Local Professional Restoration Help is Available on The Eastern Shore

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221.

Residential leaks can be tricky to find. Some leaks are obvious, like frozen pipes that burst. Other leaks are more difficult to detect, like loose connections in plumbing lines under floors. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to try and find it as soon as possible. If left untreated, even for a short amount of time, it could cause serious damage to your home.

Some leaks can be obvious like:
Wet drywall
Cracks in the foundation
Stains on floors, ceiling, and walls
Wet spots beneath leaks from the ceiling    Visible mold and mildew in or near showers and tubs

Possible leak sources in your home:
Leaking Tubs & Showers
Leaking Appliances
Leaking Water Heaters

If you have water damage or suspect mold, call the local restoration team that the Shore trusts. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221.

We have trained technicians that are ready to help. Our restoration teams are well trained and properly equipped. We are locally owned, and we know this community. We respond to your call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our technicians can also help you recover items that are damaged. We want to help restore your home.

We are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester provides 24-hour water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Recent Delmarva Thunderstorms Lead to Wind Restrictions on Bridges and Residential Flooding

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore uses technology to make sure your home is dry after water damage.

Some of the thunderstorms that came through the Eastern Shore caused gusty winds and heavy rains. This can lead to inconveniences like temporary bridge closures or restricting certain vehicles. It can also lead to flooded homes. A high volume of rain in short amount of time can make a mess of your home.

Being aware of National Weather Service warnings and coastal flooding are part of life on the shore. Sometimes the routine spring thunderstorms aren’t so routine. One thing you can do before the next storm is check your homeowner’s insurance policy and be clear on what is covered. If you have water damage, who can you call for help?

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore is ready to help. When you call, we’ll respond quickly so that there isn’t more damage. When the SERVPRO of The Lower Shore professionals arrive, they will inspect and assess the damage to your home. The severity, hazards and restoration options will be explained to you. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The next step is removing the water using powerful pumps and extraction units. Damaged materials and items will be removed in order to start the drying as soon as possible. Cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing will help the restoration process after water damage.

Our team of experts will begin drying areas of water that you may not be able to see. They will use industry-leading equipment. During the drying process, technicians will monitor your property to make sure everything is drying properly.

Our staff is well-trained and ready to help. 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.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore provides 24-hour water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Flooding and Water Damage Can Be Dangerous and Costly on the Eastern Shore

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage or suspect mold call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore (410) 749-2221

When the state of emergency was recently declared in parts of Maryland, including counties on the Eastern Shore, people started talking about the potential of water damage to their homes. The potential for coastal flooding was beyond routine nuisance flooding. Flooding can be dangerous and water damage can be costly, especially if it’s not handled quickly by professionals. If you’d like to learn more about flooding check with Maryland's Department of Emergency Management.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore is ready to help when your home or business is threatened by water damage. One of the concerns is mold. Our trained technicians are experts in handling mold problems. Response time is important, before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be taken care of, or the mold may return.

Why Our Team?

Our technicians specialize in water and mold damage restoration, we have advance training in restoration, the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your home or business.

Learn more about what we do and what makes us different. 

WATER DAMAGE

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore is also ready with other kinds of water damage. Maybe you suspect mold after problems with leaky pipes, we’re here to help. We can get to your damage faster because we are locally owned and operated.

Expertise is critical because every water disaster is different, from the amount of water to the level of contamination. The process we use provides validation and documentation that your property is dry.

When you have damage to your home there is already a lot of stress. Let our team work with your insurance during the claims process. 

From Ocean City to Centreville we have you covered 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have questions about water damage or restoration call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore (410) 749-2221.

A Look at Common Causes for Water Damage in the Home | SERVPRO® of The Lower Shore

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage feels like a nightmare for homeowners, but there are many different paths to the same outcome. Water damage can occur for a variety of reasons throughout a home, and being aware of all the possibilities is a must so you are able to plan ahead.

While planning for water damage may seem futile, when you consider how many households experience it in any given year, having a plan can be a major factor in how easily your recovery process proceeds. Below, we will be looking at some of the causes of water damage that can occur in the home so you are aware of the possibilities and what to look for if you suspect something is amiss.

Common Causes of Household Water Damage

Weather-related damages. When most people think of water damage, weather-related causes are likely what comes to mind first. This can include something mild, such as a roof leak during heavy rainfall, or something far more serious such as a flash flood. If you experience weather-related water damage, it is vital to reach out to your insurance company about coverage as each scenario can be handled differently.

Plumbing-related damages. Damages due to plumbing issues, such as burst or leaking pipes, can range from sudden and dramatic to slow and gradual. Experiencing a burst pipe can cause serious amounts of damage in a short amount of time, while a leaking pipe can lead to a much more gradual issue. Fortunately, plumbing issues are typically covered by insurance provided the issue is not due to any negligence on behalf of the homeowner.

Appliance-related damages. Leaking appliances can cause serious water damage without homeowners ever realizing it, as the leak will likely occur behind or below the appliance. Dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines are common sources of household leaks, so checking behind these appliances on a regular basis can help you discover these before they cause serious problems. Discoloration in areas, softening of walls or subfloors, and a musty smell are all signs that water damage may be present.

If you have water damage of any type, we have the expertise to be able to help. We are here for you ²⁴⁄₇ to provide a quick response and speed the restoration process along. Contact us today for more information.

A Guide to the Categories & Classes of Water Damage | SERVPRO® of The Lower Shore

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

While all water damage is scary to experience, the good news is that there are some instances of water damage that are less severe than others. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification provides restoration professionals with guidelines to understand the types and classes of water damage so they are able to make decisions on how to best restore them.

As a homeowner, whether you have experienced water damage firsthand or just want to be educated in case a surprise situation were to occur, it is important to be aware of the categories and classes involved in water damage in order to have a full understanding of the situation.

Categories of Water Damage

Category One Water. The first category of water is defined by its lack of threat to people and animals. It is generally called clean water or white water. While it does not inherently pose a risk, it can cause damages if allowed to remain untreated. Common sources of Category One Water would be an overflowing sink drain or a busted intake pipe.

Category Two Water. Commonly referred to as gray water, Category Two Water may lead to sickness when ingested due to the contaminants and bacteria it contains. It typically comes from broken toilets, leaking dishwashers or washing machines, or malfunctioning sump pumps. Category Two Water can also grow bacteria and transition into Category Three Water if left untreated.

Category Three Water. Another name for this category of water is black water, which, as the name implies, can be extremely dangerous. Black water can contain bacteria, chemicals and microorganisms that cause extreme sickness when ingested. Category Three water will typically result from sewage problems, toilet overflows or flooding in an area that contains hazardous materials.

Classes of Water Damage

Class One Water Damage. As the name implies, this is the least damaging class of water damage. As long as it is treated quickly and cleaned up by certified professionals, it should not create any lasting negative effects.

Class Two Water Damage. Class Two Water Damage is slightly more severe, causing materials like carpets and drywall to become soaked through. This can lead to deeper structural damage if left untreated.

Class Three Water Damage. This occurs when water comes from malfunctioning sprinklers or flooding, causing materials such as subfloors and structural elements to be fully soaked.

Class Four Water Damage. Class Four also refers to water damage that has fully soaked through structural elements but has also been left to sit, compounding the initial damage.

If your home has experienced any of the types of water damage mentioned here, we are always here to help! We have a team of certified water remediation experts that can respond ²⁴⁄₇ to your call.

(410)749-2221

Sump Pump Failure

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Failure

 A ‘sump pump’ is ‘a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes’. For the most part, sump pumps are relatively ‘unnecessary’, but when an emergency arises, you’ll be grateful you had it. A sump pump can easily avoid the crisis of having a flooded basement by draining all excess water back outside. However, when it fails, it’ll cost you a basement and thousands of dollars in water damage.

How does a sump pump fail?

It’s Installed Incorrectly

Instructions administered by the manufacturer must be followed diligently in order for the sump pump to be installed properly. Another issue is the size of the sump pump; while a small one can work just as fine as its larger counterpart, you must install the right size in order for it to function properly.

There Was A Power Failure

This is the most common cause of a sump pump’s failure, which renders this devise useless. A backup generator is always a good investment to make.

Problems With The Switch

This is the most common mechanical problem: a stuck switch. Debris can jam it and render it useless, or the pump can shift and the float can get stuck. A little cleaning and some adjustments to the sump pump’s position can go a long way to prevent this.

The Discharge Lines Are Frozen Or Clogged

Debris can clog the discharge lines, cause flood water to retreat back into the basement (to prevent this, be sure to install a grate at the opening of your pipe, preventing debris and even small animals from entering).

Prevention of frozen pipes is practically impossible. However, you can install an additional discharge line that continues to perform the original discharge line’s purpose when it is ineffective.

Age

Sump pumps can be worn down over time and cease to work after 7-10 years of use. It’s best to replace your sump pump every ten years.

 There Is No Air Relief Hole in Discharge Line

 Gravel or Dirt?

Gravel and dirt can interfere with your pump’s switch and float arm. If you are unsure about your pump’s installation, contact a professional.

Lack of Maintenance

Clean your sump pump occasionally to make sure that it’s operational.

You Might Have A Defective Product

It’s rare, but you could have had a defective sump pump. It’s best to test it upon installation to be assured that there are no defects.

Call us for help: SERVPRO of The Lower Shore

410-749-2221

Faster to your Eastern Shore Water Damage

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore 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 The Lower Shore 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 – 410-749-2221

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 The Lower Shore

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore 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.

Company Certifications

• IAQA - Indoor Air Quality Association Microbial Remediator
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• MWR - Master Water Restorer
• MTC - Master Textile Cleaner
• IICRC Certified Firm
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• Residential HVAC Cleaning
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

Winterizing Your Wicomico County Home

11/29/2016 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement in Salisbury MD

10/5/2016 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was quite large but our crews were able to quickly remove the water to begin drying.

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 Salisbury, Fruitland, Hebron, Mardela and Pittsville 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

The flooding in this Salisbury home was caused by heavy rain runoff.  Salisbury had received over several inches of rain that week and it overwhelmed the system.

We were onsite within an hour, to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process.  In less than four days we had basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine you’re your home’s structure is actually dry. 

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

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
• We have advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - 410-749-2221

Restoring Your Wicomico County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/9/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at 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.

Recently, we had a severe thunderstorm pass over town, dumping almost six inches of water on the town in three hours.  One of the properties that was negatively impacted by the storm was a commercial office building that was just refurbished last spring.  Early reports suggest that a roof leak allowed rainwater to intrude on the office space below. 

The call came in at 9:05 p.m. on a Saturday.  Our technicians were onside at 9:45 p.m., when they began extracting water from the space.  This continued until approximately 2:00 a.m. and was followed by demolition.  Our team removed wet ceiling tiles, drywall, and insulation in order to properly dry the building.   The space was large – approximately 2,000 square feet – so we set up forty-one air movers, three air scrubbers, and eight large dehumidifiers. 

Our work was performed around the company’s schedule.  If a department was at work in one area, we were working in another.   We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity, so we our mindful of our client’s needs.  After 5 days, the drying process was still in progress, but the company was grateful that they were able to continue operations. 

About SERVPRO of the Lower Shore

SERVPRO of the Lower Shore 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.

Residential Water Damage in Wicomico County

8/5/2016 (Permalink)

Restoring Residential Salisbury Homes From Water Damage

It is a stressful occurrence when you have water everywhere in your home, and there seems to be no stopping it. This is the time when your local residential water damage Salisbury professional is on hand to mitigate the problem. To get water situations under control, the next step is to get you and the family back to some form of normalcy. That begins with the latest and most powerful drying equipment in the industry. SERVPRO technicians are certified in water restoration, so you will have the confidence in knowing things are done properly. 

Occasionally, Salisbury residents experience flooded basements due to storms or burst pipes. A rising water table can shift the soil beneath your home's foundation. This action can cause some structural movement of your home's foundation. In an extreme case, it can cause a home to collapse. Now, most of the time, basements don't flood in Salisbury, but they do experience some minor seepage. 

Seepage is when your basement floor gets little rivulets and water puddles. This type of standing water is not deeper than 1/4" to 1/2." But, just this amount can easily soak and ruin any carpeting and furnishings in your basement. Seepage can happen when there are cracks in your basement's concrete walls or if you have an older home, or when the CMU, the brick or stone foundation leaks. 

It is one thing to get the job done, but it is another to do it with compassion and genuine care. Our professional team will work with you and your insurance company to find out what your immediate concerns are. They will walk you through the cleanup process to make sure that everything goes well. Salisbury water damage extraction is our area of expertise. As an established local business with a strong reputation of quality service in Maryland, we are competent and effective in resolving any water damage concerns. 

Remember, if standing water is not addressed immediately, you could be at risk of many germs causing bacteria and even microscopic mold growth to occur. Our SERVPRO team has the skill needed to disinfect, sanitize, and cleanup after water damage emergencies. We have multiple Disaster Recovery Teams on call 24 hours a day for emergency services, and we are ready and willing to rescue you in the worst of situations. All of our specialists are IICRC-certified and experienced in residential water damage restoration. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of the Lower Shore is locally owned and operated. We are a part of the community which enables us to respond quicker with the right resources. We will work diligently to help you and your family get back to a pre-water condition. We are proud to serve all of our Maryland communities, including Wicomico, Worchester, and Somerset. Call us today at (410) 749-2221 to alleviate your emergency concerns. 

Faster to your Eastern Shore Water Damage

7/15/2016 (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 the Lower Shore 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 – 410-749-2221

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 the Lower Shore

SERVPRO of the Lower Shore 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.

Company Certifications

• IAQA - Indoor Air Quality Association Microbial Remediator
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• MWR - Master Water Restorer
• MTC - Master Textile Cleaner
• IICRC Certified Firm
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• Residential HVAC Cleaning
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

Prevent Water Damages

5/2/2013 (Permalink)

Some helpful tips for preventing water damage to your home may include checking your laundry water hoses for dry rot as well as checking appliance fittings for wear and tear.