Preventing Recurring Mold Damage for Portsmouth Residents

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the scope of the mold damage in Portsmouth, our team will be able to remediate the area "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Mold Remediation Technicians Can Help Neutralize Microbial Growth

Mold usually occurs in homes that have moisture problems or damp spots. As your property ages, it becomes more susceptible to these issues, becoming more apparent during heavy rainfall, seasonal temperature changes, or plumbing malfunction. Microbial growth does not always go away by itself. Sometimes, professional remediation is required to return your home to its normal condition. 

It is helpful to remember that mold damage in your Portsmouth home is not inevitable. Professionally trained and licensed technicians in the area can help to ensure microbial growth does not become a permanent issue. At SERVPRO, we like to reassure homeowners that microorganisms are not scary. Modern antibiotics like penicillin are derived from molds, and spores naturally occur in almost all indoor spaces. At the same time, we understand that unchecked microbial growth can be a problem for homeowners as it produces odor, damages decor, and can be unhygienic. The transition from being an unnoticeable part of the home to an issue requiring remediation occurs when spores settle in moist or humid regions of your property. Micro-organisms thrive in moisture, which allows them to grow and reproduce. We are here to correct the moisture problems in your home, remediate growth and remove infested materials.

How Unchecked Fungi Can Damage your Property

• Microbes release microscopic particles into the air space of your home, which can create malodor. Indoor air quality is often a focal point of effective remediation. 

• Digestive enzymes that allow microorganisms to process organic matter into energy for growth can take a toll on decor. Common signs include weakening drywall or discoloration.

• Mold reproduces and grows in short cycles that take around 72 hours. Due to these short growth cycles, micro-organisms can rapidly spread from one area to another.

Lab-testing different types of microbes is a time-consuming task. We believe that the visible symptoms of mold are enough to justify remediation, but we are happy to work with both indoor environmental specialists and industrial hygienists during any project. However, our crew chiefs and remediation technicians can handle most household issues without external assistance. We rely on scientifically proven protocols to remediate microbial growth, endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certifications (IICRC). Below are the core protocols supported by these two restoration bodies.

Core Principles for Effective Household Remediation

• Containment uses physical and atmospheric barriers to prevent airborne mold spores from traveling from one part of the home to another. The containment protocol is usually achieved with thick polyethylene sheeting and negative air pressure machines.

• Demolishing and disposing of porous, infested materials. Some of these materials may include parts of the building assembly such as drywall and insulation, which SERVPRO can replace once areas are fully-remediated.

• Production controls dovetail with containment protocol. These include personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination rooms to prevent spores traveling via technician's clothing or equipment. We may also use EPA-registered antimicrobial spraying to stop mold from passing through the stages of growth during remediation.

Ensuring that fungal colonization is not a recurring issue in your home requires trained remediation technicians. Contact SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham for mold damage remediation at (603) 433-4300.

Mold Inspection Services for Portsmouth Residents

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take control of your property. Call SERVPRO today!

SERVPRO Has Local Technicians for Mold Remediation

Not all household problems are immediately noticeable. While fires and water intrusion events cause chaos, more slow-burning issues can cause harm to a house. Chief among these issues is microbial growth, commonly known as mold. Microbes are living organisms that include bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Fungi are part of the mold family and can be a massive problem if undetected.

• Mold Remediation
• Mold assessment
• Mold removal

You may decide to get a mold inspection in your Portsmouth home if you notice musty odors or visible deterioration or suspect a water leak in your home. Since these microbes do not require light to grow, they can crop up anywhere. Basement spaces, attics, and closets are all common areas to find an infestation. Unfortunately, most homeowners only discover these issues after mold has grown into full-size colonies. 

Looking for microbial infestations requires knowing how buildings are constructed and how to look for moisture, dampness, or condensation. A building assembly refers to layers, including the wooden frame built directly onto the foundations, stud walls, and surface paints. Usually, if an infestation appears on the surface of walls or ceilings, the infestation is much deeper in the building assembly. 

SERVPRO technicians can detect certain molds by using moisture-measuring equipment. This helps build a picture of where water might be by telling us which materials are wet. Usually, wet materials equal mold growth, and technicians must disassemble parts of the building assembly to ascertain how deep a microbial infestation goes. Thankfully, materials used in a building assembly are relatively cheap to replace, and our technicians can install them to a professional standard. 

• Subfloors are the space between carpets and the framework. Technicians can visually inspect these areas by removing carpets and pads.
• Wall cavities can often be inspected using moisture sensors or thermal imaging cameras.
• Attics and crawlspaces can be directly accessed, with technicians potentially replacing insulation or installing vapor barriers. 

If there is a microbial infestation in your home, it is vital to contact SERVPRO of the Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300.

Mold Damage Can Rapidly Grow in Your Exeter Home's Attic

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation by SERVPRO makes your Exeter home appear "Like it never even happened." No attic mold!!

SERVPRO Thoroughly Remediates Mold Damage

Microbial growth in any home needs special care when it spreads. The winter months do not slow microbial activity a significant amount.

By hiring professional mold damage experts, Exeter residents can eliminate one source of the damage and remediate an attic overcome by microbes. Although your family may rarely enter the attic, air ducts can carry spores away from the attic and into the living spaces of your home.

Remediation by SERVPRO's IICRC-certified technicians can help reduce the microbial population to reasonable numbers. Part of this involves washing and treating damaged materials and cleaning mold-inundated belongings stored in the attic. Because many attics do not include drywall materials, removing materials does not happen at the same level commonly found in living areas of a home.

Attics can easily harbor hidden mold, so we use devices that can detect higher levels of moisture. These areas easily allow microbial populations at very rapid rates. After locating all mold growth, cleaning the surfaces of microbial activity and treating the area, helps prevent further damage. Typically, an antimicrobial application helps in this preventative action.

Finding the source of water that permitted such growth to occur in the first place lets us stop any additional water from coming into your attic. These sources can include slow drips from ice damming, overhead water lines from new appliance installation or remodeling of your home, leaks around the chimney, or other sources. Each origin never precludes the presence of any others, so we always check thoroughly to ensure we find all possible sources.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham always keep the equipment and tools ready to combat mold damage and provide excellent mold remediation services to our local community. Call us at (603) 433-4300. Our services are available 24/7 year-round.

Full-Service Recovery and Cleaning After Portsmouth Flood Damage

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let flood damage take over your property, Call SERVPRO at (603) 433-4300.

Are Contaminants a Factor in Flood Damage? 

Flooding is a highly stressful and traumatic situation for homes in the area, and this can get amplified when you consider the possibilities of contamination. Floodwater penetrating a structure can often introduce debris. We assess the possibilities of contaminants and begin work immediately to protect your house and its occupants from exposure if this type of loss exists. 

Is the Water Contaminated?

When our professionals first arrive to assess flood damage to Portsmouth homes, we must also determine the likelihood that contaminants could exist. Natural flooding, or rather the penetration of groundwater from outside the house into the living space, is nearly always considered to contain substances and matter that make it a threat to those exposed. Labeling floodwater as a blackwater, or category three loss event, means that our SERVPRO professionals believe that threatening substances exist, such as:

• Chemicals
• Sewage
• Organic Matter

Removing Contaminated Contents

Exposed contents cannot always be cleaned, especially when they are porous. An item-by-item evaluation shows how technicians can restore certain belongings at our SERVPRO warehouse and where discarding could be the best option in other cases. 

Removing Contaminants

Removing the contaminants is often the product of removing the building materials or contents exposed. Carpeting, for example, must be pulled along with the padding underneath it. Wood trim and drywall must be cut out and discarded. 

When Surface Cleaning is Possible

Non-porous items are possible to protect rather than requiring the complete demolition of the property. Masonry and concrete are good examples of hard surfaces that can be cleaned and restored rather than removing the materials. Sanitizing products are suitable for this process, destroying any pathogenic threats of these installed materials. 

Trust our SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham teams to help with recovery and mold remediation. Give us a call today at (603) 433-4300. 

Avoid Delays When Dealing With Flood Damage in Portsmouth

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home, team SERVPRO is the company to call. Our technicians are standing by for your water removal and remediation needs.

Putting Our Industry Experience to Work for Flooded Portsmouth Homes

Flooding can be a devastating natural disaster to impact Portsmouth homes. Even if this infiltration stays exclusively in areas like the basement, it can still have destructive effects on the entire property. Our professionals have extensive experience and training in flood and water loss recoveries, helping us to have the right response with the right tools whenever you need us.

People have trusted our SERVPRO name for years because of our commitment to helping our friends and neighbors through flood damage in their Portsmouth properties. Because we keep ready trailers stocked with water recovery tools for our water restoration call-outs, we also stay prepared for the possibility of flooding. We have premier extraction tools that can help to address both standing water in broad areas and confined spaces and inaccessible areas of the house.

Our industry experience helps us to better understand the needs of our customers and the needs of their properties during a flood loss situation. From the time that our professionals first arrive, we can begin a thorough examination of the property to determine the extent of the damage and what actions must get taken to return it to its original state. Because of our experience in these restoration projects, we can prioritize tasks to best protect installed materials and preserve affected contents more successfully.

We can set up our SERVPRO DryBook software for this project at this stage as well, allowing us to provide real-time progress reports about the recovery of your home. If your insurance company is involved in the flood recovery process, this documentation of milestones and progress can help to expedite approvals and keep all parties informed and content throughout the restoration process.

Our experience in the water restoration becomes invaluable to getting your home back to preloss condition quickly after flooding. We rely on our experience and industry-leading equipment to set us apart from our competitors and to overcome flood losses efficiently. Our SERVPRO of The Seacoast professionals can make your loss “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (603) 433-4300.

How Can I Get Rid of Smoke Odors After a Small Kitchen Fire?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

There are many sources of kitchen fires, and even small fires can cause more damage than meets the eye.

For Fire Damage Restoration and Deodorization of Your Portsmouth Home Call SERVPRO

Odors are volatile molecules that people's noses sense when they are present in the air. Since fragrances are easily evaporative, they eventually go away or dissipate once the source gets removed; however, the removal process can take a long time.

What Can Cause Smoke Odors to Exist?

During fire damage projects in Portsmouth, foul aromas usually get caused by burnt materials or soot residues that are present after the blaze gets extinguished. The first step our SERVPRO technicians take during the restoration process is to remove all charred items and clean any surfaces that contain soils and soot residues. Once we capture all soils, residues, and burnt materials, we dispose of them in sealed plastic bags, so other previously unaffected areas of your home do not get contaminated.

What Do You do If Unpleasant Smells Still Exist After All Soot Residues Have Been Cleaned and Burnt Materials Have Been Removed?

In some situations, foul aromas can still be present after soots have been disposed of because the smoke can penetrate porous materials deeply. When this occurs, we can use the following products and equipment to deodorize your house:

• Odor Counteracting Beads- These are made of a special treated porous material that, as soon as the bag is opened, deodorant molecules get released into the air.

• Deodorant Granules or Pellets- These specialized pellets or granules are odor absorbers that act as a sponge and hold in odors.

• Water-Based Odor Counteractants- Specialized chemicals can be added to cleaning solutions that can help counteract malodor particles.

• Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Misters-  ULV foggers break down water-based deodorants into a mist so the chemicals can penetrate porous materials.

• Thermal Foggers- Thermal machines break oil-based deodorants down even smaller so it can travel through your structure in the same way smoke did.

• Sealers- Specialized sealant paints can trap in malodor molecules.

If you ever smell smoke in your home after you have a small kitchen fire in Hampton or Exeter, call SERVPRO of the Seacoast at (603) 433-4300.

What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Water Damage in Portsmouth During the Winter?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Winterize your home before winter's coldest temperatures set in.

SERVPRO Can Provide Water Extraction Services in Portsmouth if your Pipes Freeze

During the wintertime, it is common that temperatures will drop below zero, and at some point, snow will start to fly. Most people who have lived in the country's colder states know that winterization can be the key to having a good, stress-free winter season. During the fall, there are several steps homeowners can take to prevent water damage issues.

Since frozen pipes and ice damming in Portsmouth are two major causes of water leaks during the cold fall and winter months, doing a few vital tasks before it gets cold can prevent one of these disasters. For one, it is a wise idea to inspect your roof to see if there are any cracked, curled or missing shillings. If your roof already leaks, you might not notice it until after the first snowstorm when the snow starts to melt.

It is also wise to ensure no leaves, pine needles, or other debris are in your gutters. If moisture cannot freely flow into your gutters, then ice dams can form and cause your roof to leak. Draining your hoses or any other water lines running outdoors, such as your sprinkler system or pool supply lines, can also prevent your pipes from freezing inside your house. You should also turn off the inside valve that supplies water to your outdoor fixture if possible.

However, even if you take all the necessary steps, mishaps can still occur. If you still suffer from a water leak in the winter, our SERVPRO technicians can help. Our highly trained team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and we can provide fast 24/7 service. We can use the industry's most advanced technology to assist you with the following:

• Water Extraction
• Repairing Water Damage Issues
• Attic Mold Inspections
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Fixing Leaking Ceilings

If you notice a leak after the temperature drops below freezing, call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300.

Trust Professionals for Mold Remediation in Portsmouth

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

Mold with grow like wild-fire within the first 48 hours. SERVPRO mold remediation specialists have the equipment for the job needed for your property

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Provide Effective Mold Remediation in Portsmouth

Mold usually grows in humid, damp spaces in any part of a building after water damage. It can easily grow in kitchen areas, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements. At SERVPRO, we know that handling a mold infestation might be challenging. Regardless of your situation, we can help.

Our team can perform mold remediation in your Portsmouth residence satisfactorily. Our technicians are extensively trained in providing restoration services. We know where to check and how to remediate mold without spreading excess spores or mycotoxins into the air. It is essential to measure the size and extent of the apparent mold issue. Generally, mold contamination can be divided into:

• Small – Less than ten square feet of mold.
• Medium – Ten to a hundred square feet of mold.
• Large – Over a hundred square feet of mold.

Our SERVPRO team uses advanced techniques and tools to remediate mold. For instance, we can perform containment using heavy-duty plastic sheets, residue-free tape, and extendable poles to quarantine the area with mold. Containment helps to prevent mold spores from getting into other parts of the home.

Our technicians can also vent the containment area with tubes connected to air scrubbers. The machines suck air from the containment, filter it and expel it outside the home. Apart from purifying the air, air scrubbers also create negative air pressure in the containment area. This means that air moves directly from your house into containment through the air scrubber and is released to the outdoors.

When our SERVPRO team enters the containment area, we wear protective gear. If porous items such as carpets and drywall have mold, we remove them. Our team uses various power and hand tools to carefully and neatly remove these materials. Completing this step properly is essential because it makes it easier for us to rebuild the area. We place the moldy materials in heavy-duty plastic bags and use tape to seal them.

After our SERVPRO team is satisfied with removing all mold materials, we can use vacuums fitted with HEPA filters to clean the containment area. We vacuum all surfaces to snag as many mold fragments and mold spores as possible.

When you need mold remediation services, call SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300.

How Our Experts Handle Fire Damage In Your Hampton Home

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration.

Guidelines On Handling Fire Damage In Your Hampton Home

The flames from a fire of any size can create dangerous conditions in your house quickly by damaging furniture, cabinets, countertops, tiles, and appliances in minutes. After extinguishing a fire successfully, the amount of destruction left to handle can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is vital to use fire restoration services to return your property to its pre-fire damage condition.

After a fire damages your Hampton residential property, soot and smoke can travel and penetrate other rooms, ruining carpeting, paint, upholstery, clothing, draperies, and other belongings. Ventilating your house is a vital first step to cleaning up after a fire. You can start the remediation process by taking the following steps:

• Wear gloves like household dishwashing gloves, pants, and long-sleeved shirts before cleaning up the surfaces with soot and smoke residues to avoid skin contact.
• Wear personal protective gear like a dust mask to avoid breathing in airborne particles such as ash.
• Ventilate your property by opening the windows and doors to eliminate odor and smoke.
• Dispose of burned debris to eliminate scents.
• Use cooking oil to wipe metallic finishes, preventing staining and rusting.

You should also not hesitate to seek help from SERVPRO franchise professionals. Our restoration team has extensive training in dealing with fire damage. We understand that the destruction may be more severe than it appears, and we know where to check to prevent the need for future restoration services.

Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can arrive at your house within an hour of receiving your call and assess the damage. This allows us to determine the fire restoration services required and then work diligently to restore your property. We have the tools and equipment needed to remove soot and smoke from your property. Smoke and soot can cause stains and discoloration on walls and ceilings. The acidic residues in soot can ruin the interior of your property and countless belongings if you do not eliminate them rapidly.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

Our technicians can loosen smoke residues from different surfaces using mild, moderate, or heavy agitation. For mild agitation, we can use brushes, vacuums, feather dusters, or compressed air. For moderate agitation, we can use dusting cloths, dry cleaning sponges, or cleaning towels. If your house has a significant amount of smoke residues, our crew can remove them using tools that produce heavy amounts of agitation like Roto pads and brushes, sandpapers and steel wool, and blasting equipment that blasts some type of media against the soiled surfaces.

Your property could also have water damage because of burst pipes or the water that firefighters used to stifle the flames. Our SERVPRO technicians can extract the water using shop vacs and dry the affected areas using air moving and dehumidification equipment.

When a fire happens in your home, call the team of highly trained technicians at SERVPRO of The Seacoast for fire restoration services. You can reach us at (603) 433-4300. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Portsmouth Property Owners Benefit from SERVPRO's Advice for Mold Prevention

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

When your home is affected by a mold infestation, time is not on your side. Before the mold spreads, contact SERVPRO to investigate and remediate.

Why SERVPRO's Experience in Preventing Mold Damage Helps Homeowners in Portsmouth

When molds and their microscopic spores settle on the surfaces inside a home in Portsmouth, a few different things can happen. They can come into contact with a dry surface and eventually end up on the floor where regular housekeeping chores eliminate them. They also might land on a moist surface and start a small colony of actively growing microbes.

Why SERVPRO technicians take small colonies seriously upon finding them in an Portsmouth home is because mold damage happens quickly, spreads rapidly, and can also cause health effects in occupants. We want all of our neighbors to live in a home free of excessive mold, and one way to do this is through mold remediation.

Mold Remediation

Our services are thorough and based on honesty. We explain to customers that we cannot eliminate all mold and spores inside their homes. Doing so is not possible for different reasons. One reason is that mold and spores exist everywhere, including the fresh, clean air from the outside. This air pushes mold and spores into your home continuously. One of the most heavily infested areas of a home includes the window sills of opened and partially opened windows. Your clothing also carries microbes into your dwelling. Pets are also guilty of doing the same.

The main culprit in houses that suffer from mold damage is not the microbial population itself. Instead, the reason behind such problems is the presence of uncontained water. Our remediation team uses state of the art technology to detect unknown sources of water and moisture and to determine how widespread these areas range. Our moisture meters reveal how saturated any material in question is, giving us a reasonably accurate idea of how long drying the area might take.

Following lost water back to its source allows us to remedy the problem with a quick repair. These simple repairs keep the area dry and less prone to future colonization by microbes. Reducing, or where possible, eliminating, water and moisture also take care of many mold problems before they can reoccur. For fungal infestations that are persistent, we suggest to the homeowner to seek a contractor for this service.

Merely eliminating the damage caused by mold is only part of SERVPRO's mold damage mitigation and remediation services. We also treat affected areas with an antimicrobial liquid to prevent future regrowth. Educating our customers on how mold and other microbes behave can also help avoid situations that permit microbial reinfestation.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast helps customers successfully cope with mold damage in their homes. Call us at (603) 433-4300. We are always ready to help you by answering questions and providing you with expert guidance.

Can Attachments Make Water Removal in Portsmouth Home More Efficient?

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the room affected, team SERVPRO has the right tools for effective water removal. Call us immediately to assess and remediate for you.

Tools in Our Recovery Inventory Promote Effective Mitigation for Water-damaged Portsmouth Properties.

With the promise that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, it is vital for our SERVPRO team to stay diligently prepared to help when disasters strike. Keeping READY trailers stocked with extraction, drying, and water cleanup tools makes the process faster.

Extraction Devices to Manage Considerable Standing Water

Water removal for Portsmouth homes and businesses can be a stressful situation without immediate mitigation and emergency services getting underway. An evaluation of the property determines the best equipment for the task. There are several tools used for efficient elimination of surface water concerns, including:

• Wet Vacuums – One of the most versatile mitigation tools in our inventory is the wet vacuum. With the portability of these units, we can manage standing water concerns and trapped moisture with the appropriate wand attachments.
• Carpet Wands – These units are ideal for extracting water trapped in carpeting in the early stages of restoration. These attachments also help to manage lingering moisture after deep extraction tools are used. Their small size makes them preferred for removing water from less accessible areas. 
• Squeegee Wands – These attachments are ideal for hardwood surfaces, tile, concrete, and other low porosity materials. When attached to truck-mount extractors, these squeegee tools can corral water into an on-board vacuum system.

The versatility of recovery tools and extraction devices can help our professionals provide a range of mitigation solutions for damaged properties. Attachments and tools used in conjunction with machines like wet vacuums and truck extractors can help to eliminate surface water on various types of flooring. Our SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham water restoration professionals are ready to respond fast when you call (603) 433-4300.

Portsmouth Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration Services

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified for any size water restoration service needed for your home.

SERVPRO Brings Years of Experience to Portsmouth Water Damage Restoration Jobs

Water damage can happen within a property in many ways. Homeowners need to know what to do at the earliest signs of this issue. 

The need for water restoration in Portsmouth homes does not always announce itself. A suddenly busted pipe or backed up toilet may create a need for urgency; there are also types of damage that go on for a time before getting noticed through some of the following symptoms:

• Sounds of dripping water
• Damp odors
• Puddles 
• Water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings

Another common sign that an ongoing water issue is occurring within the structure is coldness. Homeowners may report that a room is difficult to heat, and the inability may be due to dampness in the walls. SERVPRO techs have moisture detection equipment and infrared cameras that can peer behind building materials or under flooring to identify areas of wicking or seepage. 

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 provides water damage restoration services for the local Portsmouth community. 

Local Exeter Homes Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

2/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration is no easy task. SERVPROs technicians are IICRC certified for any size fire restoration service needed for your property.

SERVPRO Techs Restore Homes in Exeter With Fire Damage

Exeter was one of the country's early settlements when Reverend John Wheelwright purchased the land in 1638 from local Native Americans where the Exeter River met with tidal Squamscott, where the sub-tribe of the Pennacook nation resided. 

The Rev. Wheelwright wound up in the area after being exiled from his former home in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a Puritan theocracy. Wheelwright had a sister-in-law considered a dissident for her differing religious views that he also sided with. When he left the colony to settle elsewhere, about 175 people traveled with him to what would later be Exeter. Wheelwright coined the name for the new settlement after the same name in Devon, England. 

In the early days of the township, the settlers farmed, hunted, and fished to support their community. In the mid-1640s, the first gristmill for grinding grains became operational. Soon, other forms of needed mills sprang up throughout the township, including sawmills for the much-needed creation of building lumber and barrel staves, the largest founded by Edward Gilman. The present-day American Independence Museum was a former home of the Gilman family and listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The Gilman family ran a powerful shipping empire and traded as far as the West Indies. A major incident occurred when the clipper ship owned by Governor John Gilman got boarded on the orders of Admiral Horatio Nelson for the Royal Navy. Upon finding out who the ship captain was, a member of the Gilman family, Nelson worked to settle the ship's captain's situation by offering him a glass of wine and paying for the cargo aboard in Spanish dollars.

Exeter was influential in the development of New Hampshire for several reasons, including:

• It became the state capital in 1775 and remained so for 14 years
• It had the highest percentage of African Americans living as members of the community in the state in the late 1700s 
• In 1827, the Exeter Manufacturing Company used power to produce cotton that supported many other businesses and enabled the township to grow

What Types of Cleaning Methods Work Against Fire Damage in Exeter Properties?

Cleaning up fire damage in Exeter residences needs several different applications for the best outcome. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified choose specific cleaning agents and methods determined through testing and residue types. The three most common ways are:

• Agitation equipment and techniques
• Chemical applications
• Time-based cleaning methods

Agitation removes soiling that is adhered to fibers or surfaces—some sub-types of agitation, such as devices that deliver water pressure, rotating brushes, and vibration. Hot water extraction on a carpet is one example of the professional equipment for removing smoke residues. Particularly in the case of wet smoke, chemical applications containing a solvent may be needed to release the residue's grip to various surfaces. Time-based cleaning methods require time to do the job. Leaving a solution on a soiled area gives the cleaner time to work to lift away the soot and smoke residues. Correct Dwell Time is crucial to optimize results.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 provides the fire damage restoration services local Exeter residents rely on.

Have fun Playing Trivia Over Zoom in Exeter

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Trivia games are good for the mind, enjoy a fun night at home or in the office.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce Sponsoring Trivia Night

Trivia Night, sponsored by the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Verizon Wireless and Liberty Mutual, is being held on Tuesday, Jan 19th, beginning at 5:00 pm. The trivia event will be held via Zoom, and there is no charge to attend the event, while relaxing in the comfort of your home or office. Test your knowledge, have fun, and connect with other business people and community members from Exeter and the area.

The rules will be explained, the day of the event; however, they are outlined below:

• Three rounds
• Four questions in various categories
• Random Teams will be organized

Bring along your friends, family members, and co-workers. Please register in advance of the event. 

Once you have registered, details for connecting to the event will be provided. Don’t be surprised if some of the Trivia questions are about local events and historical happenings around Exeter.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, Dover-Rochester, and Durham provides flood damage services to Exeter residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (603) 433-4300. We respond 24/7 to help with all your flood damage needs.

Exeter Seacoast Artist Association Exhibit

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy beautiful works of art with others in the community as SERVPRO completes a mold inspection for your commercial business.

Body of Work by Local Exeter Artists

Seacoast Artists are running exhibitions in December, showcasing local artists. The theme is “Big Gifts in Small Packages” and will be held on Dec 16 from 10 am until 5 pm. Some of the artists will showcase their body of work. There are gifts for the holidays for everyone in the family. The exhibit is free to visitors and is being held at 130 Walter St., Exeter.

Interested customers can:

View works online

Examine Body of Work by several artists

Artists are providing art meeting the Big gifts, small packages theme – prices are under $100

There are additional shows in Jan 2021

The Colors of Grey – Jan 2nd Additional shows to be scheduled.

The Big Gifts, Small Packages theme includes artwork no larger than 11” by 14,” including the frame and packages of three small works of 5” by 7,” including the frame. The show is open to members and non-members. This event is an excellent opportunity to purchase beautiful artwork and support our local artist community.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, Dover-Rochester, Durham provides mold inspection services to Portsmouth residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (603) 433-4300. We are available 24/7 to help with all your mold inspection needs.

Annual Portsmouth Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Holiday festivities are the best! SERVPRO enjoys seeing the community come together.

Exhibits in Portsmouth Run from Nov 20 – Dec 22

The gingerbread house contest has been running for the past 30 years providing exciting themes and fun for all ages. The theme this year is “historic buildings,” in gingerbread form. Contestants must use edible materials except for a sturdy base and lights. Hot glue cannot be used to bind pieces together. Historical buildings can include –

• Your own home
• One of your favorite downtown spots
• Unique architecture in the area

Gingerbread creations entered in the contest will be on display at various locations –

• Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center
• Downtown shops and
• In Restaurant Windows

The contest is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the creations of local bakers and contestants. Even if you do not enter the contest, why not build your own gingerbread house for the holidays.

SERVPRO of Seacoast, Dover-Rochester, and Durham provides mold removal and mitigation services to Portsmouth residential, business customers, and the surrounding area. Call (603) 433-4300. We are available 24/7 to help with all mold removal needs.

Is it Possible to Dry Soaking Materials in the Home?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a water catastrophe. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO Flood Damage Restoration Technicians Use Scientific Process to Dry your Portsmouth Home after a Flooding Disaster.

What is the science behind drying a wet home?

Flooding in your Portsmouth home can quickly lead to full or partial submersion of your belongings and structure. While these traumatic events can wreck a property, professional water restoration technicians (WRT) can often leverage psychrometry to quickly dry out your home. Psychrometry is a science that relates to the balance of air, humidity, or temperature and how these elements affect materials in the house. Large quantities of water in an indoor environment can unbalance the natural psychrometry of your home. Using water restoration equipment, we can leverage this science to ensure your home dries quickly and that materials return to a preloss condition. Creating a dry indoor air through dehumidification can help draw water out of soaking materials and belongings. 

How does water intrusion affect materials in the home?

There are two main ways that flood damage affects your Portsmouth home. The first is direct liquid contact, while the second can be from water vapor- or water in the air. Liquid moisture is most likely to cause damages to the floors and lower walls of your home. In some instances, such as natural disasters, the soil around wall joints can loosen, which could affect the structural integrity of your home. Water vapor can also cause harm to ceilings and wall cavities through transfusion and condensation. Drying a property with the minimum amount of losses involves pumping out liquid water, evaporating residual moisture, and controlling water vapors from evaporated moisture. Balancing these psychrometric elements is essential to assure an efficient and correct flood restoration.

How does temperature affect water vapor?

• Air can hold more water when it is hot and less water when it is cold. But using temperature can increase the relative humidity in the home.
• When the air becomes saturated with moisture, it can no longer take any more water vapor, slowing down the speed of evaporation for wet materials.
• The relative humidity is a percentage that tells technicians how saturated the air is with moisture in a flooded property and is read with a Thermo hygrometer. 

Why is relative humidity important to drying times?

Drying wet materials or belongings in your home relies on evaporating moisture. When relative humidity reaches 100%, the indoor air can no longer absorb water, which, in turn, slows down the evaporation process. Increasing the temperature by deploying portable furnaces or heaters in the affected area can reduce the relative humidity and ensure more water evaporates. Temperatures of up to 90 degrees can contain over 200 grains of moisture per pound (GPP.) Most of our drying equipment utilizes temperature to increase the efficiency of drying your home. Air-movers and water extractors both employ a heating element. Simultaneously, technicians can also create smaller drying chambers to make sure air is as warm as possible and evaporate floodwaters from the property quickly. Our technicians regularly monitor humidity to make sure that drying your home is as efficient as possible.

What is the difference between relative and specific humidity?

• Relative humidity works out a ratio for how much moisture is in the air. However, these ratios are dependent on the temperature, which can vary.
• Specific humidity is a reading of the actual grains of moisture per pound written as GPP.
• Specific humidity is a useful measurement for how quickly the structure of materials in your home is drying and the effectiveness of dehumidification.

How does specific humidity relate to fast-drying?

When a flood occurs in your property, massive amounts of water begin to soak into materials and often penetrate below the surface level- especially for porous materials. Incomplete or partial drying of your home can lead to further issues such as microbial growth or long-term water damage. To dry a house completely, our technicians need to know the specific humidity. By taking regular measurements, we can understand the effectiveness of our drying strategy. In practice, SERVPRO technicians take readings from an indoor environment and the exhausts of our dehumidifiers. The readings from the exhausted air of a dehumidifier should be much lower than those in the indoor environment. We can use the readings to either deploy more or fewer dehumidifiers in the property and assure your home can return to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

How do psychrometric readings allow technicians to predict drying times?

• Having two measurements allows technicians to use a psychrometric chart to determine all other measures. 
• Using a chart, we can control the dew point and vapor pressure in a flooded property to allow mitigation of loss.
• Combining our measurements with material permeance can help us provide homeowners with accurate predictions on the drying time-frame.

Drying a flooded property is an exact science that can be practically applied to prevent further losses in your home. Contact SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300.

Help Protect The Seacoast Community with SERVPRO

5/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleans homes using EPA-registered disinfectants.

SERVPRO is here to help the Seacoast area!

Like the rest of the nation and much of the world, the Portsmouth area is in high alert due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is strange to think that in just a couple of weeks, we went from our regular lives to maintaining social distance and working from home, but Governor Sununu has been clear. We must take every step to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Children, adults, and the elderly are all vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, so we must do our best to keep it away from our homes.

Residents can reach out to our SERVPRO crew to help disinfect your Portsmouth home or workplace. Contrary to other companies offering cleaning or disinfection services, it’s something we are trained and certified to do.  We have been we offer cleaning and sanitizing services for years. Our staff trains specifically to address cleanup situations with biohazard threats.

To date, there is no specific protocol proven to eradicate the virus from frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, kitchen counters, and bathrooms. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is encouraging the use of hospital-grade, EPA registered disinfectants typically used to remove certain pathogens. Our standards of service include the use of EPA registered cleaning solutions suitable for this kind of work. As the CDC releases new recommendations, we adapt and apply them as appropriate.

In your home, you get to decide what you do to protect your family in this crisis. However, some entities, such as schools and nursing homes, require a third party to verify the effectiveness of the cleanup process. SERVPRO is prepared to coordinate services with any relevant entities as required. Our technicians are professionals in our field and accustomed to high-stakes situations, so dealing with potentially hazardous microbes is nothing new for us.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham are your resources at home and work. Call us at (603) 433-4300 and let us add a layer of protection for your loved ones.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Portsmouth, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of The Seacoast today at (603) 433-4300 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

We are Your Seacoast Cleaning Professionals

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Your Seacoast Professionals In Proper Personal Protective Equipment Keeping You and Themselves Safe and Healthy

SERVPRO is Here to Help During this Time of Need

As we experience this global pandemic of coronavirus, we want to remind our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest level of cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are able and equipped to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have over 53 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff can perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surface areas 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

There may be some additional areas within your home or business that also need cleaning and disinfecting which we can help you determine upon completion of our inspection. 

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 home or business needs deep cleaning services, call our expert technicians today – SERVPRO of the Seacoast 603-433-4300

Why We Are The Best Choice In Portsmouth After A Flood

3/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our heated air mover and flat-lay tubing pushed the water vapor to the outside of the property.

Why SERVPRO Performs Certain Activities During Flood Damage Restoration in Portsmouth 

Flooding causes a wide range of harm to any structure, including residential properties in Portsmouth. SERVPRO takes specific steps to mitigate the damage caused by contaminated water with the goal of returning your property to preloss condition. To make such mitigation highly cost-effective, we perform specific activities that produce certain and expected results. 

Keeping costs as low as possible for our customers in Portsmouth with effective flood damage mitigation services is why SERVPRO takes specific steps and activities. No two houses are identical, and even similar homes can experience differences in how they become damaged during the same flood. We follow only those procedures needed by your property. 

Scaling our services to your exact needs also helps the restoration process come to a completion as soon as possible. Because flood damage can make unsafe to live in your home, accomplishing the situation's goals as swiftly as possible helps reduce shelter costs, as well as the multitude of inconveniences related to such alternative living arrangements.

The structural components of your home vary in how they retain moisture. Your belongings also play a role in how much water content stays in your house after we pump out standing water. Evaporation happens continually and instead of letting this hinder our progress, we use it to our advantage. We continually monitor the amount of moisture in the air so we know when to increase air movement or heat. The readings also tell us when we need to increase the number of desiccant machines or change the direction of our air movers or axial fans.

Belongings and furnishings made of more absorbent materials typically retain more moisture during a flood, even if kept dry during the incident. We check your belongings for this, and monitor drying progress of damper items. When needed to stave off the development of odors or other damage, we build an on-site drying chamber which we can use to make drying happen at an accelerated and highly controlled rate. We can easily remove any items that become dry first so nothing ever becomes too dry.

You can count on SERVPRO of The Seacoast to provide you and your family with tailored flood damage mitigation and restorations services, making your property “Like it never even happened.” Call (603) 433-4300 for prompt, professional service from highly skilled technicians.

See more about Portsmouth.

Understanding Moisture Damage Levels for Portsmouth Homes

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team's are available to help you 24/7. Contact us at (603) 433-4300.

Why You Need Help Fixing Water Damage In Your Portsmouth Home

Depending on how quickly our professionals can get notified of water loss concerns in your Portsmouth home, we can encounter water damages in various stages of progression. How we respond to these conditions differs from one material to the next. Yet, there are many instances where we can still protect and restore damaged structural elements in your home with the introduction of the right drying process.

The presence of moisture after a loss incident is not unexpected, but water removal for Portsmouth properties involves more than addressing the visible surface water concerns. Our team's professionals have extensive training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to understand the various stages of water damages to materials like wood flooring. Depending on the state of progression, drying can range from simple to impossible.

Surface Water

This phase is where all water losses begin before they can penetrate the outer layer of materials and start the absorption process. In a surface state, water can get extracted and dried without considerable difficulties. Utilizing equipment like air movers after extraction, we can reduce the possibility of penetration by beginning evaporative drying immediately.

Free Water

Our SERVPRO team also has a range of potential solutions when the water has penetrated beyond the outer layer of a material like the wood flooring and has not yet caused physical damage to the affected element. Addressing this layer of moisture involves a combination of higher temperatures, steady airflow, and low humidity.

Bound Water 

As the name would suggest, this is the phase where water has become chemically bonded with the cells of wood materials. Once this occurs, the wood materials can show signs of deterioration, swelling, or warping. At this stage, even our advanced drying techniques cannot reverse the physical harm to the flooring.

Knowing the stages of water damage for exposed materials can help our SERVPRO of The Seacoast team to provide the right solutions at the right time. No matter how we can help after a water loss incident, you can reach our team 24/7 by calling (603) 433-4300.

See more about Portsmouth.

Take the Stress Out of Finding Remediation Services in Portsmouth With SERVPRO

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly destroy the structure and contents of you home. Contact our SERVPRO team to jump in and mitigate the situation.

Complexity of Restoration Projects Is Why SERVPRO's Response Ranks Highly in Our Community

When your Portsmouth home suffers damage from water, fire, mold, or storms, the most successful mitigation and remediation outcomes occur after a speedy, professional response. Although a homeowner can manage some aspects of a property loss, the risks of progressive deterioration or secondary damage are significant if the restoration industry's best practices are not observed. Our ability to manage the demands of even a complicated restoration scenario is why customers appreciate our skills. 

Water Damage

Residents report many maintenance issues and malfunctions that result in a water loss in Portsmouth. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians are prepared to protect your investment and minimize the disruption following a water emergency. Most common among the causes of water damage are plumbing leaks and appliance malfunctions, which usually present as an urgent crisis. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, ready to manage even large quantities of water efficiently when a sudden emergency occurs.

Other water incursions can be harder to discern, often the result of small leaks in pipes, condensation from air conditioners, long term seepage from ice dams or minor roofing fails, or a host of other unnoticed issues. Our training, experience, and advanced moisture detection equipment is why SERVPRO locates the once small water incursions that eventually create significant damage. 

Our team members' comprehensive understanding of the science of psychrometry, a precise term for drying, is why we follow a research-based protocol for every water damage or flooding scenario we encounter. During the first phase of a water loss project, we emphasize thorough extraction. Reducing the fluid present when structural drying commences increases the efficiency of our efforts and decreases the amount of time taken to bring moisture to normal levels.

Fire Damage

Nothing can prepare a Portsmouth resident for the terror and destruction a fire brings. Even a relatively minor fire poses a tremendously challenging cleanup prospect. The soils or soot created during the fire float on air currents, often landing many rooms or levels away from the site of the blaze. Some soot is quite evident and straightforward to locate, dark in color or ashy and floating like dust. Some kinds of soot drape down like cobwebs, easy to spot.

Protein-based soot, created by an evaporative process during a kitchen fire, is a common type of fire damage in Portsmouth as elsewhere. It is harder to see, but horrible to smell. It forms an almost transparent, extremely adhesive coating on surfaces anywhere it drifts in your home. Our ability to locate any soot is why a call for a post-fire inspection is critical.

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) are familiar with all types of soot, prepared to manage each safely and efficiently. One household fire can produce different types of soot, so our certified employees are well matched to a job that requires frequent reassessment throughout the project. We ensure that soot removal employs the proper products and techniques according to the characteristics of the residues.  

We also take steps to keep occupants safe from the spread of toxic residues inevitable in a fire damage mitigation and remediation project. Negative pressure air scrubber equipment helps seal off a work area draped with heavy-duty plastic. HEPA filters trap airborne contaminants and vent the air to the outdoors. Our crews don personal protective equipment (PPE) during the job to avoid tracking soot through unaffected areas. The consistency we show in protecting you and your family is why SERVPRO garners high marks from customers.

Mold Remediation

Residents know the worry that accompanies a whiff of a musty odor or telltale signs of mold growth in a damp corner in Portsmouth. Often homeowners think microbial growth is a sign of poor housekeeping. On the contrary, mold spores seek the water most people use when tidying up. Failure to dry out areas after deep cleaning provides the perfect environment for mold growth, similar to that found when water losses are incompletely dried.

Ironically, residents of Portsmouth using self-help mold damage removal methods like the use of a diluted bleach solution also can make things worse rather than better. The solution might lighten the mold stain but does not reach into porous materials completely, failing to kill all of the hyphae or branchlike mold roots. Residual water in structural materials then feeds the mold, creating a rebound effect.

Our certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) comprehend the challenges of mold damage abatement. We follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols, why SERVPRO can deliver successful remediation results. Our process is to:

• Contain the mold area during the project to prevent drift
• Remove the mold colonies using mechanical means like scraping, brushing, and soda blasting
• Assess whether some porous materials must also be removed
• Bag and dispose of moldy materials per local regulations
• Clean up debris with HEPA-equipped vacuums
• Disinfect the affected space with EPA-registered antimicrobials

We also find the moisture source fueling the mold outbreak, helping to arrange for repairs or enhanced ventilation. A mold spore-free outcome is impossible to promise, but our efforts reduce dry spore counts to normal levels.  Vigilant moisture control avoids the growth cycle that causes the infestations.

Storm Damage

Extreme weather patterns are becoming more and more common in all areas of the United States, and Portsmouth is no exception. Heavy rains, high winds, and storm surge contributes to a pattern of severe property losses connected to storm activity. The damage done to your home might be extensive. Holes in exterior structures require urgent securing to limit further damage. Rain and flood water can invade, harming building materials and contents. Significant contamination of your premises by sewage, chemicals, salt water, and other pollutants can occur.

Recovering from these challenges requires highly-qualified professional assistance. The need for expert coordination of the various phases of mitigation and remediation is why SERVPRO is your best partner at a stressful time. Our team of experienced managers and conscientious technicians have the training and the commercial-grade equipment to respond promptly, plan appropriately, and implement immediately. 

Expect your house to receive swift boarding and tarping attention as the inspection and planning ensue. High-efficiency pumps and extractors remove vast quantities of water, and we contain contaminated fluids for lawful disposal. Trapped water found using infrared imaging releases through controlled demolition techniques like flood cuts and drilled or punched holes, always best performed by a trained expert. Disinfection is mandatory, and we use only EPA-registered products.

Structural drying completes on schedule, with moisture level baselines established using probes. We monitor the drying to hit the mark, neither under nor over dried. Our technicians position heaters and air movers to evaporate water absorbed by structures, and dehumidifiers to condense and absorb moisture for permanent disposal.  

Rely on the professionals from SERVPRO of The Seacoast for all of your disaster mitigation and remediation needs. Call us at (603) 433-4300 for prompt and comprehensive help to make it "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about Portsmouth.

SERVPRO has the Equipment for Water Damage Restoration in Portsmouth

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Even a seemingly small water leak can cause large amounts of damage. Call us today to restore your home!

Proper Equipment Utilization to Ease Water Damage Restoration in Portsmouth

When water loss incidents affect a property, the main concern is how to remove the water and dry moisture restoring preloss conditions. The outcome of a restoration exercise depends on several factors, including how quickly it starts, as well as the availability of resources. Our SERVPRO, teams rely on availability and proper use of equipment to ease the restoration process.

The intensity of water damage incidents in Portsmouth may vary depending on the cause of the spill. Significant amounts of standing water left in a property over an extended period worsen the situation. Our SERVPRO teams use different types of pumps to remove such water fast. We can rely on experience or make calculations to determine the amount of water needing the extraction to determine the right pump. We might also consider whether the water is over 2 inches deep to determine whether a regular or submersible pump would be best for the job.

After dealing with stagnant water, the challenge shifts to drying wet materials and equipment. The drying process requires improved evaporation rates and extraction of humidity from the air. Equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers help complete the process faster. However, before setting up the drying equipment, our SERVPRO technicians first establish the level of wetness in different materials. For example, using moisture meters, we can establish the moisture percentage in wooden materials, and, thus, the drying effort needed to restore the standard moisture content, which is around 10%.

Having the right equipment helps with the restoration, but only if they are correctly set up. Our SERVPRO technicians set up one air mover per room for optimal evaporation. We also add one unit for every 50-70 SF of the wet floor. Pairing air movers with the right number of dehumidifiers help ensure balanced drying preventing secondary damages.

Water damage can have long-term effects if not adequately addressed. Call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300 to benefit from our wide range of sophisticated equipment. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Portsmouth.

We Are The Leader In Exeter Flood Damage Restoration

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

We had the equipment necessary to handle restoring this house when it suffered a small, spritzing leak from the adjacent sink.

Why Call SERVPRO For Help With Flood Damage In Exeter

The fallout from a flood can leave your home in disarray for a long time to come, especially if you do not know all of the proper steps for remediation. Working through flood damage with the help of trained professionals gives you the results you need, fast. 

When it comes to flood damage in Exeter, you might think that all of the water extraction tools available are the same. SERVPRO wants you to know that there are multiple choices for water removal based on the severity of the water infiltration and the scope of the project. When you suffer a flood loss, we can come out to your home to do a full assessment and get started on remediation as soon as possible. 

Why SERVPRO?

Our technicians are highly trained, and we employ a variety of options for water removal and remediation after a flood. The technology we use far exceeds the capacity of any store-bought pumps or vacuums, and we use specialized processes to eliminate moisture throughout your home. 

In many flood damage recovery scenarios, our technicians have access to multiple extraction devices to get the job done. We have robust, electric submersible pumps for deep water removal. Once the water levels subside, we can switch over to wet vacs with light wands to bring up all of the excess water. We must develop an approach that is tailored to your unique situation to rid your home of moisture in the fastest, most efficient manner possible.

When it comes to oversaturated carpets, we have specialty extractors that force moisture out from the padding below, as well as the subflooring. If our technicians get to work fast enough, this technology reduces the need for new carpet installation.

Get in touch with SERVPRO of The Seacoast today by calling (603) 433-4300 to deploy a team of technicians to your home. We are faster to any disaster, and our teams are available 24/7.

See more about Exeter.

Call Us Day Or Night For All Your Portsmouth Flood Damage Restoration Needs

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

When a burst water line floods the floor, and the liquid is soaked into the lower level of the sheetrock, SERVPRO techs can do a "flood cut."

Dependable Delivery of Flood Damage Recovery in Portsmouth: Why SERVPRO Is on Your Speed Dial

After a substantial storm or series of storms, the damage done to your Portsmouth home can be demoralizing. High winds can tear off shingles and detach flashings, permitting vast quantities of water to pour inside. Meanwhile, rainwater saturates the ground around your foundation, seeping through the cinder block, stone, brick, or concrete construction. Flash flooding results from heavy downpours, adding inches to the waters collecting at your lowest level. We manage it all, why our number should be your first call.

Water Quantities Beyond Consumer Grade Equipment

With rain soaking several levels of your house, flood damage in Portsmouth needs a coordinated and well-trained crew to achieve successful results. Because wet always seeks dry, the fluids can spread extensively throughout your home. The flow trends downward into your lowest levels, whether it is a basement, crawlspace, or walkout living space. Along the way, however, porous materials absorb the water. Moisture also wicks through cracks and crevices into building cavities throughout your home. Extracting and drying enormous quantities of water requires commercial-grade equipment, why our team is uniquely qualified to help.

Flood Water Contamination

By definition, flood damage is contaminated. It can contain human and animal waste from backed-up sewers. Chemicals and industrial residues also are in the mix. Storm surge adds saltwater and debris. Our employees are trained and certified in appropriate containment strategies and are up to date on lawful disposal sites and protocols. Professionalism in flood damage follow-through is why SERVPRO is a disaster restoration industry leader.

Fast, Scalable, and Reliable Response

We live and work in our service area, here for you today and available to answer concerns later. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and have multiple crews and quantities of equipment available to handle your crisis. Our responsiveness and deep roots in the community is why SERVPRO immediately comes to mind when you cope with a flooding emergency. You can rely on us to assess and plan for all aspects of your flood damage scenario. Our implementation is second to none.

Trustworthiness and a proven track record are why SERVPRO of The Seacoast delivers the flood damage remediation industry’s best practices and results. Call us day or night at (603) 433-4300 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Portsmouth.

What to Do Before Flood Damage in Hampton

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Taking steps to prepare for a flood can help to minimize the damage, SERVPRO can take care of the post-flood cleanup.

Steps to Take Before Flood Damage to Keep You and Your Family Safe

Flood damage is a frightening prospect for any homeowner. You do not know what to expect. Naturally, you hope to stay safe, but it is better to know what to do than to be caught short when a disaster happens. That is why SERVPRO recommends all Hampton homeowners get familiar with the following steps to take when you know a flood is coming.

Although flash floods sometimes occur, in many cases, there is a warning of flooding. Local news and weather stations frequently predict lousy weather or flood damage, so the local community in Hampton knows what to expect. Here are some steps to take as soon as you hear a flood is on the way.

Prepare to evacuate if necessary. Fill your car with gas. Put together an emergency kit with flashlights, nonperishable food, clean bottled water, money, first aid items, and three days’ dose of any medications you and your family take. Locate your nearest evacuation shelter and plan your route there.

If you have time, the American Red Cross recommends filling plastic bottles with clean water for drinking and filling tubs and sinks with water for flushing the toilet or washing clothes.

Many people do not realize that fire is a risk during a flood – a compromised propane tank can cause a blaze. Turn off all propane tanks. Floods can also damage electrical items in your home. SERVPRO recommends unplugging all electrical items and moving them to a high point in your home if you can.

Move all valuables to the highest point in your home that is practical. It is a good idea to keep all essential documents in a watertight box so that they stay safe in the event of flooding.

Stay tuned to local radio or TV at all times if possible, to keep up to date with the latest developments and any emergency instructions.

SERVPRO is on hand to help with post-flood cleanup. We extract water from your home and focus on drying it out so you can return to your life “Like it never even happened.”

For help with flood damage in Portsmouth, Hampton, Exeter, Greenland and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300 today.

Visit https://hamptonnh.gov/ for more information about Hampton.

Limiting Mold Damage in Exeter

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly through a home if the conditions are right. Should you see or smell mold, contact SERVPRO for an investigation of the cause.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Mold Infestations and Help Prevent Any Recurrences

Mold spores are equal opportunity damage causing agents, affecting homes old and new in Exeter. Understanding the life cycle of the more than 100,000 strains of mold that may co-exist with you is crucial to your quest to stop the spores from becoming active and growing colonies. We educate and remediate, striving to keep your home free of activated and multiplying mold. 
 
Your home has all the components necessary for mold damage in Exeter present at all times. Although this statement may seem defeatist and disturbing, it is true. Mold spores float on air currents with your other household dust and settle on surfaces throughout your home. As long as they remain dry, the presence of all these spores is of little concern. Only when they absorb excess moisture and begin to grow and produce more spores is there an issue. Our remediation specialists manage these growing concerns and work with you to stop the cycle. 
 
The State of New Hampshire requires any company promising to help residents with mold outbreaks to be certified by a third party. SERVPRO owners and technicians hold certifications from the IICRC in Mold Mitigation, Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry, and the crew members we send to your home are all Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists. We follow the EPA protocols of containment, removal, off-site disposal, and sanitation to rid your home of currently growing colonies. 
 
More importantly, we spend the time necessary to locate the source of moisture that feeds mold spores initially, creating the probability of repeated infestations. SERVPRO knows the key to mold elimination over the long term is moisture elimination. Sometimes it is an obvious water issue like a roof leak, ice dam, or plumbing fail. Other times the cause is more subtle -- a few tablespoons of the dog’s water spilled in the mudroom daily that causes the subfloor to mildew, overly high humidity in a sick baby’s nursery, a dirty drip tray under the refrigerator. Until we find the water or moisture, we have not completed our mold remediation successfully. 
 
Once the mold is gone, we also help clean up the staining or peeling of paint, or other reminders that mold used to live here. SERVPRO pledges to return your home to pre loss condition, down to a fresh paint job or a thorough deodorization of any lingering musty smells. 
 
SERVPRO of The Seacoast is your partner in remediating mold. Call our 24-hour number, (603) 433-4300, for assistance whenever you discover a mold problem and want certified and caring technicians to assist. 

For more information regarding Exeter, click here

Understanding the Deodorization Process After Flood Damage to Your Hampton Home

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

After facing a flooding event, contacting SERVPRO is your best bet towards total remediation including any lingering odors. Call right away.

SERVPRO Professionals First Dry Out Your Flooded Home and Then Tackle Remaining Issues Including Odor

Even after the floodwater is cleaned and residual moisture is taken care of following flood damage, the odor can linger on for quite some time. The flood water from heavy rains and storms is often filthy and can cause your home to reek if it is not appropriately mitigated. 

Professional restoration experts use a variety of techniques and strategies to combat the odor problems after flood damage to your Hampton home. Whether the odors are real or imaginary, SERVPRO technicians can eliminate them using some of the best deodorizing equipment on the market. Here is some of the equipment that is used in the deodorization process following a flood. 

Ventilation box fans 
One of the most critical factors that cause odors after a flood is moisture content in the air. If the air has a high relative humidity, the door vapors can dissolve in the moisture and reach the nose making them more noticeable. As a result, drying the air can reduce the perception of odors to a great deal. Ventilation box fans achieve this by drying the contents and helping to ventilate the rooms after application of deodorant. 

Pressure sprayer/ Electric sprayer 
Technicians often use pump-up or electric sprayers to dispense deodorizing compounds and masking agents at a pressure of around 50 psi. This equipment allows the deodorizing agent to be sprayed directly onto the surface being deodorized. 

Portable ozone machine 
An ozone machine generates a form of highly reactive oxygen called ozone, that can neutralize many odor-causing molecules in the air. Chemically speaking, ozone reacts with the odor-causing molecule and oxidizes them. It is a great technique to eliminate the toughest of odors after a flood, but it can be used only in case of a move-out. All people, pets, and plants need to be evacuated from the premises before SERVPRO technicians can use this technique. 

Air scrubbers 
Air scrubbers can remove many airborne odor-causing particles and gasses from the air. The device works by drawing in the air through a series of HEPA filters trapping the odor-causing particles. The filters can eliminate particles as small as 0.3 microns in size with an efficiency of 99.97%. 

Call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300 today to schedule a free consultation regarding your restoration needs. 

Click here for more information about the city of Hampton. 

Did Water Damage Leave an Unpleasant Odor in Your Exeter Home?

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause odors. Call SERVPRO Franchise professionals to deodorize your home.

WHY SERVPRO’s Water Removal Techniques Can Make a Difference in Your Exeter Home  

If you have been asking yourself WHY SERVPRO should be your preferred water removal service provider, then read on. After a water damage incident, one thing that we check for is the odor. To neutralize the unpleasant odors, our technicians adopt various tactics. Firstly, we determine the cause of the odor. As water comes into contact with organic materials, rotting may take place and lead to the formation of the odors. At the same time, the odor can emanate from wet materials that are not thoroughly dry. Our services certainly come in handy in eliminating odor in your Exeter property. 

To deal with the odor problem, our SERVPRO technicians in Exeter start by determining the source of the odor. In most cases, the smell usually emanates from multiple sources; thus we employ different methods in the deodorization process. To perform the job satisfactorily, we have the latest technical equipment and a vast wealth of knowledge on how to deal with such situations. 

When removing the unpleasant smell from water damage, our SERVPRO technicians understand that one type of deodorization agent cannot fight all types of odor. For that reason, we use different types of deodorants to eliminate the different types of odor. Depending on the situation we are dealing with, we may decide to use thermal foggers or ULV foggers to dispense the deodorants. 

There are different types of deodorants that our technicians use. They include masking agents that cover the smell with a pleasant smell. We can also use filtration and absorption agents which combine with the odor particles causing them to fall on surfaces that we later on clean. After deodorization, we can apply disinfectants to inhibit the growth of mold. 

SERVPRO of The Seacoast has a track record in eliminating bad smells from both commercial and residential properties. Be sure to reach us at (603) 433-4300 to benefit from our proven services.

Exeter was first settled in 1638 as Squamscott.  Click here to read more.

Has Water Damage Left an Unpleasant Odor in Your Exeter Home?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can leave unpleasant odors.

WHY SERVPRO’s Water Removal Techniques Can Make a Difference in Your Exeter Home

If you have been asking yourself WHY SERVPRO should be your preferred water removal service provider, then read on. After a water damage incident, one thing that we check for is the odor. To neutralize the unpleasant odors, our technicians adopt various tactics. First, we determine the cause of the odor. As water comes into contact with organic materials, rotting may take place and lead to the formation of the odors. At the same time, the odor can emanate from wet materials that are not thoroughly dry. Our services certainly come in handy in eliminating odor in your Exeter property.  

To deal with the odor problem after water damage in Exeter, our SERVPRO Franchise professionals start by determining the source of the odor. In most cases, the smell usually emanates from multiple sources; thus we employ different methods in the deodorization process. To perform the job satisfactorily, we have the latest technical equipment and a vast wealth of knowledge on how to deal with such situations.  

When removing the unpleasant smell, our SERVPRO Franchise professionals understand that one type of deodorization agent cannot fight all types of water damage odor. For that reason, we use different types of deodorants to eliminate the different types of odor. Depending on the situation we are dealing with, we may decide to use thermal foggers or ULV foggers to dispense the deodorants.  

There are different types of deodorants that our technicians use. They include masking agents that cover the smell with a pleasant smell. We can also use filtration and absorption agents which combine with the odor particles causing them to fall on surfaces that we later on clean. After deodorization, we can apply disinfectants to inhibit the growth of mold.  

SERVPRO of The Seacoast has a track record in eliminating bad smells from both commercial and residential properties. Be sure to reach us at (603) 433-4300 to benefit from our proven services.

Read about Exeter here.

The Biggest Problems With Water Damage in Greenland Homes

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Pipes can break or continuously leak water into your cabinets. Should your kitchen have water damage, call team SERVPRO for services.

The Right Equipment to Overcome Water Damage in Greenland Homes

From faulty appliances to plumbing leaks, there are many potential sources for damage to your Greenland home. While seemingly minor incidents might appear as situations a homeowner could restore and clean up on their own; this is often inaccurate. Within a few moments of exposure to water, construction materials like flooring, cabinetry, and walls all begin to absorb the water and adversely react. Overcoming these effects takes advanced technology and highly trained technicians responding to the situation as promptly as possible.

Water damage in your Greenland home can happen almost anywhere in the house, but recovering this situation follows a concise timeline. Our SERVPRO professionals remain available to our customers 24-hours a day, even on the holidays, to ensure that we can contest these conditions as they happen on your property. This response is vital in helping to prevent secondary effects from occurring such as mold growth.

Our water restoration specialists obtain their IICRC certifications through extensive training and hands-on education to become top responders in the field. We encourage all of these employees to continue honing their craft through available in-house and e-learning educational opportunities. This added information can help each of our technicians to be knowledgeable in the most efficient and effective approaches to restoring your home and mitigating loss upon our arrival.

The advanced technology that we use benefits our customers by offering fast drying approaches that penetrate materials like flooring and drywall. Our high-powered air movers force moisture out of materials to get collected by our industrial-strength dehumidification equipment. Thermal imagery cameras can help our SERVPRO team on-site to determine where concentrated drying efforts are necessary by identifying present moisture pockets in inaccessible areas.

Restoring water damages within your home is nothing that a homeowner should leave to chance. Our SERVPRO of The Sea Coast rapid response team has the advanced equipment and extensive training to protect your home and restore the damage it has sustained. Give us a call today at (603) 433-4300.

Click here for more about Greenland.