Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
When to Demo and When to Restore
7/17/2023 (Permalink)
To demolish, or not to demolish, that is the question. In a nod to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and perhaps one of the most popular lines in English literature, we are constantly faced with this issue in our industry. The decision to demolish, either completely or selectively, versus repair/renovate is sometimes like running the gauntlet.
Whether the loss was caused by fire, flood, wind, or other peril, the single most important factor to consider is safety.
If your client’s home or business has sustained structural damage, it is imperative a registered design engineer evaluate the structure to determine if it has been compromised and if it can be repaired. The local building authority is likely to have some input in this process. The stamped letter/documents from the engineer will need to be submitted to that authority.
A house or building found to be in very poor condition structurally speaking is usually better off demolished. It may be a cheaper and safer option. If the building can be repaired, now the question becomes should the building be repaired? Factors such as historical significance, cost, condition of the house, building code upgrades, etc. should all be reviewed. Insurance carriers will also have some influence on the decision. Depending on the language in the policy, carriers may have the right to consider replacement versus drying, cleaning, or repair.
Demolition Considerations
- Is the property a historic property or in a historic district (aka heritage home)? Is it architecturally significant? There may be historic preservation ordinances and laws to protect historic resources and character. Many cities, towns, and communities establish historic preservation commissions and a process for considering alterations or demolition.
- Investigate the permitting process early in the planning stage. If your client decides to demolish a building, even one that has suffered fire or storm damage, it does not automatically follow that you will get planning/zoning permission to build any replacement structure or to change the use of the site.
- Teardown restrictions can require structures to strictly adhere to the predominant architectural size and standards of the neighborhood.
- Demolition permits usually require site-specific testing for contaminants such as lead and asbestos, prior to demolition. Building materials such as ceilings, ductwork, flooring, roofing, and siding may contain these materials. Disposal of demolition debris that has asbestos-containing material (ACM) can be costly. Consideration should be given to the presence of coolant gases (freon/refrigerant), mercury (fluorescent lamps), and potentially radioactive materials (exit signs). Discovery of an old, underground oil storage tank can also be very costly.
- Utilities must be disconnected, including electricity, gas, cable/phone, sewer, and water. Some cities/jurisdictions, such as Boston, may require you to disconnect utilities all the way to the property curb line or Right of Way (ROW).
- The cost to demolish and rebuild a home or business is highly variable.
- Newly constructed homes tend to be more energy efficient than renovated homes.
- Environmentally critical areas, such as wetlands or steep slopes, have different restrictions.
- Local fire departments may require permits to be pulled and inspections/oversight by the fire marshall.
- If there is a mortgage on the property, your client must involve their bank in the process. The only legal way to tear down a house is to own it outright or to pay off any existing mortgage(s). If the loan balance is less than the value of the land, there could be an issue. Construction loans and/or insurance proceeds could be used to pay off the debt.
Repair/Renovation Considerations
- Renovation/repair is an alternative to demolition, but it may not be the most affordable option. Costs tend to accumulate the further you get into a renovation project and unforeseen problems discovered. Opening up walls, for example, can reveal pest/termite infestations, leaking pipes, mold, deteriorated framing, damaged wiring, cracked foundations, etc.
- Extensive water damage can undermine foundations and footings. This type of damage can be difficult to identify. A thorough inspection of the property should be completed prior to making the decision to repair/renovate.
- Older buildings/homes often have interior layouts that are difficult to rearrange for modern uses. An open floor plan with lots of natural light may not be so easily or cost-effectively accomplished.
- Many homes and businesses were built when building codes were less strict than they are today. Rebuilding or restoring a structure may require meeting more demanding building codes. Even undamaged parts of the structure may be required to be brought up to current building code (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, ADA, energy, etc.).
- Depending on the extent of the damage, planning and zoning review may also apply to “repaired” buildings. For example, we recently experienced a building that was designated an R-2 usage classification when it was constructed in the 90’s. A partial fire loss caused the local building department and fire department to reevaluate the usage classification as it had changed since the original construction. Ultimately, the classification had to be changed which, in turn, triggered the application of more stringent building and life safety codes. The moral of the story is that, over time, the original approved usage classification of a facility can morph and change into something different despite good intentions from ownership.
- Substantial rehabilitation of historic structures or in a historic district may qualify for significant tax credits.
- In some communities, local government rules encourage substantial renovations over demolition by making it easier, faster, and cheaper to obtain the necessary permits. You may be able to retain the foundation or add on to it. You might also be able to retain a portion of the existing structure or incorporate it into your design thereby allowing you to sidestep local restrictions.
- Deconstruction – the careful removal of building materials to reuse them elsewhere – can provide financial and environmental benefits. Donations are tax-deductible. Recycling building materials can be gratifying for environmentally conscious homeowners. The downside is that deconstruction can take two to three times longer than typical demolition.
- Renovations may require that a lead-safe licensed renovation contractor be engaged.
- Existing commercial buildings undergoing substantial renovations are eligible to become LEED certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors and/or LEED for Existing Buildings upon completion of the renovation and three months of occupancy/operation.
- Repairs/renovations can sometimes be completed in stages. Living expenses can add indirect costs to repair/renovation budgets. The homeowner may be able to live in the home while work is being completed.
No matter which route you choose, demand surges for labor, equipment, and materials are not uncommon after natural disasters – hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, etc. Do your homework and open a dialogue with the local building department, insurance carrier, contractors, vendors, and suppliers. The key is proper planning before you pick up a hammer. Don’t go into a project blindly and hope to stay within budget.
SERVPRO Offers Multiple Specialty Cleaning Services
8/25/2022 (Permalink)
From home cleaning to business cleaning, making sure that either is not harmful to you, your coworkers, or your loved ones healthy is extremely important. Apart from sanitization cleaning, we offer other cleaning services that aren’t your “typical” style. So, why should you choose SERVPRO for cleaning your business or home?
COVID
If you have had a recent outbreak of COVID in your home or business, SERVPRO can help sanitize and make you, those living in your home, or those working in your office feel more at ease.
Odor Removal
If there is an odor in the office, or if you have multiple pets in your home, SERVPRO can help your home or business get rid of the odor. We use state-of-the-art products, equipment, and techniques to rid your home of pervasive odors, and we help by getting to the source and leaving your place smelling and feeling squeaky clean.
HVAC/Air Duct Cleaning
If your ducts are dirty, don’t try and figure out the right way to clean them, trust SERVPRO and our professionals to help you.
SERVPRO has many other services that we specialize in, but making sure that your home or business is nice and clean to help prevent germs and viruses or helping to remove odor from pets is reason enough to trust us! We’re here to help 24/7.
Why SERVPRO is the Best for Fire Damage
8/25/2022 (Permalink)
Fires can happen at any time, and making sure that you are vigilant and quick is a great way to make sure that everything goes smoothly. For the times that you may need more help, SERVPRO is the best for any fire damage you may have.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Our Customer Care Center is ready to take your call, day or night. Contact us today for immediate assistance.
Preferred Vendor Status
Many national and local Insurance companies trust in our 50+ years of experience in cleanup and restoration.
Highly Trained Fire and Water Restoration Specialists
Our professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done to your satisfaction as quickly as possible.
Easier Insurance Claims Process
SERVPRO will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.
#1 In the Cleanup and Restoration Industry
We’re a trusted leader in the restoration industry.
SERVPRO is always here to help 24/7 with experience in the industry, and highly trained specialists, an easier insurance claims process, we’re the best option for you.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit Technicians are HST Certified
7/25/2022 (Permalink)
Hiring any professional to come into your home can be overwhelming and stressful, there are so many options available and it’s hard to know who to choose. When the issue in your home is potentially dangerous the stress can be even more apparent. You need to know who you can trust to keep your family safe. At SERVPRO of Northern Summit, all of our technicians are HST certified it is our mission to keep you and your family safe at home.
What is HST certified?
The Health and Safety Technician certification provides required health and safety awareness training for anyone performing restoration or mold remediation. The course is designed to reduce risks and improve safety on the job by providing learners with a good understanding of the key OSHA-mandated health and safety training topics related to restoration and mold remediation.
This course focuses on:
- Local Safety and Health Regulations
- Hazard Assessment / Risk Management and Control Implementation
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safe Walking and Working Surfaces, Ladders, Scaffolds
- Electrical, Hazardous Energy, Confined Space
- Hazard Communication of Chemicals (Global Harmonized System)
- Exit Routes, Emergency Plans / Preparedness and Fire Protection
- Hazardous Materials
- Bloodborne Pathogens and Exposure Control Plans
- Miscellaneous subjects: (Metals, Sharps, Ergonomics, substance abuse and workplace violence)
Why is it important?
IICRC or The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit that helps to set globally recognized standards for these areas. Ensuring our technicians receive this training gives you confidence in knowing they have the training to provide the highest quality of work and utilize the most effective processes known.
At SERVPRO of Northern Summit, we understand how important it is to feel secure in who you allow in your home to take care of any health or safety concerns. You can trust that our technicians will resolve these concerns professionally and with the knowledge each has learned in the many certifications required to be a SERVPRO technician. If you have health or safety concerns in your home call SERVPRO of Northern Summit today and they will take care of any and all of your needs.
All About Continuing Education and Training
6/23/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to fire and water damage clean-up, and it’s no secret that our continuous education and training are responsible! There will always be new ways to complete a restoration project and more advanced technology to do it with, so keeping our restoration professionals up to date on the current trends and technology is one of our top priorities.
With access to the best cleaning technologies in the industry, SERVPRO can get your home or office looking like no disaster ever occurred in no time! This is how we can stay ahead of the game and make sure our team of professional technicians will always do the best job possible when it comes to your restoration project.
We value both personal and professional development and we want our customers to be able to tell. Our continuing education programs allow for professional development that you’ll be able to see in your home during your restoration project, and allowing for personal development means that our teams of restoration professionals are happy to be there for you!
What Does it Take to be a Leader in Restoration Services?
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO, we guarantee that we’ll be faster to any-sized disaster! This is just one way that we are a leading company when it comes to restoration services. Having local franchises is one of the key factors in our ability to get to your restoration site faster than anyone else. Did you know we have over 1,700 franchises nationwide?
Our restoration professionals use a scientific approach to emphasize monitoring and documenting the progress of fire damage restoration or water removal and cleanup, as well as the drying process. This begins with the initial inspection, which allows our team to formulate an effective plan specific to your situation.
On top of the superior training and certification that our SERVPRO professionals receive, they will also walk you through the entire process of restoring your home, so you can have confidence that everyone involved in the project knows exactly what will be done. We also keep extensive guides pertaining to fire and water damage on our website so that you know exactly what to do while you await our arrival to improve your chances of a successful complete restoration with the lowest price possible!
Why You Need SERVPRO for Your Storm Damage Cleanup
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Storm damage is a problem that should be remedied as soon as possible. The longer you let storm damage go, the worse (and more expensive to clean up and repair) it will get.
Winter weather is fast approaching in Northeast Ohio, and while that may mean there will likely be a lower chance of flooding as a result of storms, that does not mean that winter storms can’t cause damage. In fact, flooding may still be a very real concern depending on temperature fluctuations.
As a company that provides 24-hour emergency services, SERVPRO will get to the location of your storm damage faster than anyone else. Our highly trained storm damage specialists will work as fast as possible to get your property back in tip-top shape. Since our franchises are locally owned, you can also rest easy knowing that your storm damage is being repaired and restored by local experts who know exactly what materials will stand up to the weather in your area in the future.
No matter how severe your storm damage may be, we’re confident that our SERVPRO technicians will get your home or business back up to par in record time while treating you and your loved ones with the utmost compassion throughout the process.
Benefits of SERVPRO's Fire Damage Restoration Process
3/2/2022 (Permalink)
Our Fire Damage Restoration Process at SERVPRO consists of seven steps:
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
- Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service if needed
- Water Removal and Drying if needed
- Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
- Cleaning and Repair
- Restoration
Why does this make us better than anyone else? We’ll be at the site immediately. The longer fire and water damage are left alone in your home or commercial space, the worse it will get and therefore the harder it will be to restore when you do get around to it. Immediate clean-up and restoration mean quicker, easier clean-up and restoration, which means the entire process will be cheaper and less stressful for the customer. After all, if you’re facing water or fire damage, the last thing you need is for the problem to continue to get worse.
Our SERVPRO professionals also have a restore vs. replace mentality, which means we’ll use our specialized cleaning techniques and equipment to do our best to restore your property. This means that we’ll do our best to make sure you don’t have to replace your priceless possessions and pieces of your property.
Questions to ask Before Hiring a Home Restoration Pro
8/4/2021 (Permalink)
Trust in professionals that can answer all the questions right the first time.
A disaster just occurred in your home, and you need help NOW! But before you hire the first home restoration company you find in a Google search, we want to help you make sure you know what questions you should be asking them!
- Are your employees properly trained and licensed? Making sure that the company you chose is licensed and provides proper training, along with making sure they have insurance, ensures that you, as the customer, are not responsible for any issues that may arise during the project.
- Are you available immediately? Your home disaster didn’t wait until 9:00 on Monday morning, neither should your restoration professionals!
- Is your company local? Some restoration companies travel to areas that big storms are heading towards-- it’s always best to make sure your company is local so they’ll be there to help if you have any issues after the restoration project is completed.
- What type of restoration do you have experience with? Some restoration companies may have more experience with remodeling homes than restoring homes, meaning they may not be experts when it comes to things like fire or water damage.
Of course, at SERVPRO we have all of these bases covered! SERVPRO employees are trained in advanced restoration technology, available 24/7 for emergencies through local franchises, and we’re experts at home restoration!
Emergency Readiness Plan - ERP
8/4/2021 (Permalink)
Planning ahead saves lives and protects your home and business from increased damage when disaster strikes.
When a disaster strikes – will your business be ready or will it be ruined? Of course no one plans on a disaster, but you absolutely can plan for it. A timely response in a crisis can minimize business interruption and lost revenue as well as save you thousands of dollars in damages. Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation.
Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but a vast majority of these are missing the essential plan to get their business back up and running following a disaster. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is not a contingency plan but it is a vital component of any existing plan. Contingency plans consist of three main components: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity – the SERVPRO ERP addresses the incident response and disaster recovery components.
Why Create a SERVPRO ERP?
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information including:
- Employee and Emergency contacts
- Utilities contact and Shut off
- Primary contact information - Identifies name, title, phone number, and email for all contacts needed to begin the cleanup and restoration process
- Insurance Contact information
- Property Overview - A one page snapshot of your facility: address, photo, directions, and a brief description of the structural information and special instructions.
- Allows for additional notes about the facility, Inclusion of Lead Reports, Inclusion of Asbestos Reports, or a copy of your companies Evacuation Floor Plan
Once all information is gathered SERVPRO will deliver an organized Emergency Ready folder and file to you. Your ERP will also include weather alert information, disaster preparedness tips, and mitigation tips. It is the perfect time to make sure your business is ready for anything and it is easier than ever with the SERVPRO Ready Plan app. Download the app today and get prepared!
Why SERVPRO? Just Listen to Our Customers
7/8/2021 (Permalink)
Trust in SERVPRO, we care about our customers!
Picture this. You are peacefully sleeping on a frosty January night, there was a storm warning before bed, but you weren’t overly concerned. CRASH! You are jolted awake by a loud noise. You drag yourself out of the nice warm blankets to make sure your family is okay and nothing is wrong. As you enter the hallway you see something in fact is devastatingly wrong. There is a tree branch through your roof, it is now snowing in the middle of your home, it is 2 am, and it is COLD! What do you do?
This was a reality for the Richardson family. The first call they made on that morning was to SERVPRO, they had no prior experience with the company before this night, but google told them they were close and they were open at this desperate time of need. The Richardsons now say, “We are so grateful that a quick google search found us the company we will be using for the rest of our lives for everything we may need for our home, from the second we made the call we knew we made the right call!” Technicians from SERVPRO arrived barely an hour after the call was made, and they didn’t just take a look, they got to work!
Once SERVPRO arrived on site, the Richardsons had no choice but to check into a hotel for the night and figured this would be their life for at least the next month, if they were lucky. Of course, this hotel stay cost came out of their pocket, as the insurance claim was an unknown beast they had not yet had the chance to tackle. “We were one of the lucky homeowners that had never had to use our insurance and make a claim, but we have heard horror stories and we weren’t even sure where to begin,” says Elliot Richardson. What they didn’t expect was the same team that arrived at their house to help save their home, would also be the same people that helped them navigate the insurance claim process. “With the help of SERVPRO, we won our insurance claim, they helped us every step of the way, with advice, pictures, and even talking to the agents to explain the damage. I hoped they would save our home, but I never expected they would also help save our livelihood” - Elliot
SERVPRO started working the night the tree crashed through the roof, they immediately sealed the home so no further damage would occur. They worked diligently for the next 2 weeks and to the Richardsons' surprise, just 2 weeks after checking in to what they were sure would be a month-plus long ordeal they were back home in their own beds.
"We thought we'd never be able to enjoy our home again. Thanks to SERVPRO the whole ordeal is but a distant memory and we can enjoy our home again "Like it never even happened." - Mary Richardson
What happened to the Richardsons was devastating. The technicians of SERVPRO know how it feels to be displaced and scared in the middle of the night with no idea how it will all turn out. They not only have the knowledge and skill to complete the job fast, but they have the compassion to help you through the situation and help navigate the stressful parts you may not fully understand. SERVPRO is here for you and your family 24/7 and while they can’t stop the disaster they will make it just that much easier to live through. Call us today to get more information on helping you through a disaster.
There's an App for That!
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Explore our intuitive Ready Plan app to make planning for emergencies as simple as sending a text.
There’s an app for that! In this day in age, you can not complete many things with the help of an app. At SERVPRO we know the convenience of having all the information you need available on your mobile device – and in the case of an emergency, it is more important than ever as there may not be time to find the right papers or log on to a desktop to get what you need to apprise necessary parties of cleaning and restoration needs after disaster strikes.
SERVPRO is putting help in the palm of your hand with the Emergency Ready Program app – available for apple and android devices including mobile phones and tablets. Whether you are a homeowner or a multi-site property manager the Emergency Ready app will help you be ready for whatever happens.
The app allows you to create individual ERPs (Emergency Ready Profiles) for each property you own or manage, which will save you time when time is of the essence.
Let’s say you receive notice that one of your properties has flooded. Immediately you can open the SERVPRO ERP app to begin a water damage claim, within seconds of becoming aware of the situation – the restoration process begins and the damage will be minimized since every second count in an emergency.
By entering detailed information before an emergency occurs you can minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. While no one plans on a disaster, with the SERVPRO plan app you can be ready for whatever happens. Pick up your phone and get started with the Ready Plan app today!
Why are Certifications Important When Hiring a Restoration Professional?
4/5/2021 (Permalink)
Your SERVPRO technicians are certified professionals in their industry.
It is always an inconvenience when there is damage to your home. However, hiring a professional can lessen this stress. Here are some reasons why it is important to hire a restoration professional with certifications.
There are many people in the industry today who pose as a professional in restoration. Oftentimes they may not have experience as well as little to no training within the area of service. The businesses where people may be posing as restoration professionals do perform in other types of home repair which leads them to appeal to people that don’t know much about the requirements or the area of service. They do not, however, have the necessary skills, experience, knowledge, or equipment to restore a home/property. This leads to the area not being fully restored to the preloss conditions, but only causes the salvageable structures to be torn out and replaced.
There are many pros to making sure a restoration professional has the proper certification. The key to restoration is to find what can be restored within the damage that has happened. This allows replacement costs to be avoided and more cost-effective. Also if many things within the area of damage can be repaired then it can help one to avoid making an insurance claim for the costs if everything was needing to be replaced.
Be effective with your restoration and guarantee it's done right. Here at SERVPRO, we have the certified professionals you need to help restore your space. Contact us today at 1-800-SERVPRO for more information.
What is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?
3/11/2021 (Permalink)
Trust SERVPRO to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness in these trying times.
Slowly, but surely things are beginning to return to normal. We are at the point where one year ago the entire state and country were being shut down. All nonessential businesses were forced to close, all employees that had even the slight ability to work from home were doing so. Now as most things are reopening and most restrictions are being lifted, going back to the office and keeping it clean has a whole new meaning.
In keeping up with the times, SERVPRO has introduced a new standard of cleanliness that is meant to put confidence back in the hearts of employees returning to work in the office. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, is our new defensive pathogen cleaning program that takes the standard janitorial cleaning practices to the next level following the uniquely designed 3 C’s:
- Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
- Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
- Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has over 50 years of experience in decontamination and because of this, you will know when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield you can believe you had your space cleaned and decontaminated by true professionals. SERVPRO cares about the health and safety of all its clients and does not cut corners. They hold all the alphabet certifications; CDC RIA, IICRC, RRP, HST, etc., and uphold their work to these standards at all times. If you are returning to the office or in need of deep cleaning, Request the help of SERVPRO online today!
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County Will Be There for You
8/28/2020 (Permalink)
Any time, day or night, SERVPRO will be there for you.
Disasters don’t wait until you’re ready to strike. And they certainly don’t have business hours. Anything could happen at any time and chances are that disaster will catch you unprepared. But you don’t have to stress because you can trust that SERVPRO will be there at any time of the day or night to help you take care of what needs to be handled.
If your basement floods in the evening on a Friday, you know that you certainly can’t wait until first thing Monday morning to handle the damage. The longer water sits in your home, the more damage there will be. Too long and you might just lose everything. A quick response is of the utmost importance for you to get back to life as usual. SERVPRO is on call for your disasters, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Yes, even Christmas. Of course, no one wants to imagine that their holiday could be wrecked by a disaster but for some people, it is a reality. Knowing who you can call and trust in those times of dire need could make a huge difference in getting your life back to normal faster. Make sure you turn to a trusted disaster restoration specialist who can help you when you need it most. Call SERVPRO of Northern Summit County first.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County Helps to Unite the Community
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO gives flags to community businesses to show unity.
This year has been a challenge for everyone, no matter who you are or where you live. We at SERVPRO of Northern Summit County know how deeply people have been affected by all of the uncertainty in the world surrounding us. That’s why we try to do our part to bring people together in any way we can.
In March, Governor Mike Dewine called on all Ohioans to fly the American Flag to demonstrate and encourage unity among everyone during the fraught times of Coronavirus. We decided to give away USA-made flags to local businesses for our friends and neighbors to fly proudly. Between March and July, we gave away over 100 flags within our community.
Flying the flag is just a small gesture that people can make right now to help show others that they are not alone. Everyone’s situation might be a little bit different but we are all experiencing the same moment in history and together, we can get through anything. We are Americans, we are Ohioans, we are a community. We still have flags left for businesses that have not yet received one. If you are interested in a flag, please contact us at (330) 650-4486 or email laura@SERVPROrri.com with “Free Flag” in the subject line and include your business name, phone number, and address. This is a limited time offer while supplies last.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County Technicians are IICRC Certified
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
Trust our highly-qualified technicians with all of your cleaning and restoration needs.
At SERVPRO of Northern Summit County, we are highly invested in providing the highest possible quality care to everyone who needs our services. We know that, oftentimes, when people call on us at SERVPRO, it is not under the most fortunate of circumstances. Our disaster restoration services are meant to help people recover from some of the worst, most difficult situations they may ever face – events like fires, floods, and major storm damage. That’s why we pride ourselves on having some of the most highly trained restoration technicians in the industry who you can trust to restore your home or business to perfect condition after a disaster befalls you.
All of our SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified, which means that they have been trained to meet a high level of quality for all of their work. The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit that helps to set globally recognized standards for these areas. By sending our technicians to IICRC training, we are ensuring that every single person who utilizes SERVPRO for their cleaning and restoration needs is receiving the best possible work in their time of need.
You can trust SERVPRO of Northern Summit County to come to your aid at any time, 24/7/365 with the best people for every task. We have been in business for over 35 years, helping to restore people’s homes and businesses to perfect condition after disasters. Whether you are in need of fire, water, or storm damage cleanup, mold remediation, or proactive and reactive cleaning measures, we can make it "Like it never even happened." Make sure SERVPRO is your first call when disaster comes knocking at your door.
Make Your Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
Let your customers know you care with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Northern Summit County today at 216-650-4486 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County is Professional And Efficient
4/3/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the expertise and the resources to handle your damage.
Flooding, water, and storm emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and can happen when we least expect it in your home. We know how stressful and devastating this can be.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides professional emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which even includes all holidays.
We want this process to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible for you, so you can get your damage restored in no time. SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the best professionals to get this damage taken care of. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night, for your home in Northern Summit County.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the expertise and the resources to handle your damage. If you need assistance call (330) 650-4486. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year including all major holidays.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County Provides CE Classes to Local Community.
3/3/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the expertise and the resources to handle your damage.
Are you a insurance agent and looking for continuing education classes? Good news for you! SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides you with a variety of class options each month. Get your learning on while you get credit for your continuing education.
Pick and choose which ones you want to attend, and come have a grand old time. There are anywhere from 3-5 classes per month, that you can attend.
Make sure you sign up for email notifications and sign up for the class you’d like to attend: https://ce4free.com/
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the expertise and the resources to handle your damage. If you need assistance call (330) 650-4486. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year including all major holidays.
SERVPRO gives back to community.
12/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO gives back to community. It’s time to give back. Portage County Insurance Association are doing a coat drive Christmas Celebration!
SERVPRO gives back to community.
It’s time to give back.
Portage County Insurance Association are doing a coat drive Christmas Celebration!
Coats are due prior to the party on December 4th. Anyone can also purchase the coats at the party December 5th. If you have coats you want to donate, you can contact Laura at SERVPRO, 330-807-5471 or Laura@SERVPROrri.com
**New or used coats are accepted.
**Used coats will be professionally cleaned at no charge.
Thank you in advance we truly appreciate you!!
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County has the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster. If you need assistance with storm, fire, or water damage call (330) 650-4486
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides restoration, reconstruction and remodeling services
8/24/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides restoration, reconstruction and remodeling services
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides restoration, reconstruction and remodeling services to residential and commercial facilities. Our services include When it comes to water & fire damage restoration there are several reasons why you should call us.
#1 We’re Nearby
The SERVPRO of Northern Summit County is locally owned and grounded in the community. We are centrally located and always ready to respond to 24/7 to provide emergency services. Locally owned with national resources, our customers get the best of both worlds.
#2 We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost., SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays.
#3 Advanced Training
Experience matters. All of our technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration and they have access to our advanced equipment.
Training includes The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets the standard for the cleaning and restoration industries.
#4 Advanced Equipment and Techniques
Besides the professional drying equipment and power extractors that help us move lots of water quickly we also the newest technology in the industry. By investing in the latest technology and equipment we can restore your home more quickly and minimize costs.
#5 Confidence
When the job is done our technician provides validation and documentation to your insurance carrier that your property is dry and the job is complete so you can feel confident, safe and comfortable.
If you experience water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, repairs, and commercial project services give us a call (330) 650-4486
Local SERVPRO Northern Summit County Receives Outstanding Performance Award
8/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County received the CHAIRMAN'S Gold award at SERVPRO’s recent 50th Annual Convention.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County received the CHAIRMAN'S Gold award at SERVPRO’s recent 50th Annual Convention. The event, themed “Making History,” was held from June 24-28 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, California, where the company was founded.
“It is always gratifying to earn a distinction for our business,” said Bruce Johnson, SERVPRO of Northern Summit County Owner, “but it feels especially good this year. We are proud to be a member of the SERVPRO franchise family as the company celebrates 50 years of franchising success. SERVPRO’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative tools, ongoing training, and an ever-evolving business framework gives entrepreneurs like us a roadmap for success. We are proud to be part of SERVPRO’s team of dedicated disaster remediation professionals, and to know that we have both the tools and the knowledge to serve home and business owners in our community should the need arise.”
The company’s 50th Annual Convention was a celebration of the company’s history and a showcase of small business best practices and cutting-edge restoration and remediation technology. The event featured a variety of workshops and group sessions ranging across 37 different topics. Attendees gained knowledge and hands-on experience to help them build and grow their businesses and strengthen ties with both residents and businesses in their local communities. Highlights of the convention included a keynote address by motivational speaker Jon Gordon and an awards ceremony recognizing the achievements of top-performing franchisees.
“SERVPRO has come a long way since Ted and Doris Isaacson started the company as a painting business in Sacramento in 1967,” said Rick Isaacson, chief executive officer of SERVPRO. “In 1969, they used their cleanup and restoration background to take their new company in a different direction and never looked back. SERVPRO’s professional services network now includes more than 1,700 individually owned and operated franchises across the U.S. and Canada. Our annual convention brings this diverse group of entrepreneurs together to learn from industry experts and gives us an opportunity to recognize our top-performing franchises. We are incredibly proud of each of these dedicated professionals and the world-class service they provide to their customers and their communities.”
Top Fire Safety Tips For Northern Summit County
7/7/2019 (Permalink)
Preparation for emergencies is good, but accidents DO happen. If you find yourself needing emergency services, call SERVPRO of Northern Summit County.
Top Fire Safety Tips
Predictions and statements from The National Interagency Fire Center have been confusing and somewhat contradictory as of late. While they said that spring 2019 wildfire activity should be normal, they also stated that late summer wildfire activity may be especially severe in some areas.
Along the same lines, the Forest Service claims that each year, the season for wildfires becomes longer, hotter, and, in turn, more expensive.
- Do Your Due Diligence: Cooking remains top of the list for residential fires. Continue to be aware of your surroundings, and use caution when you prepare meals. Accidents happen, but safety measures can help prevent some accidents.
- Another area on the rise is rental property structural fires. Vacation rentals using places like Airbnb are not held to the same standards as hotels and the like. Look for these safety precautions in the places you visit and stay as a traveler. And, renal owners, equipping your facility with fire-prevention tools and information is protection for both you and your guests that may be well-worth the investment.
Here are the top fire safety tips for you to follow:
- Keep the stovetop clear of anything that could catch fire (i.e. towels or curtains)
- Electrical outlets should remain free of adapters and multiple cords.
- Pathways around the home need to be clear to avoid tripping (including holiday decorations).
- A designated outdoor smoking area (when allowed) should be placed far enough away from the building with a specific, safe discard bin for butts (i.e. a deep, sturdy ashtray).
- Teach children 9-1-1 or local emergency number, how, and when to call from cell phones or outside telephones.
- Create a designated family meet-up place a safe distance from the home in case of an emergency.
- Doors and windows leading outside should have the ability to open.
- Identify escape routes from each room in the house, and routinely go through them, in the event of an emergency.
- Memorize the address of your home and any vacation rental you visit (each member of the family).
- Ensure vacation rental has printed and visible floor plan of property with escape routes, exits, and emergency contact information.
- Place carbon monoxide alarms in various locations throughout the home as required by law, codes, or standards such as every level of the home and outside each bedroom.
- Portable fire extinguishers should be easily found and reached in the home.
- Install smoke alarms on every level, in rooms, and outside bedrooms (look into requirements) and check them regularly; interconnecting them works best so when one sounds, they all sound.
Preparation for emergencies is good, but accidents DO happen. If you find yourself needing emergency services, SERVPRO of Northern Summit County is your professional restoration team. We are here to help you 24 hours, 7 days per week, including holidays and weekends. Our well-trained professionals are here to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Swift Arrival to Any Disaster in Northern Summit County
6/13/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County will get your emergency taken care of in a timely manner.
Disasters happen outside of business hours. Naturally, that means you need assistance outside of business hours, too. Emergencies happen whether you are ready or not, count on SERVPRO of Northern Summit County to help with professional emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including holidays. Our promise is to return your property to “Like it never even happened.” Day or night, you can rest assured thatSERVPRO of Northern Summit County will respond immediately to your call.
No Emergency Too Big or Too Small
Many cleaning and restoration situations call for immediate action. SERVPRO is strategically positioned to quickly reach any size emergency with over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations. A prompt response helps to reduce the damage and the costs for cleaning and restoration.
One particularly invasive disaster is water. It rapidly spreads throughout your property and absorbs into floors, walls, furniture, etc.SERVPRO of Northern Summit County arrives swiftly and begins the water extraction method in an instant. Below, you’ll find a timeline for reference to show why reaching and treating as soon as possible is imperative.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water rushes over your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings absorb water.
- Furniture finishes may bleed and cause permanent stains on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to expand and break down.
- Metal surfaces start to tarnish.
- Furniture bulges and cracks.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- Musty odors emerge.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and disperse.
- Doors, windows, and studs expand and warp.
- Metal proceeds to rust and corrode.
- Furniture distorts and shows signs of mold.
- Paint forms blisters.
- Wood flooring balloons and bends.
- Possibility of serious biohazard contamination.
More Than 1 Week:
- Time and cost increase exponentially for restoration; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be considerable.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard pollutants present extreme risks to occupants.
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County will get your emergency taken care of in a timely manner.
About SERVPRO of Northern Summit County
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
About SERVPRO of Northern Summit County
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County, including Brecksville & Broadview Heights, understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage, and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly return your home or business to preloss condition "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County, including Brecksville & Broadview Heights, specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property following fire, smoke, or water damage. SERVPRO of Northern Summit County can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business in a flash.
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, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our extensive training and opportunities beyond the required training only boosts our team players and the professionalism we bring to every job.
Beyond training, SERVPRO uses the best and most advanced technology and techniques to cleanup and restore the damage left in the wake of disasters. Each machine and product allows our well-trained restoration specialists to perform their duties in a quicker, more efficient manner. When you have already dealt with so much, the time it takes to cleanup and restore your home or business should not be another load to bear.
With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Northern Summit County. SERVPRO supports you when your emergency hits. We know that can happen any time, anywhere, day or night. Call us for immediate assistance, available to you 24/7 including weekends and holidays.
We service the Northern Summit County area including Hudson, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Twinsburg, Macedonia, Northfield, Sagamore Hills, Boston Heights, Akron, Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding areas.
Serving you since 1967, SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust.
Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Guaranteed in Northern Summit County
6/9/2019 (Permalink)
Any damage emergencies you experience will be in good hands with SERVPRO of Northern Summit County.
Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Guaranteed
Any damage emergencies you experience will be in good hands with SERVPRO of Northern Summit County. Our staff receives extensive training for property damage restoration. They will have your home or business back to it was before “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO takes pride in their restoration process on your home or business for a timely and professional experience.
What kind of training do they obtain?
Initial Franchise Training: In this 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility, the foundation of the SERVPRO training program takes place. Primarily for new Franchise owners, this course covers many restoration topics:
- Fire Restoration
- Water Restoration
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
- Mold Mitigation
Employee Certification Training: As a voluntary, self-paced program, this training is designed forSERVPRO Franchise employees. Following successful completion of course materials and an examination, a certification will be awarded. Modules include:
- Crew Training
- Fire Restoration
- Water Restoration
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
IICRC Training and Certification
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our professionals must study IICRC standards and best practices in these areas:
- Water restoration
- Fire restoration
- Mold remediation
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Other cleaning and restoration courses
Continuing Education Classes
SERVPRO of Northern Summit County provides both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. Intended to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation, these sessions include:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
- Restorative Drying for Loss Control
- Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)
e-Learning
Access to web-based training is also available to all of our staff. While completely voluntary, this program is designed to be an ongoing, self-paced coaching series for a Franchise's employees. After video presentations and support materials, a knowledge test concludes each module. This additional information keeps our technicians and office staff updated on industry standards and the professional quality you deserve.
Any damage you experience will be in good hands with SERVPRO of Northern Summit County.
Expect Advanced Technology and Techniques in Northern Summit County
6/8/2019 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO in Northern Summit County, we provide the most advanced technology and techniques for our customers.
Expect Advanced Technology and Techniques in Northern Summit County
At SERVPRO in Northern Summit County, we stay up-to-date and provide the most advanced technology and techniques for our customers. With these advancements, SERVPRO can restore your property swiftly, reliably, and more effectively to its preloss condition. You can count on a timely turnaround whether using SERVPRO for business or home needs. Practical standards for cleaning and restoration are put in place by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC); The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide even incorporates the field of psychometry into its specific set of practical standards.
Some of the equipment that helps SERVPRO adhere to the standards and stay true to the technological advancements are as follows:
- Moisture Detection and Measurement: Specialized equipment detects, measures, and monitors a property’s moisture levels to fit certain scientific drying principles. Recent technology, like infrared cameras, helps us find water through a wall, ceiling, or floor. For thorough water removal, an infrared camera may be used to identify water location. To measure the extent of saturation, we use sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters.
- Water Extraction: Powerful extraction equipment removes the majority of the water from your home or business which in turn accelerates the drying process. For continuous draining of high-level water, we use submersible and gas-powered pumps. For efficient water removal, we prefer truck-mounted and portable extraction units.
- Drying: The remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors of your home or business can be removed using industrial strength fans and dehumidifiers. Proper drying techniques help to avoid swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. High-speed fans quickly evaporate excess moisture. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air.
- Odor Removal: With water and fire damage, often powerful odors follow. Our advanced machines eliminate airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup procedure. Air scrubbers AND Thermal foggers and deodorization cleaners
- Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Antimicrobial Treatments: To fully clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property, OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be required. Deodorization products control smells from an abundance of moisture. Disinfectants ends bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms growth.
At SERVPRO in Northern Summit County, we provide the most advanced technology and techniques for our customers.
24/7 Emergency Service
