Wednesday 28 October 2020

Comprehensive Water Damage Restoration Services in Greenville, South Carolina


From leaking faucets to broken water heaters to flooding, water damage is one of the most common and potentially destructive problems you can face as a homeowner in Greenville, South Carolina. If not taken care of immediately, excess water in your home can promote electrical hazards, cause expensive damage to your home’s structure and furnishings, and can even lead to the growth of hazardous mold. When the worst happens, call ServiceMaster of the Upstate's water damage restoration experts at (864) 310-7891 for a free inspection and assessment.

Whatever the cause, fast water mitigation is key to restoration, and this is where ServiceMaster of the Upstate excels. Our technicians arrive on site quickly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. With our rapid response teams, your floors, walls, and personal property can often be restored.

OUR WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

ServiceMaster of the Upstate responds with urgency and sensitivity. We understand the trauma you are facing, and we will restore and repair your property with minimal disruption to your daily life. Our water damage restoration and repair process involves:

Inspection and Damage Assessment Our project manager or estimator will identify the full extent of water damage, both visible and unseen, by using equipment such as moisture detectors and hygrometers. Meanwhile, we help homeowners overcome their feeling of helplessness by explaining the process in detail so that they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do.

  • Water Removal / Water Extraction Our trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art water extraction, drying, and moisture testing equipment. The water removal process will be completed thoroughly and efficiently.
  • Structural Drying and Dehumidification We will dry the water from your workplace using our professional water damage drying equipment. Any leftover moisture will then be removed through our dehumidification services.
  • Cleaning and Deodorization Our technicians will dry every item respectfully and professionally, from your carpet to your family photos. ServiceMaster of the Upstate will never leave any musty odor behind.
  • Insurance-Preferred Vendor

    We are also insurance claim specialists and can work with you to go over the costs involved, so you are never in the dark or worrying about any potential hidden costs.

    Why Choose ServiceMaster of the Upstate?

  • Our equipment is top-notch and fully updated in order to ensure that your home is in the best condition possible after we leave.
  • We are an IICRC-Certified Firm.
  • The members of our punctual and professional staff are committed to providing you service that’s honest, polite, and discreet.
  • We are a locally owned and operated company that is proud to offer excellent Greenville, SC damage restoration services to customers in and around the area.
  • Locally Owned Company with National Resources

    ServiceMaster of the Upstate is one of over 1,900 franchises in the ServiceMaster Restore national network, which allows us to respond quickly and provide more resources. You can be confident that ServiceMaster of the Upstate will be your lifeline during times of catastrophic property loss. We are the most reliable and professional disaster restoration service in the country.

    Greenville Trusted Water Damage Restoration Company

    If you are in need of a water damage restoration service in Greenville, South Carolina and its surrounding areas, ServiceMaster of the Upstate is ready to serve twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. We are fully licensed and insured and our technicians are professionally trained and certified, so you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and efficiently. Please call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891 for a free inspection and assessment.

    Monday 19 October 2020

    Dos and Don'ts of Dryer Fire Prevention

    Doing the laundry is a part of the typical household routine. Advancements in technology have made it easier with the development of washing machines and dryers. While it is important to care for clothes properly, just as important is regular dryer checkup, as 2,900 dryer fires are reported annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

    Poorly maintained dryers pose a fire risk. On average, dryer fires amount to 35 million dollars in property damage, 100 injuries and five fatalities every year. Aside from the loss of a laundry appliance, there is also the cost of repairs from hiring a professional fire damage restoration company to restore the affected area properly, such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate. It is vital, therefore, to understand what causes dryer fires and how they could be prevented. ServiceMaster of the Upstate has prepared some tips for dryer fire damage prevention. Read them below.

    What Causes Dryer Fires?

    Dryer fires could be a result of any of the following:

  • Dirty lint filters. Lint collects in the dryer cavity, which is close to the heating elements. Uncleaned lint filters are a fire risk since lint is highly flammable and may ignite due to the heat.
  • Improper usage. Manufacturer's instructions often come with appliances. Dryer usage outside the recommended guidelines, such as overstuffing and placing items that shouldn't be put in it, is a potential fire hazard.
  • Machinery failure. Damaged components and faulty wiring may start a fire. Upon notice, these and other electrical or mechanical issues must be repaired or replaced, if necessary.
  • Is My Dryer Damaged?

    Call a repair technician if any of the following signs is noticed:

  • Drying clothes takes longer even if there is heat produced
  • Clothes are hotter than usual after the drying cycle is completed
  • Clothes are still damp even if the cycle is already finished
  • Outdoor flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is running
  • Dryer Fire Prevention Tips: Dos and Don'ts

    DO: Clean the lint filter.

  • Most residential dryer fires are a result of poor dryer maintenance, such as failing to clean out a clogged lint filter. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 34% of reported dryer fires every year are caused by uncleaned lint traps.
  • Clean lint filters before and after every cycle.
  • Dryers rely on proper airflow, and obstructions such as lint inhibit this process. Clean lint traps do not only prevent fire risks but also allow the dryer to run efficiently and prevents it from overheating.
  • DON'T: Dry clothes without the lint filter.

  • The filter protects the dryer's inner workings from collecting lint. Without this defensive shield, a buildup of lint in the ducts can easily lead to a dryer vent fire.
  • Make it a habit to check that the lint trap is in place before using the dryer. Damaged or worn out lint traps must be replaced immediately.
  • DO: Inspect the ducts and vents regularly.

  • Obstructions in the ducts or vents can lead to a dryer fire. These could be due to the accumulation of lint, animals building nests in the vents, or snow building up over the outside vents. Check ducts for blockages and clean them regularly.
  • Ducts may be clogged if laundry is taking longer to dry, exhaust air is failing to exit the vent, and the machine is overheating.
  • Blockages may also occur if the venting system is damaged. Call a professional to repair the issue and also to inspect for other dryer problems.
  • DON'T: Overload the dryer.

  • Busy schedules may prompt one to overload the dryer, forcing it to work overtime and potentially overheat. This can cause dryer malfunction or ignition from too much heat accumulated.
  • Over-stuffing the dryer can also cause lint buildup, affecting the dryer's ability to ventilate and make the dryer overheat. Read the manufacturer's recommended load to avoid overstuffing.
  • DON'T: Leave the dryer running unattended.

  • Only use the dryer if someone's watching over it. If the dryer is left running unattended, property damage and losses may occur if fire breaks out.
  • You can also download a clothes dryer safety sheet from the National Fire Protection Association website.

    Dryer Fire? Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Fire Damage Restoration Company

    Accidents can still happen despite efforts to prevent them. If your home in South Carolina has been damaged by a clothes dryer fire, contact a trusted fire damage repair service company in South Carolina, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

    At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we provide smoke and fire damage restoration services around the clock. We are IICRC-certified, which means that the ServiceMaster of the Upstate restoration team has gone through extensive course work to become the best in the business. We are also an insurance-preferred vendor and have 11 years of experience in damage management.

    Our skilled and experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to respond to your fire emergency. Contact us at (864) 310-7891. We service Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda, South Carolina and surrounding areas.

    What To Do If You Find A Leak In Your Commercial Building in Greenville, SC

    Water damage is not only a residential concern. In the commercial setting, leaks can cause drastic problems for a business owner. Not only can they cause costly damage and repairs, they can also halt operations, damage the building's interior, and cause accidents. In severe cases, the company even may have to be shut down to fix the damage.

    A large-scale water damage problem in a business facility can stem from a water leak. If neglected, it may require professional water damage restoration services like those offered by ServiceMaster of the Upstate. Find out what you can do if you find a leak in your commercial building with help from the experts at ServiceMaster of the Upstate in this article.

    Common Leaks Detected in Commercial Buildings

    Commercial building leaks come from different sources, such as a heavy usage of bathrooms, kitchens, or other water-intensive processes. Here are the most common types of leaks found in commercial buildings and how to prevent them.

    Roof Leaks

  • Roof leaks are commonly caused by a nonfunctional or poor drainage system, roof penetrations by HVAC, vents, pipes, or gas lines (common in flat roofing), or a damage membrane or flashing.
  • Clogged drainage systems can be fatal in case of water ponding, and there is a need to reroute the standing water in order to prevent seepage. Roofs undergo wear and tear as they age, and regular roof inspections are important to detect punctured membranes, cracked flashing, and other issues.
  • Faucet Leaks

  • Like other frequently used fixtures, faucets can wear out over time. Water loss can result from leaking seals or faucet components. An increased water bill and faucet drips becoming trickles are also signs of water escaping down the line.
  • Toilet Leaks

  • Water can leak from the toilet tank drain due to flapper failure, among others. Repairing these leaks must be immediate as they may cause additional damages to other components of the toilet, increase the water bill, or even cause the replacement of the entire toilet system.
  • Plumbing Leaks

  • A complex network of pipes can be located under floors or over ceilings in commercial buildings, so in order to keep record of any possible leaks in the system, a leak detection system may be employed. These come in different forms and some types may even have automated sensors that can shut off water flow. Consult a contractor for advice regarding the best water leak detection equipment suited for a building before installation.
  • In case of a plumbing leak, turn water off at the main shutoff valve or at the area affected, block entry to the area, and call a licensed plumber.
  • To prevent plumbing leaks, routine inspection of pipes must be performed. Choosing to upgrade pipes, faucets, and fittings is also recommended, especially if the plumbing system has aged.
  • Basement and Other Underground Leaks

  • Basement or underground leaks can usually be traced from a cracked foundation or cracks in a buried piping system. Since leaks like these are hard to detect, they cause water issues that are often massive and sudden, such as flooding and structural damages.
  • Some signs of underground leaks include wet soil, grass or plants growing faster in a certain area, and an increase in water bills.
  • Basement and underground leaks need the intervention of a professional water damage restoration company, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate. They cannot be fixed by simple plugging.

  • Hidden Leaks

  • Hidden leaks may be lurking in wet or damp areas on floors, ceilings, and walls. As with other types of leaks, they may also cause an unexpected increase in water bills. Other signs of hidden leaks include cracks and discolorations on walls, ceilings, and flooring; a musty odor or visible mold growth; and the sound of running water when the water is turned off.
  • After identifying a leak, the restoration, repair, and reconstruction process may need to be carried out but a professional water damage restoration technician.

    Get Professional Services from a Trusted Greenville Commercial Water Damage Restoration Company

    Regular maintenance pays off in the long run, and will prevent incurring costly repairs, loss of revenue, and temporary or permanent stoppage of operations. A company is less likely to experience water damage from leaks if problems are solved as soon as they are detected.

    Water damage is a time-sensitive process that needs proper skill and equipment. If you suspect a leak in your business in Greenville, South Carolina, contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to guide you from crisis to resolution. Our commercial water damage restoration services include taking quick action to get a business back to normal fast.

    We are an insurance-preferred company and can guide you when filing for insurance claims. Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or message us at https://www.servicemasterupstate.com/contact/ for water leak damage repair and restoration services in your commercial property. We service Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda, South Carolina and surrounding areas.