Preventing Winter Weather Woes

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Winter has its challenges, and snow has been the last of our worries this season.  Like the quick cold snap Cecil County suffered over the holidays, storm, water and fire damage can often occur quickly and without warning.  To help prevent some of the most common forms of fire and water damage in your property during this time of year, follow these precautionary measures!

Water Damage Prevention

• A steep drop in temperature means a higher risk of pipes freezing and bursting.  To prevent this, insulate all exposed pipes.
• Close your indoor valves, but keep your outdoor valves open so water can escape, rather than freeze.
• Faucets can be opened enough to let the water drip during severe cold conditions.
• Remember to use a heating pad or hot towel to thaw a frozen pipe before it bursts.
• Before and after a winter storm, inspect your property for signs of damage.
• Remove snow from your roof carefully and before it has a chance to weigh down your roof or form an ice dam.  This is when an ice formation blocks the melting snow from traveling to your gutters and drains and the water instead leaks into your property.

Fire Damage Prevention

• Have your fireplaces, chimneys, furnaces, boilers and other heating systems checked for issues and repaired as needed.
• Do not overdo it when it comes to your outlets and extension cords.  Do not use broken or damaged wires or plugs.
• Portable heaters should be shut off when you are not in the room or at home.  Flammable materials should also be kept away from these and other heating systems.
• Place candles on a sturdy surface and extinguish them before leaving the home.

Should your residential or commercial property experience a water or fire loss this winter, SERVPRO of Cecil County can assist you with every step of the process.  Our restoration professionals are available to respond 24/7 to emergencies in our area.  We also work quickly and efficiently to restore the affected areas while taking your concerns and belongings into consideration.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is here to help when it comes to water, fire, storm or mold damage services in our local communities!

Cold Snap Causes Water Damage over the Holidays!

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

This past Christmas was a bit less festive for many of our local homeowners and businesses who suffered substantial water damage over the holiday and the entire holiday weekend.  Due to the sudden freeze that the Cecil County area experienced over this timeframe, many properties suffered frozen pipes that eventually burst and flooded water into each structure.  Septic backups were another large problem for the area, as were several other water damage-related problems.

The calls kept coming in for our team over the holiday break, but we responded immediately to each loss, even on Christmas Day.  Our water and storm damage restoration crews handle each loss with care and in consideration of your concerns down to every little detail, including the contents inside your home that we understand mean more to you than the structure itself.

SERVPRO of Cecil County is proud to be have the resources and capabilities to respond 24/7 to emergency water and fire losses in our area, and we hope that these services helped to make each one of our customer’s holidays a lot brighter!

Washing Machine Causes Water Damage

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County helped to restore this kitchen and other areas of an Elkton home after severe water damage had occurred.  The washing machine had flooded three stories of the property including through several ceilings.  This left the home with a heightened risk of a ceiling collapse as well as the potential for mold growth.  Our water restoration professionals visited the scene immediately in order to assess all of the water damage and to determine the best plan of action for providing mitigation services.

Not long after, our team began the process of removing the water damage from all affected surfaces.  This often includes demolition services for areas such as the drywall and baseboard.  We use an advanced drying method to help fully remove all signs of water droplets and moisture.  We monitor this equipment for approximately three days, or more if needed.

Once the areas are effectively dried to industry standards, we thoroughly clean and disinfect the space.  Our reconstruction department also offers services for repairing and replacing all of the areas affected in order to help fully restore a property to preloss conditions.  SERVPRO of Cecil County can handle any extent of water damage that you may face, and we are here to help make the process less overwhelming.  Our emergency response team is available 24/7 for your residential or commercial needs!

North East Water Damage

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently visited a home that had suffered water damage in North East.  Three inches of water had traveled to two areas of the home, damaging the floor and other surfaces.  Our team visited the property immediately to begin the water restoration process.

We began with removing all elements of the home with water damage, including the insulation, paneling, baseboard and drywall.  Once the water was extracted from both the hard surface floor and carpeted areas, we then placed an air mover and dehumidifier in the affected space for a 24 hour period.  This drying equipment will allow the damaged portions of the home to fully dry as well as help eliminate the risk of future water or mold damage.  Our restoration team then completed the process with properly cleaning the surfaces and floors of the structure.

During the water restoration process, we also offer reconstruction services for repairing all damaged areas of a home.  Drywall installation, floor repairs, and painting are just a few of the services we provide for a complete restoration of your home or business.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is prepared for any extent of water, fire, mold or storm damage in our North East area!

Sump Pump Failure Prevention in Cecil County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

This rainy season, SERVPRO of Cecil County would like to remind our local Elkton community to inspect and maintain their sump pump systems.  These systems will need to be functioning properly in order to allow water to drain effectively from a property during a storm.

Maintaining your system and resolving any issues with the sump pump can prevent water and structural damage to your Cecil County home or business.  Our team is here to help before the problem starts.

• Selecting the proper sump pump is important.  The pump should be able to handle the amount of stormwater that our Cecil County area experiences throughout the year.
• Installation of the sump pump is also important in preventing water and storm damage issues.
• Clean, inspect and maintain the sump pump every three months in order to ensure that the system is running efficiently.
• Check for issues with the device, such as a damaged switch or clog that reduces the effectiveness of the system.
• A grate can be installed in order to stop debris from building up in the system.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides complete restoration services for the Elkton area in the event of water or storm damage.  Our team has the knowledge and resources to help restore your home or business quickly.  We offer assistance to our community 24/7 for those that need it the most.

Preparing Your Cecil County Property for the Spring

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

The rainy spring season often leads to water damage in our local Cecil County area.  SERVPRO of Cecil County provides water restoration services for homes and businesses that suffer any extent of water damage including those due to leaks, large storm events and sump pump failures.  Below, we list several preventative actions you can take in order to eliminate storm or structural problems for your property.

• Follow your local weather reports for storm updates.
• Inspect your home for interior and exterior issues before and after a storm.  Look for structural issues with your roof, siding, gutters and foundation.  These issues should be repaired immediately.
• Clean your gutters.  Leaves and other debris should be removed from your drainage system in order to allow water to continue to flow through the system properly.  This will prevent a water collection around the foundation as well as other flooding issues.
• Ensure your doors and windows are properly sealed.  This will prevent drafts and moisture from entering your home.
• Check for signs of leaks as well.  Wet walls and moisture are common signs of leaking.
• Inspect your sump pump and make sure it is running properly.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides emergency services for properties affected by water or storm damage.  We offer complete mitigation and reconstruction services in order to help fully restore your property from severe destruction.

Preventing the Aftermath of Water and Storm Damage

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water and storm damage is often the beginning of the problem when it comes to an issue in your Cecil County home or business.  SERVPRO of Cecil County often provides water mitigation and reconstruction services for damaged properties after our customers believe the problem is resolved.  This damage appears in the form of issues such as mold growth and roof leaks.

Mold Growth

When water damage occurs due to a storm, pipe break or other unforeseen event, we often attempt to remove and restore all affected areas ourselves.  Without the proper equipment to remove all signs of water droplets from your property, including in the walls and floors, the water can be left in hidden places where it is difficult to reach.  This often leads to future mold growth in those spaces that can pose a larger risk than the water damage.

Our water restoration team follows IICRC guidelines and utilizes our advanced water mitigation and drying equipment in order to fully and thoroughly remove all signs of water.  We place several air movers in the space for a period of three days in order to do so.

Structural Damage

You should also inspect your property for signs of damage.  Roof cracks or missing shingles pose the risk of water leaking into your home or business.  Wet ceilings, walls or insulation can also mean that water is making its way slowly into the structure.

Our restoration and reconstruction teams can assess the damages for you as well as offer solutions for fully resolving the issue.

Winter Weather

Inspect your property before and after a winter storm.  Check for structural damages and be sure to remove snow from the roof.  A large amount of snowfall can lead to a roof collapse if left to build up or freeze.

During your water damage event, it is not uncommon to miss what lies further.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is here to help find the underlying causes of your structural damage.  Should you suffer further damage down the line after attempting to clean up the mess, our water restoration team is also here to help make it “Like it never even happened” for good!

Pipe Leak Disaster in North East

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently helped to restore a North East home after a substantial pipe leak.  The pipe in the second story bathroom had caused significant water damage to that area and had also caused water to travel down through the kitchen ceiling. 

We completed water restoration and demolition services for the affected areas and placed our air movers in the space in order to fully eliminate all signs of water damage.  The homeowner was thrilled with our response and service.  In addition, our immediate response helped to prevent further damage to the home including mold growth.

In order to assist our local community with their immediate needs, SERVPRO of Cecil County offers 24/7 emergency services for those who are affected by fire, water or storm damage. Our team is always prepared to make any size water, fire or storm damage event "Like it never even happened."

Sink Damage Leads to Water Restoration Services in North East

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently performed water mitigation services for a homeowner in North East.  The supply line to the bathroom sink had been damaged, causing water to flood the floors and to begin leaking through the ceiling.

Our water restoration team completed all mitigation, drying and disinfecting services to the affected areas in order to ensure a fully restored structure.  This included placing several air movers in the home to effectively remove all signs of water from the premises.  This advanced equipment is utilized in order to quickly eliminate water in all areas of a facility, including all hidden areas where the water may have traveled to.  This is critical in preventing future water or mold issues.

SERVPRO of Cecil County offers fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold remediation, and general cleaning services to the Elkton area.  We strive to make every unique situation as pleasant as we can for our local community and we are always "Ready for Whatever Happens."

Sump Pump Failure Causes Extensive Water Damage in Hacks Point

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County visited a home in Hacks Point after a sump pump failure caused inches of water to make their way into this basement.  This was an extensive mitigation job for our water restoration team.  It took hours to remove the large pool of collected water from the affected areas.  We also placed our advanced drying equipment for three days to ensure all signs of water damage were eliminated.  This also prevents further water damage and mold growth.

There was a large amount of affected content as well.  While most of this content was too damaged to be restored, we offer a Document Drying method where documents and other damaged content can often be completely restored after fire or water damage.

SERVPRO of Cecil County is happy to help with document drying and water cleanup and restoration services for your home or business!  Give us a call at 410-620-3322 to learn more!

Our Storm Damage Services Go Beyond Our Elkton Area!

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County has provided water and storm restoration services to dozens of properties affected by the harsh weather conditions caused in Texas and Oklahoma.  After hundreds experienced power outages, many homes and commercial facilities suffered substantial water damage due to burst pipes.  This photo depicts one example of the extensive damage we helped to restore during this catastrophe.  The water had begun to damage the ceiling, forcing our team to remove the affected portions of the ceiling in order to fully extract all water, dry all areas and prevent further water damage.

SERVPRO of Cecil County's water mitigation and restoration team traveled to the affected states immediately to assist our fellow SERVPRO franchises with the overwhelming water damage and emergency response needed.  Our Elkton storm team was happy to assist in ensuring each affected property was fully restored.  We're proud to help make this unexpected weather disaster "Like it never even happened."

Content and Storage Services for Cecil County

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County assists our local Elkton community with any size water damage.  Our restoration professionals can handle an entire loss including cleaning and restoring some of the content involved.  Despite what most may think, some of this content, including documents and other valuables can often be saved from water or even fire damage.  We offer this service in various drying methods including Vacuum Freeze Drying or Gamma Irradiation, which is the method used when bacteria is present.

We also specialize in removing and cleaning content that has been affected by fire or mold damage.  These contents aren’t always able to be restored but we are able to save some content when it hasn’t been too extensively damaged.

We also offer storage services for content such as furniture or clothing in the event of a fire or water loss.  Often, the affected party is forced out of their home and they need a place to store their valuables.  We are happy to help with this service in order to ease a homeowner's mind and help in any way we can!

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides services for fire, water and mold damage, no matter the extent of the damage.  Give us a call today for a free quote!

Sewage Damage in Cecil County

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

After the sewer line broke in a local Elkton home, we were called out to perform mitigation services for the contaminated water and repair the damages.  The sewage had affected a substantial amount of the affected areas.  A flood cut was needed in order to fully extract all of the sewage water and dry the structure. 

Flood cuts involve removing the drywall up to a higher level than the portion of the wall where the water or sewage damage stopped.  We remove this drywall in order to clearly look for signs of moisture or water issues that we couldn’t see otherwise, therefore eliminating water or mold issues in the future.  Flood cuts are also needed when sewage water is present, since this type of damage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can escape into the drywall and be harmful.

Once that was complete, we were then asked to complete the reconstruction portion of the damage.  This includes replacing and restoring the drywall, insulation and flooring of the structure.  We are currently performing those services for the homeowner in order to fully make this sewage disaster “Like it never even happened.”

When your home or business experiences sewage damage, it is critical to hire a certified restoration professional to handle the damages in order to avoid cross-contamination.  Our team properly contains the affected areas in order to prevent the risk of exposure of the bacteria that is present.  We also follow IICRC standards in disinfecting and restoring the property.  This includes utilizing our air movers to fully eliminate any moisture in the space and to help prevent mold growth.  We also properly dispose of damaged content, and complete odor deodorization services.

SERVPRO of Cecil County handles sewage damage in addition to other water damage and biohazard events.  Our professionals handle the entire project from cleaning to mitigating the issue, and we are here to help!

Signs of Frozen Pipes

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

During the winter, frozen pipes are often an issue due to the low temperatures.  SERVPRO of Cecil County receives countless calls to assist with water damage due to frozen pipes.  This situation is an overwhelming one for homeowners and businesses, and it can lead to a large financial and stressful problem.  While frozen pipes are a significant problem in the winter, there are many signs you can inspect your property for so that you can stop the problem before it begins.

No Running Water

A common sign of a frozen pipe occurs when you turn your faucet on, only for no water to come out.  If the water pressure is low, this is also a warning sign that the pipe may have frozen or broken.

Cracked Pipes

This occurs when the pressure inside the pipe increases to a dangerous level that can possibly cause a pipe break.  This can lead to a large water damage situation if the water supply line is not shut off in time.

Signs of Water Damage

Inspect the interior of your property and look for signs that the water has been leaking such as wet drywall or water marks on the ceiling.  You should also check the interior and exterior of your home or facility for signs of water collection.

Frost on the Pipes

Frost, condensation or a misshapen pipe are all signs of a frozen pipe.  If you are able to see that your pipes are frozen, be sure to fix the issue before it gets worse.

Strange Odors

When a pipe freezes, the water will begin to build up, which can lead to an odor.  This is most prevalent in a sewer line pipe freeze, since this leads to a stronger odor.

Odd Sounds

If you have ice in your pipes, you may begin to hear banging or another type of odd noise from the ice inside the pipe.  Your hot water heater may even begin to make unpleasant sounds.

Always remember to check for signs of frozen pipes in the winter and seek the proper assistance for pipe issues or breaks.  Should you experience a frozen pipe, follow the proper actions to prevent further damage.  These include opening the faucet to allow the water to flow through the pipe, as well as applying heat to the pipe until the water begins to flow more naturally.

If the problem persists and a pipe break or water damage occurs, SERVPRO of Cecil County can help with the damage.  We are here to help with any size water damage event this winter and beyond!

Basement Water Damage Catastrophe in Elkton

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently received a call from a local homeowner in Elkton after he experienced a devastating water damage event.  A pipe had cracked in the home and leaked approximately five feet of water into the basement.  The damage was overwhelming.

Once he called our franchise, our water restoration professionals responded immediately to help extract all water from the premises.  We then set our specialized drying equipment in the basement for a period of three days in order to ensure the structure was fully dry. 

This customer was extremely happy with our response time and crew.  We strive to do the same for all of our customers, and we're always proud to make an unexpected disaster like this "Like it never even happened."  To learn more about our water, fire or mold services, give us a call at 410-620-3322.

Elkton Water Restoration After HVAC Leak

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County received a call from a homeowner in Elkton after their heating and air system in the attic had leaked.  Water had made its way down the walls of all three floors of the home.  The drywall was significantly affected, and was beginning to show signs of wood rot and mold.

Our water restoration professionals went out immediately to help with the damages.  We tore out the affected baseboard and flooring in addition to the drywall, paneling and insulation.  Once this debris was safely disposed of, we placed our specialized SERVPRO air movers and dehumidifiers in order to dry the structure to IICRC standards.  We then treated the areas with Sporociden to prevent secondary damage to the home.    

The homeowner was very satisfied with our crew and services, and we are currently working with them on coordinating repairs.  We were happy to leave a great impression during an overwhelming experience!

SERVPRO of Cecil County offers 24/7 emergency services in water and fire damage. We also offer services in mold remediation, general cleaning, reconstruction and more.  We are prepared to help at a moment's notice!

Cleaning Up Sewage in Cecil County

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be overwhelming, but when sewage is involved, the experience can feel much more intense.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is IICRC-trained, meaning we are equipped with the proper skills, knowledge and equipment to help clean and restore a property after such a disaster.

We have recently received calls from our local Cecil County area regarding numerous damages to homes and businesses involving sewage.  One of those calls was from a local restaurant in Havre de Grace where we immediately visited the property in order to remove and clean up to four inches of sewage water.  The business owner was extremely satisfied with our work, our team and our quick response to their critical situation, while we were happy to help keep the business open with minimal downtime.

Another job we received involving water damage and sewage was located in Perry Point.  The sewage was found in the basement after an unexpected toilet issue and left the homeowner worried and in desperate need of proper water mitigation and cleaning procedures.  That’s where we were once again happy to offer our services and able to help restore the affected area “Like it never even happened.”  This customer was very pleased with our work as well.

SERVPRO of Cecil County offers 24/7 residential and commercial services for those who’ve experienced water or sewage damage.  We are proud to offer these and many more services to our local Cecil County community at a moment’s notice.  To learn more about all of the services we provide, visit our Homepage!

Restoring Your Books After Water Damage

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

When water enters your home and destroys your belongings, it can be an overwhelming experience.  SERVPRO of Cecil County understands how difficult it can be to throw your damaged contents away.  What some people may not know is that you can still save some of your damaged content after it has been severely damaged. Our cleaning and restoration professionals not only help to clean and restore your home from fire, water or mold damage, we also can pack up, store, clean and restore some of the items damaged after these types of disasters. 

While there are times we can save your items for you, other times the damage is too extensive to restore them.  But, there are also steps you can take as well to save even your paper products, such as books.

If your books aren’t heavily wet, simple air-drying can be the solution.  Wet paper tears easily so be careful when handling.  When air-drying, do not open the books.  Place them standing up on absorbent paper to allow the water to drain out. Place paper between the text and covers and change the papers as they become fully wet.  Use fans to circulate air but do not point them directly at the books.  Continue this technique until the items do not appear to be soaked.

Freeze drying is the best option for preventing damage and mold growth.  SERVPRO uses the process of sublimation which skips the liquid stage to turn a solid right into a vapor to avoid causing more damage to your documents.  We also use the method of gamma irradiation when needed to clean and disinfect documents that are infected by bacteria from contaminated water.

Whether you are able to air-dry your books or they need a more specialized process by our professionals in order to be restored, these techniques will help to save your books and other documents after water damage has occurred in your home.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is also happy to help restore your property and your belongings after smoke and soot damage.  We work hard to make every form of an unexpected disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Ready For Any Size Water Disaster

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County is available 24/7 for water emergencies, large or small.  When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.  A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling overwhelmed.  You need an expert to guide you through both the crisis and the water restoration process.  SERVPRO of Cecil County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. 

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency.  These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many of our water restoration professionals may be needed.

Below are some of the most common and important questions we will ask:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Cecil County

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

Steps to Take After a Water Damage Disaster

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

When water enters and damages your property, it is critical to take the proper precautions in order to prevent further water or even mold damage.  The water behind your walls or paneling can lead to mold growth if water isn't fully extracted or if the areas aren't fully dried after a water damage event.  To prevent further damage to your home, you should follow these steps:

• Dry the areas immediately.
• Check for musty odors that can be a sign of mold.
• Inspect the exterior of your property to ensure that water is draining away from the home. If water is collecting around the property, drain the excess water since this can spread into the inside of the home.
• Replace materials that can't be fully dried with materials that are less prone to mold.

These steps are important after a water damage event in order to prevent further signs of water or mold.  If you experience water or mold damage in your home, the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Cecil County are here to help! Contact us today at 410-620-3322 to learn more about our services!

Water Damage in Elkton

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

When homeowners in Elkton called our water restoration team for immediate assistance with their water leak, we didn’t hesitate.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is always prepared for a disaster to strike and to help restore local homes and businesses from water damage.  Often, situations like this can be very overwhelming for those involved, and this was no exception.  We visited the property right away in order to assess the damages and reassure them that we would make this unexpected disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Our team did just that, starting with tearing out the wet drywall, carpet and other damaged materials.  We completed our advanced water mitigation process and then placed our drying equipment for a full day in order to ensure the affected areas were fully dry and free of any signs of water that could lead to issues in the future. 

The homeowners were thrilled with our crew and service.  They were excited to have their home back, and we were happy to be able to help.  SERVPRO of Cecil County takes pride in helping to restore our customer’s homes and lives from a fire, water or mold damage event.  Should you experience such a disaster, call us at 410-620-3322.

Basement Water Damage

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County received a call from a local homeowner in Elkton after a pipe had burst in his home.  The finished basement was left extensively damaged by the water leak, but our water restoration professionals visited the property immediately to assess the damages and help restore the home.

We removed the flooring in the affected area and completed the water mitigation process.  Once the basement was substantially dry, we then placed our specialized drying equipment in the area in order to ensure there were no signs of water left behind.  This step is critical in order to eliminate the risks of other water or mold issues in the future due to insufficient drying.

This customer is thrilled with our crew and the work we performed.  We’re happy to help and are here for our local residents and businesses 24/7.  If you experience any size water, fire or mold disaster, call SERVPRO of Cecil County at 410-620-3322.

Is Your Home Ready For the Rainy Season?

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Winter is finally coming to an end, which means spring rainfall is on its way.  All those showers can cause potential flooding problems if your home is not prepared, but there are simple steps you can take to ensure you are ready for this rainy season.

• Check for signs of leakage, including water marks on the ceiling and any significant cracks.
• Inspect your roof and basement for any signs of water damage.  Repairing any minor issues can save you from a far worse water or mold problem in the future.
• Sealing your windows and doors for the spring is also a smart habit to get into since doing so will help prevent water from entering your home.

To ensure your home is ready for spring, be prepared for what the season can bring.  If you do have a flooding problem or water-related incident, feel free to give us a call at 410-620-3322. We are here to help!

Water Damage Prevention

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage and flooding in households is more common than you might think.  Often, something as simple as neglecting repairs in your home can lead to devastating circumstances.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent water damage from occurring in your home.  You should ensure good drainage by regularly cleaning your gutters and ensuring that your downspouts are directed 5-10 feet from the house.  Be sure to check your sump pump annually and test more occasionally during storm season.  Fix water leaks by repairing pipes, cracked caulking, and damaged or missing shingles on the roof.

Should you experience water damage in your home, SERVPRO of Cecil County is here to help.  We are a trusted leader in the water restoration industry.  Our highly trained water restoration technicians use advanced water inspection, extraction and drying equipment to transform your home to its original form.  With our 24 hour emergency service for water removal and repairs, we will have your home dry in no time.

What To Do if Your Ceiling is Leaking

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

It can be extremely stressful and confusing when you discover a leak in your ceiling.  The damages to your home will only get worse if you do not confront the problem immediately.  Below, we outline some steps you can follow to fix the leak before further destruction. 

Poke a Hole

Use a screwdriver or other sharp tool to poke a hole in the middle of the water stain.  The hole will drain the water in the ceiling and air out the drywall which will prevent further water damage. 

Catch the Water

Use a bucket to catch the falling water and towels to soak up any excess drips. 

Turn a Fan On

The fan will dry the area which is important in minimizing damages.

Following these steps may be the difference between a small leak and extensive water damage.  If your home suffers from a leaky ceiling, contact SERVPRO of Cecil County at (410) 620-3322.  We can handle any size water disaster in your home.

Signs of Water Damage

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water can cause extensive damage to your home when the problem is not taken care of.  Water damage can appear due to flooding or even a small leak in your home.  The water restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Cecil County are trained to handle any size water disaster if you experience this problem in your home.  Fortunately, there are signs you can look for to stop water damage in its tracks before the damage is in need of our restoration services. 

Walls

Look for water stains on the walls and ceilings as well as around the windows and door frames.  If stains are present in any of these areas, you may have a leaking pipe inside the wall.  Check for cracks in the drywall as well.

Floors

Look for warping or buckling of the floors.  Check for stains and the smell of dampness.

Pipes

Inspect pipes for corrosion, leaks or water stains.  Ensure the caulking is not missing or loose.  Check the water heater for wet spots and rust.

Basement and Attic

Inspect the basement and attic for cracks, stains, rust, dampness, mold or odors. 

Exterior

Check the roof for damages and missing or cracked shingles.  Look for standing water outside of your home, which could be due to poor drainage or other issues.

Inspect your home extensively and you will prevent further water damage from occurring.  If you experience any water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of Cecil County at (410) 620-3322.  We can restore any size water disaster for you.

Faster To Your Water Damage

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Cecil County

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (410) 620-3322

Flooded Basement in Cecil County

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

This September, one of our Elkton customers called SERVPRO of Cecil County when they discovered that their basement had been flooded and mold had grown on the walls.  To be expected, the homeowner was very concerned about the water damage.  Fortunately, our highly trained water restoration technicians were able to diminish their fears and assess the damage of the flooding.

After extracting all of the water from the basement, the crew then began mold remediation by utilizing our HEPA vacuums to capture any remaining mold spores.  Our technicians then removed any airborne odors and cleaned the entire basement and all affected contents in addition to repairing all damages.  The customer was extremely satisfied with our work and will use SERVPRO of Cecil County for their future restoration needs.