3 Differences Between Flood Damage and Other Water Damage

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Quick action to storm damage

3 Differences Between Flood Damage and Other Water Damage

If there is a serious storm in Mount Pleasant, SC, then you can expect that your commercial building will be affected on some level. Water can come from a variety of sources, and not all of these will cause the same level of trouble. Damage from a flood, for example, differs in the following ways.

1. Contamination Levels
There are three categories of water that you could find yourself dealing with when water damage occurs. Each of these has a different level of contamination. Category 1 is clean; category 2, or gray water, is moderately contaminated; and category 3, or black water, is highly contaminated. Because it picks up debris, sewage and other contaminants from the ground, flood waterfalls under the third category.

2. Cleanup and Repairs
Because of the high level of contamination, it contains, category 3 water needs to be treated differently than the rest. Blackwater should be removed by a professional restoration service that has the necessary equipment and training to handle this type of emergency. Everything that has been affected will need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Absorbent materials that cannot be cleaned should be replaced.

3. Insurance Coverage
Another important difference between this and other kinds of water damage is insurance coverage. In many cases, your basic insurance does not cover floods. You will need to purchase an additional policy to ensure your business is prepared for this particular situation. If you are in an area where disasters of this nature occur often, you may be required to have additional coverage.
Although it is important to have any kind of water damage addressed as quickly as possible, there are some additional difficulties that can come with a storm. If your business is located in an area where this is likely, you should take precautions to ensure you are prepared for damage involving category 3 water. To keep your building safe, always have restoration of this kind done by a professional.

3 Things To Do After Water Damage to Your Building

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial flood in Charleston, SC

Actions To Keep In Mind In Case Your Company Experiences This Type Of Disaster

Whether it is a flood or a significant plumbing malfunction, water damage can cause serious problems for your business in Mount Pleasant, SC. Water in the wrong place could cost your company thousands of dollars. In really bad situations your business could even be shut down for a period of time, resulting in lost revenue. While a major water problem can seem overwhelming, there are things you can do to minimize damage and restore your facility to working order. Keep these actions in mind if your company experiences broken pipes or some other type of disaster.

1. 
   Call for professional help. Some problems are just too large for you to handle with your own staff. A nearby water restoration company is trained to help when water damage is severe. A professional company has the equipment, the trained personnel, and the knowledge to complete a full restoration of your facility. They will arrive only hours after the call and begin to work on stopping the source of the water leak immediately.
2. 
   Consult with your insurance company. You don't necessarily have to call your insurance agent right away, but it should still be one of your first calls. It's okay if the water cleanup is already underway, but you will want to gain a better understanding of what is covered and what your responsibilities are. Documentation of cleanup costs and facility damage will help a claim get settled and paid quickly. The restoration company you hire may also be able to help you with the claims process.
3. 
   Check to make sure everything is completed. Cleaning up water damage has many steps and an inexperienced company might miss a few things. Make sure all areas of your building are free of damage. It is critical that areas have been dried out to prevent problems such as odors or future mold growth. By hiring the right restoration company, you ensure the job will be accomplished to your standards.

How we can help to restore your Home in Charleston

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Low Country Businesses

Moisture Detection and Wicking in Drywall of Your Charleston Home

Drywall is one of the most common construction materials seen when walking through Charleston and nearby communities. With its heavy use as walling components, these elements are relatively cheap and porous materials that can get quickly installed during initial construction. When faced with disasters like water loss incidents, the porous nature of sheetrock can often be highly damaging to the material, leading to substantial degradation and decomposition over a day or more of exposure.

Determining the severity of water damage to your Charleston home is critical, and our SERVPRO of Mount Pleasant professionals have multiple devices and tools that can determine the extent of moisture damage and saturation of affected materials. We have moisture detection tools that can both emit electromagnetic waves and pulses to monitor resistance, giving a general idea of the moisture content to the sampled material. We can also use these same devices with their probe attachments for a more accurate and immediate determination of the moisture content and saturation level of affected materials and elements.

Wicking is a common problem with sheetrock material. With the bulk of water damage naturally finding its way to the floor, most of the pooling and standing water happens around the baseboards of an affected area in your home. From this point, moisture can begin to wick up the drywall towards the ceiling, moving farther along this path as time progresses. The distance that this wicking occurs from the flooring is the point where flood cuts occur.

Flood cuts are a way for our SERVPRO team to remove irreparably damaged drywall without the need to remove full sheets and reinstall them. With controlled demolition techniques, we can save the customer money on the material needed to reconstruct these removed portions and reduce the time it takes to complete this phase.

While water loss recovery can happen in many steps, some materials used to construct your home are more prone to substantial water damage than others. Our SERVPRO of Mt.Pleasant rapid response team can arrive quickly to begin mitigation techniques that can save as much of these damaged materials as possible. Give us a call 24/7 at (843) 884-2258

Hardwood Floor Drying system

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

One of our popular questions is, can you save our hardwood floors? In the Charleston area, we have a lot of older homes with original floors, naturally they want to save them. Another reason is, it trouble-some and expensive to replace all the floors. Will the new floors match the old? I the answer isn't always simple either. We do have a hardwood floor drying system and we will do our very best to save those beautiful floors. But,we have to be honest, there are some times when the damage has gone to far and they need pulled. The best way to avoid pulling them, is to act fast! Call us immediately. We will be there fast, get water extracted and equipment in place. Lets save those floors, by putting our number in your list of phone numbers, and call use immediately!

843-884-2258

Water Loss Cost

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

We get a lot of calls, about pricing. It’s hard to determine the pricing, but I found a great article with some help. “How much does it cost restore water damage?

Water may be a necessary part of life, but it can also do a tremendous amount of damage to your property if it gets into places it shouldn’t be. Whether through flooding due to a storm, a burst pipe, moisture trapped beneath walls or floors, gaps in a tile shower, foundation cracks, a leaking toilet, water damage after a fire, or a leaking roof, too much moisture left alone inside your home can lead to much bigger problems. If water isn’t cleaned up properly, and things dried out within the first 24 to 48 hours after the initial damage has been done, additional problems can begin to set in, including mold, mildew, and wood rot.

Not all water damage is equal; water from “clean” sources such as a pipe or rain is easier and less costly to clean up, while water from a backed up sewer pipe or a leak that’s only found after mold has grown is going to be more difficult and more costly to clean.

The average cost of simply drying out your property from a “clean” water leak with no further damage done or restoration needed is around $2,700, while the average cost of drying out your home and repairing the damage done to areas like drywall and carpeting is around $7,500. Costs continue to go up from here depending on the source of the water, how much water, and how great the damage.”

The link to the full article is listed below:

https://www.fixr.com/costs/water-damage-restoration

They even mention SERVPRO in this article! Call u at 843-884-2258, for all your water loss needs.

AC drip Pan

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Since, we get a lot of calls about leaking drip pans to the HVAC unit; we thought we would share some information. There are several causes for leaking units, but this is number one.  “The first cause—the overflow pan—is easily detectable by simply using a flashlight. The pan is a piece of equipment that catches any condensation from the A/C unit; if you're noticing a leak, carefully inspect the overflow pan for damage. Check each corner, along the outside edges, and, of course, directly above the wettest spot. Small holes and cracks can be patched with epoxy glue, but it's usually best to replace a damaged overflow pan.”

We at SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant, SC like to share these types with our customers to avoid damage. However, if you have leaking drip pan or any leaks; call us at 843-884-2258. We are here 24/7 for your emergency needs.

Resources:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a7782/quick-fixes-for-leaky-ac-systems-8925561/

Signs of water damage

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

We often get calls about water spots on ceilings. This is a tell-tale sign you have a water leak somewhere. So, how do you know if you have water issue elsewhere, if you don’t see puddles of water?

“What to Look For

Water damage can take on different colors, textures, and even smells, depending on the type of location of the damage. For instance, ceiling water damage is usually easier to spot than water damage in a basement because you will see stains and discoloration on a ceiling, but may not know that a musty odor can be a sign that there is a problem on the lower level of your home. Learn these telltale signs so that you can identify an existing problem and be prepared to spot it in the future.

WATER ACCUMULATION

The most obvious sign that you've got water damage on your hands (or that it will become a bigger problem) is areas of standing or pooling water. These can result from old or malfunctioning appliances including washers, water heaters and toilets. A puddle could also occur from a leaking roof, or from drainage pipes if the water is on the outside of your home.

DISCOLORATION

With ceiling water damage, look for water spots and stains. The area may appear wet or dry and can be a yellow, brown or copper color. Walls may also have bubbling, cracking or peeling paint or wallpaper in addition to staining.

CHANGES IN TEXTURE

While flooring can also show discoloration like ceilings and walls do, the main sign of water damage in floors is detected by changes in texture. This is a result of water seeping into the floor boards and areas underneath them. Some common texture variations include:

• Warping - caused by changes in humidity and temperature, resulting in gaps between floorboards or curling at the edges. (Ceilings may also become warped from water damage.)
• Buckling - Occurs in wood floors when one side of the wood becomes detached from the substrate and "tents," or faces upward.
• Sagging/Sinking - You may notice soft spots in hardwood floors due to rotten wood, which feels spongy compared to normal wood. Water can seep into subflooring of all types of flooring material and cause sagging.
• Expansion - Wood and laminate floors will "expand" when they absorb too much water because the material swells and then separates.

ODOR

Odors caused by mold and mildew could implicate a water damage problem. The smell may come from basements, walls, or other areas where water has been accumulating for a while. Certain drywall materials can act like a sponge and become full of moisture because there is low air circulation. This is the perfect condition for mold to develop, which will eventually result in visual discoloration (usually black spots) and a detectable odor.

Common Places/Causes

Water damage can occur in any part of your home; however, there are some areas that are more high-risk than others. Make a checklist and inspect each area in your home to know where and what to look for when it comes to identifying water damage.

CEILINGS

Ceiling water damage can come from a few sources. If the room is on the top story of a home, it could be from a leaky roof caused by rain or melting ice/snow in the winter months. If there is a bathroom above the ceiling with wall damage, it could be from a burst pipe or cracks in the floorboards.

WALLS

One of the easiest ways to spot water damage is water stains on walls (and ceilings). Make sure to also check around door and window frames. An unusual stain could be a sign of a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall.

FLOORS

There are many things that can cause water damage to floors - overflowing sinks/bathtubs, flooding from faulty appliances and bad pipes. Hiring a water damage restoration company is the best way to pinpoint the exact cause of flooring water damage.

EXTERIOR/FOUNDATIONS

The exterior of your home can also experience water damage. If there isn't proper drainage in the yard or if the gutter spouts don't carry runoff water far away from the house (or if the gutters leak), water can pool next to the house and if left untreated, cause even more damage to your home's structure.

ATTICS/ROOFS

Stains, mold and wet or swollen installation are signs of a leak in the attic. If your roof has cracked, curled, or missing shingles, damaged flashing or signs of wind/rain damage, it could be vulnerable to leaks, which could result in water damage. Weather in colder climates can cause ice dams to develop on the roof, which can leak into the attic when snow and ice melts. Pay attention to possible problem areas including around roof vents and chimneys, the flashing (where the roof connects with the walls) and the valleys (where two roof planes connect) to help prevent water damage.

APPLIANCES

Check behind refrigerators, washers/dryers, hot water heaters and toilets/sinks for any sign of pooling or leaking water. An appliance or bathroom component (toilet/sink/shower) will most likely cause water damage because of a faulty piece of equipment that isn't easily seen. For example, a cracked hose or loose connection means that these parts may fail soon and could cause leaking in your home - which could lead to water damage.

What to Do If You Find It

If your home has water damage or even if you suspect that you may have a problem, there are professional water damage restoration companies that can help you. First, if you can, locate the problem area. Next, take any necessary steps to prevent any further damage. You may need to soak up standing water on the floor with towels or shut off your home's water supply.

Then, call your home insurance company to report the damage and contact a licensed professional to begin the cleanup process. You'll receive an assessment from the water damage restoration company and can determine your next steps.”

Call us at 843-884-2258

Resources by: https://www.resolvebylowes.com/guidance/flood/how-to-detect-water-damage/115000633508

Importance of Knowing Where Shut Off Valve is on Homes

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Locating and Operating Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Not Knowing Could Cause Major Damage to Properties if you don't know where it is and Water Pipes Burst. In Case of Property Damage Please Call SERVPRO of Mount Pleasant at 843-884-2258

Maintenance

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Preventing a water loss from happening is always the best solution.  Maintenance to your home is the key. Refrigerator lines, washing machine, dishwasher, pipes, and hot water heaters, they all have maintenance.  Here are a few interesting facts and a link to the site for more.

“STUDY FACTS: The chance a water heater will leak or burst begins to dramatically increase when it is 5 years old. 3/4 of all water heaters fail before they are 12 years old.

STUDY FACTS 73% of losses involving an ice maker were caused by the failure of the supply line hose. 10% of incidents involved new refrigerators and were linked to improper installation.

STUDY FACT Homes 30 years old were 3 times as likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem.

STUDY FACTS: A burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. On average, these incidents caused more than $6,000 in damage per incident.”

Again, prevention is the key. But, we all know, water loss happens. SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant, is here 24/7 for your water loss needs 843-884-2258.

Works Cited

“Quick Tips to Prevent Water Damage” http://www.ct.gov/cid/lib/cid/water-damage_pamphlet_CT-DOI.pdf

Pipes

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

As winter approaches, it’s time to know how to protect your pipes from freezing. I have attached some types to help you.

“How to Protect Pipes from Freezing

Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.”

If you end up with a busted pipe, call us to help. We never look forward to such an event, but they do happen.  We are available 24/7 for emergency situations.

Works Cited

“Red Cross”  http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

Leaking Toilets

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

This week, we are working on a water damage caused by a leaking toilet. Please watch those toilets.

“What Can Go Wrong? - Leaks mean water, water can be a problem. Left unattended, leaks can damage finishes and structural elements. Letting a leak go for a long time can do thousands of dollars of damage. Fixing it quickly will always be the best course of action. Anything that can be damaged by water should be removed from the area before the repair is attempted. Getting the toilet partially repaired before it gets too late or the parts store closes can leave the toilet not operating. One trick is that a toilet can be flushed by dumping a couple of gallons of water quickly into it from a pail. This mimics the normal function of the toilet tank.” 

If you have a toilet leak, please call us. We can find you a good plumber to fix the damage, and clean up the water damage. We are only a call away, with 24//7 emergency help at 843-884-2258.

Works Cited

“Home Repair” http://www.home-repair-central.com/how-to-fix-a-leaking-toilet.html

Effects of Water Damage

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies employ experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.

Causes of Water Damage

There are several possible causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses. Floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. Too much water can lead to minor problems such as water in basement areas, or it can lead to the destruction of homes and businesses. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately. Starting water damage cleanup as soon as possible increases the likelihood of saving water-soaked furniture, carpets, rugs, clothing, and other items.

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different categories assigned to water damage. Category 1 refers to clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. Category 2 water is also called gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage. Category 3 water is known as black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

There are also several classes of water damage. The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options. Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation. Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage. Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.

Restoration Process

The water restoration process is an important one. Using the right procedures and materials can help people save cherished belongings and even prevent their homes from being condemned. Water restoration companies specialize in mitigating the effects of water, but the success for water damage restoration depends on the severity of the damage and the amount of water that caused the damage. Water restoration companies may hire outside experts to assess a property and determine a water restoration and water removal plan. These water restoration companies typically use high-tech equipment and well-documented procedures to control water damage. Water in basement areas may only require a short cleanup process, but water in other areas of a property will require extensive remediation.

Health Hazards

It is important to hire one of these water damage restoration companies as soon as possible after water damage occurs. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms. Cleaning up immediately can help mitigate the health effects of water damage on everyone in a home or commercial space.

Works Cited

"The Water Page"

http://www.thewaterpage.com/water-damage-effects.htm 

Emergency Water Damage Tips

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

We pride ourselves in educating our customers, on best practices for water damages.. Here are some emergency water damage tips from SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston/Mt. Pleasant.

• Shut off the water source if possible
• Remove excess water by mopping
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs
• Hang fus and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and leep ut of areas where ceiling are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazins or other colored items on wet carpeting.

These tips are for clean water situations only.

If you need any assistance or have any questions please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston/Mt. Pleasant at 843.577.2470

Charleston Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

6/7/2016 (Permalink)

This Charleston home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains we had last October.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 843.577.2470 or 843.884.2258

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston/Mt Pleasant and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 843.577.2470 or 843.884.2258

Faster to your Charleston Water Damage

6/7/2016 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –843.577.2470 or 843.884.2258

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

Faster to your Charleston/Mt Pleasant Water Damage Event

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 843.577.2470 or 843.884.2258

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston/Mt Pleasant

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

Water Damage in Mt Pleasant

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Mt Pleasant

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

SERVPRO of Mt Pleasant is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 843.884.2258

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Charleston/Mt Pleasant has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?