WATER & FLOOD DAMAGE ALEXANDRIA

WE REMOVE THE WATER AND THE WORRY.

Count on ServiceMaster  for expert guidance and the experience to fix your water or flood damage fast.
  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Water Extraction
  • Structural Drying
  • Floor Drying
  • Structural Dehumidification
  • Mold & Sewage Remediation
  • Odor & Stain Removal

COMMERCIAL WATER DAMAGE

  • APPLIANCE RUPTURES & LEAKS
  • BURST & LEAKING PIPES
  • ROOF LEAKS & FAILURES
  • RISING WATERS
  • CONTENT & DOCUMENT DRYING
  • DRYING & DEHUMIDIFICATION

RESIDENTIAL WATER DAMAGE

  • APPLIANCE RUPTURES & LEAKS
  • BURST & LEAKING PIPES
  • ROOF LEAKS & FAILURES
  • FLOODED BASEMENT RISING WATERS
  • CARPET & UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
  • DRYING & DEHUMIDIFICATION

OUR 5 STEP DRYING AND RESTORATION PROCESS

1.

INSPECT AND ASSESS

Using state-of-the-art instruments, our certified technicians will inspect your home for damage, identify the source, and outline the work required.

2.

WATER MITIGATION

Whether it’s caused by a sudden flood, a burst pipe, or plumbing issue, water damage escalates quickly if not addressed immediately.  One of the biggest problems with water disasters is the effect on carpets and floors.

3.

DEHUMIDIFICATION

We use dehumidifiers to extract the moisture from the air and expedite the drying process.

4.

EVAPORATION

Using equipment such as air movers, we help the water to evaporate more quickly.

5.

MONITORING

Our technicians take atmospheric and moisture content readings that indicate if the area is drying, at what rate and what adjustment, if any, need to be made to expedite the trying process and avoid excessive uncontrolled humidity levels.

CARPET & FLOOR DRYING

One of the biggest problems with water damage disasters is its effect on carpets and floors. ServiceMaster understands these issues and provides fast, on-site carpet and wood floor drying.

Here’s what your ServiceMaster  professional considers when drying carpet:

Age and condition of carpet

If a carpet is so old that it is a better value to replace than attempt restoration, we’ll let you know what makes the best financial sense. ServiceMaster uses industry resources to help determine the exact value of carpet.

Length of time carpet was exposed to water

Most carpets can withstand water for up to three days, but immediate response to your loss is critical. In most cases ServiceMaster can be at your site within two to four hours.

Type of water

Types of water affect the restoration process.
Clean water: Water from a clean source with no debris.
Grey water: Water that is not necessarily clean but is not hazardous (washing machine and dishwasher overflow, for example).
Black water: Sewage backup or runoff water. These losses are hazardous and should be handled with caution.

Water temperature

The temperature of the water is important to consider. For example, a hot water heater with very warm water will affect the glue used to hold carpet fibers together.

Here’s what we consider when drying wood floors:

  • Wood floors are very sensitive, so proper drying is critical.
  • Wood naturally holds water–up to 10% depending on the type of floor.
  • Wood can absorb another 5% to 10% without showing any noticeable effects. Within a few days, however, floors that cannot hold the water any longer will expand, causing cupping or crowning. Both are very difficult to restore.
  • Emergency response is critical for any damage to wood floors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Drying time is determined by a combination of factors, including the location, duration and source of water, the types of building materials, the weather conditions and how quickly emergency services begin.

Proper testing with our specialized equipment is the correct way to determine if things are completely dry.  Touch along may be a false indicator.
 

Not necessarily.  We will adjust the temperature to its optimum setting for the proper drying conditions.  Please do not change the setting or shut off the HVAC system; doing so may prolong the drying process.

The extent of damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be resorted.  Your furniture must be dried before damage can be adequately assessed.  Non salvageable furniture will be documented for you, and if any items need to be discarded, a customer relies form will need to be signed.

If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from you insurance representative.  However, this is a decision you must reach on your own.  Here are several things to consider.  Safety is paramount.  Our equipment is as childproof as possible but does require supervision to make sure no children play with it.   Air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise.

Not usually.  If items need to be mounted out, we will let you know in advance.

Opening your windows to assist the drying process is not always recommended.  Outside weather conditions may vary, so the technician will determine when and if the outside air is appropriate.

Nonporous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly.

Rugs are taken to our warehouse for special care.  They need to be dried out carefully to minimize bleeding of colors and discoloration.  Your rugs will be dried, cleaned and returned. 
 

Ultimately you, the property owners, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, ServiceMaster Restore generally collects only the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you.