Recent Posts

Conditions in Williamsburg Could Be Right for Mold

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

If you suspect mold, call us today at 804-966-1400 or toll free 800-889-5002

What to Do:

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

Always Here For New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is prepared 24 hours a day for any water emergencies, minor or major we do it all. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is very important. A delay can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused and stressed. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck has IICRC water restoration techs and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

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. 

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)?

Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, Northern Neck a call at 804-966-1400 or Toll Free @ 1-800-889-5002!

Is Your Attic Properly Ventilated?

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

As a home owner weather seems to be the biggest enemy. That is why it is important to make sure that your home can withstand the elements in order to prevent any damage. Your attic similar to most parts of your home is at risk of unpredictable water damage. Paying attention to if your attic is properly ventilated  may protect your home from damage.

  1. The eaves and roof. If you do not see any vents on the eaves or the roof of your attic you may need to consider adding them. This is to promote proper insulation which prevents mold from growing.
  2. Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during winter. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and attic vents.
  3. Touch your ceiling on a sunny day. If it is hot then your attic has been turned into a solar oven and you may need to consider better insulation as well.

Unproperly ventilated attics can result in mold growth. If you believe that your home may have mold give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Water Damage Timeline

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

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 New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck was established in 1995 and 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.

If you need any help with water damage up give SERVPRO® a call.

804-966-1400 or 1-800-889-5002

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - a defensive cleaning program

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, 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 New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck today at 804-966-1400 or Toll Free @ 1-800-889-5002  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.

We Are Cleaning Experts

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

804-966-1400 or Toll Free @ 1-800-889-5002!

Have You Checked There? Three Hidden Places Where Mold Grows!

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a disaster. Unseen mold can be even worse. These three places are often forgotten about, but are very common for mold growth in homes.

Underneath or behind refrigerators.

Most people do not think about their fridge as anything more than a place to store food. This goes to show that it is very unlikely that anyone is checking behind or even under there refrigerator for anything. Here at SERVPRO® we get several calls a week regarding water lines to refrigerators that burst. Sometimes these calls are regarding huge amounts of water coming out, but there is still a percentage that face smaller leaks. These smaller leaks can go undetected for days if not weeks. That constant moisture is a breading ground for mold.

Household plants.

Overwatering indoor plants is a huge cause of mold growth. Not all household plant pots have the proper drainage that is important to keep that plant healthy.

Window Air Conditioner Units.

As the weather in Virginia decides that it is ready to transition into the cold, many residents in New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck beginning to take their air conditioning units out of there windows to put into storage. There may be a horrid surprise waiting. Air conditions can grab moisture from the air and trap it until it possibly grows into mold that may be seen around ducts and drain pans and potentially on coils.

If you see any visible or suspect any mold in your home give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002 Schedule your mold estimate today!

4 Fire Prevention Tips for Homeowners

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

If there is one common practice that everyone was taught in school it was to stop, drop, and roll in the case of a fire. While this common practice has been all but drilled into us in childhood there is one piece of information that is often forgotten in the midst of a fire, preparation. Being prepared in the case of a fire is your best bet for keeping yourself and your family safe. Here are five tips to prevent a fire.

  1. Make sure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functional in your home. Just having a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home is not enough. It is extremely important to verify that these instruments are working how they are intended too.
  2. Invest in fire extinguishers and sprinklers. It is important to have fire extinguished and sprinklers in the home as they can help prevent the spread of small fires. A fire extinguisher should be used when a fire is confined to a small space.
  3. Stay alert while cooking. Kitchen fires are very frequent causes of fires. It is important to know how to put out a grease fire. Grease fires is not to be doused in any kind of liquid. A liquid on a grease fire will only work to expand the already growing fire. A better method is if the fire is in a pan to cover it completely with a metal lid or a baking sheet. It is best to also call 911.
  4. Have a plan. It is very important to not only be avidly working to have a preventative plan in case of a fire but to also to have an up to date backup plan. An escape plan is crucial to ensuring that individuals are calm and not panicked.

Despite how prepared one might be there are still events that result in fires that are uncontrollable. That is where SERVPRO® steps in to help. Fire clean up should be left up to a professional that can aid in minimizing the fire damage as much as possible.

If you need any help with fire clean up give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck call us at 804-966-1400!

Crawlspace Encapsulation Homeowner Tips

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Various homes in the New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck area have crawlspaces. It is likely that most people are not regularly inspecting these areas.  However, the occasional visit may reveal one of SERVPRO®’s constant foes, mold. Mold can cause health effects. It is important to consider how the ventilation in your home is contributing to moisture in your crawlspace. We have been getting more and more calls every day about mold losses which is why it is important to stay aware of what could be lurking around right under your feet.

Being proactive is a great way to avoid the stress that is caused by discovering mold in an unlikely place. There are two very popular methods to protect the crawlspace from moisture: a vapor barrier or closing the vents and having them sealed shut. While these two methods may seem slightly similar as they both are a form of encapsulation, they are wildly different from one another.

Crawlspace sealing, while more inexpensive,  does not compare to installing a vapor barrier. Sealing off the vents in a crawl space will prevent the moisture from entering through the vents; nevertheless it does not account for the moisture that seeps in through the walls of the crawl space.

However, a vapor barrier prevents wall, floor, roof and ceiling assemblies from getting wet due to moisture. Just like in the name, vapor barriers act as a barrier, whereas crawlspace sealing does not. Despite how simple it may seem, you should allow a professional to install your vapor barrier for maximum accuracy. Improper instillation can result in moisture finding its way in and resulting in mold being very close behind. That’s why you should leave it to us!

If you are experiencing any mold in your crawlspace or are looking to get a vapor barrier installed, give us a call and set up your appointment today!

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg and Northern Neck

804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Always Here to Help

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

As businesses are opening back up there are still individuals who are skeptical of traveling too far outside of their home. Are you looking to encourage patrons to come back to your restaurant? Are you looking to assure your employees that you care about their wellbeing? Are you looking to keep your employees and patrons safe?

Despite the uncertainty of COVID-19, you can always depend on SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program provides business owners as well as patrons peace of mind when they see our logo displayed on their favorite location. We use products and procedures to disinfect all highly touched surfaces and areas of concern as suggested by the Center of Disease Control. This process leaves behind no residue or strong chemical odor, making it ideal for any business setting.

Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 or Toll Free @ 1-800-889-5002.