Stinky Store Mystery Solved in Charlottesville?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

We identify and remove offensive odors in Albemarle County.

There’s nothing more off-putting than walking into an unpleasant odor. Sometimes the smell is created by more than one source, so it can be challenging to diagnose the origins of the scents. Our team in Charlottesville is trained and certified in the science of odor identification and elimination by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industries. We never mask odors or take shortcuts, as these methods do not work.

Odor Identification

The first step is to identify the source of the smell and locate where the odor is contacting surfaces. Sometimes the odors originate from more than one location in the building. For instance, foul odors can result from dirty drains, sewers, garbage cans, and even dead animals and animal waste.

Odor Elimination Process

Once we identify the cause of the odor and determine the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use several odor removal products capable of thoroughly penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant scents.

Call Us Today!

When you have an odor problem in your Charlottesville home or commercial business, our team in Charlottesville is Here to Help.® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Highly Trained Restoration Professionals in Charlottesville?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in the restoration industry in Albemarle County.

Our team in Charlottesville is highly trained to restore fire, water, storm, and mold damage. Our professionals also perform a full range of cleaning services. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industries.

 Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

e-Learnings

Everyone on our staff has access to web-based training. This training is voluntary and is designed as an ongoing training series for our employees. These training courses feature video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. Continuous education keeps our employees current on new industry standards and best practices in the cleaning and restoration industry.

Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Charlottesville has fire, water, storm, or mold damage, our local team in Charlottesville can help. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

COVID-19 Cleaning Services in Earlysville?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

We decontaminate homes and businesses exposed to viral pathogens in Albemarle County.

Many of us spend more time indoors during the fall and winter seasons in Earlysville, and exposure to infectious diseases like the new coronavirus, COVID-19, still affects many families and businesses. Our team in Charlottesville is trained and certified to clean and decontaminate contagious pathogens. If you or a loved one tests positive for COVID-19, the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following:

People with COVID-19 infection should (where possible) be isolated in a separate room, away from others in the home. If possible, close the door to stop air from moving from the infected person’s room into the rest of the house. If it’s safe, open windows and turn on a fan in the room if you have one. No other visitors should be allowed in the home when someone in the household has a COVID-19 infection.

If it is not possible to isolate the infected person in your home, try to move people at risk of severe disease to a household where they will not be exposed to possible infection.

If you have to share space in your home with someone with COVID-19, open windows to bring in fresh air if it’s safe to do so. COVID-19 spreads easily in places that are poorly ventilated.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Earlysville needs cleaning and decontamination services, our local team in Charlottesville can help. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Refrigerator Supply Line Leak Floods Kitchen in Charlottesville?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Albemarle County.

Our team in Charlottesville responds to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day, and we typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Water is invasive and can cause damage in as little as one to two hours. We use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove most of the water, preventing secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
• Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Here is a recent Google review from a customer with a refrigerator supply line leak that caused water to flood her kitchen:

“SERVPRO came to my house the same day I called. Had a mishap with a fridge install that left extensive water damage. They quickly went to work. Alex Woodward was very responsive and communicated with me each day.” Marlaina

Service: Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Responsiveness, Value

Call Us!

Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night. Our local team in Charlottesville is Here to Help ® when your Charlottesville home or business needs water damage restoration services. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Pit Fire in Charlottesville Backyard?

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Albemarle County.

Our local team in Charlottesville responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Charlottesville. Here are some fire pit safety tips from the City of Charlottesville:

All fire pits and outdoor fireplaces must have either a chimney or screen to arrest sparks and embers.

• Supervise children around any fire outdoors

• Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area. 

• Never burn plastics, construction debris, treated lumber, tires, pesticides, paint, or aerosol containers
• Only use fire pits outdoors and at least 10 feet away from anything that can burn
• Place the fire pit on a surface that is level and will not catch on fire and keep the area well-lit, or use a flashlight when approaching or leaving the fire pit area. 
• Keep the fire pit away from siding, decks,  deck railings, tents, grass, and vegetation, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches or structures 
• In wood-burning fire pits, burn only clean, hardwood seasoned for at least six months
• For a wood-burning fire pit, dispose of ashes after they have cooled. Empty the ashes in a metal container with a tightfitting lid that is used only for the ashes. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty the ashes directly into a trash can. 

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Charlottesville will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Happy Water Damage and Mold Removal Customers in Charlottesville?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in mold remediation services in Albemarle County.

Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore water and mold damage for residential and commercial customers in Charlottesville. When you have a water damage emergency, a mold infestation may emerge due to the excess moisture. Our local team in Charlottesville will address the water and mold issues together to minimize the potential for the mold to return after the remediation process is complete. Here is a recent Google review from a happy customer:

“The team led by Bryan Walker was very professional and polite. They came promptly and went right to work. They kept us appraised every step of the way. They checked and rechecked moisture levels to make sure progress was continuing. The wall they removed was contained so that there was almost no mess, and they cleaned up afterward. I would highly recommend SERVPRO to anyone in need of their services.” Susan VonDerBecke

Services: Water damage-related cleanup & repair, Mold inspection, Water removal, Flood cleanup, Water damage-related mold removal

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness

Call Us Today!

When you discover a mold or water damage issue in your home or commercial business, our team in Charlottesville is on call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Charlottesville Vacation Rentals?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire restoration services in Albemarle County.

If you have a seasonal home, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) wants to remind you to make this home fire-safe. You may need to replace batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and chimneys may need to be unblocked or cleaned. Our local team in Charlottesville offers these seasonal home fire safety tips from the NFPA:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations, as required by laws, codes, or standards
• Test CO alarms at least once a month
• Pack extra batteries for smoke alarms and CO alarms in case they need replacing
• Make a home escape plan. Practice the plan with everyone in the household, including visitors.
• Know the telephone number of the local fire department and the address and phone number of the vacation home
• Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• If you are renting, contact the property manager, landlord, or fire department to be sure that smoke alarms and CO alarms are installed and properly working

Call Us Today!

When you need fire damage restoration services, our team in Charlottesville is ready to assist Charlottesville residents and businesses 24-hours a day. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

More Five-Star Reviews From Happy Customers in Charlottesville?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in cleanup and restoration services in Albemarle County.

Our team in Charlottesville strives for high customer satisfaction ratings in all that we do. Here are some recent Google reviews from some of our happy customers:

“I cannot say enough good things about my experience with SERVPRO. Having your home damaged is a nightmare, but the folks at SERVPRO provided so much comfort in knowing we could trust them with our home. From our first call to the last, they communicated with us along every step of the process and explained in detail why they were doing each thing. All of the employees I interacted with were professional and respectful. They also worked efficiently and were finished much sooner than I anticipated. I would only ever use SERVPRO again in the future and cannot recommend them highly enough.” Michelle Thomas

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Lemile Wallace’s SERVPRO team was excellent. They came quickly on a Sunday night and immediately set about drying out our we house. He explained everything and offered reassurance. I would use them again...if needed.” Larry Brannon

Service: Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness

Call Us Today!

You never know when you’ll need emergency restoration services for your Charlottesville home or business, but when you do, our team in Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Highly Trained and Certified Restoration Team in Charlottesville?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our team undergoes initial and continuous training in Albemarle County!

Highly Trained and Certified Team in Charlottesville

Our technicians in Charlottesville are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our training program includes:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

e-Learnings

All of our staff have access to web-based training. This training is voluntary and is a program designed to be an ongoing training series for our team in Charlottesville. These training courses feature video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. E-learnings keep our technicians and office team current on new industry standards and best practices of the cleaning and restoration industry.

Call Us Today!

When you have a property damage emergency, our team in Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained restoration technicians are on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Biohazard Cleanup in Scottsville?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in biohazard cleanup and restoration in Albemarle County.

Scottsville residents and businesses can rely on SERVPRO® of Charlottesville to remediate biohazards 24-hours a day. Our technicians wear OSHA-approved protective gear while safely transforming unhealthy environments back to clean workspaces.

• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Sewage backups
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Here are some tips from our website to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
• Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

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

Call Us Today!

If your Scottsville business or home requires biohazard cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day, every day of the year. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Removal Services in North Garden?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

We remediate mold damage in Albemarle County.

SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is a trusted leader in mold mitigation and remediation in North Garden. In many cases, mold is a symptom of water damage. We will locate the source of the excess moisture and eliminate this problem to discourage the mold from returning after the remediation process is complete. Here is a recent Google review from a customer who used our services to mitigate their mold problem:

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness

SERVPRO was courteous, professional, and responsive from day one! The services provided required their crew to be onsite in my home every day for about a week. They contacted me each day before arriving and were punctual each time. The team always communicated with me about what needed to be done that day and through each step of the process. They provided me with required pictures for the insurance company and were always there to answer whatever questions my insurance company or I had throughout. Would definitely use them again and recommend!”

Dawn Ritterband

Services: Mold Removal, Mold Inspection, Water damage cleanup

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold damage in your North Garden home or commercial business, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Chemical Spill in Charlottesville?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

We clean and restore chemical spills in Albemarle County.

I noticed that the sulphuric acid tank was leaking at our fertilizer plant when I came back to work on Monday. The foreman was out, and we needed to act quickly to clean up the spill. We called SERVPRO® of Charlottesville, and they sent out a team of technicians that morning. Their technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to clean and restore dangerous chemical spills. The team worked quickly and methodically through the area and had the spill contained in a few hours.

Equipment breaks down, and accidents can happen at any time. You never know when you might need our help to restore a chemical or biohazard spill, but when you do, we are Here to Help. ®

Here are some tips from our website of things you can do and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

• Stay out of affected areas
• Don’t touch, disturb, or direct fans on the contamination. This will release spores, viruses and spread the contaminants.
• Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville in situations where biological, chemical or viral contaminants are found

Call Us Today!

When your Charlottesville commercial business or home needs help with a chemical spill, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville’s technicians are ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We’ll clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Halloween Party Fire in Free Union?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Albemarle County.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 800 reported home fires each year, and candles are responsible for starting over one-third of the fires. SERVPRO® of Charlottesville responds to fire damage emergencies each year during Halloween and offer these Halloween fire safety tips to keep Free Union party-goers safe:

• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily
• Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters
• If you use a real candle, use extreme caution
• Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit
• When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter
• Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes
• Tell children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them
• Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)

 Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Charlottesville’s technicians are on-call 24-hours a day. Call us today at 434-977-5850. We’ll restore your fire damage in Free Union, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Five-Star Reviews from Charlottesville SERVPRO Customers?

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

We aim for five-star reviews from every customer we serve in Albemarle County!

High Customer Satisfaction in Charlottesville

At SERVPRO® of Charlottesville, we work hard to create the best customer experience for our valued clients. Here are some recent customer reviews:

“Justin & Lemuel (here in Charlottesville!) showed up, went to work, and busted it out in less time than I ever thought possible. They were so courteous, and they didn't even irk my elderly mom, whose place they were cleaning ---- something that I applaud! They went full-out and were also very understanding and supplied trash bags for “me” to do stuff, too. THANK YOU SO MUCH!” Moonbeam Miler

“Chris and Darrell came out to check out the damage from a leak from a pipe, which caused the floors in both bathrooms to be removed. They set up their equipment to dry out the floors and were very professional and courteous to me and my wife. They explained the procedures taking place and answered any questions we had concerning the task at hand. Would definitely contact SERVPRO in the future if the need were to arise. Thanks, guys.” Jim Boggs

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business experiences a property damage emergency SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us today at 434-977-5850. We’ll clean and restore your property damage in Charlottesville, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Office Cleaning Services in Charlottesville?

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

We provide deep cleaning services in Albemarle County.

Office Fogging in Charlottesville?

Now more than ever, it is important to keep our workplaces and offices clean and free of contagions. This picture shows one of our restoration technicians fogging an office to decontaminate the air and surfaces. SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has been providing deep cleaning services in Charlottesville for years. We use products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to safely clean all surfaces including ceilings, walls, and floors.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Here are some of the cleaning methods we may use:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue

Preventative Maintenance

Here are some ways preventative maintenance can prolong the life of your carpet:

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Call Us!

Professional cleaning can help keep your office looking its best. When your Charlottesville office needs deep cleaning services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated.

Happy Customers in Wintergreen?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

We aim to provide the highest level of service to our customers in the Wintergreen area!

Our Customers are Everything!

SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has been mitigating fire, water, and mold damage for homeowners in the Wintergreen Resort area for years, and we know our fast response time helps minimize further damage and more time-consuming repairs. Here is a customer testimonial from our website:

“You guys were wonderful from start to finish. David is an excellent project manager and a very effective communicator. I really appreciated how he kept me up to date on what was happening and what was going to happen. He was also very kind about allowing me to work in the space to feel better about making sure items were managed the way I wanted them to be. He is a stellar employee. All of the other employees I worked with were great too. They were all very polite and constantly offering to help me with lifting and moving. They never showed any irritation when I was in the space with them and getting in their way! The workmanship was outstanding too. I am grateful to you all for helping us through the first part of this stressful process. I would have been overwhelmed and lost without you. You are running a top-notch business and I am grateful for it!” SERVPRO of Charlottesville customer, Brooke

Call Us!

When your Wintergreen home needs emergency restoration services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated

Car Cleaning Services in Charlottesville?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

We provide a full range of decontamination services in Albemarle County.

Decontamination Services for Vehicles in Charlottesville?

Did you know that SERVPRO® of Charlottesville provides specialized cleaning and decontamination services for cars and other vehicles? Although we are better known for our fire and water emergency restoration services in Albemarle County, we are also leaders in bioremediation cleanup and restoration. We follow protocols set by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and use products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Our highly trained technicians are certified in Applied Microbial Remediation through the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Here are the minimal guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles from the CDC:

• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in the vehicle at the beginning and end of each shift, and after transporting passengers who are visibly sick.
• Ensure that cleaning and disinfection procedures are followed consistently and correctly
• Ensure adequate ventilation when chemicals are in use
• Doors and windows should remain open when cleaning the vehicle
• Wear disposable gloves compatible with the products being used as well as any other personal protection equipment required according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Call Us!

When your Albemarle County vehicle, home, or commercial business needs cleaning, decontamination, and sanitization services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is Here to Help. ® Call us at 434-977-5850.

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated.

Commercial Cleaning Services in Charlottesville?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

We provide a full range of commercial cleaning services in Albemarle County.

Is your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

Did you know that SERVPRO® of Charlottesville provides commercial cleaning services that exceed the scope of a routine janitorial service?

Having a clean, contaminant-free workplace has never been more important for Charlottesville commercial businesses. The SERVPRO technicians in this picture are decontaminating a large warehouse that has been exposed to the new coronavirus, COVID-19. They will systematically go through every aisle and every shelf of this warehouse and clean and decontaminate it from top to bottom.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

This is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program designed to keep your employees and customers safer. We will come out and consult with you and tailor a program to meet your specific needs. Our programs are designed to meet a range of factors, including:

• Type of industry
• Business type
• Business size
• Size of space
• Amount and frequency of touchpoints
• Foot traffic
• Congestion points

Our technicians are trained and certified in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for all surface types and adhere to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business needs cleaning services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us at 434-977-5850. We’ll deep clean and decontaminate your commercial business or home in Charlottesville, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated.

Emergency Cleaning Services in Charlottesville?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We provide a full range of specialty cleaning services in Albemarle County.

You never know when you might need emergency cleaning services in Charlottesville.

Although SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is better known for providing fire and water restoration services, we also offer a full range of specialty cleaning services that exceed the scope of a routine janitorial company. Our employees are required to attend initial and ongoing education to stay current with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Certifications include:

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Our highly trained technicians are trained and certified in microbial remediation by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. This special designation allows us to provide decontamination services and deep clean anything from restaurant hoods to offices exposed to the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Call Us Today!

When you need emergency cleaning services, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us at 434-977-5850. We’ll clean and decontaminate your commercial business or home in Charlottesville, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated

Customer Satisfaction in Charlottesville?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our commitment to excellence rates high with our Albemarle County customers!

We take care of our customers!

At SERVPRO® of Charlottesville, we take customer satisfaction very seriously. In everything we do, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service, to make a difficult situation less stressful, and to minimize the disruption to your home or business. Here is what our customers are saying about our work:

Customer Testimonials

“EXCELLENT and highly professional service. I was kept well informed as to what was being done and goals. Always notified in advance of when they would arrive. Very courteous. Will recommend HIGHLY to others.” Sharon, Charlottesville

“Jackson came and inspected our home thoroughly after our basement flooded. He was straight-forward and very prompt with estimates & invoices. Lemuel and his helper came to set up dehumidifiers & an air scrubber as well as do additional inspections to ensure what they had done worked. We were very pleased with the work that was completed! Very grateful for the communication with Lemuel and his hard work spent at our home. Would definitely recommend this business for anybody needing water/moisture removal!” Kayla, Charlottesville

“Everything was perfect. The tech kept me well informed during the whole process.” Richard, Kents Store, VA

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Charlottesville has a team of highly trained restoration technicians on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us at 434-977-5850. We’ll restore your property damage in Charlottesville, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is Independently Owned and Operated.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? SERVPRO of Charlottesville is “Here to Help”!

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

When biohazard contaminants are exposed, you want professional help.

SERVPRO of Charlottesville has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean many biohazard situations.

These include the following:

• Sewage Backups: Sewage backups are grossly unsanitary and contain bacteria and viruses that cause serious illness. We remove the sewage, contaminants, moisture, and confirm the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup: Our priority is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, among other dangers. Our technicians are compliant with OSHA and EPA regulations to transform a hazardous environment to a clean, safe home or business.
• Suicide/death accidents: We understand the trauma and emotion behind these events, and respect your privacy. We know that cleaning is part of the process, which we handle with efficiency and sensitivity.
• Accident and Homicide cleanup: After the police have finished processing a crime or an accident scene, the cleaning process can begin. We will treat your property and the people concerned with compassion and respect during this difficult situation.
• Blood and Bloodborne Pathogens cleanup: We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death.
• Hoarding scenes: Check out our blog, “Charlottesville Hoarding Cleanup Services”.
• Animal waste and remains: Our highly trained professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the area.

When biohazard contaminants are exposed, you want professional help. Our teams are certified to safely remove and dispose of these serious health risks. We understand the respect and compassion required in these situations.  

For our Biohazard Emergency Tips on what to do until help arrives, click here.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville today at 434-977-5850 for 24/7 Emergency Service. We are locally owned and operated.

Meet SERVPRO of Charlottesville’s New Owner

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

With Jackson Lindsay at the helm, SERVPRO of Charlottesville is in gifted and capable hands.

A warm Charlottesville welcome to Jackson Lindsay, the new owner of SERVPRO of Charlottesville as of June 19, 2020. An Asheville, NC native, Jackson is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Accounting and Finance. With a strong and energetic entrepreneurial streak, Jackson has established three other businesses and successfully sold them. His business ownership includes a landscaping business, a property management company, and a water sports rental company. Jackson has considerable work experience in real estate as a development analyst, commercial real estate broker, and an acquisition specialist.

Jackson is attracted to the SERVPRO brand because of the company culture, the hands-on nature of the work, and the team-driven customer service. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, wakeboarding, dirt biking, and snowboarding.

Jackson is a staunch believer in excellent customer service and has a keen desire to grow our local franchise to new heights. With Jackson at the helm, SERVPRO of Charlottesville is in gifted and capable hands.

As a “Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry,” SERVPRO of Charlottesville is locally owned and operated, with national resources so that we can be “Faster to any size disaster.” Call us at 434-977-5850 for 24 Hour Emergency service.

Choosing SERVPRO of Charlottesville Involves Continuous Training

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Congratulations to our Production Manager, Ryan, for completing his OSHA-10 Training.

We are delighted to announce that our production manager, Ryan, completed his OSHA-10 Training! Hooray!

The safety and health of our customers and employees is something we take very seriously here at SERVPRO of Charlottesville.

This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA-10) training course emphasizes promoting “workplace safety and health and to make workers more knowledgeable about workplace hazards.” Too many accidents can and do happen when people rush and don’t think things through before taking action.

Understanding the types of hazards that are involved on a job site is of the utmost importance. For instance, electrical hazards could be fatal. Since many of our jobs deal with water damage clean up and restoration, electrocution and shock are a main concern.

Another illustration of hazards on a jobsite would be a slip, trip and fall hazard, due to wet floors, electrical cords, and debris. As common-sense as that sounds, the dangers are only too real for those who have experienced this type of endangerment and injury.

For more information on our SERVPRO of Charlottesville employee training, click here.

Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville today at 434-977-5850 to become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Yes, Charlottesville! We do COVID-19 Cleaning!

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

We have the highest standards, experience and products to clean and disinfect your business.

This is what we do

We do cleaning and disinfecting services for COVID-19, and we have been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are ready, willing and able to clean and disinfect your commercial property.

We are cleaning professionals

Here’s Why:

• High Standards of SERVPRO’s trusted brand in cleaning and sanitation, and the standards set by the CDC guidelines
• Experience- more than 50 years in dealing with biohazard decontamination
• Training and expertise- IICRC standards and certifications
• We use EPA-approved disinfectants, such as SERVPROXIDE, “which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for sanitizing surfaces in and around food processing surfaces”

Testimonies from previous customers who used our disinfecting service:

Wendy in Charlottesville said, "Exceptional service-Highly recommended. Thank you!"

Paige in Charlottesville said, “Extremely timely and responsive to the needs of our business.”

To view a demonstration video on our fogging equipment, click here.

Businesses that can benefit from our expertise:

• Retirement Communities
• Fitness Centers
• Airport/ General Aviation/FBO
• Hotels/Restaurants
• Schools
• Government Facilities
• Libraries
• Apartment complexes
• Grocery stores
• Brick and mortar stores
• Hair salons/ Barber shops
• Wineries/Breweries/Cideries
• Fire Stations /Police station
• City/County offices
• UVA
• PVCC
• Post offices
• Country Clubs/Resorts
• Churches
• Day care centers
• Auto repair shops/Auto dealerships
• Visitor’s Center
• Monticello/Historic sites
• Paramount/Jefferson Theaters/venues

If your business needs disinfecting, call the experts Today –SERVPRO of Charlottesville at 434-977-5850 ‘We’re Here to Help’.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Charlottesville? Our Ongoing Safety Training!

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Congratulations to Crew-Chief Chris for completing his OSHA 10 training.

We just have to brag about our outstanding crewmembers!

Crew-Chief Chris completed his OSHA 10 Training! Congratulations!

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and is under the Department of Labor. This ten-hour training course, overseen by OSHA authorized trainers, is about recognizing and preventing hazards on a job site. At SERVPRO of Charlottesville, we take the safety of our employees and customers very seriously.

As a Crew-Chief, it is up to him to set an example of workplace safety to his team. Chris kindly shared some highlights from his recent training:

• Every chemical must be properly marked and labeled. It is extremely hazardous to have unmarked chemicals lying around in the restoration industry.
• Inspect all power cords and tools (hand tools and power tools) before using, to prevent electrical shock and other hazards.
• Use all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment or PPE’s for the job at hand. This includes safety glasses, ear protection, the right type of gloves for the job, Tyvek suits and respirators for contaminated areas, or areas of containment.
• Ladders need to be on a level surface and properly braced for safety.

The most vital point was to stop and think before you take action. Be aware of your surroundings, and the possible hazards they could pose.

For more information on the extensive training all our SERVPRO of Charlottesville employees undergo, click here.

Why SERVPRO? We Are Scientists!

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our scientists have the knowledge and training to help you with a fire or water damage restoration.

Did you know there is a plethora of science involved in training a water and fire damage restoration technician at SERVPRO of Charlottesville? Who knew?

The Training is Rigorous

• Initial franchise training
• On-going web-based training with tests at the end of every training module
• Stringent IICRC certification
• Hands-on training on the jobsite
• Lead-Safe training
• Subrogation Training

The Science We Use Everyday

 Electricity

• Amps and voltage, with a mathematical formula to determine the power requirements for a job.
• GFCI’s (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters) Important, since many of our jobs involve water.
• Power distribution boxes that convert 240-volt circuits into 120-volt circuits. Knowing about this is critical to ensure they have the right amount of power to run the correct equipment to get the job done, without going beyond amp capacities.

Weather

• Measuring the relative humidity, temperature of air masses and Dew Point
• Creating negative pressure, and measuring it to confirm that it has been reached.
• Condensation, temperature control and humidity control

Equipment/Engineering

• Type of pump needed for different jobs, depending on factors: suction, lift, fluid-type, and hose length/width and type.
• Type of extraction tools
• Air-movers; which type for the job
• Dehumidifiers; desiccant or refrigerant and where to place
• Type of generator for the job. Is there electric power at the site?

     Chemistry

• Our products and determining the right EPA approved chemicals for the job, the correct temperature and ratio. Determine if it is nonionic, anionic, or cationic; If it is cationic, it will be incompatible with anionics.

This gives one an idea of the scope of our technicians’ knowledge and training. Among the many questions they contend with is ‘What’s the most efficient way to dry the particular job?’ Every job situation is different, and there is always something new to learn.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

We follow all CDC guidelines cleaning with our hospital-grade disinfectant.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of Coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your commercial property, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts Today –SERVPRO of Charlottesville at 434-977-5850

Charlottesville Hoarding Cleanup Services

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Need help with hoarding cleanup? We are "Here to Help"!

Do you know anyone you would consider a ‘Collector’, ‘Pack-Rat’, or…a ‘Hoarder’?

Without going into the psychology of Hoarding Disorder, or HD, a hoarding situation can escalate from

• a clutter issue
• to a health and sanitation issue
• to a safety issue
• In an emergency situation, such as fire, blocked pathways could be disastrous.

Our IICRC certified team at SERVPRO of Charlottesville have the training, experience, and equipment to handle hoarding cleanup. In addition, our crews are professional, polite and tactful. For more information on our Advanced Technology & Techniques, click here.

How we can help:

• Assess the situation
• Dispose of Debris
• Can do an Inventory of items
• Floor to ceiling Cleaning, Disinfecting and Deodorizing
• Demolition, if necessary, such as remove affected carpeting, flooring, and drywall
• We can rent dumpsters and storage containers to have on-site
• Our Crews wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while at these job sites, to avoid infection

Our focus is on indoor cleanup; not outdoor spaces such as yards and fields.

For more information on Hoarding Disorder, click here.

For information on how to help a loved one with HD, click here.

Need help with Hoarding Cleanup?

Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville today at 434-977-5850

We are “Here to Help”

Why Choose SERVPRO of Charlottesville for Fire Damage Restoration? We’ve Been in Your Shoes (Part Two)

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

We've been in your shoes, and know the trauma of coping with fire and soot damage.

As mentioned in a previous post, SERVPRO of Charlottesville suffered a water damage loss in March 2016. At the end of April 2016, we experienced a warehouse fire. Again, Amy Yates, our wonderful Accounting and HR savant lived through the whole ordeal.

She recounts, “The culprit was some faulty electrical wiring at the outlet between the bay doors. Our next-door neighbor at True Green (lawn fertilizer company) happened to get to work a half an hour earlier than usual, at 6:00 am. He saw smoke coming out of the bay door and called the Fire Department. The Fire Department called SERVPRO of Charlottesville and got me since I was on call. ‘Your building is on fire!’ are hardly the words you want to hear upon awakening. It didn’t take the firefighters long to put out the fire; about 15 to 30 minutes. But it caused so much damage! And soot was everywhere! You don’t realize how fast soot permeates into everything. I still have old files that smell sooty.”

It was ‘all-hands-on-deck’ to:

• inventory everything
• throw out what couldn’t be salvaged
• clean up all affected areas
• and keep the business open for the customers we were “here to help”

Amy continues her narrative, “The phones were down because the heat affected the wiring. Soot ruins electronic equipment. SERVPRO of Lynchburg lent us equipment since much of ours was ruined in the fire. In retrospect, the fire could have been much worse. The smoke was detected early, and that made all the difference.”

Lessons Learned:

• We have greater Empathy for customers going through the same kind of trauma
• We know that the panic is real
• We know that it WILL get better

So, we know what we are talking about when we say ‘We’ve been in your shoes’.

For information on our Fire Damage Restoration Process, click here.

For information on the training involved for our Restoration Specialists, click here.

For information on IICRC standards and why hiring a Certified IICRC Firm is important, click here.

Before and After photos on our warehouse fire, click here.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, and Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville for 24 Hour Emergency service at 434-977-5850  

Why Are We “Faster to Any Size Disaster”?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our fleet of vehicles and equipment is ready for any size disaster.

Fast 24-Hour Emergency Service

Fun Fact: Did you know that there are over 46 SERVPRO Franchises in the state of Virginia?

Being locally owned and operated, as well as being a franchise of a nationally recognized brand, is the best of both worlds. We live and work locally, and know Central Virginia well. But we also have corporate support when we need it. And, sure enough, we needed the help two years ago, when the spring rains just…wouldn’t…stop.

Of course, we had an extraordinarily high call rate about water damage. Our owner, Earl Clarke, put in a call for help. The very next day, a 53-foot trailer of equipment arrived with teams of IICRC certified technicians/crewmembers “here to help.”  

Training

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is an IICRC Certified Firm. On top of that, all of our technicians are IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration.  Crewmember training is ongoing, as noted here. For a list of our certifications, click here.

Advanced Technology

For a faster response, our high-tech equipment is preloaded and neatly organized on our vehicles. Our high-tech equipment includes:

• moisture detection and measurement equipment
• water extraction and drying equipment
• techniques for deodorization and anti-microbial treatments

For more information on our advanced technology, click here.  

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 434-977-5850

And remember, “We’re Here to Help”

IICRC Certification: Why This Should Be Important to You

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Production Manager, Ryan Mitchell, holding our IICRC Certified Firm plaque, next to the wall of employee certifications.

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

It is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry, with emphasis on high standards in education and training for companies and technicians. Since it’s inception in 1972, the IICRC has evolved into a global organization with:

• more than 60,000 active Certified Technicians
• more than 6,000 Certified Firms around the world

The IICRC’s Mission is to “establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspecting, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.”

Training is rigorous and ongoing. There is always a new skill to learn in a variety of subjects. There is always a new level to obtain. The quest for knowledge is satisfied with the Continuing Education Classes offered by the IICRC.

A Certified Firm ensures that high standards and best practices are continuously being met. Being a Certified Firm lets customers know that the company is reputable, safe, effective, and professional. It gives customers peace of mind at a time when everything else is stressful.

Currently all production employees at SERVPRO of Charlottesville are IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration. Additionally, many of them are IICRC certified in Fire and Smoke Restoration.

For more information about our highly trained production team click here

Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville for 24 Hour Emergency service at 434-977-5850.  

We are a “Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry”.

Charlottesville Angel Tree Participation and Partnership 2019

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Group of SERVPRO and CAAR employees at the Salvation Army facility, after Angel Tree delivery 2019.

Chalk up another year partnering with the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR), and their affiliate, the Young Professionals Network (YPN), to help out our local Salvation Army with their annual Angel Tree drive. With a motto of “Faster to any Disaster”, it makes sense for SERVPRO of Charlottesville to help out a disaster relief organization, such as our community Salvation Army.   

This year, we helped by supplying our big box truck, load it up, and unload everything at the Salvation Army’s facility in Charlottesville. It was a fun, inspiring, coordination of effort with friends, and a good time was had by all; A win-win situation!  It felt great to be “Here to Help” our local community and we look forward to future collaboration with our friends.

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is locally owned and operated and is always an active part of the local community. 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Charlottesville? Because we have lived it.

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Charlottesville has been in your shoes. We know what it is like to experience a water & fire damage.

Not even working at a professional Fire & Water Clean Up & Restoration company can prepare you for a text message that wakes you up at 6:00 a.m. with the words, “Your building is on fire!”….

That is exactly what our on-call staff woke up to on April 29^th, 2016. To make matters worse, the month prior, our office staff walked in the front door to find standing water throughout the office because of a water pipe that had busted in the middle of the night. So, believe me, when I say, SERVPRO of Charlottesville has been in your shoes. We truly know what it is like to experience both fire damage and water damage. We know what it is like to stand there feeling hopeless while the fire department works tirelessly to distinguish the flames that are engulfing what you have worked so hard to build. To watch your employees as they arrive ready to go to work standing there speechless and in shock, their mind filling with questions of “Will I still get my next paycheck?” “How can I continue to provide for my family?” “Will I lose my job?”. What about all of the customers that your crews are scheduled to see today or that have entrusted you to safely store their contents in your warehouse while their home is being remediated from damage?

I am proud to say that SERVPRO of Charlottesville is part of the 50% that actually made it!  With each year following the disasters that we faced, we have continued to grow stronger as a company and as members of this community. We are thankful to our local fire department, our loyal customers, our dedicated employees, and neighboring franchises that came together and helped us jump back on our feet so that we can continue to serve the Charlottesville community.

Want to see photos from the fire damage we experienced?  Click here.

In Charlottesville, Green Means Clean

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

A shot from our production room, we see our green wall and are reminded of the importance of the whole team each day we come to work.

Here at SERVPRO of Charlottesville, we love green. As such, we get pretty psyched up about St. Patty’s day. The green hats, beads, and decorations, it’s great.

But to us, green is more than just festive. It’s a representation of who we are as a team. We are proud of our team and we work hard to cultivate a sense of belonging and instill a sense of pride into the work that we compete. Green is part of what visually unites us as a team and a family.

Cleanup & Restoration is a surprisingly personal business, as our customers invite us into their homes and businesses during experiences that are already stressful.  We work to make this experience positive by taking the same pride in our work as we would in our own homes or businesses. We like to use the green as a symbol of this pride and comradery.

So Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy your corned beef sandwich and remember that “Green means clean!”

We Have Collected the Last of the Angel Tree 2018 Donations

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

The whole gym at Salvation Army is filled with gifts and they are still receiving more!

After much planning and legwork, we collected the last of the Angel Tree donations this week. Thank you so much to everyone who participated in donating, sorting, and helping to collect these items.  

We are so thankful to live in such a caring and tight-knit community. It was awesome to see the outpouring of love and care that our community has for children that they may not have even met. Seeing the selflessness of the community around us has been truly inspiring for those of us here at SERVPRO this holiday season and we have only our neighbors and community members to thank for that.

We have wrapped up another year of Angel Tree donations and are already looking forward to partnering with the Salvation Army on other ventures in the future.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Have a safe and merry holiday!

Protecting Your Documents and Document Restoration

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have a plan for your irreplaceable documents in a flood or fire?

As we are thinking about potential furnace and fireplace puff-backs this fall, we also want to think about items that may be affected by soot, especially documents that are necessary and irreplaceable.

We have all seen photos or baby books that have been affected by water or covered in soot. It’s a sad image and it’s hard to imagine all those memories that are now impossible to view because each photo is stuck to the back of the one on top of it. And while a parent is cringing at the loss of these photos, professionals also cringe as they see the tell-tale signs of water damage on a manila folder that contains sensitive and vital information pertaining to a client, patient, or a case.

Thankfully, while these cringe-worthy moments might be brought to you by a flood or fire, SERVPRO of Charlottesville is proud to sponsor the relieved smiles and grateful exclamations that come after the disaster. We offer document recovery and restoration and have our own Vacuum Freeze Dry Chamber to help ensure recovery of your documents to highest attainable quality.

Vacuum Freeze Dry Chamber sounds intimidating. But this method for restoring documents is the only restoration method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration. It’s a simple but intensive process. For documents that have been damaged by water we first freeze these documents to prevent further deterioration. The chamber is then able to reduce the temperature of the documents so quickly that the ice is turned directly into vapor and removed from the documents without allowing further damage that results from liquid water. This process is accomplished inside the vacuum with specifically targeted and monitored heating elements.

Once the moisture is removed from the documents, we can continue removing residue and cleaning the documents as needed. Depending on the type of moisture that affected the documents, or soot in the case of a fire, we may use Gamma Irradiation to remove any microbial growth or other contaminants that may cause the documents to be unsafe.

We also offer digitization services. If after this disaster you have realized that you really should have a digital backup, we can create this digital file and deliver it to you. And, upon receiving this file, if you no longer wish to have the hard copy or if the documents are beyond further restoration, we can also offer certified destruction of these documents.

2018 Charlottesville Salvation Army Angel Tree Partnership

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

As we think about giving back this season, let’s empty this tree and touch the lives of each one of these children.

This winter SERVPRO of Charlottesville will once again be partnering with the Salvation Army for their Angel Tree program.

As a child, there is a lot of magic surrounding the holidays. People act differently, everything is lit up, and the toy that you have been waiting for all year shows up under your tree like magic. It’s a tradition that helps keep the magic of childhood alive and it reminds children that they are loved, cared for, and part of a community.

Unfortunately, presents don’t just show up by magic and they can cost a lot of money. This is why we are so excited to be participating in this program, but we need your help. We are so excited to be able to help children in the Charlottesville area have a joyous Christmas and help to remind them that they are loved and valued by their local community. We need your help in this mission!

Nan will be delivering angels as she visits offices in the month of November so be sure to keep an eye out for her green Juke as she makes her way around town. We will also have a tree at the office, so if you would like to stop by and pick up and angel or 5, please do. I know it’s early for Christmas and the holidays in general to be top of mind, but our drop off deadline to deliver the donations to the Salvation Army is December 8th so we are getting started now to give you plenty of time to gather your donations.

If you would like more information about Angel Tree you can check out The Salvation Army’s website.

Saving Susie’s Teddy Bear After He was Soaked – SERVPRO is HERE to HELP

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

There is more to your home than the walls and floors, we are here to help restore the whole home.

Immediately after an incident with fire or water damage, you might be more inclined to think about the large price tag associated with replacing your carpet or hardwood flooring. However, all the little price tags associated with boxes and boxes of memories that were stored in the basement can add up quickly and include years of memories. SERVPRO of Charlottesville is here to help restore these items (along with that damaged flooring) so you don’t have to consider the possibility of losing those memories.

We have multiple strategies and techniques we can use when we begin the restoration process for belongings that were damaged in a disaster. In a water damage, this involves removing the moisture before it can do more harm. In the event of a fire, SERVPRO of Charlottesville may choose to do a pack out to be able to better restore the belongings that were damaged in the fire. A pack out involves inventorying all the belongings and transferring them to our facilities where we can more effectively restore them, and then returning them to your home. This process allows our technicians to access all the resources we have available at our facility without carting these machines and products to your home.

Multiple Methods

We train our technicians on multiple methods to clean your belongings so they have the options and the expertise to chose the correct method depending on the type of damage and the item that needs restoration. Our first resort method is a dry cleaning method. This method is used for items that have light residue. We might use this process on items that have been affected by soot or items that were affected by water, have already been dried, and require further cleaning to remove any residue.  

If the damage is slightly worse than a dry cleaning can handle, we would move to a wet cleaning method. This category is broad as it involves a wide array of products that we might use depending on the type of item that has been damaged and in what way. We would consider wet cleaning if the residue is greasy or if the residue needs to be broken down before it can be removed from the item. A reliable method, the wet cleaning process can handle many different kinds of damage. However, we also want to consider the well-being of your belongings as well as the condition of the damage. Removing the soot from your antique vase is less impressive if the coloring from the vase comes off with the soot. We have multiple other methods we can consider as we approach a more delicate item and we can discuss these options with you if the need arises.

With this in mind, we also have the ability to clean contents ultrasonically if the situation requires it. This method is perfect for contents that are delicate or have lots of intricate, small parts and crevices that traditional cleaning methods cannot properly clean. This technique uses ultrasonic sound waves to agitate a water and detergent solution. Bubbles created in the solution then disturb the dirt and other small particles, removing them from the items that need to be cleaned.

What Can Be Saved?

Of course, we cannot assume that all belongings that were affected by a disaster can be saved. While we remain optimistic and will do our best to restore all items. We will also go through belongings with a discretionary eye to determine what can and cannot be saved. Some damage is too severe to save. After sustaining some kinds of damage, items must be properly destroyed to assure the safety of your family. These decisions are sometimes not clear upon first glance, but we will come along side you as you make these decisions about what to discard and what to save.

SERVPRO - Offering the Green Choice When it Comes to Disaster Restoration

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

We show once again that “Green Means Clean” with our environmentally friendly line of products.

We have always said that “Green means clean.” And recently, we mean it on a whole other level. We have a new line of green products adherent to the “Safer Choice” guidelines. Striving to meet the needs of all our customers, we want to provide the highest level of restoration that we can. As such, we want to make sure that we have options and strategies available for all our customers.

When I say that we have new “Safer Choice” products available, you might think that means that all our other products are “unsafe.” These are not mutually exclusive adjectives. All our products undergo extensive testing and have met high safety standards. However, we recognize that some projects require a gentler touch than others. We are happy to say that we have the products to handle these jobs!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a list of safer ingredients for manufacturers to access when creating products to be a part of this “Safer Choice” category. These ingredients are graded in different areas including: developmental toxicity, toxicity to aquatic life, and persistence in the environment. Our green line of products is made from these safer ingredients. They have no fragrance and a gentler odor than some of our other products. They are available upon request and are often used in homes or business where children, pets, or other sensitive residents are present.

I know the popular response to a “green” cleaning product is scorn that this product cannot possibly work as well as the traditional line of cleaning products. However, at SERVPRO we’re not interested in cleaning halfway, so these products are also still tested against the same standards as other products in the same category that include the harsher ingredients. Which is to say that our green product line provides the benefits of the “Safer Choice” without sacrificing performance.

We are consistently striving to find new ways to provide for the needs of our customers. We are glad to be able to offer these green options to do our part to protect the environment and find better ways to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Considering the Costs: Restoration or Replacement

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Replacing all affected items can increase the cost and time required to recover from a disaster.

Experiencing a water or a fire damage can be overwhelming. Looking around the building or room where the damage occurred can result in a deep-seated feeling that everything is ruined and must be replaced. However, replacing every structure or item that was damaged in a flood or fire can be an expensive and lengthy process. While not all items can be restored, depending on the extent of the damage and how long ago the incident happened, our trained professionals can help you assess what can be saved and what should be thrown out. SERVPRO® of Charlottesville believes in the process of restoration as the preferred alternative to replacing items that can be saved after a disaster.

When looking at the elements in the room, often building materials can be restored rather than replaced even if they were affected in a disaster. Drywall can be dried after a water damage and soot can often be removed from drywall after a fire damage. The same can be said of subfloor materials, carpets, and floorings. These materials take up a large portion of space in landfills and each piece that we can save instead of depositing into the trash is better for the environment. Additionally, replacing these materials can take much longer than restoring them. While we can begin drying or cleaning these items almost immediately, replacing these materials involves removing, discarding, choosing, and installing new materials. During this replacement process, you also lose access to the part of your home or business. Choosing restoration is the first step to getting your business up and running or returning normalcy to your home as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, depending on the level and type of damage, some items will still need to be replaced, but SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is here to help you make this determination so you are discarding only what is necessary and restoring what can be saved.

Once the room has been restored or is underway, we can look at the contents of the room and think about restoring these elements. Some items that you have in your home cannot be replaced, whether it’s a piece of original artwork or your grandmother’s diary. These items cannot be bought or found elsewhere. We are committed to helping recover these items if it is possible. A flood in your basement doesn’t have to mean losing all your family photos. An electrical fire in the attic doesn’t mean throwing out all the mementos from your daughter’s childhood.

Of course, on the larger scale, restoring is also cheaper than replacing. After a fire, if you choose to replace your kitchen, you must consider the cost of labor to tear the old, damaged items out as well as the cost for new items and installation. SERVPRO® of Charlottesville offers a cheaper solution through the restoration of the items that can be saved, including removing the soot and the odor from the affected area. We are happy to work with insurance companies and keep them appraised as work progresses. Insurance companies, in turn, are happy to work with us as the cheaper and quicker alternative to replacement.

In the event of a disaster in your home or business, you’ve already lost enough. Let us help restore normalcy to your residence and make it “Like it never even happened.”