When a Harrisonburg resident encountered unusual smells and damage inside the vehicle in this photo, SERVPRO performed the detailing necessary to remove stains, odors, and potential biohazards. The primary cause of damage was a snake hidden under the seats.

This was the aftermath of a bathroom flood in Harrisonburg when we arrived on the scene. There was significant water and residue damage. The owner could not believe how quickly our specialized technicians were able to drain and clean the bathroom. We make disasters "Like it never even happened." 

Have Questions? Call Today – (540) 433-6100

This was the aftermath of a kitchen fire in Harrisonburg when we arrived on the scene. There were significant smoke and soot damage on cabinets and ceiling. The owner could not believe how quickly and completely we were able to clean the soot from the cabinets and ceiling. We make disasters "Like it never even happened."

Here you see one of our specialized technicians cleaning up soot from fire damage at a local home! The effects of fire damage can worsen the longer you wait, which is why it is so important to get it taken care of as quickly as possible! You can trust SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties to get the job done right, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or commercial property has sustained excessive damage, some areas may require re-building. SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties will take care to help you rebuild and get your property back to where it was before in no time at all.

No matter what time of day an incident occurs, or how big the job may be, SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties is here to help and won't stop until the job has been done.

All SERVPRO and SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties' equipment is green. Green means Clean!

Air Movers, Axial Fans, Dehumidifiers, Air Scrubbers, Vacuums among others are some of the equipment used for Mold Remediation, Water Damages, Fire and Carpet cleaning.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties a call at 540-433-6100 and we'll be there fast with the help you need.

• They may occur singly, in clusters or in lines.
• Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
• Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
• About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe – one that produces hail and measures an inch or larger in diameter with winds of 58 miles per hour or higher can produce a tornado.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (540) 433-6100

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.

2. Anything that was wet with flood water and can't be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be taken outside.

3. Open as many doors and windows when you are working, and leave as many open as you safely can when you leave.

4. When electricity is safe to use, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture.

5. If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together.

6. Clean surfaces with water and detergent.

7. Don't paint or caulk over mold as it will not prevent the mold from growing.  

8. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible, preferably within 24-48 hours.

As it gets colder its good to know that 17% of water damage comes from frozen pipes. Be sure to check all of your important pipes for possible freezing issues as the weather gets colder, the last thing you want in the winter is water damage to your home! 

In the event of a fire, remember that every second count, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan.  Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

• Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

• Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test batteries monthly.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (540) 433-6100

Thank you to all who have participated in our two $100 visa gift card. Thank you Logan S. for taking the time to complete the first level review of the raffle by liking and commenting on our post. We also want to take the time to thank Amanda L. for completing our second level review by giving our post a like and comment as well as giving us a google review. We are looking forward to doing this again soon. We hope all of you have a great New Years from your family over at SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties.

Equipment Checkup

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties is very diligent in maintaining and repairing our equipment. Here at SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties, we know how important it is to keep our equipment clean and properly running. Without regularly cleaning and maintaining equipment, there is always a chance that it could cross contaminate an unaffected area or break down and fail to perform the job it is intended for.

Have Questions? Call Today – (540) 433-6100

Weather Risks for Small Businesses in the Shenandoah Valley

Whether it’s pounding rainfall, massive snowstorms, burst pipes on the heels of freezing temperatures or power outages, winter weather presents many threats that can lead to business shutdowns, property damage and loss of revenue.

Now is a good time to make a plan to stay open for business, while protecting your employees and customers from the dangers of severe winter weather.

Have Questions? Call Today – (540) 433-6100

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties

Improve Indoor Air Quality in Rockingham and Augusta County Schools

Nearly one-fourth of the nation’s schools have one or more buildings in need of extensive repair or replacement and nearly half have been reported to have problems related to indoor air quality (IAQ).

The health & comfort of students and teachers are among the many factors that contribute to learning and productivity in the classroom. Providing a healthy, comfortable environment is an investment in your students and staff.

Have Questions? Call Today – (540) 433-6100

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties

Beyond the Scope of Your Regular Janitorial Staff

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties for prompt service.

Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties to make your workspace look its very best.

Have Questions? Call Today – (540) 433-6100

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

If your business suffers a major loss, call 540-433-6100.

Electrical Fires

With technology and electronic accessories being an inescapable part of day-to-day activities, it means that electricity is in high-demand and is working around the clock in our homes. Homes today are generating a tremendous amount of electricity, and the greater the electric load, the greater the risk of electric-related fires.

Call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties at (540) 433-6100.

Emergency Alerts Sent to Your Mobile Device Can Help Keep You Safe During a Disaster in the Shenandoah Valley.

Emergency Alerts are sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency.

Emergency Alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download in app or subscribe to a service.

When disaster hits your property and you need restoration services, call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta County at (540) 433-6100

Given food, moisture, and a dark space, mold can thrive in a variety of spaces. Unfortunately, that includes spaces that are hidden from your day-to-day view, like behind your wallpaper.

If you notice peeling edges of your wallpaper, in a moisture-heavy room or smell a moldy odor, you may have hidden mold. Lift a corner, near the floorboard or other out-of-sight areas to look behind the wallpaper. Keep in mind that removing the wallpaper can lead to a large release of spores, so before removing all of it, consider hiring a remediation company.

Have Mold Related Questions? Call (540) 433-6100

Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House

Are you guilty of these bad habits?

1. Piling Up Dirty Rags
2. Misusing Electric Blankets
3. Neglecting Appliance Recalls
4. Lingering Dryer Lint
5. Letting Your Laptop Overheat
6. Choosing the Wrong Wattage
7. Using Too Many Extension Cords
8. Performing DIYs You're Not Qualified to Do
9. Disregarding Dust
10. Storing Batteries Improperly
11. Ignoring Uninvited Pesty Guests
12. Forgetting the Chimney Sweep
13. Overlooking the Range Hood
14. Arranging Furniture Unwisely

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (540) 433-6100

This is what happens when water intrusions are not quickly and PROPERLY mitigated: mold growth.  Here you'll see a contamination extending a good foot high off the floor.  At the time of a flood, many property owners tell us, "It'll dry on his own." We say yes it will . . . over an extended period of time.  Seeing is believing -- do you think the water damage here dried out fast enough on its own?

Water damage jobs can be tricky. It isn't always clear where the unwanted water is coming from. Infrared camera technology can help identify and lead our trained technicians to the source. By being able to scan large areas quickly, we can find thin veins of water that can direct us to the point of intrusion. It also informs us where to target our drying and dehumidification equipment, so property owners can get back into their spaces as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Do you know the difference between a severe weather watch vs. a warning?

Watch: conditions are favorable for severe weather and it is possible. Remain alert for possible further warnings.

Warning: severe weather has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take cover.

Did you know? If it's a grease fire or electrical fire, baking soda is needed. Never Water! Baking soda will put out the flames safely, while water could make the fire grow even larger!

A lot can go wrong during a heavy down pour and high winds. Flooded basements, leaky roofs, and flooded crawlspaces are all likely situations after a storm. SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties has the experience to handle any type of water damage that can affect your home or business. If a tree falls on your roof, our team will quickly respond to tarp it up, extract the water, remediate the damage, and even put it back together! Because we have a reconstruction division, SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties is a one-stop shop after a storm blows through.

When your Shenandoah Valley home or business has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Shenandoah Valley residents barely think about the amount of pressure in their home's pipes except when it seems too low in the shower or kitchen sink. Opening up the valve might solve this problem, but at the same time, it can create a real disaster.

Increasing the pressure can lead to broken pipes in your house, followed by water damage to the area. SERVPRO can send IICRC-certified technicians to your home after such a disaster and get things dry quickly. This can keep water damage from becoming a reality for you. Water damage can affect almost anything.

Unfortunately, basements are susceptible to flooding every time a strong storm hits. The intrusion of rain water is mostly from backyards flooding and sewer systems backing up. This water can damage walls and floors, destroy carpeting, ruin furniture, and lead to the possibility of mold. SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties has over 7 years experience cleaning up water damages after storms have hit. We understand the necessary steps it takes to properly extract the water and dry out the affected areas before mold creeps in.

Sometimes "Hoarding" can be a subjective opinion, other times the situation is quite obvious.  The concerns go beyond health and sanitation to those of safety in the event of a fire or an emergency; particularly if the alternative pathways for egress are blocked. The county even steps in when conditions have been so obvious neighbors or relatives notified the authorities.

If you live in the northern section of the country you may have experienced an ice storm.  Although beautiful to the eye the resulting damage is usually catastrophic.  The weight of the ice downs power lines and everything freezes in the absence of heat. If you are at risk...have a back up plan.

SERVPRO stays on call to always be of assistance if a hurricane brings flooding conditions or if there is a flood that results from any other numerous weather conditions.  Remember "Safety First"  for both yourself and for those responding to help.

Beware the Signs of Mold to ensure the safety of your home. Be alert for Strange Odors, Past Flooding, and Past Health Symptoms! Have questions about Mold Remediation? Give us a call at 540-433-6100.

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties uses specialized drying equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. One of those tools in an extraction wand. The wand is like a really powerful vacuum sucking water out of almost any material like concrete, hardwood, vinyl, and carpet like in the photo above. The clear opening on the top allows the technicians to see the water flowing from the carpet into the extractor. The wand allows our crews to save time to get your home or business back up and running. To learn about more of our specialized equipment give us a call at 540-433-6100. 

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties uses specialized equipment to determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. Today's spotlight is on the protimeter or moisture meter. The moisture meter is simplified into three distinct stages. Moisture below 17% is considered dry and is color-coded green. Next is "At Risk" which is given the color yellow. Finally a "Wet" reading is anything over 21%, since this is the industry standard. This allows us to thoroughly and quickly restore your home back to preloss condition. 

Our next equipment spotlight is the DriEaz Stealth Axial Air Mover. The Stealth’s special fan blades enhance airflow while reducing the noise level. They offer high-velocity directional airflow, which leads to faster drying times to help get the job done quicker and more efficiently. Professional grade air movers are used to increase air circulation to speed up evaporation and reduce drying times. This helps get your home or business back together and running smoothly. Simply put, Stealth Axial Air Movers are the latest and greatest heavy-duty directional axial fan in our industry. They are a great asset, used to speed up the drying process due to water damage, whether caused by heavy storms, flash floods, hurricanes, leaky pipes, etc.

This is a picture of a professional dehumidifier used to take the moisture out of the air after water loss.  SERVPRO can equip your property with the right equipment every step of your restoration clean up.

After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage.