Why Choose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge?

12/14/2023 (Permalink)

Ray and Alan are hard workers that will treat your home or business with care. They are always here to help.

There are many options for water/fire restoration contractors in Northern Virginia.  Why then, should you choose us?  

     That is EASY!!  It is our team!  Our team is by far the reason you want to choose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. 

     Our Office team, Debbie, Linda and Kimberly, have all been with us for a combined 39 years of experience! That is a MAJOR BLESSING and it is rare!  But, what does that mean to you the customer?  They are knowledgeable, they have experience, they are all water certified by the IICRC and you can trust their advice and guidance.  

     Our production team is top notch!  All of our employees are promoted from within.  So, our crew chiefs were all technicians here for a long time before they got promoted to their position.  Our production managers were all promoted from within, as well.  One production manager, Mike,  started as a technician in the field for many years and the other, Sasha, started in the office for many years.  Our production managers have a combined 21 years of experience at our company SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge.  Our crew chiefs have a combined 22 years of experience at our company SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We strive to treat each loss as if it were our own and we are HONEST!

     In the restoration industry, it is extremely rare to have tenure like this as turnover is usually very high in our industry.  All of our employees are back ground checked, they are all IICRC certified, they are all honest and you can trust them in your home or business.  

     You can TRUST SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton with all your restoration and construction needs!  

703-583-8484

Our Team is the Reason WHY To Choose SERVPRO!

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

100% our teams are what make this individually owned company the one you want to call. We care about you, your property and doing the job right.

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is the reason why to choose SERVPRO.  Our teams truly care about their clients, both residential and commercial.  We will treat your property as if it is our own and we will keep you informed throughout the entire restoration/rebuild process. We are here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent reviews from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

"We had the unfortunate experience of a 2nd story bathroom fixture break, which caused flooding under the flooring, into the 1st level dining room and into the basement (lower level). There was so much water and such a mess that it was overwhelming.

SERVPRO sent us Blake McGuire and Josue Alvarez, two consummate water damage/restoration professionals who genuinely cared for our home as if it were their own. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and considerate...and most of all, they listened. They explained their process and procedures and kept us informed about the progress of mitigating the damage.

While we hope to never encounter a problem like this again, there is great comfort in knowing that gentlemen like Blake and Josue - and the company they represent - are at the ready to assist." - T. Lyon

"Blake McGuire, the lead technician and Josue Alvarez were extremely professional. They were very knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. I hope their boss sees this post! Thanks for a job well done!" - M. Jacobson

"I worked with Mike and his team out of Stafford. They were prompt in the response, got to work right away and made a stressful experience feel manageable. Mike explained everything along the way, was easily accessible for any questions and communicated regularly. A friendly and professional group of hard-working people."

- J. Cohen

If you happen to experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or business but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and know that each loss is not simply a project but is someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event. Our most important goal is to help make it as stress free as possible for you in a timely manner.

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call the Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help.

Christmas Safety Tips from SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Christmas time is a time for lots of lights, Christmas Trees, Menoras, and lots of candles everywhere. We hope these tips will help keep you safe.

Just like Santa working around the clock for Christmas, accidents, overflows, emergencies also never takes a break during the holiday season. Shorter days, winter weather, travel, outdoor activities and holiday preparations bring a whole variety of potential safety hazards/accidents our way. Throw in long weekends or holidays in the middle of the week and it’s the perfect recipe for a safety slip-up. Unlike Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies, that’s one recipe you do not want to ask for. Instead, let’s check out Santa’s recipe for safe holiday success!

1 dash of injury-free decorating
2 tablespoons of safe travels
3 cups of safe light assembling
4 ounces of carefully placing candles

Mix well and do not bake – instead keep an eye out for fire starters!!

Decorate Safely

Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency rooms see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.
When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
• If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
• If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
• Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections to avoid fire
• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
• Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Candles and Fireplaces
Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk fire. The National Fire Protection Association or fire reports that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of children
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach for children in a locked cabinet
• Use flameless, rather than lighted, candles near flammable objects
• Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
• Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
• Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

We hope these safety tips are helpful to keep you safe.  As always, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is always HERE TO HELP 365 days a year.  

703-583-8484

Why Call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

When a SERVPRO is located in a city or town, that is their baby. We at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & Woodbridge & Lorton are here to help!

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge has been in business since 2004.  We have many of the same staff with us since then which is very rare for our industry and it means we will take good care of you, your home or business.  We are licensed and certified and we will treat your residence or commercial building with care. 

With over 1,700 locations across the U.S. and Canada, there’s a reason why SERVPRO is one of the top disaster recovery and restoration companies in North America. By providing 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service, a guaranteed response to service calls within one hour, and a verbal restoration evaluation within eight hours of damage assessment, SERVPRO has remained a preferred vendor for insurance agents and adjusters since it was founded in 1967. The unique business model of each SERVPRO franchise, including the one near you in Northwest Las Vegas, NV, is what makes them leaders in the industry.

1. Every SERVPRO franchise is locally owned. SERVPRO isn’t a giant, faceless corporation run solely by a boardroom full of CEOs and executives. It’s based on a franchise concept that allows everyday people to work hard and follow their dream of owning their own business and serving members of their community.
2. SERVPRO is a proven business concept. For over 50 years, SERVPRO has been helping franchisees achieve the American Dream of business ownership. It’s now the #1 ranked franchise restoration services company in the U.S., cementing an already stellar reputation that can only be earned through decades of helping investors achieve success and financial freedom.
3. SERVPRO guides its franchisees every step of the way. Becoming a certified SERVPRO franchise owner is easy thanks to a tried and true business model, which includes substantial training and expansion options. Franchise owners also benefit from the extensive branding that SERVPRO has already achieved thanks to its many years as a leader in the restoration industry.

While insurance industry professionals have many disaster restoration vendors to choose from, only the SERVPRO franchise has earned a national reputation as the top company in its field. That’s why SERVPRO remains a leader in the industry over 50 years after its inception.

Why Chose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge? Happy Customers Share Why!

11/18/2022 (Permalink)

When water, fire or mold hit your home/business, it can get stressful. You want a crew like Blake & Josue to take care of you in your time of need.

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are always here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent quotes from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

"Likely the most positive experience I've had with a local business here. Every single worker went WAY above their station to ensure my family was taken care of. They work long and hard, deliver quality work and always put the customer needs foremost.

Special shout out to team lead Blake ( w/ teammate Josue) and Estimator Sasha for stellar customer service. I cannot stress how great these individuals treated me & my family." - p12om3th3us

"I worked with Mike and his team out of Stafford. They were prompt in the response, got to work right away and made a stressful experience feel manageable. Mike explained everything along the way, was easily accessible for any questions and communicated regularly. A friendly and professional group of hard-working people."

- J. Cohen

“It was a very easy experience during a difficult time.” M. Martin

"Mike and Rob from SERVPRO were outstanding. They were quality experts and conducted themselves in a professional manner. I had a small flood in my laundry room and they quickly corrected the situation. They removed the tile and placed fans to dry the area. They returned several times to inspect the area and provide quality advice. They were very dedicated and wanted to provide the best support possible. I strongly recommend if you have problems call them. They were fair, honest and trustworthy."

- P. Kormos

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or office but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and care about each and every client that trusts us in their time of need.

703-583-8484

Why Choose Our SERVPRO? It's All About the Training!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton?  When you call our Team, you know you are getting well-trained, professional technicians to restore your property.  We are dedicated to ongoing training and keeping up with current technology and standards in the restoration industry.  About thirty years ago, back in 1992, SERVPRO Corporate developed a National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to SERVPRO Franchise Owners, team members, and insurance industry professionals.

The National Training Center offers employee training as a self-paced program designed specifically for the SERVPRO employees. At SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, all members of our Team, including our production managers, crew chiefs, restoration technicians, administrative and marketing staffs are required to complete the certification program.  Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC (Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning) Training School that offers year-around classes in the following restoration categories:

• Mold Remediation
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying
• Bio-Hazard Clean-Up

• When you call on us for help be assured that our entire team is knowledgeable about the services we have to offer.

In addition, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are mold certified.  We have been serving the residential and commercial communities in Northern Virginia, including Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton, and Quantico Marine Corp Base for more than 18 years.  If you need our help, we are only a phone call away at 703-583-8484. 

We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO? When disasters strike our county, SERVPRO Storm Teams band together to help!

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has over 2000 Individually owned Franchises which many have storm teams ready to activate and travel when and if the need arises.

Without warning, nature can take a violent turn: flood cleanup, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards. Any of these can have a devastating effect on your home, turning your life upside-down.

SERVPRO’s highly-trained professionals are close by and customer-focused. We want you to be back in your restored home as quickly as possible. Whether you have minor storm damage or something larger to deal with, we have the experience and the equipment needed to cleanup and restore your home and help get life back to normal following storm damage.

Although we are all individually owned, we have more than 2,000 locations, ready to band together and travel to any storm or clean-up location in need. There’s a SERVPRO^® location waiting to serve you 24/7 and when need be, we have 2000 branches that will travel to meet the needs of our country where help is needed.   You can TRUST THE BRIGHT GREEN CLEAN-UP TEAM in your time of need. 703-583-8484

Why use SERVPRO? We are an IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM and that is important!

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Unless you hire a company that is certified by the IICRC, you are risking further damage to your home or business.

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is happy to say that we are a Certified Firm with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC.  The IICRC is a non-profit organization that has been setting the bar for restoration industry standards for years.

What does the IICRC do?

1. Proven Knowledge

In order to obtain a restoration and mitigation certificate, technicians must prove knowledge of standard practices and procedures. They cannot receive certification without first attending and completing approved coursework through an approved school and instructor.

2. Required Training

The IICRC also requires training in the latest restoration technologies and techniques through a certified firm. The field of mitigation and restoration is a highly specialized field, and you should make sure that everyone involved in your project is a trained and specialized technician working under a certified firm. Ensuring that everyone is qualified means that you can rest assured that your residence is in good hands under the supervision of a team that has met some of the highest standards in the industry.

3. Continuous Renewals

Becoming a certified disaster restoration specialist in the Dale City area is not a one and done kind of process. Both firms and agents must maintain their certifications through continuing education and practice. Every certificate has an expiration, and just because someone was once certified and capable does not mean that they still are. Standards of care change frequently as advances in technology and techniques evolve, and it is essential that you hire a firm that is capable of performing at the standards of today, not yesterday.

We are proud to say that we have members on our time that are Master Water Restorer’s and several Journeymen on their way to getting that Master designation.  Our team has participated in numerous IICRC classes to include Health & Safety, Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Odor Control, Fire & Smoke Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, Carpet Repair and Carpet Cleaning.

The IICRC & SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge take great pride in their certified technicians. These individuals have proven their knowledge and ability, and because of that, they have earned the respect of an industry standard setter. Therefore, the next time you are faced with a disaster and the impending work of a restoration, seek out only those professionals and companies that proudly proclaim their certification. 

You can check to see if a firm is certified by going to the IICRC. 

You can TRUST SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge with your restoration needs!

703-583-8484

Happy SERVPRO Customers!

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Every SERVPRO is individually owned & operated. We are a local small business that take pride in our work. You will be in good hands with our team!

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent quotes from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

"They were prompt in the response, got to work right away and made a stressful experience feel manageable. Mike explained everything along the way, was easily accessible for any questions and communicated regularly. A friendly and professional group of hard-working people." J. Cohen

"The team from SERVPRO came to my house so fast and worked so diligently. They were kind and explained the whole process to me. It was a really great experience after a really stressful time." K. Veer

"My experience with John and Blake has been exceptional. John's knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. He made me feel comfortable with the process of cleaning up the leak caused by a plumbing problem and he was knowledgeable with what steps that I have to take next and very helpful when it came to my insurance company. I am grateful I contacted SERVPRO and grateful John and his team were the ones that came to my house. I would highly recommend SERVPRO Dale City." D. Medlin

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or office but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and know that each loss is not simply a project but is someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event. Our most important goal is to help make it as stress free as possible for you.

 703-583-8484.  

OUR TEAM is Why You Want to Choose SERVPRO

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

We are always HERE TO HELP!

Our team is the main reason you want to choose SERVPRO for your restoration needs!  Our office staff has ten plus years of experience and they are all water damage certified through the IICRC.  This means that they can answer a lot of your questions and submit your estimates with experience and knowledge.

Our production team are certified in water, fire, mold and bio-hazard and have five plus years of experience in the industry.  

Our production managers also have ten plus years of experience so when they are on-sight doing estimates or walk-throughs you are in solid, knowledgeable hands.  

Our whole team is uniformed and background checked to give you peace of mind with us in your home or building.  More than all of our certifications and screenings, we care.  Our team cares about our clients and their property.  We will treat your home or business as if it were our own.  You can TRUST SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and the SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton with all of your restoration needs!

3 Important Things To Remember About Mold

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold is a common problem that can affect many homeowners in the Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, and Lorton areas. However, there are a few things about this fungus that you may not know. Understanding more about mold and how it grows can allow you to handle the issue correctly if it shows up in your house, so keep the following information in mind.

1. Mold Loves Moisture

One of the most important things to remember about black mold is that it thrives on moisture. In the right environment, mold can spread very quickly, and you may end up with a severe growth in just a few days. For this reason, it is important to keep humidity levels in your home low if you have a mold problem. Opening windows and using a dehumidifier are a couple of ways you can do this. You should also have leaks or water damages cleaned and repaired as quickly as possible.

2. Mold Won’t Go Away On Its Own

If you see an excessive amount of microbial growth on your walls or your shower tiles, it can be tempting to just leave it alone and hope that it eventually goes away. However, this is highly unlikely to be the case, even if you allow the area to dry. When you are not proactive about removing mold, you are only allowing it to spread further. Mold remediation and mitigation should be done to prevent this.

3. You Cannot Remove It Completely

One reason that mold is such a common problem is that spores are present nearly everywhere. Because of this, even if a mold remediation company removes the visible growth, it is likely to return if you continue to have a moisture problem in your home. To keep the fungus at bay, you should make sure to clean your home regularly and keep surfaces dry.  While there are probably some spores floating around your home, they will usually not cause you any trouble if they do not have the right conditions to spread. Remember to keep humidity low and call a professional to perform cleanup if you notice any visible black mold growth.

If you suspect you may have microbial growth in your home, please give our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton a call.  We’re always here to help and have been serving the northern Virginia area for more than 17 years.

How Allowing Our Team to Pretest Your Property Reduces the Claims Expense

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Where do you begin when so much is lost at your place of business? How can you recover from a disaster that ruins the place you've built from the ground up? When fire, water, or mold harm your company in Woodbridge, VA, business owners desire direction and swift, competent assistance. Therefore, it's important to turn to those that understand the complexity of the situation. Our remediation team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton can investigate your property through pretesting measures, crafting a plan that can begin prompt, effectual cleaning and restoration.

1. We Review the Damages Quickly
   Effective and prompt response to an insurance claim is vital as it can reduce those costs as well as the type of repairs. We are available as a 24-hour aid. Our team arrives on the premises, surveys the destruction, and begins to determine the type and level of repair. This immediate response means our experts can begin drying walls and carpets, fix the origin of the problem, and block off the area. Our swift actions often deter the growth of mold, dry rot, and structural contamination.
2. We Emphasize Salvaging Valuables When Possible
   Often, people may begin tossing objects to the curb, thinking that everything waterlogged must go. Pretesting, though, allows for an understanding of the type of water that infiltrated the building. With this knowledge, our technicians can discuss content cleaning services, saving these belongings, and avoiding replacement costs. In addition, ultrasonic equipment may be able to restore items that otherwise would be deemed non-salvageable.
3. We Focus on Minimizing Lasting Issues
   Get it right the first time. An insurance agent wants to avoid residual aftereffects that could escalate the recovery bill. By completing an initial assessment, our team of specialists specify what has been harmed and what should be mended to avoid it in the future.
   

While, we understand it is tempting to jump into reconstruction, yet, in doing so, people can miss significant elements or misunderstand possible recovery efforts. Pretesting, then, becomes a valuable guide in how to work efficiently and responsibly.

Why SERVPRO…Our Team is Compassionate

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

We understand that your home is your refuge and we take great care to show compassion on every project.

To be compassionate is more than simply telling someone that you care. To be compassionate is to feel deeply for another person as they experience the ups and downs associated with life. ... That frame of mind makes it easy to treat others with compassion, empathy, and understanding. At SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton one of our foundations of business is showing compassion towards our customers during their time of need.

It’s a very traumatic experience when someone has a flood, fire, or crime in their home. Our homes are our refuge. They're the places we’re most comfortable and our daily routines are built around our homes, families, and pets.

When a disaster, not matter the size, happens to your home, your stress can be compounded by the restoration process. Nobody looks forward to strangers coming through their home and trifling with their things. Our team understands this.

When someone calls on us for our services, we know we have the opportunity to help them physically, emotionally, and spiritually in their time of need.

When we begin work on your project, we will spend time explaining what is happening and the scope of what we will be doing to restore your home to its preloss condition. We want you to know that it is still your home and you're in control. As the experts, we’ll be here to advise you in your choices, but we never want you to feel like we’ve taken over.  Again, we understand that your home is your refuge.

We can reassure you that this, too, shall pass. Let our team at SERVPRO make your home “Like it never even happened,” and it will be your refuge once again.

Heating Safety For You and Your Pets

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening and keep you and your pets safe.

There is something about the winter months and curling up with your pet and a good book by the fireplace.  But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February.  With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening and keep you and your pets safe.

• Keep anything flammable that can burn at lease three feet away from heating equipment.
• Have a three foot “kid-free and pet-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Always remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• It’s a good idea to put the space heater far enough above the ground that pets do not have access to the heater or the cord. This will minimize the likelihood of a curious cat or dog chewing on the cord or becoming tangled in the cord.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make certain the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Some other pet-friendly features to look for are front panels and vents that are small enough to prevent curious paws from getting through them.
• If you have long-haired pets or pets who shed heavily, you may want a heater with a front panel that is like a mesh or grill. This will help prevent pet hair, fur, and other debris from getting into the heater and damaging it, or worse causing a fire9. 
• Pets are playful and they like to check out new things, so a heater that heats the room while staying cool to the touch can prevent any accidental burns.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Maintaining a Safe, Live Christmas Tree

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that Christmas trees alone result in 13 million dollars, annually, in property damage due to fires? More importantly, these fires present real risk towards family, friends, and pets. Don’t let Christmas ever heat up too much (with fire that is). When enjoying a live tree in your home, the combination of tree dryness, electrical malfunction with lights, and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination.

When you simply MUST have a Live Tree, keep these precautions in mind:

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily.
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make certain all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety and throw out any damaged lights.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor.
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

When your tree begins to drop its needles, it’s time to say goodbye to your evergreen foliage until next year. Follow the above noted guidelines to avoid being another statistic in the National Fire Protection Association or United States Fire Administration report during the upcoming holiday season.

An Excellent Customer Experience is What Makes the Difference

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you listed all the restoration companies in the northern Virginia area you would see many similarities. They all have a crew, vehicles, equipment, and technology, but what sets our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton apart from the others is our business philosophy.  We do not strive to be the biggest restoration company in the area, but we do want to be the best by offering excellent customer service and an excellent customer experience.

Our team understands that when a customer calls our office, their home or business is in trouble. Once we begin a project, we want all our customers to feel confident in our services and team. 

Here are a few of the comments we have received on our Certificate of Satisfaction:  Job Completion reviews:

• Great Service Overall. I really appreciate the quick response (same day) and complete explanation of the process.  I will definitely recommend service to friends.  – Octavia
• Great Job and the whole team was very professional. Thank you! – Christa
• Ben & John were amazing! I would trust them to do work in my home anytime! – Hope
• John and Sean work well as a team and provided services that exceeds my expectations. – Matthew
• Mike and crew were wonderful – knowing his job and great at communicating what needed to be done. Felt comfortable having them in my house. – Leslie

No matter how big or small the job is, our team members will arrive on-time with confidence and explain the entire process to our customers and answer any questions they may have to ease the stress that was caused by fire, water, or mold. SERVPRO understands your time is valuable and every second matters when it comes to restoration. 

To see the SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton difference, call us at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help!

Wishing You a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton want to wish you a happy holiday season.  This is the time of year where families gather around the table and celebrate their good blessings.  Your safety, and the safety of your children, is important to us so please keep the following in mind since Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.

• Make certain your smoke alarms are working before the big day. Test them by pushing the test button.
• Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles, or books can keep them busy.  Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
• If cooking your turkey in the oven, stay in the home when cooking it and check on it frequently.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Keep children away from the stove as it will be hot. They should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gray or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, purses, or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Be certain electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Finally, never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.

Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations so let them be a part of everything but always remember, and teach them, to practice safety.

Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Flooring and What Happens in the Event of a Water Loss

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?

First, you need to know what waterproof vs water resistant means. Both terms refer to a material that can prevent water from absorbing into the material or repel water, which is great for bathrooms or kitchens. However, they’re not interchangeable terms.

Waterproof refers to a permanent material, which means water won’t penetrate the flooring itself, no matter how much time goes by. A water-resistant floor (like laminate or vinyl tile) refers to how flooring material protects flooring substrate from water infiltration.  One point to keep in mind about water resistant flooring is the time you can allow water to sit on top of the floor. If you mop up water on the floor somewhat quickly, it won’t have time to absorb into the floor and impact the material underneath. Water doesn’t go through water resistant flooring as quickly as it does with something like wood flooring.

What Happens in the Event of a Water Loss?

Vinyl plank flooring is also advertised to be water-resistant. While vinyl plank flooring does resist water damages like warping, cracking, or peeling, this type of flooring presents other challenges when a water damage event occurs.

Broken water heaters, overflowing washing machines and burst water supply pipes are common causes of water damages.  However, despite the cause or size of the disaster, the water damage mitigation process is always the same. During a water damage, our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton inspects and assesses damages, extracts the loose water, utilizes air movers and dehumidifiers to dry affected materials, and cleans remaining materials. Vinyl plank flooring interrupts this process, adding more required demolition to the scope of work.

During the initial inspection, our team must inspect all potentially affected areas to determine where the water has traveled and where it may be hiding. If not addressed, the water you can’t see can lead to future secondary damages such as microbial growth. While water may not penetrate through the vinyl plank flooring, it will almost always migrate under the flooring by way of the edges of the room. Water trapped behind baseboards will flow under the flooring.

Vinyl plank flooring acts as a vapor barrier, trapping the water beneath. This presents two issues. One, our mitigation team cannot extract water hiding underneath the flooring. The hidden water will not vaporize through the flooring to be extracted via dehumidification either. And two, the subfloor will not be able to dry properly with this vapor barrier holding moisture. Both issues can lead to future microbial growth problems. Therefore, all affected vinyl plank flooring must be removed after a water damage event to ensure proper drying. Luckily, some vinyl plank flooring is easy to reinstall once mitigation is complete. This depends upon the initial installation method.

Our knowledgeable team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton has been serving our communities for 17 years and is always here to help.  If your home or business has incurred water damages, we are ready to respond 24/7/365.

Before You Begin Decorating for Fall, Make Certain To Do Some Maintenance On Your Home

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Before you begin putting up the Fall decorations, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder months.

Fall is here but before you begin putting up the Fall decorations, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder months ahead of us to prevent costly damage.  Here are some preventative fall home maintenance tips every homeowner should follow:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Most importantly, this is the time to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. As you know, twice a year the batteries should be replaced, and alarms tested. Alarms should also be replaced every ten years.

Plumbing

• Ensure that the pipes are well insulated to prevent pipes freezing and bursting.
• Know where the water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off in case pipes do freeze.

Heating Systems

• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
• Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.

Chimney and Fireplace

• This is one where you need to call a professional. Have them inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires.
• Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent buildup of leaves and other debris.
• Check to make certain water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
• Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

Windows and Doors

• Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
• Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.

Attic ventilation

• Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
• Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
• Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.

Landscape and Yardwork

• Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are growing deeper to prepare for winter. The beginning of fall is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
• Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth.
• Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.

3 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Mold Remediation Company

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

When a home in one of our communities of Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton, Dumfries, and Quantico, is devastated by water damage from floods, broken pipes, or leaks, a homeowner may end up having to pay for costly repairs. If you leave water damage untreated, your property becomes susceptible to mold. Mold colonies form when mold spores find optimal conditions to survive. When these colonies develop, they rot the natural construction materials of a building. You should hire a mold cleaning service if your property has untreated water damage and has become rotted due to mold. Typical signs of mold are:

• Rotting wood
• Falling bathroom tiles
• Visible green sludge on walls and ceilings

Here are three reasons you should hire a mold remediation specialist:

1. They Will Help You Find Hidden Mold
   Bathroom tiles will fall when mold colonies consume the grout holding them up. Sometimes, mold can hide behind these tiles. A mold remediation company will first inspect your property to find hidden mold and places in your home with higher humidity levels.
2. They Will Dehumidify Your Property
   After a leak or a flood, materials that are affected can remain damp even after the water has been cleaned away. Dampened construction materials are ideal hosts for mold, especially if they are in a dark space. A mold remediation company will help dehumidify your property to keep mold from rotting wood, drywall, or grout.
3. They Can Help Restore Your Property
   A company specializing in mold remediation, such as SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, will help to restore materials that have mold damage. Along with dehumidifying, they can assist with repairing drywall, carpets, and paint. Depending on the severity of the damage, they can also help reconstruct entire rooms affected by mold.

If you have water damage that has been left untreated and has become a hotspot for mold, give our team a call to assist you in your cleanup and repairs. You can prevent costs from accruing by restoring water-damaged materials immediately. If you suspect you have microbial growth in your property, give us a call at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help!

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton has a Team of Well-Trained Professionals

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?  When you call our Team, you know you are getting well-trained, professional technicians to restore your property.  We are dedicated to ongoing training and keeping up with current technology and standards in the restoration industry.  About thirty years ago, back in 1992, SERVPRO Corporate developed a National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to SERVPRO Franchise Owners, Team Members, and insurance industry professionals.

The National Training Center offers employee training as a self-paced program designed specifically for the SERVPRO employees. At SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, all members of our Team, including our production managers, crew chiefs, restoration technicians, administrative and marketing staffs are required to complete the certification program.  Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC (Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning) Training School that offers year-around classes in the following restoration categories:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying

• When you call on us for help be assured that our entire team is knowledgeable about the services we have to offer.

In addition, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is mold certified as well.  We have been serving the residential and commercial communities in Northern Virginia, including Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton, and Quantico Marine Corp Base for more than 16 years.  If you need our help, we are only a phone call away at 703-583-8484. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton? SERVPRO Uses Industrial Grade Equipment and Cleaning Products on your Northern V

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

If your Northern Virginia home or business has suffered a water damage event, simply cleaning up the water and opening the windows will not completely dry the space.  This may leave your home or business vulnerable to future mold growth (known as secondary damage).  Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton uses industrial grade dehumidifiers and fans to completely dry your home or business.  We also use moisture testing devices to make certain your walls, closets, and floors are dry before we leave your home or business and close out the job.  In addition to drying, commercial grade anti-fungal treatments are applied to prevent mold from forming.

If your home or business has suffered a fire damage event, air scrubbers are brought into the area to "scrub" the air clean and remove the chemical and smoke odor. In addition to air scrubbers, special cleaning agents are used to save as many smoke-affected items as possible in your home or business. We also have Omegasonics equipment to clean your contents and a secure storage facility onsite to hold your personal items until your property is back to preloss condition.

If your home or business in the Northern Virginia area, including Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton or Quanitco Marine Corp Base, has suffered a water damage, fire damage, or mold growth event, please do not hesitate to call us today at 703-583-8484.  Our team of professional, well-trained technicians are available 24/7 and ready to help.

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you or your business has suffered a water damage, fire, or smoke damage, mold damage, or biohazard damage, odds are it has affected some sort of fabric or textile in your home or office.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

In addition to certification, the IICRC creates standards to help develop common, industry-accepted language and terminology regarding cleaning, inspection, and restoration. The IICRC’s standards include:

• BSR-IICRC S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings
• BSR-IICRC S210 Standard and Reference Guide for Dimension Stone Maintenance and Restoration
• IICRC S300 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning
• ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration
• BSR-IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation
• BSR-IICRC S540 Standard and Reference Guide for Trauma and Crime Scene Biological and Infectious Hazard Clean Up
• BSR-IICRC S600 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Installation
• BSR-IICRC S800 Standard and Reference Guide for Inspecting Textile Floor Coverings

When you see an IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified, experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your home or business performed by a company that is IICRC certified?  Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton cleans upholstery for general cleaning, pet dander and smoke damage along with office carpet tile, and more. 

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton has been providing quality service to the communities in Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton, and Quantico Marine Corp Base for more than 16 years.  For fire, water, or biohazardous emergencies we are available 24/7.  If you need us for emergency services, would like to schedule an appointment for our cleaning services, or would like further information, please give us a call at 703-583-8484.

Why Homeowners Need a Mold Remediation Company with Realistic Expectations

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Some mold remediation companies advertise “mold removal”. However, complete mold removal is not possible.

Northern Virginia Residents Need Good, Honest Mold Remediation

We live in a world of big promises and over-hyped marketing messages in Northern Virginia and across the country. The wealth of information out there about any and every topic can be overwhelming.

When you require mold remediation in your Northern Virginia home, you need a company that makes and keeps its promises. You also want realistic expectations of what can happen and the likely outcome.

What is the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?

Some mold remediation companies advertise “mold removal”.  However, complete mold removal is not possible. The fungi occur naturally throughout nature and the spores are microscopic so you cannot see them. The tiny spores can bloom and develop into a mold colony as they have a food source, moisture, oxygen, and the correct temperature. Mold can grow in many places both indoors and outdoors, including:

• On trees and plants
• On spoiled food such as cheese or vegetables
• On multiple materials throughout your home, including wood, wallpaper, drywall and carpet

Mold forms colonies known as mycelium. Mycelium is a cluster of hair-like cells called hyphae. Each mycelium can release new mold spores, which drift throughout your home, looking for other places to grow. If they find a new site that meets all the criteria, they can start a new colony.

Because the spores are naturally occurring and so small that they can travel on the air or clothes or pet fur, it is impossible to stop mold from coming back. However, we can take steps to make your home less hospitable to fungus and reduce the risk of a recurrence.

What can SERVPRO do to reduce the risk of reinfestations?

Although no one can prevent mold from coming back, there are actions our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton can do to reduce the risk of a return visit:

• Thoroughly drying the area. Mold loves moisture, so we dry out the walls, baseboards, ceiling, upholstery, and furniture. This is a quick way to prevent it from regrowing.
• Lowering the humidity. We can use dehumidifiers to reduce the air's humidity, so there is less moisture available for fungal growth.
• Using antimicrobial treatments on hard surfaces to kill fungus and prevent regrowth for up to four weeks.
• Setting up containment and using a negative air machine to prevent air flowing out of the affected area, thus making it harder for spores to move throughout your home.

What about black mold?

If you look up anything about mold online, you are sure to find lots of horrifying information about black mold. Here at SERVPRO, we do not believe in fear-mongering.  Stachybotrys chartarum is the fungus most often referred to as black mold, and although mold can cause health effects, please do not panic if you see it in your home. It is a common mold, and remediation works as well for Stachybotrys as it does for every other kind of mold species.

The important thing is to call our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton as soon as you see or smell mold in your home. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, and the quicker we can begin remediation, the less risk of the spores spreading.

What makes SERVPRO the right choice?

If you need mold remediation you can rely on, choose SERVPRO because:

• We invest in training our technicians and provide ongoing e-learning opportunities to keep them up to speed with the latest industry standards and processes
• We do not make unrealistic promises about total mold removal
• We carry out mold inspections using scientific instruments for accurate data readings
• We are a locally owned Franchise that cares about our community, with access to national resources to give you the very best in mold remediation

How can you know what to expect during remediation?

We keep you in the loop at all times – we do not do anything without your permission. If we need to set up containment, switch off your HVAC, or remove items from a room, you are informed of the necessary actions. We ensure you agree with our cleaning plan before we begin, and we conduct a walkthrough with you at the end of remediation. We also check in with you a week later to tackle any further concerns, should they arise.

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton takes care of indoor air quality by cleaning your HVAC & Air Ducts

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.  By having your Ducts & HVAC System cleaned on a regular basis you may:

-Reduce allergens and pet dander.

-Eliminate offensive odors.

-Improve operating conditions and efficiency.

-Extend the life of your equipment.

If your HVAC has been operating for quite a while without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

-Dust

-Pollen

-Odors

-Dirt and debris

-Other contaminants

Our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are frequently called upon to inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) in many residences and commercial properties in our community.  Keeping the units clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

-Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.

-May help to eliminate offensive odors.

-Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

To schedule a Duct Cleaning or an inspection of your system in your home or office building in the Northern Virginia area give us a call today at 703-583-8484.  We have been serving the communities of Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton and Quantico for more than 16 years and are always here to help!

TIPS AND DANGERS FOR DEEP FRYING TURKEYS

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Only fry a turkey OUTSIDE. Turkey frying should only be done outdoors, on a flat and level surface

Deep-frying a turkey can bring amazing results: a glistening bird with golden-brown skin that’s cooked perfectly in minutes. But anyone who has watched an online video in which a deep-fried turkey goes up in flames should understand that the technique is no joke. Done right, you could be filling your plate in an hour. Done wrong, you could be eating out of the vending machine at the Emergency Room.

5 DANGERS OF DEEP FRYING A TURKEY

1. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area or surface
2. An over-filled cooking pot can cause cooking oil to spill or splatter when the turkey is placed in the pot.
3. Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.
4. Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat cooking oil to the point of igniting a fire.
5. The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

TIPS FOR AMAZING RESULTS

1. Test to see how much oil you truly need.Do not fill the pot with oil yet. Using cold water, measure how much liquid should be put in the pot to cover the turkey without overflowing onto the burner.
2. Only fry a turkey OUTSIDE.Turkey frying should only be done outdoors, on a flat and level surface—not in an enclosed area (like a kitchen or garage) or on a wooden structure (like a deck)! Also, remember that oil is hard to clean off concrete. Make sure to clear the area of children, pets, and especially intoxicated relatives.
3. Use a fresh bird, or fully thaw a frozen one.The minute any moisture from the turkey hits hot oil, the oil will start to splatter and can cause a spillover effect, starting a fire.
4. Forget about the stuffing.You’ll have to keep the stuffing on the side when frying a turkey. Also, remember to remove the giblets from the bird’s cavity before frying.
5. Lower the bird slowly into the oil.Do not drop the turkey into the deep fryer.
6. Do not move the pot.Adjusting a vat of hot oil is incredibly dangerous.
7. Stay nearby.Never leave the turkey unattended. It can only take a moment for something to go wrong.
8. Don’t start enjoying your adult beverages until after the oil has cooled.Better to be alert until the bird is cooked.
9. Wait to carve.  To help retain the hot juices, let the cooked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes.
10. Keep heavy blankets nearby for emergencies.Water will not extinguish an oil fire; it will only spread the ignited oil. A wool blanket will help put out flare-ups.

SUMP PUMP FAILURES AND WATER BACKUPS

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

If your sump pump fails, you might be in for a water-logged basement and expensive repairs.

Your sump pump is designed to remove excess water that accumulates around your home’s foundation. If the system ever fails or the power goes out, water overflow may occur.

Things that may make your home a higher risk for water backup:

You live in a rainy area. The more it rains, the more work it creates for your sump pump. Consequently, when your sump pump is constantly running, it runs the risk of burning out faster than an average one.

Your home has an old sump pump. Check your sump pump regularly and look for any signs of wear and tear.  Replacing an aging sump pump that has not failed yet is a much better option than waiting for it to fail.

While your sump pump will usually protect you from a flooded basement, sometimes it is not enough or just fails altogether. Here are a few ways to keep water from backing up in your home:

• Install a backup battery or generator in case you lose power.
• Install a second sump pump if you live in an especially rainy area.
• Install window well covers to keep rain from leaking in.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts to keep them from clogging and overflowing.
• Make sure any landscaping around the foundation slopes away from the house.
• Be prepared by having the proper insurance coverage in case your sump pump fails.

Whether your basement is a finished space for entertaining or simply where you store your treasures, the right protection gives you peace of mind. Your basic homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover this type of damage.  Water backup and sump pump failure insurance coverage is an optional add-on that can put your mind at ease.  Our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton suggests talking with your insurance agent to determine your needs for this specific endorsement.

Water backup and sump pump failure protection typically covers the following damage:

Sewer systems. Virginia’s sewer systems are generally fairly dated, and as with any older infrastructure, these systems may be prone to failure. If a city’s sewer system has issues, regardless of who is at fault, your home could be in for some pain.

Sump pump failure and overflow. A sump pump can be the hero of your basement, pumping excess water out of your home and into areas where it can disperse. But if it fails, you might be in for a water-logged basement and expensive repairs.

If you have invested in finishing your lower level, you know how important this extra space can be. It deserves customized protection that is as unique as your home. This coverage completes the project and safeguards your investment from water damage in the event of sump pump overflow and water backup.

If you or someone you know experiences a water damage or sump pump failure and needs assistance, please give us a call at 703-583-8484.  Our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED BABIES

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Have you included your fur baby in your emergency planning?

Have you accounted for your Sammi, Charli, and Bleu when emergency planning?  According to the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (la-spca.org), after Hurricane Katrina, “It’s estimated that over 15,500 animals were ultimately rescued.  Of the 15,500 animals rescued, only 15%-20% were ever reunited with their owners.”

Pets are just as important as any family member to most people, so why would you not make them part of your preparedness planning?  There are many things you can do to make certain they stay safe as well during an emergency.

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit to include the following items:

• At least a 3-day supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• At least 3 days of water specifically for your pets.
• Medicines and Medical Records
• Important Documents such as registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents.
• Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
• A First Aid Kit containing cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, and saline solution.
• Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag, and a leash
• Crate or pet carrier
• Sanitation (pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
• A current picture of you and your pet together in case you become separated
• Familiar items such as treats, toys and bedding to reduce stress

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans, be certain to include your pets.  If an evacuation happens, please do not leave pet behind as they can be lost or injured.

When planning for your family’s emergencies, please be sure to take your four-legged babies into consideration.  Visit ready.gov/animals for further tips and safety precautions to consider for your family’s pets during a disaster.

What is the SERVPRO vision?

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

A first impression is important throughout your everyday life.  It is a more pleasant experience having a positive first impression as opposed to the challenge established by a negative first impression. For instance, a clean business “setting” is vital if your objective is developing a successful, long lasting relationship with your customers. 

SERVPRO can help you. In fact, we want to service your restoration needs and become your solution provider. Our vision is to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world while developing a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect.  

We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry providing 24/7/365 residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we are dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We have an extensive background in training, equipment, as well as expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Not only can SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. clean up the aftermath of the larger disasters, but we can manage and clean the small valuable items impacted by the disaster.  This includes carpets, upholstery, drapes, and blinds. We can bring your older tile back to life and make your floors sparkle again. Furthermore, we can counteract lingering odors and perform deodorization of your property.

SERVPRO is always here to help for your restoration and cleaning needs. We can help maintain your place of residency or business and keep it shining while you continue to make countless first impressions.

What should be expected when you contact us?

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

What should be expected when you contact us?

First and foremost, expect our 24-hour availability! Whether you are calling day or night, weekday or weekends, and even during the holidays, you can always expect to speak with a real person about the emergency you are experiencing. SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is the top choice for many insurance agencies in the Prince William County and surrounding areas. 

Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton: 

Quick Response - When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour (most of the time just a few minutes) after you have contacted our amazing office staff about the emergency. Once you have provided the team member with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your building, home or client.

Arrive Time - Our technicians can be on-site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make the difference if your home or commercial business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money.

Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. Our team has the ability to let you know if the emergency is claim worthy or not as well. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our team's quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.

Who should I call?

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Since its founding in 1967 SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada. From 1967 to now SERVPRO has also greatly expanded the array of services we offer. Those services range from carpet cleaning and deodorization, duct cleaning, fire restoration, mold remediation, small water damages to large scale disaster recovery. With SERVPRO’s 1,700+ locations our collective knowledge and experience are one of the greatest assets SERVPRO has and we are not afraid to use it. SERVPRO locations provide all kinds of support to each other ranging from equipment to people-power and technical advice. Sometimes we might run into an issue that we have not encountered before or possibly elements to a job that prevents our normal methods for jobs. This is when we have been able to rely on the knowledge base which our corporate office and other SERVPRO’s have accumulated. It does not matter what emergency you are facing. From Water Mitigation, Fire Restoration, or Mold Remediation. SERVPRO has the team and backing to handle it all. We are known for taking care of big problems and disasters, but we also are adept at helping people with issues you normally may not know the solution too. If you have an emergency which makes you think “I don’t even know who does this,” try giving us a call.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

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

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces 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

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 business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, 703-583-8484

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Satisfied SERVPRO Customers!

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent quotes from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

“I’ve worked in various service organizations and you were awesome!  All the gentlemen were fantastic and very informative through the process” – C. Wilcox

“Great job, on time and very friendly guys!” – L. Grant

“It was a very easy experience during a difficult time.” M. Martin

“The team was great, all members, please make supervisors aware.” H. Ubaissi

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or office but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and know that each loss is not simply a project but is someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event. Our most important goal is to help make it as stress free as possible for you.

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call the Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help.

Bio-hazard Clean-up

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals are always available to help if hazmat or bio-hazard removal/clean-up is needed.

What is bio-hazard cleanup?

Bio-hazard clean-up can range from cleaning blood, urine, vomit, human fluids, and animal feces.

Here at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge, we have the proper equipment, personal protective equipment and training to make sure there is no harm to others or the environment caused by these types of incidents. General maid services don't have the expertise to do so. This is why you can rely on SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge to get the job done quickly, safely, and to sanitation standards.

Many homes and buildings that have been left unattended and/or improperly cared for will generally require this type of service.

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge will remove all hazardous items and properly dispose of them. If your home or business is in need of bio-hazard removal, please do not hesitate to call today at 703-583-8484. We have 24/7 emergency response and are ready when you are!

Why call SERVPRO?

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

Our Team is always ready to assist 24/7/365!

With over 1,700 locations across the U.S. and Canada, there’s a reason why SERVPRO is one of the top disaster recovery and restoration companies in North America. By providing 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service, a guaranteed response to service calls within one hour, and a verbal restoration evaluation within eight hours of damage assessment, SERVPRO has remained a preferred vendor for insurance agents and adjusters since it was founded in 1967. The unique business model of each SERVPRO franchise, including the one near you in Northwest Las Vegas, NV, is what makes them leaders in the industry.

1. Every SERVPRO franchise is locally owned. SERVPRO isn’t a giant, faceless corporation run solely by a boardroom full of CEOs and executives. It’s based on a franchise concept that allows everyday people to work hard and follow their dream of owning their own business and serving members of their community.
2. SERVPRO is a proven business concept. For over 50 years, SERVPRO has been helping franchisees achieve the American Dream of business ownership. It’s now the #1 ranked franchise restoration services company in the U.S., cementing an already stellar reputation that can only be earned through decades of helping investors achieve success and financial freedom.
3. SERVPRO guides its franchisees every step of the way. Becoming a certified SERVPRO franchise owner is easy thanks to a tried and true business model, which includes substantial training and expansion options. Franchise owners also benefit from the extensive branding that SERVPRO has already achieved thanks to its many years as a leader in the restoration industry.

While insurance industry professionals have many disaster restoration vendors to choose from, only the SERVPRO franchise has earned a national reputation as the top company in its field. That’s why SERVPRO remains a leader in the industry over 50 years after its inception.

Equipment Spotlight: Using Air Scrubbers to Restore the Indoor Air Quality of Homes and Businesses

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Always striving to make it "Like it never even happened."

One of the ways that we here at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge strive to offer the best service to our customers is through our equipment. John and his team work to maintain, continually update, and replace equipment that is worn out or aging. I would like to take a minute and tell you about one of the pieces of equipment that we feel gets overlooked for its greatness -- air scrubbers. Unlike a dehumidifier or an air mover— whose names are also their function— the air scrubber is more industry specific and we would love to share a little bit about what we use it for.

How Does It Work?

In many loss situations, whether it be water, fire, or mold damages, there are contaminants left behind in the air. While our technicians are working to remove and restore the damage on material pieces of a home or business, we cannot forget about restoring the air as well. This is when we place an air scrubber. This piece of equipment works by passing the air inside a room through three filters to remove contaminants and small particles.

What Is It Used For?

During a water damage, especially one with a lot of demolition needed, we will install an air scrubber. As we are removing the structure items pieces of the drywall, flooring and insulation can float into the air. In this situation, an air scrubber can be installed to keep these particles to a minimum and return the affected area to its preloss condition more quickly.

Air scrubbers are essential in situations where damage has been caused by sewage or a sewer line back up, to help remove left over contaminants from the air.  We use air scrubbers to make sure that as we are decontaminating the surfaces, the air isn’t retaining any particulates that could leave behind germs or odors.

While restoring an area that has been affected by mold, we will also place air scrubbers. Mold spores are always present in the air, because we open our doors and windows.  Air scrubbers are important because while working on a loss with visible mold growth, a higher mold spore count is also present in the air. As such, while we work to remove the visible mold from the structure materials and prevent additional growth, we also remove these spores from the air by having the air scrubbers running.

Overall, an air scrubber assists in the restoration process and provides a cleaner, healthier environment in an area affected by a disaster.

What is an IICRC Certification? Is it Important?

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Always learning more so we are able to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is happy to say that we are a Certified Firm with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC.  The IICRC is a non-profit organization that has been setting the bar for restoration industry standards for years.

What does the IICRC do?

1. Proven Knowledge

In order to obtain a restoration and mitigation certificate, technicians must prove knowledge of standard practices and procedures. They cannot receive certification without first attending and completing approved coursework through an approved school and instructor.

2. Required Training

The IICRC also requires training in the latest restoration technologies and techniques through a certified firm. The field of mitigation and restoration is a highly specialized field, and you should make sure that everyone involved in your project is a trained and specialized technician working under a certified firm. Ensuring that everyone is qualified means that you can rest assured that your residence is in good hands under the supervision of a team that has met some of the highest standards in the industry.

3. Continuous Renewals

Becoming a certified disaster restoration specialist in the Dale City area is not a one and done kind of process. Both firms and agents must maintain their certifications through continuing education and practice. Every certificate has an expiration, and just because someone was once certified and capable does not mean that they still are. Standards of care change frequently as advances in technology and techniques evolve, and it is essential that you hire a firm that is capable of performing at the standards of today, not yesterday.

We are proud to say that we have members on our time that are Master Water Restorer’s and several Journeymen on their way to getting that Master designation.  Our team has participated in numerous IICRC classes to include Health & Safety, Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Odor Control, Fire & Smoke Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, Carpet Repair and Carpet Cleaning.

The IICRC & SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge take great pride in their certified technicians. These individuals have proven their knowledge and ability, and because of that, they have earned the respect of an industry standard setter. Therefore, the next time you are faced with a disaster and the impending work of a restoration, seek out only those professionals and companies that proudly proclaim their certification. 

You can check to see if a firm is certified by going to the IICRC

Any Time, Any Problem, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is Ready to Help with Restoration Services

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

We are Always Here to Help!

With any disaster, cleanup can be a hassle in the Northern Virginia area. The mess left by flash floods, structure fires, or a leak you did not know about that caused mold is a lot to handle by yourself.

At SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge, we provide emergency cleaning services for any of these problems. Let us help you get your life back to normal after an emergency, as quickly as possible. Sometimes the most damaging thing from a fire is the soot left behind and the water that comes with putting out the fire. Our cleaning professionals will remove any traces of water and odor left by smoke and soot after a fire. The same is true when it comes to removing mold, mildew, and sewage. With our trusted professionals, you can be sure the damage from any disaster will be minimized as much as possible.

Water Damage

• Immense water damage, like a flood from a burst pipe, always happens when you least expect it. Our emergency restoration services are available 24/7 because these emergencies cannot wait. Immediate action must be taken in order to save your home or business. Our trusted team will respond quickly to clean up the mess and lower the possibility of mold growth.

Fire Damage

• Fires are destructive, as well as the smoke and soot that comes with them. If these problems aren’t taken care of very quickly, the damage will be severe and permanent. Take action instantly after a fire and call our restoration team. We can fix all of the problems that come after a fire, and we do our best work to return your home or business to normal.

Mold Damage

• Mold grows when water damage has not been dried properly. If you have had previous water damage and are now seeing fuzzy or wet spots of mold somewhere in your home, call us today. The quicker a mold problem is taken care of by our professional restoration team, the less overall damage you will have to deal with.

Cleaning services from SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge will take care of these messes so you don’t have to! We are available 24/7 to help with any emergency, at any time. Contact us today, and our professional cleaning services will take care of any emergencies you have. Whether its mold, water, or fire damage, our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge has the most reliable emergency restoration services. We are available any time, day or night, to help with any problem, and you can trust us to do our best work every time.

No matter what emergency you’re facing, contact SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge today at (703) 583-8484 and let our emergency restoration services team take care of it!

Why SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

We always strive to be the best for our customers!

CONGRATULATIONS to our whole team!!! For the FIFTH year in a row, our franchises have won the BE THE BRAND AWARD out of all the Northern Virginia and Shenandoah Valley franchises.

This does not mean that we are the biggest SERVPRO; it means that out of all the Franchises in our region, SERVPRO Corporate feels that we best represent the SERVPRO BRAND!!!

Our Owners feel this award is due to the loyalty, dedication, hard work, sweat, long hours and heart of every employee on this team, many of whom have been with us from the very beginning. We are humbled and thankful for all of you! Thank you so much! We love you!

We asked our team, “How do we keep winning this?”  Their responses included:

• We are always in uniform, with clean appearances and our customers know that we are an employee of SERVPRO
• We take the time to listen to our customers’ needs and work with them and their insurance companies to ensure everything is done to OUR standard
• We take pride in everything we do, from large commercial jobs to carpet cleanings, we want every customer to be happy
• We are provided with everything we need in order to get the job done effectively and efficiently
• We are well trained and confident in our abilities to handle each and every job that we go to for the services we offer

You can see what our past customers have to say about the crews that come to their home by visiting our testimonials on our website.

Are your ducts in order?

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality?  Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient.  Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of duct and grime.

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream.  HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment contact our office at 703-583-8484.

Bio-Hazard & Vandalism Clean-Up

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup* and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. Your local SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals can help with the following issues: Blood borne Pathogens, Methamphetamine Labs, Crime Scene Residues, Arson n Vandalism, Sewage Backups, Black Water Intrusions, Mold Mitigation and Remediation State and local regulations vary.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO® Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

METHAMPHETAMINE LABS: Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

CRIME SCENE RESIDUES: From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge can clean and restore your property and contents.

ARSON AND VANDALISM: SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage.

We also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Contact SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professional at 703-583-8484 today for 24-hour emergency service.