The Needed Flood Damage Cleaning in Wilmington Homes

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you have flood damage after a storm in your Wilmington home, call SERVPRO! We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Our Experts Offer Fast Recovery After Floods

If you are dealing with flooding, you know it is one of the most challenging disasters to clean up. It is not just about water damage but also about eliminating dangerous contaminants lurking around. Our team of experts is available round the clock to help you with deep cleaning and mitigation. We take pride that We're Faster to any size disaster™, so you can count on us to get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Debris Removal and Muck-Out

To first manage flood damage in Wilmington homes, our SERVPRO® technicians focus on muck-out cleaning. This crucial step involves removing the solids and debris that the natural disaster left behind. Our experts have their work cut out for them as they must dispose of bulk materials from damaged walls, ceilings, and other unwanted substances. Muck-out manages:

• Mud
• Organic matter 
• Insects
• Rodents
• Silt
• Solids

Content Cleaning and Claims

Flooding can directly impact your personal belongings and what you value most. We start by assessing the condition of your exposed items to determine the best course of action for restoration. Whether on-site cleaning or off-site cleanup at our nearby SERVPRO facility, we've got you covered. 

Surface Disinfection

Regarding flood restoration, removing contaminants and biohazards is a crucial part of the process. Our team of professionals takes disinfection seriously, working hard to eliminate any pathogenic microbes or other harmful microorganisms with potent antibacterial and antimicrobial products.

If you're dealing with flooding on your property, we understand how stressful it can be. That's why our team at SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is here to lend a hand. With our expertise and quick response time, you can trust us to help you through this challenging situation. Give us a call today at (302) 762-8080.

Water Damage Restoration Helps Storms Blow Over Wilmington & Away

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

No Storms are a Match for Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO's water damage restoration team always arrives ready to start the work needed after a damaging, destructive storm travels through Wilmington. We know how to make everything affected by a storm with high winds, hail, and torrential sheets of rain "Like it never even happened."

After a powerful storm comes through Wilmington, calls about water damage restoration services begin ringing on our 24-hour emergency line. We work with each customer to ensure that all aspects they report to us regarding water damage caused by the storm's ferocity receive the attention needed.

Our restoration team can ensure that several points on your home no longer exhibit any damage. The areas include:

• The roof
• Gutters and downspouts
• Windows

The roof may have sustained damage from two sources – high winds that tear older shingles away from the roof and top-heavy trees that fall onto the upper frame of your home. We tarp these at first, as a protective measure, and then make the necessary repairs.

Gutters and downspouts are sturdy but can still become warped, twisted, bent, dented, and broken. Downspouts have slightly fewer problems, but how they direct water off your roof can keep or allow your house to experience interior flooding. Gutters that fail to move water toward the downspouts can force sheets of water up against your home. Neither is beneficial. We can make repairs fix the problem, and restore anything the harsh weather damaged or destroyed within your house.

Your windows rarely change shape because of the glass inside. When the house's frame around a window shrinks or expands, gaps between the two components can occur. Forceful winds can push rain into these gaps, letting problems begin inside the walls. SERVPRO's crews can dry these cavities, then seal the window's frame, preventing additional problems.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for the latest restoration services using high-tech methods.

Completing Storm Water Damage Repair in Wilmington Attics

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

Effective Attic Water Damage Repair Objectives

Storm and water damage repair involves understanding how these natural disasters impact your home and the destruction they can cause to the exterior components of your residence, like the roof. Penetration of water into the attic space can be one of the most threatening situations you do not notice immediately during a passing storm.

Inspecting Your Loss

The first step in water damage repair for Wilmington homes is to thoroughly inspect the damage to determine where the action is necessary. Early mitigating stages can involve removing sagging or damaged materials through controlled demolition, which can expose other components of roof systems and structural assemblies for direct drying and mold inhibition cleaning. Inspections are looking for:

• Roof damages
• Sagging materials
• Contaminants
• Structural integrity loss

Is Contamination a Concern?

With any situation involving intruding water into your home from external sources, the threat of contaminants should not be overlooked. Even with runoff and driven rain, these introduced floodwaters can become contaminated by exposure to certain materials or foreign elements. We carefully handle all wet materials for biohazardous threats. 

Thorough Drying of Structural Supports

The drying process is essential for any restoration action our professionals take in this niche and can be especially important when working in a confined space. Wet structural supports can begin to weaken and degrade with prolonged exposure, requiring tear-out and reconstruction. Fast action with drying tools like centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers can help prevent this need. 

Needed Roof Repair After Drying

Repairing the roof is an important part of the work that our professionals must complete to fully return a home to pre-damaged condition. Resolving the attic's water is insufficient to prevent recurrences and strengthen anywhere water, or moisture penetration weakens this critical defense system for your property. Our general contractor license ensures that we can complete needed build-back services as they are necessary to restore a residence.

Water damage repair for Wilmington homes can often include the impact of storms on the attic and roof. Understanding how our professionals can help with restoration and repairs makes us a trusted choice to help. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080.

Understanding How Water Changes Amid Wilmington Flood Damage

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

When a flood hits your property, you need to call the technicians at SERVPRO.

Flood Damage Changes the State of Water Many Times

Intruding water into your home can be more likely than you think. Trusting experienced restoration professionals like ours comes with industry knowledge that secures a faster restoration of flooding by manipulating states of water like: 

• Melting
• Evaporation
• Condensation
• Sublimation

The Natural Phases of Water Movement

Flood damage to Wilmington properties is a rapidly changing and destructive environment for restoration technicians to enter. Our SERVPRO professionals' experience shows an understanding of water behavior through its different stages and appreciation of natural processes that change the state of moisture and saturation. We know how to manipulate environmental conditions and chemical processes to dry thoroughly.

Drying Through Evaporation

When air movers are deployed in residence to begin the drying process, their positioning against wet surfaces helps promote steady and controlled evaporation. Our inventory's high-velocity air mover units are suitable for evaporative drying on dozens of building elements in the house, including the wall, ceiling, and flooring systems. This chemical process describes the vaporization of surface water on affected materials, increasing the moisture content of the environment and requiring a suitable humidity management approach. 

How Condensation Helps Water Removal

Another state of water that plays a role in cleanup and drying is condensation. Dehumidifiers like the refrigerant models of our inventory pull wet air across cold coils in the machine. The result, much like warm air surrounding a cold drink, is the formation of condensation. Collecting and discarding this water provides a steady stabilization of moisture content in the environment. 

The states of water impact the productivity and effectiveness of drying and restoration tools work in the house. With how rapidly water damage can spread and impact the entire household, we must get mitigation services started immediately. Give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call to help however you need at (302) 762-8080.

How Flooding Affects Wilmington Basements

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remediate your water damaged basement quickly.

Threats of Natural Flooding Against Wilmington Foundations 

When torrential downpours and prolonged soaking rains raise water levels in creeks and streams surrounding your Wilmington home, the entire neighborhood could become susceptible to flood damage. While you can take preventative measures to reduce the penetration of this rising water into the main level of your home, it can be more challenging to keep floodwater out of your basement when vulnerabilities already exist. There are many threats to your property with natural flooding, significantly when this disaster impacts the walls of your foundation.  

Many homes in the area have aging basements or cellar areas that can lead to flood damage in Wilmington. As challenging as these circumstances might be when you have a moderate amount of water to remove and dry up, natural flooding presents multiple risks beyond standing water. Addressing these concerns is the responsibility of our SERVPRO water restoration technicians and our licensed (#1992104829) general contractors. 

Hydrostatic Pressure 

This force can collapse basement walls even without flooding, but a softening of the soil around the house after flood damage can make the home more susceptible to this structural failure. Under these compromised conditions, the pressure against the blockwork can become too substantial to maintain. Our SERVPRO team must consider this possibility to gauge the rate of water removal from the basement.  

Contamination  

Many of the surfaces in the basement are block or concrete, and they do not require removal and replacement, even with immediate exposure to contaminants. Instead, these surfaces can get cleaned with our line of potent products such as foam cleaning, agitative cleaning methods, and other strategies designed to disinfect, inhibit mold growth, and even reduce any lingering odors.  

Flooding can present many potential hazards to the lowest levels of your home. Still, our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team has the experience and the equipment to help. We can help your home through nearly every phase of recovery after a flood loss incident. Contact us today at (302) 762-8080.

The Best Way to Deal with Flood Damage in Wilmington

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Take steps now and call SERVPRO to refurbish your flood damaged Wilmington home.

Avoiding Unlicensed Contractors After Flooding in Wilmington 

Needing reconstruction and repairs following flooding is not uncommon to Wilmington homes and businesses. With the frequency that many of these properties deal with this substantial water damage, it becomes more apparent with every emergency the benefit of choosing restoration companies based on their ability to offer fast and quality reconstruction. The downside to this need is that many predators take advantage of your compromised position after a widespread disaster like flooding. 

Because of the threats like contamination, flood damage in Wilmington homes often falls to the hands of skilled restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. We even have a licensed (#1992104829) division of experienced contractors that can help to repair damaged areas of your property and also establish effective containment strategies for our mitigation experts to begin protecting other areas of your home upon our arrival. 

After a crisis, resources naturally get stretched thin with area restoration companies. Our crew has a direct link through a Large Loss Recovery Team to allow us to better pool our personnel, equipment, and expertise after flooding occurs. We can work around the clock on damaged properties to get them back to pre-damaged condition and your precise specifications and expectations. We know that after a flood, every second counts, so we have a prompt response to these emergencies and can handle multiple jobs simultaneously.  

Fake companies and unlicensed or uninsured contractors can appear out of thin air when flooding and other natural disasters strike. They offer deals that sound too good to be true, or they have reasonable pricing but want a portion of their expected estimates upfront to cover the initial expenses of materials and the ‘cost of doing business.’ Our SERVPRO team also has an overhead to consider, but we do not ask for money upfront from our customers regardless of the severity of damage to their property. 

You must stay prepared for the possibility of false companies and fake businesses popping up to “help you through your crisis” by exploiting your trauma. Let our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team help you through every phase of recovery by calling (302) 762-8080.

Early Mitigation Help Reduce Flood Damage in Brandywine Homes

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call your local SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington today.

Our Fast Responding SERVPRO Team Starts Emergency Services to Overcome Flood Damage in Brandywine Properties. 

Flooding can impact many areas of your home. The differences in these affected rooms and materials require our responding technicians to be prepared for various obstacles and hurdles in returning your property to preloss conditions. When our SERVPRO team first arrives, we can often focus on specific areas likely to have been initially impacted by infiltrating floodwater like:

• Roof
• Attic
• Ceiling Materials
• Foundation Masonry
• Basement Building Materials

Temporary Repairs and Sealing

The penetration points of flood damage to Brandywine homes must be determined and sealed to prevent worsening the situation. Temporary construction solutions like board-up, tarping, and hydraulic cement application prevent further flood infiltration and allow our team to get started on other mitigating actions to protect the house. 

Removing Standing Water 

Our professionals must work quickly with various powerful extraction devices to manage surface water concerns and pooling. When floodwater invades your living space, several inches or more of this water can affect the flooring and related building materials. We combine vacuums and pumps to manage both standing water and debris threats. 

Addressing Contaminated Surfaces

Contamination can be another one of the major concerns when floodwater intrudes into your home. Because natural flooding must be treated with the same care and consideration as a blackwater event like sewage backup, exposed porous surfaces must often be removed where the contact occurred, and non-porous surfaces like concrete, tile, and stone get thoroughly cleaned with powerful disinfectant products and sporicidal solutions to prevent secondary concerns like mold development. 

Mitigating losses from flood damage can be one of the most necessary undertakings our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team begins in area homes. The faster these emergency services get underway, the more we can protect the structure, its contents, and its occupants from harm. Flood restoration is possible 24/7 when you call (302) 762-8080.

What Hazards Can Flooding Create for Wilmington Homes?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington.

Intruding Flood Damage can Overwhelm Wilmington Properties and Require Swift Restoration Actions.  

The impact of flooding is often overwhelming to homes in the path of rushing water or rising water bodies. With how rapidly properties can be consumed in this disaster, having the right restoration response can be vital. We determine the immediate needs of your house to overcome several of the hazards, and threats the property might endure. 

Structural Damages and Vulnerabilities

One of the initial concerns regarding flood damage in Wilmington homes is the structure's condition. Flooding finds ways into the property, which can ultimately take small vulnerabilities in your home's construction and expand them rapidly to be significant breaches in the property's envelope. Some commonly affected areas of the house include: 

• Foundations
• Basements
• Attics
• Roofs

Safety Hazards 

When water begins to pool within the home, several hazards exist. Not only must homeowners be cautious and mindful of the debris and matter brought in with the flooding, but excessive pooling and deep waters can be impacted by live electricity or feature live creatures and undesirable pests brought in with the surge.

Health Effects and Contamination Concerns

Natural flooding is treated like a blackwater event since the possibilities of contamination cannot be ruled out. Exposed materials and items are treated as contaminated, and we prioritize thorough cleaning and restoration practices when possible to overcome this.

Standing Water Damages

There is little productive work that can be done to overcome the harsh effects of an active flood damage event without managing the standing water first. We utilize multiple extractors capable of heavy water output and handling possible solids and debris, such as trash pumps and truck-mount extractors.

Water and flood damage can be significantly destructive events for homes and businesses. Emergency services help limit the loss and protect the property, and our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team can get these actions started as soon as we arrive. Call today at (302) 762-8080. 

Is Flood Damage in Wilmington Inevitable?

11/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate storm damage restoration now. 24/7 365 days a year.

Prevention Can Help Avoid Flood Damage to Wilmington Homes

Flooding happens after large storms occur, and Wilmington homeowners often cannot avoid flood damage despite their best efforts. However, taking care of your gutters and keeping your home in good repair can minimize the possibility of damage and make the water restoration process less intrusive. As important as prevention is, knowing who to call after stormwater enters your home is just as important.

For flood damage restoration services in Wilmington, SERVPRO is your best option. Executed by a certified team of professional water restoration technicians, our specialists offer services, including specialty drying solutions, move-out services, and even drywall repairs. Our goal is to assist in every step of the water damage and repairs process to make it as efficient as possible.

Our SERVPRO team has at its fingertips the latest techniques and equipment in the water restoration industry, which allows for flexibility and speed. When you reach our 24/7 hotline, you can rely on us to handle each step of the process, including the following:

• Water removal services with the help of pumps and extractors to remove standing water from your home.
• Drying of the home and each surface with the aid of air movers, dehumidifiers, and desiccant equipment to help stabilize humidity levels in your home.
• Application of anti-microbial solutions to deter the growth of mold and bacteria, a typical by-product of home flooding.

Our highly trained technicians at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington are available by calling us around the clock at (302) 762-8080. Place your trust in our certified team and let us work for you until your home feels “Like it never even happened.”

What is the Best Way to Remove Flood Damage from a Wilmington Basement Floor?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here for the help you need.

Floodwater Can Contain Multiple Hazards, Wilmington Homeowners Should Engage Professional Flood Water Removal Services

A mere inch of water in a finished basement has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in terms of flood damage. Because the groundwater can harbor a myriad of biohazards, residents of the home, including pets, should not come into the area with the water until it gets tested to determine if any harmful elements are present. 

Upon arrival at a Wilmington home for flood damage restoration services, SERVPRO technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and have professional water testing kits to identify any pathogenic or harmful biological elements in the water. Though rarely utilized, we assume that floodwater is always a Cat 3 Black Water biohazard.

A finished basement usually has a framework built up against cinder block or brick walls and usually has glue-down flooring of either tile or carpet. Floodwater can destroy the floor covering, and as the water gets wicked into the walls, the sheetrock can begin to buckle or warp. SERVPRO technicians measure above the highest area on the wall and remove the sheetrock as needed. The extraction equipment used by SERVPRO can draw water from the floor quickly and dispose of it safely per municipal regulations. 

This SERVPRO location holds a general contractor license #1992104829, and the techs can handle all types of restoration and reconstruction actions needed, such as:

• Replacing walls
• Installation of tile or carpet
• Priming and painting as wanted by the homeowner

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 supports the Wilmington community with flood damage restoration services, including any repairs or reconstruction the structure requires. 

How Can Floodwater Get Removed from a Wilmington Crawlspace?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Call now for the help needed for your home.

Tight Quarters Can Make Extraction Difficult After Wilmington Homes Get Flooded. 

While a crawlspace often serves the purpose of keeping the main level of your home from the harm of rising floodwaters, flooding of the crawlspace should not be ignored. Standing water in this space beneath your home can weaken structural supports for the main floor and create ideal conditions for facilitating mold growth. Our SERVPRO team can help with efficient flood recovery options.

What Extractors Work Best in Confined Spaces? 

Flood damage in Wilmington residences can overwhelm areas quickly, and in confined spaces like a crawlspace, simpler mitigation actions like extraction can be more complicated. Some of the tools that are often used for removing standing water in flooded crawlspaces includes:

• Truck Extractors
• Light Wands
• Wet Vacuums
• High-Pressure Pumps

Is Encapsulation Worth Considering?

Crawlspace encapsulation is a process that covers exposed building materials and the dirt/concrete base of the area with thick poly-sheeting. Water diversion and pump equipment can be installed to prevent further flooding in the future. Encapsulation can prevent multiple flood restoration and mold remediation needs for your residence. 

When crawlspaces become flooded, it can be a devastating and rapidly worsening situation for the homeowner. Flooding damage requires fast restoration solutions from experienced professionals like our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington. We can offer various services and permanent solutions when you call (302) 762-8080.

Flood Damage in Wilmington Homes Need Professional Restoration Services

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoratio9n is no easy task. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Wilmington Residents Trust SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration of Their Homes

Flood damage to your Wilmington home due to a storm can cause lingering issues long after the water is removed. One such problem is the odor of a flooded home. SERVPRO technicians have decades of experience and expertise in deodorizing flood-damaged homes and leave them smelling "Like it never even happened."

The source of the lingering odor after flood damage to your Wilmington property is the residual moisture. Hence, the first step in SERVPRO's deodorizing strategy is to eliminate as much moisture during flood restoration as possible quickly. In most cases, however, there is a need for active deodorizing even after moisture removal. SERVPRO restorers use various deodorizing methods since one method may not work on all kinds of odors. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Combat Odors During Water Cleanup from a Flooded Wilmington Home?

Some of the deodorizing methods that SERVPRO routinely uses in Wilmington during flood restoration are as follows- 

• Wet fogging- A water-based deodorant is dispensed with the help of an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) fogger. The instrument generates tiny particles of the deodorant that can penetrate most areas where odor particles hide. Wet fogging is preferred over direct spraying during water damage remediation as it does not wet the surface being deodorized.
• Air scrubbers- Can remove airborne particles as well as odors and chemicals from the air. The device captures odor-causing particles using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that can capture 99.97% of particles that are down to 0.3 microns in size. 
• Injection method- Involves injection of a small amount of deodorant directly into spots on carpets or upholstery. Ideally suited when lifting carpets to get to the padding is impractical during water damage restoration. 

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for around-the-clock assistance.

How do Brandywine Residents Begin Flood Damage Restoration for their Homes?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

After your home suffers flood damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

Using a Leading Flood Damage Restoration Service like SERVPRO Can Reduce Losses in your Brandywine Home. 

Flood and storm-related damages at your home require urgent mitigation activities to prevent further loss. These mitigation activities could include draining or pumping out liquid moisture, providing humidity and temperature control, or even boarding up and securing the structure. These activities are common in:

• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Sewage cleanup

To legally perform flood damage restoration in your Brandywine home, you must give us a completed Authorization to Perform Services Form. These forms are provided to you by technicians at first arrival for you to fill out while technicians assess your home's condition and contents. These forms give our technicians the authority to perform vital mitigation and loss prevention works at your home. 

• The Authorization to Perform Services allows technicians to mitigate loss and set about restoring the structure. 
• We cannot begin repairing or reducing the structure's losses until the homeowner confirms by signing this form. 
• Job Diaries are held throughout the restoration procedure to assist with accountability. 

The sooner technicians can begin restoration, your property sustains the less damage. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration at (302) 762-8080.

Can Ceiling Leaks Lead to Roof Collapse in Wilmington Homes?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our storm damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your property to pre-damage condition.

SERVPRO is Available for Wilmington Residents Experiencing Flood Damage

The city of Wilmington is the largest in Delaware state and one of the oldest settlements in the US, with its beginnings tracing back to the seventeenth century. The majority of Delaware's unique history can be found in Wilmington with its pre-colonial historic sites, American Revolutionary War heritage centers, and early twentieth-century mansions owned by some of America's richest families, such as the Du Ponts. The city is also nicely located nearby to some of the East Coast's favorite beaches, golf courses, wildlife centers, and state parks. 70,166 residents live in Wilmington permanently, while the surrounding metropolitan area numbers 719,887 people. 

The first settlements in the region took advantage of the surrounding nature, with the Brandywine and Christina River intersect proving a valuable trading way. Both these rivers deposit into the Delaware river further down, allowing shipping across the United States. The city, and wider Delaware, is associated with the Du Pont family, which is one of the richest in America. Originally from France, the Du Ponts developed Wilmington significantly during the 19th century with the production of gunpowder and became a leading contractor for the US military. Today, the legacy of the Du Pont family remains both in the historic downtown district and at the stunning Nemour Mansions. 

Rehoboth Beach is a short drive from Wilmington city center and is one of the most-visited beaches in the state. The beachside boardwalk is lined with entertainment, nightlife, food, and drinks outlets, which complement the town's annual festivals, which typically run through the summer months.

Hagley Museum and Library is an excellent place to explore Wilmington's abundant history. Delaware was the first state in America, and this 200-acre historic site offers guests the opportunity to explore the Brandywine Creek, historic structures, and the role of the Du Pont family in growing the city.

Alapocas Run State Park covers over 400 acres of sprawling natural forestry, wildlife, waterways, and creeks. Inside the park are several hiking trails, mountain climbing options, and camping grounds. There are also a number of historic buildings within the state park.

SERVPRO Offers Flood Damage Assistance to Residents of Wilmington 24/7, All Year Round

Floods can expose your home to hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of water. The effect of these quantities of water on your home can be catastrophic. We are a licensed emergency services restoration service for local residents. 

Our team can help with:

• Leaking roof from storms
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Emergency services water damage

Licensed technicians from SERVPRO can help make the correct drying decisions in your home. Usually, we calculate the efficiency versus the cost of conducting restoration or replacement. This equation can be invaluable to organizing emergency services repair, performing mitigation, and ensuring restoration is conducted quickly. 

• Wet cabinets in your home may be cheaper to replace than restore after flooding
• High-value items such as hardwood furniture or floors can be dried using desiccant dehumidification equipment. 
• Refinishing and resurfacing of high-value items is possible with SERVPRO

After flooding your home, contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration at (302) 762-8080.

What Is the Best Response to Wilmington Flood Damage?

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our storm damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your home or commercial property to pre-damage condition.

Reach out to SERVPRO experts when Wilmington flooding threatens

Wilmington's twenty-first-century citizens hope past mistakes will not put them at risk of flooding events. Innovative construction methods, mindful building codes, and infrastructure improvements seem reasonable to expect. Most recently, communities near the ocean hear disturbing information about rising sea levels and lengthened and more intense hurricane seasons battering the Northeast and Atlantic coast. Enhancement and progress should protect the city's residents from anticipated issues and those "hundred-year" catastrophes that seem to repeat much more often than expected. 

What Can Wilmington's Riparian Location Mean for Flood Intensity?

Wilmington lies along the Delaware banks, with the Christina River and Brandywine Creek wending their ways through the city prior to joining that famous waterway before it takes that last corner into Delaware Bay. Residents of some low lying neighborhoods in Wilmington have long lived with the worry of seasonal, storm-related flooding. As they try to absorb the new implications of sea levels rising, they also express concern that their homes continue to suffer decades-long flooding crises due to precipitation. 

Do Solutions Exist Short of Moving Out of Cherished Homes?

The footprint humankind imposes often interferes with natural ways of mitigating flooding. Partnering modern engineering with nature hopes to set things right in the Southbridge neighborhood. The South Wilmington Wetlands Park developed as a viable effort to return a brownland site to the marshy, filtering system that "flushed" the high tidal and rainstorm water. Avoiding flooding imperiling the neighborhood just south and west of the Christina River's confluence with Brandywine Creek is the goal. The design includes:

• Installation of rainwater diversion piping to drain precipitation into the developing wetland rather than the water treatment center

• Removal of "fill" soil dumped into the brownland over years

• Digging of wetland channels

• Planting of appropriate wetland vegetation

The park works somewhat like a bathtub, accepting, absorbing, and filtering the water that otherwise would have pushed into residents' basements.

Can Antiquated Sanitary Sewers Worsen Flooding?

The 200-year-old sanitary sewer system is also an issue for many flood-prone areas of Wilmington. Flooding seen in some streets without enhanced sewers nearly swallows cars when torrential rains occur. Although replacement is an expensive proposition, diligent cleaning and a slow and steady upgrade of the conduits that drain the stormwater has a positive effect. 

What Is the Recourse if Heavy Rains Have Flood Water Lapping at Your Door?

Regardless of hopeful advances, Wilmington's flood damage cannot be ignored when it strikes in your home. Although your inclination might be to wade in and mop up, hiring the professionals at SERVPRO is the wiser course. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crews manage flooding efficiently, keeping you and your family safe and your structure intact. Expect the following:

• Safety assessment and appropriate controls

• Removal of flooding with pumps and extractors

• Location of hidden floodwaters in cavities

• Planned and controlled demolition to reach and release trapped water

• Containment of floodwaters, categorized as hazardous, and lawful disposal

• Cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products before drying

Rely on SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington for flood damage restoration, including repairs and rebuilding using our construction division. Call (302) 762-8080 for a prompt assessment and a return to "Like it never even happened."

Contractor Licenses:

General: 1992104829

Residential: 1992104829

Commercial: 1992104829

How Eco-Friendly are SERVPRO’s Cleaning Products?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

After a flooding event in your Wilmington home, call SERVPRO for groundwater removal, cleaning, and disinfecting. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

SERVPRO Uses EPA Approved Products to Clean Wilmington Homes After Flooding

Wilmington, DE, is a coastal town and subject to flooding. With sea-level rise increasing along the coasts and storms intensifying, the chances of flooding are increased. When a flood does happen, contaminated floodwaters pour into homes in the area. It can be overwhelming, but SERVPRO can help. We provide professional flood damage mitigation and restoration services.

What are Some of the Products You Use?

When homes experience flood damage in Wilmington, it is a more serious situation than water intrusion from a burst pipe. Contaminated water is the reason. Also known as black water, floodwater is a biohazard full of contaminants such as bacteria, debris, and chemical waste. SERVPRO strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Our chemists produce our cleaning products and include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean – This cleaner is biodegradable. It's pH neutral. It has no phosphates, dyes, fragrances, or solvents.
• All Surface Green Clean – This cleaning agent is non-toxic. It is phosphate-free, dye and fragrance-free. Its biodegradable makeup allows it to break down quickly.
• Window Green Clean – A volatile organic compound compliant that is rapidly biodegradable. We use it premixed with soft water; it doesn’t leave spots or streaking on glass.

One of the leading products we use in a flood situation is SERVPROXIDE. This hospital-grade disinfectant is EPA-registered. It is a stabilized chlorine dioxide-based agent and potent antimicrobial. SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. It leaves no strong odors and dissipates quickly, making it perfect for use around those who are sensitive to smells.

Proud Member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) Initiative

These products were created exclusively for our company and cannot be found in any store. If you have questions, our technicians can provide Safety Data Sheets. Our company is licensed and bonded.

Contractor Licenses:

• General: 1992104829
• Residential: 1992104829
• Commercial: 1992104829

Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Does Drywall and Insulation in the Walls in Wilmington Need to be Replaced?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

If you think you have gotten all of the water out of your home, you could be mistaken. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.

The Ultimate Deal on Wilmington Flood Damage Remediation

Flooding of homes in Wilmington can cause a great deal of damage in a matter of minutes, not only bringing water into homes but also toxic chemicals and biohazards. If the floodwaters recede quickly many clients ask why flood cuts in the drywall are needed and why the insulation inside the outer walls must be replaced?

SERVPRO has been serving the community of Wilmington and surrounding areas for over 20 years, providing flood damage restoration, working on fire, storm, and water damage from leaks and overflows. Our team has extensive experience and training we bring to every emergency.

Water quickly penetrates porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and particle board commonly used in cupboards.

• Water absorption causes these materials to swell, and they cannot be repaired.
• If water is allowed to remain longer than 24 to 48 hours, hardwood floors can absorb moisture and begin to swell and warp.
• Mold colonies may also start to form.

These materials must be replaced in addition to thoroughly drying your home and returning humidity levels to normal ranges.

Can Clients Remain in Their Homes During Restoration?

Many clients would prefer to remain in their homes. They are concerned about their belongings and probably feel more comfortable at home. Every situation is different. If living areas have been flooded, the combination of the damage, high moisture levels, and the repairs needed may make it impossible for clients to remain in their homes.

Even with minor damage, the drying equipment can be noisy and must run continuously until all moisture has been removed. Daily monitoring is also usually needed by insurance companies to justify insurance claims. If restoration is necessary for:

• Bathrooms,
• Bedrooms or
• Kitchen areas,

Most clients find it is more comfortable making alternate living arrangements. SERVPRO suggests that clients check with their insurance company regarding coverage for these situations.

Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington (302) 762-8080 to help with flood damage to your home.

Click here for more information about Wilmington.

Are the Signs of Wilmington Flood Damage Always Apparent?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage can take over before you know what has really happened, depend on SERVPRO today.

When Storms Hit Wilmington, SERVPRO Knows How to Look for Flood Damage Inside and Outside Your Home

Storms are unavoidable at any point throughout the year. Once a storm rolls through the Wilmington area, it is reasonable to worry about the potential for water damage. Calling in help from technicians with a trained eye to handle the assessment and restoration is the best route to take. SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians to address your flooding on any level, including mitigation, to limit the overall extent of the loss.

What Should I Be Looking Out For?

If you are worried you are taking on flood damage in Wilmington, it is imperative that you look in several areas. You can inspect your exterior for things like:

• Damage from Wind – Excessive wind damage is generally present when storm fronts bring wind around 45 mph and higher. The signs of wind damage include fallen debris around your property and missing or damaged roofing shingles.
• Miscellaneous Damage – Other damage from a storm may include siding dents, fallen gutters, and substantial washouts around your home that may also point to interior water damage.

The signs to look for inside your home after storm flooding include:

• Water-saturated insulation
• Staining on your walls, ceilings, or floors
• Water that seems to be seeping from your attic or crawlspace
• Cracks or leaks in your skylights, and more

When you notice any combination of these tell-tale signs of damage, our SERVPRO team can assess and assist. We ensure no standing water or hidden moisture is left to fester, as this brings about secondary damage to your home and the potential for mold and mildew growth. We have industrial-grade extraction tools to pull up water combined with powerful air movers and dehumidification equipment. Everything works in unison to restore your interior while bringing down relative humidity throughout your home. 

Call us at SERVPRO of Brandywine/Wilmington when you need us for flood damage restoration, and our crew makes it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24/7 for emergency service by calling (302) 762-8080.

What Happens to Flood-Damaged Contents in My Wilmington Home?

6/21/2020 (Permalink)

Act quickly when your home floods. Our technicians will dry out your property and remediate the damage.

Your belongings are a valuable asset that should get protected as soon as professionals arrive to restore your flood-damaged property. 

There are many priorities of responding technicians when flooding occurs in a Wilmington home. From the potential for contamination to structural damages, our SERVPRO team must carefully address each of the pressing loss effects to make flooding “Like it never even happened.” We have skilled technicians accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in many areas, including structural drying, water restoration, biohazard cleaning, and more.

Among the chief concerns of our professionals addressing the flood damage in your Wilmington residence is the effect that the disaster has on its contents. Your personal belongings and possessions are some of the keys to making your house a home, and when these items are damaged, it can be a stressful experience for the occupants of the house. We have many useful methods for cleaning and restoring these affected contents, and this process typically begins with a thorough assessment of the damage during our job scoping phase.

How Do Personal Belongings Get Assessed After a Loss?

Initially, our professionals, like the project manager and crew chief, can work together to identify damages to the structure and its contents. Careful inspections here can ensure that affected materials and items get the attention that they need. Surface inspections and evaluations can often be the first action taken to determine if cleaning and recovery steps are necessary. In addition to the surface inspection, we can identify more substantial damages by looking more closely at the possessions, furniture, and textiles with moisture detection tools and thermal imagery.

What On-Site Recovery Solutions Exist?

Our responding content management technicians always focus on restoring and cleaning items in Wilmington on-site rather than pursuing alternative recovery approaches like the pack-out procedure. In many ways, if the migrating effects do not damage the present belongings in the affected areas of the home, there are specific practices that can clear surface residues and prevent the relocation of your possessions.

• Surface Cleaning – Cleaning residues, dirt, and mud from your possessions in the house might be an efficient way to inspect these items for further damages like saturation or odors.
• Deodorization – Flooding threats often come with foul odors, especially when some of these contents were exposed to standing water for extended periods. We have several tools that can help remove odors, including thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, or ozone machines. 
• Drying – Flood effects can leave your possessions saturated or damp from the high moisture content in the damaged areas of the house. With air movers, dehumidifiers, and other drying tools, we can help remove the trapped water in your belongings.

What is the Pack-Out Process?

In some situations, the damage to the contents of your home is too significant to restore these items where they get found. Instead, our team works to carefully remove these belongings and catalog their placement in the house. Once loaded onto our SERVPRO Green Fleet vehicles, your possessions make their way to our nearby facility for focused cleaning, drying, and other restorative approaches. Some of the phases of restoration in our warehouse include:

• Drying
• Deodorization
• Surface Cleaning
• Safe Storage

What is the Move-Back Process?

When the work ends in the house and flood damage has gotten successfully recovered, we can remove your items from their climate-controlled storage in our care and prepare them for their return into your restored property. Even this move-back process involves specific steps to ensure that we do not miss a more significant issue with the recovered belongings in our possession.

• Completion of Restoration – The first of the phases of the move back involves completing the restoration work in the house following a flood. From drying and cleaning, there are many steps necessary to restore the home, and your items cannot get returned to the residence without addressing these damaging conditions.
• Staging – In the days leading into the return of your belongings, our SERVPRO professionals stage these restored contents in groupings based on where they are getting returned. This process also allows us to get a final look at all of the items to inspect them for missed moisture or flood damages.
• Placement – Once our content technicians determine that the items are back to their preloss conditions, move-back can begin. We return removed belongings to their original positions in the house. 

Protecting your belongings is critical to the restoration and recovery work that we can do for your home after a flood. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team a call at (302) 762-8080.

What is the Smartest Way to Deal with Flooding in Wilmington?

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and subsequent flood damage can totally catch you by surprise. Contact team SERVPRO if your home is facing this situation.

SERVPRO Have a Local Roster of Qualified Restorers for Flood Damage in Wilmington

Should I stay away from floodwaters?

Floodwaters are full of pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can be harmful when coming into contact with humans. When water intrudes in your Wilmington residence, it can be tempting to remove possessions or items from the flooded area. However, you should contact professional restorers before wading into standing water. Most household items have some resilience to water in the first few hours and are often restorable. Our services guarantee to arrive at your property within four hours of notification of loss, which is enough to mitigate potentially expensive losses.

How do you measure water loss?

Water loss has categories from one to four, with four being the most substantial. We measure these classes based on how far the water has absorbed into structure or materials—usually, flood damage in your Wilmington home measures as a category three or four emergency. With consistent exposure, water can enter floorboards, sheetrock, or cavities. The excess moisture content can lead to permanent losses. A SERVPRO technician can use a moisture sensor to probe materials like baseboard and drywall to assess how much water absorption is taking place at the property. These measurements are influential in the scope of the restoration project.

How can I remove wet building materials from a flooded property?

• Measure the standing water line on the wall
• Draw a line directly onto the wall surface at least two-foot above your standing water line
• Test for any loose wiring, fittings or pipes behind the wall
• Remove the baseboard and cut along the line using a circular saw then leverage out the section

Encountering a flood emergency at your property can be emotionally draining. By using a professional restorer, you give your home a shot at returning to its preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080. 

Click here for more information about Wilmington.

We Act Fast In Wilmington After A Flood

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

We used our desiccant and generator to work together in order to dry the property after a flood. We are available 24/7 to prevent further damage.

Steps That Help In Controlling Microbial Growth after Flood Damage Incidents in Wilmington

Microbial growth in properties is usual if the conditions are favorable. High moisture levels in an indoor environment encourage such growth. Therefore, after an incident of flood damage, there is a need to take steps to curb such growth.

Although water extraction is expected after flood damage incidents in Wilmington, taking too long can lead to microbial growth. Such growths start within 24-48 hours, so there is a need to expedite extraction and start drying procedures within this timeframe. Our SERVPRO technicians try to achieve this by using a variety of extractors and pumps.

Slowing down microbial growth is also a crucial strategy, especially when it is impossible to complete extraction and drying within a reasonable timeframe. Spraying antimicrobial agents can help stop or limit the growth of microorganisms in the affected areas providing the opportunity to carry out other restoration steps. The term antimicrobial agent refers to different chemical agents, including fungicides, sporicides, and mildewcides, among others.

When using chemical agents to control microbial growth, there is a need to ensure proper exposure for maximum effectiveness. Our restoration technicians ensure this by mixing products according to dilution ratios recommended by the manufacturer. We also use quantities and methods, which allow the solution to reach all the contaminated surfaces or materials. Allowing sufficient dwell time and maintaining the right pH and temperature levels guarantee optimal performance from the chemical agent.

Microbial growth is usually worse in some sections of a flood-damaged property, including subfloors and wall cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians focus on such areas when applying antimicrobial agents. We apply them on wall bottom plates, tackless strip, and subfloors, where the presence of organic materials or concentration of moisture leads to widespread microbial development and bad odor. Proper drying of these areas helps eliminate chances of growth. We use dehumidifiers to extract all excess moisture.

Microbial growth is likely after flooding incidents. Call SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington at (302) 762-8080 to help take the necessary step and stop such development before it gets out of hand. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Wilmington.

You Can Succeed With Storm Damage Remediation in Wilmington With Team SERVPRO

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Structural damage of a roof can quickly lead to attic flooding. Contact SERVPRO right away to mitigate the situation and prevent further damage.

Cleaning and Drying Attic Flooding in Wilmington Homes

When any structural damages occur in the roof of your Wilmington home, these vulnerabilities can allow a fast and devastating invasion of water from the weather event occurring outside. Your attic space was never constructed to withstand an onslaught of water damage, and this penetration can quickly saturate flooring plank, plywood backer for the roof, insulation, and framework. This damage could become even more costly and destructive if your attic has gotten renovated into usable living space.

When structural damages first occur, sealing up the residence must come before stormwater cleanup in Wilmington homes. With an in-house division of general contactors licensed (#1992104829) through the state of Delaware, we can offer emergency repairs to your roofing that temporarily stop the intrusion of water with tarping and board-up approaches. When the storm passes, these same contractors can work with your insurance provider to begin full reconstruction to the damaged portions of the roof to completely reseal and protect your attic space and the rest of the house.

Our SERVPRO team often deals more with drying out saturated elements during the mitigation stages of recovery after flooding in the attic. Some affected materials and contents must get removed and disposed of to reduce moisture content in the area. Insulation is an excellent example of oversaturated materials that must get removed to better dry and protect structural elements that can remain. Clearing out this material is much simpler when we use a HEPA-filter insulation vacuum. This unit reduces the production of airborne fibers that could be harmful to those exposed.

Drying up the attic space is often a combination of many of the industry-leading tools that our SERVPRO team has at our disposal. Most often, direct drying practices, including heaters, air movers, and dehumidifiers, are most effective in vaporizing saturation and collecting it for removal.

Storm damages can strike without warning, leaving homes vulnerable to flooding. Whenever your property faces flood effects, you can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team. We have trained technicians available 24/7 by calling (302) 762-8080.

Click here for more information about Wilmington.

The Best Way to Deal with Flood Damage in Wilmington

10/20/2019 (Permalink)

Take steps now and call SERVPRO to refurbish your flood damaged Wilmington home.

Avoiding Unlicensed Contractors After Flooding in Wilmington 

Needing reconstruction and repairs following flooding is not uncommon to Wilmington homes and businesses. With the frequency that many of these properties deal with this substantial water damage, it becomes more apparent with every emergency the benefit of choosing restoration companies based on their ability to offer fast and quality reconstruction. The downside to this need is that many predators take advantage of your compromised position after a widespread disaster like flooding. 

Because of the threats like contamination, flood damage in Wilmington homes often falls to the hands of skilled restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. We even have a licensed (#1992104829) division of experienced contractors that can help to repair damaged areas of your property and also establish effective containment strategies for our mitigation experts to begin protecting other areas of your home upon our arrival. 

After a crisis, resources naturally get stretched thin with area restoration companies. Our crew has a direct link through a Large Loss Recovery Team to allow us to better pool our personnel, equipment, and expertise after flooding occurs. We can work around the clock on damaged properties to get them back to preloss condition and your precise specifications and expectations. We know that after a flood every second counts, so we have a prompt response to these emergencies and can handle multiple jobs simultaneously.  

Fake companies and unlicensed or uninsured contractors can appear out of thin air when flooding and other natural disasters strike. They offer deals that sound too good to be true, or they have reasonable pricing but want a portion of their expected estimates upfront to cover the initial expenses of materials and the ‘cost of doing business.’ Our SERVPRO team also has an overhead to consider, but we do not ask for money upfront from our customers regardless of the severity of damage to their property. 

You must stay prepared for the possibility of false companies and fake businesses popping up to “help you through your crisis” by exploiting your trauma. Let our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team help you through every phase of recovery by calling (302) 762-8080.

Click here to learn about the city of Wilmington

Our Flood Damage Technicians Can Restore Your Wilmington Home

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Give our professionals a call anytime disaster strikes at (302) 762-8080.

No Flood Insurance? SERVPRO Can Still Help Your Wilmington Home

Many people assume that if an insurance policy does not cover restoration work, that Wilmington homeowners cannot afford the experienced professionals that we can provide. While there are less expensive routes such as attempting to perform the work on your own, emergencies like flood losses present multiple threats simultaneously to a property that demand experience and state-of-the-art equipment to address. So how can you get this same premium level of recovery when you have no insurance policy to cover the work?
 
Flood damage in Wilmington homes can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you are contending with several inches (or even feet) of standing water. With how rapidly exposed materials can absorb this water and become structurally compromised, we encourage property owners to reach out to our experienced SERVPRO team as promptly as possible. We understand that many people, especially those that do not live in the flood-prone areas of the region, do not have flood insurance for their houses. Despite this, our experts can help.
 
With your initial call, you can mobilize an entire unit of experienced and highly trained professionals accredited through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Water Restoration (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), and even secondary elements like Applied Mold Remediation (AMRT.) We can work immediately to establish parameters of the damage and what must happen to protect the property and to reduce the overall loss to your residence.
 
We have estimators and our management team that can work directly with the customer to establish a baseline of budgetary limitations. We are honest and straightforward, providing the fastest and most helpful path to the successful restoration of your property. We can establish how to help your home right away to ensure that our effective mitigation practices can begin along with our arrival to your damaged property.
 
You might not have flood insurance, especially if you think your home never would need it. If you find yourself without the support of your home insurance provider, you can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help find a suitable solution to fit into your budget. Give our professionals a call anytime disaster strikes at (302) 762-8080.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Our Flood Damage Professionals Can Save Your Wilmington Home

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

We can make flood loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”

Can You Reduce The Likelihood Of Flooding In Wilmington?

Wilmington homeowners have seen their fair share of widespread flooding throughout the community over the past several decades. Even with renewed construction to reinforce structures and reduce the impact of these disasters, it does not change their likelihood. Finding ways to reduce the damage flooding can do to your specific property is one of the best approaches, and our SERVPRO professionals would like to help. We have been a trusted name in restoration and recovery in the area for years, and we want to protect our customers and their properties from the devastation of flooding.

Flood damage in Wilmington homes is seldom going to be entirely preventable, as the circumstances leading up to this disaster change and catch homeowners by surprise. Ideally, finding solutions that can protect the contents of your home and even the structure itself can save you money and time on the recovery efforts to come. Here are some quickly functional solutions to employ when severe weather threatens the area.

    •    Barriers: One of the solutions that you can attempt is barriers. These typically get constructed of high-grade malleable plastic or rubber sheeting. This defense is held into place using support posts. With several people working together, this perimeter fencing can be up quickly and is a top choice in preventing water flow towards your house.
    •    Sandbags: One of the advantages of sandbags is that you can see how they are working for your property in real-time. You can make changes to these barriers as needed. A disadvantage to this choice is the weight of individual bags, as many of them can be more than 50 lbs.
    •    Dams: These solutions are temporary and can get installed fast as they are necessary. These surround the immediate structure and get filled with water, making them reusable and environmentally friendlier than the sandbag counterpart.

Even with all of the products that exist to help you reduce the presence of floodwater in your home, even an inch of standing water can cause substantial damages to your household. Our SERVPRO team can respond fast with drying solutions that can protect many of your belongings and structural elements of the property.

Floods can happen with little warning, but even when the installation of some of these defenses does not work entirely, you can count on our SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington team to help. We can make flood loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give our technicians a call today at (302) 762-8080.

For more about Wilmington click here.

Storms Affecting Your Home or Business

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

This duct vent was affected and not cleaned quickly resulting in mold.

Few things can be as bad as a storm damaging you home or business. Properties can get damages from multiple weather events like flash flooding, high winds or even hailstorms. Reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy can help out by making sure you have the proper insurance to cover the claim. Hiring a restoration company as soon as possible to help mitigate your loss is important. Even if your insurance has not accepted financial responsibility yet getting the emergency work done can be crucial. The work will have to be done anyway and often times the longer it sits the worse it may become.

SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington is locally owned and operated and has been serving the community since 1990. We are here to help you at 302 762-8080.

Frozen Pipes

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe in basement wall frozen

Winter storms can be blistery cold. When the temperatures drop down and stay down into the lower teens pipes tend to freeze.  Water expands as it freezes and this put tremendous pressure on the pipe.  It does not matter if the pipe is metal or plastic.  Often times people do not know they have a frozen pipe until it bursts. One of the most common frozen pipes we find are pipes that are exposed to the elements of the outdoors like; hose bibs, water sprinkler lines and swimming pool pipes.  If people winterize those pipes properly it helps eliminate those pipes from freezing.  The number one source of frozen pipes we see are from water supply lines that are in the interior of the home but are not a heated space like; crawlspaces, basements, attics and garages. The second most common frozen pipes are from pipes that run along exterior walls of the home/building. 

Water Damage from Storms

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Using the right tools

When a storm blows through our area some homes and business can be affected. Whether the storm is from heavy rains or high winds water can infiltrate your property. No matter the source of water or where it finds its way too, the water should be removed in a timely fashion. Water can affect or impact everything it comes in contact with. Drywall and wood can deteriorate or warp. Fabrics and upholsteries can hold the moisture and become moldy. Carpet and padding also can hold moisture causing odors and delamination. Leaving the water damage unattended to may cause secondary damages. SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington knows how to inspect and handle water damages. We use state of the art and the newest techniques available. We are a trusted company in the area that carries certifications and has emergency hour services. We are a local company that has been serving the area since 1990. SERVPRO is here to help at 302-762-8080.

Looking For Loose Debris

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Looking For Loose Debris

Winter season is right around the corner! Taking some preventative measures to help reduce damage if a snow storm hits can be helpful. Some tips to keep in mind as the weather gets colder are:

Make sure all outdoor furniture is secured or the tarps you may have wrapped them with are snug

Secure any decorative flags, wreaths or any loose fencing from being blown away

Make sure your yard is free of small branches from being a flying projectile

Have salt ready to help melt your sidewalks or your snow blower easily accessible

Make sure you have windows securely closed and proper insulation around within your home

Know the proper safety uses for operating a generator or grills. Improper use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or start fires

Keep extra batteries and candles handy

Pay attention to local news alerts

Shingles in the Wind

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Shingles in the Wind

Homes in Brandywine / Wilmington have no idea when a flood damage incident is likely to occur. If you learn what to expect if something like this happens you can help minimize the potential challenges that may lie ahead. Heavy winds and rain storms may not only cause inside your home water damage but structural damage to your home as well. Knowing to call your insurance company or a certified company like SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington would be a good decision. SERVPRO can help mitigate and restore your property. In this picture, a random wind storm blew through during the day and when the homeowner got home from work he saw roof shingles came off. The homeowner was unable to reach his insurance company but called us to tarp the area in order to prevent further damages. It turns out the insurance company had no problem covering the loss and they were delighted we treated the home with urgency.

Tree on Home

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Tree through the home

When some people think of a storm they may think of only water and flooding. There are also parts of the storm that can be quite destructive like winds. Winds can be quite destructive. High winds, especially when they are sustained heavy winds for a long period of time, can cause trees to go down. When trees go down they can cause damage to the wooded areas, homes, people, electric lines, road ways and cars etc. When windy storms hit, SERVPRO of Brandywine / Wilmington can sometimes help. In this picture you can see a tree that came down on a home while the homeowners were sleeping. The tree went through the side of their home and caused a lot of structural damage. Thank goodness no one was hurt during the event.

SERVPRO Helps Storm Victims

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning of Cots

When massive storms come through the Wilmington, Delaware area it can affect many families.  We here at SERVPRO of Brandywine/ Wilmington try and help the best we can.  In addition to helping the homes and families that have had water infiltrate the home, we try and help the County and shelters as well.  Some families get displaced and have no where to go.  Some families just seek safe shelter through the night.  When this happens the facilities that help those in need will then need our help too.  We can help the shelters clean and sanitize the cots and bedding that was used. Because the area that the people and pets stayed in can become messy and soiled, we also help clean up the areas that the people resided in.  

Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter Weather

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for extreme cold weather is not only important for your home but also your car. Your vehicle functions in rain, snow, ice, hail, salted roads, and freezing temperatures. It is important to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle all of the winter weather elements. 

Before the winter weather has begun, you should have your car checked by a mechanic for antifreeze, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, etc. While using your car throughout the winter, it is best to keep your gas tank at least half full. Salting and sanding your driveway or road is helpful for minimizing ice and increasing traction.

An emergency kit for your car is essential when preparing for the winter's extreme weather. Your vehicles emergency kit should include the following:

• Jumper Cables
• Ice Scraper
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Car cellphone charger
• Sand for better traction
• Extra Blanket

What To Do After a Storm

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

• Make contact with family and friends in the affected area and let those that you know outside of the affected area that you are safe.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Attempting to re-enter the area can be dangerous and it is important to wait until the area has been cleared as safe by officials.
• Avoid areas with debris and downed power lines.
• Avoid flood waters, whether on foot or in vehicle. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Take note of any damage to your belongings or to your property
• Photograph any damage to your belongings/property for insurance purposes
• Tarp or board up damaged roofs and windows to prevent further damage. Your insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm has passed.

Spreading the Holiday Spirit in the Snow

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team huddling around the bonfire during our Christmas party

SERVPRO's 2017 Christmas party was a hit! The colder weather brings on a busy amount of business for our SERVPRO team. With such hectic and long  hours, we were happy to be able to find the time to fit in a great Christmas party this year. Our holiday party just happened to be thrown on our first big snow storm of the winter. 

Here is a photo captured early on in this snow storm and in the Christmas party. Such stormy weather ended up being the perfect opportunity for a bonfire, a few snow ball fights, and some holiday fun! Earlier that day we had delivered cookies and pretzels to a few offices around the Brandywine/Wilmington area. We are happy to spread the holiday spirit and what better way than in the snow!

Storing Contents

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

A recent storm in the Wilmington/Brandywine area took out some of a household's roof and old siding. The brutal storm opened up the home to the rain and winds, which then damaged much of this families belongings inside the house. SERVPRO came in and removed all the damaged contents from the home and dried the water damaged areas of the structure. We detail cleaned all the items that were salvageable from the home and stored them for the homeowners. We even use our own storage units to ensure the security of the household's belongings and keep them under our care throughout the whole rebuilding process. Now that the home is completely restored and in livable condition, we have packaged up all of their contents and are delivering them back to the house.

A Windy and Rainy Storm

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

A storm does not need to come in only the form of rain and flooding to seriously affect your home. Here is a photo of the flooring that had to be ripped up from a home after an extremely windy storm. Strong winds caused a tree branch to come down and puncture the siding to the house early in the evening. Later that night, it started to rain heavily and eventually flooded the first floor, ruining a large section of the hardwood floors. Along with some belongings wrapped up in black plastic bags, you can see the amount of floor panels that had to be removed before we started our drying process throughout the home. Luckily this storm only affected a portion of the home rather than the entire property.

Hurricanes and Storm Surges

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Heading to Houses Affected by Storm

Storm Surge- the rising of the sea level due to a storm causing pressure in the atmosphere to change and winds to accelerate. 

During a hurricane, the Storm Surge is what causes the most damage. Storm surges or the water that floods the land during a hurricane, is the most dangerous weather factor during a hurricane storm.

Hurricane winds can easily reach two hundred miles per hour. Winds that reach such dangerously high speeds are another huge cause of the damage that a hurricane inflicts on an area. Buildings can be ripped open and even down, trees are likely to damage properties, and items left out and unsecured become dangerous.

Heavy rain fall can cause flooding and water damage to homes. Cars are often flooded on the streets and in driveways due to extreme rain fall and flooding. Roads are commonly closed off and unable to be driven on during a Hurricane. 

Hurricane Harvey

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO reaches Houston

As a Disaster Recovery Team and National partners with American Red Cross, SERVPROs from all over have traveled to Texas and helped those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. SERVPRO is working twenty-four-seven in restoring the communities that have had significant damage since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. We are proud to be helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey return to their homes and rebuild their communities.

On the tail end of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma came in strong with vengeance in the state of Florida.  She whirled through and came in strong.  As a result, it activated more SERVPRO Storm teams to come in the devastated areas. 

SERVPRO'S from all over the country came to aid to most of these areas.  We have been working tirelessly around the clock to help those in need. 

We love what we do.

We are Growing!

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Our new finished edition.

Over the last few years we have expanded our levels of equipment and grown to need more storage. Here is our new edition on our property! Our new garage is used to store all of our generators and a few of our other pieces of equipment that we have not had the space for recently. Snow plows and snow blowers and overflow of equipment. Once we started the construction of our new storage edition, it was only a matter of days before we were adding the finishing touches and getting ready to put it to use. Now we are storing our equipment comfortably and with organization. The state of the art security system allows us to have constant visual contact on the facility.  We already thinking about adding an additional structure.

SERVPRO'S are Here to Help

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Here to Help!

SERVPRO'S from all surrounding areas head in from all over to help the victims.  SERVPRO is a team oriented company that has compassion for everything we do, and everyone we help.  When another area of the country is impacted with a storm or tragedy we can call upon our fellow teammates to come in and help.  Sometimes due to the area being affected it may require out of state SERVPRO's to respond in a time of need.  In this specific case, SERVPRO's from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware among other states reported in to help the victims of this disaster that struck among them.  After all was said and done, all the help of these surrounding SERVPRO's were able to team up together and restore this broken community.

SERVPRO to the rescue in LA

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

Check out the destruction and devastation in LA. SERVPRO in background to help.

SERVPRO'S from all surrounding areas head in from all over to help the victims.  SERVPRO is a team oriented company that has compassion for everything we do, and everyone we help.  When another area of the country is impacted with a storm or tragedy we can call upon our fellow teammates to come in and help.  Sometimes due to the area being affected it may require out of state SERVPRO's to respond in a time of need.  In this specific case, SERVPRO's from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware among other states reported in to help the victims of this disaster that struck among them.  After all was said and done, all the help of these surrounding SERVPRO's were able to team up together and restore this broken community.