Recent Posts

No Job Is Too Big!

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

People In a call Center SERVPRO® is ready to help!

The SERVPRO®  Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO® of York, James City County & Poquoson, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Property Managers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • Warehouses
  • Office Buildings

The SERVPRO® Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO® System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

Should a storm or major event strike, call SERVPRO® of York,James City County & Poquoson at 757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response We want you to rely on SERVPRO® to get the job done

Is That A Spiderweb?

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

Soot Damaged Wall We understand how to clean up any disaster.

Being fire restoration specialists, we have seen a lot of fire damaged homes and businesses in our area over the years.

Fires create heat and release both smoke and soot. Smoke is a vapor made up of very fine particles, while soot is a solid made from powdery or oily carbon and tar.

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are the black spider webs that seem to spring out of nowhere after a fire.  It's what looks like a spider web, but in reality it isn't. 

Soot tags are thread-like chains made from carbon and tar released as a fire burns. They are also called soot webs because they look so similar to spider webs or cobwebs. In fact, most people assume they actually are spider webs.

Call SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson for any and all fire needs at 757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002.  We have the knowledge to both take care of your home and help you learn about what is "typical" in a fire damaged building or home. 

Every Business Needs an ERP

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

People in White Suits Know what help you'll need, before you'll need it.

Imagine standing in the parking lot of your business at 2 A.M. with the local fire department in watching your business suffer a significant fire damage.  One of the first things you think of is how can your business continue?  A Free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) from SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson is the key to keeping your business moving in the event of damage to your business. 

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster.

A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is an assessment strategically designed to:

1) Prevent damage from any disaster

2) Establish clear communication and authorization for work to begin and

3) Help your business recover from any unexpected event. The ERP is not a full contingency plan but rather an addition to your existing plan.

 By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The ERP is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

 As a restoration company, the sooner we receive a call, the sooner we have staff on site. Establishing SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson as your Priority Service Provider means we can respond to your emergency faster than normal and get your business open ahead of schedule.

To learn more details about a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today 757-229-3442 or 1-800-889-5002

What Should I Do if Lightening Strikes?

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

When a strong storm passes through our community it can catch us off guard.  After the storm has passed and when it is safe it is important to assess the property to determine if damage has occurred and get started with any potential cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson is here to help with your Storm Damage Repair.

Below is some helpful information about different types of storms that can bring on damage to your property and how you may be able to protect its value.

Lighting Storm Damage

Lighting can be so pretty to look at from the comfort of your home but oh so dangerous at the same time, there are three common types of lightning: cloud to ground, cloud to cloud, and cloud to air. Cloud-to-ground lightning is the most dangerous. The ground is mainly consisted of positively charged particles while the bottom of violent storm clouds have negatively charged particles.

Winter Storm Damage

Winter Storms not only wreak havoc but also can cause the formation of Ice Dams. Ice dams are caused by heavy snowfall or ice build-up on your roof. These can go undetected and cause many problems, not the least of which is water damage in addition to structural deterioration and leaks. When water builds up in an ice dam, it backs up under shingles, leaks into a house, and causes major water damage to your property.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a problem for several different reasons. While not only creating an inconvenience - more seriously it can cause major damage to your home or business. If you see visible frost on the outside of your exposed pipes, detect slow or uneven water flow across your property, or feel your walls getting damp, it's critical that you act fast. Even if your pipes haven't entirely burst, it's a good idea to reach out to a restoration expert to prevent any further damage.

Be Prepared, Know The Signs of Mold in Your Home

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

As summer weather continues to heat up in our area, you may begin to notice signs of mold in your home. Read below to get a step ahead of these signs and stop mold growth before it becomes a major, and costly problem.


Leaks or Past Water Damage
If you have experienced recent or past water damage, or if you notice there is a current leak in your home, mold growth may have taken place. Mold grows in dark; moist environments and a leak can provide enough moisture for mold growth. Additionally, past floods can contribute to mold growth. To prevent water damage from turning into mold, act quickly to dry up any leaks or spills and if it is major damage, contact a professional remediation company, such as SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson, to clean it up fast.

Smell
If you notice a musty odor, especially one coming from a basement, crawlspace or an area with limited circulation, this is a very good indicator of mold. Even if you can’t see any discoloration, the smell could be coming from under the flooring or behind walls where you can't see it. By the time you can smell it, steps should be taken to inspect for mold and then clean or remove and affected materials.

Remember, sometimes elevated humidity can be enough to support mold growth in an area with un conditioned air.  

SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson is here to help.   Contact us today at 757-229-3442 or 1-800-899-5002 to schedule a Mold Inspection to help get your home or business back. 

York County Storm Help

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

radar image of VA SERVPRO® is ready.

Hurricane season is slowly approaching. It officially starts on June 1st through November 30th.  While the York / Poquoson area does not often does not experience hurricanes directly, we feel the effects that it has as the rain moves from the beach closer to our communities. The last direct hurricane that the area has had occurred more than 60 years ago. Hurricane Hazel arrive on October 15, 1954. The Category 4 hurricane began to travel from up the Atlantic coast after first hitting North and South Carolina.  When "Hurricane" Isabelle (which was actually a Tropical Storm) hit our area the devastation was wide spread. 

While these events may not seem entirely very common in our region it is still important to know who to call incase an emergency occurring.

Experiencing any water or wind damage due to an unpredictable storm? Give SERVPRO® of York, James City County & Poquoson a call at 757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-

Post Construction Cleaning

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

If your business was just built or went through a renovation, who do you call to cleanup the mess that was left behind? It is so important for a business to open as quickly as possible after a major project or renovation. SERVPRO® of York, James City County & Poquoson is always here to help with any cleaning needs.

Along with our restoration and rebuild services, SERVPRO® of York, James City County & Poquoson provides customers post-construction cleanup services. Our professional, and highly-trained team will tackle everything and anything that needs addressing.

Cleanup includes:

  • Walls
  • Light fixtures and Fans
  • All trimmings
  • Floors
  • Ceilings
  • Doors
  • Air Ducts, Vents, Baseboard Heaters
  • Windows
  • Cabinetry
  • Any trash or plastic left behind
  • Counters

IF your property needs a thorough, post-contraction cleaning, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO® of York, James City County & Poquoson at 757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002 We can handle any size, no matter how big or small!

SERVPRO®  cares and wants to help in your time of need, If you have a property that needs cleaning up we are the professionals for the job give us a call to day! Any size job can be handled by us.

What to Expect In A Water Damage

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

Water on the floor SERVPRO® is here to help

After a water loss in your home, a quick response to begin the drying process is key. As mold can begin to grow, under the right conditions within 24-72 hours of exposure to moisture.  Getting your home dried out quickly and efficiently is important.

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

Our SERVPRO® Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?
  • At SERVPRO®, we aim to have high standards in responding quickly to our customers' water loss. We know that having your home or business back to normal as quick as possible is the most important thing for you. Our phone lines are open 24/7, as emergencies can happen at anytime. Upon receiving an emergency call, our team of on-call technicians will be mobilized to respond to your home, and make that water loss “Like it never even happened.

Call us today 757-229-3442 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Grilling Safety Tips

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

U.S. Grilling Statistics:

Did you know that seven out of every ten people in the United States have a grill or smoker? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014 and 2018, fire departments responded to over 8900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year.

SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year and we offer these grilling safety tips from the NFPA to help you stay safe while grilling on a charcoal grill:

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO of York, James City County, & Poquoson offers a full range of fire restoration and deodorization services to return your home or commercial business to preloss condition with minimal disruption. Call us today at 757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002. We’ll restore your fire damage in York, “Like it never even happened.”

5 Water Damage Tips While You Wait

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

Wand with water puddle 24/7 Emergency Services Available

There is only so much water damage mitigation you can do on your own. At the end of the day, when water damage is causing you problems, you need professional help FAST to get it cleaned up and your property restored. If you are struggling with water damage of any source, contact SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson for the high-quality water damage cleanup and restoration services you need. Our number is 757-229-3442, and we are available for 24/7 emergency services. 

When your property has suffered a burst sewer line, a pipe that is leaking, or a natural disaster, it can often leave your home severely water damaged. In such situations, it is critical to identify the cause and act quickly to prevent further destruction. 

It can be enormously stressful to deal with water damage, with it potentially leading to all other sorts of problems down the line. While it’s important to get repairs done by professionals, there are a few things you can do to help limit water damage where possible as well. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing five DIY water damage restoration tips you can use to immediately begin addressing water damage in your home. 

What Can Water Damage Impact?

Water is crucial for life, but when it gets somewhere it’s not meant to be, it can cause all sorts of destruction. As a homeowner, you should understand what parts of your property are most at risk for water damage. After a storm, flooding, or other type of water damage, always be sure to inspect the following components:

  • Drywall
  • Insulation
  • Wood
  • Framing
  • HVAC
  • Pipes
  • Floor coverings
  • Etc.

How Severe Are the Damages?

To determine if it’s a water cleanup job you can do by yourself or you should hire a specialist for can be determined by evaluating a number of key factors:

  • Water Volume — If you have the right tools, when there is only a small amount of water, you can sometimes manage it on your own. Significant flooding, on the other hand, means it’s time to call a professional. 
  • Source of Damages — Certain types of water, such as blackwater and gray water, need to be handled with care, as they may contain contaminants or other health hazards. 
  • Severity of Damages — Light damage can generally be handled by homeowners, while significant damage can require more expeditious care and accurate repairs. For example, flooding on an upper floor can lead to water seeping through the floor and into the ceiling in the floor below, causing greater and greater damage the longer it goes unmitigated. 

5 Tips for DIY Water Damage Restoration in Your Home

After getting a picture of the situation, consider the following tips to ensure repairs are done quickly. Be aware that wet materials can start developing mold growth in a day, so there’s little time to wait!

#1: Disconnect Outlets

One of your first priorities after water damage in your home has occurred is to unplug all electronics in the vicinity immediately. You may not yet see the full extent of the water damage, and it’s important to be careful. If electronics become damaged, repairs will generally take longer and be more expensive, with the need for hiring an electrician.

#2: Start Addressing Mold

If you see mold starting to form, there are a few things you can do right away to mitigate it. When it’s a small area, you can cut it out of the wall and dispose of it. It’s also important to stop any air flow in the area to prevent further spread before a mold specialist can stop the contamination. 

#3: Start the Drying Process

While you may not have access to industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and other dry-out equipment that water damage cleanup companies such as SERVPRO do, you can start the dry out process right away. Properly drying out an area will help lessen the damage.

#4: Remove Damaged Materials

Avoid mildew by removing materials such as rugs and insulation that have become waterlogged. Consider focusing on floors and ceilings first, as these areas are the most at risk of causing serious structural damage. 

#5: Disinfect the Area

Water in your home is an open invitation for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. Once you remove the damaged materials, disinfecting the area is important to prevent mold and other potentially health-damaging issues before the restoration process fully commences. Spray surfaces with bleach and wipe them down. 

Get Professional Water Damage Restoration Services in York

If you are looking for guidance or professional help with water damage beyond what you can handle on your own, contact the professional SERVPRO of York for 24/7 support. When your property has suffered water damage, we’re here to get it cleaned up and restored ASAP, saving you on stress and expenses. Don’t wait — get started today! 

With proper care, we can restore your home back to normal. We follow the comprehensive SERVPRO Method for water restoration. Don’t let the expenses or the health hazards become too great — call us now to get the support you need for your home!

757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002