Why SERVPRO Is The Best Choice For Water Restoration

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sumter specializes in water damage restoration for several reasons:

1. Expertise: SERVPRO of Sumter technicians are trained and certified in water damage restoration techniques. We understand the science behind water damage and how to mitigate it effectively.

2. Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO of Sumter uses state-of-the-art equipment for water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. This allows us to quickly remove water and moisture from affected areas, preventing further damage and mold growth.

3. Fast Response: Water damage can cause significant structural damage and mold growth if not addressed promptly. SERVPRO of Sumter is known for its rapid response times, often arriving on-site within hours of a call for help.

4. Comprehensive Services: SERVPRO of Sumter offers a full range of water damage restoration services, including water extraction, drying, sanitizing, and reconstruction if necessary. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the damage are addressed.

5. Insurance Assistance: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex after a water damage incident. SERVPRO of Sumter can help navigate the insurance claims process, providing documentation and information to ensure a smoother experience for our customers.

Overall, SERVPRO of Sumter's focus on expertise, advanced equipment, rapid response, comprehensive services, and insurance assistance makes us a top choice for water damage restoration needs.

Why Being Local Matters for Disaster Recovery | SERVPRO of Sumter

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Sumter!

A kitchen fire at 5 p.m. A flooded basement caused by a burst pipe overnight. A single dripping faucet that leads to a gush over the weekend. All of these scenarios are certainly overwhelming and frustrating experiences, especially when you have to make decisions quickly to avoid a worsening situation.

While disasters are scary, having a reliable team to help you recover can make all the difference. That’s where SERVPRO of Sumter comes into play!

Our highly knowledgeable and talented restoration team can be at your home faster and can help you recover more quickly because we are located just right down the street from you and we have the tools to help.

Choosing Your Recovery Team Wisely

It can be really frustrating to suffer through disaster, and most of us want this experience behind us as quickly as possible. However, don’t go choosing a restoration company without doing your research! After all, your home and possessions are in their hands.

You should read reviews, ask around to family and friends and be sure you are confident in your decision. The company you go with should be trustworthy, highly knowledgeable and reliable when it comes to arriving and working when they say they will. They should also have 24/7 emergency assistance for those true emergency situations.

At SERVPRO of Sumter, we proudly offer all of that and more! We are locally owned and operated right here in the Sumter area and our team is highly trained and dedicated to helping our community overcome disaster no matter the scale.

Reliable Experience Matters

While it is important to have a local team that cares about your home and community, it is also important to ensure they know what they are doing when it comes to your restoration project. SERVPRO® is backed by a national brand that ensures our team has the resources, equipment and staff needed to help you recover.

The national SERVPRO company has also been in business for years and has grown from one branch in 1967 to over 2,000 today, including our business in Sumter.

When you choose to work with us, you can rest easy knowing that the professionals who come into your home know what they are doing and they will treat your home with precision and care. We follow all rules and regulations when it comes to building code in the Sumter area, and we will be able to address any and all concerns that you may have during the restoration process.

We will handle everything from the initial boarding up and securing of your home all the way to the final repairs and reconstruction of your room or levels of your home. No project is too large or unmanageable for us to handle. Let us help you put your life back together faster.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

SERVPRO: The Trained Team You Deserve | SERVPRO® of Sumter

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Sumter is ready to help you recover around the clock.

If you are a homeowner, you know how many decisions you have to make to keep it running smoothly. While minor decisions like what kind of dishwasher pods to get aren’t life-changing, the major decisions like which company to choose help you recover from a flooded basement can make a big impact.

Selecting the right company can make all the difference! A less experienced and trained team is certainly an option, but wouldn’t you rather have a company come to your house that has the training and expertise to overcome even the most widespread damages?

When you choose SERVPRO of Sumter to help you, you are one step closer to a full restoration. Our team has the training and certifications that give us the knowledge we need to help you recover from whatever disaster you face.

We Prioritize Industry-Leading Trainings

We take training seriously, so that is why we follow all IICRC standards for our training. Every member of our restoration team takes the time to learn the best practices and policies in our industry for cleaning and restoration. We take courses in many different areas, including, but not limited to:

• water damage restoration
• fire damage restoration
• mold remediation
• carpet and upholstery and cleaning

In addition to formal training, we also offer our employees certification training to give them the knowledge they need on specific parts of restoration and cleaning. These individual certifications are self-paced, allowing our staff the time they need to fully understand what they are learning.

We Believe Learning Is a Lifelong Skill

We don’t ever stop learning, even after we fully train and onboard our staff. We continually give our staff access to continuing education classes and e-learning opportunities to help expand their knowledge base and refresh their skills.

No two home damage situations are the same, which is why we have to know as much about different restoration techniques as possible in order to help you. Our continual training helps us do this!

If we learn about a new process or procedure, we are able to adjust our own procedures to align with current best practices. Our goal is to make sure your home is restored as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.

Our Training Benefits Our Community

A fully trained and certified restoration team can make your recovery process so much smoother. Since we are the leading experts in our field, we know how to help you overcome any scenario!

Many restoration companies can help restore your home, but SERVPRO of Sumter guarantees that your restoration will be done completely and thoroughly no matter what disaster you experienced. We won’t leave until you are 100% satisfied!

When you want your restoration job done right, just give SERVPRO a call.

When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.

Highly trained staff

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are the only Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, IICRC, certified firm within a twenty-five mile radius with certifications in both water and fire restoration.

This status as a certified firm means that all of our employees have completed all the necessary training to earn this honor.

SERVPRO of Sumter's knowledgeable staff is prepared to assist you with both residential and commercial losses of any size.

When a disaster happens it can be a time of uncertainty and confusion. Whether it is a small leak from a bathroom pipe or an entire manufacturing or warehouse facility. SERVPRO of Sumter is ready to put our knowledge to work to make your loss "Like it never even happened".

SERVPRO Can Help You With Your Mold Issues

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

There are many types of mold, in fact there are more than 100,000 types of mold that are found

both indoors and outdoors. Mold is caused by moisture from water and can spread quickly, so a

minor infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem if it's not treated. If you have leaks in the

house or puddles of water in your crawlspace or basement, you can expect mold growth, and it can be

difficult to eliminate. Immediately remove wet or water damaged articles such as rugs and upholstered

furniture, if the items can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried, get rid of them. Mold grows best in

damp and dimly lit areas, making attics, basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms home to many varieties

of mold.

In most cases it is best to have mold tested before remediation begins. SERVPRO of Sumter

does not test for mold, even though some SERVPRO franchises do. When visible mold is not

present, but the smell of mold is present, a mold inspection and mold testing can reveal whether

there is elevated mold, and where it is located which leads to remediation. There is absolutely no

guarantee all mold can be removed at remediation, microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere

both indoors and outdoors.

SERVPRO is still Here to Help during this time of need

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

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 Sumter, 803-773-4331

Don't let you new wall color be nicotine brown

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We all see and hear the reports on the affects of nicotine, but many don't think about how it affects your home.

Nicotine, C₁₀H₁₄N_{2, is the additive compound found in tobacco and many tobacco substitutes that when in a vapor sticks to many surfaces in your home to include ceilings, walls, and flooring.}

_{In the pictures you can see a towel that was used to clean nicotine off of a wall. In the first picture the towel is bright white and after just on wipe, the after picture, it is dull, dingy, and brown.}

_{If you have or are acquiring a home that has been smoked or vaped in reach out to the cleaning professionals are SERVPRO of Sumter to assist you in removing the nicotine from your home or business.}

A Safer Place to Worship

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

With the current pandemic many churches have decided to close their doors to keep their congregations safe. Many churches made the decision to turn off the HVAC to the church during the time they were closed that lead to the discovering the presence of growth in many parts of the church as the prepare to reopen.

Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are able to quickly address the growth as well as provide a proactive sanitation to allow for the congregations to return to a safe environment to worship.

Since the pandemic started SERVPRO has been the restoration company that many places of worship have trusted to clean and sanitize so that they can continue to be the safe haven for their members that the have always been.

Hoarding can be dangerous.

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).

A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.

Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with this issue and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is here when you need it most.

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans includes bodily fluids such as blood, microbial growth such as mold, or Coronavirus to name just a couple.  SERVPRO Professionals take great care and pride in removing any and all bio hazards you may be experiencing weather it is from the death of a loved one or the unsightly growth of mold.  Personal protective equipment is always used to protect not only our SERVPRO Professionals but also the parts of your home that are not contaminated.   The disposal of these contaminants are also handled carefully by being bagged and boxed in biohazard bags and containers and hauled off by a company who specializes in bio hazard disposal.  Let SERVPRO of Sumter do the unpleasant work for you. 

Mold Remediation

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

There are many types of mold,in fact there are more than 100,000 types of mold that are found

both indoors and outdoors. Mold is caused by moisture from water and can spread quickly,so a

minor infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem if it's not treated. If you have leaks in the

house or puddles of water in your crawlspace or basement, you can expect mold growth, and it can be

difficult to eliminate. Immediately remove wet or water damaged articles such as rugs and upholstered

furniture,if the items can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried, get rid of them. Mold grows best in

damp and dimly lit areas, making attics,basements,crawlspaces,and bathrooms home to many varieties

of mold.

In most cases it is best to have mold tested before remediation begins. SERVPRO OF SUMTER

does not test for mold, even though some SERVPRO franchises do. When visible mold is not

present,but the smell of mold is present,a mold inspection and mold testing can reveal whether

there is elevated mold,and where it is located which leads to remediation. There is absolutely no

guarantee all mold can be removed at remediation, microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere

both indoors and outdoors.

SERVPRO is ALWAYS here to help

3/22/2021 (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 Sumter, 803-773-4331

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Nicotine can turn into a sticky situation.

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Before and after of a towel used to clean nicotine from a wall.

We all see and hear the reports on how nicotine, affects the lungs, but many don't think about how it affects your home.

Nicotine, C₁₀H₁₄N_{2, is the additive compound found in tobacco and many tobacco substitutes that when in a vapor sticks to many surfaces in your home to include ceilings, walls, and flooring.}

_{In the pictures you can see a towel that was used to clean nicotine off of a wall. In the first picture the towel is bright white and after just on wipe, the after picture, it is dull, dingy, and brown.}

_{If you have or are acquiring a home that has been smoked or vaped in reach out to the cleaning professionals are SERVPRO of Sumter to assist you in removing the nicotine from your home or business.}

A safe place to worship

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Growth under a church pew.

With the current pandemic many churches have decided to close their doors to keep their congregations safe. Many churches made the decision to turn off the HVAC to the church during the time they were closed that lead to the discovering the presence of growth in many parts of the church as the prepare to reopen.

Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are able to quickly address the growth as well as provide a proactive sanitation to allow for the congregations to return to a safe environment to worship.

Since the pandemic started SERVPRO has been the restoration company that many places of worship have trusted to clean and sanitize so that they can continue to be the safe haven for their members that the have always been.

Hoarding can be dangerous.

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).

A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.

Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with this issue and make it "Like it never even happened."

Do not delay, Call today.

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

After responding to a commercial water loss in Marion, SC, our team of Professionals ran into a unique situation. While tearing out drywall that had been affected by the recent hurricane, our technicians found that the water was steadily coming down in between the wall cavity. 

Water is very destructive and just because you can not see the damage does not mean it is not there. We can not stress enough the importance of having any water intrusion mitigated correctly. 

With the high humidity in our great state of South Carolina it is even more important to address a water intrusion correctly so that there is less chance for mold growth. Not doing so can lead to added expenses, health effects, or possible denial of coverage. Let our trained Professionals handle the stress for you!

Why put yourself at risk?

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans includes bodily fluids such as blood, microbial growth such as mold, or Coronavirus to name just a couple.  SERVPRO Professionals take great care and pride in removing any and all bio hazards you may be experiencing weather it is from the death of a loved one or the unsightly growth of mold.  Personal protective equipment is always used to protect not only our SERVPRO Professionals but also the parts of your home that are not contaminated.   The disposal of these contaminants are also handled carefully by being bagged and boxed in biohazard bags and containers and hauled off by a company who specializes in bio hazard disposal.  Let SERVPRO of Sumter do the unpleasant work for you. 

What is that smell?

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

No, this is not a fire occurring at this moment.  This is a process called Thermal Fogging.  It is just one of our services that we offer in the event of a fire damage to help treat and deodorize odors caused by smoke damage because it acts like a smoke itself.

It is able to travel like smoke and penetrate hard porous surfaces.

Our equipment heats a water based masking agent to create fog that penetrates everywhere smoke may have traveled. A thermal fogger unit can reproduce the energy and pressure of smoke, which penetrates every possible nook and cranny that could still hold odor after soot-affected materials have been removed.

This could help specific clients that have breathing issues such as asthma or COPD. 

Summer Heat Damage

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is here! That means high temperatures and humidity for South Carolina residents. It is time to check your HVAC units for leaks and condensation if you have a crawlspace or an attic that houses your unit or your ducting. These areas are prone to trap humidity, and can be the main source of growth. 

When you only deal with the mold, without fixing the source – well – you’ll get mold again and again. Depending on whether your crawl space is a cold zone or a warm zone. That means it shouldn’t be pulling heat from the warm air in your home. You may think that mold and moisture in your crawl space are just a given, but the truth is, it’s not. If you understand how to prevent moisture buildup in the space, you can keep the water out and that will keep the mold at bay.

Attic mold is most often caused by moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area. You can check your attic space for moisture by looking at the nails; if there is excess moisture in the atmosphere there will be rust around the nails.

That is where SERVPRO of Sumter can help. Our trained technicians have the experience and equipment to deal with your attic or crawlspace growth. 

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (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 Sumter, 803-773-4331

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Commercial Water Damage

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

After responding to as commercial water loss in Marion, SC out team of Professionals ran into a unique situation. While tearing out drywall that had been affected by the recent hurricane, our technicians found that the water was steadily coming down in between the wall cavity. 

Water is very destructive and just because you can not see the damage does not mean it is not there. We can not stress enough the importance of having any water intrusion mitigated correctly. 

With the high humidity in our great state of South Carolina it is even more important to address a water intrusion correctly so that there is less chance for mold growth. Not doing so can lead to added expenses and health issues. Let our trained Professionals handle the stress for you!

Hoarding can be hazardous

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).

A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.

Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with issue and make it "Like it never even happened."

Household Mold: Penicillium

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mold on wall surfaces.

This type of house mold can be seen on walls, spoiled food, insulation, wallpaper and carpet. It is typically found around damp areas and near food that has gone bad. It typically appears in a blue or greenish color. The spores can cause allergic reactions but are not nearly as toxic as black mold. The discovery of penicillium helped aid the finding of penicillin which is used for treatment of bacterial infections. However, you do not want to have this type of mold in your home. It can easily be spread onto other areas of your home from trapped moisture. SERVPRO of Sumter offers free visual, non invasive mold inspections to help you determine the best ways to clean and treat any growth you may have. 

Hurricane Weather is on the Way

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain.Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm.While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place. 

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean surface rises, causing air from surrounding areas to be “sucked” in. This “new” air then becomes warm and moist, and rises, too, beginning a continuous cycle that forms clouds. The clouds then rotate with the spin of the Earth. If there is enough warm water to feed the storm, a hurricane forms!

Most hurricanes occur harmlessly out at sea. However, when they move towards land they can be incredibly dangerous and cause serious damage.

Fire Damages More Than Just Your Home.

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Contents cleaning in our warehouse.

Any fire in your home is stressful enough without having to worry about your contents as well. Your contents include personal items such as: furniture, clothing, bric brac, dishes, etc. 

SERVPRO of Sumter has trained technicians that come in and pack up all your contents and transport them to our warehouse where these items will be cleaned. We take care of the boxes, bubble wrap for your fragiles, and the inventory of what is removed from your home. 

Once it is in our warehouse, we hand clean all your items to pre fire conditions. If you have clothing, drapes, and linens that are affected, we help you coordinate with a textile company to have them professionally cleaned to remove the soot and smoke odor. 

When we are finished cleaning all your contents, we then re pack them into clean, soot free boxes and transport them back to your newly repaired home. 

Summer is Here and so is the Heat and Humidity

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Bulletin

Summer is here! That means high temperatures and humidity for South Carolina residence. It is time to check your HVAC units for leaks and condensation if you have a crawlspace or an attic that houses your unit or your ducting. These areas  are prone to trap humidity, and can be the main source of growth. 

When you only deal with the mold, without fixing the source – well – you’ll get mold again and again. Depending on whether your crawl space is a cold zone or a warm zone. That means it shouldn’t be pulling heat from the warm air in your home. You may think that mold and moisture in your crawl space are just a given, but the truth is, it’s not. If you understand how to prevent moisture buildup in the space, you can keep the water out and that will keep the mold at bay.

Attic mold is most often caused by moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area. You can check your attic space for moisture by looking at the nails; if there is excess moisture in the atmosphere there will be rust around the nails.

That is where SERVPRO of Sumter can help. Our trained technicians have the experience and equipment to deal with your attic or crawlspace growth. 

Best of Sumter in Mold Treatment

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

Business Development Representative Buddy Newell accepting the award for Best of Sumter in Mold Treatment.

On April 25, 2019, SERVPRO of Sumter had the pleasure of accepting an award from the Chamber of Commerce for Best Mold Treatment. We would like to thank everyone in our community for this honor and we will continue to strive to be the best! 

Mold growth is not something that needs to be taken likely, and SERVPRO of Sumter takes every precaution when remediating it. We have trained technicians and state of art equipment for detecting moisture inside of wall cavities and under floor coverings to determine if there is cause for concern of mold growth in your home. 

So, if you have had a previous water intrusion, or notice any type of growth around your windows, crown molding, or baseboards, do not hesitate to call upon us. SERVPRO of Sumter will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Mold Growth In the HVAC System

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

This picture shows growth coming from the vent of an HVAC system in a local business after a recent roof leak.

As we have stated many times before, Mold can hide anywhere. 

In a local business we found the source of the growth to be coming from the HVAC system after the business experienced a roof leak. The water entered the HVAC ducting in the attic and while the unit was off over the weekend the spores began to grow. When they returned for the start of business on Monday and turned on the HVAC unit the spores went airborne and starting attaching themselves to surfaces of office equipment, counter tops, vent covers, trashcans, and carpeting. 

It was immediately determined that the HVAC duct work would need to be cleaned and sealed but without total replacement, no guarantee can be given that growth will not reoccur. 

Mold Cleaning Protocol

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Katlyn preparing to take care of some growth in a residence in Sumter, SC.

There are a lot of different ways to treat and remove mold from non porous surfaces. SERVPRO of Sumter always puts safety of our technicians and homeowners first.  Having the proper personal protective equipment such as disposable tyvek suits, shoe coverings, respirators, and protective eye wear for our technicians is a very important part of hazardous material remediation. We also use containment barriers to prevent the mold spores from contaminating unaffected areas. 

Using an antimicrobial is another important aspect of mold remediation. Our Professional Technicians spray the affected surfaces with the antimicrobial before wiping the growth. This helps by keeping the spores from  going air born. Besides antimicrobial SERVPRO also puts an air scrubber in the affected area while cleaning. This not only helps to trap the spores, but also helps with any odor the growth may be causing. 

Hoarding Can Be a Serious Issue

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).

A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.

Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with issue and make it "Like it never even happened."

Hurricane Facts

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain.Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm.While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place. 

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean surface rises, causing air from surrounding areas to be “sucked” in. This “new” air then becomes warm and moist, and rises, too, beginning a continuous cycle that forms clouds. The clouds then rotate with the spin of the Earth. If there is enough warm water to feed the storm, a hurricane forms!

Most hurricanes occur harmlessly out at sea. However, when they move towards land they can be incredibly dangerous and cause serious damage.

Don't Let it Grow: Mold

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Cladosporium: a common mold that can grow on walls.

Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for "at risk" people,  However, anyone may experience health problems associated with mold in damp buildings.  

There are 5 common types of mold that occur in your home but the most common is:

 CLADOSPORIUM

 — a much more potent fungus that can cause some serious health issues. Check out our source for the science breakdown.  Cladosporium can grow indoors or out. Here are some examples of places where you might find cladosporium mold growing:

• Clothing
• Paper
• Woody plants
• Food
•  Soil
• Painted walls
• Painted wood
• HVAC systems
• Mattress dust

SERVPRO Professionals are able to do a visual non invasive inspection of your home for potential growth. Recommendation of  an Air Quality Professional to test the growth in your home and provide a protocol for SERVPRO to follow may be necessary to eliminate all areas of concern in your home or business. 

Facts You Need To Know About Pet Urine In Your Carpeting.

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Urine deposited on carpet does not stay there, it penetrates the fibers and contaminates both the backing of the carpet and the flooring material below the carpet. Urine odors can permeate from the floor, be it cement or wood, from the tack strip, and even from the framework of the house behind the walls. As the urine dries, the liquid will evaporate but the urine crystals become even more concentrated and pungent. Re wetting the urine spots will intensify the odor and reactivate the crystals in the urine. Cleaning these stains can be very difficult and time consuming. Sometimes a professional cleaning service is needed, and even then there is no guarantee the odors can be eliminated. SERVPRO Professionals are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about pet odors.

What's Lurking in Your Ducts

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning in a residence

SERVPRO technicians can sweep away years of dust and dirt, reducing potential allergies and growth. 

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants, and irritating dust throughout your home. 

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO  Professionals use a Portable Ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime. 

Having a clean HVAC system and ductwork can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it operate at peak condition, saving you money.  

In some cases duct cleaning is not necessary. Let SERVPRO inspect your duckwork first to make recommendations and save you money.

Always Here to Help!

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

24/7 Emergency Service

Tow trucks and plumbers aren't the only ones ready at the drop of a hat! Because you never know when an emergency will occur, we have a team available 24/7, regardless of day or time, Holiday or weekend. 

We have a trained staff on call to make sure someone is always ready to handle your emergency. Our staff is also IICRC certified and follow the guidelines outlined in the S500 for water and fire restoration. The faster we respond, the more we can restore. Hesitation can lead to replacement instead or restoration.

Just call our number (803) 773-4331 and we will have a crew at your home or property to begin the mitigation process to prevent any further damage occurring to your property. 

Mold Can Grow Anywhere, We Can Remove It

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Church Mold Remediation

SERVPRO specializes in mold remediation, the proper and safe way to remove mold and spores to prevent future recurrence. 

It is important to make sure a containment barrier is used to prevent mold spores from becoming air born and settling on other areas not affected.

We use several methods to clean growth including HEPA vacuuming, soda blasting, and a plant based antimicrobial to ensure that we have the right options to fit your remediation needs.

Mold spores will grow more quickly if the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.Significant mold growth requires moisture and food sources and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets, and carpet padding provide food for mold. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are food sources. After water damage to a building, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity; suitable conditions reactivate mold.

If you have a need of our services, please use these tips until we can arrive at your home or business.

There are times when an IEP or air quality professional is needed. Contact us if you need help in finding someone to test for mold!