The Importance of Swift Action in Response to Water Damage

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville have worked on numerous water damage restoration projects, and a common theme is that acting fast can make all the difference during restoration. If you should unfortunately experience water damage to your Nashville property, it is imperative that you reach out for aid from SERVPRO immediately. Let’s discuss why swift action is so important when it comes to water damage.

The Importance of Fast Action After Water Damage 

• Secondary Damage: If water damage is not treated quickly, it can cause further, severe structural damage to your property. Drywall, ceilings, and flooring may all need to be replaced if water damage is not treated within 24 hours.
• Mold Growth: Mold and mildew can form within hours of moisture exposure. Mold can cause numerous respiratory problems and other health issues, so it is paramount to act quickly to prevent mold from growing. 
• Preserving Belongings: SERVPRO technicians work diligently to restore your property and treasured belongings after water damage, but you stand a much better chance of recovering your personal items if you call SERVPRO as soon as you spot water damage so we can stop the source of water and prevent the problem from spreading,

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration

• Assessment: As soon as our technicians receive your call, we will be on the way to you. We determine the scope of your water damage upon arrival and determine how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
• Water Removal & Drying: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property and then use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. 
• Cleaning & Restoration: We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water, making sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize the area along the way. Restoration is the final step, and may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or major ones, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Whatever services are required for restoration, we will go above and beyond to provide them.

Water damage can be overwhelming, but with SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville available 24/7 at (615) 242-9391, you don’t have to worry for long. Our SERVPRO technicians will be on the way, ready to help as soon as we get your call. SERVPRO. Like it never even happened.

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Ensure a Leak-Free Winter for Your Hotel's Plumbing

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

Wintertime can be a magical time, but also be chaotic, especially for those working in the hospitality sector. With holiday events to accommodate, you need to keep your hotel safe and ensure everything is operating well for the new year.  Keep reading for tips to avoid leaks and flooding this winter from SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. 

Precautionary Tips For Winter

• Cover and Warm Pipes: When the weather gets colder, it is important to cover and insulate all pipes, ensuring that your sprinkler systems stay warm enough. Wet fire sprinkler systems are of high risk for rupturing. In the case of bursting pipes, all staff members should know where both the main water shutoff and fire sprinkler valves are located. It is a good idea to leave water running on a slow drip if it is near exterior walls.

• Seal Cracks And Gaps: Burst pipes are not the only way your hotel may flood during the winter. Water from storms or melted snow or ice can leak into your hotel through cracks in the walls and windows. It is important to survey your hotel for any signs of damage and address them before severe weather strikes.

• Insurance: It is always a good idea to have your hotel insured in case of disaster. You should be sure that your commercial insurance policy covers water damage caused by burst or leaking plumbing, and also consider a separate flood insurance policy for added protection. 

Other Care Tips To Keep Your  Hotel Running Smoothly

• Clear Fire Safety Instructions: Keeping clear and detailed fire escape maps in each hotel room is paramount, and it is also important to consistently run drills with staff to make sure they are up to date on hotel fire safety protocol.
• Keep Electronic Devices Updated: Old or malfunctioning appliances in hotel rooms can be fire hazards. Have staff check and maintain these devices so that guests do not accidentally set off a fire.
• Keep Hallways and Doorways Clear: No matter the type of disaster you may experience, having an easily accessible and clearly designated exits will help keep guests and staff safe. Debris or trash should be moved from exit doors in order to ensure everyone's safety.
• Informed Staff: Running flood or fire drills with your staff is a great way to make sure everyone is informed and confident during an emergency. Safety should be everyone's top priority during a disaster: leave the cleanup and restoration to SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. 

SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville has the equipment, workers, and experience to handle any job, no matter the size. If your hotel floods due to burst pipes, know that you can call us at (615) 242-9391, and our experienced technicians will be on the way to help! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How To Revive Water Damaged Hardwood Floors

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Hardwood floors are a beautiful aspect of any home, and if you are lucky enough to have them, you want to preserve them. Unfortunately, there are sometimes accidents or natural disasters that are out of our control and can affect your hardwood floors. When you experience flooding, it is important to act quickly to keep your home in good shape. Here is some advice for caring for hardwood floors after water damage, but keep in mind that SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is here to handle the water damage restoration process! 

Salvaging Water Damaged Hardwood Floors

• Determine the source of the water and make sure to cut it off before taking any further steps. Once the water is off, surveying the damage is an integral step towards salvaging your hardwood floors after water damage. Be careful at this point in the process! Slip and fall risks are some of the most common injuries that occur after flooding. 
• Water damage can affect the integrity of your hardwood floors, so drying is the most important part of the process. Using a dehumidifier can help with drying, but if you have standing water, it is best to contact SERVPRO to rapidly get the water out with minimal damage. 
• The finish on your hardwood floors may need to be redone at this step. It is also important to keep an eye on the floors after they have dried: if you see the floor cupping or crowning at this stage, it is wise to contact a professional hardwood installer. 

 Professional SERVPRO Restoration Difference

While it is tempting to take care of your home yourself, trust that in the long run, your hardwood floors will be better off with professional care. At SERVPRO, we believe in doing right by our community, helping keep restoration costs and repair time low throughout our process. 

• Industry-Approved Drying Techniques: especially when dealing with a large volume of water, you’ll want to call in the professionals. Our team members will use specialized equipment to make sure that all of the moisture has been dried, preventing further damage and removing the water quickly. 
• Thorough Assessment: Our highly trained team members will determine the extent of the water damage in your home. You may not realize that the damage may be beyond what you can see, causing mold growth or structural damage to your property.
• Professional Restoration: The team at SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville is composed of experts in restoration who are used to working with delicate or sensitive materials. We pride ourselves on a “repair vs. replace” approach, which means that we work to restore your home to its pre-damage condition unless it is absolutely necessary to replace materials or belongings. 

There isn’t much the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville haven’t dealt with before. We are here to help with water damage of every kind and can help bring your hardwood floors to their original beauty after flooding. Give us a call at (615) 242-9391 if you’re in need of help after water damage! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Preventing Water Damage To Your Office

10/25/2023 (Permalink)

Your office is your place of business. It likely houses a lot of important documents, paperwork, technology, and equipment that you need to keep in tip-top shape. What happens when disaster strikes? Whether it is a broken pipe or a heavy rainstorm, water damage to your office can have tumultuous effects on your day-to-day operations. This situation is stressful, but that is why SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville is here to help pick up the pieces. Let’s discuss water damage risks to look out for and also how SERVPRO can specifically help with water damage restoration to your Nashville office. 

What Are Some Water Damage Risks Present In My Office? 

• Broken or Faulty Pipes: Checking your building regularly for older or corroding pipes can save you a world of trouble in the long haul. During the winter months, it is especially important to let faucets drip to lower the chances of pipes freezing and bursting! 
• Severe Weather: Nashville is no stranger to severe storms. Flooding can wreak havoc on local businesses, and severe rain can come in through unsealed windows and doors. Making sure your office is protected from the elements can be as simple as maintaining the entrances and openings in which water can get through. The last thing you want after experiencing a severe storm is to come to work and find water damage! 
• Malfunctioning Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler systems can make all the difference during a fire, but if they go off accidentally, they can cause headaches and loss of important documents. This kind of malfunction is more common in older sprinkler systems, so regular maintenance is a key way to avoid such incidents. 
• Clogged Gutters: When gutters are backed up, the water will have nowhere to go but back into and down the sides of your business. Cleaning them regularly will make sure that water is directed away from your property when it rains.

SERVPRO Commercial Water Damage Restoration

• Move-Out / Pack-Out: In the case of extensive cleaning and restoration services, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage. Getting important documents and technology to a secure, dry location will allow us to begin the restoration and drying process for your home and also your damaged belongings. 
• No Job Too Large: Our rapid response times allow us to make a swift assessment of the extent of your restoration needs. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division consists of pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the nation to handle any size disaster. We know clear communication is key during a large restoration project: that’s why large loss projects are supervised by a commercial operations manager.

• From Water Removal to Restoration: Our SERVPRO professionals will be on-site as soon as possible, ready to assess the damage and work to remove water and excess moisture. You can count on us to make the appropriate calls at each stage of the drying, sanitization, and restoration process. Whether your business needs drywall and flooring repair or reconstruction, know that working with SERVPRO every step of the way will keep your costs low and your return high. 

We know that dealing with water damage can bring about much confusion and many questions. Do not hesitate to reach out to our SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville team at (615) 242-9391 or via our website for inquiries about our water damage restoration services! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Water Damage and Its Consequences

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be elusive, hiding in basements and the nooks and crannies of your home or business. At SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we’ve seen what water damage can do to many properties. What are some of the risks of water damage? Keep reading to find out! 

Consequences of Water Damage

• Mold: Where there is water or moisture, mold is sure to follow. Even small leaks or drips can create severe problems for your property and health. Mold remediation and moisture removal are absolutely necessary after experiencing water damage. 
• Structural Damage: Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your building, creating severe safety risks for you and your family. Look out for warping in walls or rotted areas in the wood of your home or business, they could be signs of more serious issues! 
• Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC System Damage: Water and electricity do not mix. Leaks into your electrical systems can render them useless, and water damage to your HVAC system can make the metal components deteriorate. Plumbing, too, is susceptible to damage from contact with contaminated water, especially if it was only built to 
• Health Risks: Mold that arises from water damage can cause severe health problems, and pathogen contamination from unclean water can put you and those you care about at risk. Overall, the moment you spot or suspect water damage in your property, it is best to call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville! 

How SERVPRO Works To Restore Your Home or Business After Water Damage 

• Identifying the water source is crucial, as stopping the flooding will allow us to begin water removal. We will also identify the “type” of water at this step. The category of the water determines the restoration processes we use. 
• Category 1: "Clean Water"
• Category 2: "Gray Water"
• Category 3: "Black Water"
• Next, an assessment of the damage done to your property will determine the extent of the water damage and also signal if there are any structural safety concerns. 
• Water removal using high-powered pumps and wet vacuums will eliminate the bulk of the water. This will be followed by an intensive drying process that involves measuring moisture levels in your property so we know when even the most stubborn water has been eliminated. 
• Standing water can be full of contaminants. Our team will take the time to sanitize your space, conducting mold remediation if necessary to make sure that your property is absolutely ready for repair and restoration. 
• During the final stages of restoration, we make sure to take care to bring your property back to its pre-damage condition, repairing as much as possible and replacing only when needed. 

Suspect that your home or business may have been affected by water damage? Do not hesitate to reach out to our SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville team at (615) 242-9391 or via our website for water damage restoration services! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do If Your Condominium Sprinkler Goes Off

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Something people may not think about is how fire damage and water damage can go hand and hand. If the sprinkler system goes off in your condominium, there will likely be some kind of damage, even if it was a fluke. Here is what to do in case the sprinkler system goes off in your Nashville condominium. 

Water Damage Do’s and Don’ts

While your first step should be to call SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville for assistance, there are some steps you can take, with caution, while waiting for help to arrive:

• Carefully remove excess water from around your condo by mopping or blotting.
• Wipe excess water off of wood furniture after removing tabletop items. 
• Do NOT attempt to move bulky items by yourself. Wet items can be much heavier than you think! 
• Slip, fall, and electrical risks are some of the biggest safety threats after flooding. Be sure to be careful while moving through your condo. 
• DO NOT use your household vacuum to attempt to remove water. SERVPRO technicians will utilize advanced equipment to move water out of your space rapidly. 

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Services

• Inspection: Upon arrival, our team inspects the scope of the water damage, making sure to account for all of the affected areas. If moisture is left standing, it could cause secondary structural damage and mold growth. 
• Water Removal: Our team gets to work removing the majority of the water. We use high-powered vacuum units and pumps to get all of the easily accessible water out of your space. 
• Drying and Dehumidification: Next, specialized equipment is brought in to remove the rest of the harder-to-reach water. Air movers and dehumidifiers will also be employed during this part of the process. 
• Cleaning and Sanitization: We will clean all restorable materials using a variety of techniques that ensure that your space is properly sanitized and free of odors or contaminants. 
• Restoration: Using our “restore vs. replace” approach, we will work to restore every bit of your home, opting for new replacements only when absolutely necessary. The result is a space that seems like it never experienced water damage! 

At SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville, we take pride in the restoration work we do to preserve your home. If you experience water damage of any kind, be sure to give us a call at (615) 242-9391 or fill out the contact form on our website! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Top Sources of Water Damage in Your Apartment Complex

9/4/2023 (Permalink)

Living in an apartment complex can have many pros and cons. Things can go wrong, and it can be hard to know what is going on or if the problem is even coming from your unit! Let’s discuss the top sources of water damage in your apartment complex and how SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville can help. 

Top Sources of Apartment Water Damage

If you live in an apartment, we implore you to regularly look for signs of water damage to protect your apartment and belongings. Potential signs include dark spots on ceilings, mold and mildew growth, and leaking or standing water. When living in an apartment, it is important to note that a unit above or below could have a water leak that affects your living space. Below is a list of common causes of leaks in apartment buildings: 

• Appliance leak
• Corroded Pipes
• Faulty HVAC system
• Dripping faucets or shower heads
• AC leaks or condensation
• Faulty plumbing

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Services

When water damage strikes, it is important to contact trusted water damage restoration professionals in order to get the job done right the first time. SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville is equipped to handle all of the stages of water damage restoration. 

• Assessment: Upon arrival, our team inspects the scope of the water damage to the area. It is important to know how far the moisture has traveled so that restoration can be completed properly. 
• Water Extraction: First, the majority of the water is removed. We use vacuum units and pumps during this process. 
• Drying and Dehumidification: When the standing water has been removed, we use specialized equipment to remove the rest of the harder-to-reach water. Air movers and dehumidifiers will be used during this part of the process. 
• Cleaning and Sanitization: In the final stage before restoration, we clean all restorable items and structures that have sustained water damage. We will clean these materials using various techniques that ensure your apartment's deodorization. 
• Restoration: Lastly, we will bring your apartment to pre-water damage condition. Restoration will either involve minor repairs, such as new carpeting or drywall, or be more in-depth construction. No matter what, you can trust that SERVPRO will make it as if water damage “never even happened.” 

Don’t let water damage disrupt your life. Calling SERVPRO experts will guarantee that the situation will be handled promptly and carefully. Our SERVPRO Belle/Meade team can be reached at (615) 242-9391 or via our website. Contact us today! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be tricky: it can flood your home or business all at once or come in the form of a hidden leak that causes severe damage over time. Whatever the source, water damage can cause severe problems if not handled properly. Keep reading to learn about different types of water damage and how SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville can help. 

How Can Water Damage Negatively Affect Your Home Or Business?

• Mold: wherever there is moisture, mold is likely to follow. Not only can mold damage your property, it can cause allergy and health issues for those in your home or business and must be remediated swiftly. 
• Structural Problems: water damage can cause wood, drywall, and other surfaces to warp and buckle, compromising their structural integrity. Restoration is needed to ensure the building is secure and safe after water damage.
• Higher utility bills: If you have unexpected fluctuations in your water bills, this may mean you have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Regular home maintenance is the key to a safe and structurally sound building! 
• Musty odor: musty smells are typically a sign of dampness or mold and are a good reason to get your home checked for water damage. SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville technicians are experts in deodorization and can help clear away unpleasant smells from your property!

How Can SERVPRO Help With Water Damage Restoration?

• First, our team will discover and turn off the source of water. Whether it is a broken pipe or a leaky faucet, the priority is to stop the water damage from continuing! Once the source of water is stopped, we will inspect your property to understand the scope of the water damage in order to restore your home or business to pre-damage condition completely.
• Next, our team will remove excess water utilizing pumps and vacuum units, preventing secondary water damage and mold growth. 
• We also use specialized equipment to remove any remaining water. SERVPRO experts use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
• Cleanliness is of peak importance to SERVPRO. After drying is complete, we sanitize all restorable items and structures damaged by the water. 
• Finally, restoration begins. Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Whether we are simply replacing drywall or embarking on larger restoration efforts such as the reconstruction of various areas, trust that SERVPRO experts will make your home or business look and feel “like it never even happened” when it comes to water damage restoration. 

SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville has dealt with a number of water damage issues. No matter the source, trust that we will utilize the latest industry technology and techniques to rid your space of the effects of water damage. Call us at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this form to get in contact with our SERVPRO team today! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Preventing Water Damage In Your Home: Tips and Tricks

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can arise in your home in all sorts of ways. A storm, sudden flood, malfunctioning sprinkler system, or a broken pipe can create a world of problems in your home or business. How do you prevent these sudden events from happening in the first place? Not all disasters can be avoided, of course, but preventative measures can always help deter them. Let’s discuss how to prevent water damage in your Nashville property. 

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage can happen suddenly or increasingly build up over time without your knowledge. Here are some tips for both scenarios so you have all your bases covered! 

• Be aware of cracks and crevices in your home or business. Regular maintenance is key for the overall well-being of your property but also to prevent hidden water damage.
• Proactively check for leaks. Especially in older buildings, pipes may start to leak between seasons due to changes in temperature and pressure. 
• Keep your gutters clean regularly. Overflowing gutters will cause water to backtrack into your home, which can create water buildup in tough-to-reach spots.
• Installing a water leak detection device. These are relatively inexpensive and save money in the long run! 
• During the winter months, make sure to let faucets drip during freezing temperatures. This small step can save your property from broken pipes and all the headache that comes with them. 

SERVPRO Strategies For Eliminating Water Damage

Upon first discovering water damage, you should immediately contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. No other restoration company will get to your disaster faster or with more professionalism! With top-notch equipment in tow, SERVPRO experts will be on the scene in minutes to help eliminate water damage.  

• First and foremost, be careful in the affected area. Slip and fall and electrical hazards are major concerns after flooding! We encourage you to limit movement throughout the affected area and do not try to lift or move household objects, for they are much heavier wet than when dry. Overall, it is best to leave the flooded space to the professionals! 
• Upon arrival, SERVPRO technicians will find and stop the source of the water. Next, we begin the water removal process. This removes the bulk of the water in the area and prepares the area for drying. 
• For water in hard-to-reach areas, our team utilizes air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area. 
• After removing all the moisture, our team will clean and sanitize the area diligently before beginning restoration work. Working with a restore vs. replace mindset, our SERVPRO team members will salvage all that they can by using various restoration techniques that make water damage a thing of the past. 

Water damage can create more problems the longer it is left untreated, so do not hesitate to call SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville! Our experts are more than ready to help with your needs. After flooding, there’s only one call you need to make to (615) 242-9391 to make your disaster “like it never even happened.” 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Can My Water Hose Cause Water Damage To My Home?

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

During the summer months, having a water hose in your yard can be common practice–whether for watering plants or letting the kids cool off and play in the yard. However, you should be aware of potential risks that your garden hose can cause your home if not cared for correctly. 

How To Avoid Flooding

• Make sure to turn off your garden hose after you go indoors. Leaving it running can potentially flood your backyard. 
• During the fall, don’t forget to disconnect your garden hose! If you leave your garden hose attached, there is a chance latent water can freeze, which could cause connected valves, pipes, and faucets to expand and burst. 
• If children are playing outside with a garden hose, be sure to supervise! This will prevent accidents from happening, as well as make sure that the hose is properly turned off and stowed away after use.

What To Do In Case of Flooding

Sometimes you may forget and leave your garden hose running. If water has entered your home, this could present risks for you and your family. At SERVPRO, our number one priority is your safety. Our experts know the risks concerning water damage and the water damage restoration process that you may not be aware of! Here are some safety tips for handling flooding, along with a few things you can do before help arrives: 

• Immediately turn off the hose valve to stop the source of water. 
• Be very careful walking in the affected area, and attempt to avoid it if at all possible. Electrical and slip and fall hazards are some of the biggest concerns associated with flooding!
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, as the wiring could be damaged. 
• Carefully remove excess water by wiping and blotting. 
• Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in the summer. SERVPRO will be on the scene shortly with air movers and dehumidifiers for stronger drying power! 

A garden hose is a simple enough household item that you may not consider there are some hazards involved. However, our team SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville has seen many types of disasters, and we want you to be wary of all the ways flooding could strike! If you may have to call SERVPRO for help, trust that you have turned to experts at your home quickly and ready to work. Have a flooding or moisture issue? Call us at (615) 242-9391 for help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

My Bellevue Home Flooded. What Now?

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage comes in many forms; in the case of flooding and storm damage, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure you’ve covered all your bases when bringing your Bellevue home back to its preloss condition. Our water damage restoration process is a six-step checklist that our technicians carry out to validate that your home has been restored properly. We also provide post-disaster content restoration and other building services to ensure that this time in your life is as seamless as possible. By the time we’re through, you could say your flooding scenario will be “Like it never even happened!”

How Does SERVPRO Extract Excess Water From Your Bellevue Home Post-Flood?

• Our emergency water removal process happens almost immediately after we arrive on the scene. We use submersible pumps and industrial-grade wet/dry vacuums, depending on how much water needs to be removed. 
• Our technicians will also inspect your home’s carpeting, including the carpet pad, to see if they need to be removed for the sake of protecting the subfloor. 
• Our infrared cameras find water hidden in plain sight behind ceilings and walls. Learn more about them here! 

What Else Should You Add To Your Post-Water Damage Checklist?

• Find the source of the damage and make a plan to prevent accidents from happening next time! Know where to shut off any valves contributing to the flood and proactively repair any leaks you see. 
• Contact your insurance provider to see how they can help with the damages post-flooding. If necessary, SERVPRO also works with your insurance provider to help you with the paperwork once you file a claim. 
• Look for signs of mold- it grows faster than you think! Just 48 hours is all it takes for mold colonies to form after flooding, so time is of the essence. SERVPRO also handles mold damage cleanup and restoration, so we’re just one contact form away if you need us!

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has top-of-the-line tools, fast 24/7 emergency response timing, and an experienced team to restore your home and belongings from water damage. Our restore vs. replace mentality sets us apart from other restoration companies in the area because we believe restoring an item allows you to hold on to precious mementos while saving money along the way. Need water or mold damage cleanup and restoration services in Bellevue? Give us a call at (615) 242-9391. As a locally owned and operated business, our staff knows Nashville neighborhoods like the backs of our hands!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Steps to Take After Your Bathroom Floods

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

It happens to the best of us. Even just forgetting to turn off the faucet or a burst pipe is enough to have water gushing through your bathroom. While inconvenient, the best thing to do is call the right restoration company and explain the situation further. If not treated immediately, water damage can have unpleasant effects on your West End home, including unsightly mold growth. Preventative action is always the best course to take after your bathroom floods so you can feel confident knowing you’re doing everything possible to prevent your bathroom from flooding again. 

What Should You NOT Do After Water Damage While Waiting For SERVPRO?

• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water! This can cause serious damage to it, and you could risk electrocution. 
• Speaking of electrocution, the same advice applies to turning on household appliances or the TV. Avoid doing this before our team arrives at your West End home!
• Stay out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging. Additionally, you must NOT turn on ceiling fixtures, especially if the ceiling is wet. 

What Other Critical Steps Should You Take After Your Bathroom Floods?

• You can seal the leak with fiberglass tape or epoxy putty if you can reach the line or pipe. But keep in mind that this is a temporary fix! 
• If a leaking toilet is the issue, tightening the toilet base can be helpful. However, wear gloves when dealing with this, as sewage waters have bacteria that can be harmful if you come in direct contact with them. 
• Collect all of your products and other items that are still dry and move them to a safe area away from the bathroom so you can prepare for the water damage cleanup and restoration process. 

Bathroom floods are hardly convenient, and it can be stressful to know where even to start. Rest assured, once you call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville/Downtown Nashville, you can trust you are in good hands. Our 24-hour emergency response, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained team ensure an attention to detail and level of care in our work that is difficult to find elsewhere. All you have to do is call us at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this contact form if that’s easier. We serve all our Nashville neighbors, including West End and Downtown Nashville!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Summer Water Damage to be Aware of

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that water damage can happen any time of the year, and summer is no different. Water damage can come in any form, whether through a washing machine overflow or the aftermath of storm damage. No matter how water damage manifests, you can always benefit from awareness because that’s how you can prevent damage to your Green Hills property. As always, when you notice the first signs of water damage, you must immediately reach out to the disaster restoration experts.

What Are Possible Water Damage Events That Can Happen During The Summer?

• Summer storms like severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause flooding and subsequent water damage in Middle Tennessee. If you’ve lived in this area long enough, you would know that we get quite a lot of rain- about 53 inches per year, which is above-average rainfall in the US. 
• A burst pipe is a common water damage situation that can occur in your Green Hills home or business due to temperature changes. Pipes burst due to water freezing, causing them to expand and leak. 
• Leaking appliances like a refrigerator or dishwasher can lead to residential water damage, which can not only cause damage to your floor and cabinets but can also bring about mold damage if not dealt with promptly. 

What Are The Most Recognizable Signs Of Water Damage, No Matter The Season? 

• The effects of water damage directly impacts your floors, walls, and ceilings. Your drywall can swell and break down in just a matter of minutes. 
• You’ll also notice metal surfaces tarnish and dyes from cloth goods smudge and stain. 
• Musty odors and mold are the most recognizable signs of water damage, hands down. All sources of dampness and moisture must be eliminated for proper mold damage remediation. 
• Read more here for a more detailed timeline on how water damage can affect your Green Hills property. 

We hope you are more aware of how water damage can manifest so you can recognize water damage when it shows up and take action immediately! Since cleanup and restoration after flooding can be an enormous task, you shouldn’t feel like you need to handle it all alone. That’s where SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville comes in! We have the tools, training, and 24/7 emergency response times that help us stand out from other disaster restoration companies in Green Hills. If you need us for water, storm, and mold damage restoration this summer, contact us at (615) 242-9391. We can also help you with the insurance paperwork during the claims process!

How to Repair Water Damage Under Your Sink

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Imagine you’re washing your hands, and you notice the drain under your sink has a tiny leak showing on it. It’s only a matter of time before a small leak becomes a massive problem, so it’s essential to take action as soon as you notice something is wrong. Water damage only takes about 48 hours to settle in before mold colonies start to manifest. Not only that- but within minutes, books and other paper goods, including photos, will begin to warp and swell in a matter of minutes. It’s better to take preventative action than the alternative, but if you need tips to repair water damage under your sink, read some of our top tips below so you can stay informed and take precautions for next time!

What Simple Steps Can You Take To Repair Water Damage Under The Sink?

• Water damage is bound to leave some stains underneath the sink, so it’s essential to use a dry cloth with a cleaning solution to dry stains. It’s understandable if you don’t want to use chemicals like bleach or ammonia while cleaning, so creating a paste out of baking soda and toothpaste for cleaning stains is just as effective. 
• Repairing water damage doesn’t stop at cleaning! You have to wait for it to dry before you take a cloth and wipe it all away. You will have more luck rubbing the affected areas in a gentle, circular motion to remove the water stains. 
• It’s possible that there could still be leftover reminders of water damage by the time you reach this stage; that’s why you should take a wet cloth damp with cold water and wipe down the affected areas underneath the sink. If you need professional guidance after taking these steps to repair water damage under your sink, don’t hesitate to call a professional restoration company to handle the issue further! 

What Can You Do To Mitigate Water Damage In Belle Meade While Waiting For SERVPRO?

• You can remove excess water under your sink while blotting and mopping the affected areas. You also want to remove loose items while blotting and mopping the floor. 
• Going along with the first point, wet materials are VERY heavy, so you should take extra precautions when cleaning up!
• It’s easy to overlook electrical “slip and fall” hazards after water damage, but they shouldn’t be ignored, especially in the kitchen! If you see any frayed wires from lighting, steer clear of those areas until an electrician looks at them. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville are water damage cleanup and restoration experts! With over 50 years of experience in water, fire, storm, and mold damage with ample expertise in handling residential and commercial projects, you can count on us to respond quickly with the help you need right here in Belle Meade. With our state-of-the-art technology and highly trained team, you can have peace of mind that is difficult to find during such a stressful time. All you have to do is contact us at (615) 242-9391. We’ll handle the rest!

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Preparing Your Home For Spring Showers

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

They say April showers bring May flowers, and as we are nearing April, it is crucial to prepare your Bellevue home for the storms that the spring season brings. Preventative maintenance is always a smart move, so you can lessen the impact of damage should it occur. Middle Tennessee, especially, is known for tornadoes and other springtime storms, so it’s vital to prepare your home for whatever happens. We will discuss below three key tips on residential storm preparation and what you need to know about mold post-storm. 

What Are Our Top Three Tips For Preparing Your Home For Spring Storms?

• Do a full-scale assessment of your home before heavy rains are predicted. This checklist should include roofing, windows, doors, and drainage. 
• Invest in a battery-operated flashlight with extra batteries if necessary. The same thing goes for an NOAA weather radio. 
• Create an emergency evacuation plan and test it out before a storm happens. Know where everyone needs to go and ensure that you have emergency contact information. This includes the following:
• Phone numbers of family members, friends, and neighbors
• Medical information for household members
• Phone numbers for local fire departments and police stations

Mold Debunked: What Should You Know About Mold Remediation After A Spring Shower?

While prevention almost always sets you up for success, it isn’t a foolproof way to avoid storms altogether. You may already know that mold is common after a water damage incident if you don’t get it taken care of immediately. 

• After storm damage, mold only takes about 48 hours to spread throughout your Bellevue home. Time is money in this case- literally!
• Smell a strong, musty odor in your home? That’s a sign that mold may be present on your property. SERVPRO is trained in odor removal and deodorization techniques that will keep the stink at bay!
• Aside from moisture, mold thrives on humidity. Even higher-than-average humidity is enough to promote mold growth, so make sure indoor humidity is less than 45 percent. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville are the storm and mold damage experts! Our highly trained team has knowledge in water damage and applied structural drying, the cornerstones of restoring your Bellevue home to its pre-flood condition. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year because disaster never sleeps, and neither do we. If you need storm or mold damage cleanup and restoration, give us a call at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this contact form if that’s easier for you. Our mission is to make any disaster “Like it never even happened!” 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How to Save Your Furniture After Water Damage

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Floods and storms can do a lot of damage to the furniture at your West End home or office space. With spring being peak storm season, it's always best to prepare for one in advance, but sometimes, every preventative measure can't keep a flood at bay. Water damage causes many problems, including mold, if you don't call for help immediately. At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we are big believers in the restore vs. replace mentality, so you can save money while keeping the items that matter most to you. Below, we will discuss what happens to furniture after water damage and how you can salvage it once our team arrives on the scene. 

What Should You Know About Water Damage To Your Furniture?

• Permanent stains on carpeting can occur because furniture finishes may bleed from excess water. 
• Within the first day, you may notice that furniture will begin to swell and eventually crack. 
• If you wait 48 hours or longer to call us, you will begin to notice furniture warping and showing signs of mold- it only takes about two days for mold to start showing itself!
• That is why time is of the essence when it comes to any water damage scenario to avoid further damage, which could lead to having your furniture replaced. 

How Can You Care For Your Furniture After Water Damage?

• Foam cleaning is one of our methods to care for upholstery fabrics that might bleed if wet cleaned. 
• We also spray and wipe for parts of your furniture that can't withstand wet cleaning. 
• SERVPRO's Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) provides a detailed list of all your belongings and furniture, including its preloss value, for an effective claims process. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is committed to conducting the highest quality water damage cleanup and restoration. We have over five decades of experience in the disaster restoration industry, so you know we mean business. And that's not all; just because we have loads of experience doesn't mean our team stops learning. Far from it! Our continuous education and training courses ensure that our team stays on top of all the trends in this industry. If you need us to perform water damage restoration and cleanup in West End this spring, feel free to give us a call at (615) 242-9391. We endeavor to make your water damage incident "Like it never even happened!"

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Long-Term Effects of Leaving Water Damage

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

You need time to recover when your life has taken a hit after water damage. And that's understandable. But you also need to be mindful of the effects water damage can have on your Green Hills property if you don't call for help immediately. SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville provides 24/7 emergency service, so you don't have to worry about calling before or after the typical 9-5. Water damage doesn't wait for anyone, and neither do we! So, when you make that first call, we respond quickly to make water damage "Like it never even happened!"

What Long-Term Effects Will You Notice By Leaving Water Damage Alone For Too Long?

• Electrical appliances will take a hit after water damage due to the possibility of electrocution. Aside from having water damage professionals look over the damage, it's a good idea to call an electrician, too. 
• Not every item affected by water damage needs to be thrown away! In fact, you can restore many of your belongings which is better than replacing them. Restoration allows you to save money AND salvage your valuable keepsakes. However, if you let water damage linger too long, restoration may not always be possible, so time is of the essence here!
• And, of course, mold is something to look out for after water damage because of how fast mold spores can grow. It only takes about 48 hours for spores to grow into colonies, so it's best to take action when you see or smell it. Mold has a signature musty odor, so trust your instincts when you're scrunching your nose after water damage. 

What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like In Green Hills?

Every water damage scenario is different, and our team guarantees unique solutions depending on the level of damage, but the general, 6-step process stays the same:

• The water damage restoration process starts when you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions about your specific scenario to help us understand the extent of the damage. We'll also know what to bring to the scene for an effective damage mitigation experience. 
• Once we arrive at your Green Hills building, our team will conduct a water damage inspection and assessment to determine how far the moisture has traveled through your property. 
• Our water removal process extracts any standing water that remains at your home or business. With industrial-grade pumps and vacuum units, we are proactive in removing water that can further damage your property and instigate mold growth.
• The sequence doesn't end after removing water! Our drying and dehumidification process allows us to utilize the equipment necessary to remove water that is harder to access from the previous step. Our air movers and dehumidifiers are brought onto the scene after our professionals figure out the affected areas' relative humidity, room measurements, and temperature. This allows for effective drying after water damage. 
• After drying, we will clean and sanitize your belongings to restore any salvageable contents. Our technicians are trained to remove even the most persistent odors, which you can read more about here. 
• The final step is where restoration begins. This can include minor repairs like replacing drywall or major repairs like a complete reconfiguration of your Green Hills home or business. The idea is to get your property back to its preloss condition!

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has over 50 years of experience in the disaster restoration industry. Water and fire damage restoration and cleanup is our bread and butter, so no better team can help you get through these trying times than the folks on our team. If you have recently experienced a flood, a burst pipe, or even a washing machine overflow, give us a call at (615) 242-9391. As the Angie's List Super Service Award recipients, we know our stuff and are happy to serve Green Hills!

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

First Steps After Your Restaurant Floods

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

Winter storms are a precursor to the tornadoes that Middle Tennessee is all too familiar with during springtime. And with peak storm season just a month away, it helps to not only prepare for it (especially after experiencing a flood in your Bellevue restaurant!), but it would also be beneficial to stormproof your restaurant for preventative purposes. When your restaurant floods, you must take immediate action to ensure that further damage doesn’t happen onsite. It only takes about 48 hours for mold to set in after a flood, so time is essential for disaster cleanup and restoration! 

What Should You And Your Restaurant Staff Do Immediately Following A Flood?

• The first step should always concern safety! Flooding can leave behind electrical hazards, debris, and in the case of your restaurant, gas leaks, so it is imperative that no one enter the building until it is safe to do so. 
• Any surfaces that have been in contact with food should be cleaned with drinking water. And, of course, you should advise all employees to wash their hands thoroughly and remove all protective clothing before walking into unaffected areas of the restaurant. 
• Don’t be fooled by appearances: wet materials can be very heavy! Be careful!

How Can You Prepare Your Restaurant For Future Storms?

• Board up windows, doors, signage, and other key areas of your restaurant before the storm hits. Securing your building is one of the best ways to prepare your restaurant for future disasters.
• Create a communication plan for crisis scenarios. This plan should include contact information available to your staff should they need it during inclement weather. Your contact list should include the following:
• Managers
• Police and fire departments
• Public health authorities
• Electric companies and gas utilities
• Test food temperatures using a calibrated thermometer and monitor food temperatures before, during, and after a storm. It is critical to note that any foods that look discolored or smell foul should be disposed of without question. 

When your restaurant is trying to get back to business after a flood, it isn’t just the operations side of things that is affected. Food preparation and preservation are literally the bread and butter of your Bellevue restaurant. Ensuring that your restaurant’s food is safe and unharmed would be one of your top priorities as a restaurant owner. Recovering from a flood is no easy feat; you don’t have to endure it alone. SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is the water and storm damage restoration expert located near you! We have the advanced tools, highly trained team, and faster than average emergency response timing that is difficult to find in other disaster restoration companies in Bellevue. If you need us, don’t hesitate to contact us at (615) 242-9391. As business owners ourselves, we understand the joys and challenges of owning a business and are happy to help the Nashville community however we can!

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

How to Make Water Damage “Like it Never Even Happened!”

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most prevalent natural disasters to take over your Nashville home or business. You may be surprised to hear that one in 50 homeowners file a water damage-related claim yearly in the US. Because water damage is so common, it is critical to take steps to prevent it. While you can’t prevent natural disasters from ever happening, you can move forward with smart, actionable steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from water damage and its effects. We have also listed some tips below on what to do if your home or business has been taken over by water damage. When your life returns to its new normal, the damage will be “Like it never even happened!”

How Can You Minimize The Risk Of Water Damage To Your Nashville Home Or Business?

• Check the caulking around your showers and tubs! If cracks are in the caulks, replace them so they can be more watertight. The purpose of caulk is to prevent water from seeping into your floors, so it is better to check on that integral piece of your bathroom before it’s too late. 
• Do you know where your main water line is? It would be essential to know this information so you can shut it off should a pipe burst suddenly. You can stop water flow in most cases if you know where the main valve is. 
• Faucets and hoses should be checked every now and then, especially if you hear a faint dripping noise from the tap.

What Can You Do To Get Your Property Back To Its Pre-Loss Condition?

After you make that first call and you’re waiting for SERVPRO to arrive, you can do a few things while waiting like:

• Removing standing water with buckets or tubs. Make sure you wear protective clothing like gloves and rubber boots to avoid coming in contact with bacteria!
• If there isn’t too much standing water to handle, you can use a wet-dry vacuum to remove water thoroughly. If you don’t have one on hand, blotting and mopping excess water always does the trick!
• Document all items affected by water damage in your Nashville home or business. That way, it will be easier for your insurance provider to determine coverage. SERVPRO provides a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) that can help ease your worries during the recovery process by providing a detailed and accurate list of your items along with their preloss value. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is the number #1 leading professional in the disaster restoration and cleanup industry! With top-tier tools, continuous education/training, and a faster-than-average emergency response time, the SERVPRO team strives to bring your Nashville home or business back to its preloss condition. As a locally owned and operated business, you can trust that we are minutes away from wherever you’re calling us from and have the know-how for effective property restoration. If you need us for water and mold damage restoration/cleanup, give us a call at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this contact form if that’s more convenient for you. With over 50 years of experience in this industry and a recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service Award, we are committed to helping our Nashville neighbors in every way we can! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What to Do if a Pipe Bursts in Your Apartment Complex

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Accidents happen, but when a pipe bursts in your West End apartment complex, it’s easy to be taken aback by the flooding. When there are collapsed water supply lines and sudden pressure changes from cold weather (AKA frozen pipes), you may experience a pipe burst in your building. You may be able to detect an unhealthy pipe before it bursts. For example, if you notice swollen walls and cracked tiles, you might see a burst pipe in your future if you don’t call a group of trusted leaders in the restoration industry as soon as possible. Even though SERVPRO has a fast 24-hour emergency response, it still takes a few minutes to coordinate the right people with the right equipment to arrive on the scene once you give us notice. 

What Should You Do During The First Few Minutes Post-Water Damage While Waiting For Us?

• Blotting and wiping excess water from all surfaces is a good first step instead of letting any extra moisture linger. As we all know, excess moisture leads to mold, so it’s better to start addressing all sources of moisture from the get-go. 
• Gather loose items from floors and move them to a safe, dry area. 
• Prop wet upholstery and cushions to let the fabric air out. 
• For more quick tips to follow while waiting for SERVPRO, read more here!

How Can SERVPRO Care For Your Belongings After Your Apartment Experiences A Burst Pipe? 

SERVPRO provides several contents restoration options after water damage, including:

• Dry cleaning: Before wet cleaning, dry cleaning is used to clean light residues. 
• Foam cleaning: Some upholstery and fabric types can bleed or shrink during wet cleaning, so foam cleaning is a lighter cleaning method to prevent those situations. 
• Immersion cleaning: Contents are dipped into an intensive cleaning product so they can be immersed in the product for an effective clean. 
• Electronics cleanup: Electronics affected by water are very dangerous! Do NOT try turning on a device you suspect has been affected by water. SERVPRO will coordinate this type of cleanup until it is safe to turn your appliances back on. 
• Document/Photograph Drying: Photos and other documents can be very flimsy when affected by water. You must take extreme caution before restoring papers and pictures. While some documents may not be restorable, SERVPRO can save time and money by investing our resources into what can be salvaged. 
• And more!

Burst pipes are not uncommon during winter. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to contract, leading to a burst pipe. While stressful, know that you have someone in your corner when you contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville. Our highly trained technicians are IICRC-certified and equipped with the specialized knowledge needed to restore your West End apartment complex to its preloss condition. Give us a call at (615) 242-9391. As a locally owned and operated franchise, we are nearby and ready to help our Nashville neighbors!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How to Handle Mold Damage in Your Business' Bathroom

1/11/2023 (Permalink)

Your business has an image to uphold. When a water damage emergency takes over your Green Hills commercial property, your first course of action is to call a trusted restoration company immediately because it only takes a few hours for the effects of water damage to present itself. From there, mold containment is a priority, and any excess water is extracted from the property to ensure that all moisture sources are taken care of properly. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is committed to restoring your Green Hills business to its preloss condition!

What Should You Know About Mold Damage?

• Mold spores are microscopic, so they'll float through any opening, including windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Sometimes, mold will attach to your clothes or even your pet's fur!
• Your nose won't lie- if you smell a strong, musty odor in your bathroom, you may have just encountered mold!
• Keeping indoor humidity levels below 45 percent is a good rule of thumb, as even higher-than-average humidity can aggravate mold growth. 

What Types Of Building Services Does SERVPRO Provide After Bathroom Mold Damage?

• After mold damage, your next concern should be setting temporary measures to prevent further damage. This can range from placing roof tarps to boarding up to secure the property. 
• SERVPRO can handle the initial mitigation and full-scale reconstruction. All you have to do is contact us, and we'll handle the entire process. 
• We provide all of the following building services:

• Drywall installation
• Document drying
• Fine Art Restoration
• Temporary Fencing
• Roofing Services
• Floor Repairs
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• And more!

You may have heard advertisements say they can do away with mold altogether- this is false! There is always some mold in the environment, but they grow exponentially after water damage to your property. When you need a trusted group of restoration professionals who can promptly handle mold remediation, SERVPRO has got your back! If you need us, call us at (615) 242-9391. With over fifty years of experience in mold damage cleanup and remediation, acclaimed training programs, and state-of-the-art equipment that sets us above the rest, you can count on SERVPRO to make your water damage experience "Like it never even happened."

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What to Do When Snow Floods Your Home or Business

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

We are at the peak of winter, which means being mindful of concerns like snowstorms and the flooding that your Bellevue home or business can experience from that. The best course of action is prevention, of course, but the unexpected can happen no matter how much you prepare. If you experience water damage from a snowstorm, the first step you must take is to contact the right restoration company that specializes in water damage. From there, you need to set some safety measures in place while you're waiting for us to arrive on the scene. Once equipped with our cutting-edge technology, we work tirelessly to ensure that the cleanup and restoration process is so effective the effects of winter water damage will be "Like it never even happened!" 

What Immediate Steps Should You Take Following A Snowstorm? 

• Once you've determined that it's safe enough to go inside the building, you should first remove excess water through blotting and mopping. 
• If you see loose items on the floor, pick them up and place them in a safe, dry area. The same thing goes for art objects and other precious keepsakes. 
• Coloring can easily smear after a flood, so removing colorful rugs from wet carpeting is essential. 
• You can read about some more flooding emergency tips here. 

How Can Our Top-Tier Technology Mitigate Your Water Damage Emergency More Efficiently? 

We are big believers in using the latest technology to mitigate water damage more efficiently at SERVPRO! These past few decades have brought rapid technological advancement spanning several industries, including disaster restoration and cleanup. We have equipment for every stage of the water damage restoration and cleanup process! 

• Moisture Detection and Measurement: 

• Infrared cameras detect water in places that aren't visible to the naked eye. 
• Hygrometers and other sensitive moisture detectors measure water saturation throughout your Bellevue business. 

• Water Extraction:

• Excess water is extracted through gas-powered pumps. 
• Portable extraction units are the primary tools we use to remove gallons of water efficiently. 

• Drying:

• Our industrial-strength air movers allow moisture from walls, ceilings, and floors to evaporate faster. 
• The drying process is often overlooked after water extraction. Adequate drying prevents furniture and walls from swelling, a common effect of water damage. Our high-powered dehumidifiers pull water vapor from the air for more efficient drying. 

• Odor Removal/Deodorization:

• You may smell a damp, musty odor post-water damage which is often a sign of mold. If you need mold remediation services, SERVPRO not only takes care of it, but we also rid your property of invasive odors caused by water and mold damage. 
• Our air scrubbers and thermal foggers remove airborne contaminants during the cleanup process, which helps control and maintain healthy air quality during restoration. 

According to NWS data over the past decade, Nashville gets a little over four feet of snow on average, with last year's snowfall going above average at over five feet. While we may not get as much snow as our northern neighbors, four feet of snow is insignificant, meaning you should pay attention to the effects of snow flooding your Bellevue home or business. If prolonged, the moisture from a snowstorm flooding your property can lead to mold, which is a whole other can of worms. If you need our expertise this snowy season, give us a call at (615) 242-9391. You can count on us to get you through this calamity!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What to Do About Frozen Pipes at Your Home

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

It’s been a few weeks since the cold weather hit us. While the cool temperatures are welcome after one of the hottest summers on record, the bitter cold can cause cracks in your pipe system, causing water that can collect and flood quickly. We hope you don’t experience frozen pipes in your Belle Meade home this winter, so we’ve outlined some preventative measures below. Suppose you plan and do everything right, but your pipes still freeze this winter: we’ve also provided ways your home can recover from frozen pipes. Please remember that the number one priority during all of this is safety!

How Can You Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter?

• Seal window and door cracks to prevent a draft from coming through, and insulate your pipes to guard against freezing temperatures. 
• If you have a pipe that you fear is nearly freezing, you can thaw it by wrapping it in a towel drenched in hot water or placing an electric heating pad around it. 
• If your Belle Meade home has a water supply line in the garage, ensure that you close the garage doors promptly to keep the cold front out of your home. 
• Set your thermostat’s temperature to a fixed number during the daytime and at night. 

A Pipe Burst And Your House Floods… What Can You Do While Waiting For The Experts To Arrive?

• First things first, shut off the main power valve when a pipe has broken. 
• Blot and mop excess water and remove lamps and other tabletop items before cleaning wood furniture. 
• Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between the furniture legs.
• Take priceless paintings and objects to a dry area where the colors won’t mix with the floodwaters. 

At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we strive to restore your Belle Meade home to its peak pre-water damage condition. We know the holidays are near, and it’s rare for anyone to be available to help with something like a frozen pipe leak. SERVPRO is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, because we know that water damage happens unexpectedly. Flooding is such that you must take immediate action to assess the damage and set up a plan to mitigate it efficiently. If you need professionals with top-tier gear and advanced certifications, call SERVPRO at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this contact form for easy accessibility. We even offer a helping hand by managing the insurance paperwork during the claims process! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What to Do When Your Basement Floods

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, residential water damage scenarios affect 14,000 people- even a tiny leak increases the chances of your Green Hills home's water bill by up to 10%. Even though we often associate tornadoes with spring, you should take winter storms just as seriously since they can involve hail and sleet. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so while it's best to be as prepared as possible when disaster strikes, sometimes, the unexpected happens, and you have to know what to do after the fact. Below are some floodproof preventative measures you can take this winter to protect your basement from winter storms and what you should do right after being hit by an unforgiving winter storm. 

What Preventative Measures Can You Take To Flood-Proof Your Green Hills Basement?

• Sealing open areas of your property, also known as dry floodproofing, can effectively keep floodwaters at bay. Weatherstripping around openings across walls prevents floodwaters from entering, and waterproof shields for your doors and windows are instrumental to these structures' ability to resist intense water pressure. 
• Have you considered backflow valves against sewage? After a flood, sewage from sewer lines can infiltrate drain pipes, presenting a health hazard inside your property. If water enters the wrong way, these backflow valves serve as a "band-aid," temporarily blocking drain pipes. 
• While this may seem like a simple housekeeping tip, it should be addressed when floodproofing your basement, and that is routine gutter maintenance! Aside from cleaning debris, you should keep a watchful eye if anything is amiss in your gutters so that it can do its job of removing rainwater away from your home and not into it. 

What Should You Do Immediately After A Winter Storm Floods Your Basement?

• Take pictures of the affected areas for insurance purposes! It is easier for an adjuster to assess the damage and devise a payment plan accordingly. Additionally, SERVPRO works with your insurance company to manage the claims paperwork to make this ordeal slightly more manageable for you. 
• After any water damage incident, you want to be wary of mold growth since mold works its way through a property fast, oftentimes in as little as 48 hours after a flood. Disposing of any item that could be affected by mold, like certain perishable foods and bedding, is an excellent move after you've documented all of your items for insurance purposes. 
• If you have critical documents you can't afford to lose, try placing them in the freezer! This short-term hack can prevent mold spores from feeding off moisture and speed up the drying process while you're tending to other items in the basement. Please remember that once you've removed all items from the basement, call your local restoration professionals with the know-how and proper equipment to restore your Green Hills home to its preloss condition. 

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville specialize in water damage cleanup and restoration. Our team has high-tech gear and training and provides emergency service every day of the year, even on holidays. From water inspection on your Green Hills property to the extraction and drying process, we ensure an attention to detail and expertise that you won't find in many restoration companies. Our team has a "restore vs. replace" mentality which guarantees that you won't lose valuable belongings and saves you money during the process. If you need this for water and storm damage restoration and cleanup in Green Hills, contact us at (615) 242-9391. As a BBB-accredited business with an Angie's List Super Service Award, we take our work seriously, so you know you can count on us!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Different Types of Flooring and How Water Damage Impacts Them

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage affects everyone differently, and depending on the flooring you have in your Green Hills home or business, you may be surprised to learn how your flooring is affected by flooding. Each type of flooring has its pros and cons, and especially after water damage, those qualities are highlighted. The first step to understanding how water damage affects flooring is to know what type of flooring you have. Do you have hardwood or laminate flooring? Or how about vinyl or tile flooring? We will discuss below the qualities of each type of flooring and how water damage impacts them so you have the necessary information when contacting us and for insurance purposes. 

Hardwood And Laminate Flooring: What Are Their Qualities And How Does Water Damage Affect Them? 

• Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is characterized by its durability. You can refinish certain types of hardwood several times. Hardwood flooring is most known for its longevity and wood bases, including red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and hickory. 

• The effects: Water and wood do not get along well- wood is very porous and can easily absorb into flooring. This activity can cause discoloration and flooring to swell and warp. 

• Laminate: This flooring looks like natural wood, stone, or tile but is more affordable. Laminate comes in planks or tiles that include a tongue-and-groove assembly which can easily latch onto each other. 

• The effects: You’ll notice discoloration and warping due to concentrated moisture in the affected areas. The intensity of your water damage experience can also cause the planks to become loose. 

What Makes Up Vinyl And Tile Flooring, And How Does Flooding Affect It? 

• Vinyl: This type of flooring is made from plastic and is the most cost-effective option out of the options on this list. Many vinyl options are waterproof, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by flooding. 

• The effects: Water can absorb through vinyl planks which can cause it to swell and warp. Vinyl planking can also show bumps, ridges, and decaying adhesive. (In other words, are the planks moving in areas where they weren’t moving pre-flood?)

• Tile: Tile flooring is very versatile in the sense that different types of tile are made from different materials. For example, ceramic tile is made from clay, whereas natural stone tile is composed of marble, slate, granite, and other polished material that gives tile flooring its trademark elegant appearance. Despite its delicate appearance, porcelain tile is primarily known for its resilience because it’s created at a higher temperature than the other options, making it more durable and less porous. 

• The effects: Tile flooring has been a popular choice in bathrooms and other areas of the home that are prone to excess moisture because of its water resistance. However, when tiles become loose from flooding, they can crack and allow mold to settle underneath the floating tile. Water can also enter through unsealed grout or missing caulking, causing the subflooring to rot. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville provides water damage restoration and cleanup services all year round. Aside from Green Hills, we are strategically placed across more than 2,000 locations throughout the US and Canada, enabling us to arrive on the scene in minutes. As recipients of the Angie’s Super Service Award and a BBB-accredited business, among our other distinctions, we ensure that our staff is highly trained and qualified to go out into the field. If you need us this season, give us a call at (615) 242-9391. From the water removal and cleanup process to the drying and cleanup process, SERVPRO is the solution to all your water damage woes. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Avoiding Water Damage from Misuse of Your Washing Machine

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

It happens. Sometimes, you have a large load, leave the washing machine on to do its thing during the rinse cycle, and it overflows in a matter of seconds. This type of water is unlike rainwater because it can be grossly unsanitary. Sewage cleanup, the classification of water damage that washing machine overflows fall under, is heavily contaminated depending on the category of damage and how far along the water damage has affected your Bellevue home. SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the training and special equipment to combat this type of water damage. Knowledge is power, so staying informed on the categories of water damage and knowing what to do when it happens is critical to mitigating water damage in all forms. 

What Are The Three Categories Of Water Damage?

• Category 1: “Clean Water”: This water originates from a clean source like a faucet or broken (clean water) supply line. Just because this is a category one leak doesn’t mean you should remain complacent- this water can quickly become category two or category three water if left untreated. 
• Category 2: “Gray Water”: Your washing machine overflow falls under this category because the water from this activity can make you feel sick if you come in contact with or ingest it. Bacteria and viruses are not uncommon with category two water- once at this level, please reach out to SERVPRO so that category two water doesn’t escalate to category three. 
• Category 3: “Black Water”: Any contact with this type of water should be avoided. Sources of this type of water can be standing water, flooding from rivers and streams, and water from beyond the toilet trap. Harsh chemicals, microbes, and sewage are characteristic of category three water.  

You’ve Made The Call… What Should You Do While Waiting For Us?

• After you get off the phone, ask yourself, “is it safe enough to be inside your home?” If yes, follow some effortless tips below to reduce further damage.
• Blotting and mopping affected areas can help you remove excess water- you should also apply this to furniture after you remove lamps and other items on the table. 
• If you have any paintings and sculptures, move them to a dry area as soon as possible. You should also do this for loose items on the floor. 
• Prop wet cushions and upholstery. 
• Be careful when carrying wet materials- they can be deceivingly heavy!

The effects that flooding can leave in its wake are difficult to fathom, and not knowing what to do after it happens is overwhelming. At SERVPRO, we understand. With over fifty years of experience in disaster restoration and cleanup, we have a process for every scenario, whether water, fire, or mold. We are also specialists in storm damage restoration and cleanup. The claims paperwork and process post-damage is another beast to tackle during a stressful time- that’s why we help you manage the insurance paperwork for a hassle-free (as much as possible) claims process. At the end of the day, we want to get you back to normal as soon as possible… you could even say we strive to make it “Like it never even happened!”

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What Are the Main Causes of Commercial Water Damage?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage from flooding is one of the most common natural disasters to affect homeowners and business owners everywhere. You may be wondering what causes water damage in the first place. Water damage from a natural disaster usually comes from rain, snow, tornadoes, or a dam overflow, among other scenarios. In many cases, water damage occurs slowly enough that you may have time to take shelter or evacuate. However, in some cases, flash floods often happen in the blink of an eye and can appear without warning. The first step to preparing for water damage would be to know what causes it. Once you know that information, you can better train your staff should a water damage emergency occur. As a business owner, you must take action immediately if or when a water damage situation arises for the well-being of your employees and your business. 

What Causes Water Damage To Take Over A Commercial Property, Aside From A Flood Or Tornado?

• You may want to take another look at your windows if they aren’t properly sealed! Resealing windows regularly prevents moisture from creeping in because water damage is often caused by windows that aren’t appropriately enclosed. 
• A broken or burst pipe can happen due to a pressure change, cold weather (which leads to freezing pipes), and collapsed water supply lines can all lead to water damage in your Nashville commercial property. Some signs of a broken pipe include bulging walls and cracked tiles. 
• A sewage (toilet) overflow is a cause of both commercial AND residential water damage. This type of water damage is not only inconvenient, but it also contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious infections for anyone who comes in contact with it. If you hear gurgling sounds from the toilet, it might be time to call a trusted restoration company.  

How Can You Prepare Your Staff For Any Water Damage Emergency?

• Prepare a facility maintenance plan and audit it every six months to a year. Each area of your property should be thoroughly examined, including doors, windows, gates, and roofs. Adding this to your already busy schedule may seem hectic now, but you never know when this extra preparation will pay off. 
• Create an emergency kit that should include the following:

• A first-aid kit
• Batteries
• Insurance documents
• Food and water
• Blankets
• Battery-powered radio

• Mold always shows up when too much moisture is consolidated in one area. To prevent this, make sure that work areas are well-ventilated. And most importantly, clean wet surfaces with water and detergent, NOT bleach mixed with ammonia! 

At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we have over fifty years of experience restoring commercial properties to their preloss condition. As business owners, we know how important it is to keep your Nashville commercial property well-maintained, and we understand. The health and safety of your employees are paramount, and as a business owner, you want to take every necessary measure to ensure that your employees are safe and comfortable. If you experience flooding, no matter the cause, contact our team at (615) 242-9391. As your Nashville neighbors, we have the gift of proximity on our side, ready for whatever happens!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How to Keep Your Restaurant Bar Functioning during Water Damage Restoration

10/26/2022 (Permalink)

Your restaurant’s bar is meant to have a pleasant and light atmosphere. It’s where you can relax and have a good time after a long day. When a natural disaster takes over and leaves your restaurant bar with a restoration and cleanup checklist, you may not know what to prioritize or where to start. As a business owner, it’s normal to worry about productivity rates during restoration and cleanup. Fortunately, you can rely on SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville to conduct a seamless move-out and pack-out process. During this time, you can have the opportunity to continue business operations at a temporary location while our crew handles the water damage cleanup and restoration process at your West End bar. 

How Do You Keep Your Restaurant Bar Functional During The Water Damage Restoration Process? 

• As we mentioned before, moving out to a temporary location to conduct your business operations is one of the most effective ways to stay productive. We know it won’t be the same, but this method will lead to a quicker remodeling process AND can protect your contents from further damage on-site. 
• SERVPRO can coordinate move-outs, sure, but we can also coordinate move-ins just as smoothly! When we complete the restoration process, we will communicate with you and your team to determine the services we offer depending on your restaurant’s insurance coverage. 
• Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) provides a precise and accurate list of your belongings. Our database goes room-by-room to give you detailed information about your contents which settles claims quicker. 

What Can You Do To Prevent Water Damage To Your West End Restaurant Bar?

• Check your appliances regularly! You don’t have to spend hours examining your equipment, but administering regular inspections on your appliances will do more good than harm. You also want to place particular importance on appliances connected to water lines, like your bar’s refrigerator. 
• If a broken pipe is the cause of your bar’s water damage, train your employees to locate it and turn it off in that instance. If the main water valve is shut off promptly as the downpour starts, you could save your bar thousands of dollars in damage. 
• Inspect your roof! Leaks germinating from the attic are one of the most covert ways water damage can occur over time, so it’s a good idea to double-check your restaurant bar’s roof and make sure there aren’t any hidden leaks. 

Structural damage, revenue and productivity shifts, and mold are all unfortunate aftereffects of water damage. It can be disheartening and a massive pain to deal with. As a locally owned and operated business ourselves, we understand. At SERVPRO, our goal is to stand by you and be in your corner when a natural disaster strikes- literally! Our disaster recovery teams are strategically positioned across the US and Canada, with over 2,000 franchises ready at a moment’s notice. All it takes is a phone call to (615) 242-9391, where our rep will ask you questions about your restaurant’s water damage scenario so that we know what equipment to bring to the scene. If you prefer to write out your situation, you can fill out this contact form. We’re happy to help our Nashville neighbors however we can! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Minimizing Water Damage at Your West End Apartment Complex

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common natural disasters to occur. Living in an area prone to heavy rains doubles your chances of experiencing water damage to your apartment complex. While water damage differs depending on the situation, the end result is recovering from the financial and emotional impact that a natural disaster has in your world. Prevention is always the first step, but sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, a natural disaster has a way of throwing a curveball into your plans. If this happens, the only restoration company that should come to mind is SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville. We have the training and qualifications to make your water damage scenario "Like it never even happened!"

How Can You Reduce Your Chances Of Experiencing Water Damage From Sewage Backup?

• This piece of advice may be simple, but it is often ignored: don't flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet! Even if the product's packaging says the item is flushable, it's better to be safe than to experience a sewage backup. 
• Throw away or, better yet, compost food items instead of shoving them through the food waste disposer. That way, you're reducing your chances of a sewage backup, and if you compost, you are also practicing sustainable habits. 
• Plan ahead when you see a small leak because a minor leak can become a major problem very quickly! Don't give in to procrastination when you see water dripping from your faucet. 

What Should You Know About Mold After Flooding?

• Mold is everywhere- indoors and outdoors. But don't let that scare you just yet! You shouldn't believe every ad you see on mold removal because removing mold completely isn't even possible; however, mold can be remediated with the right tools and restoration experts. 
• If you smell a strong, musty odor about 24-48 hours after your West End apartment complex has been flooded, you may have encountered mold! 
• Before the mold remediation process can begin, we must address all water sources from the get-go since mold spores thrive on moisture. 

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the disaster restoration industry with over fifty years of experience in water damage, storm damage, and mold damage. You need to act quickly in the instance of water damage because if you wait too long, you'll aggravate further damage to your apartment complex. To avoid this, you must contact us immediately to get the process started. We provide fast 24-hour service every day of the week since natural disasters come unplanned. We know that the timeline to restore water damage quickly and efficiently is tight, so we come prepared for anything. If you need us, give us a call at (615) 242-9391. We have experience in restoring residential AND commercial properties in West End! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Mold Begone! Here's How We Remediate And Restore Your Nashville Home From Mold

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is a sight to behold, but certainly not in a good way. And the worst part is that it doesn't take much for a mold spore to grow into a mold colony. Even just a tiny water leak or excess humidity is enough for a mold colony to start its growth within 48 hours. Not only is mold repulsive, but it can also produce allergens and irritants that can negatively affect your health. If you suspect mold growth in your Nashville home, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville! We are a BBB-accredited business- they don't give out qualifications like that for no reason, so you can trust that you are in good hands!

What Does The Mold Remediation Process Look Like In Nashville?

• To kickstart this process, call our emergency contact at (615) 242-9391! Our representative will ask questions about your mold situation so that we know what equipment, resources, and team members to bring to the scene. 
• We'll conduct a mold damage assessment when we arrive at the scene. Depending on local and state laws, specific protocols and documentation may be required for the affected areas. 
• The third step is to contain the mold. This is exactly as it sounds: We'll use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area and prevent mold from spreading further. 
• Step four involves air filtration, which allows our professionals to capture mold spores from the air. Mold spores become airborne when "disturbed" in any way, which applies during the cleanup process. Our powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums are no match for existing mold spores!
• At this point of the mold remediation process, we remove all mold and mold-infested materials through antifungal and antimicrobial treatments. We will also remove mold-infested porous materials like carpeting and drywall in the case of heavy mold growth. 
• Immediately afterward, we will start cleaning your contents and belongings. With our restore vs. replace mentality, we will restore all belongings that aren't too far gone so you can preserve the precious items that matter most. 
• And last but not least, the restoration process begins! Depending on the level of damage, restoration may involve minor repairs like replacing drywall and painting walls, or it can involve major repairs like full reconstruction of your Nashville home. Whatever the circumstance, SERVPRO's got your back! 

Hold On- Mold Remediation? What About Removing Mold Completely?

• Microscopic mold spores exist everywhere. That means that removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. If you see a restoration company promising that they can "remove" mold, this is a tall tale. 
• Mold spores can enter your Nashville home in several ways- through your window, floating in the air, or even through the HVAC system!
• While there is no way to eliminate all mold and mold spores, according to the EPA, the best way to control mold growth indoors is to control moisture. That means keeping humidity levels below 45 percent and addressing all sources of moisture in your home. 

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO is here for YOU. If not handled immediately, water damage can lead to various aftereffects, including mold. We recommend reaching out to the experts when you've recently experienced a flood or are trying to remediate mold because specific CDC guidelines need to be followed when handling mold. We have technicians trained in applied microbial remediation and structural drying because we go to the root cause of your mold troubles. Call us at (615) 242-9391, and let us remediate your mold headache!

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

These Are The Top Three Ways You Restore Your Medical Documents After Water Damage

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

The world of medicine is ever-changing, and as medical technologies see rapid growth and advancement, many records are stored digitally. Even if you have hard copies of medical records in your Belle Meade medical office, you still want to ensure the confidentiality and safekeeping of these documents to comply with HIPAA laws. When water damage, or any natural disaster for that matter, takes hold of your medical office, you wouldn’t want just anybody to help you restore such critical documents. You would reach out to the trusted restoration experts at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville. With our knowledge of privacy law compliance and expertise in restoring your commercial property to pre-disaster condition, you won’t go wrong calling the pros at SERVPRO!

Rule of Three: What Are The Top Three Ways You Can Restore Medical Documents After Water Damage?

First things first: extreme caution MUST be taken to ensure the water damage doesn’t destroy your office’s medical documents. While our team is trained to prevent additional damage from tearing apart these documents, some documents may not be able to be restored, depending on the severity of the damage. 

• Air drying documents is one restoration option. This is where documents are moved to a completely dry area after using air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, an essential step post-water damage. 
• Stabilizing water-damaged documents is another way to speed up the drying process: When medical records are frozen to about minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you are preventing mold damage AND have a better chance of restoring these documents. 
• On the other hand, vacuum thermal drying is shorter than freeze drying your medical documents, but of course, this all depends on how much water crept into your documents. This process involves drying your documents with warm air of about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about some of our best practices when restoring medical records here. 

Restoration Vs. Replacement: How Can We Restore Your Medical Documents Post Water Damage?

• Restoration, the final step of the water damage restoration process, is the series of steps it takes to restore your Belle Meade commercial property to its preloss condition. This can involve minor repairs such as replacing carpet and drywall or major repairs such as the full-scale reconstruction of your business. 
• At SERVPRO, we are big believers in restoration over replacement! It costs significantly more to replace all your items and documents when the end goal is to cut costs while maximizing efficiency. Not only that, but restoration allows you to preserve your precious keepsakes and vital records that no amount of replacing can do. 
• We offer a host of contents restoration services, including:

• Move-Outs and Pack-Outs
• Electronic Cleanup
• Dry Cleaning
• Immersion Cleaning
• And more!

Being locally owned and operated, we know the ins and outs of Belle Meade and the greater Nashville area. We arrive on the scene like clockwork when you call us at a moment’s notice because we know water damage waits for nothing and no one. We bring high-quality service that is difficult to find elsewhere, and we do it with compassion. If you need us to mitigate your water damage emergency, contact us at (615) 242-9391. We also work with your insurance company! This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

4 Effortless Ways To Conserve Water As Summer Goes Into Fall

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

As climate change and global warming become increasing concerns in our modern world, sustainability is becoming more relevant than ever. More and more people are motivated to do their part with the hopes that we can keep our planet healthier. No matter the season, water conservation is essential to the future of planet Earth because greenhouse gas emissions related to treating and distributing water will decrease thanks to our conscious conservation efforts. In addition, saving water also prevents water leakages and overflows, which means there's less chance of a water damage situation. Not only that, but you keep your water bill low by conserving water- if that doesn't motivate you to conserve water, we don't know what will!

What Are The Top Four Trouble-Free Ways You Can Conserve Water?

• Wash clothes in cold or warm water! You can drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions (by almost 550 pounds!) by not using hot water for bi-weekly laundry loads. 
• Another laundry-related tip but adjust your washing machine water levels to match the size of a partial load. Even without an energy-efficient washing machine, you can still control the outcome for a more sustainable lifestyle!
• Be proactive- fix leaks right when they start! It can be easy to procrastinate, but even small leaks can lead to gallons of water being wasted if not repaired at the onset. 
• This may sound like common knowledge, but please don't use your toilet as a trash can! You are wasting gallons of water every time you flush the toilet for a small piece of trash like facial tissues or a piece of paper. Better alternatives would be throwing trash away in the trash or, even better, recycling it!

How Can You Keep Your Water Bill Low This Season?

• You can use a water-efficient toilet and a low-flow shower! You can cut your water consumption by almost half this way. 
• Timing counts! Water your lawn in the early morning or during the evening so you don't lose water to evaporation. You can also set the time frame during which you will mow the lawn based on how dry your soil is. 
• Another no-brainer, but don't leave your faucet running once you're done! Shut off the water completely when you once finished. 

Water is a sustaining life force, but using up more than you need can put you in dire straits in the long run. No matter what your water damage scenario may be, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is here for YOU. We can handle sewage backups, washing machine overflows, flooding, and even mold damage that often comes with water damage if not treated immediately. You can't go wrong with our advanced tools, expertise, and speedy emergency response times. Give us a call at (615) 242-9391, or let us know your water damage emergency through this contact form. We're always on call to help out in West End! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Floodgates Don't Have To Open When Water Damage Strikes! Here Are Three Things To Do While Waiting For Us To Arrive

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage brings a slew of aftereffects that are not fun to handle if you don't start the cleanup and restoration process immediately. The musty odor and wet floors don't do much to calm your mind and think of where to start first. Before the floodgates open, remember that you don't have to go through water damage alone - you have your Nashville neighbors! At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we have the expertise to handle both residential AND commercial damage. We offer various services ranging from specialty cleaning to mold damage caused by flooding. While SERVPRO is run on a 24/7 emergency response time, we can't teleport to Green Hills the second you call us- if we could, we would! But while you are waiting, we have compiled a list of the top three things you can do on your own while you wait for the professionals (AKA us!) to take care of the rest. 

What Are The Top Three Things You Should Do To Lessen The Damage Caused From Flooding?

Before you go back into your Green Hills home or business, the first question you MUST ask yourself is, "am I safe staying inside the building?" If you answered no to that question, you might want to look into our move-outs and pack-outs services. 

• If it IS safe enough to go back inside, beware of wet materials, which can be heavy! Mop and blot excess water so you can lighten the load. 
• We are still in summer, so you should turn on your air conditioning for maximum drying. 
• Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpeting to put pressure on the furniture parts and prevent water from traveling up.

Oh No- Your Toilet Overflowed! What Type Of Contaminated Water Is This, And How Can It Affect Your Green Hills Property?

It should come as no surprise that water from sewage systems is considered very dangerous and unhealthy, especially if you come in direct contact with it. Special training and equipment are necessary to thoroughly clean and decontaminate the affected areas, which is why you need professionals! But first, this type of water is…

• Category two or three, depending on the situation! Category two water or "gray water" is a toilet overflow with some urine, but category three water is a toilet overflow with feces or water from beyond the toilet trap. 
• These types of water can cause illness or discomfort if you come in contact with it, so it's best to avoid them as much as possible.
• Both category two and three water types contain bacteria and viruses that can leave a mark on your Green Hills home or business. Our team uses OSHA-approved cleaning agents, deodorization methods, and disinfectant products to stop bacteria growth and rid your property of other harmful microorganisms. 

Water damage can make a profound impact on society at large. It is critical to take action immediately if or when this happens to you. The first step is to contact us, and our rep will ask you questions about your water damage incident. All you have to do is call us at (615) 242-9391. We'll handle the rest! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Never Worry About Black Mold In Green Hills Again With These Tips

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding black mold and its many myths, but we’re here to set the record straight: black mold is not the only mold behind allergies and other irritants! While we acknowledge that without some mold growth, we wouldn’t have penicillin, there are other dangerous mold types that say you need to stand clear. You must also remember that when water damage settles, it only takes 48 hours for colonies to form, and mold thrives on moisture. The faster you rid your Green Hills property of moisture, the better your chance of remediating mold damage. And where exactly do you start removing moisture in your home or business? That’s a job for the professionals. We are THE mold damage specialists at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville. If you have a prominent mold issue that needs to be taken care of ASAP, we’re the ones to call. 

Stay Informed: What Should You Know About Mold?

• Your nose knows what’s up! If you smell a strong, musty odor, chances are you have a mold case on your hands. 
• Aside from high moisture levels, humidity is another instigator behind mold growth. Keep humidity levels below 45 percent when indoors. 
• If you’re waiting for the professionals to arrive and you’re thinking of some temporary measures to keep mold at bay, wear rubber gloves and goggles when cleaning any affected areas and NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. 
• Some paints have mold inhibitors which you can add before painting. This can be an investment for the future if you’re trying to prevent mold growth or if you’re currently dealing with mold and going through the restoration process. 

How Can You Prevent Black Mold From Appearing In Your Green Hills Home Or Business? 

If you see a dark green or black, slimy surface, you’ve just encountered Stachybotrys chartarum, AKA black mold. Even though it’s not always seen in plain sight, black mold can hide behind ceilings and walls on wood infrastructure.

• If you can, tape off the affected areas of your home with plastic sheeting over the doors to prevent further damage since mold is known to enter your home through windows, doors, or HVAC systems. 
• Dispose of used cleaning materials by sealing them in a heavy-duty plastic bag. 
• It’s never too late to improve ventilation in your Green Hills home or business! Take advantage of bathroom and kitchen fans to reduce the moisture born from steam. 

We hope we’ve armed you with the knowledge necessary to prevent mold from appearing on your Green Hills property again. Education is the first step, and with mold, you can never be too prepared. If you need mold damage cleaning and restoration services in Green Hills, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville can handle your mold scenario, big or small. We have state-of-the-art tools like hygrometers and other moisture meters to detect moisture and water vapor in the air after water damage. Mold is unpleasant and repulsive. Need mold mitigation done right the first time? Contact us at (615) 242-9391. In addition, we’re water and fire damage specialists, too. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Step By Step: What Does The Mold Damage Restoration Process Look Like In Green Hills?

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

While growth is always a good thing, the opposite is true for mold. In just as little as 48 hours, mold can spread rapidly and, if not detected soon enough, can have a lasting impact on your Green Hills home or business. You may have heard the myth that mold can be “removed,” but this is not true! Mold can be remediated with the right equipment and trained professionals, but for it to be entirely removed is a fallacy. Even so, the pros at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville come on to the scene right as you contact us because we know that a sense of urgency during emergencies counts. 

Nose Goes: What Should You Know About Moldy Odors?

• If you smell something musty and stale, you may have a mold case on your hands! Some compounds that mold produces are released quickly into the air and are known for their volatility. 
• These compounds, known as mVOCs (microbial volatile organic compounds), have solid, pungent stenches and are the culprits behind mold odors. 
• Even though there is no way to eliminate all mold spores indoors, you can take practical measures to control moisture and humidity inside your Green Hills home or business. 

What Is The Comprehensive Process On Mold Remediation In Green Hills? 

• After our rep asks you a series of questions to kickstart the mold remediation process, we will assess your Green Hills property, followed by mold containment procedures. We will also turn off all HVAC systems to prevent further mold damage. 
• We will then utilize air filtration methods like air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent mold from spreading while the mold remediation is in process. Talk about efficiency!
• Before the restoration process can begin, we use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to remediate heavy mold growth. Additionally, we clean your furniture, curtains, clothing, decorative items, and other belongings affected by mold. 
• At this point, restoration can fully begin. Depending on how minimal or severe your property is, we will perform minor repairs like painting or installing new carpet or major repairs like full-scale reconstruction of your Green Hills home or commercial property. 

Are you dealing with a mold crisis in your home or business? SERVPRO is the way to go! We start from the source by obstructing the water source that feeds the mold. We use negative air pressure chambers to isolate the mold and continue to invest in continuous training to serve YOU better when you have a mold situation. While no two mold damage scenarios are the same, we hope that by giving you insight into how we remediate mold, you better understand how mold works. If you need mold damage or water damage restoration services, give us a call at (615) 242-9391.

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Is Your Hotel Flooded? SERVPRO Has The Tools And Experience To Get You Out Of Troubled Waters!

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are no joke. Even though tornado season has just passed us, monsoon season is on the horizon. If your Belle Meade hotel flooding has put you in murky waters (literally!), you may be concerned about your business’s upkeep and general operations after water damage. SERVPRO of Belle Meade has the industry knowledge and expertise to handle water damage scenarios of all sizes and scopes. With water and fire damage being the cornerstones of our business, our mission is to treat all our customers with empathy and respect. We know that going through an upheaval in your life due to a natural disaster is difficult, to say the least. And we understand. As your Nashville neighbors, you can lean on us throughout the process! 

After You Make That First Call, What Can You Do While You Wait For The Professionals? 

• Blotting and mopping are the easiest ways to remove excess water!
• Make sure you turn on the air conditioning for maximum drying during summer. 
• Separate colored rugs from wet carpeting! This is so that the color doesn’t bleed through when you’re cleaning. 
• Gather loose items (especially art!) away from floors and to a safe, dry area. 

What Are The Three Types Of Contaminated Waters To Watch Out For? 

Before the water damage restoration and cleaning process can begin, it is crucial to identify the three types of contaminated water to take proper measures. 

• Type 1: Clean Water: This water is the least harmful out of the three and can come from a faucet or a broken supply line. But beware- if left untreated, this water type can quickly become a category two or three!
• Type 2: Gray Water: If ingested, this water can cause discomfort or illness in your system due to the bacteria and viruses swimming around in that water. This type of water can come from a washing machine or a toilet overflow. This type of water can quickly morph into category three if left untreated!
• Type 3: Black Water: You should avoid contact with grossly unsanitary water like this when you detect it! Category 3 water can come from rivers, streams, or standing water that supports microbial growth. We bring our most potent antimicrobial treatments approved by the EPA in situations like these! 

As the Chairman’s Silver Sales Award Recipient, we take pride in our sales record, not just for our numbers but for the word that’s gotten out there about our services! From the initial training period at the SERVPRO corporate training facility to continuous education courses, you can feel safe knowing that our staff is equipped with the latest information to restore your Belle Meade hotel with the utmost professionalism. Industries like hospitality suffer when they can’t show their best selves to their clients and stakeholders. Still, SERVPRO can help by calling upon our resources from 2,000 franchises across the country to mitigate damage effectively. Call us at (615) 242-9391 or fill out this contact form to get in touch with us! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

The TRUTH About Mold Removal

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

What comes to mind when you think of mold? An unsightly colony of spores that spread exponentially? A musty odor that permeates your Belle Meade home or business? Tarnished air quality? Or all of the above? If you picked all of the above, you would be correct! Mold damage often occurs as a result of flooding from water damage. Even just a small leak from your faucet that hasn’t been checked is enough to blow up a mold storm! With mold having a reputation for becoming a severe issue in as little as two days, minutes matter. Need a solution? SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is the answer! 

There’s A Difference Between Mold “Removal” Vs. Mold Remediation? What Are They?

With how all-pervasive microscopic mold spores can be indoors and outdoors, completely removing mold is impossible. If you see anyone advertising “mold removal,” chances are, it’s wishful thinking. 

• Mold spores being microscopic is to their advantage; they can float along in the air coming into your Belle Meade property through doors, windows, or HVAC systems. Sometimes, mold can even come indoors through pets or clothes. 
• While mold removal helps you “get rid of” mold, it doesn’t quite identify the source of mold like mold remediation does. 
• By controlling moisture indoors and addressing any sources of water or steam, you can regulate the spread of mold and prevent further growth. Keeping indoor humidity below 45 percent is recommended because higher than average humidity can support mold growth. 

Mythbusters: What Other Mold-Related Tall Tales Should You Ignore?

• Mold is a new life form: This is FALSE. Mold is actually one of the simplest and earliest life forms and has existed for thousands of years. In fact, mold was the basis on which penicillin was founded almost 100 years ago, so it’s safe to say they’ve been around for some time!
• Mold is always visible. Another falsity! While its musty odor is characteristic of its presence, mold isn’t always seen by the naked eye. Some of the most overlooked places you should search for mold in your Belle Meade home or business are between tiles, wall crevices, and near the sink. 
• You can use bleach to kill mold. While you CAN use bleach in small amounts to remove traces of mold on tile surfaces, bleach isn’t the end-all-be-all in mold remediation because it can’t kill mold in porous surfaces. 

Mold is unsightly, unpleasant, and is a pain to deal with. If you need mold remediation services in Belle Meade, our SERVPRO team is the mold remediation experts! Our specialists are extensively trained in applied microbial remediation, water damage restoration, and structural drying to ensure that further damage stays at bay. If you need our mold remediation services, contact us at (615) 242-9391. We can also help you care for your belongings during this process! This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Are Your Ceilings Sagging After Water Damage? Here's What You Should Do

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you're dealing with the aftermath of a flood or heavy rains, chances are, you're probably worried about your Bellevue home's basement and ground floors. However, sagging ceilings can be just as problematic. This can weaken the drywall and plaster, leading to your ceiling collapsing due to pressure. It's not a surprise that wet materials are VERY heavy, and the added water weight can lead to issues with mold later down the road if not taken care of immediately. We are THE water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville! With our speedy disaster response times, industry knowledge, and continuous training, we strive to make your water damage incident "Like it never even happened."

What Are Some Of The Most Effective Tactics To Combat Sagging Ceilings After Water Damage?

• First things first, if you see that your ceilings are wet or discolored, do NOT turn on any fans! With how unstable the ceiling would be after water damage, the pressure from these fixtures can contribute to a collapsed roof. 
• Have your ceiling stabilized! This includes moving all valuables and other items out of the affected areas and positioning a tarp (and bucket!) underneath the damaged spaces. 
• Ensure that your faucet's main valve is turned off more so if you have an upstairs bathroom causing the leak. 
• It's easier to remove damaged drywall if you want to remove it back to dry material. You can hang patches easier by exposing ceiling joists. 

How Can SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville Help You?

• When you contact us, our representative will ask pointed questions so that we can better help you with the appropriate equipment and resources. 
• Next, we will conduct a water damage assessment where we inspect and test the level of damage that has been done. We can begin the water extraction and removal process once we know how far the moisture has sojourned. 
• The drying and dehumidification process follows immediately, where we remove water hidden in plain sight. Our experts will then use temperature, room measurements, and relative humidity to determine how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to mitigate your Bellevue home or business. 
• Before restoration can happen, however, there is one final step: Cleaning and sanitizing all of your belongings. There are several techniques we use, including dry cleaning and immersion cleaning. 

Water damage is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. The results of water damage, including flooding and mold damage, are the most common disasters to plague our society. If you need water damage restoration services in Bellevue and other surrounding areas, call us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Unsure about Handling Water Damage In Nashville? Don't Make These 3 Rookie Mistakes!

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

It's unsettling to know that water damage is one of the most common natural disasters in a person's home or business. 90% of all US natural disasters involve flooding, so it's good to stay on the lookout during particularly rainy seasons in Nashville. Suppose you are experiencing flooding in your Nashville business. In that case, you don't have to go through it alone- our team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the equipment and training to help mitigate residential AND commercial water damage! By the time we're done, the damage will be "Like it never even happened!"

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Dealing With A Flood?

• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner for water removal! Your household vacuum cleaner is not equipped to handle copious amounts of water at once. 
• Avoid floodwaters! Natural rains seem replenishing, but they can include toxins and chemicals which can be deceptive. There are three types of floodwater to watch out for, each with varying contamination levels, so discern wisely!
• Wet materials look easy to handle upon first glance, but they are cumbersome- be careful!

If Mold Is An Issue, What Are Some Steps To Remediate Its Rapid Growth?

In just 48 hours, mold can become an issue in your Nashville home or business after water damage has penetrated through your surfaces. While mold remediation should be handled by professionals, there are a few things you can do to slow mold colonies from spreading while you are waiting for help to arrive:

• This may be a no-brainer, but stay out of affected areas! Mold can quickly become a health hazard so being exposed to the damage for prolonged periods is unsanitary. 
• Turn off fans and other HVAC systems to prevent mold from growing exponentially. 
• Our mold restoration process lists out the seven steps that we undertake when your Nashville home or business has been affected by mold- we will stand by you from the time you call us to full-scale restoration and everything in between!

Water damage and its issues can lead to a snowball effect that can be hard to control if you let it go too far. Luckily, our team comprises water and mold damage specialists who have training in applied microbial remediation, water removal and drying, and applied structural drying. It is human nature to associate memories with concepts and ideas, with the most well-known example being Pavlov's dogs. While we know that it is easy to associate a natural disaster with the negative associations that come along with it, we hope to change that with our commitment to the greater Nashville community when disaster strikes. Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and let us be the game changer to your disaster restoration experience! This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Water Damage Myths You Need To Shrug Off (#3 Is The Most Common)!

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Expectations are a lot different from the reality of a situation. You probably had a few misconceptions in mind when you thought of water damage, like insurance coverage and the water drying process itself. It may be even more disconcerting to know that water damage is the most common form of disaster occurring to both homeowners and business owners. An estimation of 98% of basements in the US will experience some water damage in their lifespans. There are several common myths related to water damage that are worth unlearning so that you can experience the most potent mitigation if you do experience flooding to your Belle Meade home or commercial business. Read on below to find some myths and the reality behind those myths. 

What Are Some Of The Most Common Misconceptions About Water Damage?

• MYTH: The water will dry by itself.
• MYTH: Insurance doesn’t cover water damage. 
• MYTH: The smell isn’t noticeable. 

What Are The Realities Behind These Water Damage Myths? 

• REALITY: This is untrue; in fact, it takes meticulous efforts to deal with the water damage correctly. Aside from removing excess water from your Belle Meade property, we also make sure the affected areas haven’t dried out from the dehumidification, and that structural damage won’t be imminent. Restoration is a marathon, not a sprint! 
• REALITY: You’d be happy to find out that this is indeed false! You don’t have to bear the entire brunt of cleanup and damage costs because homeowner’s insurance covers this in most cases. Businesses also enjoy commercial property insurance, covering water damage claims relating to burst pipes or leaks. Commercial flood insurance is another story because this involves having insurance in place if the unthinkable, like a flood, were to happen.  
• REALITY: This is a very common misconception, albeit false. When water penetrates walls, floors, and other surfaces, it can take a toll on the structural integrity of your Belle Meade property. With three types of contaminated water, mold growth and a damp smell emanating from the affected areas can take hold. This can lead to repercussions including allergic reactions and pose several other health risks. By inspecting and fixing the root cause of water damage, you significantly reduce other potential hazards!

Now that you can discern fact from fiction regarding water damage, you can take action immediately when you see warning signs. If left untreated, water damage can become a beast of a problem to solve because of mold damage and the dank odors that can come with it. If you need water damage, flooding, or mold damage restoration services in Belle Meade, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is the company to call! We have over five decades of experience in the restoration industry, and our team works hard to maintain the IICRC certifications that are integral to understanding disaster restoration. Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and we’ll get your Belle Meade home or business good as new, almost like the water damage “never even happened!” This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Pipe Burst In Your West End High-Rise Tower? Here's What We Can Do

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

The rushing gust of a burst pipe overflowing your West End building with unsanitary water is distressing when you think about the damp odors and mold that can result from that extra moisture. Contaminated water is not something to mess with, and being educated on the various types of tainted water is to your benefit so you can watch out for it and call for help when needed. It is also of utmost importance to reach out if you feel you are in murky waters (literally!) In an emergency, minutes matter, and at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, our team is known to provide an immediate response, day or night, because emergencies aren't on a set schedule! An emergency response minimizes damage and restoration costs, so time is of the essence. 

What Are The Three Types Of Contaminated Water?

• Category 1: "Clean Water"- this type of water comes from a clean source like a faucet or a broken (pure water) supply line. If not taken care of promptly, this water has the potential to tread category two or category three territory depending on water temperature, time, and contact with sullied water. 
• Category 2: "Gray Water"- Can be dangerous. This type of water may contain bacteria and viruses and can quickly deteriorate to category three water if left untreated. 
• Category 3: "Black Water"- This type of water is the worst of them all, and any contact with it should be avoided at all costs. This type of water may contain microbes and other harsh chemicals and can cause health effects. 

What Is The General Walkthrough For Water Damage In West End?

• Within one hour after you reach out to us, one of our teammates will contact you to coordinate a service run. Within 4 hours of notifying us, you will have us on the scene to conduct water damage restoration after our representative has asked you a series of questions regarding the size and scope of the damage. 
• You'll know exactly what to expect and the anticipated outcome because our professionals will walk you through the process every step of the way!
• We will also begin pre-testing for maximum restoration- this means we work outward from the root cause of the damage. This helps us mitigate damage effectively because water damage may not always be seen to the naked eye. 
• By the eight-hour mark, we will give a verbal briefing to your adjuster or property manager so that all parties understand the scope of the damage before we perform cleaning and restoration services. 
• You will also get a final walkthrough before project completion to confirm that everything is done to your satisfaction. 

Do you need our water damage restoration services in West End? At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we specialize in water damage restoration services - and this isn't our first rodeo! We have almost six decades of experience in the restoration industry, being named a Top 100 SERVPRO Franchises Member and a BBB Accredited Business. If you need us, don't hesitate to contact us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

What Building Services Does SERVPRO Offer After Water Damage?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can come from several sources - a leaking pipe, a running faucet, a washing machine overflow, or even a natural disaster such as flooding or storm damage. While prolonged exposure to water damage leads to mold and odor issues, you don’t have to wait- call the professionals! At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to properly restore your Nashville commercial building. The water damage restoration process is three-fold: it involves the water removal, cleanup, and drying process, which we document to verify that your Nashville property has been dried thoroughly. We also work with your insurance provider to manage the paperwork for a stress-free claims process. When we’re through the restoration journey, your Nashville business will be at its preloss condition or better!

What Types Of Building Services Can SERVPRO Of Belle Meade And West Nashville Provide? 

• When your business has been affected by water damage, the immediate concern should be implementing temporary measures until the experts arrive to prevent further damage. 
• These measures can include placing roof tarps and boarding up to remove debris and secure the building. 
• We offer a full range of building restoration services, including document drying and drywall installation to furniture restoration and floor repairs (hardware AND linoleum). 

What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like In Nashville? 

• It is crucial to note that every water damage scenario is different, but the general process stays the same. 
• Once you call us, a representative will walk you through the crisis and ask several questions to help us understand the scope of damage and types of equipment to bring. 
• After we gather information, the water extraction process starts almost immediately. This is because the drywall will break down, and furniture starts to crack along with a musty odor that will overtake your Nashville property if water damage is not taken care of ASAP. 
• Once we finish the extraction process, drying and dehumidification begin. We use specialized equipment to access the remaining water hidden in plain sight. Our knowledgeable team uses room measurements, relative humidity, and temperature to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to bring for drying your property. 
• Next, we clean and sanitize all restorable structures and items damaged by water. Our team is trained to remove odors and deodorize your property through a number of techniques. 
• Finally, the restoration process begins! This means we restore your Nashville business to its preloss condition through a series of major or minor repairs. 

Does your Nashville commercial building need to be restored? The first step is simple- reach out to us at (615) 242-9391! With our fast, 24-hour emergency service, you can count on us to be there when you need us. We know that an immediate response mitigates damage more efficiently and minimizes the cleaning and restoration costs. Because water can easily absorb into furniture, walls, and floors, we will immediately start the water extraction process. Don’t wait for the water damage to cause a permanent stain on your Nashville property- contact us today! 

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Basement Flooded? These Are The Top 5 Things To Do Before Help Arrives

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

With the higher than average rainfall that is characteristic of Nashville weather, it should come as no surprise that Music City brings with it storm damage and frequent flooding. If your Green Hills home floods, you can trust that SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the experience and know-how when it comes to flooding. You could say water damage is the bread and butter of our business! Below, we have listed the top 5 things to do until help arrives and what NOT to do so you have both sides of information at your disposal. 

What Should You Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• Keep children and pets away from standing waters because this is often contaminated. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• You can remove excess water by blotting and mopping. 
• Move all precious objects to a safe, dry place. 
• Keep all damaged material for proof of loss. This is useful for insurance purposes. 

What Should You NOT Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• While there are several precautions you should take, there are also certain things you shouldn’t do; one example is leaving wet fabrics in place. If you have any furs or leather goods, hang them!
• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water! Regular vacuum cleaners are not made to pick up liquids, and doing so can run the risk of electrocution and damage to your vacuum. If the flooding is minor, you may be able to use a wet-dry shop vacuum for water removal. 
• Do NOT use TV or other household appliances. Contact with water can cause metal pathways in your TV’s circuit board to corrode, making it unusable. 
• If the ceiling is wet, do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures. This also goes for sagging ceilings where you have to keep out of the room altogether. 
• Do NOT leave colored items like books or magazines on wet carpets or floors. 

As always, the main question you have to ask yourself when your Green Hills basement floods would be, “is it safe to stay in the house?” If you answered “no” to that question, know that SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville offers move-outs and pack-outs to help make the remodeling process quicker while protecting items from further on-site damage. You also want to be mindful of wet materials as they can be heavier than they look. As always, we work with your insurance company for a stress-free claims process to help you manage the paperwork. If you need us, you can contact us at (615) 242-9391. We’ll bring your Green Hills home back to its preloss glory. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

The 411 On The Water Restoration Process In Belle Meade (Pay Attention To Step 3!)

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Winter weather is no joke, and if you’ve lived in Music City for a while, you know that we get a generous amount of rain, storms, and tornadoes. With this comes frequent flooding leading to many other issues, including mold and odors. Luckily, our experienced team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the training to help your Belle Meade home or business recover from water damage. Below, we have listed what to do immediately after flooding while you are waiting for us and the water restoration process as a whole. 

What Should You Do Soon After Water Damage In Your Belle Meade Home Or Business?

• Mopping and blotting help remove excess water, a practical DIY method to utilize while waiting for the professionals. 
• Remove loose items from the floor and prop wet cushions and upholstery. 
• Art objects and other precious items should be moved to a safe, dry place. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks in between furniture legs and wet carpets. 
• Colored rugs should be separated from soaked carpets. 

What Is The Step-By-Step Water Restoration Process In Belle Meade? 

• Contacting us is the first step on the road to restoration! Our representative will ask you a series of questions to help us understand the damage better. 
• This step is followed by an inspection and water damage assessment around your Belle Meade property, so we know the extent of the damage and what resources are needed to carry out restoration to the end. 
• This third step is crucial: the water removal and extraction process! You could say it’s the nitty-gritty behind water restoration! We use powerful vacuum units and pumps to remove hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, preventing further damage and mold growth. 
• It isn’t enough to remove water; the affected areas have to be dry also! Our professionals use room measurements, relative humidity, and temperature to determine the ideal number of dehumidifiers and air movers to dry your Belle Meade home or business. 
• Before restoration can happen, cleaning and sanitizing your property is essential to rid your vicinity of unpleasant odors. We use a number of sanitation techniques to deodorize your home or business, including disinfectant and antimicrobial treatments. 
• This is when restoration occurs: this can include minor repairs such as installing new carpet and replacing drywall or major repairs like full reconstruction of your Belle Meade home or business. 

We take several precautions during the water damage process, including documenting the drying process to validate that your property has been accounted for thoroughly. We are locally owned with national resources that we can call on at any given moment. We are faster to any size disaster because we know time is of the essence in the event of a natural disaster. Call us at (615) 242-9391, and we’ll be on the scene in minutes. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Experiencing A Leak In Your Pipes? Here's What To Expect

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Happy New Year from your friends here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville! While disaster is never a good way to start the New Year, we take pride in being there for our Nashville neighbors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have prompt response times. With that being said, pipe leaks can happen, especially during winter. If your pipes are clogged or have a leaky faucet, putting off this problem will only lead to further damage. 

What To Do Immediately After A Leaky Pipe Situation While Waiting For The Professionals? 

• Turn off your water and drain the faucets! The sooner you do this, the better chance you can minimize damage. Once your water has been shut off, you should empty your taps of any remaining cold water in your systems. This will help relieve pressure and prevent other areas in your pipe systems from freezing. 
• Investigate where the pipes burst! This is critical because if your pipes appear to have been leaking for a while, you want to be careful entering rooms. Look for bulging ceilings and other warning signs of water damage. 
• If you catch water damage soon enough, place buckets underneath the leakage areas. 

What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like In Green Hills? 

• Once you've called us, the restoration process begins. While every water damage scenario is different, the general process stays the same. 
• At this point, we will inspect your Green Hills property to determine the scope of water damage. We will also test how far the moisture has traveled to guarantee proper and complete restoration. 
• Almost immediately after the inspection, the water removal and extraction process begins. This includes using powerful pumps and vacuum units to remove hundreds of gallons of water promptly and efficiently, which helps prevent mold growth and further damage. 
• Drying and dehumidification are vital to removing water that is harder to access. Our professionals use room measurements, relative humidity, and temperature to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed for successful cleaning and restoration. 
• Step 5 of this process consists of cleaning and sanitation! With the damp odors that are a noticeable side effect of water damage, our professionals provide sanitation treatments and use a number of cleaning techniques for content restoration. 
• After this, we take on the task of restoring your Green Hills home or business to its preloss condition. Restoration can include minor repairs like installing new carpet and replacing drywall or major repairs like full-scale room reconstruction. 

Leaking pipes can not only lead to water damage and flooding, but odors and mold issues if not taken care of as soon as possible. Luckily for you, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville specializes in water damage restoration- you could say it's the cornerstone of our business! Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and let us make this process as stress-free as possible. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Experiencing A Leak In Your Pipes? Here's What To Expect

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Happy New Year from your friends here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville! While disaster is never a good way to start the New Year, we take pride in being there for our Nashville neighbors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have prompt response times. With that being said, pipe leaks can happen, especially during winter. If your pipes are clogged or have a leaky faucet, putting off this problem will only lead to further damage. 

What To Do Immediately After A Leaky Pipe Situation While Waiting For The Professionals? 

• Turn off your water and drain the faucets! The sooner you do this, the better chance you can minimize damage. Once your water has been shut off, you should empty your taps of any remaining cold water in your systems. This will help relieve pressure and prevent other areas in your pipe systems from freezing. 
• Investigate where the pipes burst! This is critical because if your pipes appear to have been leaking for a while, you want to be careful entering rooms. Look for bulging ceilings and other warning signs of water damage. 
• If you catch water damage soon enough, place buckets underneath the leakage areas. 

What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like In Green Hills? 

• Once you've called us, the restoration process begins. While every water damage scenario is different, the general process stays the same. 
• At this point, we will inspect your Green Hills property to determine the scope of water damage. We will also test how far the moisture has traveled to guarantee proper and complete restoration. 
• Almost immediately after the inspection, the water removal and extraction process begins. This includes using powerful pumps and vacuum units to remove hundreds of gallons of water promptly and efficiently, which helps prevent mold growth and further damage. 
• Drying and dehumidification are vital to removing water that is harder to access. Our professionals use room measurements, relative humidity, and temperature to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed for successful cleaning and restoration. 
• Step 5 of this process consists of cleaning and sanitation! With the damp odors that are a noticeable side effect of water damage, our professionals provide sanitation treatments and use a number of cleaning techniques for content restoration. 
• After this, we take on the task of restoring your Green Hills home or business to its preloss condition. Restoration can include minor repairs like installing new carpet and replacing drywall or major repairs like full-scale room reconstruction. 

Leaking pipes can not only lead to water damage and flooding, but odors and mold issues if not taken care of as soon as possible. Luckily for you, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville specializes in water damage restoration- you could say it's the cornerstone of our business! Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and let us make this process as stress-free as possible. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

How Can Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage To Your Nashville Home?

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

The level of destruction that water damage is capable of is no joke. It's significantly more relevant considering that the Middle Tennessee area gets high average rainfall, leading to frequent flooding and mold damage. Luckily, our team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the expertise, specialized equipment, and prompt response times to ensure that the wear isn't prolonged. Below, we have listed some tips you can implement while waiting for us to arrive and how homeowner's insurance can cover water damage to your Nashville home. 

What Can I Do While Waiting For Help To Arrive At My Nashville Home? 

• One major action you should take post-flooding is to remove excess water by mopping and blotting! After removing tabletop items and lamps, ensuring that you wipe excess water from wood furniture helps reduce further damage to your belongings. 
• Gather loose items from floors! Leaving items lying around doesn't help when you try to mop and blot areas with signs of water damage. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpets! This helps against permanent rust from furniture stains. 

How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage To My Nashville Home? 

• In the case of a natural disaster, homeowners insurance can generally cover the incident. For example, if your drywall is soaked after your water heater ruptures or you have a burst pipe, homeowners insurance can help pay for those repairs. 
• Homeowners insurance can cover water damage from leaking plumbing, such as if your washing machine hose breaks; in other words, as long as it's accidental. Homeowners' insurance doesn't cover poor maintenance of appliances. 
• In most cases, two types of coverage apply depending on what's damaged: dwelling coverage and personal property coverage. 
• Dwelling coverage helps pay for the structure of your home if the structural integrity is compromised as a result of flooding. 
• Personal property coverage refers to restoring your belongings if they are damaged by a risk that was already covered. 
• In both situations, it's important to remember that a deductible will apply before your coverage kicks in. 

It can be stressful figuring out the inner workings of insurance on top of restoring your Nashville home "Like it never even happened." But with our advanced technology and 24-hour emergency response, we have the know-how to restore properly. As a locally owned and operated business, we may even be neighbors- so we know Music City like the back of our hand! Contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville at (615) 242-9391, and let us get your Nashville home as good as new. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How To Care For Your Belongings Post-Water Damage

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can easily affect the structure of your Nashville property, but it can also alter your belongings. Our team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville knows that your family’s clothing, keepsakes, furniture, pictures, and other mementos help make your house a home. Listed here are some ways we can restore your belongings post-water or storm damage in Nashville. 

What Are Some Ways SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville Can Help You Restore Your Possessions After Water Damage? 

• We pretest your contents to determine which items are restorable. We use several methods to clean your content to avoid mold formation by dry cleaning, wet cleaning, spray and wiping, foam cleaning, immersion cleaning, and abrasive cleaning. 
• Document and Photograph Drying- extreme caution must be taken when water tarnishes documents to confirm that excessive water doesn’t ruin the copy. While some papers may be beyond saving, SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville can restore many documents and reduce further damage. 
• Depending on the damage level and document type, there are five options for document restoration, including dehumidification and vacuum freeze-drying. 

What Is Contents Claim Inventory Service For Belongings After Water Damage? 

• Our CCIS (Contents Claim Inventory Service) provides an accurate list of your assets following water damage. Digital photos, and in some cases, barcoding, are taken as we do a room-by-room inventory of your items. 
• Our CCIS includes: a preloss list and contents value, a detailed report of content, a comprehensive rundown of information to settle claims quicker, and a burden of proof for claims with our assistance so you can have peace of mind knowing you are in good hands. 
• There is also special care that must be taken towards antiques and collectibles. These items are difficult to appraise without knowing what it is made of and how much it costs. 

While water damage can lead to several issues such as mold, odor, and sanitation issues, it can also change many parts that make up the whole of your belongings. Despite the frustration of it all, you can be confident knowing that our experienced team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is capable of handling anything that water damage throws on your path. Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and we’ll take care of your belongings every step of the way.

This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

How To Protect Against Pipes Freezing In Your Nashville Business

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are never a good thing. Even a tiny crack in the pipe, whether it’s plastic or copper, can release water that can amount to flooding. With a few safety measures, you can feel confident knowing you’re taking action to prevent this from happening to your Nashville business. 

How Can You Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter? 

• Insulate your pipes! Exposed pipes are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures, so the more insulation you use, the more secured your tubes will be. 
• Seal open leaks. Inspect any leaks in your Nashville business and carefully seal them to prevent cold air from coming inside. Look for any leaks around dryer vents, pipes, and electrical wiring. 
• Disconnect garden hoses and fasten valves and faucets. If possible, use an indoor valve to drain water from pipes that lead to outdoor faucets. 
• Adjust your thermostat to stay at the same temperature day and night to prevent pipes from freezing. 

If A Pipe Bursts In My Nashville Building, What Are Some Steps To Take To Minimize Damage? 

• If a crack in the pipe leads to a pipe burst, temporarily shut off the water. Shutting off water from the main valve will prevent further damage until help arrives. 
• Remove excess flooding by blotting and mopping. Lamps and tabletop items must be removed before wiping wood furniture. 
• Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between wet carpeting and furniture legs. 
• Wet carpets must be separated from colored rugs to prevent staining.
• Take all art objects to a dry place.   

Freezing temperatures can cause a slew of problems to the internal structure of your Nashville business if you are not careful. Checking for frozen pipes should be part of your winter property maintenance so you can pave the way for a happy holiday season. If you find yourself in need of water damage restoration from a frozen pipe this winter, call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

What Should You Do If Your Bellevue Home's Sprinkler System Goes Off?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Your home's sprinkler system is an integral part of extinguishing fires and reducing smoke and dangerous substances. While this can be helpful in the case of a fire, if a sprinkler system goes off, that's a problem. The water damage from these systems can be even more disastrous than the smoke and soot damage from a fire. Laid out here are a few tips on steps you should take if your Bellevue home's sprinkler system goes off. 

What To Do Post-Damage From Your Bellevue Home's Sprinkler System? 

• First, you need to assess how minor or how significant the damage is. (after making sure everyone is safe and the smoke has cleared, of course!) Water damage has to be dealt with ASAP to prevent structural damage or mold growth. (Let's remember that mold growth can occur almost 24-48 hours after water damage in the affected area!)
• Areas you would need to assess before calling a professional would be to check the main areas of damage to your home, i.e., carpeting, wet drywall, wet office materials, upholstery, etc. 
• Go outside your house, where you would hook up a hose. There should be another circular valve, has holes in the knob and is usually red. 
• Turn this valve clockwise to shut off your home's main water supply (temporarily) until you find out the location of the sprinkler system valve from the product's manufacturer. 

What Kind Of Water Damage Restoration Services Do We Offer? 

• We offer 24-hour emergency service- you call, we'll be there!
• We have advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment to move the restoration process as effectively as possible. 
• We are locally owned and operated- meaning we know our way around the greater Nashville area, so you can rest assured that we'll appear on the scene faster to any size disaster!
• With our highly trained technicians specializing in water damage, we are a trusted leader in the water restoration industry. 

While it can be stressful to deal with the damage that a malfunctioning sprinkler system can cause to your Bellevue home, we hope the tips provided above are helpful until help arrives. If you find yourself in need of water restoration and cleaning services, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242- 9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

What Does the Water Damage Repair Process Look Like in Bellevue?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

When your Bellevue home or business floods due to excessive rain, common in Nashville, especially during tornado season, it can be stressful trying to pick up the pieces of your pre-disaster life and put them back together. Luckily, our team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the expertise, specialized equipment, and resources to not only remove signs of water damage in your Bellevue property but also how to restore your items to pre-disaster conditions as well. Our scientific approach to water removal and cleanup lets us dry and restore your property and belongings "Like it never even happened." 

What Are The Steps To The Water Restoration Process In Bellevue? 

• The process starts when you contact us! We offer 24-hour emergency service- we will show up faster to any disaster. 
• Our water damage inspection starts by identifying and stopping the water source. For proper restoration to happen, it is imperative to end the problem before applying the solution! This also includes identifying the type of water ranging from clean water to black water, helping us determine the level of contamination. 
• Next, we start the water removal process, where we use powerful pumps and vacuum units to extract hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. This effective method reduces drying time but more importantly, it prevents further water damage and obstructs mold and fungal growth. 
• The drying and dehumidification process starts with our team using room measurements, relative humidity, and room temperature. This process determines the quintessential number of dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water that persists in your Bellevue property. 

How Does The Cleaning and Sanitation Process Work? 

• When water damage has made its way through your property, the walls, floors, and ceilings will be the areas of interest because they will bear the brunt of water damage. In addition to cleaning your property’s structure, we will also clean your upholstery, furniture, clothing, and other restorable belongings. 
• Many places in the property and items will require professional odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a distinctive odor. 
• This odor removal involves several sanitizing treatments, including antimicrobial, antibacterial, and disinfectant treatments for your Bellevue property to experience a deep clean post-water damage. 

With frequent rainfall comes frequent flooding, and the restoration and cleanup process can be a hassle to deal with when you have other obligations and responsibilities in your daily life. Thankfully, our highly trained team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville specializes in water damage and the cleanup process that follows. Call us today at (615) 242-9391- we’re here to help! This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage In Nashville?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

It’s never a good thing for mold to make an appearance in your Nashville home or business- it’s like adding insult to injury after water damage! As crazy as it is, mold can develop within 24 - 48 hours after being exposed to water. When this happens, the last thing you want to do is prolong mold exposure because allergens caused by this unsightly aftereffect of water damage can cause serious health effects if not taken care of as soon as possible. Even though every mold damage scenario is different and has to be handled accordingly, the general mold remediation process is the same, and that process always starts by contacting us! 

After I Contact SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville, What Are The First Steps? 

• Local and state laws may require specific documentation and inspection based on the size and scope of the affected area in Nashville. Despite this, one of the steps that remain constant is a mold damage assessment, after which we will give you guidance based on your unique situation. 
• We use advanced technology to detect mold spores that may be hidden from the average eye because, other than water, mold feeds on cellulose.
• Because mold can become a dreadful problem just two days after water damage, our professionals use various containment methods to prevent even greater mold spread. 

What Are Some Containment Methods SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville Uses? 

• Some advanced containment methods include negative air chambers to isolate the affected area and applying negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. We also use specialized filtration equipment, including potent “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums, to capture microscopic mold spores from the air throughout the remediation process. 
• When we remove mold, we also remove mold-infested materials, and we apply antibacterial and microbial treatment to eradicate mold colonies and prevent new colonies from forming. This marks the start of the restoration process.  

It can be frustrating when mold resulting from water damage gets in the way of your day-to-day activities in your Nashville home or business. If you find yourself stuck in this bind, don’t be afraid to call us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.   

Water Damage Repair in West End

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you have lived in Music City for long enough, chances are, you’re aware that we get quite a lot of rain, which can lead to frequent flooding. Losing all of your precious belongings (and with that, memories) in a relentless torrent can undoubtedly be mentally, emotionally, and physically overwhelming. Thankfully, we have the expertise required to help you restore what was lost and get back to a new normal after water damage to your West End home or business. 

Safety First, Safety Second…

• As always, in these instances, your number one priority should be safety. Is it safe to stay inside your West End home or business?
• You should be sure only to do indoor activities that are safe for you to perform post-flooding. 
• Don’t push yourself to lift too many objects, because wet materials can be VERY heavy- be careful! 
• Some of the most prevalent concerns involving water damage are electrical hazards and “slip and fall” incidents, so be aware of the damage post-flood. 

How Do I Restore My Belongings After Water Damage To My West End Home Or Business? 

• Here at SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville, our philosophy of “restore” and not “replace” motivates us to help you restore your items as if they were our own, and we work tirelessly to make sure your belongings are as good as they were pre-flood. As a result, we first pretest your contents to start this process. 
• Next, we utilize several methods to clean your materials, including dry cleaning, wet cleaning, spray and wipe, immersion cleaning, foam cleaning, and abrasive cleaning. 
• Suppose your West End home or business requires intensive cleanup and restoration. In that case, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville can coordinate an efficient, effective, and stress-free moveout of the affected area(s). This provides several benefits, including a quicker remodeling process and protecting items from further damage. 
• We also provide electronic cleanup, photograph, and document drying services, and contents claim inventory services.  

If you find yourself needing extra guidance on a trying and emotional experience such as water damage repair in West End, look no further than SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville! As trusted leaders in the restoration industry, we pride ourselves on our ongoing training and rapid 24/7 emergency response because we know that natural disasters don’t come announced! Contact us today at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do After Water Damage To Your Green Hills Basement

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is always unexpected, unwanted, and unfortunate. It also never waits to happen at a convenient time, but rather, it often comes up in the form of an emergency situation. However, water damage in your Green Hills basement can be swiftly taken care of with a call to your local restoration company, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville.

What to do when water damage occurs in Green Hills?

First things first, you should make sure that you get to safety. You can assess your safety by paying attention to the following:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Next up, you should call an emergency number for a water damage restoration company to get on the scene. By putting SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s number in your phone right now, you won’t have to look one up if water damage comes to pass: (615) 242-9391. 

What happens after I call the restoration company if water damage occurs in my Green Hills basement?

While you wait for the restoration team to arrive, we suggest doing the following once you’ve deemed the situation safe. 

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Once the SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville team arrives, they’ll go through the water damage restoration process to prevent further damage and mitigate more losses from existing damage. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration In West End

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Thanks to Nashville’s many inches of rainfall each year, water damage is an unfortunate reality for many businesses in Middle Tennessee. However, a flood, burst pipe, or water leak does not have to spell disaster for your West End business. With the right professional services at the appropriate time, your commercial water damage can be repaired so that your commercial building is back to its original condition in as short a timeline as possible.

So, what does commercial water damage restoration look like in Nashville?

When it comes to SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s commercial water damage restoration approach, we pride ourselves in our quick response and mitigation efforts to address the damage at a moment’s notice. Here are a few reasons why our commercial restoration services stand out:

• No matter the size of your job, we can handle it. No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville.
• We offer 24/7 emergency service, 365 days a year. Whether it’s 3 am or 12 pm, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has commercial restoration specialists on call to help you in your time of need. We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to commercial restoration, and this is certainly true for water restoration in particular. 
• Our commercial water restoration team includes Water Damage Restoration Technicians, Applied Structural Drying Technicians, Odor Control Technicians, and Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technicians so we can address every facet of water damage at your commercial property.

What does SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s commercial water damage restoration process look like?

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, our commercial water damage restoration process includes 6 steps.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact 

This is when you call (615) 242-9391 and report your water damage.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Next, we determine the scope of your water damage.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

After we arrive, the water removal process begins and removes as much water as possible to minimize damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

Drying is an important next step to get rid of every hint of water that lingers as well as combat mold growth. 

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and deodorize your entire property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Lastly, we repair what’s been affected by water damage.

For more information on SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s commercial water damage restoration services, you can visit our website here. Our disaster restoration specialties also include residential and commercial fire damage restoration, mold remediation, deodorization, and cleaning. Give us a call at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Nashville Water Damage Repair After A Flood

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Any city on the banks of a river will experience flooding in low-lying areas during wet weather. As a resident of Nashville, you have probably been affected by this. 

How Does Flooding Occur In Nashville?

Flooding occurs regularly in the Nashville area, and can happen from:

• Having a drainage ditch overflow
• Excess rain in creeks or rivers
• Burst pipes or appliances

Your safety and that of your loved ones are of the utmost importance if the worst happens, and SERVPRO can be onsite right away to investigate the damage and start the restoration process, getting you back to normal as soon as possible. 

How Can SERVPRO of Belle Meade Help After Water Damage?

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are dedicated to helping our customers recover from a flooding event as quickly as possible, no matter the cause or size. We will:

• Work with the insurance claim community
• Document the damages and begin the drying process
• Check for dangerous situations, such as exposed wiring near standing water
• Save documents and dry out wooden flooring and textiles

We are your partner in Nashville water damage repair after a flood, and we handle mold remediation, too! We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, as well. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Restoring Your Nashville Business After Flooding

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is an unfortunately common occurrence in Nashville businesses when the rainy season rolls around. Dealing with the aftermath of a flood is never fun and often overwhelming. However, restoring your business is a possibility and should be explored if you’ve experienced the pains of a Nashville storm. So, how do you restore your business after flooding in Middle Tennessee?

How can you restore your Nashville business after flooding?

• Ensure your water damage is accurately assessed and accounted for so it can be restored as much as possible. Especially in the event of a flood, you’re probably going to have to call the local water damage restoration professionals to ensure that all the water damage is dried.
• Mold growth needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Flooding provides an excellent opportunity for mold to colonize within your Nashville business, and mold can cause health effects to your customers and employees. Any mold that may have formed in as little as 24 hours after it floods should be identified and remediated immediately. 
• Dry everything out and replace or reconstruct anything that’s damaged beyond repair. When it comes to water damage restoration after flooding, pretty much everything is going to be soaked. Everything needs to be dried to prevent mold growth and restore your business to its former condition. 

What does water damage restoration look like at your Nashville business after flooding?

Water damage restoration processes may look different from professional to professional, but at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, the commercial water damage restoration process is as follows. 

1. Inspection and testing to determine the flooding damage’s scope
2. Water removal and water extraction where necessary
3. Dehumidifying and drying
4. Sanitizing and cleaning
5. Restoration to original condition

We understand the unique pains of commercial water damage restoration, which is why we always send the following technicians to your flooding job: 

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

Whenever you find yourself dealing with flooding, water damage, fire damage, mold, or odors, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. We’re here to help you restore your business or home to its former state. Learn more about SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s commercial water damage restoration and complete water damage restoration process. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Nashville Home Restoration After Water Damage

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

In Middle Tennessee, warm spring rains and summer thunderstorms are regular occurrences. The topography of Nashville often brings flash floods that can cause severe water damage to homes. These occur at a moment’s notice, often leaving devastation in their wakes. In addition to precipitation, water damage can quickly arise within any Nashville home due to pipe bursts, leaks, unattended faucets, and more. So, how do you deal with home restoration after water damage takes place?

How do you restore your Nashville home after water damage?

1. Assess the damage. How severe is the damage you've experienced? Is your whole basement flooded, or do you just have a water stain from the puddle underneath your fridge? Is your ceiling dripping? Are there water stains that show evidence of water damage, but you don’t know where the water damage is coming from? All of these questions are important ones to ask and answer to the best of your ability.
2. Identify the source. Shut off your water main as soon as possible after discovering water damage if it seems to be coming from a source inside your home like your sink, a leak, a pipe burst, or more. If the water is coming from outside precipitation, do what you can to clean it up or prevent that from happening again.
3. Call the professionals if necessary. Does the damage appear severe? Is water continuing to gush into your home without any signs of stopping? Not sure what’s going on or how to stop it? All of these situations warrant calling disaster restoration professionals. They will be able to come out to your home in short order and deal with the water damage emergency at hand.

What should you do to restore your Middle Tennessee home once you discover severe water damage?

It’s better to leave severe water damage to restoration professionals. Unless you’re a plumber yourself, it’s probably best for you to let restoration professionals deal with severe water damage to your Nashville home. After all, water damage can easily get worse in a heartbeat, so we recommend giving SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville a call at (615) 242-9391, and we’ll take your job through the following.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
3. Water Removal/Water Extraction
4. Drying and Dehumidification
5. Cleaning and Repair
6. Restoration

Need a water damage restoration professional on the job? Contact us at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville by dialing (615) 242-9391. While you’re waiting for us to arrive on the scene, here are some water damage emergency tips you can consider. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do After A Flood In Your Apartment Complex

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Floods can occur suddenly in places like Middle Tennessee thanks to an abundance of spring storms and flood zones. However, there is so little information on what to do after this occurs when you least expect it. For this reason, we’ve gathered together a few action items you should take post-flood in your apartment complex.

So, your apartment complex flooded and you’re not sure what to do? We advise the following.

How Do I Know Where The Flooding Is Coming From?

If you manage to notice the flooding right as it’s occurring, figure out where it’s coming from. Was it:

• A water source left on that you can quickly turn off?
• Did a pipe burst and result in water gushing everywhere throughout your apartment? 

Knowing where the flooding is coming from will dictate your next move.

When/Should I Notify My Landlord?

As a renter, you have limited ability to call in professionals and have them deal with a flooded apartment. Notify your landlord ASAP if flooding has or is occurring and you’re not able to take care of it directly yourself. If you are the landlord, then call the professionals to take care of the water extraction and drying processes. Especially if the water damage is coming from a burst pipe, shut off the water main if you have access to it.

What Can I Do To Help After A Flood?

1. Document the damage
2. Contact your insurance company
3. Notify your neighbors

Your insurance company will need pictures of the flood damage in your apartment, so make sure to take photos to document it if you can safely do so. If your apartment is full of water and it’s impossible to safely document the damage, this can be worried about later.

With pictures in hand, contact your insurance company to file a claim and get as much of the damage covered as possible. When you do this, or even before you do this, you should also notify your neighbors on either side of you as well as your neighbors below you that flooding has occurred. This may affect their walls or ceilings and need to be looked at, taken care of, or repaired, too.

Flooding is always a headache, but knowing what to do after a flood can help you feel a little more prepared in the event that one occurs. We recommend putting SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s number in your phone to call in the event of flooding, water damage, fire damage, mold, or other emergencies that need to be attended to by disaster restoration professionals. Contact us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do When Your Appliance Is Leaking

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Coming home to a puddle on the floor under one of your household appliances is a cause for concern that warrants investigation. After all, a leaking appliance can cause some serious water damage that affects the structural integrity of your home and can cost thousands of dollars if it isn’t caught and cleaned up in time.

So, what should you do when you discover that your fridge, freezer, or washing machine is leaking? We recommend taking the following steps.

Is Your Appliance Level? 

If your appliance isn’t gushing water and the puddle is small, take measures to clean up the water and double-check that your fridge or freezer is level. If your appliance isn’t set on level ground, there’s a good chance that it may be leaking since the water source is off-kilter. Especially if the appliance is new, your floors have recently been remodeled, or you moved your appliance recently, an appliance that is not sitting level may be the reason behind your leak.

How Can I Stop The Water Leak From Getting Worse?

Whenever water is gushing out of an appliance or you discover an obviously long-standing leak that hasn’t been tended to, the first step you should take is to turn off your water main. Having water actively run to your appliance is probably making the leak even worse, which is why water is pouring out of it in the first place. Once your water main is off, you can hopefully spot where the leak is coming from.

What Can I Do To Clean Up After A Water Leak?

Use towels and any mops that you have to clean up excess water that is pooled on your floor. This allows you to mitigate further damage and assess the existing damage. Do you see:

• Mold
• Warping
• Stains
• Discoloration

Anything that has tears, holes, shows signs of mold or is obviously completely soaked and unlikely to dry soon should be looked at by a professional. 

How Can The Professionals Help?

Water damage left untreated can wreak havoc on your home, which is why a leaking appliance should always be checked out and taken care of so the leak is identified and permanently resolved. SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has a highly trained water damage restoration team who is ready to take care of your emergency at a moment’s notice. We suggest putting our number into your phone in case of emergencies: (615) 242-9391.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, our water damage restoration process is comprehensive, helping you identify and remedy any water damage that your appliance leak may have caused. For water damage, storm damage, fire damage, mold, or other disasters or commercial cleaning services, contact us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Top 3 Places To Check For Water Damage In Your Home

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be sneaky...creeping up on you in places where it remains unnoticed for a while. However, the longer that water damage is left untreated, the more damage it can do, which is why getting into a regular routine of checking the most vulnerable places in your home for water damage on a monthly or bi-monthly basis is a smart idea.

We recommend checking the following places in your home for water damage following each big rain and then on a more scheduled basis.

1) Your attic.

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Your attic isn’t typically a commonly frequented place, but it does live right underneath your roof and, therefore, is more likely to have water damage from precipitation. Do a thorough inspection of your attic every month to see if you spot any water stains, discoloration, warping, dripping, or other causes for concern. Spotting condensation or other moisture in your attic is a sign that you may need to do some resealing or address water damage. 

2) Underneath your windows. 

Your walls can be super susceptible to water damage, especially the parts of your walls that are located right underneath your windows. If your windows aren’t sealed properly, moisture and water can leak through the cracks in the seals, and this can seep into your walls surrounding your windows. Rain creeps in between your windows and rots the framing studs in your walls without visible damage, so pay careful attention to any discoloration or signs of water damage in your walls underneath and surrounding your windows. 

3) The threshold of your exterior doors.

Since your exterior doors face the precipitation and the elements, even if they are protected by an overhang, they become exposed to potential water damage at a higher rate than other locations in your home. The wood underneath your exterior doors’ metal thresholds may become damaged by water, which is evident through swelling, warping, and sponginess. Keep an eye on your door thresholds to replace your doors when necessary or prevent the damage from occurring in the first place.

While these three locations are common culprits for water damage in your home, water damage can really sneak up on you anywhere, at any time. Knowing the signs of water damage and who to call when you encounter it will give you more peace of mind in the event that an emergency occurs, so we encourage you to put SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s number in your phone to call in the face of an emergency. Contact us at (615) 242-9391. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Tips For Fixing a Leaky Faucet

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Drip, drip, drip...those may be the sounds you hear on a daily basis if you’re dealing with a leaky faucet. However, if you hear this noise on the regular, you should probably have the faucet looked at and fixed to prevent any serious water damage from occurring as a result. 

To help you combat this issue, we’ve gathered 4 tips for fixing leaky faucets together to help you take the steps toward eliminating the leak!

1) Shut off the water.

First things first, you should shut off your water if your faucet is leaking, especially if water is coming out at a rapid rate. This will allow you to investigate the leak source and also prevent any more water damage than what has already occurred. Once you turn off the water, you can open the faucet to drain it of any lingering water from the last time it ran. 

2) Disassemble the faucet.

Taking the faucet apart is a great way to look at where the leak may be stemming from. Reference this article for help determining what type of faucet you have and how to figure out how to disassemble it. The o-ring, seal, or washer may be the reason why your faucet is leaking, and if one of these is obviously out of place when you take a look at the faucet’s parts and compare them to your manufacturer’s manual at home or on the Internet, you may have just identified the leak source. 

3) Identify the leak source.

If you can’t identify the leak source by disassembling the faucet, it’s probably time to call a professional to take a look at the faucet and figure out exactly what’s wrong with it. We recommend calling your local plumber to examine your sink and faucet to diagnose the exact problem and hopefully fix it. If you figure out that a simple part needs to be replaced without having to hire outside help, you can replace it and turn your water back on to see if the leak has resolved. 

4) Hire a restoration company to restore water damage. 

Any signs of mold or water damage, including warping, spots, stains, and obvious damage, should be addressed by a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville! Water damage can affect the structural integrity of your home and also seriously damage your cabinets, flooring, walls, ceiling, and more. Contact us at (615) 242-9391 today.

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has a team of restoration specialists on hand to address any emergency disaster in a moment’s notice. You can reach us at (615) 242-9391 at any time of day, and we’ll be happy to take care of mold, water damage, storm damage, fire damage, and more. Just give us a call and we’ll be in touch! This franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do After Water Damage To Your Deck

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Especially if your wood deck doesn’t have a roof overhead, it bears the brunt of all the elements year-round. While most decks are designed to withstand precipitation and temperature changes, there comes a time when the amount of wear and tear reaches a tipping point, which means your deck can then experience water damage from its exposure to rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Additionally, if your property floods and your deck is submerged for a long period of time, the chances that your deck will experience water damage are fairly high. However, what steps should you take after water damage to your deck occurs?

We’re glad you asked! Moisture can damage your deck in a variety of ways, including but not limited to mold and mildew growth, cracked deck boards, sweeping away hardware like nails and screws, and weakening your ledger board. All of these scenarios require slightly different approaches to resolving the damage, and we’ve laid out exactly what to do in each situation below. 

Mold and Mildew Growth

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: mold growth is no joke. Mold and mildew can pose effects to your health and safety, leaving you at risk of health effects if left untreated. If your wood deck has mold on it, make sure you either hire a mold remediation professional to get rid of it or treat it yourself with the proper precautions. You may need to replace any decayed wood or permanently wet areas of your deck that promoted the mold growth in the first place, too. 

Cracked Deck Boards

Water loves seeping into the crevices and splits in cracked deck boards, which is why they often contribute to water damage to your deck. When the water seeps into your deck boards, they expand, and once they dry, they shrink, which causes your deck boards to crack even further and creates larger splits. This often results in splinters and warped wood. Obviously, these are not properties that you want to find in your deck if you want to use it, so you should make sure to treat the wood on your deck regularly and replace any damaged boards beyond repair. 

Missing Hardware

Again, water damage doesn’t always equate to missing hardware on your deck, but water can and usually does loosen and sweep away nails and screws from your deck over time. When hardware goes missing, water can find its way into the holes where it used to belong, which gives it an easier avenue to seep into your deck boards and cause damage. We suggest checking your deck boards on a regular basis for missing hardware and replacing it as well as for mold and mildew growth to avoid water damage when possible.

Weakened Ledger Board

Your deck’s ledger board is what secures your wood deck to your home, and when water surrounds it, this can cause it to weaken, discoloring the siding and sheathing on your home as well as rusting or growing mildew. Water may directly start to enter your home along the ledger board, rotting away the wood and pulling away from the house. If a weakened ledger board isn’t eventually addressed, water damage may cause your deck to collapse, which can result in serious injuries if that occurs when someone is on your deck.

Water damage to your deck is never ideal, but we hope that this article was helpful and gives you an idea of what to do when you notice water damage occurring or signs of it surfacing. Need help getting rid of mold or mildew or simply don’t want to take care of the water damage to your deck yourself? No problem! Our water damage restoration team would be more than happy to help you restore your deck to its original condition. Contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391 at any hour for assistance. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause serious issues in your home or your business, one of which is creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Experiencing water damage and mold growth within your home can pose hazards to your health, and we can’t emphasize the importance of taking care of water damage as soon as possible to avoid the dangers that mold brings in mere hours after an incident occurs.

Yes, you read that right. After water damage takes place, mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after various elements of your home like your carpet, your drywall, and your furniture experience water exposure. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states, mold and mildew start growing as early as a day after water damage occurs and will continue to grow indefinitely until the moisture and water are removed from the area. Since mold is a fungus, it thrives in moist environments and reproduces by quickly generating spores, which are tiny, lightweight seeds, that travel through the air and digest materials that are organic like ceiling tiles, drywall, fabrics, plants, and more. 

Have you identified mold in your home? First things first, figure out where the source of moisture is coming from and get that addressed. However, it’s not quite enough to just eliminate moisture. The existing water damage must be restored and the mold and mildew that has already grown need to be completely removed.

Although you can gear up with protective gloves, masks, and eye protection to attempt to remove the mold yourself, your safest bet is always going to be contacting local mold remediation professionals.

For professional help dealing with the presence of mold in your home or your business, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. Not only do we have highly trained mold remediation technicians on staff, but we also are available 24/7 to respond to any emergencies that present themselves. Make it a point to take care of water damage as soon as possible and keep your property safe and mold-free! This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Restoring Furniture After Water Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood, your furniture may be damaged beyond repair. However, it may be difficult to tell if this is the case if you don’t have experience with water damage restoration. If you’re dealing with water damage in your home or business and your furniture is clearly affected, you should probably call a professional to assess the damage and help with the restoration. Nevertheless, there are a few steps you can take while waiting for the professionals to arrive. Read on to discover a few tips on what to do after your furniture is damaged by water.

1) Call the professionals.

Restoring furniture after water damage is no easy task, and it’s wise to have a professional assess it and help with restoration unless you feel equipped to tackle it yourself. Take pictures of the damage as well so you have something to show your insurance provider when you make a claim. Documentation of damage is always an important first step.

2) Soak up excess water.

If there is any excess water around your furniture, soak it up with towels. Use a fan far away from the water to dry out your furniture. Don’t air-dry the furniture if it’s wood as that may cause it to warp. Instead, just use fans and towels to do the best job that you can drying it until the professionals arrive.

3) Rinse off wood furniture.

If you’re dealing with wood furniture that got submerged, rinse off any mud or debris that is on wood furniture. You should also remove any drawers or removable parts of the furniture to make sure it gets properly aired out. As stated in the bullet above, don’t let the wood furniture air dry. 

4) Separate upholstery fabrics if possible.

Usually, upholstered furniture cannot be salvaged after severe water damage, but if you can separate the fabrics from the framework, do that. Professionals should handle any upholstered furniture that may be damaged, and this may be time-consuming and expensive to salvage. It may be wiser to just chuck it and buy new furniture.

Are you dealing with water damage? Give SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville a call at (615) 242-9391. In addition to water damage restoration and potentially helping you restore your furniture, we can help prevent mold growth and return your property to its pre-damaged state. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How To Handle Water Damage To Your Hardwood Floors

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Hardwood floors are stylish, durable, and timeless. A popular choice for kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms alike, hardwood floors enhance many homes and are excellent to clean, treat, and enjoy year-round. However, one danger to your hardwood floors is water damage. Although a quick water spill on your hardwood floor that is attended to and cleaned up after a moment shouldn’t cause any harm, water damage may occur if water gets spilled and unnoticed on your hardwood floors, soaking into the boards and absorbing into the wood.

When your hardwood floors experience water damage, these are the next steps you should take.

1. Clean up the water if you can.

If the water damage seems minimal or you catch it before it’s been sitting for a while, grab some excess towels to soak up the water sitting on top of your hardwood. However, this is not always possible if, for example, a pipe bursts and you have gallons of water that have flooded your entire floor. 

1. Assess the visible physical damage.

Are you dealing with a white water stain or a black water stain? A white water stain indicates that the damage to your floor is only mild, and it may come out with proper treatment. White stains typically indicate a build-up of moisture in your hardwood floor. On the other hand, black water stains mean your hardwood has absorbed the water, which makes it significantly more difficult to repair. Other signs of water damage include cupping, when the edges of your hardwood flooring expand and become uneven with the sides sticking up; crowning, which consists of your wood permanently shrinking or wood planks sticking out; and buckling, which is when pieces of hardwood detach from your subfloor and stick out, indicating severe water damage. 

1. Call the experts.

Especially if the water damage appears severe, which is pretty much anything outside of white water stains, it’s probably wise to call the professionals like the water damage restoration technicians at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. Depending on the extent of your hardwood floor’s damage, it may not even be worth trying to repair your hardwood floor, and replacing it may be a more smart use of your time and money.

The next time you notice any water damage to your hardwood floor, make sure you take these steps to properly address the repairs or replacements necessary. Contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391 for more information on water damage restoration. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

How To Prevent Mold In Your Attic

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Your attic is a prime location for mold growth. Dark, close to your roof and most likely damp, and often neglected, it’s no surprise that you often hear of attic mold growth. However, there are preventative steps that you can take to avoid being surprised by mold in your attic. 

We recommend taking these measures to prevent mold in your attic:

1) Inspect your attic every season (and check for roof leaks.)

A good general rule of thumb is to inspect your attic four times a year, every season, to make sure that there are no leaks in your roof or your attic. Signs of a leak that you should look for include discoloration in wood or insulation, raised shingles, wet areas in your roof alleys or anywhere in your attic, and condensation. Catching a leak early on will ensure you prevent mold growth from the start or at least minimize it before it spirals further out of control.

2) Make sure your attic is adequately insulated.

Controlling the temperature and moisture levels in your attic is integral to preventing mold growth. Insulation does just that. Make sure that your attic has adequate insulation to minimize air transfer between it and the rest of your home. Your attic’s temperature should be at or just about the air temperature outside your home, and your attic itself as well as any heating ducts in it should be insulated so that this is the case.

3) Make sure your attic has proper ventilation.

Without proper ventilation, your attic’s moisture levels will most likely be very high, which puts your attic at a higher risk for mold growth. Mold loves moisture. The warm air that rises to your attic will condense on cold surfaces if your attic doesn’t have the ventilation it needs, so you should make sure you have vents that allow this to escape outside. Double-check that your insulation doesn’t cover your vents.

4) Vent your appliances outside, not to your attic.

Any vents in your home, including your dryer, kitchen, and bathroom vents, should not funnel air or moisture into your attic. They should vent directly outside into the fresh air. Venting your appliances to your attic is a recipe for poor ventilation there if the demands are too high for the attic to withstand, and this can result in the accumulation of moisture and mold growth. 

In the event that you discover mold in your attic or any other part of your home, give SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville a call at (615) 242-9391. We’re available 24/7, and our technicians are experts at identifying and remediating mold as well as fire damage, water damage, storm damage, and more.

What To Do If A Pipe Bursts In Your Building

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

A pipe burst never happens at an opportune time, and you may freeze in the event that one occurs and you don’t know what to do. To empower you to act in the case of a pipe burst emergency, we’ve compiled a list of steps for you to take after a pipe bursts in your building. 

1. Shut off the water.

Whether you have control of the water supply or the phone number of the person who does, shut off the water or ring the individual who can do so as soon as possible. Shutting off the water at the main valve will help you prevent further water damage. Depending on the type of pipe that experienced the burst, you may be dealing with a whole array of further damage after it breaks.

2. Call a plumber.

If you don’t already have a plumber’s emergency number stored in your phone, now is the time to input one. Even if you don’t have a clue about the first steps to take to repair a broken pipe, your plumber does. You’re probably going to need a plumber to repair the burst, and calling one to assess the damage as soon as possible is wise.

3. Assess the damage, and if needed, call the water damage restoration professionals.

How much damage did the pipe burst cause? Is there water everywhere? How long has the water been soaking into your carpet, your walls, or ceiling? Especially if there appears to be a lot of water damage or the pipe burst is discovered an indeterminate amount of time after it occurs, call the water damage restoration professionals like SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. Our highly-trained, local technicians will be on the scene in a manner of minutes after you call, no matter the time of day, and we will document the drying process to validate that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly. 

4. Document everything and file an insurance claim.

Although you may panic after a pipe burst, remember to snap photos of all the damage once you discover it. Documenting the whole pipe burst thoroughly will come in handy when it comes time to file an insurance claim, and keeping track of damages, repairs, and quotes from different professionals will ensure that you have a written record as a paper trail. 

5. Soak up excess water.

If there isn’t too much of it, grab a few towels and clean up the excess water. Soaking up water that is sitting on your floor will help minimize the damage it causes. Above all, keep calm, and call the professionals to take care of the pipe burst and any subsequent damage that occurs as a result!

No matter the reason, if you ever experience any water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or mold growth in your home, business, or apartment building, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, even on the holidays.

Immediate First Steps if an Appliance is Leaking

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever come home to water pooling on your floor under your sink or by your refrigerator? You may have panicked. Immediate steps to take after a water leak aren’t really common knowledge, so it’s important to educate yourself beforehand so you know what to do if an appliance leaks on you! 

1. After you’ve discovered a water leak, shut off the water to that appliance.

Depending on when you’ve caught the leak, you may be able to avoid the most costly damage. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After identifying a leak, shut off water flow to that appliance so that you can find its source.

2. Unplug nearby electronics.

Any electronics near the leak should also be unplugged and shut off. If the water from the leak appears excessive, turn off the circuit breaker to your home. Give your local electrician a call as well as the restoration professionals to assess the damage and how to proceed. Your safety is paramount.

3. Note where the water appears to be coming from.

Appliance water leaks often can be categorized into three common problems: a drain line leak, a supply line leak, or a burst pipe. A drain line leak stems from a leaky drain that isn’t properly working. This may be fast or slow and can result in bacteria in the line. On the other hand, a supply line leak stems from leaks in your water supply piping that brings water to your appliance.

4. Take pictures for insurance claims. 

Especially if extensive damage has occurred, take pictures of the leak and the subsequent water damage to file an insurance claim with. It’s important that you do this before cleaning up any of the mess so that you have accurate documentation of the leak.

5. Call the professionals. 

While there are ways you can attempt to identify the leak type and resolve it yourself, it’s always a smart investment to call the local plumbing professionals to assess the leak and fix it. If there is damage that needs to be cleaned up, you’ll probably need to contact your local restoration company, too.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an appliance water leak in your home, give SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville a call at (615) 242-9391. We’re available 24/7 and have seasoned technicians trained and equipped to handle water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold, and other disasters.

When Should I Call The Professionals After Water Damage?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage should never be taken lightly as it can cause a variety of health issues as well as ruin your belongings and seriously endanger buildings’ structural integrity. However, it can be hard to determine the extent of your water damage after you first suspect that it may be present, and this can make it hard to know when you should call the professionals after you suspect, identify, or experience water damage to your home or business. 

Do you think you may have water damage at your residential or commercial properties? Read on to discover when you should call the professionals if you are suspicious of or certain that you have water damage. 

Suspected Water Damage

Has a water stain appeared on your ceiling or another sign of trouble that you think may indicate water damage? It may be worth investigating the suspected water damage on your own before calling in professionals to address it.

It’s good practice to inspect your home carefully every few months for signs of water damage, which include flaking or peeling paint, water stains on the walls or ceiling, puddles or moist spots, and bowed walls. All of these visual signs point toward water damage, and the more that you see, the higher the likelihood of increased damage severity. Stains from mold or dried spots also may indicate that water damage is or was present and may not have been correctly addressed in the past. 

After taking note of any and all signs of suspected water damage, it’s time to call a professional to come in and assess the signs that you’ve noticed as well as pick up on any others that may have missed your eye. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to water damage and calling a professional is always a smart idea.

Identified Water Damage

Are signs of water damage obvious and glaring? Especially if you see live mold, big stains, or compromised structural integrity, call the professionals right away after identifying definite water damage. It’s hard to know the extent of the damage from a simple visual assessment, so it’s integral for you to get professionals on the scene as soon as possible to survey the situation and tell you what to do next. It may not be safe for you to remain in the building if the water damage is extensive enough, and this is hard to know without having professional eyes on the damage.

Whenever you suspect or identify water damage, call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391 to have the damage assessed and properly repaired and restored. If you believe the water damage warrants an emergency, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re available to address emergencies at any time of day or night.

Leak Under Your Sink? Here's What To Do

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

When water pools on the floor or in the cabinets under your sink, you’re most likely dealing with a leak. First things first, don’t panic! The situation may not be as bad as you think, but you definitely should get it checked out and examine the surroundings to diagnose the issue before major damage occurs, assuming that it hasn’t already. At the first signs of a leak under your sink, these are the important next steps to take. 

1. Watch for signs of a leak.

Before you even identify a sink leak, there are a few signs that you should watch for that indicate you may be dealing with a leak. Signs of trouble include caulk deteriorating around your sink, puddles on your floor or in the cabinet under your sink, and loose faucets or plastic around your sink. Dampness and other unusual moisture around your sink also point towards a leak. Once you observe one of these signs, the next step is to identify the leak’s source.

2. Find the source of the leak.

Check the underside of any plastic laminate countertops you may have surrounding your sink for further signs of water damage. Swollen particle board or water pooling around your faucet also may point toward the leak’s origin. Dripping pipes under the sink are also potential culprits for leak sources. Does the sink leak when water is draining? Determining if your sink leaks when the water is draining or when it is plugged up can help you identify if the leak is in your drain (if water leaks while your sink is draining) or if the leak comes from the water supply (if water leaks when the drain is plugged).

3. Shut off the water and call a professional for help.

Once you find the leak’s source and survey the water damage, call a professional plumber or other water professional to assess the situation and repair the leak. If you suspect that you have experienced water damage as a result of the leak, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has a team of experts trained in repairing water damage and getting affected areas dried out and back to normal. Contact us at (615) 232-9131 to have a professional give you a quote and repair the damage. You can reach us at any hour for emergencies, as well!

Although managing a sink leak is never fun, you can take preventive measures to reduce the risk of one occurring. Always remember to stay calm and assess the situation when you believe you may be experiencing a sink leak, and know that SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has your back if any water damage has occurred. Contact us at (615) 242-9391 for professional help addressing water damage, storm damage, mold, fire damage, biohazards, and more.

What To Do If Your Apartment Complex Sprinkler System Goes Off

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are in place to save lives and prevent fire damage, but sprinkler systems can also cause undesired water damage if they go off at an inopportune time or are triggered by kitchen smoke or a candle. However, the majority of the time, they go off because there is a fire detected in your apartment complex. When this happens, here’s what to do next.

1. Evacuate the building.

Even if you believe that your sprinkler system was triggered by something less serious than an apartment fire, your safety should always come first. It’s time to get out of the building when your sprinkler system activates—your life may depend on it. 

2. Call the fire department.

If the fire department isn’t already on its way or hasn’t shown up yet, be sure to dial 911. Your sprinkler system often is activated by heat, and the fire in question may be in someone else’s apartment even if you don’t see any occurring in your own rental unit. 

3. Contact your renter’s insurance carrier.

If you believe that your belongings and/or your apartment have been affected by the sprinkler system going off, you should contact your renter’s insurance carrier. Although water damage from a sprinkler system is often much more palatable than the water damage fire hoses may wreak if there actually is a fire, getting water soaked into your belongings is never a fun time. Be sure to take pictures of the damage caused by the water and start to dry out items if they seem salvageable.

4. Save the pieces of the sprinkler system when you return to your apartment.

This step is only relevant if your apartment hasn’t been ravaged by fire. If your apartment complex’s sprinkler system did go off by accident, it’s crucial to save the pieces of the sprinkler system that scattered throughout your apartment when it went off to identify the reason why the sprinkler system was activated. This is crucial to know for insurance purposes.

5. Call the professionals.

If you are the apartment owner and the sprinkler system went off, you should call water damage restoration specialists like the team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville to come out and assess the damage as well as restore it.

Above all, stay safe and make your own well-being the first priority if your apartment complex’s sprinkler system goes off! To examine any damage caused by the sprinkler system, call (615) 242-9391 for SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville’s experienced technicians to arrive at the scene and take care of the mess. We’re here to help.

Top Three Spots to Check for Water Damage in Your Home

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Catching water damage before it becomes evident can save you time and money, so knowing the top spots in your home to regularly monitor for damage is crucial for any homeowner. Instead of waiting until a water stain appears on your ceiling or water pools on the floor under your sink, make it a priority to inspect these three spots for water damage on a monthly basis.

1. Check under the sink.

Sinks are regularly located in your kitchen, your bathrooms, and maybe even in other rooms in your house. Since water flows from the faucets and comes up through pipes underneath the sink, it’s not uncommon for leaky sinks to occur. Always inspect the cabinetry and piping underneath your sink for any leaks or moisture.

2. Don’t forget to look behind the toilet. 

Your toilet is another frequently-used appliance in your home that uses a lot of water with every flush. Monitoring the space behind and around your toilet for any water damage is always a good practice.

3. Take a look at your roof.

It’s easy to forget to look at your roof for water damage, but if your gutters aren’t working properly or your roof isn’t in good shape, there’s a fair chance that water may be seeping through your roof into your attic, your garage, and your ceilings. It can be hard to know what to look for, but any obvious water stains are a bad sign. Be sure to check out the roof from the exterior and the interior sides (your ceilings). 

Water damage can be costly and affect the structural integrity of your home, and so it’s important to keep an eye out for water damage before it wreaks havoc. If you’re looking to buy a new home, here are a few things to look for to ensure that you don’t prematurely buy a home that’s susceptible to water damage. 

If you recognize the signs of water damage on one of your regular rounds inspecting the vulnerable areas of your home, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. With state-of-the-art technology and training, our disaster restoration professionals are equipped for handling the job.

Sources of Summer Water Damage

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly rack up expenses to clean up and replace items beyond repair, which is why knowing where water damage may originate is key to prevention. Summer water damage can be a nightmare to manage, and summer storms, flash floods, and pipe leaks and bursts are all culprits when it comes to excessive water ruining your property.

To stay educated on potential ways that your property may be vulnerable to water damage, we’ve compiled a list of sources that water damage stems from:

1. Excessive Rainfall

Heat-triggered thunderstorms often accompany the hot temperatures of the summer months, and you should always be vigilant about excessive rainfall and the damages it can do to your home or storefront. Do you live in a flood zone? Is your roof sturdy and impenetrable? Do you have the proper gutter system to redirect water from pooling in nooks and crannies of your home’s exterior? All of these questions and considerations are important to keep in mind as you face summer storms. Owning a building that is vulnerable to water damage caused by excessive rainfall is something that must be accounted for so preventive steps can be taken, ensuring that your home or store’s occupants stay dry.

2. Flash Floods

While these may be triggered by excessive rainfall, flash floods can also occur at a moment’s notice by even just a little bit of rain if you live in a flood zone or by a body of water. Small creeks, streams, rivers, or even drainage ditches can turn your backyard--and potentially your home--into an ocean without any warning, and this can seriously damage any items you have - especially at ground level or below. If you have a finished basement or valuable items located on your ground floor, ensure they are moved to higher ground if at all possible in order to make sure that water damage can only harm so much of your property.

3. Pipe Bursts and Leaks

Last but certainly not least, pipe bursts or leaks can cause significant damage to your home or your business. If your sewage starts seeping into your home, your air conditioner breaks and releases water into your apartment, or your pipes burst or leak due to expanding in the summer heat, you’ll most likely have a water damage issue on your hands. Inspect your pipes and air conditioning units carefully to ensure that their maintenance is up-to-date and the likelihood of a leak or burst is reduced.

If you have the misfortune of experiencing water damage in your home or commercial property this summer, don’t hesitate to give the team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville a call at (615) 242-9391. Our expert professionals are available 24/7, and we can take care of mold damage, deodorization, biohazards like COVID-19, and cleaning services for fire, water, and storm damage.

Checking Your Attic For Water Damage

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Your attic is the number one place where damage from heavy rainfall can occur, and it’s also one of the places in your home that you won’t visit regularly. A trip up to the attic is only made when you need something you have put away for a special event, such as a holiday or a birthday, but it is very important to check your attic area periodically for leaks and water damage, especially during the summer storm season here in Middle Tennessee. 

Your attic will take the brunt of summer storms, just as your roof will. When the roof sustains damage from high winds or flying debris, such as loose or missing roofing material, you will probably see water stains in the attic. These let you know a problem is developing. An issue in the attic that is left unchecked will end up affecting the interior of your property, and spaces that are damp and dark for any length of time will put you at risk for a mold infestation. It only takes a day or two for a colony to start. 

Follow these tips to help you keep on top of any damage to your attic:

• Check your attic for damage regularly. It’s important to look over your attic space often, just as you do all the other areas of your home or business. You want to make sure this area hasn’t experienced any water damages, which can spread to problems with your interior ceilings if left unattended.
• Check your roofing after bad weather. It’s crucial to check all roofing after a strong storm and/or high winds to ensure it is still intact. Flying debris, such as tree branches or loose building materials, can cause serious issues in volatile weather. 

We are proud to help the Nashville community with cleanup after water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. If your home or property has experienced damages from Middle Tennessee stormy weather, we are ready to help you get back to normal right away. Our SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville team can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Summer Water Saving Tips

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Saving water helps us to protect against drought, and it can also help save you time and money. There are lots of ways to take advantage of all the rebates and incentives offered by many utilities for water-efficient upgrades, such as water-smart showerheads or landscaping with drought-tolerant plants. Expanding conservation and efficiency programs can actually reduce water use in cities by up to one half of the previous usage!

Here are some summer water-saving tips for you to try, from us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville:

Water evaporates quickly when the sun is high, so you may want to try watering your lawn during the cooler hours so that it will stay in your soil. Take steps to make sure you’re watering your yard, too, and not the sidewalk or driveway. A drip irrigation system works better than sprinklers by sending targeted amounts of water right where it needs to go. You will want to check to see if you qualify for a rebate to make your irrigation system more water-efficient.

Get rid of your ever-thirsty turf grass and replace it with a beautiful drought-tolerant garden that doesn’t need water or mowing. 

Leaks are expensive and often hard to find. To see if your toilet is wasting water, you can put a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into your tank. If the color shows up in the bowl you know right away that your tank is leaking and could be wasting up to 100 gallons of water a day! An inexpensive rubber flapper made to fit your toilet’s make and model may be all you need to fix it.

Shortening your shower by as little as two minutes can save up to 1,750 gallons of water per person in your household every year, and another cost-reducing trick is to turn the water off while you soap and/or shave. You can also capture the water that’s normally wasted while you wait for the shower to warm up by collecting it in a bucket, and use it for watering your plants; just make sure that if the water gets soapy it’s not toxic to your garden. 

Upgrading your showerheads, using your dishwasher instead of handwashing dishes, using a rain barrel, and taking your car to the car wash are all ways you can lessen your water usage during the summer, and during the rest of the year, too. 

Taking steps to conserve this precious natural resource is good for Nashville, and that’s important to us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. We’re proud to serve our community by helping with fire damage, water damage, and mold prevention. Call us today to get your property Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Restoring Water-Damaged Documents

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Damage to documentation in your home or business due to a water-related incident, such as flooding related to bad weather or a machine malfunction, can create issues for you that could have far-reaching results. Private or financial information is something that simply cannot be lost or mishandled, and our team is dedicated to the proper and careful recovery and restoration of such data if it becomes damaged by flooding or any other water-related accident. 

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade, we are often called upon to restore documents from an office or a home that has been damaged by water, and sometimes that water has been contaminated, making the job even more complicated. We employ all our expertise to ensure that the project was completed in a timely, professional, and safe manner. 

Our team is very organized and methodical in its processes, and we make sure that all the information captured during the restoration is thoroughly documented and as complete as possible; after the restoration is complete it is of vital importance that home or business owners can access any information they may need to serve their clients or get their households running normally again, right away. 

We diligently follow a policy of providing daily communication to our clients and insurance companies involved to ensure that all interested parties are updated on the progress of the project at all times. We also provide complete documentation to our clients that may pertain to sensitive or private situations, such as medical information which is protected by HIPAA.  

Healthy indoor air quality has to be maintained during a project involving the restoring of documents. Our SERVPRO technicians know this and take great care to ensure the air quality meets all required standards. 

In the event that your home or business is impacted by a disaster or accident and your vital documents and records are damaged, call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. We have the experience and expertise to restore all types of records, and we understand privacy law compliance, too.

Pressure Washer Best Practices

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Pressure washers are truly impressive and efficient when it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home or business, but they can cause more harm than good if they aren’t used correctly. Today we are going to share some of our best and practices for pressure-washing that we think will help you to avoid damage from using your power washer. 

When you are refreshing your dirty deck, cleaning mold or grime from your patio furniture, or removing packed mud from your tire wells, any of these tasks can be done more quickly and efficiently when you make use of your pressure washer, since it uses up to 80 percent less water than the average garden hose, but it produces more than 50 times the power!

It’s also essential to use this tool properly to ensure satisfying, damage-free results. Whether you’re in the market for a powerful machine or you already have one that works well for you, take note of our best practices, so you can be sure to get the most from this powerful cleaning tool.

Without an adequate water supply, your pressure washer won’t fulfill any of your expectations for efficiency. You will first want to test the water flow from your hose by timing how long it takes to fill a five-gallon bucket. If it takes two minutes or less, that will be plenty, but if it takes longer than that it indicates that there’s not enough water flow to operate the washer. Once you have determined that you have sufficient water flow to supply your pressure washer, make sure that you clean out the inlet filter and check that the connections are secure wherever the tool attaches to a hose or other accessory. 

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are fire damage and water damage experts, and we handle cleaning projects of all sizes, too. If you have a cleanup that is just too big for you, keep us in mind! We’re proud to serve our friends and neighbors here in Nashville whenever situations arise that they need extra help with.

How To Replace Your Carpet After Water Damage

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Carpets make any room cozy, and they can help reduce noise, too. However, heavy foot traffic, dirt, spills and more can diminish the quality of your carpet, and if you experience a water damage event, such as flooding from a burst pipe or a weather-related disaster, you may end up having to deep clean it or even replace it if the damage is especially bad. Replacing your carpet could be a project for you to handle if you enjoy doing things yourself, but it is certainly one for more experienced do-it-yourself-ers. If a DIY project of this size is not something you want to tackle, contact a flooring professional for help. 

Here are the materials you will need to complete your carpet installation project: Tackless Strips, Carpeting of Choice, Carpet Scissors, Hammer, Staple Gun, Knee Kicker, Utility Knife, Dust Mask, and Gloves. 

Measure. 

Before you begin making any permanent changes, you’ll need to decide how much carpet you’ll be replacing and what kind you’ll choose. Measure the area and write down all your measurements, including small areas by windows, closets or hallways. Keep in mind, you’ll want to allow for a little extra to make room for error.

Out With The Old. 

Once you’ve purchased the amount of carpeting you’ll need, the next step is to remove the existing carpet and carpet padding. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands, and a dust mask as well. Starting in a corner of the room, detach the existing carpet from the tack strip. Fold back and cut, about every 3’ or so, into sections you can handle easily. After you’ve removed the carpet, remove the padding in the same way you removed the carpet - and also remove any glue or staples that are stuck to the floor before proceeding to the next step. If your tackless strip is not damaged, you can keep it and use it to install your new carpeting.

Clean The Floor.

You want to be sure that you’re starting with a clean floor to work on, especially if the floor replacement was due to water damage. Sweep and vacuum the floor to start, then smooth out any areas that may have excess material. Make sure the flooring underneath is completely and thoroughly dry, and mold-free. If you discover a mold issue, call us here at SERVPRO for mold remediation measures. 

Install Strips.

If there was no damage to the old tackless strips you might be able to use them. Size to the wall and nail them a half-inch away, avoiding doorways. 

The Padding.

Next, it’s time for the carpet pad; you will want to be sure the padding is an exact fit, as you don’t want it to overlap. Staple it to the inside of the tackless strip, and stretch and staple any seams of the padding as well. Cut any excess padding and secure any joins with tape.

Lay The Carpet.

Lay the carpeting over the carpet pad, leaving a few inches of excess. Make sure the carpet pile is going in the appropriate direction, especially if you are matching other carpets. Using the knee kicker, attach the carpeting to the tackless strips; place the kicker against the carpet and hit to stretch the carpet into the strips. Trim the carpet with your utility knife and create a clean look by tucking in the edges between the wall and the strip using a metal edge.

Clean Up and Conclude.

Clean and vacuum the area to finish, trimming any excess threads. 

Replacing and installing your own carpet is not easy work, but when it’s done you can be proud of your accomplishment! 

Always keep in mind that whenever your property suffers from water damage, fire damage, or a mold invasion, our team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is always here to help!

How To Fix A Leaky Faucet

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Faucet leaks can spring up with no warning and catch you unaware. Determining where the water is coming from and then taking care of the leak before it damages parts of your home are going to be important steps to take to avoid as much damage as possible. 

Here are the steps involved in fixing a leaky faucet:

• Before beginning work on your fixture, make sure your water supply is turned off, from the handles over the sink to the knobs underneath that control the water coming in from the main line.
• Remove any decorative parts of the handle knobs using a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath each knob, there will be a screw that mounts the handle to the stem. Unscrew, then gently remove the handle with your flat-head. Using penetrating oil can assist in loosening it, allowing you to take the faucet handle off the stem.
• Use your wrench to loosen the packing nut; from there you should notice the stem - remove that as well. Depending on the faucet, some stems pop right off, while others twist off from the valve. Check the removed parts for any damage.
• Inspect the O-ring and washer inside the valve seat—they could be the reason for your leak. Remove the washer and put a replacement inside the seat. It's crucial to make sure your replacement washers and O-rings are an exact fit. Make sure to check the seat to see if the sides fit a cone-shaped or flat washer, and purchase the appropriate type. You may want to take the old O-ring to your local hardware store to verify the correct size. You can also buy a package including many different sizes of O-rings—sometimes it's worth the extra cost.
• Carefully reassemble all the parts (in this order: washer/O-ring, stem, packing nut, screw, and handle). Slowly and gently turn the knob to test the running water and check to see if you have fixed your leaky faucet.

Once you have determined that your faucet is correctly repaired, take precautions by inspecting your drywall and flooring for water damage, looking for buckling, discoloration, and unhealthy odors - which could mean mold has established itself in the damp area. 

In the event that you experience a large water event and the damage is beyond your ability to fix or if a mold colony has been established, don’t hesitate to call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville We have the skills and experience needed to take care of the water damage from a leak, large or small. We are also mold prevention and remediation experts!

Installing Appliances Properly To Avoid Water Damage

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Most of us like to save money by doing things ourselves, and there are actually a lot of projects around your home or business that you can complete yourself. These could be projects like painting and plastering, installing ceiling fans and lighting, installing tile or carpeting, or perhaps laying out and creating a backyard vegetable and herb garden. More experienced homeowners may be skilled enough to build brick walls, roof their own homes, or pour and finish concrete walkways and slabs, as well. We can find much of the information we need on the internet these days to help us begin and then execute projects and tasks of all kinds, and many home improvement centers now offer seminars and classes on do-it-yourself projects for all interested parties, too. 

There are some bigger home improvement projects that may take the help of a professional, however, due to their size or logistical challenges. Some tasks, when done incorrectly, can even cause unwanted damage that may make it worth your while to ask for assistance. In such cases as these, contracting the help of a professional company to complete the job may be the best choice. 

You could be considering replacing your large appliances in your home, and this may be a project you are thinking about completing yourself, but the logistics of a project such as this one can be a big challenge due to the size of many appliances and the technical know-how that is often necessary. It’s also extremely important that the installation is done correctly in order to avoid water damage in the future. It is very often more cost-effective to ensure that a job is done right the first time. 

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are ready to help with household or business projects of all sizes, so if you do happen to experience water damage, we are here to help! If you have experienced storm damage, fire damage, or mold infestation, we are experts in each of these areas, and we are proud to serve the Nashville community.

Steps To Take When Your Ceiling Is Leaking

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

It will always be immediately obvious when you have a leak in your ceiling! Drips of water, discolored tiles or plaster, and peeling paint are going to be dead giveaways. It isn’t always as obvious as to where that water is coming from, and it can be difficult to find the source. Common causes will include: include leaky or burst pipes, a toilet or tub that has overflowed, and leaks in your roofing, just to name a few. In addition to unsightly staining and damage to your interiors, it can lead to mold if they are from a smaller leak, while large leaks and burst pipes can cause your ceiling to crumble completely in a fairly short period of time. If you have a serious issue you will probably want to call a professional full-service repair company. 

In the meantime, here are a couple of steps to take when your ceiling is leaking: 

• Dry the Ceiling. If the damage is minor, you will want to find the source first and repair that. Using fans and dehumidifiers can be a big help after the repair is done, and you may want to rent commercial units for the best effect. You can use scaffolding to raise these machines up near the ceiling, improving airflow and getting things drier faster. 
• Paint/Repair. For a minor ceiling situation, you can make repairs without replacing drywall or plaster by scrubbing the area to take away loose debris, wiping the area with a clean cloth, and allowing it to air dry. If your ceiling is painted, apply a primer to block water spots, and then apply 2 coats of paint, blending it into the damaged areas. For a plaster ceiling, just fill in the gaps and cracks with new plaster.

The steps above are great for someone who is a do-it-yourselfer or when the damage is minor, but if you have experienced a large leak in your ceiling with a lot of damage to your building, you can always rely on us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. We’re proud to be able to help all our friends and neighbors here in the Nashville area when the unexpected happens. We are water damage and fire damage experts and skilled in mold prevention and remediation, too.

What To Do When Your Apartment Sprinkler System Goes Off

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

The overhead sprinkler system in your apartment complex is there to keep tenants safe from possible fire damage, and everyone is glad the system is in place. However, when it does go off, there is going to be a mess to clean up. What should you do when your apartment complex sprinkler system goes off?

You know that it is important to handle any sort of water issues immediately in order to avoid the costly problems that can arise from your damp property, such as mold and mildew. Keep in mind that any intense heat will cause your sprinklers to discharge, and the sprinkler heads contain a temperature-sensitive mechanism that can only be activated when the temperature at the sprinkler head exceeds the allowable range, so make sure your tenants understand that they need to be careful with heat inside their units. You will also want to make sure that residents know never to hang items from the sprinkler heads, as this can damage them, as well as cause them to go off unexpectedly. 

Here are a few cleanup tips to consider when cleaning up after your overhead sprinkler system goes off:

• Prompt professional assistance following a sprinkler discharge could be vital in saving your property and your residents’ belongings from permanent damage. Your actions in the first 24-48 hours can save you significant time and money and eliminate subsequent mold growth. 
• Professional followup will also be a big help when it comes to odors, and they can evaluate the water damage and potential for mold growth in hidden areas as well as ensure that any affected building materials are dry prior to work area rebuilding. 
• We recommend that you hire an independent water damage and mold remediation expert to represent you during planning, response, and closeout, and work together with their insurance carrier. 
• Water within the sprinkler system is stagnant and non-potable, and the water picks up and absorbs oils and other contaminants within the piping, resulting in discoloration and odors from its sedimentary state. Cleanup actions typically not only involve moisture remediation but also involve surface cleaning from stains as well as additional measures to alleviate odors. 
• Prompt action for cleaning is essential when it comes to fabric and textile items that have been affected to minimize permanent staining and damage.

If your apartment complex has been affected by water damage, whether from an overhead sprinkler system, flooding, or leaks both large and small, here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are ready to help right away.

Preventing Flood Damage To Your Hotel

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire is a common concern for every hotel business owner, but your premises could actually be in more danger of damage by water. Water damage can come in the form of flooding, which is caused by heavy rains, flash floods, dam failures, mudflows, and snowmelt. If you have construction going on in the area, roads and bridges that are being added can often alter the normal flow of water. This may increase the potential for flood damage to your hotel.

There are some steps that you can take to minimize water damage to your hotel property, however, and we are sharing these tips to help you prepare.

• Know the flood zone risk for your area, and evaluate that risk with professional help. 
• Ensure that important equipment and appliances, such as laundry facilities, HVAC systems, and hot water systems are located above the expected flood levels for your area. 
• Have all drains and sump pumps inspected regularly to ensure that they are properly operational. 
• Keep sandbags stocked onsite for help in diverting unusually high water away from the property and parking areas, to include exits. 
• If heavy snow is expected, flag drains ahead of snow plows to avoid them becoming stopped up. 
• The law requires that you have an evacuation plan set up for your guests and staff. Ensure that your staff is well-versed in the route and that you hold drills periodically to refresh everyone and to instruct new staff members. 
• Make sure that your staff is aware of the flood alert signals for your community and that they know what to do in the event of a flooding emergency. Emergency contacts should be easily accessible and referenced so that everyone onsite can make the necessary calls to alert area police and other emergency personnel in the event that their assistance will be needed. 

The SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is proud to serve the Nashville community. We are water damage and fire damage specialists. If you experience flood damage to your hotel, we are here to help, and we are happy to consult with you on flood prevention methods that will protect your investment from the damage that can come from such an event. We work with insurance companies and adjustors on your behalf, as well.

How To Repair Hardwood Floors After Water Damage

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

A flooding event of any size will have a negative effect on your building and property, and your wood floors will really suffer. Any time water saturates hardwood, the wood absorbs the water through its pores and this, in turn, causes warping and discoloration. If you have experienced water damage to your wood flooring, you will want to follow these steps to repair them:

• Removing Water. Soak up the water as quickly as possible. The longer the water remains, the worse the damage will be. The first 24 hours are critical, but if you are able to remove the water and dry your floors completely, you may be able to avoid serious and irreversible damage. You will also be alleviating the possibility of a mold invasion. 
• Sanding/Refinishing. You will need to sand and refinish the wood. This repair can bring your floors back to pre-flood condition and will save you all the time and money involved in having your damaged flooring removed and new flooring installed. 
• Contacting Professionals. When you have experienced extensive water damage, such as from a tornado, hurricane, or severe flooding due to a large weather event, your best bet will be to contact a professional water damage restoration service. They are experts in this area and will have the personnel and equipment necessary to get your water damage taken care of as fast as possible. Make sure you call them right away! If your area has suffered a weather disaster, these companies will probably have a waitlist. 
• Taking Preventive Measures. 
• Find the source of water and take the necessary steps to stop the flow. 
• If you have carpeting on top of your hardwood floor, remove both the carpet and the padding immediately and take care of any other wet objects, as well. You may have to deal with odors and discoloration after a water damage event. Remember that your restoration professionals can help you with carpet-cleaning after a water damage event, too.
• Use a shop-vac or household vacuum to extract as much water as you can. Rely on professionals if the amount of water is really extensive. 
• Prevent mold and preserve your hardwood floors by using a non-sudsy disinfectant, and then vacuum again to remove standing water. 
• Use a dehumidifier or run your heater or air conditioner constantly to keep the air dry inside the affected areas. This will help to prevent unpleasant odors and may provide a deterrent to mold, too. 

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville has the skills and equipment necessary to get your floors back to pre-damage condition, and we are always here to help with repairs and renovations to any area of your property when you are affected by water damage event, whether large or small. We also handle fire damage, and we are mold remediation experts, too.

What Can Cause Water Damage In Your Commercial Building?

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage of any kind can be devastating to a business. Even the smallest of leaks left unchecked can create huge amounts of trouble and cost a lot of money to repair. As a business owner, you may be thinking about ways you can prevent this from affecting your business, so let’s talk about what can cause water damage in your commercial building:

Pipes. Your commercial building may be older, with plumbing that has seen better days. Leaky pipes can easily become an issue as the gaskets and seals wear out and the pipes themselves break down. 

Faucets. In kitchens, break rooms, bathrooms, and shops you are going to have sinks and water faucets. A faucet that is older and that has developed a drip can not only annoy you but can cause a lot of damage if it’s ignored for too long. 

Roofing. The roofing of your commercial building should be kept in top shape to guard against water damage. If a roof is not in the best shape and has developed weak spots and small holes, the walls and ceilings of your building are in danger. 

Spills. Spills of all sizes can cause damage if they are not cleaned up in a timely manner. Even the smallest puddle of water can seep into all kinds of materials, resulting in warped wood, discolored tiles, and flaking plaster. Keep in mind that it only takes a little amount of damp to attract a mold colony, and that just takes the damage to another level. 

Floods. When heavy, wet weather hits, a flood can occur. We’ve all seen the pictures of what a flood can do, and it can be devastating. From washing away walkways and trees to moving vehicles and even the building itself, a flood is a powerful force. 

If you experience water damage in your commercial building, call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. We’ll be there right away to help you get back to normal. We are restoration pros, and we handle mold, too.

Steps To Take After Major Flooding In Your Business

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding is a common occurrence in many parts of the country, and West Nashville is no exception. As a smart business owner we know you want to be ready should the worst happen. Flooding is dangerous, and kills nearly 100 people yearly, in addition to causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the U.S. yearly. Being prepared can keep your business and your workforce safe in the event of a flood. 

• Step One - Know Your Area. Even if you think the risk of flooding will be low, it’s important to be vigilant. Understand your location’s potential exposure. You can reference the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service’s quarterly updates and maps to see what areas of Middle Tennessee are at higher flooding risk during certain times of the year. Historic flooding maps are also a helpful resource. Just knowing the potential rates of rising waters and how long it would take to drain off will be important pieces of information for you as a business owner.

• Step Two - Have Your Information At Hand. Be sure you keep all copies of your insurance documents and other key business information in a flood-safe location. Using the cloud for storage of business-related information will be essential when it comes to the potential loss of documentation. 

• Step Three - Be Prepared. Prepare your location for a flooding event. Investing in a sump pump could help to minimize damages, as well as maintaining gutters, drains, and roofing. Anchoring any fuel tanks is also a good step to take. 

• Step Four. Create a flood evacuation route and share it will your workforce so that they know how to get themselves and any customers to higher and safer ground if it becomes necessary. Invest in an emergency kit and keep it well-stocked, in case people get stranded in the building. 

When it happens:

• Step One - Roll Call. Make sure you know where everyone is and that they are safe. Do not encourage anyone to come to work if it is dangerous to do so, and keep people onsite if it isn’t safe to travel home. 
• Step Two - Call Emergency Services. Contact your local fire department and police, and let them know the status of your property and everyone involved.
• Step Three - Turn Off Electricity. If you have standing water inside or around your buildings, turn off all electricity and unplug appliances and computers, etc.
• Step Four - Stay Informed. Stay connected to local news stations to get updates and important information. The most important thing is that everyone is safe.  

When it comes to a flooding event, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is here to help. We specialize in large-scale disaster repair and cleanup, so call us for assistance if your business experiences any kind of disaster.

How To Handle A Flood In Your Apartment Complex

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

As a wise apartment owner, you know to be prepared for flood damages, and you know it’s always smart to do what you can to prevent them whenever possible. Your complex may suffer from floods that happen because of bad weather, or it may be the type of flood that comes about due to equipment failure or negligence. 

All appliances have a limited lifespan, so it’s important to inspect refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, HVAC units, and bathroom fixtures in every unit for any signs of excessive aging or failure. Flooding in these areas will create huge issues for you, as the flooding can easily expand to affect not only the individual apartment but the one below or beside it, and perhaps more. Look for:

• The sound of running water
• Unpleasant odors in floors, walls, or drains
• Low water pressure
• Mold growing around appliance or fixtures
• Worn out hoses

If leaks are left untreated, they can lead to mold growth, stains, and floor and wall damages. Encourage your residents to let you know about any issues right away so that you can address any leaks immediately. Educate your renters to keep an eye on their water bills. Any large uptick in usage and cost is a huge clue that some investigation needs to be done; there is probably a leak somewhere. 

Maintaining the roofs, gutters, and exterior windows and doors of your complex will go a long way towards keeping your business safe from the elements and flooding that can happen during heavy rains. Any drainage system on your property will need to be properly cared for, too, with debris and dirt clogging the system being removed regularly in case of heavy water. A backed-up drainage system can be a huge flooding culprit.  

If you are due for some landscaping, make sure any new large shrubs or trees are planted in places where they won’t interfere with pipelines, and remove those that are already in the danger zone. Root systems can easily break apart piping and create a flooding event. Choose those plants and trees that don’t have aggressive root systems, just to be safe.

If you do experience a flood in your apartment complex, first you will want to make sure that everyone is safe. If a unit’s atmosphere is unhealthy, make arrangements for the residents to go elsewhere while repairs are made. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to find them another apartment in your complex to stay in for a time. 

If it is a large, weather-related flooding event, safety is still the primary focus. Can people get in and out of their homes and the complex? Is anyone out of power? Are their elderly or disadvantaged people in your complex that need special attention? Are all children accounted for and does everyone know where all their family members or roommates are? Are any pets in danger? Many of these issues will require the aid of professionals, and perhaps even the police or fire department. 

When you are dealing with flood damages, the SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville team is always here to help, 24/7. We are water and fire damage specialists, and we have years of experience with mold remediation and prevention, as well.

What To Do When Your Interior Sprinkler System Goes Off

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

The overhead sprinkler system in your home or business is made to engage when it senses extreme heat. The sprinkler heads contain a temperature-sensitive mechanism that can only be activated when the temperature at the sprinkler head exceeds the allowable range, and they operate independently, with those directly exposed being set off first. Most fires are extinguished, or controlled, by three sprinklers or less, but the amount of water generated by just one sprinkler head can be significant. A sprinkler head can release from 15 to 40 gallons of water per minute and can fill an entire bathtub in less than two!

Prompt and professional decision-making following a sprinkler discharge in your building is essential. The actions you take in the first 24-48 hours will save you significant time and money by minimizing water damage, as well as helping to eliminate the possibility of a mold colony taking hold in your property. If your employees or guests complain of odors or signs of mold, respond immediately and use professional help for remediation of that mold or mildew where needed.  

The water in a sprinkler system is non-potable and often has absorbed oils and other contaminants that are in the piping, so cleanup will require surface cleaning from stains and elimination of odors, in addition to water damage restoration and moisture remediation measures. Where fabric and textiles are affected, prompt action must also be taken to avoid permanent staining and to preserve these articles.

The hard, non-porous surfaces in your building, such as plastics, vinyl, ceramic tile, etc., will need to be cleaned with a mild detergent and completely dried. You can use dehumidifiers for wet areas and during wetter seasons, as well, for comprehensive results.  

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is equipped with specialized instruments to facilitate comprehensive project investigation, design and implementation, and will complete your damage recovery in a timely, thorough manner. We’re experts in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial restoration, and much more!

Tips On Handling Water-Damaged Electronic Equipment

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

If your electronic equipment is accidentally submerged or splashed with a liquid, the very first thing you need to do is disconnect its power source as soon you can safely do so. As water damage specialists, we see all kinds of situations where electronics are adversely affected by water and other liquids here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. Today we would like to share some tips with you that can help you in handling water-damaged electronic equipment:

1. Safety first. Always use caution when disconnecting your device from a household current or any other source. If you are standing in water or your clothes are wet, remove yourself from any potential shock hazard before retrieving a submerged or soaked electronic device.
2. Disconnect. If your device is still submerged and connected to an external power source, you will want to find a safe way to disconnect it, and a good way to do this is to use a circuit breaker or switch for that source of power and switch it off. Use caution if you choose to remove a plug or power adapter from an outlet that has not been switched off.
3. Hazards. Retrieving a submerged or soaked electronic device that contains a battery can be hazardous. A shorted battery may be a fire or chemical hazard, or both. If you see or feel any heat, smoke, steam, bubbling, bulging, or melting here, avoid handling the electronic device for any reason. 
4. Turn it off. If the device is still on, turn it off.
5. Drain fluid. Rotate and shake the device to try to let any fluid drain out, and remove the battery if it can be done safely. 
6. Disassemble the device. To allow any remaining liquid to drain and to begin cleaning the internal components, you will have to disassemble the device. This is particularly important with acidic liquids such as fruit juice or alkaline liquids such as laundry water.
7. TIP: Rice will not help you here!

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are water damage and fire damage specialists. We can be on the scene right away to help you with all water damage issues. Keep in mind that we are mold remediation experts, too, and we are proud to be your full-service repair and restoration team. 

How To Repair Hardwood Floors After Water Damage

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a flood, whether it’s large or small, is going to be devastating to your home, and your wood floors will really suffer. When water sits on top of hardwood, the wood absorbs the water through its pores, causing warping and discoloration, and can be permanently affected. If you have experienced water damage to your home, you will want to follow these steps to repair your hardwood floors:

• Remove Water. Remove the water as quickly as you can. The longer the water remains, the worse the water damage will be. The first 24 hours are critical, but if you are able to remove the water and dry your floors completely, you may be able to save the wood. You will also be alleviating the possibility of a mold invasion, too. 
• Sand and Refinish. More than likely you will need to sand and refinish the wood, and this repair can bring your floors back to pre-flood condition, or at least pretty close. This step will save you all the time and money involved in having your flooring removed and new flooring installed. 
• Contact Professionals. If you have experienced serious water damage, perhaps from a tornado, hurricane, or severe flooding, your best bet may be to contact a professional water damage restoration service. They are experts in this area and will have the personnel and equipment necessary to get your water damage taken care of as fast as possible. Make sure you call them right away; if your area has suffered a weather disaster, these companies will probably have a waitlist. 
• Preventive Measures. 
• Find the source of water and plug it up. 
• Remove all wet items from the flooring. If you have carpeting on top of your hardwood floor, remove both the carpet and the padding immediately. This is an area where mold can become a problem really quickly. Remember that your restoration professionals can help you with carpet-cleaning after a water damage event, too. 
• Use a shop-vac or household vacuum to extract as much water as you can, and rely on your professionals if the amount of water is really large. 
• Disinfect. Prevent mold and preserve your hardwood floors by using a non-sudsy disinfectant, and then vacuum again to remove standing water. 
• Drying. Use a dehumidifier or run your heater or air conditioner constantly to keep the air dry inside the affected room(s). 

These are just a few simple steps that you can take yourself when your hardwood floors are affected by water. SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is always here to help with repairs and renovations to your property when you are affected by water damage, no matter the size. We also handle fire damage, and we are mold remediation experts, too.

Dealing With Water Damage In Your Office

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

When your office suffers from water damage, whether it’s from a natural cause or an equipment failure, you may experience losses due to damage to office equipment and furniture, destruction of computer files and paper records. If the incident forces you to shut down your operation, you may also have to deal with loss of income. This type of event can have a pretty serious effect on your finances and can end up creating some time-consuming cleanup projects for your workforce. 

The costs to you will include repair and replacement of damaged items that are vital to the function of your operation, along with the costs of water extraction, cleanup, and any renovations that may be necessary to the premises. If you have adequate insurance coverage, your plan will pay these costs, but if not - you may be facing a burden of financial loss. 

Secondary issues, such as poor indoor air quality and mold growth, can have an adverse effect on the health and well-being of your staff, and this can often translate into sick days or loss of productivity. Conditions such as adult-onset asthma and other respiratory issues can develop if the environment of your office isn’t brought to a healthy level right away after water damage. 

It’s a smart business decision to have a contingency plan in place, in case a water or fire event affects your office building. Providing your workforce with a remote location to use in continuing to work and having your files and records backed up offsite, for example, are a couple of ways you can keep your company operating until the water damage has been cleaned up and safe to inhabit once again.

You may want to contact a professional water damage restoration company to treat and remediate your issues properly. A professional team will be able to extract the water and clean all affected areas in the shortest amount of time, letting you get back to work sooner rather than later. 

The SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville team is ready to help in the event of a disaster, large or small. We are experts in handling fire damage, as well, and we specialize in large-scale cleanup projects. In addition to these services, we are mold remediation and prevention experts. 

Storm-proofing Your Hotel

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

The areas of the US that are being affected by extreme weather are widening, so business owners should no longer just assume that their region is going to experience the same weather as in years past. As the owner of a hotel, you need to reassess your storm preparedness and strengthen all your emergency plans to prevent and reduce damage to your property. 

Sudden thunderstorms bring with them high winds, rain, hail, and tornadoes that will damage your premises. Today we’re sharing some tips to storm-proofing your hotel in advance of winter storm season. 

• Landscaping. Clear your property of dead or dying trees, and make sure that those you intend to keep are properly cared for - pruned and stabilized ahead of coming heavy weather. 
• Clutter. It’s bad business to have clutter around your hotel, anyway, even if it is in the areas where guests will never go. Items left lying about become flying objects when a storm hits, and that can cause dangerous situations to both your guests and your staff. 
• Storm shutters. You may want to consider installing storm windows and shutters in your hotel, just to be safe. There are many options on the market, from roll-down steel shutters to see-through polycarbonate.
• Structural upgrades. For areas that are experiencing heavier snowfall than in the past, your buildings may need upgrades to handle the added weight to minimize the risk of roof collapse. 
• Lightning rods. Installing lightning rods on your roof will help to prevent lightning strikes that can cause power surges and outages, which will in turn damage electronic devices in your hotel. Using grounded outlets and surge protectors will also help to prevent outages. Professionals can be consulted to determine how many rods you may need. 
• Decking. Decking, balconies, and patios need to be built from durable materials and managed properly. 
• Moisture control. Keep moisture out, if at all possible. Make sure caulking is done regularly and that doors and windows that need attention get it right away. Any water that penetrates your hotel interior is going to create conditions that are just right for mold and mildew to establish themselves. That’s bad for business. Regular coats of paint or stain will help to maintain a barrier to moisture. 

Storms can occur at any time, no matter the time of year. Advance preparation and effective storm-proofing of your hotel will go a long way towards preventing and minimizing damage to your business. Don’t hesitate to call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville for assistance. We are here for you!

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOTEL FLOODS

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

No business owner ever wants to experience any type of flooding; floods are messy, expensive, and time-consuming. Floods can also be dangerous, especially to someone whose business is in serving people, such as the owner of a hotel. Whether flooding comes from a pipe or equipment malfunction or from bad weather, there will be many issues to be handled, and we know you want to be prepared. So today we are sharing a few things to think about if your hotel experiences flooding:

Your guests. The safety and well-being of your guests, both those who are already staying with you and those you are expecting, is going to be at the top of any list. If the flooding is merely an inconvenience, take steps to ensure that your guests are moved to unaffected accommodations within your establishment, or partner with a friendly area hotel to make sure their needs are met. If the flooding is significant, you will want to make sure that everyone is out of harm’s way, first and foremost. Once you have determined that the flooding will not affect anyone’s physical well-being, you can take steps to handle the belongings that your guests may have had to leave behind. 

Your premises. Call in professionals if necessary to get you back up and running, ready to do business. Any time spent on cleanup is going to be time you are not spending working your enterprise, so think carefully about that before you try to do it yourself, with the intent of saving money. You might not actually save money that way!

Your future business. News will get out, so you will want to handle that right away. If the flooding was due to equipment failure, make sure you take the necessary steps to bring your property up to the highest possible standards and advertise that fact. Flooding may have occurred due to bad weather, so you will want to do whatever you can to assure potential future guests that they will be safe from the same type of experience going forward. Improvements should be placed front and center on your social media and website so that people know you have done all that is necessary to ensure a wonderful stay at your hotel in the future.

If you experience water damage from flooding or damage from fire or mold at your Nashville hotel, you can call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville any time, and we will be there to help you right away. We care about you and your business. 

WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT FOR SERVPRO AFTER WATER DAMAGE OCCURS

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Here's what to do when water damage occurs.

SERVPRO will be on the scene quickly after a water damage event, but while you are waiting for them to arrive, there are some things that you can do to prepare for the cleanup. 

Here is your to-do list:

• Safety assessment. This is the first order of business: making sure that affected areas are safe for anyone who may come into contact with them. If flooring has been affected, for example, you will want to ensure that it is safe to walk on in order to avoid slips, trips, and falls or possible collapse. Look for exposed wiring, sharp edges, and sharp objects, too. Make sure all the people who are in the home or business are safe and accounted for, and see to any needs that may come up. 

• Take stock of the damage. Get your camera or smartphone out and take pictures of all the damaged areas and belongings. This will be helpful to have on hand for your insurance person. Make a folder just for the water damage event, and keep all the photos there. If you need to, you can add descriptive notes as to what the area looked like before the event occurred, as well as any helpful notations that may seem important. 
• Insurance. Contact your agent and let them know what has happened. Ask them what they require to make their assessment, and get started on providing them with whatever they ask for. Obtain a copy of your policy and make sure you have all the pages it should include. If the damage is extensive or if there have been injuries and you anticipate a claim being filed, contact an attorney who specializes in these kinds of events. 
• Dry it up. If you have safe premises, it will be a good idea to start the drying process if the event is not too big for you alone. Sweep water away from corners, for example, and mop up standing water. Move any affected machinery or furniture away from the areas that will be focused on if you can do so safely. 

The SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville team is a team of water damage cleanup experts. We handle fire damage and mold remediation, too. 

A WATER DAMAGE CHECKLIST FOR YOUR OFFICE

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Here's what to do when water damage hits.

Once waters from flood or leaks recede and clean up has been done, most folks just want to get back into their business office and start rebuilding. However, one problem is that materials submerged in water have probably absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding or renovating too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems like mold growth, insect infestations, and the deterioration of walls, flooring, wood and wall coverings. Flood waters are not going to be clean, either. Therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Here is a checklist to refer to if your office experiences water damage:

Safety first!

• Inspect for outside structural and electrical damage to determine if it is safe to enter. Fire hazards and gas leaks will need to be identified, as well. Use battery-powered light sources.
• Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. Watch for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
• If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.

Next steps:

• Contact your insurance adjuster immediately.
• Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible, and be sure to take photos for use for inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives. Keep damaged materials for proof of loss. 
• The adjuster will assess all office damage, and as the owner, you will need to sign a proof of loss statement. 

Electrical Systems:

• Check that all electric and gas services are turned off before entering the premises for the first time. 
• Have an electrician check for grounds and other unsafe conditions before reconnecting the system.

Furnishings and Carpets

• Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting and bring it outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).
• Flooded carpets and rugs should be replaced since flood water may contain contaminants, and affected carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced. Remove these items within 48 hours after flooding subsides. 
• Thoroughly dry the carpet and subfloor as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed when damp, it can mildew.
• All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded, and solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored.  Hose off any mud, then clean, sanitize, and let your furniture dry completely out of direct sunlight.

Walls

• Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay. Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible and ventilate.
• Remove baseboards and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls, and remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall. Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation. Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi.
• Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans. Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
• Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are experts at cleanups after water or fire damage, no matter the size of the event. If your office has been affected by water damage, either from a leak or a flood, we are here to help. We are mold remediation specialists, too!

WHY YOU NEED TO ACT FAST WHEN WATER DAMAGE OCCURS

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Even the smallest of leaks can result in a flood if left unattended, so it’s important to catch water leaks in your home or business and react immediately so that the damage doesn’t get worse. 

Leaking pipes and a constantly running toilet are often the expensive culprits of water damage. Finding them sooner rather than later will be key in avoiding long term issues. If you find a leak, it’s important to act quickly to stop the spread of water and limit the damage. Mold begins to grow within 24 hours of exposure to excess water, so it’s vital to have a water damage cleanup plan in place for your company.

• Turn off the water to the affected area immediately. This keeps the situation from getting worse while waiting for the problem to be repaired. Turn off the water to just the affected fixture if possible, or the entire building if necessary. 
• Call a licensed plumber. There are many who have 24-hour response numbers, and this may be a good one to have programmed into your cell phone’s contacts list.
• Move files, computer equipment, and other important assets to higher ground. It’s suggested that records should be stored electronically, with copies stored off site, in the cloud or in two different physical locations. If you’re concerned about cloud storage being hacked, there are personal cloud storage options available.
• Develop a contingency plan for staff workplaces in case the office is unusable for a few days. Options include working out of rented office space or telecommuting. This is useful in the event of any kind of disaster. 

In the event of water damages of any kind, you need to act fast to remediate the issues. Water damage can ruin all kinds of materials, and your premises will suffer from deterioration and unpleasant odors. Remember, too, that once a mold colony gets established, it can never be completely removed, so it’s best to clean up the conditions it enjoys. Any damp area needs to be dried completely before 48 hours has passed, to make sure mold doesn’t gain a foothold. If you do experience water damage and its accompanying issues, you can call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville for help. 

WATER DAMAGE RECOVERY TIPS FOR YOUR FURNITURE

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage to your furniture is not always as bad as it might seem. Sometimes the damage is very manageable and can be repaired through some simple DIY steps. If you have some furniture that needs care after flooding or weather-related water damage, here are some tips you can follow to restore your furniture and carpeting.

Wood. When a piece of furniture made from wood has been soaked in water, the first step to be taken is to let it dry completely. Place it in a room that is warm and that enjoys good circulation. You can choose to turn on the heat and fans, as well. If the outdoor temperatures are warm, you may place the furniture outside, but take care that the temperature is warm enough - cold weather will cause the piece to dry more slowly and mold can establish a colony, while air that is too hot will cause cracks to form in the furniture.

White Spots. If you find white spots on the furniture, mix a solution of toothpaste and baking soda in equal parts. After dipping a wet cloth in this solution, rub it around and on the spots and polish the area with a dry piece of fabric made from cotton.

Mildew. Black spots indicate that water has seeped through the finish into the wood itself, and that leads to mildew. If this happens, it will require you to remove the finish, clean the mildew with a bleach solution and put on a new layer of finish.

Buckled Veneer. The veneer on your furniture may have buckled or warped through contact with water. You can soak the veneer with a moisturizer to cause it to lie down flat and then wipe it clean and dry. Next, fill a syringe with veneer glue, stick the needle between the veneer and the body of the furniture, emptying the syringe slowly. After it is removed, place a wood block on top of the veneer and wait for the glue to dry, following manufacturer recommendations.

When it comes to recovery of your property and possessions from water damage, the SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville team is always here to help. We are experts in the area of restoration from the damages of fire or water, and we are also mold prevention and remediation experts.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

The low-lying areas of any building are always more vulnerable to water damage, whether from rough outdoor weather events or from leaks inside. You will want to take the steps necessary to guard against this kind of damage to your property, which will keep your possessions from being adversely affected as well as saving you both time and money.

Here are some tips to prevent water damage in your basement:

• Maintain proper drainage throughout your property. Take a good look around the premises of either your home or business to make sure that you have proper drainage in place when an excess amount of water is present. Burst pipes and water mains can drive a LOT of water your way, as can flooded streets and drainage ditches, and giving all that H2O somewhere to go besides your basement is a smart move. Enlist the help of a water damage specialist if you need to make some changes, or if you have already experienced issues in your basement or other low-lying areas.
• Maintain all equipment. If your basement contains laundry equipment or other machinery that involves the use of water, make sure that these useful tools don’t become a liability due to poor maintenance. Pipes and water connections need to be regularly assessed since a tiny leak can become a big one really quickly, creating huge issues for you as a home or business owner.
• Maintain the roof. If your roof springs a leak, the water can end up in the walls and travel all the way down to the basement. Once this area gets and stays damp for too long, a mold colony can take hold, and that is a whole new conversation. Regular roof inspections and repairs are one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent water damage in your basement. It will keep walls, windows, and floors safe, too.

When it comes to water damage in your Nashville home or business, SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville is always here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are experts in the areas of fire and water damage, and we are also mold remediation specialists. We’ve got you covered!

TOP SOURCES OF WATER DAMAGE TO BE AWARE OF IN YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

As a commercial business owner, you have worried about your own enterprise when you’ve seen the news reports and social media posts showing water damage to other businesses after a flood or heavy rain. Disasters like that are almost always unexpected, and if you aren’t prepared for what may happen during storm season, you can suffer more water damage than is necessary.

The top sources of water damage to your commercial building will be:

• Wet Weather. The steady rains of winter or occasional snow and ice can cause issues when there are opportunities for leaks. Take a good look around your place of business to see if your premises are prepared for wet weather. Ensure that all exterior doors fit as tightly as they should, and that doors and windows are properly weather-stripped. The roof of your office or warehouse needs to be regularly inspected and well-maintained, too, to protect your machinery, product, and furniture from this most common source of water damage.
• Flooding. Both major and minor flooding events can occur during rain storms and after ice and snow melt. The parking lot or driveway of your home or business needs to have a well-planned drainage system so that clients, employees, and family members can get to and from their vehicles safely. If people have to wade in from their cars, floors will suffer, and a slip-and-fall accident due to wet floors can be a disaster. Low-lying buildings next to a parking lot full of water can end up flooding, and you will want to plan ahead to prevent that from happening.
• Leaks. Another very common source of water damage is going to be from leaks in your interiors. Pipes and water heaters that are not in great repair can spring leaks quickly and cause a lot of damage if the problem is not caught right away. Regular inspections of all your appliances and water systems will help you determine if there needs to be a replacement of older items that could become troublesome.

The team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is standing by, ready to help in any way we can! We have the expertise to handle water and fire damage, and specialize in mold remediation. If you have sustained water damage to your commercial property, give us a call today!

SPRING SHOWERS AND WATER DAMAGE: PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR SPRING WEATHER

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

The steady rains of winter, or the occasional snow and ice Nashville can experience, can cause a lot of problems to your business, and with spring showers coming you will want to be prepared. Take a good look around your place of business; are you prepared for more wet weather? You will want to make sure that your exterior doors fit as tightly as they should, and the weather stripping on both doors and windows is in good repair. The roof of your office or warehouse will need to be in good shape, as well, to protect your machinery, product, and furniture from the possible water damages that can come from wet spring weather.

• The parking lot or driveway of your home or business needs to have a well-planned, and well-maintained, drainage system so that clients, employees, and family members can get to and from their vehicles safely. Inspect the parking lots of your business regularly for erosion, since the last thing you need is a bill for damages to a vehicle due to deep potholes. If you know you’ll see a lot of run-off from the parking area, consider sandbags for any affected area. Low-lying buildings next to a parking lot full of water can end up flooding, so you will want to plan ahead here, too.
• If your rain gutters become clogged with debris such as dead leaves or small branches, they aren’t going to be able to drain away rainwater, so inspect this area and replace any parts that are not in good repair. As water backs up, it can leak back into the walls of your building, sometimes without you knowing it, and you can quickly find yourself with water damage and a colony of mold.
• Power lines and telephone poles on or next to your business property are a potential issue when wet spring weather hits. Contact your utility company and have them come take a look to make sure you, your business, and your employees will be safe.
• Be aware of the condition of any large trees on your property. If the grounds of your place of business become saturated, a tree with an unstable root base can fall, while heavy, unhealthy branches can be extremely dangerous in high winds and can create problems for you, your employees, and your customers if they become detached.

The team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is standing ready to help you in any way we can. We have the expertise to handle water damage and fire damage and specialize in mold remediation. If you have sustained water damage to your business or property, give us a call today.

RENOVATION PROJECTS TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR BUSINESS

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

It’s the time of year when many business owners are thinking about renovations to their holdings. The weather is warmer, and it’s going to be a lot easier to get things done now that the sun is out. Keeping your properties in good shape is important for your image as a business owner and operator in your area, so let’s get started!

Here are some renovation projects to plan out that will also prevent water damage in your business:

Roofing. Probably the single most important spot on your property to keep in good shape, especially when it comes to preventing damages from water! A quarterly inspection of your roofing is going to let you know when it’s time to for a re-do. Loose shingles, cracks, and leaks will all make an appearance after heavy weather like the weather we have all experienced this past winter, and repairing your roof during renovation is going to save you trouble and money from water damage in the future.

Pipes and water lines. Internal areas that involve water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and some work-related spaces in some industries, are going to be due for a renovation periodically. Have a professional take a good look at all exposed pipes, faucets, and other water features as well as testing the water lines that go to the city’s system to make sure you aren’t experiencing leaks or breaks that aren’t yet apparent. A water line break can be a huge issue and disrupt your business for hours, and sometimes even days, depending on the severity.

Appliances. Your water heater, refrigerator, or freezer can all cause damages by water to your property when they fail. Replacing these items in a timely manner can prevent that, and it will give you the opportunity to choose energy-efficient models, as well, which will save you money while giving back to the earth.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we can be on the scene of a water damage emergency right away! Call us in the event that your business experiences damage from water or fire, and remember that we are mold remediation experts.

TOP SOURCES FOR COMMERCIAL WATER DAMAGE

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Planning ahead can keep your commercial property safe from water damage. Just keeping an eye on the places where water can become an issue for your business will help you stay ahead of the game. Some of the top sources for commercial water damage can include:

• STORMS: Winter and Spring bring lots of water, either by steady rains, or ice and snow, and all that water can cause a lot of problems. Make an inspection around your place of business; are you prepared for wet weather? Take note of weather stripping and poorly fitting doors and windows and the drainage for your parking areas and entryways as well as all warehousing and manufacturing outbuildings.
• EQUIPMENT FAILURES. Unexpected events such as a burst pipe in your parking area or under a sink, or a broken or misdirected landscaping sprinkler can easily create problems by sending large amounts of water to the wrong places. In shops and warehouses, water damage can come about from broken pipes or equipment failures, such as pumps, etc.
• WATER MAINS. These kinds of situations come from circumstances that are out of your control, but you do want to keep them in mind. Make sure your parking areas and entryways can stay open in the event that your area streets are flooded due to a burst water main. You know you will have to wait for the city or county to come and correct the problem, and you want to stay in business.
• LEAKS. After wet weather, you may realize you have smaller water damage issues that you hadn’t noticed before. The roof of your office area, your warehouse, or your storage area needs to be properly cared for as well to protect your product, machinery, and office furniture from water damage through leaks and seepage.

If you have sustained water damages to your home or commercial property, the team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is ready to help in any way we can. We have the expertise to handle water and fire damage and specialize in mold remediation.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Your Hotel

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent water damage in your hotel is to be aware. Take time to look around, especially after wet weather and check for signs of a problem. Damage to the walls and foundation areas of a building are extremely important to repair as soon as possible in order to avoid larger structural and property damages in the future, which can end up costing far more in the long run.

Here are some things to look for:

• Look for changes in the color or texture of surfaces. Wallpaper or paint might be peeling away or appear discolored. Check for bowing in the walls, which can be a result of long-term seepage. In service areas on lower floors that may have unfinished walls, you will want to look for a white, salty substance known as “efflorescence”. This usually appears on foundational walls and will tell you how high water has risen. If flooring is swollen or removed from the subfloor, that is another indicator of water damages.
• Make sure your staff is well-trained on how to check for leaks and maintenance needs, and establish a system they can use to get important information about those needs to the people who arrange for repairs and upkeep.
• Cracking can occur in the foundation and/or the floor, and it is often due to water damage. Look for cracks in window seals and door panes, as well.
• Odors are an indicator that there is an excess water problem. Oftentimes, it’s mold or mildew that causes those smells, which means you have water damage on your hands.

• Keep drainage areas well-maintained in expectation of summer storms; directing water away from your buildings will stop any problems before they even start! Pay special attention to guest parking areas and entryways to alleviate the possibility of lawsuits from dangerous situations that can arise through water damages.

Once you have found that you have water damage, it’s probably time to call a professional general contractor. These people are experienced and trained to repair and renovate spaces that have extensive damage from excess water due to leaky pipes, flooding, etc.

The team at  SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is the team to call for cleanups after water damage or fire damage, both large and small. We are mold-remediation experts, too!

General Water Pipe Maintenance that will Prevent Water Damages to Your Apartment Complex

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

No matter how pure the water piped to your apartment complex may be, there is no guarantee that it will remain as pure once it comes out of the taps. To keep your water quality high and your property free from water damages, you will want to prioritize pipe maintenance. Corroded pipes will seep copper and lead into your water supply, and can sometimes cause health hazards as well as leaks and other maintenance issues that can cause thousands of dollars to repair.

The following general water pipe maintenance tips can help to alleviate the possibilities of water damages to your apartment complex.

• Water Softening. If your complex is located in an area that has hard water, be aware that the high mineral content can shorten the lifespan of your pipes, since the minerals will build up in those pipes over time and increase the likelihood of clogging. They can also corrode pipe joints and fillings, as well. Having your apartment complex water system tested for hardness will let you know the steps you may need to take.
• Harsh Chemicals. It may be cheaper to use store-bought liquids to unclog a drain than to call a plumber, but these chemicals erode pipes from the inside, eventually causing leaks. Encourage your tenants to contact the main office when it comes to clogged drains; it will save money in the long run.
• Cold Weather Insulation. In areas with especially cold winters, pipes will need to be insulated properly. Foam tape is an easy solution if an issue is found, and insulate caps on all exterior valves is a great way to prevent a freeze from entering the interior of your water piping. Use compressed air for your apartment complex sprinkler system in anticipation of a cold snap; this will save your landscaping piping.
• Balanced Water Pressure. High water pressure can put a huge strain on your pipes, causing joints, faucets, and appliance valves to work harder than they need to.

Implementing some of these techniques can help to expand the lifetime of your apartment complex water pipes and lessen the possibility of expensive water damages.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville, we are experts in handling water damage and fire damage. We are also experts at commercial restoration projects and mold remediation! If the worst should occur, we are here to help.

What to Do if Your Condominium Complex Sprinkler System Goes Off

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

The sprinkler system in your condominium complex is made to go off when it senses extreme heat (174 degrees Fahrenheit or above). The heads contain a temperature-sensitive mechanism that can only be activated when the temperature at the sprinkler head exceeds the allowable range, and they operate independently, with those directly exposed being set off. Most fires are extinguished, or controlled, by three sprinklers or less, but the damage from just one sprinkler head can be significant: a sprinkler head can release from 15 to 40 gallons of water per minute and can fill an entire bathtub in under two minutes!

Prompt and professional decision-making following a sprinkler discharge in your condominium complex is going to be essential; the actions you take in the first 24-48 hours will save you significant time and money in minimizing the water damage and help to eliminate the possibility of a mold colony getting started on your property. If your tenants complain of odors or signs of mold, respond immediately, and use professional help for mold remediation, should it become an issue.  

The water in a sprinkler system is stagnant and non-potable and has absorbed oils and other contaminants within the piping, so cleanup actions will involve surface cleaning from stains, and elimination of odors, in addition to water damage restoration and moisture remediation measures. Where fabric and textiles are affected, prompt action must also be taken to avoid permanent staining and to preserve these articles.

The hard, non-porous surfaces in the condominium units, such as plastics, vinyl, ceramic tile, etc. will need to be done with a mild detergent followed by complete drying. Employ dehumidifiers for wet areas and during wetter seasons, as well, for comprehensive and complete drying.  

The professionals of SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville will arrive equipped with specialized instrumentation to facilitate comprehensive project investigation, design and implementation, and will complete your damage recovery in a timely and excellent manner. We are experts in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial restoration, and much more!

Tips to Prevent Winter Water Damage in Your Apartment Complex

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

The steady rains of winter or snow and ice can present problems in the form of water damage. Take a good look around your apartment complex; is the weather-stripping on doors and windows in good repair for damp conditions? Do exterior doors fit tightly and close as they should? The roofs of your complex need to be completely watertight, as well, to protect your tenants and their personal property from winter water damages.

The parking lots of your property need to have a well-planned drainage system so that tenants and visitors can get to and from their vehicles safely. If people have to wade into their homes, the floors will suffer, and a slip-and-fall accident due to wet floors can be a disaster for everyone, as well as increasing the risk for mold indoors from water damage. Make sure you keep an eye on potholes, as well; ice and water can dig pretty deep in a very short period of time!

Rain gutters and spouts need to be checked periodically; if a rain gutter becomes clogged with debris such as dead leaves or small branches, they aren’t going to be able to drain away rainwater. As water backs up, it will leak back into the walls of your building, sometimes without anyone knowing it, and you can find yourself with a damaged apartment unit and a mold problem.

Large trees on your property can become unstable if a large amount of water lands in the area. Do you need to take them out or cut them back so that they are not a risk factor? It’s something to consider.

Power lines and telephone poles on or near your apartment complex can be a possible issue. Contact your utility companies and have them come to take a look prior to wet weather to make sure you, your business, and your tenants will be safe.

For your records, take pictures of your property premises so that in case of damage you have proof of their prior condition for insurance purposes. Save these types of photos to a CD and/or the cloud for future access.

The paper records for your complex will be lost if exposed to water; make sure that your hard copies are kept in a manner that will preserve them in case of any water damage. Scanning them and saving to your computer system is always a good idea, and backing up those computer records will keep your business in working order, no matter what comes!

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville,  we are experts when it comes to water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and all of your emergency service needs! Contact us right away if your business has received water damage of any kind.

What to Do if Your Hotel Floods

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding is a common occurrence in many parts of the country, and we are certainly no strangers to it here in Nashville. Whether it happens as a flash flood or as a slow buildup from constant rain, you need to be prepared for this type of event. As a hotel owner, there are some specific things to be aware of:

• Your guests. The people who are staying in your property are at the top of the list of concerns when it comes to flooding. Make sure everyone is aware of impending danger, and touch base with each guest to make sure they know how to stay safe. Getting emergency contacts for your guests is a good idea, too, in case something unexpected happens and you need the assistance of a close friend or family member.
• Medical issues. If there are guests staying with you who have medical issues or are either very young or very elderly, it might be a wise idea to get these people to a facility that can watch over them closely, such as a hospital or community safe haven.
• Vigilance. Even if you think the flood risk is low in your area, stay vigilant. Understand the potential exposure of your property, using reports from such organizations such as the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, which provides quarterly updates and maps that show areas that are at high risk during certain times of the year. Historic flood maps are another useful resource that will help you understand the potential risk where you are. Be informed as to how high water can possibly rise, and evacuate lower levels to make sure no one gets hurt.
• Insurance. Take note of the flood insurance you have on your property before a flooding disaster strikes. Have your attorney go over it for you to make sure that your coverage is sufficient for any disaster that might bring water damage and storm damage. Copies of this coverage and all other key business information should be kept in a safe location that won’t be damaged by flood waters.
• Proactive. Be proactive, and consider getting a sump pump to help minimize potential damages from flooding. Make sure all maintenance projects are current for the entire building, and especially the gutters, roofing, and doors and windows.
• Emergency Kits. These may come in handy if people get stuck in the building for a few days. Water, food, first aid items, toiletries, batteries, flashlights, and other emergency items will need to be available in the event that a flood forces people to stay put.
• Evacuation Plan. Design a flood evacuation route for your employees and guests and make sure it is posted where everyone can access it for a quick retreat.
• Weather Eye. Keep an eye on the weather by accessing local weather broadcasts, and paying attention to evacuation orders. If the local authorities are insisting that you evacuate, it would be a good idea to follow their instructions.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville, we care about you and your business. We’re here in case an emergency happens, and we can help with clean-up projects both large and small. Call us today for help with damages from flooding or fire, and don’t forget that we’re mold remediation specialists!

WHAT GOES INTO OUR COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT DRYING PROCESS

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of any disaster, some of your most valued recorded items, such as documents, photographs, and books, could be lost forever. SERVPRO knows that timely mitigation is the key to recovering damaged possessions, and with years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our restoration professionals will help you recover your paper goods before it is too late.

Our processes and facilities are:

• Innovative: Vacuum Freeze-Drying and Gamma Irradiation. We use the same freeze-drying methods used by the Library of Congress to dry valuable historic documents and books. Our vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration and the General Services Administration. In many water damage situations, like those involving sewage or flood water, documents will be exposed to bacteria, viruses, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals, and our team uses a gamma irradiation process to safely and effectively sterilize your important documents.
• Secure.  Our facilities are managed by HIPPA Master-certified technicians and are kept under surveillance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Digital. We use a computerized inventory system for digitizing your documents. Converting your paper files and photos to digital formats can have an invaluable impact on your business or home. With the help of SERVPRO’s restoration professionals in digitizing your documents, you can save storage space and have access to your records at the touch of a button. And perhaps most important of all, you’ll have digital copies of your valuable documents that can’t be lost in a flood or fire.
• Flexible capacity. We can accommodate both large commercial losses and small residential jobs.
• Full Service. SERVPRO offers a wide range of services, which includes drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization.

The types of content we handle:

• paper documents
• books and magazines
• manuscripts and files
• photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
• x-rays
• blueprints and maps
• parchment

You can count on the team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade West Nashville to handle all your belongings with care, including the vital recorded documents that are so important to any business owner. Call us today to learn more about our commercial document drying process at: (615) 242 9391.

Some of The Differences Between Commercial And Residential Water Damages

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

As we move into the colder, wetter months, we all have to consider the possible damages that our structures can sustain during this time of year. Summer’s storms are past, and now from leaky roofs and moldy siding to deep ruts in the driveway or potholes in the parking lot, the fall and winter months will bring their own set of concerns to both home and business owners. Weather won’t be as violent, but rains can last a lot longer, and then will come sleet, ice, and snow.

For the homeowner, some of the exterior concerns due to weather will be:

• Eroded landscaping
• Rutted driveways, especially those that are graded either up or downhill
• Moldy siding, window sills, door-jambs, window panes, and roofing
• Rotting wooden fencing and decking
• Leaking roof
• Puddles and pooling

For the business owner, some of the exterior trouble spots can be:

• Potholes and eroded surfaces in public parking areas
• Eroded walkways or damaged, buckling sidewalks and public walkways
• Leaking roofs
• Damaged materials and machinery that have not been stored properly

When it comes to the interior spaces, businesses have to keep an eye on employee bathrooms and kitchen/break areas to make sure that leaks are handled immediately and that spills are cleaned up right away. During bad weather, customers and vendors will track water and debris into your building, and both for safety and aesthetics, it will be a good idea to keep up with this type of accumulation to prevent water damage. Have an umbrella stand ready for everyone who comes through the door!

Homeowners also need to keep up with spills, leaks, and traffic, but it will obviously not be such a large job. In a home, water damage is more likely to come from a water heater or dishwasher that is malfunctioning, or a washer that has developed an issue.

One thing both types of structures have to be concerned about is mold, however - it is never a good thing to realize that a colony has taken hold in either your home or your business.

The team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is experienced in all types of clean up after water damage to both homes and businesses, and mold remediation is one of our specialties. Call us today at (615) 242 9391!

Preventing Water Damage in Your Restaurant’s Kitchen

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Has your restaurant experienced water damage? Chances are, it has. Do you know how to prevent water damage to your restaurant? If you have inherited an older building with suspect plumbing or a property in an area that has a high risk for flooding, you will need to take precautions. The best thing you can do is to arrange for a full commercial cleaning from a certified professional in the Nashville area.

Water damage is a serious issue that can harm your livelihood. Whether your building was damaged by a flood, a burst water pipe, or a backed up sewer, one thing is certain. You will need to act fast to prevent the damage from getting any worse. If you feel that your commercial property may soon be at risk from water damage, you should contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade West Nashville immediately.

Damage from water can occur in many different forms. Even after all of the water has been pumped out of your restaurant, you may still be at risk. For example, your building may have sustained structural damage that requires an expert to detect. Alternatively, the increased humidity and standing water caused by water damage are the perfect environments for mold growth.

Another important factor to consider is the possible presence of black mold and other harmful forms of bacterial growth. Black mold can hide in tiny pools of stagnant water that are hidden deep within the nooks and crannies of your building. If left unchecked, it can break out into a serious infestation in as little as 24-48 hours.

If you want to avoid flood damage to your building, the time for you to arrange for a full commercial cleaning and preliminary checkup is now. If you live in Nashville or the surrounding area, you can call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville to arrange a visit. Our friendly service team will inspect your property and inform of you of any potential threats from flooding or other hazards.

Owning a restaurant or other commercial establishment in the Nashville area is a very serious responsibility. You owe it to yourself and your customers to keep your building safe from all possible emergency scenarios. If you have any suspicions of possible damage from water, let us know. SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is here to keep your property safe from harm. If you need any assistance with water damage, fire damage, mold growth, or commercial cleaning, give us a call at (615) 242-9391.

3 Tips for Dealing with Commercial Water Damage

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can have devastating results on your business. It can damage your furniture, electronics, and other items, leading to significant losses. In many instances, water damage can be inevitable, meaning that you may not be able to adequately prepare for it. For example, it may not be possible for your business to prepare for flash floods, heavy rains or burst pipes, which are the most frequent causes of water damages. Knowing how to remediate water damage is essential to control the losses and ensure the safety of your employees. In the case of commercial water damage, follow these three tips to help restore your commercial property!

Remove Carpets and Rugs

Water damage often results in wetting of the flooring materials such as carpets and mats. Immediately remove the carpeting and rugs that are wet and hang or lay them outside in the open to dry. Leaving the wet carpets and mats on the floor allows molds to grow under the carpeting, resulting in more damage to the floor materials. Removing the carpeting and drying it in time could prevent the need to replace the carpets. Afterward, you can use the air conditioners to dry up the floor where applicable.

Remove the Extra Water

Prior to trying to clean up the extra water, you need to identify the water source and shut it off. When possible, try to mop up any excess water on the floor after removing the carpeting. It is necessary that you take precautions to avoid accidents such as falls. Wear protective gear and use the right cleaning equipment to remove the excess water. If the water is contaminated or too deep, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, seek the services of professional water damage restoration service providers like SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville.

Protect Your Valuables

If you can, try to elevate your valuable items to prevent further damage. For instance, transfer all appliances from the ground and place them on the shelves or on high tables. Also, secure the valuables that are in contact with the water such as the furniture and larger electronic equipment. Use raised blocks or metallic foils to protect the legs of furniture and electronics. You can place the wooden or metallic blocks and foils beneath your furniture or electronics. Protecting your business valuables prevents possible irreversible damage to them. This way, you are likely to eliminate the need to replace some of the materials or undertake costly repairs.

Often, commercial water damage in your business locations may be overwhelming. Do not worry, as SERVPRO of Belle Meade West Nashville is ready to offer professional cleaning and water damage restoration services to Nashville clients.

Handwritten Testimonial

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville, it is always our very great pleasure and honor to serve the people of West Nashville and the surrounding areas. We work hard to make sure our clients get the very best care and value when doing business with us, and we take whatever time is necessary to make sure that happens, each and every day.

Dealing with property restoration, renovation, or cleanup can be very stressful, and our SERVPRO team understands that. We are here to help you, our customer, and to try to make what can be a tough situation just a little bit easier. We focus on clear and correct communication and professional behavior to help set your mind at ease.

It’s a wonderful thing to receive a letter like this one we are sharing today that expresses such appreciation for our efforts:

“What great people you have!!!

Have met three of them and they are all wonderful men who represent you well. Mike and Jason are here today working in my lot garage and my guest bathroom.

Manners - gentlemen. Workers - hardworking. Humans - showing kindness and making a messy situation better because they are here!

The first gentleman's name I did not catch.

Thomas - Checked with Mike and Jason. He made it plain to builder’s company what needed to happen so that neither would come back on them and we/ I would get sick in future as he talked with builders rep. So very thankful for him spelling it out for Lia and for me. Polite but firm and professional.

When something bad or smelly happens and things get wet, damaged, etc, it's nice to know that kind men will drive up and fix things.

How can we ever thank you for hiring them? Bless you!”

Jim and Jane M.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville,, we are dedicated to our customers and our community. We specialize in clean-up projects both large and small that can be needed property damages from water or fire, and we are also specialists in mold remediation. When disaster strikes, contact us immediately for the best in customer care. Our phone number is (615) 242-9391, or click here:: SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville to visit our website. We look forward to speaking with you!

Restoring Damaged Medical Documents

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Experiencing the damage of documentation through an accident or disaster in any office or business can create problems for the business owner and staff, but when that business is a medical office, it becomes much more serious, due to the specific requirements of the HIPAA laws. The private medical information of all persons is something that simply cannot be lost or mishandled, and our team is dedicated to the proper and careful recovery and restoration of such data.

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville was recently called upon to restore documents from a local medical office that had been damaged by contaminated water, and we employed all of our expertise to ensure that the project was completed in a timely, professional, and safe manner.

Our technicians worked diligently to fulfill all HIPAA compliance requirements, understanding that  the privacy and protection of all personal information of the office’s patients is of the utmost importance. The team was very organized and methodical in its processes, making sure that all the information captured during the restoration was as thoroughly documented and complete as possible; after the restoration was complete, it was of vital importance that the medical staff could get back to work serving their patients with the most accurate data and records available for the benefit of all!

All during the restoration, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville diligently followed a policy of providing daily communication to the office itself and the insurance company to ensure that all involved parties were updated on the progress of the project at all times. We also provided complete documentation to the office that pertained to HIPAA compliance in their medical record keeping.

Good indoor air quality has to be maintained during a project involving the restoring of documents, and the SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville technicians understand this and took great care to ensure the air quality met the required standards.

Once the documents had been restored or recreated, it was important that all negatively impacted files were handled properly. Key information was gathered and recorded so that the office would have on file all that was required to be in their possession, and the damaged files were destroyed, with that destruction documented properly according to all requirements.

In the event that your home or business is impacted by a disaster or accident and your vital documents and records are damaged, call the team at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville and talk with us about restoration. We have the experience and expertise to restore these types of records, and we understand privacy law compliance. Visit our website:  SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville, or call us today (615) 242-9391.

Three Water Damage Prevention Tips

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

We all know what water damage to homes and businesses look like after a flood or a heavy rain. Oftentimes, events such as these are unexpected, and if we aren’t prepared for what may happen during a stormy season, we can suffer more water damage than we need to.

• DO REGULAR INSPECTIONS. Take a good look around your home or place of business; are you prepared for wet weather? Do exterior doors fit as tightly as they should, and are both doors and windows properly weather-stripped? The roof of your office or warehouse needs to be well-maintained, too, to protect your machinery, product, and staff furniture from water damage. The parking lot or driveway of your home or business needs to have a well-planned drainage system so that clients, employees, and family members can get to and from their vehicles safely. If people have to wade in from their cars, floors will suffer, and a slip-and-fall accident due to wet floors can be a disaster. Inspect the parking lots of your business regularly for potholes, especially after a storm. If you know you’ll see a lot of run-off from the parking area, consider using sandbags. Low-lying buildings next to a parking lot full of water can end up flooding, and you will want to plan ahead to prevent that from happening.

• DO REGULAR UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE. Rain gutters and spouts need to be checked on a regular basis. If your rain gutters become clogged with debris such as dead leaves or small branches, they aren’t going to be able to drain away rain water. As water backs up, it can leak back into the walls of your building, sometimes without you knowing it, and you can find yourself with water damage, and even mold. These types of issues can be alleviated by regular maintenance.

• COMMUNICATE WITH PUBLIC SERVICES. Power lines and telephone poles near to your home place of business can be an issue when storm season comes if they are not in good condition. Contact your utilities companies and have them come take a look prior to wet weather to make sure you, your business, and your employees and loved ones will be safe. Be aware of the condition of any large trees on your property. If the grounds of your place of business become saturated, a tree with an unstable root base can fall and create problems for you, your employees, and your customers. Some trees and plants are the city’s responsibility, depending on where they are placed. Make sure you know who to call should the time come.

The team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is standing ready to help in any way we can! We have the expertise to handle water and fire damage, and specialize in mold remediation. If you have sustained water damage to your property, give us a call today at (615) 242-9391, or visit  on our website: SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville

Summer Water Saving Tips

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Every state is experiencing the effects of drought, and saving water is on everyone’s mind these days. We waste a lot of water; our showers are too long, and we are often obsessed with an emerald green lawn. We need to change the way we handle and view water and leave behind the outdated and inefficient water management systems of the past.

Here are some tips that will help you save water this summer. Your water bill will be reduced, and you can save yourself some time into the bargain as well as doing some good for the Earth.

1. Water your yard in the cool parts of the day. Water evaporates more quickly when it’s hot, so run your irrigation system while it’s most likely to stay with your lawn. Make sure you are not watering your sidewalk or your driveway, too. A drip system works quite well in this respect. Replacing your thirsty lawn with a drought tolerant garden would be a great way to save water, and it won’t have to be mowed every week!
2. Check for leaky toilets. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking, and could be wasting up to 100 gallons of water a day!
3. Take shorter showers. Trimming just two minutes off of your showers can save up to 1700 gallons of water a year. One way to do this is to turn off the shower while you shave or soap up. Install water-efficient shower heads, toilets, and faucets for a savings of thousands of gallons per year as well.
4. Cover the pool. Make sure the water in your pool stays there by covering it when you are not using it. This will prevent water loss by evaporation.
5. Use a car wash. Washing your car by hand can easily use 100 gallons of water, and takes a lot of time and effort, as well. Commercial car washes average 40 gallons or less!
6. Trap rain water. Collect the water from summer rain storms by getting a water barrel. You can reuse this water for your garden. Green roofs, rain gardens, and other water-saving techniques are called green infrastructure and go a long way towards saving this most precious resource. More and more landowners and city governments are choosing to invest in these and other innovative strategies as ways to save water, reduce pollution, and save millions, and even billions, in costs for new water tanks, tunnels, and other traditional water infrastructures.

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is here to help you with all your home and business needs. Call us today at (615) 242-9391, or visit our website: SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville

Keep Your Belle Meade Business Safe from Water Damage This Winter

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

We’ve all seen the news reports and social media posts showing water damage to homes and businesses after a flood or a heavy rain. Most of the time, disasters like that are unexpected. If we aren’t prepared for what may happen during storm or winter seasons, we can suffer more water damage than we need to.

The steady rains of winter or snow and ice can present a lot of problems. Take a good look around your home or place of business; are you prepared for whatever comes? Do exterior doors fit tightly and close as they should, and are both doors and windows properly weather-stripped? The roof of your office or warehouse needs to be well kept to protect machinery, product, and furniture from water damage.

The parking lot or driveway of your home or business needs to have a well-planned drainage system so that clients, employees, and family members can get to and from their vehicles safely. If people have to wade in from their cars, floors will suffer, and a slip-and-fall accident due to wet floors can be a disaster.

Inspect parking lots regularly for potholes, especially after a storm. The last thing you need is a bill for damages to a vehicle due to deep potholes. If you know you’ll see a lot of run-off from the parking area, consider sand-bagging those areas that will be affected. Low-lying buildings next to a parking lot full of water can end up flooding, and that can be prevented.

Rain gutters and spouts need to be checked on a regular basis, too. If your rain gutters become clogged with debris such as dead leaves or small branches, they aren’t going to be able to drain away rain water. As water backs up, it can leak back into the walls of your building, sometimes without you knowing it, and you can find yourself with water damage, and even mold.

Power lines and telephone poles near to your place of business can be a possible issue. Contact your utilities companies and have them come take a look prior to wet weather to make sure you, your business, and your employees will be safe. Be aware of the condition of any large trees on your property; if the grounds become saturated, a tree with an unstable root base can become a really big hazard.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville, we are standing ready to help in any way we can. If you have sustained water damage to your property, give us a call today at (615) 454 9215. Or visit us on our website: http://www.SERVPRObellemeadewestnashville.com

Keeping Rugs Clean And Free From Water Damage

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Most of us have area rugs in our homes and places of businesses, and they are great for keeping feet warm and making our living and working spaces look great. They also take a beating during the winter, when people entering and leaving our homes and businesses are out walking in bad weather - rain, snow, and ice, and tracking in mud and water.

Water can damage your rugs, and if they are not cared for right away, mold can set in and spread, even in cold weather.

A daily vacuum of area rugs is always a good idea, and if they are damp or wet, they should be removed right away and placed somewhere warm to dry out. Puddles can form if people come in from a snowy day, and those puddles can stay underneath an area rug for a long time, undetected. So always check the rugs in your walkways and other rooms to see if any puddled water is hiding underneath. Causing damages to rug and floor alike.

Damp rugs can smell unpleasant, as well. Baking soda can be used to deodorize area rugs and carpets during wet weather. A single layer sprinkled on a rug and left for 15 minutes or so and then vacuumed up can make a big difference by fighting odor in your living and work spaces, and can also keep mold from starting to take hold.

Using a dry carpet shampoo can be very useful as well. These products can be sprayed on to a rug or carpet, and left for an particular length of time, which will remove spots and stains when they are vacuumed up, leaving your area rug or carpet looking great again! In addition, many of these products contain ingredients that will discourage mold from starting to grow and spread, damaging your floors.

The wet weather of winter is always a challenge, but being prepared and proactive will help you survive till spring!

Your friends at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville are always there to help with water, fire, and mold damages to your home or business.  You can contact them through their website:

http://www.SERVPRObellemeadewestnashville.com/

How to Keep Your Water Bill Low

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for leaks all over your house!

How to Keep Your Water Bill Low

A significant number of buildings that get mold growth in Nashville get it as a result of water leakage. We can tell that the water bills have gone up in addition to mold problems. There are many other areas where water gets lost or is wasted. You can lower your water bills by dealing with these areas. Here are some tips.

Wash full loads with your laundry machine and dishwasher

A partial load uses as much water as a full load. However, you will be required to wash more often. With a full load, you conserve water by washing less often.

Use a low flow shower head and water efficient toilet

A low flow shower-head can cut your water usage by almost half while at the same time offering a similar experience. Water-efficient toilets can reduce the consumption of water by over 40 percent.

Repair leaking faucets

Our SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville teams encountered a few homes which were damaged by leaking faucets and blocked drainage. Water filled the sinks and drained to the flow. Leaking faucets can cause water damage in addition to wasting water. Do not ignore that drop that is falling every few seconds; it might be making up for up to 10 percent of your water bill.

Harvest rainwater

Attach rain barrels to the eavestrough downspout to harvest rainwater. You can irrigate your kitchen garden and the lawn or wash your car and other outdoor equipment with the water and not pay a dime for it.

Water your lawn in the evening or early morning

Water your lawn before the sun comes up. This way, you will not be losing the water to evaporation. Moreover, do not overwater your lawn. Use a time to set the length of the period that you will water the lawn depending on the soil dryness.

Turn off water when not using it while doing tasks like brushing, shaving or cleaning items

Do not leave the water running when you are actually not using it as you complete the tasks such as brushing your teeth, shaving, or other such tasks. Shut the water off and then on when you need to use it.

At SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville, we believe that you can cut your water bills by almost 40 percent by following the above water conservation best practices. Give it a try!

Preventing Water Damage While You're Away on Vacation

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

Take these steps to keep your home safe from water damage while you travel!

One of the highest insurance claims in Nashville by homeowners is water damage, according to a study done by the Insurance Information Institute. In fact, leaky pipes and in often cases appliances cause millions of dollars of damage in freezing weather and storms annually. While you’re on vacation, it’s no surprise that a leaky pipe can burst and cause hundreds of dollars of repairs. This is why it’s important to read our steps below on how to prevent water damage to your home while you’re away.

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Before embarking on your trip, check pipes under your sinks and the water heater for any rust, cracks, or damage. You should also check the seals around your windows to make sure there are no cracks that might cause water damage. Additionally, check the exterior of your house and see what condition your roof shingles are in. If any show damage, getting them replaced before leaving for vacation is a good idea.

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

It’s important that you inspect the hoses that connect to important appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, and refrigerator. If there is any damage, you should get the hose replaced before you leave to prevent extensive water damage.

Step 3. Clear Out Your Gutters

Make sure to get any debris out of your rain gutters before leaving for vacation. This way, you won’t have any blockages that can cause damage while you’re away.

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Make sure it is in good condition and clear any debris from clogging the pit. You should also run a few tests, listening to the sounds it makes and making sure that the water in the pump is actually going outside. You should also install a battery-powered backup in case there is a power outage while you’re away.

Step 5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you are planning on being away from your home during the winter, it can be a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes. This will prevent them from freezing while you are away.

Step 6. Get Someone to Check on Your Home

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you are gone. Instruct them to ensure that the heat is always on if your vacation is during the winter. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 7. Turn Off the Water

Lastly, if you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main. You will also want to drain the pipes completely so that they do not freeze or burst during the colder months. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. You should also open the cabinets under your sink to let the warm air surround the pipes.

If you do experience water damage while you are away from your home, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville as soon as possible.

Spotting Water Damage Early

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Be on the lookout for these signs of water damage!

Spotting Water Damage Early

Water is one of the most important natural resources. However, when there is a leak in your roof or plumbing system, water damage will make for one of the most stressful problems you will face as a homeowner. Before water can cause damage to your property, you will need to identify the problem and request professional help.

Standing water

If you notice standing water around your property, you should suspect a problem with the plumbing system or flooding. Regardless of the source of the problem, stagnant water will weaken the foundation of your home if allowed to stand for a considerable period of time. The water will also form a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Water spots and stains

Another common sign to look for is water spots and stains on your walls and ceilings. While there will be no visible water in such cases, any leaks that manifest in this form could damage your drywall or wooden flooring. Once you notice this sign, you should consider assessing the extent of the damage to take the necessary measures.

Mold

If part of your home is damp and has been out of sunlight for a while, mold may start growing on the surface. While it is possible to treat and remove mold that grows on these surfaces, it would be important to hire the best experts in Nashville.

Evidence on walls

If your drywall is sagging or appears to be saturated, this could be a sign that water is causing damage to your property. Some of the other subtle signs you should never ignore include bubbling or peeling paint. Such defects should be repaired before water deteriorates your building material further.

Musty smells

If your home is not well ventilated, odors and smells will be trapped in the space in case there is a persistent leak. The smells will not only be a sign of damp areas but could also be an indication of mold growth.

Sounds of water running

When you are sleeping at night and the house is quiet, you may hear sounds of running water in the pipes or dripping inside the walls. This could be a sign of water damage.

Once you have noticed any signs of water damage, it is advisable to call a reliable company to carry out repairs. SERVPRO of Belle Meade has the expertise and experience to help you address such problems and prevent them from recurring.

3 Places Water Leaks Could be Hiding in Your Home

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Check these areas to make sure water is not damaging your home!

If you are a homeowner in Nashville, you know the danger that water damage can cause to your house. Sneaky leaks and unforeseen plumbing problems can cost you more than an increased water bill. They can cause massive damage to your home, and repairs can be in the thousands of dollars. Last year, almost 40 percent of homes suffered some sort of water damage, ranging from a frozen pipe bursting to leaky roofs. Out of these 40 percent of homes, 93 percent of the incidents could have been prevented! Read through this article to find out 3 of the most common ways that water damage can be in your home, without your knowledge! If you do find damage from water in your home, give SERVPRO of Belle Meade a call. We can give you a quote for water damage restoration, and help you get through the pain of water damage.

Leaky Pump Valves

One of the most common ways that water leaks can happen in your home, comes from the pumps that are in your shower or central air system. These pumps, while rugged, are not impervious to wear and tear. The valves in them often go for years without service, and by the time you can see the damage that they've caused, it is often too late. The water seeping out of the valves can cause floorboards to be destroyed, or cause mold to grow around the area of the pump. The best practice is to give a water restoration company a call and have them assess the damage.

Leaks from the Bathtub

Another sneaky way that water can damage your home, comes from your bathtub. If the watertight seal around the tub is somehow broken, not all the water from your long shower or bath will end up down the drain. It may take a few days to finally notice, but that notice will be shocking. If you have an upstairs bathroom, that notice may come in the form of water dripping from your ceiling, right before the ceiling begins to sink down from the added weight of the water. If your bathroom is downstairs, you may not notice the leak for a longer period of time, allowing for the water under the bathtub to eat away at wood flooring. The worst outcome from the leaking bathtub is that mold growth is almost inevitable!

Hidden Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are some of the most common leaks that happen in a home. This makes them the most important place to watch for a runaway leak, and one of the most important places to have inspected by SERVPRO of Belle Meade. Toilet leaks that are not immediately visible to the homeowner can cause massive damage over a long period of time, much like the bathtub leaks mentioned above. A leaking gasket or valve can cause water to pool under the toilet fixture, eating away at the floor of your home.

If you think you might have a leaking valve, give SERVPRO of Belle Meade a call. They can inspect your home for potential leaks, and evaluate the risk these leaks can pose to your home.

4 Tips to Keep Your Crawlspace Clean and Dry

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your home – keep your crawl space clean!

If you have a crawlspace beneath your home, it's crucial to keep that area clean and dry. Dirty, damp crawl spaces not only encourage mold and mildew growth, but also provide a perfect environment for snakes, rats, spiders, or even termite infestations.

These tips will help you in cleaning your crawl space and keeping the area dry and protected.

1. Prevent Water Leaks

Standing water and mold are common problems in dirt crawl spaces. The first step in keeping your crawl space free of moisture is to eliminate water leakage. This can be accomplished with the installation of a sump pump to rid the crawl space of standing water and help dry out the area. If the crawl space is very damp or wet, you can also use a humidifier to enhance the drying process.

2. Improve your Home Drainage

Once you have a system in place for removing water from your crawl space, the next step is to prevent as much moisture as possible from entering. Groundwater seepage is one of the most prominent ways crawl spaces become damp. You can prevent this by improving drainage around the foundation with soil that's graded at least 0.5 inches per foot, sloping away from the house.

Provide Better Insulation

There are many ways moisture can get into your crawl space and a number of ways you can prevent that from happening. One way is to lay down a heavy-duty plastic moisture barrier on the floor of your crawl space to prevent ground moisture from condensing in the space.

You can also use moisture-proof insulation for any exposed foundation walls. Also, install additional vapor barriers on the walls of the crawlspace. This forces moisture toward the sump pump rather than into your Nashville home's foundation.

4. Use Commercial Cleaning Services

If your crawlspace is currently damp, dirty, infested with mold or mildew growth, or suffering from standing water problems, SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville can help you restore your crawl space to a clean, dry condition. Our expert cleaning technicians will provide mold removal or mold remediation services as necessary. We will completely dry out your crawl space, and install protective measures to help keep the space beneath your home dry, clean, and free from contamination and critters.

Contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville to tackle all your tough cleaning jobs, including home crawl spaces and mold/mildew removal. Our highly trained technicians deliver prompt, professional services for all aspects of residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services.

Your Recently Flooded Office Does Not Have to Smell Like the Cumberland River, Nashville

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

The Cumberland is beautiful, but it does not need to run through your office!

Let's face it, weather happens. Whether it's storms or a good soaking rain, mother nature can do a number on your property. When the water inside is almost as treacherous as outside, Nashville knows who to call. And that's SERVPRO of Belle Meade.

When you've got major water damage, you don't want to wait. And SERVPRO of Belle Meade won't make you. We're available 24 hours a day for an immediate response. We understand the severity of water damage and why it's important to arrive promptly. We also understand that water related disasters may not be your area of expertise. But you can trust us because it's ours. Our representative will ask the right questions over the phone to know the right type of equipment for our staff to bring. Once there, you can be assured that our well-trained team has things under control. They will devise the right plan for your property, be it a home, business or even construction site, depending on the extent of the damage. Before any repair work can be done, our professionals do the necessary tasks of stopping the infilling of water and checking for additional safety concerns, such as asbestos or lead. We don't slap a band aid on the problem. We ensure the essential work is done before we set about restoring.

Removing the water from your property caused by flood damage requires a major effort of both man and machine. SERVPRO of Belle Meade assists in moving furniture and even carpet where necessary. Move out service is even available if it is determined that your belongings are safer off of the property. Then we use state of the art equipment, including truck, mounted vacuum units, to pump up to hundreds of thousands of gallons of water out. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of mold and secondary water damage. We make this a priority because we know you'd rather not have to call us again.

No one has ever said they love the smell of drying walls or floors in the morning. We take the process of deodorization very seriously. Our air scrubber and deodorization equipment go above and beyond to remove offensive post-waterlogged odors. Instead of covering up bad smells, we eliminate them. We use the best quality in equipment to keep floors, walls, and furniture from coming away warped.

We also specialize in cleaning and restoring individual belongings damaged by water. We provide rebuilding services where needed during the restoration process. We do it all and we do it fast when untimely and inconvenient water damage wreaks havoc on your property. All you have to do is call us. We handle the rest.

Be Safe with Water-Damaged Electronics/Appliances

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Always take extreme caution with water damage in your home!

Water damage can occur for many different reasons. Sometimes, it happens as the result of a flood due to heavy rains. Other times, it may be due to an inside flood, such as when a pipe or a water heater bursts. Whatever the case may be, if you are dealing with water damage or water-damaged electronics, appliances, or other devices, you need to proceed with extreme caution. The best thing you can do, after water damage has occurred, is to call on Nashville professionals who are familiar with dealing with such damage, such as our skilled pros at SERVPRO of Belle Meade. In the meantime, make sure you practice some good safety tips with the water damaged devices.

First things first, before you start thinking about possible water damage restoration, you need to make sure that you are not in immediate danger and that the devices that you own are not going to cause a fire or another serious incident.

After water damage has occurred, check your home to see if you have any damaged devices plugged in. If you find that you do, shut off the electricity at the breaker level. This will keep damaged devices from being able to start a fire. You should not touch, go near, or inspect any devices that are plugged in until you are certain that the electricity is off. Following this important tip will help you to avoid electric shock.

Believe it or not, it is not only plugged in water damaged electronics that pose a risk. Any device that contains a battery can also pose a serious risk. Thus, it's best to let our pros at SERVPRO of Belle Meade handle any such devices if you think they may have been damaged. At the very least, before touching any battery operated device, ensure that it is not giving off heat or smoke, bulging, melting, or making strange sounds. All these types of things are major warning signs that something serious and potentially dangerous is wrong with the battery!

As you can see, you're not always in the clear once the water subsides! To keep safe, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Belle Meade before you do anything. At the very least, follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

What to Do if There Is a Water Leak Around a Window

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

The natural elements can wear down the integrity of a home. Over time, the homeowner may notice leakage around a window, which can possibly result in wood rot, mold and water damage. The longer the leak is left unaddressed, the more the repairs will cost.

Locate the Problem

Even a slow drip can mean that more water is sitting inside of the wall. Once a homeowner notices moisture trickling from a window when it rains, the first step is to carefully look at the wall around the area to find the source of the leak. However, thanks to gravity, appearances can be deceiving; liquid may pool in one place, but that place is not always the leak's origin.

Two common problem areas are the edge and the rubber seal. The gap between the edge and the surrounding wall is usually sealed with caulk. Eventually, the caulk dries out and begins to peel and chip. Like caulk, the rubber seal situated between the panes and frame can ultimately dry out, creating rips in the rubber.

Gauge the Severity of Damage

Depending on the severity of the damage, the window may need to be replaced. A replacement is usually warranted when decaying or softness is found on nearby surfaces. However, even if the surrounding surfaces seem to be structurally sound, the homeowner should not just re-caulk the gaps without getting an expert's opinion on the full extent of the damage.

SERVPRO Can Help

A specialist at SERVPRO of Belle Meade can determine whether any ceiling tiles or drywall have sustained damage. After he assesses the situation, the restoration technician will give the homeowner the best remediation option to make the damage disappear. By acting quickly, the homeowner can prevent expensive repairs in the future. SERVPRO of Belle Meade is always ready to help the residents of Nashville and the city's surrounding communities solve their water damage problems.

How To Care For Hardwood Floors After Water Damage

5/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Belle Meade can keep your hardwood floors in great condition even after water damage

Welcome to SERVPRO of Belle Meade and Nashville. Our company can help restore your hardwood floors after home water damage from storms, major appliance leaks, or malfunctions like a burst pipe.

Whenever you have water damage at home, give us a call. Some jobs need expert equipment and materials to remedy and warped hardwood floors are one of those jobs. If you want to get a start before we arrive, following these tips could help stem the tide of damage.

After removing wet items from the area, use a wet vacuum, such as a ShopVac, to remove as much of the water as possible. Go over the entire area multiple times, because even when you can’t see any more water on the floor, the vacuum may be still working to suction the rest of the water out of small cracks and crevices in the floor. Next, clean the surface with a disinfectant floor cleaner that doesn’t foam or suds. Something like Mr. Clean is a good choice.

Next, put a dehumidifier in the affected area and leave it running for at least a full day to further dry out the area. Also, consider putting fans in the room to help with the drying process. If it’s not humid outside or raining, you can open any windows as well.

When the floor is completely dry, check for signs of mold or mildew, and if you see any, treat it with a paste-like mixture of baking soda and water. Do not use bleach on your wood floors. If you can address the water damage problem right away, it’s more likely you’ll be able to salvage them. According to the EPA, mold can start growing in moist areas within 48-72 hours of the first initial contact the floors have with moisture. Time is critical when drying out hardwood floors affected by water and excess moisture.

Seeking out professional help is a good idea when the problem is in a large area or you think it’s not something you can handle yourself. SERVPRO of Belle Meade has sophisticated commercial equipment that helps pull moisture from underneath the floorboards for effective drying and allowing moisture to be released, even from the smallest of places. Moreover, if the damage occurs as the result of a natural disaster or some other weather event, your homeowner’s insurance may cover all or part of the damages that occur, so keep that in mind as well.

How SERVPRO of Belle Meade can help you recover from Flood Damage

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

We can help you recover from flood damage

Flood damage can strike when you least expect it. Whether you are dealing with the fallout of another major flood or you have water damage from a leaky pipe, SERVPRO of Belle Meade has the tools and experience to solve your problem. Working with the professionals is not only a good way to keep your space dry, but the best way to reduce the damage that can be caused by flood waters.

If you've lived in the Middle Tennessee region for more than a few years, you know that flooding is a real possibility. From unseasonable rain to issues surrounding the lakes and rivers, your property could be at risk for water damage. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Belle Meade has great experience dealing with these problems. Our company will not only help you to dry out your damaged spaces, but it will also help you to find any damage that can't be seen with the naked eye. This will help you to avoid further problems from rot and mold while helping you avoid the issues that can decrease the value of your property.

Nashville's First Choice in Residential Water Damage Control

Remember, water damage doesn't only come from floods - something as simple as a leaky pipe can cause major damage in your home. If you find yourself on the wrong side of water damage of any sort, make sure to give SERVPRO of Belle Meade a call. We use the same equipment and expertise we use for flood damage to deal with your other water-based problems. They can also help you track down the source of your damage fast. If you're looking to save your home from damage, this is the best way to do so.

SERVPRO of Belle Meade is the Leader in Water Damage Repair

Whether you are dealing with the fallout of an unseasonable flood or you have a residential plumbing issue that causes a backup, we can help you. The last thing you need when dealing with this type of damage is to worry about the people who can quickly help you, so we only work with the best. Remember, water damage can be hard to spot on your own, and it can be even harder to fix - so don't try to tackle this type of problem without professional help.

 If you live in the Nashville or Belle Meade area and need an evaluation, don't hesitate to give us a call!

Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter Nashville

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

Let the water drip to prevent frozen pipes!

As we continue to list safety ideas for you to consider this winter, we have one today that carries a little more potential for costly damage due to the nature of when and where the disaster can occur. Frozen water pipes in your home can be a costly and damaging incident that can be prevented with some vigilance and preventative measures. Yes, even Nashville winters carry the potential to wreak havoc in homes with frozen or burst pipes. So, let’s make sure you are as safe as possible this season by informing you of some well-known tips and popular tricks to keep your water flowing and your pipes safe and sound.

First, let’s talk about the what, how and and why of frozen pipes. As many of you know, when water freezes it expands. In cases of extreme cold, ice can expand to the point of breaking through or bursting your pipes that have water sitting in them.

Crawl spaces, attics, garages and similar places that are more exposed to the outside temperature without insulation are the most likely areas where pipe breakage will occur. So for these areas, it is important to drain the supply lines or remove the hoses that are commonly left in the cold. Swimming pools and water hoses are easy areas to begin the process. Speak to plumber about having insulation, or perhaps a pipe-sleeve, added to trouble areas. Keep the garage door closed if water supply lines are inside.

An area that sees potential for loss every year is families travelling for the holidays and pipes bursting when no one will know for an extended amount of time. No one wants to come home from the airport or after a long drive and see water all over the floor or running water trickling to a standstill. But don’t fear, there are ways to prevent these events as well. It is highly recommended to keep your thermostat no lower than 55?  while away from home. Some sources say even while home, keep the same temperature at night as you do during the day. We will leave that to your discretion as it could result in a higher than normal heating bill but possibly prevent a high repair charge.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen but not broken, it is possible to thaw the pipe and resume regular use. An indicator that a pipe is frozen is water trickling from a faucet when it would normally flow fast and free. If you locate a section you believe to be frozen, apply a heating pad or hair dryer while keeping the faucet open. If the water begins to run after some time warming, you found the area!  If you can’t never try something you are not comfortable with. Phone a plumber and have an expert do the work. You can also ask for quotes on proper insulation for your pipes so they don’t freeze again in the future.

Enjoy your holidays Nashville and keep your pipes safe to prevent water damage to your home! If a disaster does occur, SERVPRO of Belle Meade is ready to help.

We Can Save Your Wood Floors from Water Damage Nashville!

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

Our water extraction services are second to none!

It brings our team of professionals great pleasure to know that Nashville residents trust us when a dire situation arises. We understand that it’s normally not a happy day when you have to call a restoration or cleanup crew! So, we take great care in ensuring all customers receive stellar service when we make a visit.

We were recently able to help a customer during a stressful situation and the family was kind enough to leave an encouraging review for us! Clarence and his family experienced first-hand how damaging leaking water can be when left unchecked. Rain seeping from a window seal caused their Brazilian cherry hardwood floors to buckle! Our expertise in water extraction saved a hefty repair bill!

Here is their review in full!

“The SERVPRO employees were excellent! They were prompt in resolving our water damage issues. They were very professional and extremely knowledgeable in finding the exact solution to quickly extract the water from our home. In addition, SERVPRO was able to discard and properly treat mold [affected] areas in our home due to high levels of moisture and rain seeping through the window seal, causing our Brazilian cherry hardwood floors to buckle up. We were utterly despaired knowing it would cost thousands of dollars to repair the hardwood back to its original condition. Once again, SERVPRO was determined to assist us in every way possible. They went above and beyond using their top of the line equipment and their highly intelligent staff to eradicate the problem and restore our Brazilian cherry hardwood floors back to their original state. We salute the SERVPRO team and we highly recommend them to get the job done right. We are forever grateful for your service to our family.”

As you can tell, prompt care from our knowledgeable crew were able to help Clarence and his family. We have great tools on hand in case your documents or precious photos are damaged in the disaster too. Luckily, our vacuum freeze drying chamber was not needed for this job.

If you have any issues with water damage from rain, floods, leaking or standing water, we can help! Even if you detect mold in the home due to the damage, we have all the tools necessary to save the day! You can even search for “a SERVPRO near me” in your mobile browser and contact us directly! We’re ready to help so call today!

Water Extraction Services Conveniently in Nashville!

10/28/2016 (Permalink)

Have any pipe leaks checked out as soon as possible!

If your home has been flooded due to a natural event, busted water pipe or from a fire, you must act fast. Water damage can cause serious damage to your home and create an environment in which mold can flourish. It is highly important that you contact a water extraction company as soon as possible. The value of your property and the health of your family could be at risk, so you need to ask fast.

Water extraction is a complicated process that must be done right the first time around. If all moisture is not removed from the home, mold could take root and slowly infect your home. Certain types of mold can cause serious health problems for your family and can even be deadly! This mold will often go undetected until health issue starts to come to light. It’s important to ensure that your home is completely free of moisture which will help protect your family from the mold.

If you find yourself in a situation needing water extraction, be prepared to do the following:

1. Move out temporarily.
2. Contact your local water extraction technicians.
3. Examine the carpet.
4. See water removal equipment invade your living space. (The aftermath makes it worth it)

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Belle Meade is a leader in the industry and has helped hundreds of families, just like yours, recover from water damage. Getting your home back to normal as quickly as possible is important to you. So, if you face a serious water issue, why not contact them today? They will work hard to remove the water from your home and help you get your life back. They know just how serious water damage can be. Call now to speak with one of the representatives from the company.

Our Vacuum Freeze Drying Chamber Can Recover Your Important Photos and Documents!

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

You memories might not be lost forever

Don't Let a Sprinkler Leak at Your Nashville Residence Get You Down

3/18/2016 (Permalink)

Now that spring is on its way, you've likely started watering your grass again with an underground irrigation system. This is a great tool for handling the mundane task of preventing your grass from dying of not enough hydration. Unfortunately, not all good things are without problems. It's time to discuss ways to prevent your sprinkler system from having any problems or causing leaks.

What is low head drainage?

This is when the sprinkler continues to siphon water once the system has been turned off. This typically occurs at one of the lowest points in your yard as water drains down to that water spout. According to experts at Sprinkler Warehouse, "If a sprinkler head is located in the lowest part of the system, water will flow out of that head until an equilibrium has been reached or all of the water has emptied out of the zone's pipes."

When this happens, puddles start to form and or water flows across walkways and driveways. This can be prevented by a few adjustments being made to your system or the installation of a drain check valve.

How does a broken pipe occur?

A broken pipe can occur in the main line or lateral line of an irrigation system. In the main line, there is continuous pressure, so if there is a break or leak in this pipe, then water is continuing to run. Unfortunately, this can cause erosion or a wet spot. Attention needs to be made to this problem immediately so that the water line can be completely turned off for repair.

A lateral line reaches different zones in your yard and are under pressure when the system is running. It can be hard to detect a leak because it's only visible when the system is on and you have to notice which zone actually has the leak. Regardless of its location, it too can cause erosion or holes in your lawn. If you notice a leak in your irrigation system, it can be fixed and should be addressed fairly quickly.

Use this information to keep an eye out for any leaks or problems that could arise this Spring.

The dangers of a leaky roof on your Nashville home

2/9/2016 (Permalink)

There are several dangers that come along with a leaky roof. The water entering the home not only causes damage to interior and structure, but can also become a health and fire hazard as well. Although it can be expensive and time consuming to repair or replace a roof, it’s important to take immediate action when a leak is noticed. Angie's List gives us some insight on the dangers that occur from a leak in your Nashville home.

1.    Attic and ceiling damage

The first place that a roof leak hits is the attic or internal ceiling of the home, causing ceiling plaster to expand, bubble and darken. The water can also damage ceiling fans and light fixtures.

2.    Interior mold

One of the more serious issues that occur from a roof leak is mold growth. The consequences of letting the water settle without repairing the leak immediately can be harmful to your health. Mold damage can spread throughout the home’s structure, HVAC system and into personal belongings

3.    Fire hazard from water damage

Water isn’t aware of the material that it’s landing on when a leak occurs. If and when water gets exposed to shorted wires (such as some wires that could be placed across your attic), this can pose as a serious fire hazard.

4.    High utility bills/wasted energy

As water leaks in through the roof, it causes damage to the insulation in the attic. Over time, this damage can cause your home to lose a large amount of hot and cold air, resulting in higher bills and the use of more energy.

5.    Compromised structure

Water can be a powerful force of nature, especially when exposed to the same area over time. When water causes a roof to leak, it can also damage other areas of the home’s structure such as rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing and exterior trim. 

Waterproof the foundation of your Nashville home to prevent water damage

1/13/2016 (Permalink)

Waterproofing your Nashville home keeps your foundation dry and prevents water and structural damage from occurring over time. According to Enlightenme, there are several ways to waterproof your foundation from the inside and outside of your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check your home and get it protected before the next storm hits.

Exterior

·      Drainage – This type of waterproofing method works by having gravel and a drainpipe installed into your landscape to collect the excess water and carry it away from the foundation of your Nashville home.

·      Waterproofing exterior membranes – These are applied by using a brush or roller directly on the foundation of the home. They are usually made by polyurethane to create a waterproof seal to prevent water from entering the home.

Interior

·      Drainage/sump pump systems – Drainage pipes and tiles are placed around the perimeter of the foundation to direct water to the sump pump in your home, allowing it to exit the home and flow away from the foundation.

·      Waterproofing interior membranes – Just as there are materials to waterproof the exterior of your home, there are also materials to protect the inside also. These are applied to the inside walls of the foundation and stop moisture from entering the lower levels of the home.

Make sure your sump pump is working properly in your Nashville home to avoid water damage

1/8/2016 (Permalink)

Sump pumps are essential to homes that have lower levels. When homes have levels below the sewer line, it can cause water to collect in inconvenient places such as a basement or lower level utility room. Sump pumps ensure that the water drains properly and does not collect in your home causing water damage. Just like any other device, it is important to make sure that the pump is working properly and maintained. EHow gives a list of actions to take in order to check your sump pump thoroughly before the next storm hits.

1.     Find the outlet pipe that allows the water to drain outside of your home. Make sure that there aren’t any clogs or damages done to the drain making it impossible for water to exit the home and flow away from the foundation.

2.     Locate the sump pump in the lower level of your home and check the inside of it to ensure that the pump is not clogged with debris. Also, make sure that the pump is plugged in. It is electrical, so if it is not plugged in, it will not run when needed.

3.     Since you don’t want to wait for a storm to pass through in order to test out the sump pump, there are other ways to make sure it works before mother nature hits. Slowly pour approximately 5 gallons of water into the pump to simulate if a storm were to hit. As you pour, watch for it to turn on and start pumping the water out of your home. It should start pumping when the water reaches about 8-12 inches below the basement floor.

4.     If your sump pump contains a float in the basin, make sure that it is also functioning properly and not caught on anything while running the test. This float is what lets the sump pump know when the water reaches a certain height and activates the pump.

It’s important to test the sump pump every couple of months to ensure that it is working properly to avoid water damage in your Nashville home. Make any necessary repairs and replacements if there are issues that occur while testing the pump.

Clean out your gutters to avoid flood damage in your Nashville home

12/11/2015 (Permalink)

As the temperature drops, we’re starting to see colder mornings and nights that will soon turn into us cleaning frost off of our windshields and making sure that the car is warm enough to sit in on the way to work. With the colder temperature also comes the harsher weather. It gets harder to stay out in the cold during these blustering days, especially when it’s for housework, but it’s important to stay on top of work that needs done to ensure your home is safe from flood or water damage.

With the gutters sitting way above eye level on your home, people sometimes forget that they need attention. Not cleaning your gutters can lead to excessive damage in the future. They are the important part of your home that keeps water away from your foundation and roof. If they aren’t cleaned properly or on a regular basis, they can clog up and cause overflow of water, forcing it into your home. The backup of material in your gutters can also lead to mold and bacteria growth.

Cleaning your gutters does not have to be done every other week or even every other month. It’s good to clean them biannually. Make sure that there is not a build up of leaves, twigs or even nesting materials from animals that will block water flow.

Depending on the size of your home, it can be an easy and quick process to complete, but obviously a tough job for someone who has a fear of heights. To clean your gutters, you’ll need a ladder tall enough to reach the top of your house, rubber gloves, a small rake, trash bag and a hose. QuickenLoans explains how to clean out your gutters properly with a few simple steps. 

1.     Set the ladder up so that you’re within safe reach of the gutter.

2.     With gloves on, start to remove the debris and either throw it directly into the trash bag or onto the ground to clean up later once you’re off the ladder.

3.     Once you’re done cleaning the section that is within your reach, climb down from the ladder and move it to the next section to repeat the same process.

4.     Once the gutters seem clear from all debris, hose them down to make sure that there is no extra debris stuck or clogged. This will also show you If there is a leak in your gutters that needs repaired.

If you don't feel comfortable cleaning your gutters on your own, contact a professional to help you out!

Prevent ice dams from forming on your Nashville roof this winter

11/12/2015 (Permalink)

Source - http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20557572_21099309,00.html

According to Familyhandyman.com, one-third of the heat loss in the average home is due to hot air rising through the ceiling into the attic. If you’ve ever had to go into an attic on a hot summer day, you know that the attic holds in hot air like a sauna. With the hot air compressed under the roof, it causes the roof to warm up and melt the layer of snow on top. Although the attic heat warms up the top of the roof, there is still that cold edge around the home that the heat doesn’t reach. This cold edge is where ice dams build up. The melted snow flows down the roof until it hits the ice dam where it freezes, building up an even bigger dam. The trick to keeping ice dams off of your roof and water damage out of your home this winter is by keeping your attic and roof cold enough to prevent mass melting of the snow. Here are some tricks to keep your roof cold.

·      Close up attic bypasses

Most of the heat that escapes to the attic is due to cracks near light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys, or cracks in drywall. Stopping some of those leaks may be tough to reach, but plugging them up with caulk or foam can prevent the hot air from rising into the attic and heating the roof.

·      Measure your attic insulation level

Check the depth of the insulation covering your attic to make sure that they meet building code. If there is less than 8 inches, you most likely will need to add more insulation. Most building codes require 12-14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose.

·      Increase roof ventilation

Placing vents into your roof will help ventilate the warm air and allow some cool, outdoor air to seep in, keeping the attic at a reasonable temperature. Adding vents can be a tricky task, but if you have experienced ice dams during past winters, try to focus on the areas where they have built up previously.

All of these tasks can be done to prevent ice dams, but may take some experience to complete. Contact a professional to assist with helping you cool down your roof and prevent ice dams from forming this winter.

Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter holidays

10/30/2015 (Permalink)

The cold weather always finds a way to creep up on us, making us bundle up in layers of clothes to keep warm. Although the cold weather is an indication of fun holidays and family get-togethers, it’s also a warning to make sure your Nashville home is prepared to avoid water and mold damage. Don’t let your pipes bursting ruin your holiday fun. Danny Lipford, writer of Today’s Homeowner, shares some tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing.

·      Insulate your pipes

The pipes located in your crawlspace, basement, attic and exterior walls are all crucial locations to insulate. Snap-on foam insulation can be used and secured tightly to make sure there are no gaps and joints in the pipes are completely covered.

·      Drip faucets

During cold days and nights, it helps to let your faucets drip both hot and cold water to avoid pressure build-up and keep the water moving to prevent freezing.

·      Heat pipes

Wrapping pipes with UL approved heat tape is a way to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Make sure the tape has a built-in thermostat to prevent from overheating and causing possible fire hazards. Make sure to read instructions thoroughly when using heat tape.

·      Check foundation

Having cracks in your foundation walls can cause cooler weather to get in and make it more likely for pipes to freeze. Fill the cracks with caulking or expanding foam.

Source - http://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing-and-thaw-frozen-pipes/

Ways to control the moisture in your Nashville home to prevent mold damage

10/15/2015 (Permalink)

Source - http://moldvictim.org/flood-mold-property-damage/

It’s that time of year when the climate is changing rapidly around the country and moisture is filling the air. Many storms and rainfalls are causing flood damage and leaving their mark on homes and buildings. As the water sits and dampens furnishings and materials within the home, it creates an easy breeding ground for mold to live and produce. It’s important to take control of moisture from immediately to prevent the growth of mold and mold damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives some tips on how to prevent mold. 

• Ventilation in homes is essential. We see fans in bathrooms and kitchens many times used to ventilate the area. These are important in making sure that moisture does not get trapped in the room.
• Since bathrooms are constantly filling with moisture, it’s important clean them with mold-killing cleaners.
• Be sure to clean furnishings or damp areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• Watch out for any leaks present in the home. Whether it be through the roof, the walls or even the plumbing, this allows more moisture to enter the home and create breeding grounds for mold.
• Many people don’t use carpet in rooms such as bathrooms or basements that are prone to flooding due to the fact that carpeting holds moisture easily. If carpeting or upholstery is damaged by water and is not able to be dried quickly, make sure to dispose of the property as it may be holding mold spores.
• Keep in mind that with the changes in the weather, humidity is likely to range throughout the day from the moisture in the area. Make sure that you’re keeping humidity levels as low as possible in the home. It is recommended to keep levels no higher than 50% throughout the day. Air conditioners or humidifiers can help with this.

What is the flood risk of your Nashville home or business area?

9/9/2015 (Permalink)

A flood can happen just about anywhere with rainfall. According to Floodsmart.gov, a flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. The site advises that floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States. Floods can happen due to multiple different factors such as: rainfall, river-flow, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development. Areas are marked as having different levels of flood risks. There are high-risk, moderate-to-low risk, and undetermined-risk areas. You can check the flood risk of your area by checking the flood map at Fema.gov (https://msc.fema.gov/portal).

High-risk

High-risk areas, also known as special flood hazard areas, have at least a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Any homes or businesses in these areas that have loans from federally regulated companies are required to have flood insurance. On the flood map, these zones are marked as letters A and V.

Moderate-to-low risk

Moderate-to-low risk areas, also known as non-special flood hazard areas, carry nearly 20% of flood insurance claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for recovery. Flood insurance is not required in these areas, but it is highly recommended for all property owners and renters. These areas are shown with the letters B, C, or X in the flood map.

Undetermined-risk

Since flood risks are possible anywhere, these areas are not completely safe from floods, but have not had flood analysis conducted in them. These areas are shown on the flood map with a letter D.

Source - https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/defining_flood_risks.jsp

Being aware of a water leak the moment it happens to prevent water damage in your Nashville home

8/7/2015 (Permalink)

Source - http://odditymall.com/water-leak-flood-detectors

Although water leaks usually start off small, they can turn into bigger disasters. Many times, the leak goes unnoticed until it is too late and the small leak has now turned into water damage that we weren’t even aware of. As the water damage sits, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for mold. With all of the hidden places in our homes, it’s impossible to have our eyes glued to every corner. This is where devices such as the water leak alarm come into play to help us out. Enlightenme.com speaks about the importance of having water leak alarms in the home.

The alarm is equipped with leads that have detection mechanisms used to detect when there is a water leak. Once the detection is made by the lead, it sends a signal to the alarm to create a loud, piercing noise, warning you that there is a leak in the home that needs your attention. It’s important to take care of the leak immediately once it is found to prevent further damage and bacteria growing from the water sitting.

It is recommended to use the water leak alarm for places that are most likely to experience leaks and are not always easily visible.

The alarms are usually positioned in places such as:

·      Under cabinets or sinks

·      Basement corners

·      Attics

·      Bathrooms

·      Kitchens

·      Laundry rooms

Source - http://enlightenme.com/water-leak-alarm/

Being aware of the severity of water damage that has affected your Nashville home

7/24/2015 (Permalink)

Source - http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/5299/repairing-bubbling-blown-plaster-on-an-interior-wall

To get started in the restoration of a home or business that has been affected by water damage, it is important to know the extent of damage that you are getting into. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are four classes of destruction that explain the severity levels of water damage. Knowing the class of destruction first will help in making a restoration plan to fix the water damage.            

Classes of Destruction

Class 1 –

            Class 1 is the easiest water damage to deal with due to the slow evaporation rate. Only part of the room or area is affected for this class and there is little to no wet carpet that has been affected.

Class 2 –

            Due to the fast evaporation rate of Class 2, the whole room becomes affected. From the carpeting to the walls and structure, moisture covers the room.

Class 3 –

            This class involves the fastest evaporation rate where ceilings have now become involved. Most instances from this class have had liquid come from the ceiling. The moisture in these incidents will most likely affect the ceiling, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors.

Class 4 –

            When an area has reached class 4, this means that the liquid has had enough time to completely saturate materials such as hardwood, brick or even stone. These incidents require specialty-drying situations.

Source - http://www.iicrc.org/the-basics-water-damage-restoration-training-a-23.html

Cleaning up after flood and water damage has taken over your Nashville home

6/19/2015 (Permalink)

Restore vs. Replace

Flooded areas are not only a hassle to clean, but can also be a threat to your health. Water that flows in from the outside can pick up a lot of bacteria along the way before it evens enters the house. Having the water sit, especially on a humid day, can cause more bacteria and mold growth. Getting the area cleared out and cleaned up as fast as possible will prevent the situation from getting worse and causing more water and mold damage.

According to the IICRC, these are valuable tips for cleaning up after a flood has left water damage in your home.

·      Safety is first and foremost. Be cautious when entering buildings that have just been flooded. Ensure that the electric is turned off and the structure of the building is safe to walk into.

·      Keep yourself protected. Use protective gear to protect your skin, hands, mouth and eyes. Hardware stores usually carry the necessary masks, rubber gloves and eye protection to keep you safe while cleaning up the mess.

·      Keep the area ventilated. Flooded waters can bring in all different types of bacteria that can become airborne and cause illness. Make sure to open windows and place a fan in the window to ventilate the area.

·      Know what to throw away and what to salvage. Any type of porous item that absorbs the contaminated flood water should not be salvaged. Examples – drywall, carpet, mattresses, pillows, box springs and particle board. Clothing and some other household fabrics may be salvageable by soaking in warm water and washing multiple times.

·      Remove damaged flooring and wall panels. Remove all portions of damaged wall, wet insulation and base molding. IICRC advises to find the water line on the wall, measure about 15-20 inches above it and remove anything below that line. Any damaged flooring should also be removed to clean and disinfect under the surface.

·      Prevent mold growth. With the moist environment that is created by a flood, there is lots of room for mold to grow. Try to keep the air circulating and maintain moderate temperature to prevent mold growth.

·      Consider hiring a professional. Although there are situations that can be handled without a professional, some damage is more than people want to handle on their own. Restoration companies have trained technicians, specialized cleaners and equipment to get the job done effective and efficiently.

Source - http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/water-damage/