bibs, water sprinkler lines and swimming pool pipes.  If people winterize those pipes properly it helps eliminate those pipes from freezing.  The number one source of frozen pipes we see are from water supply lines that are in the interior of the home but are not a heated space like; crawlspaces, basements, attics and garages. The second most common frozen pipes are from pipes that run along exterior walls of the home/building. 

Water Damage from Storms

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Using the right tools

When a storm blows through our area some homes and business can be affected. Whether the storm is from heavy rains or high winds water can infiltrate your property. No matter the source of water or where it finds its way too, the water should be removed in a timely fashion. Water can affect or impact everything it comes in contact with. Drywall and wood can deteriorate or warp. Fabrics and upholsteries can hold the moisture and become moldy. Carpet and padding also can hold moisture causing odors and delamination. Leaving the water damage unattended to may cause secondary damages. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington knows how to inspect and handle water damages. We use state of the art and the newest techniques available. We are a trusted company in the area that carries certifications and has emergency hour services. We are a local company that has been serving the area since 1990. SERVPRO is here to help at 302-762-8080.

Detecting Water Leaks

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Dripping Spigot

Sometimes detecting hidden water leaks can be difficult to do without tearing into the walls.   If you suspect you have a water leak and do not see any evidence of water damage you can easily check your water meter. If all your appliances that use water (washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker etc.), and spigots are off inspect your water meter. If the water meter is still metering, there is a good chance water is still coming in. Monitoring your water bill is another easy way to detect surges in your water usage. According to the U.S. Department of Interior (Geological Survey) the average person uses 80 -100 gallons per day. That is approximately 3,000 gallons of water per month. Checking outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems are important too. Did you know a pin hole leak can account for 6,300 gallons of wasted water a month? Did you know taking a bath averages 36 gallons of water? Click here SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is here to help if you do get water damage in your home or business.

ULV Foggers are Great Deodorization Tools

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

ULV Fogger

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington has many types of deodorizing tools. ULV Foggers are fantastic tools in our arsenal. Our team likes to use this specific tool as a means of deodorizing. They are used to deodorize structures, vehicles, carpets and space that have malodors. These ULV machines are compact in size and handle our SERVPRO products whether they are water based or solvent based. The machine takes the liquid and atomizes it to a heavy mist. It is a fantastic tool we use as it gets into hard to reach spots where normal spraying cannot get to. The machine is light enough for the technicians to carry and of course is our signature color of green! These ULV foggers add to our extensive, robust inventory.

Classes of Water

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Class 3

Classes of Water

Classes of water damages relates to the evaporation rates. There are four classes on water damage restoration projects. Class 1 is the least amount of water, absorption and evaporation. This means small areas with minimum moisture absorption. Class 2 is a large amount of water, absorption and evaporation. This means significant areas affected with highly porous areas. Class 3 is the greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation. This means water may have come from overhead and basically the entire area is saturated. Class 4 is a specialty drying situation. Simply this means the water is trapped or hidden and has a low rate of evaporation. These usually require longer drying times.

Whether your home or business endures a Class one, two, three or four, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington is here to help.

Some Smoke Facts

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon Chains

Smoke and Soot Facts

Smoke and soot can be very invasive and infiltrate cavities within your home or business, causing odors and hidden damages. Did you know there are different types of smoke? There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. Different types of soot residue are left behind as a result of the different smoke.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood. These types of fires are fast burning, at high temperatures causing some to rise because heat naturally rises.

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber. These types of fires usually are slower burning, tend to smolder, pungent odors, sticky and smeary, carbon chains likely to form

Protein Fire Residue- Evaporation of a material. The smoke is practically invisible, varnishes and discolors paints, odors are pungent

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can decipher with our expertise to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Looking For Loose Debris

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Looking For Loose Debris

Winter season is right around the corner! Taking some preventative measures to help reduce damage if a snow storm hits can be helpful. Some tips to keep in mind as the weather gets colder are:

Make sure all outdoor furniture is secured or the tarps you may have wrapped them with are snug

Secure any decorative flags, wreaths or any loose fencing from being blown away

Make sure your yard is free of small branches from being a flying projectile

Have salt ready to help melt your sidewalks or your snow blower easily accessible

Make sure you have windows securely closed and proper insulation around within your home

Know the proper safety uses for operating a generator or grills. Improper use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or start fires

Keep extra batteries and candles handy

Pay attention to local news alerts

Hydroxyl Generator's

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Photocatalytic Hydroxyl Generator

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington has a few dozen Photocatalytic Hydroxyl Generators. It is a newer piece of equipment that takes the place of the older ozone machines. Ozone machines are still used in some scenarios. These Hydroxyl’s are another great way to purify and clean the air whenever odors and germs are present. UVA rays are emitted form the lamp pass through the anatase – coated reactor sleeve. That forms electron hole pairs that react with oxygen and water. Hydroxyl radicals are then formed and dispersed by the fan and decompose pollutants. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington uses these machines mostly in fire and smoke damaged homes and in Category 3 water damages mostly. Although we can use them for other reasons too. Our hydroxyl machines are SERVPRO green too!

Porch Fire

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Porch Fire

There are different types of smoke that will play a factor in determining which cleaning method is best to use. Wet Smoke, mostly from plastic and rubber will differ from Dry Smoke, mostly paper and wood and they both will differ from Protein Smoke. Soot is very invasive and can penetrate a lot of nooks and crannies of a home. When the smoke goes into all these cavities it causes odors. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington specializes in accurately assessing the extent of damage and helps develop a comprehensive plan of action. Each smoke and soot damage situation are different therefore requiring different techniques. Since every situation is different calling upon a specialist and trained company such as SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762 – 8080, can help restore your property properly.

Commercial Tarping

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Tied off on a Tarp a Commercial Tarp Job

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is equipped to do board up or tarp jobs after a water or fire emergency. Here in this picture we have a fellow who is on a roof after a major wind damage. You can see he is tarping the commercial roof and he is properly tied off in case he has a slip. The wind tore through the town and wreaked havoc on this commercial building. The roof practically opened up like a tin can. It was structurally safe but the roof needed replacement. There were heavy rains set to follow later that night. The building owner could not find a roofer to act immediately to help him. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington was contacted to help the best we could help secure the roof from the coming rains.

Large Loss Division

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Daily Burn Rate Screen

SERVPRO has a Commercial Large Loss Division that is the best in the country. SERVPRO has large loss response teams placed throughout the entire country. Our elite Extreme Team Large Loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the States. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is a qualified Large Loss Team. If the loss is substantially larger, we can seamlessly communicate with our fellow SERVPRO’S and join forces. We are equipped to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by an operations manager. We are able to dispatch trained production professionals and work together well making the process easier for the client. Getting the right professionals right away can lessen the overall costs of the loss. We also are able to use a state-of-the-art billing system on Time and Materials if requested. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is here to help.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is Here to Help

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Desiccant Drying

Having a restoration company like SERVPRO Brandywine / Wilmington’s phone number, (302) 992 – 0104, handy can be helpful if a disaster were to strike. When a water damage happens, you may find yourself grappling with what to do. If you contact us, we can asses the damages and work directly with you and your insurance company. We provide top notch customer service with state-of-the-art equipment. Once we are contacted, we will respond by sending a team of professional, friendly, knowledgeable water technicians to your home. We will help you resolve the matter quickly as possible. We will make sure to test and document all the readings throughout the duration of the job process. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Portable Extractors

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

One of our Extractors

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington keeps up with technology and state of the art equipment. The amount of equipment that is utilized on a daily basis is vast.  Extractors are one of our tools that is used on a daily basis. While each crew has at least one on their trucks, we have additional at the shop. Extractors, both portable and truck mount, are monumental in our services. We own approximately dozens of units in this branch. The portable new portable extractors are magnificent. They combine powerful productivity functions to make it very versatile. The unit’s pre-filters help boost its performance. They are rugged and have HEPA filters to capture airborne contaminates. These extractors are wonderful because they are portable and we can get into places without dragging long hoses throughout.

Confined Space Mold Mitigation

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Confined Space Mold Mitigation

Mold likes to grow in dark, damp places that have a food source. Mold absolutely thrives in this environment. Mold can sometimes be difficult to find. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington sees mold every day in homes and other properties. One of the most difficult places we mitigate mold is from under a home or foundation. Sometimes the area can be so small and difficult to manipulate our crews inside those small areas. These areas not only are confined space but they are awkward to do the job properly. In this photo you can see the beams of the belly of the home that have mold growing on them. You can also see how small the area is between the beans and floor. The floor is also a dirt floor which makes it another challenge as well.

Acting Quickly on a Water Damage

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Secondary Damages from a Water

Did you know SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can work with your insurance company to restore your property from water damage? Having a water damage to your home can be both stressful and expensive. Waiting to have the water damage remediated can cause secondary losses including, but not limited to mold growth. When you have a water damage you should have the water removed as soon as possible. Water damages can occur from broken pipes, frozen pipes, faucets, leaking toilets, sinks, bathtubs, washing machines, dishwasher’s, pools, sprinkler systems… the list goes on. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington understands the water damage process and can be very helpful in case you do experience a problem. Waiting to have the water cleaned up or waiting to hear if your loss is a covered claim is not a good idea. Acting quickly can reduce the costs and possible secondary issues.

Shingles in the Wind

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Shingles in the Wind

Homes in Brandywine / Wilmington have no idea when a flood damage incident is likely to occur. If you learn what to expect if something like this happens you can help minimize the potential challenges that may lie ahead. Heavy winds and rain storms may not only cause inside your home water damage but structural damage to your home as well. Knowing to call your insurance company or a certified company like SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington would be a good decision. SERVPRO can help mitigate and restore your property. In this picture, a random wind storm blew through during the day and when the homeowner got home from work he saw roof shingles came off. The homeowner was unable to reach his insurance company but called us to tarp the area in order to prevent further damages. It turns out the insurance company had no problem covering the loss and they were delighted we treated the home with urgency.

Tree on Home

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Tree through the home

When some people think of a storm they may think of only water and flooding. There are also parts of the storm that can be quite destructive like winds. Winds can be quite destructive. High winds, especially when they are sustained heavy winds for a long period of time, can cause trees to go down. When trees go down they can cause damage to the wooded areas, homes, people, electric lines, road ways and cars etc. When windy storms hit, SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can sometimes help. In this picture you can see a tree that came down on a home while the homeowners were sleeping. The tree went through the side of their home and caused a lot of structural damage. Thank goodness no one was hurt during the event.

Fire Statistics for the State of Delaware

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Firefighter

Fire Prevention is essential in all homes. Did you know some home fires could have been prevented? Here are some facts and statistics for the State of Delaware, there have been eight home fire fatalities so far this year. (October 1, 2018) In the year 2017 there were 9 home fire fatalities in our home state. On-duty firefighter fatalities in 2018 are zero as of today. (October 1, 2018). Between 1990 and 2017 fourteen on-duty firefighter fatalities were reported the U.S. Fire Administration. https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/civilian-fatalities/incident/reportList/Delaware.   Fire departments within the State of Delaware are registered with the National Fire Department Registry by either Volunteer, Mostly Volunteer, Mostly Career or Career. In the year 2018, 44.8% were Volunteer, 53.5% were Mostly Volunteer, 0.0% Mostly Career and Career with 1.7%. These percentages pertain to the State of Delaware.

Background Checks

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Background Checks

Background Checks on SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington

Did you know that SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington performs background checks on all our employees? Background checks for Franchise employees must be performed annually, and background checks for Franchise Owners are performed as well. SERVPRO does not employee any individual convicted of or who has plead guilty to a felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust, theft, or any type of violence against a person. All employees also sign a code of conduct statement certifying that they have not been found guilty of pled guilty or nolo contendere (or similar plea) to any crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust, or violence of assault, and have not been found guilty civilly liable for any act of violence or assault.

Mold on Shelving

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on Shelving

Mold can be hidden for some time until it gets noticed. This picture shows a book shelf that was on the floor of a basement. The basement a few months prior sustained some water infiltration. The homeowner called upon another to mitigate their loss. Only two months later the odor was so pungent that they called SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington to help figure out where the odor was coming from. It took only minutes for our estimator to locate the source. It appears the bookshelf was never disconnected properly during the initial water loss. As a result, microbial growth took over the bottom of the shelving. SERVPRO was able to correct the lack of drying and kill the growth on the content. Although we stopped the growth the shelf was permanently stained from the mold.

Why Cleaning is Not Just a Chore

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning is Healthy

Why Cleaning Isn't Just a Chore: The Health Benefits of Housework

Most people hate the idea of having to do housework. Cleaning and organizing the home isn’t fun compared to spending time with loved ones, going to the movies, or doing any of the various activities we consider enjoyable. However, there are unexpected benefits to cleaning—and learning about them may just change the way you think about dusting and doing the dishes the next time your house is looking dirty.

Breathe Easier 

Indoor air pollution is making us sick, but not enough people seem to be talking about it. As HomeAdvisor notes, “Issues like mold, radon and carbon dioxide are hazards to your health. If your home contains one or more of these elements, you may be at risk for that could have been avoided!” You can help reduce irritants in your home by doing things like avoiding products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But one of the best things you can do to improve indoor air quality is clean regularly. Cleaning your home reduces dust, pet dander, mold, and mildew that can make you and your family sick.

Cleaning tips for healthier air:

• Take off shoes before entering the house to keep outside dirt and dust from coming in.
• Keep pets groomed to reduce shedding and dander in the air.
• Change air filters regularly based on your household needs.
• Prevent mold and mildew by using fans in the bathroom that move moisture outside.
• Open windows on nice days to air out the home and increase ventilation.

Sleep Better 

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can leave the stress and anxiety from your day behind and transition into peaceful slumber. After all, regularly getting a full night’s worth of sleep is critical in maintaining our overall health. However, when you have dirty clothes slung across the floor and cobwebs in the corners, it’s not easy to fall asleep. Rather, you’re stuck there in bed thinking about how cleaning the bedroom is one more thing you’ll have to put on your to-do list.

Research suggests that being clean and organized can actually improve sleep. According to survey information collected by the National Sleep Foundation, 75 percent of people say they sleep better with clean sheets. Furthermore, people who make their beds in the morning are reportedly 19 percent more likely to say they get a good night’s rest. And it’s not just about keeping the bedroom tidy—experts say that staying organized in other parts of your life can prevent anxiety-induced insomnia. 

Reduce Stress 

Clutter causes stress. So, if you struggle with stress and anxiety, picking up around the house may actually help improve your mental health. A clean and organized home serves as a respite from the chaos of the outside world. Furthermore, taking a messy house and turning it into something you would see featured in a Better Homes & Gardens editorial provides you with a sense of control, especially when our lives seem completely chaotic. Next time you’re feeling like the cortisol levels in your body are out of control, try tackling one thing on your cleaning to-do list and see how it makes you feel. Chances are, you’ll be moving on to the next one and chasing that sense of relief from anxiety.

****

Cleaning may not be at the top of the list of your favorite activities, but housework has some surprising physical and mental health benefits. For one, your home may be making you sick. Indoor air pollution is often worse than it is outside. When you clean regularly, you reduce the amount of irritants that contribute to allergies and pulmonary illness. Being clean and organized can also improve sleep since it makes you more comfortable and less likely to fret over your to-do list at night. Finally, a clean home is a less stressful home. Clutter in the house equals clutter in the mind and many people find that tackling a mess is an effective release from anxiety.

Mold Tips

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on and in wall

Mold can be spotted almost anywhere. Mold is an allergen that can lead to coughing, running noses and itchy eyes. It consists of microscopic spores that exist in our air space both inside and outside, and thrives in warm, moist, humid environments. Many buildings that are seasonal, like schools, tend to leave the air conditioning off during the summer, but that can lead to some unwanted mold growth for the starting school year. For more information on black mold and mold removal and remediation, check out this https://www.SERVPRO.com/black-mold 

The word mold can be scary but it is really about taking control of it and mitigating it properly and quickly. Before any mold clean up can begin the source of the moisture or water must be corrected. If not then the mold may come back. It is always best not to disturb the mold as the spores may become airborne and lead to additional concerns. It is a good idea to consult with a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington at (302) 762 - 8080

Microbial Growth

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Microbial Growth

Microbial growth in your home is nothing fun to deal with. You may have had a simple toilet/shower leak, even a tub or small dishwasher leak and thought you cleaned all the water up quickly. Without a professional to check the moisture levels in walls, flooring, and cabinetry etc. you may have missed moisture. SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington can help with these psychometric readings. Conditions like these can create a feeding ground for microbial growth or mold. You may not see it visible at first, but notice an odd odor. By the time you notice the growth, many things may no longer be able to be restored, but must be replaced. Causing more headache and more money! It takes as little as 48 hours for mold spores to begin to grow.

SERVPRO Rappels Down 17 Stories

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Rappelling Down 17 Stories

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington participates in local community events as much as possible. In this specific event called “Over the Edge”, we had our very own Carleen scale down a building. This event was a unique fundraiser to rappel down 17 stories- a whopping 222 feet! This event was designed to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics Delaware. https://www.sode.org/ The event started in the morning and went all day long ending into the early evening. The event took place in downtown Wilmington on Delaware Avenue. This event was one of its kind in Delaware. This year, 2018, the event had 90 edgers and we help raise more than $125,000. This is the eighth year this event has taken place and this event over the eight years raised $1,021.00 total for the Special Olympics. We are proud to say we helped support the cause.

Monitoring & Documentation

10/4/2018 (Permalink)

Psychometric Readings Live Example

When SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington performs water damage restoration we monitor and document atmospheric conditions and moisture content.  We do this electronically via ipads and desktop. The ipads & desktop applications communicate with one another live time.  We evaluate and understand if evaporation and the dehumidification process is accelerating the atmospheric drying process.  We, at a minimum, for readings include:

1. Outside

a. Temperature

b. Relative Humidity (RH)

c. Humidity Ratio (gpp)

2. Inside (affected area)

a. Temperature

b. Relative Humidity (RH)

c. Humidity Ratio (gpp)

d. Dew Point

3. Unaffected Area in Home

a. Temperature

b. Relative Humidity

c. Humidity Ratio

4. Dehumidifier Output

a. Temperature

b. Relative Humidity

c. Humidity Ratio

5. HVAC Output (if on)

a. Temperature

b. Relative Humidity

c. Humidity Ratio

We Never Stop

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

What Devastation Water Can Do

No matter if it’s New Years’ Day, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington is ready to answer any call. When our crew arrived on site they never could have imagined the amount of damage and destruction they saw. With almost 16 days on the job, drying out and cleaning up – 13 units and the main building affected – major demo done in all the units- placing a total of 177 pieces of equipment –with the cause of loss being sprinklers in several units. The entire production team worked tirelessly morning, noon, and night to get the hotel fully up and running again, ready to serve its’ customers. Often commercial properties can be challenging and every job is totally different. But our SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington team is always up for the task. Our customers are so important to us!

Water Damage Preparation

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is here.  A little bit of planning is always good. You should plan for three days to be without being part of the daily accessibility to water, food and perhaps shelter.  Especially if you are in a historically hurricane susceptible area planning is important.  Planning is always good because you may be affected even though you may not be in the direct path of the eye of a storm.  One would be better safe than sorry.  Some ideas and thoughts would be to have some candles, batteries, flashlight, bottled water, some canned good, and staples that you could live on. Make sure you have a manual can opener for those canned goods. Perhaps a radio or a two way radio communication system. It is also important to have an exit plan which would include having your family and friends know where you are.  Perhaps even a time and place to meet.  Do not forget your individual needs like if you have small children, diapers.  Your pets are important too. Medicines could be put in a place so in a moments notice you do not have to go scrambling looking for certain things. At least make up a list of the things you will need when you are calm and not under stress or duress. Common sense and a cool head should always prevail and that is why it is called preparedness.  I am sure you can think of things your family would need and you should share with your other family members and friends so they can do the same.  Being prepared is always a good thing.

Breathing Easy

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Article submitted by Amanda H.

Breathe Easy: A Guide to Improving Indoor Air for Your Child’s Health 

Your home’s indoor air quality is likely far worse than outside. Your walls, roof and windows can trap everything from dust mites to mold and continually circulate them through the air. These and other irritants can have long-term effects on your children’s health. The EPA reports that respiratory issues, allergies and even cancer can all result from breathing in contaminated air.

Is your child at-risk?

No matter where you live, your air is not completely clean. However, sensitive children may experience negative side effects of poor air quality. Mold is perhaps the biggest culprit. The  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains that mold allergy symptoms mimic those of other respiratory concerns. Your child may experience coughing, wheezing, sneezing, chronic nasal congestion and irritated eyes.

First let’s clear the air!

Fortunately, there are ways to improve your home’s air quality and help your family breathe easier. You can reduce allergens by keeping pets out of the allergy-prone child’s bedroom. Never allow anyone to smoke in your home and don’t store seasoning wood indoors as it can contain mold spores. Controlling moisture will further reduce mold from flowing through the air. Make sure your exhaust fan and vents in the basement, attic, crawlspace and over the oven are functional and route your dryer vent outdoors. If you have any leaks, fix them immediately and remove any water-damaged materials from the home.

Have your HVAC system serviced at least twice per year. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system also requires that you periodically change the filter, so choosing the right-size filter when making a replacement is essential. A HEPA Filter in your vacuum will further reduce debris from swimming through the air and into your children’s lungs.

Remember ALL the soft surfaces...

It isn’t just air that can hold on to pollutants. The soft surfaces in your home should be cleaned thoroughly at least once per month as allergens can pile up quickly. Wash the curtains, pillowcases, and throw blankets and make sure to vacuum carpets and area rugs carefully. Nationwide Children’s Hospital notes that dust mite allergies  may be mitigated in part by regularly washing sheets and adding an allergy cover to your child’s bed.

Bring the outside in

A simple and effective method that will impact air quality is to decorate your home with succulent and other types of plants that naturally filter out pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are often found in air fresheners, bleach and other harsh cleaning chemicals. American Home Shield recommends aloe vera and spider plants. Raising your windows a few times each week will help, too. Open windows on either side of your home to encourage airflow and remember that the inside air is actually dirtier than the outside air.

 Further reduce pollutants 

To further reduce pollutants, consider investing in an air purifier, especially if you have pets or children with allergies. This will act as a secondary filter as will installing a dehumidifier in the bathrooms, basement and other areas prone to moisture. Himalayan pink salt lamps may also be beneficial as, in addition to being an exceptional source of soft light, these fashionable home decorations are hygroscopic, meaning they attract water molecules that contain dust and other allergens.

All of the above tips are exceptional ways to clean the air inside your home but there is no substitution for actually letting your child spend some time outdoors. Set aside a few afternoons each week for fun family activities such as birdwatching, riding bikes or even backyard camping. While these activities pose their own concerns – bug bites, sunburn, etc. – they will give your kids an opportunity to breathe fresh air, which can help clean their lungs and boost their overall health.

While we all like to believe our children are safe at home, the reality is that too much time indoors can actually make your child sick. Pay attention to your air quality and take steps to reduce allergens and irritants. Your children’s lungs will thank you and you’ll sleep easier knowing that dust mites and dander won’t disrupt their dreams.

Category's of Water

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Uniform ready for Water Damages!

IICRC S500 Standard Guide for Professional Water Damage defines 3 categories of water. Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

Category III water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples of Category III Water are: Sewage, Flood water, hurricanes etc.

A Category II loss is when water contains a significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed/ingested by humans. Category II water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms. Some examples of a Category II Water are: Discharge from dishwashers, overflow from washing machines, overflow from toilet bowls.

A Category I loss is where water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion or inhalation exposure. An example would be a water cooler.

Have water damage?

SERVPRO Brandywine/Wilmington has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (302) 762-8080.

SERVPRO Helps Storm Victims

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning of Cots

When massive storms come through the Wilmington, Delaware area it can affect many families.  We here at SERVPRO of Brandywine/ Wilmington try and help the best we can.  In addition to helping the homes and families that have had water infiltrate the home, we try and help the County and shelters as well.  Some families get displaced and have no where to go.  Some families just seek safe shelter through the night.  When this happens the facilities that help those in need will then need our help too.  We can help the shelters clean and sanitize the cots and bedding that was used. Because the area that the people and pets stayed in can become messy and soiled, we also help clean up the areas that the people resided in.  

Fire Devastation Before the Holidays

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen Destroyed by Fire

Fires can be life changing and life altering, especially during the busy holiday season. This home suffered a major fire that practically destroyed the entire house. We helped clean up what debris was left, moved any salvageable contents back to our warehouse for storage until the house is repaired. We were able to clean and restore many of the customers’ contents that she thought were never going to look the same. She was amazed with the work our entire staff put in. In this before picture you see the extreme devastation a fire can do. And after 2 weeks of demo and cleaning this is an after picture, what a difference. The job is far from over and the customer has a lot more work ahead but SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington was there and we tackled the job!

SERVPRO and Filing Your Claim

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Files that are closed faster usually have lower claim costs. When a file is open for a lengthy period of time, the opportunity for more problems and expenses can rise. SERVPRO completes and closes job files so that out customers can regain control of their lives as quickly as possible.

With our quick service, customers can depend on a reduced number of pending files with their insurance agents. Our technicians work effectively and cohesively with customers' insurance providers in the filing of claims. 

We close our files quickly by mitigating and restoring the property in a timely manner. Not only does this get the restoration process started, but this also prevents extensive or secondary damage. SERVPRO is reputable for our execution in job filing and fast restoration process.

Touching Up For Spring

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning the Equipment

Adding some fresh paint around the warehouse just in time for spring puts everyone in a good mood. Knowing that warm weather is just around the corner and outdoor activities are ready to begin. Barbeques, beaches, swimming pools, outdoor sports, or just being outside with friends and family is what everyone loves about warm weather. Technicians at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington spent an entire day painting, cleaning, power washing, and just freshening the place up. A new coat of paint always draws peoples’ attention.  This is also a great way to work together as a team, get a job done, but still have fun! On the rare occasions that we get some down time, we can always find something productive to do. At SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington we never stop!

SERVPRO ERP App

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Our Free SERVPRO ERP App/Service can help your company organize and better prepare your properties in a customized format. Businesses that use our ERP app gain preparedness and security in the case of an emergency. Here are some of the ways businesses benefit from our Emergency Ready Plan App.

Location Management: Businesses with multiple locations are able to manage all of their buildings' emergency needs from this app. Some of our clients use this ERP service for on building, while others use it to manage multiple locations.

Strengthens Protocol: In many cases, our businesses have to address an emergency while the authorized personnel is not on-site. Our ERP App breaks down important information for all employees including water lines, floor plans, and breaker locations.

Faster Response: The ERP app allows you to contact us directly through the app which can be a more direct way to contact us and provide all the information we need to get to the emergency.

Vandalism Damage & Bio-Hazard Services

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire & Water Damage may be what you think of when you hear the name SERVPRO, but bio-hazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanups are also services of ours. Our bio-hazard services cover a variety of cleanings. Blood-borne Pathogens, Methamphetamine Labs, Crime Scene Residues, Arson and Vandalism, and Sewage Backups. 

Vandalism is sometimes handled by property owners before SERVPRO is called out to the scene. Here are some Do's and Don'ts for handling vandalism damages. 

Do:

• Hose or wash residues from the building exterior as soon as possible
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in the vandalism
• Record all damage and photograph when possible

Dont:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains
• Operate damaged appliances
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair

Springtime Preparation

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Spring is on it's way! As the weather warms up and the seasons change, we should prepare for the spring time as best we can. Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for this spring season!

Check/Service your Lawn Care Equipment. Cleaning up your lawn mower and changing the oil helps you to start fresh once its time to put it to use again.

Clean Patio Furniture. Dust off your outdoor tables and wash your patio cushions. You are going to want them ready for relaxing once the weather is nice!

Clear Your Gutters. After the fall season and then the wintery weather, your gutters probably could use a little attention. Clear out anything in your gutters to prevent mold or weeds growing up there.

Change Filters. HVAC filters should be checked/changed seasonally in order to ensure proper air quality in your home.

Soot and Fire Extinguisher Damage

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

This photo shows the damage that not only a fire can do, but also the damage that a fire extinguisher can do. Even if someone used a fire extinguisher and contained or put out a fire, there can still be a strong odor and chemicals that need to be removed from the building/home.

The chemicals from a fire extinguisher can coat a room quickly and leave a thick dust behind. Normally this extinguisher dusting comes along with a coat of soot. Even if a fire has been small and quickly put out, the smell and chemicals left behind should be properly cleaned out of the space. You can see in the photo how apparent the soot and extinguisher's affects are. This is just one corner of the room, but this entire living room was impacted.

Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter Weather

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for extreme cold weather is not only important for your home but also your car. Your vehicle functions in rain, snow, ice, hail, salted roads, and freezing temperatures. It is important to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle all of the winter weather elements. 

Before the winter weather has begun, you should have your car checked by a mechanic for antifreeze, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, etc. While using your car throughout the winter, it is best to keep your gas tank at least half full. Salting and sanding your driveway or road is helpful for minimizing ice and increasing traction.

An emergency kit for your car is essential when preparing for the winter's extreme weather. Your vehicles emergency kit should include the following:

• Jumper Cables
• Ice Scraper
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Car cellphone charger
• Sand for better traction
• Extra Blanket

What To Do After a Storm

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

• Make contact with family and friends in the affected area and let those that you know outside of the affected area that you are safe.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Attempting to re-enter the area can be dangerous and it is important to wait until the area has been cleared as safe by officials.
• Avoid areas with debris and downed power lines.
• Avoid flood waters, whether on foot or in vehicle. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Take note of any damage to your belongings or to your property
• Photograph any damage to your belongings/property for insurance purposes
• Tarp or board up damaged roofs and windows to prevent further damage. Your insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm has passed.

Flood/Emergency Plan

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Household Flooding

It is important to know what you and your family's plan will be in the case of a flood or any other emergency. Familiarizing yourself with your local emergency contacts and community emergency plans may not feel like a pressing matter, but in the case of a flood/emergency it is valuable knowledge. It is important that all family members are aware of their address, family phone numbers, important medical information, and even email addresses. Other important information to remind family members of includes:

• Emergency hotlines
• School/work phone numbers & addresses
• Childcare phone numbers & addresses
• Personal emergency contacts & addresses
• Indoor meeting places
• Neighborhood meeting places
• Out-of-Neighborhood meeting places

It is also important to have easy access to contact information of:

• Police
• Fire
• Poison Control
• Doctor
• Pediatrician
• Medical Insurance
• Policy #
• Hospital

House Fire Before the Holidays

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Recently our SERVPRO technicians were called out to a property after a large fire. Along with the home owners, our team surveyed the house and the damage to what was left. In this photo, our technicians stand inside the home with the front yard totally visible through the burnt walls. The home was considered a total loss and there was not much left within the property for our team to clean or assist with. As SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington, we did our best to lend a helping hand to the family in any way that we could especially since this trauma occurred right before the holidays. We assisted them in their move to a temporary living space and checked in with them often to make sure they were okay. 

Spreading the Holiday Spirit in the Snow

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team huddling around the bonfire during our Christmas party

SERVPRO's 2017 Christmas party was a hit! The colder weather brings on a busy amount of business for our SERVPRO team. With such hectic and long  hours, we were happy to be able to find the time to fit in a great Christmas party this year. Our holiday party just happened to be thrown on our first big snow storm of the winter. 

Here is a photo captured early on in this snow storm and in the Christmas party. Such stormy weather ended up being the perfect opportunity for a bonfire, a few snow ball fights, and some holiday fun! Earlier that day we had delivered cookies and pretzels to a few offices around the Brandywine/Wilmington area. We are happy to spread the holiday spirit and what better way than in the snow!

House Fire- Before Board Up

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Fire/Soot Damaged Room

This picture was taken right before our SERVPRO team cleaned out and boarded up this house. As you can see, there was a major house fire here that affected almost every single room with either fire or soot damage. The fire originated in the kitchen and spread into the dining room, living room, and then to the bedrooms. Luckily, even with the large size of the fire, the structure remained intact and our technicians were able to save and clean some of the contents. Once our team was sure the structure was secure, they started on the demo of the home, removing all soot and fire damaged sections. After the home was rebuilt and brought back to livable conditions, SERVPRO moved the family's cleaned contents back in for them. 

SERVPRO Starts Up Wrestling Season!

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Growth Below Wrestling Mats

This year, one of our local school was gearing up for the wrestling season when they came across a problem. When pulling up their wrestling mats for cleaning before they would be put in place for the season, they found some mold growth in various spots and a lot of moisture. When our SERVPRO technicians assessed the mats and the conditions of the floors below them, they found many patches of moisture and mold growth. The mats had to be taken up and cleaned separately while they removed the mold. We mitigated the mold and dried the floor and the mats before they were put back in their place. Now that SERVPRO has taken care of it, the school is ready to start their wrestling season training. 

Getting Ready for the School Year

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO working in the schools

SERVPRO was able to help three schools get ready for the school year after a major storm all at once.  Schools were closed for the summer time and they wanted them back up in tip top shape so that everyone would be starting the school year in clean healthy conditions.  Some of the schools had little time and strict constraints in order to obtain the desired results!  It was quite a time crunch but our SERVPRO technicians came to the rescue and the challenge was met! These three schools opened on time and with a staff that was extremely pleased with our team. We felt a strong sense of responsibility to not only the school, but the students and administration who would be spending the school year in those buildings. 

Water in the Crawl Space

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Fans in the Crawl Space

There are plenty of places in a home or building that are hard to maintain. One of the most common places that homeowners struggle managing is their crawl space. 

Crawl Spaces are dark, damp, hard to move around in, and often dirty. Unfortunately, these conditions can make it hard to detect water damage or mold growth. A common call we get, here at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington, is that there is a funky odor in the house and the source is unidentifiable. Our technicians can often find the source of the odor in the crawl space due to the wet conditions that have lasted over time. Once the crawl space is identified as the source of the odor or water damage, we bring our big fans down into the close quarters to dry it out.

Clean Refrigerator

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

When was the last time that you found something in your fridge that was expired or needed to be thrown out? It is fairly common to find some perishable and/or questionable items in the back of your fridge that have been hidden behind some condiments or left overs for too long. 

Once a week, your refrigerator should be tidied up by wiping spills and surfaces. Any sticky spots on containers should be wiped up as well. To prevent bacteria growth, the fridge should be cleared out, thoroughly cleaned, and organized. Products should be checked for expiration dates and mold before going back in the refrigerator. 

It is important to keep your fridge clean and organized so that your items can remain bacteria and mold free!

Conference Room Flood

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Conference Room

This photo shows a large conference room located in a high rise building that has been flooded due to a large pipe line that burst. Unfortunately there were many rooms that looked like this one. This large building was affected on multiple floors and there were many offices that were scared their businesses would be greatly affected by the water damage. Luckily, our technicians were on the scene early that morning, once the call came in. They met with all the office managers and all those who had important belongings in the office building to assure them they would be taken care of. Once all those in the building were put at ease, SERVPRO started the restoration and cleanup process. We were proud to have helped so many different businesses get through such a stressful time.

Storing Contents

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

A recent storm in the Wilmington/Brandywine area took out some of a household's roof and old siding. The brutal storm opened up the home to the rain and winds, which then damaged much of this families belongings inside the house. SERVPRO came in and removed all the damaged contents from the home and dried the water damaged areas of the structure. We detail cleaned all the items that were salvageable from the home and stored them for the homeowners. We even use our own storage units to ensure the security of the household's belongings and keep them under our care throughout the whole rebuilding process. Now that the home is completely restored and in livable condition, we have packaged up all of their contents and are delivering them back to the house.

A Windy and Rainy Storm

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

A storm does not need to come in only the form of rain and flooding to seriously affect your home. Here is a photo of the flooring that had to be ripped up from a home after an extremely windy storm. Strong winds caused a tree branch to come down and puncture the siding to the house early in the evening. Later that night, it started to rain heavily and eventually flooded the first floor, ruining a large section of the hardwood floors. Along with some belongings wrapped up in black plastic bags, you can see the amount of floor panels that had to be removed before we started our drying process throughout the home. Luckily this storm only affected a portion of the home rather than the entire property.

Fireplaces are In-Season

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

The colder months of the year are coming and for those who have a working fire place in their home, it's important to know the how to operate it safely. Before anything else, you should make sure that your fire extinguisher is accessible and that it works correctly. You should also check you smoke detector and your carbon monoxide detector. The fireplace should be clear of anything around it that could catch fire. You should give the fireplace a range of three feet around it with nothing flammable nearby. Cracks and pops that come from the fire should be sure to not land on anything. Before lighting the fire, check the chimney to make sure there are no blockages or animal nests that are lodged in the chimney. You should have you chimney swept every few years as well.

Once you have taken all of these precautionary steps, you should be ready to put your fire place to use!

When You See Our Bright Green Trucks!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

We work all over the Wilmington area and many people know us for our bright green trucks that stick out like a sore thumb! Fire and Water restoration and Mold Mitigation is what most people think of when they see those bright green trucks drive by, but that is not all we do here at SERVPRO! We offer plenty of services to our customers that go beyond restoration. 

• We clean up crime scenes, bio hazard, and vandalism
• We offer odor identification and deodorization
• Upholstery, textiles, and drape cleanings
• Content claim inventory services are also something we provide

Our variety of services work for commercial properties as well as residential properties. So remember the next time you see one of our bright green trucks, Fire, Water, and Mold aren't all we do!

Mold Inspections

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Because mold can be hidden in walls, floors, ductwork, it can be hard to detect until it has already affected your home. Janet bought her first home and was so excited to move in. It took months of enduring a musky odor before she discovered her mold problem. Janet was so surprised that an inspector came across mold growth in her home because she kept the entire house spotless. Sometimes prevention is the strongest fight against mold growth. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners help keep homes dry and strengthen the ventilation throughout the area and should be used when humidity is high or living conditions are damp. Air ducts should be checked every once in a while as well. Ducts go unchecked in many homes for very long periods of time, which sometimes allows undetected buildup and mold growth.

Precautions With Water Damage

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Extra precaution should be taken when walking into a flooded area. Everyone on the flood scene should dress protectively when entering an area to lower the risk of injuring yourself on something that is not visible in the water.  Any food that has come in contact with flood waters or areas that may have been contaminated must be thrown out. Even if the food items are properly sealed or canned, it is still a possibility that they could be contaminated or contaminating other items if kept. If furniture is lightly damaged and can be restored, prop cushions and any other items that can me dried up for air circulation and keep drapes above water level to hang dry. Wipe dirt from surfaces before doing your primary cleaning unless SERVPRO has arrived on the scene. 

Hurricane Irma Rescues

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO green bandanna on our hurricane Irma rescues

Hurricane Irma hit Florida hard and many communities were impacted in the area. Not only are hundreds of families suffering from the harsh effects of Hurricane Irma, but so are many of the animals and pets of those families in Florida. Recently, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington went to the local SPCA and volunteered in the best way we could. Many dogs and cats were rescued from Hurricane Irma and flown from Florida to Delaware and brought to various SPCA locations. We helped bathe many of the dogs rescued from Hurricane Irma and got them ready for adoption. Being in the Cleanup industry, we did what we do best and cleaned up plenty of our furry friends as a way of giving back and contributing to the restoration of Florida. 

Tips for Preventing Water Damage

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Whether battling the cold and wet weather, or you are making sure your plumbing is secure, preventative actions should be taken against water damages to your home. 

To protect your home from the outside elements you can:

• Make sure your home does not have peeling paint around windows or doors, in which water can easily damage the homes structure.
• Look for leaks around chimneys and plumbing and attic vents
• Make sure your air conditioner drains correctly, at a slope, away from outlets.

To prevent water damage that would originate from your plumbing and pipes:

• Wrap outside faucets
• Caulk pipes where they meet your home
• Disconnect garden hoses
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems
• If your leaving your home for an extended period of time, turn off and drain your water system

Mold Inspection

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

When SERVPRO is inspecting a home or building for mold, there is a variety of key indicators we look for. Visible mold growth or the smell of mold or musty smells are the most apparent signs of mold SERVPRO looks for. In different situations, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington technicians will check for dampness and mold growth on carpet pads, carpets, we conduct inspections throughout the flooring, walls, and sub-floors. Moisture in the air and temperature within the home/building are monitored and measured by our technicians in certain scenarios as well. If we have found that mold growth is present within the facility, our mitigation process of the mold growth is the next step in our process. If there is no mold growth detected but there is a musty odor in the room which caused for the question and inspection of mold, SERVPRO is able to proceed with their deodorization services instead.

Healthy Home

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Along with checking for mold and making sure you are aware of the signs that could indicate mold in your home, you should make sure you are keeping your home a healthy environment in as many other ways you can. You should ask yourself a few questions in regard to your environment:

• Do you smoke inside your home?
• Is the ventilation and exhaust fans between your laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom adequate?
• When was the last time you changed your air filters?
• When was the last time you changed the filter or bag to your vacuum?
• Is your laundry done with bleach or ammonia?
• Is your gas stove and fire place checked every year for emissions?
• Was your home build before 1977? If so, has it been checked for led based paint?
• Do your bathrooms have carpet?

Fire Damage Services

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Large House Fire

After a fire, SERVPRO offers many services to restore your home/office/building back to its pre-fire damage state. We offer Structural Cleaning, which includes cleaning of the ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors as well as paint preparation cleaning. We also offer Contents Cleaning. Contents cleaning is the cleaning of the items that were affected by the fire, which includes electronics, wood furniture, artwork, kitchen items, bedding, clothing, and much more. After our main Structural Cleaning, SERVPRO offers Deodorization, which is conducted using our leading technology that attacks the source of smell rather than just covering it up. Beyond these services offered when our customers endure a fire, we also offer other related services. These services include Board-ups, Inventory, Move-Outs, Duct Work, and Metal Polishing.

Commercial Kitchen Services

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

A Fryer After Cleaning

SERVPRO's services are utilized in plenty of commercial buildings like apartment complexes, hotels, schools, churches, and retail buildings. But that is not where our services end. We often clean restaurant kitchens and ventilation systems as well!

A high volume kitchen that has grease build up and accumulated years of dirt is hazardous for both employees and customers. Especially commercial kitchens with many fryers, or smaller kitchens where employees are working in close quarters. We professionally clean many commercial kitchens in order to lower and prevent:

• Higher Risk of Fire
• Unpleasant Odors
• Increased Vermin
• Environmental Concerns
• Plumbing Issues
• Employee Injury
• Customer Injury 
• Lower Food Quality

Even with proper ventilation systems, grease builds up over time and should be addressed. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington today to have your commercial kitchen assessed!

Commercial Health Fair

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Our Health Fair Booth

Recently SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington attended and hosted a booth at a local health fair. Erin, one of our wonderful sales representatives was asked to host a booth by the retirement community that the Health Fair was held at. She was flattered to hear that one of our commercial clients wanted SERVPRO to be represented at the event. 

Erin happily attended and talked to many of the residents at the retirement community about our services and the health benefits of having clean air, carpets, and furniture for the elderly. Not only did she speak with residents of the retirement home, but many members of the Brandywine/Wilmington community. We were happy to share the importance of a healthy/clean environment as well as support one of our valued commercial clients.

Hurricanes and Storm Surges

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Heading to Houses Affected by Storm

Storm Surge- the rising of the sea level due to a storm causing pressure in the atmosphere to change and winds to accelerate. 

During a hurricane, the Storm Surge is what causes the most damage. Storm surges or the water that floods the land during a hurricane, is the most dangerous weather factor during a hurricane storm.

Hurricane winds can easily reach two hundred miles per hour. Winds that reach such dangerously high speeds are another huge cause of the damage that a hurricane inflicts on an area. Buildings can be ripped open and even down, trees are likely to damage properties, and items left out and unsecured become dangerous.

Heavy rain fall can cause flooding and water damage to homes. Cars are often flooded on the streets and in driveways due to extreme rain fall and flooding. Roads are commonly closed off and unable to be driven on during a Hurricane. 

Emergency READY Plan for Commercial Properties

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Utility Room

Preparing in advance for the unexpected is something SERVPRO stands by and encourages property owners all across the Brandywine and Wilmington area. We encourage property owners to prepare for the unexpected by starting their Emergency Preparedness Plan and keeping it up to date as your business and properties grow and change over time.  

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile covers all time-critical information your properties will need available to all your employees. Our Emergency Ready Profile covers:

• Location of Shut-Off Valves
• Fire Suppression System Controls
• Emergency Contact Numbers
• Service Contact Numbers
• Building History
• Building Layout
• Local Police Department, Fire Department, and Hospital

SERVPRO offers Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP) for free as a tool for commercial properties to help minimize damage and recover quickly from emergencies.

What to do With Water Damage

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Office

• Shut off the source of water, or call those who have the authority to stop the water source

• Make sure you are safe from electrical shock before turning off circuit breakers for the parts of the building that have been affected by the water damage

• Hang drapes with coat hangers to keep them from in contact with wet floors and carpets
• Remove wet furniture to prevent further damage and uneven drying as long as the furniture has not been contaminated

• If sewage is involved in your water damage, the water is contaminated and you must avoid contact with the water as well as items contaminated by the water

• Wash your hands after handling any water damage or items that have been in contact with the water damage 

The Growth of Mold

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Ready for Mold Remediation

Whether its a storm, plumbing malfunctions, or equipment mishaps, when water affects your home, the risk of encountering mold growth in the near future runs much higher. If the level of humidity is not controlled in the damaged area, moisture is absorbed into the environment and mold spores will begin to multiply. SERVPRO works in a timely manner because we are well trained in the importance of mold prevention and water extraction. Whether it be after a water damage or simply for your awareness, be alert for:

• Visible Mold
• Strong Musty Odors
• Evidence of Current Moisture Problems
• Evidence of Previous Moisture Problems
• Excessive Humidity
• Dampness

SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable about water damage, moisture in an environment, and mold and are able to bring your home back to the condition it was in before any damage occurred. 

The Source of Water Damage & Possible Mold

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water in Hallway

Mold can grow on many materials especially after a water damage. 

Some Examples of Possible Materials of Mold Growth:

• Wallpaper
• Drywall
• Paint
• Carpet
• Adhesives
• Wood
• Fabrics
• Paper Products 
• Food

The byproduct of mold is the musty smell that grows more and more apparent as the mold spreads. Environments with a lot of moisture are the most common cause of mold growth, which includes environments that have encountered a water damage. After mold remediation/water remediation has been conducted, the job is not finished. The source of water and moisture that creates the perfect feeding ground for mold must be addressed to prevent future mold growth.

Here is a water damage in a local school that our SERVPRO restored. This school is a perfect example of the importance of finding the source of water damage and moisture. There was a large leak in the plumbing system that caused the water damage but later it was discovered that the old plumbing system had started to fail and water was unable to easily flow through the pipes and had been slowly affecting the lower level bathrooms for some time. If the school had not investigated the source of the water damage and moisture build up over time, they would have encountered this situation again, and a great possibility of mold later on.

Fire Extinguisher Tips

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

Whether working from home or in a large commercial office building, the knowledge of how to correctly and safely use a fire extinguisher and when to use it is something everyone should have. How to operate a fire extinguisher should be displayed somewhere in the office for all employees to see. Here are a list of tips and information on when it is time to use a fire extinguisher:

• The extinguisher should be clean and without any damage
• An escape plan has been established and the fire is not blocking the way out of the building
• All others in the building have been alerted
• The local fire department has been called
• Everyone is safe from the smoke and toxins the fire is creating
• The fire is contained to a single object

Hurricane Harvey

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO reaches Houston

As a Disaster Recovery Team and National partners with American Red Cross, SERVPROs from all over have traveled to Texas and helped those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. SERVPRO is working twenty-four-seven in restoring the communities that have had significant damage since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. We are proud to be helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey return to their homes and rebuild their communities.

On the tail end of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma came in strong with vengeance in the state of Florida.  She whirled through and came in strong.  As a result, it activated more SERVPRO Storm teams to come in the devastated areas. 

SERVPRO'S from all over the country came to aid to most of these areas.  We have been working tirelessly around the clock to help those in need. 

We love what we do.

Thanks for Calling SERVPRO!

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

Volunteering to Give Back

Our local ASPCA endured a serious set back after a car accident that caused a large building fire throughout their facility. Luckily they called SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington and we came to restore their building back to perfect condition again. Once our work was done we wanted to help in any way we could in appreciation for calling SERVPRO. In order to say thank you for calling SERVPRO, we volunteered and made donations to the ASPCA by bathing the animals, helping with adoption photos, and donating plenty of blankets and sheets to the facility. Some of the animals we bathed were even recent rescues from Hurricane Harvey that were brought to Delaware. We were eager to give back to the ASPCA after their hard time and use of our services. 

Damage Before SERVPRO is There

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

• Leave soot on surfaces until a SERVPRO of Newark professional arrives and can assess the Fire damage. Cleaning surfaces may further damage furniture and walls.
• Restrain from walking, cleaning, or sitting on damaged furniture, carpets, upholstery, and walls until a SERVPRO of Newark professional has arrived.
• Electrical appliances like televisions sets, radios, microwaves, etc. that may have come in contact with water, soot, or fire should be avoided. Touching or cleaning electrical appliances should be handled by a SERVPRO professional or after consulting with an authorized repair service.
• All food, drinks, and water that are close to a fire damage or a water damage may be contaminated. All consumable goods should not be eaten, they should be thrown out. 
• Leave all ceiling fixtures off. Moving air throughout the damaged rooms may cause more damage. Fire damage or water damage to the electrical wiring of ceiling fixtures are likely to heighten the risk of shock. 
• Do not send damaged clothing and textiles to the dry cleaner before consulting with your insurance agent and your SERVPRO of Newark professionals. Damaged clothing and textiles are likely to be mishandled at a dry cleaners rather than with the use of SERVPRO of Newark's Esporta services.

We are Growing!

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Our new finished edition.

Over the last few years we have expanded our levels of equipment and grown to need more storage. Here is our new edition on our property! Our new garage is used to store all of our generators and a few of our other pieces of equipment that we have not had the space for recently. Snow plows and snow blowers and overflow of equipment. Once we started the construction of our new storage edition, it was only a matter of days before we were adding the finishing touches and getting ready to put it to use. Now we are storing our equipment comfortably and with organization. The state of the art security system allows us to have constant visual contact on the facility.  We already thinking about adding an additional structure.

Sending Off Party!

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

A lot of fun and a lot of pizza!

Two of our long time SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington employees were leaving to pursue their careers after graduating college. They worked hard as part a of the SERVPRO team and were enthusiastic about their jobs every day. We celebrated their time working with us and their future careers by throwing a great pizza party after work. We are happy to see them growing into their career goals and we had a great time during our sending off party! The two are doing well in their new environments and we hear from one of them almost daily.  Actually, one of them has come back to work for us in the warehouse at night on our content portion.  The level of detail and great organizational skills help SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington keep our move-outs moving! 

ASPCA Fire

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

A vicious fire broke out at the Brandywine Valley ASPCA after a car had crashed into the building and caught fire. This was a devastating fire that a not only a precious human life was lost but the lives of some animals as well. This ASPCA location is one of the largest in the Delaware area had been recently renovated. Many cats and dogs were relocated during the restoration and rebuilding of the facility. Luckily, SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington was able to respond quickly and help bring the building back to life. We are proud to be a part of the Brandywine Valley ASPCA's rebuilding process and have made a point to get involved in their adoption events and make any donations we can. 

The Power of Four

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Erin, Jackie, Paul and Caitlin

These four individuals are a powerful group.  They think outside the box and came up with some great ideas. They love and take pride in what they do. Within the building industry they are coming up with new and unique ways to improve our relations.  Most recently they tolled out a new plan that has really been working for us.  The amount of Emergency Ready Plans this team has prepared are amazing.  The go into buildings and point out all the potential issues, tag specific areas with cautions and help put together a written plan on what to do if an emergency arises. They pass the message on that SERVPRO is here to help.  They give the customer a binder or thumb drive whichever the customer prefers.  We also now have a mobile app for this as well.

Facebook Page

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Like our Facebook Page

Like and follow our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROOfHockessinElsmere  We post a lot of fun pictures and spur of the moment activities.  We are more than happy to share some of our daily work.  We cannot share everything but you can learn a bit more of what we do.  We see all kinds of things one could not imagine. You can also see specials we run that get posted.  These posts usually go up with a special code and then come down.  They range from coupons to giveaways.  Our facebook page also gives you a glimpse of us working hard and sometimes having fun.  We work very hard as we are open 24/7/365 for emergencies.  When we have some crews with downtime we take advantage of that buy playing together too.

SERVPRO'S are Here to Help

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Here to Help!

SERVPRO'S from all surrounding areas head in from all over to help the victims.  SERVPRO is a team oriented company that has compassion for everything we do, and everyone we help.  When another area of the country is impacted with a storm or tragedy we can call upon our fellow teammates to come in and help.  Sometimes due to the area being affected it may require out of state SERVPRO's to respond in a time of need.  In this specific case, SERVPRO's from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware among other states reported in to help the victims of this disaster that struck among them.  After all was said and done, all the help of these surrounding SERVPRO's were able to team up together and restore this broken community.

SERVPRO Stools

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Stools

How fun and playful are these SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington stools?  They are stools on a swivel that help show our SERVPRO Pride.  We have them placed throughout the shop. We even put one in the waiting room.  They were made especially for SERVPRO'S and we could not resist buying them.  We are always in need of seats around the shop. Guys and gals are always finishing up loose end paperwork on their iPad's and this is a great place for them to have a seat.  They are colorful, fun, cheery and quite comfortable.  It seems like a lot of items around the shop have SERVPRO written or painted on them.  What a fun and happy way to show everyone our SERVPRO Pride.

Roof Hole

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Roof Tarp

Here is a team of SERVPRO men attending to a hole in the roof as well as the side wall.  In this picture you can see the men working to put down a tarp and securing it with furring strips. They also placed a board over the side window. After a mishap has taken place in a home or building sometimes the structure needs to be secured from additional outdoor elements. Additional elements may be something like additional rain and winds.  The furring strips are placed to help raise, level or help secure the tarp and/or wood. They are placed perpendicular to the joists and then they are nailed in place.  This is a temporary fix until the roof can be properly repaired by a roofer.   

SERVPro of WIlm. Wins lottery

12/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Wilmington win the lottery! The National "Liquid Laundry Detergent Promo Winner" lottery that is. After a lot of hard work, a ton of loads, countless cycles and great smelling clothes, SERVPRO of Hockessin finally took home the prize. Throughout the entire company nationwide, this lottery is something everyone enjoys and something everyone can be proud of. It helps to remind us how every aspect and service of our great company is important and useful. While people's homes and properties are important, their belongings are just as important too. And with every load, we do our best to provide comfort to those who may have lost something valuable to them. And like we say here, "If you need clean clothes, SERVPRO of Hockessin knows!"

Hiring

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

Hiring

We are hiring! Please come to the office, we are located at SERVPRO, 225 North James Street, Wilmington, DE, to fill out an application in person. Must be able to pass a background check and drug test. A valid drivers license is a must and you must also have a good driving record.  No experience necessary, just a great attitude and willingness to learn. Of course experience is always welcomed too.  We can train you to do the SERVPRO Processes with both intense hands on training and bookwork.  We are cruising right along and happy about our growth. We are constantly updating and recruiting personnel. We have state of the art reporting methods.

We are also currently hiring for an Administrative Assistant as well. Must have basic computer skills and patience. We will train you from there. 

SERVPRO to the rescue in LA

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

Check out the destruction and devastation in LA. SERVPRO in background to help.

SERVPRO'S from all surrounding areas head in from all over to help the victims.  SERVPRO is a team oriented company that has compassion for everything we do, and everyone we help.  When another area of the country is impacted with a storm or tragedy we can call upon our fellow teammates to come in and help.  Sometimes due to the area being affected it may require out of state SERVPRO's to respond in a time of need.  In this specific case, SERVPRO's from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware among other states reported in to help the victims of this disaster that struck among them.  After all was said and done, all the help of these surrounding SERVPRO's were able to team up together and restore this broken community. 

SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington Makes News

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington cleans up after court house shooting!

A shootout in a courthouse and SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington makes the news.  A disgruntled family makes an attempt during a child custody case that ended very badly.  The city was closed down for hours.  The courthouse needed SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington to respond quickly and cover the windows from the media and curious people.  We were to help recover the bullets from the walls and ceilings.  The mess and blood was everywhere.  We were trusted with information and worked closely with all kinds of entities.  We were able to help get the scene cleared quickly and professionally.  We assisted with pictures, documentation and cleaning.  The State was very happy with SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington. And here at SERVPRO, we send out our whole hearted condolences to all who were affected by this terrible incident.