Recent Posts

SERVPRO® of Downtown Columbus: Supporting the fastest growing metro market

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

A large row of air movers be pushed by a employee We are ready and equipped to handle anything our growing Columbus market throws at us!

As Columbus cements its position as the fastest-growing metro market, the demand for reliable, efficient property restoration services has never been more critical. SERVPRO is ready to meet the burgeoning needs of this vibrant city.

Columbus's rapid expansion brings with it a unique set of challenges, including increased risks of property damage due to infrastructure strain, heightened construction activity, and the natural consequences of a densely populated area. However, our local presence, combined with its national resources, positions it uniquely to provide unparalleled service to both residential and commercial properties in need of restoration or cleaning services.

Why SERVPRO is Columbus's Go-To for Restoration and Cleaning Services

  1. Rapid Response Times: Understanding the essence of time in restoration, we guarantee a prompt response. Our 24/7 emergency service ensures that Columbus residents and businesses receive immediate attention, reducing the extent of damage and restoration costs.
  2. Advanced Technology and Techniques: We leverage state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques to tackle water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and more. This technological edge is crucial for effectively managing the complex demands of a growing metro like Columbus.
  3. Highly Trained Restoration Technicians: our team in Columbus is not just skilled but also IICRC-certified. This certification means they are trained in the latest restoration and cleaning standards, ensuring high-quality service across all job types.
  4. Local Knowledge, National Resources: We combine the best of both worlds—a local understanding of Columbus’s specific needs and challenges with the robust resources of a national brand. This synergy ensures scalable solutions for projects of any size, from single homes to large commercial complexes.
  5. Seamless Insurance Process: Navigating insurance claims can be daunting. We can assist Columbus residents and business owners by working directly with insurance companies, simplifying the claims process, and helping to expedite settlements.

The SERVPRO Promise: Making it "Like it never even happened."

Understanding Mold

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

The Silent Invader: Understanding Mold

Mold: it's the word that no homeowner ever wants to hear. Yet, it's a common issue, and understanding it is the first step to winning the battle against this silent invader.

Mold in the Air: The Airborne Truth

One of the lesser-known facts about mold is that it doesn't need direct contact to spread. Mold spores are airborne, which means they can travel through the air, infiltrating your home through windows, doors, or even hitching a ride on your clothing or pets. This makes mold a particularly insidious problem because even the cleanest homes can fall victim to an invasion.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Mold is not picky about where it grows, provided the conditions are right. It thrives in moist, warm environments and can be found anywhere from your bathroom tiles to the corners of your basement. It's not just limited to damp spaces, though. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including fabric, wood, and even paper. And while it might start in an out-of-the-way place, it can quickly spread to more visible areas of your home.

The Speed of Spread

How quickly does mold spread? Faster than you might think. Mold colonies can start to grow on a damp surface in as little as 24 to 48 hours. And once they start, they don't slow down. Given the right conditions, mold will continue to spread and can take over large areas of your home if left unchecked.

Mold Remediation with SERVPRO®

At SERVPRO®, we understand the science of mold and mold growth. Our professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. We use advanced mold remediation techniques and equipment to safely handle your mold problem, no matter the size.

We also understand that the best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. That's why we don't just address the mold issue; we also tackle the source of the moisture that allowed the mold to grow in the first place.

Take Action Against Mold

If you suspect that you have a mold problem, don't wait. The faster you act, the quicker you can stop the spread and the damage. Reach out to SERVPRO today for a professional assessment. Our team is ready to provide efficient, effective mold remediation and help you protect your home from this silent but dangerous invader.

Remember, when it comes to mold, you're not alone. SERVPRO is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today, and let's get your space back to the safe, comfortable, mold-free environment you deserve.

Professional Cleaning Services Beyond Disaster Recovery

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

When you hear the name SERVPRO®, you likely think of a trusted partner in disaster recovery and restoration. While it's true that we excel in helping you recover from the unexpected, our services extend far beyond that. Professional cleaning services offered by SERVPRO® can not only restore your property after a disaster but also provide numerous benefits in regular, day-to-day situations.

  1. A Healtheir Environment

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of professional cleaning is the creation of a healthier indoor environment. Regular cleaning removes dust, allergens, and harmful pathogens from surfaces, improving indoor air quality. In today's health-conscious world, a clean and healthy workspace is vital for the well-being of your employees and customers.

  1. Enhanced Productivity

A clean and organized workspace can have a significant impact on productivity. Clutter-free and sanitized environments promote focus and efficiency. Your employees are more likely to be productive when they work in a clean and orderly space.

  1. Impress Clients and Customers

First impressions matter. A clean and well-maintained business space conveys professionalism and attention to detail. When clients or customers walk into your establishment, a clean environment can leave a positive and lasting impression.

  1. Prolonged Asset Life

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your business property can extend the life of assets like carpets, upholstery, and furniture. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, benefiting the environment.

Professional cleaning services from SERVPRO® offer immediate benefits by creating a healthier, more productive, and impressive business environment. Additionally, taking proactive steps to disaster-proof your business is essential for its long-term success. By developing an emergency plan, safeguarding your property, and partnering with experts, you can protect your business from unforeseen events and ensure a smoother path to recovery if disaster does strike. Remember, at SERVPRO®, we're not just here for the unexpected; we're here to help you thrive every day.

Is Your Columbus Commercial Building Ready For Winter?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

As the colder months approach around Ohio, commercial property owners and managers should prepare for the challenges that winter brings. Proper winterization is essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and functional property during the frosty season.

  1. Conduct a Winter Maintenance Check:

Before the winter weather sets in, schedule a thorough inspection of the property. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for blockages, and the windows and doors for proper sealing. Addressing any maintenance issues early can prevent costly damage and energy inefficiencies during the winter.

  1. HVAC System Maintenance:

A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for keeping the property warm and comfortable during winter. Have a technician inspect and clean the heating system, change air filters, and ensure that all components are functioning optimally.

  1. Protect Pipes from Freezing:

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. Insulate exposed pipes and consider installing heating cables in areas prone to freezing. Encourage tenants to keep the property heated, even during periods of vacancy, to prevent pipe-related disasters.

  1. Snow and Ice Removal Plan:

Create a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan in collaboration with a reputable snow removal contractor. This plan should include designated snow removal areas, priorities for clearing different parts of the property, and an emergency response plan for severe weather events.

  1. Stock Up on Winter Supplies:

Ensure an ample supply of winter essentials, such as salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. These supplies are essential for maintaining safe walkways and parking lots, reducing slip and fall risks for tenants and visitors.

  1. Landscape and Tree Maintenance:

Trim tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of snow and ice, posing a hazard to the property and its occupants. Additionally, remove any dead or weak trees that could fall during winter storms.

  1. Check Exterior Lighting:

With shorter daylight hours in winter, proper exterior lighting is crucial for ensuring safety and security on the property. Inspect and replace any burnt-out bulbs or damaged fixtures to maintain a well-lit environment.

  1. Communicate with Tenants:

Open lines of communication with tenants and inform them of your winter preparation plans. Encourage them to report any maintenance issues promptly and provide them with guidance on winter safety measures.

  1. Plan for Power Outages:

Prepare for potential power outages by having a contingency plan in place. Consider investing in backup generators to keep essential systems, such as emergency lighting and security, operational during power disruptions.

  1. Review Insurance Coverage:

Review your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against winter-related risks, such as snow damage, burst pipes, and slip and fall incidents. Make any necessary adjustments to your policy to avoid potential financial losses.

Winterizing commercial properties is a proactive approach to safeguarding investments, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and ensuring smooth operations during the colder months. By conducting proper maintenance checks, preparing for snow and ice removal, and focusing on tenant safety, commercial property owners and managers can navigate winter with confidence. Remember, early preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful and hassle-free winter season for your commercial property.

How Can I Reduce The Level Of Flood Damage In My Home?

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

wet brown carpet The furniture had to be removed from the affected area to be cleaned separately.

For many Columbus residents, any storm-related flooding can be a traumatic event. While there are methods to prepare for flooding like reinforcing your roof or removing expensive furniture, there is little help in an emergency's immediate aftermath. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you overcome flooding by performing vital mitigation acts quickly after a storm event.

Flood mitigation in Columbus may include actions like removing standing water from the home, drying inner rooms, or temporarily storing possessions at our warehouse. Contacting a highly qualified restoration company immediately after discussing your coverages with your insurance carrier can go a long way to reducing the losses caused by a flood after the fact.

What preventative measures are useful for storm areas?
- Taking out a flood insurance policy
- Maintaining water disposal in the home such as basement sump pumps, gutters, and drainage
- Turning off water mains access ahead of time to avoid backups

Do floodwaters permanently damage furnishings?
Furnishings are frequently victims of flood damage for residents. We understand how many items may be difficult to replace in a home, so our dedicated SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained in contents restoration. Larger items like sofas may benefit from temporary removal to a dry area where they can be thoroughly dehumidified to remove any excess moisture. Our technicians can also apply an extensive range of cleaning products and techniques to return upholstery to its preloss condition. By pre-testing on discrete areas of the fabric, we can avoid lasting damages of color fade or spot.

What restoration is available for furnishings?
- Thorough drying of the affected furniture
- Special services for leather, satin, or other unique upholstery
- Buffering and mechanical cleaning of furniture fibers

An unexpected summer storm can lead to extensive damage to both your home and its contents. Contact our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team at (614) 261-6666 for assistance.

What To Do When Filing A Flood Insurance Claim

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

water on concrete floor Don't wait to file a claim! Call your Insurance Agent and our SERVPRO Team!

Most homeowners’ insurance does not offer flood coverage. However, if you have a separate flood policy for your home, then you will want to file an insurance claim if your home has been damaged. The process can sometimes be frustrating or confusing, so use the following tips to help your claim go smoothly.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

The first step in filing a flood claim is calling your insurance agent. In some cases, the company can deny your claim if you have waited too long to contact them. Getting the process started right away will prevent this.

2. Take Pictures

After you have contacted your agent to begin the process, you should take photos of any areas of the house that have been flooded. Be sure to photograph any affected items as well. This will help the insurance company determine the extent of the damage. Keeping a list can be helpful as well.

3. Set Aside Affected Belongings

Once you have taken pictures and documented the damage, you don’t need to wait for the insurance adjuster to arrive to begin moving your items. If you allow them to sit in the water, the damage will only worsen, so you should relocate them to a dry area quickly.

4. Prevent Additional Damage

If the insurance company does not believe that you have taken the necessary steps to prevent further damage, this can affect your flood claim. It is a good idea to call a water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO to do repairs, but you can start on remediation before they arrive. Along with moving affected items, you can board up areas and place tarps to prevent the water from spreading.
Making a flood claim may not always be the simplest process, but there are things you can do to make it easier on yourself. Following this advice will help move it along more quickly and ensure you get the most that you can from your policy.

What You Need To Know About Fires

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Timing is everything. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

  • Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.
  • Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes on your skin. Always crawl on the floor!
  • Fire is DARK! Fires start bright but quickly produce black smoke and complete darkness.
  • Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient you. Asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home-related fires.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a bit different, each one requires a customized solution tailored to the specific conditions. Our SERVPRO Team has the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire or smoke-damaged property. Most importantly, we will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

building burned after fire Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Columbus commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:


1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.


2. Assemble Your Records.
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business' essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.


3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.


4. Get Permission To Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus today at                  (614) 261-6666!

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

technician in ppe doing covid clean Our technician in PPE while sanitizing a commercial building.

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

It is important at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus that our technicians are as safe as possible while working for our wonderful customers so we can get the job done right and efficiently.

Although it isn't the most fashionable outfit of the season, it is absolutely necessary in some situations!

Our SERVPRO Team protects ourselves so we can better serve you!

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

fire damaged hotel Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.


Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.


Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.


Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.


As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!