Water Damage in your home

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

When your home experiences water damage, besides the structural concerns, one of the biggest can definitely be your hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are expensive and add both cosmetic and monetary value to your home so, if possible, you obviously want to try and avoid ripping them out and replacing them. There are multiple factors that can play a part in our ability to restore your floors to preloss conditions:

• Moisture Levels – Hardwood floors have a very low moisture content. When water pools on them for long periods of time the moisture gets soaked into the wood and can take weeks to dry out on its own. This can cause the wood to buckle, have raised edges or have the panels separate from each other.

• Time – The type of wood in question plays a role in how quickly water is absorbed and then dried out. Wood rot happens when microbial growth in water is left without treatment in wood and begins to breakdown the wood.

As you can see, there are quite a few factors that decide whether or not you will have to replace your expensive hardwood floors or not, and that it’s best left to the professionals to handle to help increase your odds of restoration. So, if you find yourself in need of water damage restoration, don’t delay and give us a call asap. Our team is waiting to see how we can help you today.

With the correct equipment and training it is possible to save your floors from having to be removed, so it is imperative that you call a professional restoration company like us here at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outerbanks.

Water Damage to Your Carpet

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

The carpet in our homes is often exposed to water from various sources like leaks in bathrooms and kitchens. SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks takes a repair, not replace stance on our remediation services because we understand that fully replacing things that could potentially be repaired is a hassle. Here are some advantages of our stance:

• Less disruption to your home and life
• Less damage to your carpet and a smaller chance of carpet delamination
• Often cheaper than replacing the carpet all together

It is, however, important to understand that there are some scenarios where carpet must be removed, and repair/drying is not an option:

• When the carpet has been exposed for more than 72 hours
• Carpet is installed overtop of other flooring like laminate or hardwood
• Water damage is caused by unsanitary water (Grey or Black Water)

The ability to repair and fully dry your carpet is contingent on among other things, our ability to get there fast and address the issue, so if your carpet has suffered from water damage do not delay and give us a call! We’re here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Prevent Winter Weather Water Damage

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

With winter fast approaching and colder weather on the way, is your home ready to keep you and your family dry? Check out these best practices to help prevent winter water damage to your home!

Prevent frozen pipes and pipe bursts

• Any faucets that are connected to pipes in areas that are unheated (attic, crawl space, outside) are more likely to freeze when the temperature drops. Be sure to let cold water drip from those faucets to help prevent freezing.
• If you plan on leaving your home for multiple days during freezing temps leave your heat on. Heating costs may rise a bit, but comparatively to a burst pipe in your home you’ll be happy you did.

Prevent Ice Dams

• When warm air from your home heats the roof and melts the snow on the roof it collects in unheated areas and refreezes, making ice dams that limit drainage off the roof and can cause damage to your home.
• Make sure to clear your gutters and downspouts so that water can drain off the roof and doesn’t collect anywhere to refreeze.
• Install gutter screens to help keep out debris build up in gutters
• If you live in an area with especially large amounts of snowfall, consider installing snow guards to prevent snow accumulation on your roof and lining under your shingles to prevent leaks as snow melts.

Ensure you know where and how to shut off your water in case of an emergency

• When pipes freeze or burst it is important to be able to respond immediately and prevent the issue from getting any worse. Make sure that you know where your water shut off is and turn it off the second you discover a leak

While the cold weather can bring potential damage to your home, taking the proper steps to get ready can help you enjoy the winter wonderland stress free, and if disaster does happen rest assured that us here at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer banks are ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

Act Quick After Water Damage

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Quick action and response after a water catastrophe is crucial to your recovery.  Flood waters and water catastrophes are very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and business. The water gets absorbed into the flooring, the walls, the furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks gets there fast and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Destruction Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishing may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

 The First 24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

 48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

 More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Protect Your Home From Water Damage

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

How to Minimize your Water Damage Risk.

A flooded bathroom or a ceiling leak due to a water heater leak in your attic, you know that the water damage and the repair may be costly. Here are a few tips to help protect against water damage.

• Replace old pipes. Home piping usually has a life span of 50 to 80 years. If yours are older, it’s a good idea to ask a plumber for an inspection. PVC pipes may need to be replaced every 25-40 years.
• Inspect your water heater. Water heaters usually need to be replaced every 10 years.
• Update your windows and doors. Watertight options are available with new doors and windows. Wood windows should be cleaned, repainted and stained every so often.  Cracks should be resealed, and old glazing compounds should be replaced as needed.
• Replace washing machine supply hoses. As part of a proactive maintenance plan, replace every 3 to 5 years.
• Regularly inspect your roof. Look for loose or missing shingles, or any sign of damage.  While up there, inspect your gutters to make sure leaves and debris have been removed and that the drain spout is properly attached.

Do You Have Water Damage in the Outer Banks?  Call us at 252-331-7889.

How to Prevent/Minimize Water Damage in the Spring

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your home free from water damage this spring.

There is no way for a homeowner to completely prevent all water damage under every circumstance however there are steps you can take to prepare your home ahead of the spring-thaw months to prevent common causes of water damage. 

• Read and understand your homeowner’s insurance 
• Avoid storing valuable items in your basement.
• Install a basement pump or a water alarm 
• Remove debris from window wells, gutters & downspouts
• Check for and repair leaks around doors and windows
• Inspect your foundation for cracks and repair any that you find to prevent water seepage
• Trim any trees or bushes away from your home
• Keep your roof in good shape, be sure to make regular repairs to prevent water leaks.  

If your home/business experiences water damage, our franchise professionals are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Water Heater

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks?

When SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks gets an emergency water damage call because a water heater has leaked, we know there is attic and ceiling damage or flooring damage, maybe more.  Here are some signs to indicate that you might need a new water heater. These tips may require some periodic checking while others become obvious only after things have gone wrong.

• The water is not getting hot enough.
• The water is not getting hot al all. It could be that the pilot light is out, or the circuit breaker has been tripped, or worse the whole heating system is shot.
• The water is a rusty color or not clear running.
• The water has a strange metallic taste, which could mean that the inside of the tank is breaking down.
• The water heater is making loud popping and cracking noises that could mean the heating element is failing.
• There are signs of leakage around the water heater which indicates a major internal failure to the system. Make sure that the electricity or gas has been turned off to the system and that before replacing it, the unit has had a chance to cool completely.

We suggest that you hire a professional to replace and install a new water heater.  This is to be certain that the installation meets safety codes and is safe to use.

Water damage cleanup in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks?  Call 252-331-7889.

Water Heater Safety. . . Get to Know Your Water Heater

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Water & Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

When it comes to your water heater, the old saying “out of sight, out of mind”, should not be taken lightly.  Water heater failure can cause flooding and even a fire and the following water heater safety tips can help to prevent a catastrophe.    Nationwide Insurance suggests that getting to know your water heater parts and routine maintenance can help to keep your water heater safe and help avoid a disaster. 

Water heater parts

A residential water tank can hold 40 to 60 gallons and needs to withstand typically 50 to 100 psi,  Steel tanks are tested to handle 300 psi and have glass liners to keep rust out of the water, and insulation to surround the tank.  Other parts to become familiar include:

• A dip tube to let cold water into the tank
• A thermostat to control the temperature of the water that is inside of the tank
• A pipe to drain hot water out of the tank
• Heating elements like those found inside of an electric oven
• A drain valve to allow you to drain the tank to move it or replace the elements
• A temperature or release valve that helps keep the tank from exploding
• A sacrificial anode rod, screwed into the top of your water heater and protects your heater from rusting

Some important facts to remember about your water heater.

Pulling up on the pressure relief valve or temperature valve handle to make sure water flows freely out and stops when you let go of the handle can help prevent tanks from exploding and should be tested annually.

Temperature settings vary on residential tanks, but the right temperature is at least 120 degrees at the tap, which you can test with a meat or candy thermometer.  This temperature helps to kill germs and prevent children from being scalded.  When you go on vacation, set the temperature lower to save money and reduce risk of problems while away.

Venting is important as a poor draft can cause fumes and carbon monoxide to reenter a room instead of exiting. Make sure the vent goes straight up and out without any dips and is the same diameter as the tank’s draft diverter.

Flushing the hot water through the drain valve annually will help to remove sediment buildup.

Extinguish the pilot light when handling flammable liquids or aerosol.  If the water heater is in the garage, raise it to that the pilot light is 18” above the floor.  This is to help prevent ignition of gasoline vapors that collect near the floor.

Strapping your water heater can help prevent it from falling over which could sever a gas line and cause an explosion.

Insulation may help reduce heat loss on the hot water pipe and “sweating” on the cold-water pipe. 

Should you need water or fire damage cleanup and restoration in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, call your 24-hour emergency service company, operating since 1997.

When Your Stuff Gets Wet

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Ceiling Leak Restoration in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

When Your Stuff Gets Wet

Water Damages your contents and things too.  SERVPRO Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has seen its share of water damage.  The damage can happen from a leaking pipe between the wall, a leaking toilet, a dishwasher relief valve that fails, a refrigeration line fail, a water heater leak, an HVAC system ceiling leak and of course havoc from mother nature.

Most often our first thought is about damage to the floors or to the ceiling, or even the walls.  Then the realization that your contents, your treasures, your projects, your books have been damaged too.

We are your Emergency call to action experts when disaster strikes your home or business 24/7.  

For over 20 years, SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks helps to make it#LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HeretoHelp #SERVPROOBX

Salvaging Personal Belongings

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Chair Gets Cleaned

One of the most common topics after a client suffers water damage, is how and what can be salvaged and restored. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer.  Every water damage is unique and case by case. Once we have received notice of your water loss and the source has been stopped, our SERVPRO specialists will identify the source to begin the restoration process.

Here are some things to consider:

Identity the Type of Water Damage

Determining what type of water has damaged your personal belongings is part of our inspection process.   In the restoration industry we categorize water as clean water, a category 1, gray water is category 2 and black water is category 3. 

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has the Esporta technology that cleans all these water damage categories including category 3 contaminated water. 

Porous vs Non-Porous Materials

Porous materials such as fabrics, wood, and paper are very good at retaining water. Porosity also means the increase in the chance of other dangers like mold growth, and even damage beyond repair or restoration.  Here in lies the case by case scenario.  Porous materials such as marble, metal, and porcelain - among others - usually have no problem in being restored because bacteria and mold are not usually able to root to their surface.

The Amount of Time the Water has Saturated Your Belongings

Another factor that will come into the equation of determining what can and cannot be saved is how long the materials have been wet.  The longer a porous item sits in water, the more difficult to bring it back to its preloss state. The perfect example of this is wooden furniture. Belongings that are left damp or wet and exposed to the elements are at a greater risk for mold growth and may not be salvageable.   Acting quickly and calling your local SERVPRO as soon as you discover the water damage is key to restoration success.

Restoration or Replacement Costs

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks will always try to restore your water damaged items to their preloss condition unless they are beyond restoration. 

We know that your belongings are what help to make your home a home.  Our restoration helps to save you and your insurance company money, not to mention prevents landfill pollution.  If restoration is not an option, then replacement is usually the next option.

When you hire the professionals at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, you know that your water damage has been assessed and your belongings have been analyzed for the best course of action to help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Best Smart Water Leak Detectors of 2018

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Best Smart Water Leak Detectors of 2018

The best smart water leak detectors of 2018 were picked recently by Reviewed.com and shared on This Old House.  The best were tested for responsiveness and ease of setup, put in simulated leaks and even submerged in water.

At SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks we know all about water damage cleanup and restoration.  Pipes freeze, dishwashers and refrigerators leak, and HVAC systems leak in the attic.  You need to keep your home protected against water and flood damage.

New technology can send alerts to your phone and notify you even when you are hundreds of miles away that you have a home or business water leak or flood.   The best of the best recommended was the Honeywell Lyric water leak and freeze detector. . . read more about water and flood sensors.

Keeping Kids Safe Near Water

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Water Safety

As the warmer weather arrives, and summer time fun begins, parents and children must be alert and prepared when it comes to pool and water safety.

The most important tip from children's heath care professionals is for parents to always keep their eyes on their kids around water whether at a pool, a water park or at the beach.  

Swim lessons are powerful and important and recommended instead of depending on floating devices for safety.

When choosing a life jacket, make sure that the life jacket is Coast Guard certified. The label on the back will give you weight parameters and who the life jacket is suited. 

Remember to never rely on noodles, or other flotation devices to save your child's life.

Summer Safety Tips on Water Safety

Four Significant Ways to Prevent Water Damage

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Elizabeth City,/Outer Banks

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reminds us that those annoying leaky faucets if left unchecked and unfixed,  could cost thousands of dollars in damage.  USAA suggests (4) significant ways to prevent water damage.

• Inspect Your Attic Leaky Roofs are the #1 leading cause of water damage. Musty smells, water stains on the ceiling or floor, missing shingles or damp insulation.
• Check Your Bathroom from cracked or missing caulk around tub, sinks, and toilets.  Water damage from one toilet can cost $2,000-10,000.
• Keep Your Kitchen Dry by checking your refrigerator ice maker & dishwasher supply lines for kinks or cracks.  Check under the dishwasher for water.  Vacuum the coils on your frig every 6 months.  Proper maintenance can help your fridge to last 13 years.
• Watch Over Your Utility Room as 75% of water heaters fail before they're 12 years old and check your washer for leaks, cracks & bulges.  Replace supply lines every 5 years with steel braided hose.

Every water damage situation is different and requires a unique solution, but the Water Damage Restoration Process stays the same.  

Have Water or Flood Damage in Elizabeth City or Outer Banks?  Call us Today- 252-331-7889  #AlwaysHereToHelp #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #WaterDamageInElizabethCity #WaterDamageInOuterBanks

Flood Water in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.  Your location no longer seems to be a factor-there is always potential for flood damage.

 Fema.gov reports that in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.  It’s not a matter of if, but when and FEMA reports that nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000.

#TheAmericanRed Cross claims that floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster.  Here are some tips they advise to follow:

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, Stop, Turn around, and go another way.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, the same holds true. If you are in your car and waters are rising rapidly, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. 
• Keep children out of the water. Children may not recognize contaminated water and lack judgment. 

If your home or business is affected by a flood, SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks is your water damage restoration company.  Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not treated properly and quickly. 

Cleanup can be overwhelming and that’s why the “SERVPRO® System is prepared to handle any size disaster.  When fire and water take control of your life, let your local SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks help you take it back. 

Do you have water damage in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks call us at 252-331-7889.

Water Damage and Your Property

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Broken, Hidden Water Pipes Can Wreak Havoc

After the plumber has fixed the leak, the flooding has subsided, or the fire department has left, getting your structure and your belongings properly dried and cleaned is crucial to a quick and successful restoration. 

Moisture can cause mildew, fungus, and mold to grow and can attract insects, termites and even rodents.  These factors can destroy the very foundation of a home and your belongings. 

At SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property after water damage to your home or business.  Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property, and your assets.

Every water damage incident varies and requires its own unique solution; however, our restoration process stays the same.  Want to know what to expect?  See more about our SERVPRO  water damage restoration process and click on details of each process.

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has been helping to make it #LikeItNeverEvenHappened for families and businesses in Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks since the 90’s.  Call us at 252-331-7889.

Your Outer Banks home is your largest investment, what happens when disaster hits?

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks 252-331-7889

Your home is more than likely the biggest investment that you will ever make and one that holds a lifetime of memories.

What happens if you wake up to see 2 inches of water in your kitchen?  What would you do?  Do you know who you would call?

We are SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks and we have been serving homeowners and businesses like you since 1967.  

As a leader in the field of water damage repair and restoration, our crews are trained to help you when disaster strikes, to help walk you through the drying process and help to make it #LikeItNeverEvenHappened.

If disaster strikes your home, be sure to remember to call SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks at 252-331-7889

#SERVPROOBX #NoWorries #SERVPRO

Faster to your Elizabeth City, Outer Banks Water Damage Emergency

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks provides 24 hour fire and water dmage restoration services in Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –252-331-7889

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO® of Hampton

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

Certifications

• ASCS - Air Systems Cleaning Specialist
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• VSMR - Ventilation System Mold Remediators
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• LCT - Leather Cleaning Technician
• OSHA - Other Training
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• CMR - Council-certified Microbial Remediator
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• IICRC Certified Firm

The Do's and Don'ts of Water Damage

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

Unexpected water damage can come from anywhere in the home.

Sometimes you never know when water damage is going to occur to your home or business. With these tips, you can be sure you are prepared for any water damage situation.

Water Damage From Clean Water

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood and furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperatures.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
  Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON’T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Always call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks when you experience any water damage. Call us at (252) 331-7889/(252) 480-8557.

Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Lawn and Garden Month

4/7/2016 (Permalink)

April is National Lawn and Garden Month and the team here at SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks have a few gardening and lawn tips that may help keep your yard and home protected against flooding and water damage.

Lawns

Homeowners can begin with the size and care of lawns. Rather than maintaining a large carpet of green through the use of pesticides and herbicides, consider reducing the size of your lawn by 10% and allow your landscape to be a bit more natural. You can help prevent soil erosion by using native plants in your landscape that help hold soil in place and filter storm water. As a bonus, your lawn and garden will be greener during the dry days of summer, as native plants are more drought resistant than many popular non-native lawn grasses.

You can take a few simple steps to make your lawn healthier and better able to absorb rainwater when it falls:

• Use an organic fertilizer early each spring
• Set your mower to 3”, not anything lower (Cutting too short results in decreased root growth. More roots mean more water is absorbed and runoff is reduced.)
• Water infrequently but deeply
• Use hand tools to remove individual weeds

Rain Gardens

Even owners of small pieces of property can help prevent flooding through the use of a rain garden. A rain garden is a low-lying vegetated depression (typically 3 to 6 inches deep) with absorbent soils that temporarily collect storm water runoff from impervious surfaces and allow the runoff to slowly percolate into the soil.

When building a rain garden, plants with the highest wet-soil tolerance should be placed in the center, since those at the edge will drain fairly quickly while the middle remains submerged.  

Large or small, rain gardens should be planted with native plants. Using native plants is best whenever possible, as they require little to no watering in between rainfall, making a more low-maintenance yard and cutting down on the need for harmful pesticides.  As a general rule, any plant described as Japanese, Oriental, English, etc. is obviously not native to North America and should be avoided.

Some common native flowers are black-eyed Susan, coneflower and wild columbine. Native trees include sweetgum, red maple, Eastern redbud and American holly. But these are just a few of the hundreds of plants that are native to our region. The best way to figure out which plants are native is to explore a book or online guide that describes native plants. Here are three excellent resources to help you get started:

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• The Native Plant Center, an online version of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s native plant guide
• The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s online Plants of Chesapeake Bay collection

Here at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, we believe in prevention first!

*Sources: Raritan Headwaters, Lot Plans.

Pipes Frozen...but not Broken

2/15/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen… but not Broken.  SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

 Most people, when they think of frozen pipes in their homes, naturally think of broken pipes, spewing a huge mess that soaks carpet, subfloors, walls and more… necessitating the attention of their water damage professional.

 But many times, a frozen pipe doesn’t necessarily become a broken pipe. You might have experienced this yourself: You go into a bathroom, during a really cold part of winter, turn on the faucet and nothing comes out. Or perhaps only a trickle dribbles into the sink.

 This is a Headache that must be dealt with promptly, before the pipe actually breaks and creates a larger problem.

Preventing this from ever happening is the best course of action. Here are some things you can do when temperatures fall well below freezing:

Take control of the temperature in your home. Some, especially when leaving for a few days, will set the temperature lower to save money. But keep your home at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Installing a thermostat that you can control remotely with your smartphone means you can monitor your home 24/7 while traveling.

While home, when temperatures are extremely cold, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to flow among the pipes and, for problem sinks that have had their pipes freeze in the past, or that you feel might freeze, allow a slow trickle of water to run.

Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply pipes in the walls or ceiling of your garage. This occurs especially when a bathroom is next to or above a garage. When you pull your vehicles into the garage, immediately shut the garage door so the heat from the engine can help warm the garage.

 But if a frozen pipe does happen, your only remedy is to thaw it. This may take some time. Warm up your house, and use safe heat, such as a hair dryer, to warm the area where the pipe is frozen. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or other heat source fired by fuel, and don’t use open flames. If you can’t determine where the frozen pipe is, a local plumbing company can help.

 And, of course, if the worst happens and a pipe does break, call us.