Why a Winter Preparation Plan is Important

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a plan for snow removal?

Winter storms can come out of nowhere, and the first snow if the year is not the time to decide what you’re going to do about it.  Most likely you have invested a significant amount of time and money into your commercial property. Taking the time to winterize your commercial property this fall can be far less expensive and inconvenient than having to fix the problems several weeks or months from now.  Here are some important steps to take when preparing your commercial property for winter!

1. Plan for snow and ice removal
2. Check your plumbing and caulking to prevent leaks and drafts
3. Have your roof inspected
4. Clean your gutters, drains, and sewer drains
5. Shut down your office irrigation systems
6. Winterize your landscape to protect your real estate investment
7. Make sure your fire prevention equipment is working
8. Have a contingency plan

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties reminds you that smoke detectors (smoke alarms) saves lives.

Smoke spreads fast. An alarm gives you time to get out.

SERVPRO of  Bennington and Rutland Counties wants you to remember:

• Closed doors can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. That is good for reducing smoke damage and fire damage. That is also why you should have a smoke alarm in every sleeping room in the home
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home
• Large homes might need extra smoke alarms
• Some companies make alarms that are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound
• Do not turn off smoke detectors when cooking
• Test the smoke alarms at least once a month. There is a test button on the alarm
• When the alarm sounds, get everyone outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties reminds you to call the fire department once you are outside the home. IF you or your business experience a fire damage please give us a call at 802-375-1500 we are always here to help. We are open 24/7 365 days a year and can be reached at the number above.

Know Your Hurricane Categories

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500

The best way to prepare for any sort of natural disaster is to educate yourself and understand them! Hurricanes are no different, when you are sitting at home  watching television and you see reports that a hurricane is coming you likely think, how bad is this storm and what do I need to do to protect myself and my family?

                One of the most common tools used to decipher and understand hurricanes is called the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale categorizes hurricanes based off their wind speeds primarily. There are 5 categories on this scale. Hurricanes reaching a category 3 or higher are major hurricanes with life threatening and significant potential for extreme damage.

                Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds between 74-95mph. This level of a storm will likely cause minimal damage to your home. This speed of wind however can still lead to some damages and loss of power.

                Category 2 hurricanes have wind speeds between 96-110mph. Winds of this speed can cause an increase in damage to your home and property. Several trees may be down, roads can be shut down, and power outages will most definitely occur.

                Category 3 hurricanes have wind speeds between 111-129mph. Significant damage will be done to most homes such some roof damage. Power outages will occur lasting several days typically with this high level of a storm.

                Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds between 130-156mph. Storms of this category are very deadly and destructive. Significant damage that is sometimes irreparable will be done to your home and property.

                Category 5 hurricanes have winds that are greater than 157mph. This is the highest category of a storm on this scale. A storm of this caliber is highly destructive leaving buildings, homes, and even entire residential areas uninhabitable for weeks or even months.

                We here at SERVPRO can help you prepare for any storms that lay ahead by completing an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). Please call us if you have any questions we are always here to help. We can be reached at 802-375-1500. 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today at 518-677-3444 or 802-375-1500

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO has the experience and training to handle all your restoration and remediation needs. You can depend on SERVPRO, whether you need emergency flood damage restoration, or your upholstery cleaned. We have the training experience and equipment to make your house feel like home again. SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency fast. Our focus on training ensures we have the expertise and skills needed to promptly restore your property right the first time. SERVPRO offers cleaning services ranging from air duct cleaning to removing biohazards contaminants.  

• Faster to any sized disaster
• Highly trained restoration technicians
• 24-hour emergency service
• Advanced restoration and cleaning equipment
• A trusted leader in the restoration industry with more than 1,900 franchises

If you or your business experience a water, fire, or mold damage please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 518-677-3444

Safety Tips for Driving in a Rainstorm

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

802-375-1500

With summer rainstorms beginning to roll in we here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Washington Counties want all to stay safe this summer. So here are a few tips to think about when driving in a storm.

1. Wait until the weather improves- if possible, wait for the conditions to get better especially if you do not feel comfortable driving during a torrential rainstorm.
2. Ventilate your car while driving- rain causes humidity to increase causing windows to become foggy and make it difficult to see out of. Use your cars ventilation system to decrease humidity in your car.
3. Use your windshield wipers- often many people forget that even in a light rainstorm wipers should be used, they are there for a reason!
4. Have some supplies in your car- in an instance of an emergency make sure to have some extra food, water, and blankets always stored in your vehicle.
5. Maintain a safe distance between other cars- in rainstorms it is more difficult to break so keep an extra distance between you and other cars, so it gives you more time to break.
6. Avoid heavy breaking- do not slam on your breaks this can cause you to slide, be prepared and stop earlier then you would normally have.
7. Turn on your headlights- in many states it is the law that during a storm you are to drive with lights on. This increases visibility between you and others.
8. Slow down- always drive slower during a storm wet roads are very dangerous.
9. Know the roads- carefully consider the path you are going to take; some routes are better then others during storms even though it may take you a longer way.
10. Check your tires- before leaving ensure your tires are okay and safe to drive in, tires provide traction and keep you steady on the road.

These are just a few tips to consider when driving in a rainstorm. If you ever experience damage in your home from s storm do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500.

Mitigation Vs. Remediation

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage, call us at 802-677-3444!

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties often gets asked the question, “What is the difference between Mitigation and Remediation?”. So, let us help you clear up a lot of your questions when it comes to a disaster that happens either in your home or business.

What is Mitigation?

The actual definition of Mitigation is the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. For example, if there was a water loss that happened, and an area was flooded and it had damaged your structure, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties would mitigate the loss. This means we remove the effects materials and use drying equipment to help prevent any further damage in the coming future. I.e. Mold Growth.

What is Remediation?

Remediation is the act of remedying something, in reversing or stopping environmental damage. For example, if you have a lot of mold in an area, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will remove the mold and help prevent it from coming back by using industrial strength microbials and equipment to remediate the problem. Mold is a natural spore that can spread throughout an area, so it is best that the problem is dealt with at a professional level.

If you have any questions about the technical terms used in the restoration business, Give us a Call today at 802-375-1500!

Different Types of Mold

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500!

Hopefully you will never have to experience having mold in your home or business but sometimes it is unavoidable. Below are 5 common types of mold you may encounter in your home.

1. Chaetomium- is usually found on drywall. Typically appears after a water damage that is not properly taken care of or taken care of in the proper amount of time. This type of mold usually makes your home have a musty odor.
2. Fusarium- usually grows in colder wetter areas. It is usually found on carpets and similar fabrics. If not taken care of they can cause respiratory infections.
3. Alternaria- is one of the most common molds found. You will usually find this type of mold in dark dimly lit areas such sink or shower.
4. Serpula Lacrymans- this mold is usually fund outdoors but can also grow on wooden surfaces indoors.
5. Stachybotrys Chartarum- more commonly known as black mold. And is usually identified by its musty smell and usually found in areas that are usually damp such as air conditioning pipes.

If you notice mold in your home or business do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, please give us a call at 802-375-1500.

SERVPRO® Ready Gear

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you would like to be a part of our team, give us a call at 518-677-3444

SERVPRO Ready Gear.

SERVPRO® of Bennington and Rutland Counties, takes pride in our appearance. Our crews are ready to go in their Hero Ready Gear. Hero Ready Gear reflects the Brand with accents of SERVPRO® green, and integrates well with our vehicles and equipment. The main purpose of our SERVPRO® is to help our crews feel more comfortable and more tactical. This helps build a more positive mind-set about what the Franchise employees are doing.

The materials for the SERVPRO® Hero Ready Gear Uniforms was modeled after first responder tactical uniforms and designed to breathe and add more comfort for restoration crews. Wearing the new uniforms help reinforce Brand Consistency.

Research shows that customers notice and pay attention to the uniforms, and presentation of our Restoration Crews. As always, SERVPRO® holds the upmost respect when it comes to our customers and there is nothing more than making them feel like they can trust us with the work that we are doing.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500!

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties greatly appreciate all of our customers. We know that we arrive at some of the most difficult times of their lives and it is our goal to make it "Like it never even happened." Here are a few recent testimonials from some of our recent customers.

“First time homeowners, bought our house 2 months ago, hadn't even moved in and we discovered the basement flooded with two inches of water from out hot water heater. I called SERVPRO after hours, had no idea what to do or if they were even the right people to call and Angela answered and immediately took over and calmed me down. She had them come over first thing the next day to start cleaning the water, told me about insurance and a plumber (this didn't even cross my mind, I was literally clueless). SERVPRO handled insurance for the cleanup and dried out the basement and I am so thankful for them.”  - Melissa

“I would like to thank each and every one of you (Johnny, Tyler, Kyle, Chuck, Michael and Gabriel). When water damage happened 2 weeks before my surgery and the week I had to put my cat to sleep. I was overwhelmed and broken hearted. You came in and took control making a bad situation so much better. You all went above and beyond the call of duty and are a great asset to the SERVPRO Company. It is comforting to know people still care and exercise true customer service. No doubt I will be telling everyone of my wonderful experience with SERVPRO!!!” - Linda

“Wadley and his crew were fantastic. We would highly recommend this company and team to anyone”   - Jean

“SERVPRO did a fantastic job for my family. When my relatives passed away in their home, Sarah in their front office was both highly professional and sensitive to the situation. Thanks to a meticulous proposal process we knew exactly what would be done and when. Dan and Megan blew me away with their honesty and thoroughness. After finding collection of gold jewelry in a pile of stuff that was supposed to be thrown away- they brought it to us without a second thought. A home that was badly damaged by neglect is now on its way back to being a place to gather for my family. SERVPRO has quality people and does great work. Thank you SERVPRO!”- Anne

If you experience a fire/water/mold/biohazard needs in your home or business, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to help our customers through all their emergency services needs. Call us at 802-375-1500!

Did you know there were different types of Smoke?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

There are different components of a fire that can cause 2 different types of smoke damage within your home or business.   Damage can be caused by both “wet” and/or “dry” smoke by materials such as the type of material burning, the level of oxygen present during the fire, and how fast and hot the fire is burning.  SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians are trained to identify and clean either smoke damage situation properly.

When a fire burns extremely hot and causes dry particles to be deposited on any remaining structure this is considered dry smoke.  When a fire is a slow smoldering fire, which causes liquids to vaporize and seep into the remaining area, that is considered a wet smoke.

When dry smoke is the source of damage, cleaning generally is more manageable as well as odor more easily remediated.  Wet smoke causing the damage can become more complicated and involves SERVPRO formulated solutions to remedy to stains and odor. 

If you’ve had a fire in your home call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland counties.  Our experienced professionals are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week! (802) 375-1500

Storm Preparation

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

During this time of year, heavy rain and high winds can happen suddenly and lead to interruption of your everyday life.  At SERVPRO we have experienced technicians available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help with any of your storm damage needs.  We can hand damage caused by any severe weather including Freezing, Hail and Ice Storms, Lighting Strikes, Thunderstorms, high winds and flooding.

After you’ve experienced storm damage, we can help with the following services:

• Fast assessment of your damage and quick contact with your insurance
• Water Damage Restoration
• Flood Water extraction
• Emergency Board ups

There are several things you can look for after a storm to determine damage that has been done.  Check your windows for shattered glass, broken panes, or damaged frames.  Heavy rains can cause broken tree limbs and with those limbs come leaves and small branches, check to make sure these aren’t stuck and clogging your gutter.  Take a walk around your home, make sure there are no holes, breaks or splitting which are common side effects of a bad storm.

If you experience storm damage call SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties! 24 hours a day 7 Days a week! 802-375-1500!

Water Damage Time Frames

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

One of the common problems in a home can be water damage. From leaking pipes to a flooded basement, water damage should not be ignored. If pushed aside, in the long run there could be more issues that arise. If you break water damage down on a hourly scale it helps provide understanding how urgent it is for a homeowner to contact a restoration company for help.
• First 24 Hours
When water damage happens in your home acting fast and contacting and emergency restoration company is imperative. The sooner the water restoration process begins the less potential issues it can cause to your home. The first 24 hours after a water leak has been noticed are the most important. In this time frame, the damage is still minimal, and the wooden parts of the home are still good. However, after that time frame has been exceeded, the wooden parts of the house will start to deteriorate.
• 48 Hours
After the first 24 house changes in your homes airflow will change drastically. It is easy for the water to retain humidity within the air and cause significant damage to the wooden parts of your home. This is the suggested time that restoration should be done as soon as possible.
• A Week Later
After a week, the water can easily reach the details of your home that are known to be difficult to dry, and the wooden parts of the home will be very vulnerable. With humidity, it can easily reach parts of your home on the higher floors.

• A Few Weeks later
Water damage will significantly increase after a couple weeks. There is a possibility of areas of your home to collapse as well as mold beginning to grow in affected areas that were not fried on time. If not addressed the water can easily seep into walls and floors of your home.
• Benefits of Calling SERVPRO as soon as possible

SERVPRO can provide emergency services 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We handle things such as water extraction and drying of water inside the home. If mold starts to grow we can also help with the mold cleanup. Water damage can occur in any home, no matter the structure.

Water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties today 24 hours a day 7 days a week! 802-37-1500

Why It Is Important to Get the Ducts at Your Business Cleaned!

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call at 802-375-1500!

Duct cleaning yearly is relatively small investment that could save you money in the long run. Plus, you could get the added benefits like breathing clean air, increase the safety and comfort of your home, and help the environment while boosting your overall peace of mind?

Preventive Maintenance Benefits.

Saving Money

Regular Duct Cleaning maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Just like having a vehicle, if you drive over the recommended miles of an oil change, you could be asking for trouble. That is why the standards are set for regular maintenance of vehicles. Well, the same applies to duct maintenance. Cutting energy bills, extending system life, and adhering to warranty benefits are all benefits of routine duct cleaning.

Air Quality

The EPA reports that level of airborne pollutants in a home may be five times higher than outdoor levels. For anyone that suffers from respiratory issues, you are allowing yourself to be at higher risk if ducts are not cleaned properly. Unfortunately, we all share our homes with various substances that we would rather not breathe. The common indoor allergens include dust, pollen, mold, a cigarette smoke. If any of these allergens are part of daily life, you should really think about getting your duct cleaned. Therefore, preventive maintenance helps ensure that the warm or cold air pumping through your vents is as clean and well-filtered as possible.

Comfort

Typically, we depend on our air systems to keep us comfortable all year round. Hot Air in the winter and Cold in the summer. Therefore, if we think about it, generally our air systems are working every day, all day long, and all year round. Routine maintenance helps your system produce and distribute the air more evenly and steadily.

Safer home environment

We have all heard the awful stories of how someone went away on vacation and returns to a frozen, and damaged house with broken pipes, and water damage everywhere. The cost of this tragedy weighs heavily of an owner. Routine maintenance will help safeguard you against the possibility of carbon monoxide. The most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks is a cracked heat exchanger. Routine Maintenance typically includes a carbon monoxide test.

Peace of Mind

In the end, the benefits of routine duct cleaning give you the comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ve already taken the preventative measure to make any situation as painless as possible.

If you are an owner that is interested in getting a duct cleaning, Give Us a Call at 802-375-1500 or email us at Office@SERVPRO10299.com and would be happy to help you.

Storms = Many types of damages

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is right around the corner, and the Stormy season brings a wide range of storm types.  Any one of these storm types could cause damage to your home of business.  To be prepared, it is important to know the different damages that a storm can cause.  These storms come with wind, flooding, and lightning that can cause damage to your home.

Flooding Damage

Heavy rain during the Spring season can cause river flooding.  The warmer weather can clear up Ice Jams, and cause leaky basements, roofs, or windows.  Our team can assist in your cleanup process after flood damage has occurred.

Wind Damage

Severe storms can also include wind damage.  High winds can cause roof damage, from shingles being removed, or even missing parts of a roof that may loosen flashing.  These things can cause leaks to your home or business that can produce damp, moldy conditions.  One of our restoration experts can help property owners address storm damage more effectively.

Lightning Damage

Many times a storm brings the loud sounds of thunder which means lightning is striking.  There may be objects attached to your home or business that can attract a lightning strike which in return could cause a fire.  A single lightning bolt can reach temperatures of 30,000 kelvins (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit).  The large amount of static electricity charges in a lightning strike cause about 2% of all fires.

We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for your storm damage needs.  (802) 375-1500

Why Choose SERVPRO? Multiple Services Provided

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are prepared to hand any kind of disaster.  We have years of experience serving our community, and are a trusted leader in the restoration industry.  We want the business and homeowners to know that our highly trained specialists are on hand to take care of your emergency cleanup.  The immediate response we offer helps to minimize the damage and cleaning restoration costs.  We can also help manage the insurance process.  Some of the residential and commercial services we offer are listed below.

• Water damage cleanup and restoration
• Mold remediation and mitigation services
• Sewage cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team
• Biohazard Removal
• Commercial water damage cleanup and restoration
• Fire damage cleanup and restoration
• Odor removal
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning

If you find yourself dealing with any of these disasters SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties wants to help!  Out highly trained technicians have the specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore damage for residents and business owner’s in Bennington & Rutland Counties.  We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week!  Call today at (518-) 677-3444 to learn more about our cleanup and restoration services!

Fire in your home? Here could be the cause

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

There are multiple things that can cause a fire to start. Some of the causes are listed below.

• Cooking
  • 48% of all fired are caused by cooking.
  • Remember to turn off source of heat.
  • Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Candles
  • Never leave a candle unattended.
  • All materials should remain 12 inches away from all candles.
• Heating
  • Do not put anything close to the heater.
  • Follow guidelines on how the heater can run.
• Smoking
  • Never lay cigarettes, cigars, etc., down and forget about them.
  • Smoke outside to avoid any potential fires related to dropping or forgetting about them.
• Electrical Fires
  • Make sure fireplaces and lighting are up to code and are safe.
  • Ensure alarms are replaced.

These are just some tips in order to prevent fires.  Others things to have in place in case of a fire is a route for you and your family.  Everyone in your family should know the rout and plan in place.  If you have the unfortunate event of a fire are your home or business, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call (802) 375-1500.

Who To Call When Your Sprinkler Malfunctions at Your Place of Buisiness

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500!

When your automatic sprinkler goes off who at your commercial business who should you call? Call us here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties! Automatic fire sprinklers are a very effective way to extinguish a fire, but they also pose a high risk of causing a water damage.

                Sprinklers can release about 8-24 gallons of water a minute, so after several minutes it is possible that 100s of gallons of water can be released if the sprinklers are not shut off. You can see how this can cause quite a water damage in a building!

                We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are well equipped to handle a job like this. We respond to hundreds of water damage emergencies a year in our local area. Our water restoration technicians are IICRC certified in water mitigation and have the specialized equipment to mitigate the water damage quickly no matter what the size of the job is.

                If you or your business experience any sort of water damage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are a 24/7 fire and water restoration company who is highly trained and equipped to handle any job that is thrown our way. So, give us a call at 802-375-1500.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500

There are many choices for a restoration company in New York and Vermont, but there are advantages to choosing the SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is known for providing high quality restoration and mitigation services.  We use specially formulated products and equipment to clean tough stains and eliminate odors.

Below are just a few of our reviews:

"I would like to thank each and everyone of you (Johnny, Tyler, Chuck, Michael and Gabriel). When water damage happened 2 weeks before my surgery and the week I had to put my cat to sleep. I was overwhelmed and broken hearted.
You came in and took control making a bad situation so much better. You all went above and beyond the call of duty and are a great asset to the Service Pro Company. It is comforting to know people still care and exercise true customer service.
No doubt I will be telling everyone of my wonderful experience!"- Linda

"Terrific experience with SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. John inspected our home and was super helpful. He quickly found the source of our problem and helped discuss different solutions. The office was very responsive and professional in setting up our appointment and following up. Will use them again and happily recommend to friends"- Bill

"Wadley and his crew were fantastic. We would highly recommend this company and team to anyone"- Jean

We love happy customers! Call us for any of your restoration need 802-375-1500!

Not just residential, Commercial too!

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage that isn’t handled quickly can hurt your business and cause possible closing for a period of time.  Your business is at its best when fully operational. There are some ways to stay ahead of water damage by identifying some causes that are common, and addressing them before the disaster hits.

• Pipes- Having a broken pipe can lead to serious water damage in any building. Deterioration, freezing temperatures, and pressure changed can all lead to a broken pipe.  On top of the water damage that this can cause and water damage untreated creates a possible mold issue. 
• Improperly sealed exterior windows, doors, garages etc…- Water can find its way in even in smaller spaces like exterior exits that are not properly sealed. Even the small amounts that can get in, if left unchecked could cause mold growth and damage to wood or drywall.
• HVAC- Having a heating and cooling system is essential for keeping your business running comfortably. Unfortunately, if an HVAC system isn’t properly maintained it can cause clogged ducts or the wearing down of the ducts resulting in leaks and water damage inside of the walls and ceilings.

During the winter months when the temperatures are significantly low, that can accelerate damage to HVAC system, exterior windows, and especially pipes.  It is important to routinely check your commercial building to make sure that it hasn’t been affected by ant major damage.  If you run into the unfortunate event that your commercial business suffers some damage, give the experienced professionals a call at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (802)375-1500!

Did you know there were different types of Smoke?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

There are different components of a fire that can cause 2 different types of smoke damage within your home or business.   Damage can be caused by both “wet” and/or “dry” smoke by materials such as the type of material burning, the level of oxygen present during the fire, and how fast and hot the fire is burning.  SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians are trained to identify and clean either smoke damage situation properly.

When a fire burns extremely hot and causes dry particles to be deposited on any remaining structure this is considered dry smoke.  When a fire is a slow smoldering fire, which causes liquids to vaporize and seep into the remaining area, that is considered a wet smoke.

When dry smoke is the source of damage, cleaning generally is more manageable as well as odor more easily remediated.  Wet smoke causing the damage can become more complicated and involves SERVPRO formulated solutions to remedy to stains and odor. 

If you’ve had a fire in your home call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland counties.  Our experienced professionals are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week! (802) 375-1500

Floodwaters Invade!

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year where all the snow and ice is beginning to melt.  The influx in water and rain during this season can back up storm sewers and cause floodwaters to come into your home.  This water may be contaminated with dangerous viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and biological material.

               When the water enters your home, it can seem very overwhelming.  The floor is wet, the water is seeping into the walls, and the items on the floor are soaked.  SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties responds in less than four hours from your call, and provides cleanup services for flood damage to homes and businesses.  We take all the precautions for the protection of your family and our employees.  The steps requiring include:

• Disposing of all trash following industry-approved guidelines
• Set up containment areas to protect the remainder of the building and remove the waste material
• Wearing personal protective equipment while cleaning and removing waste material
• Applying EPA registered disinfectant material to all waste material and all surfaces as they are cleaned

After the appropriate steps are taken, SERVPRO may also need to complete control demolition of contaminated flooring materials, make flood cuts in the walls to expose damaged and contaminated drywall, insulation, and vapor barriers.  Once contaminated materials are removed, everything is disinfected and cleaned and we use our air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the space damaged by floodwaters. 

Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for storm/flood damage today!  We can help 24/7. (802) 375-1500

Never heard of SERVPRO?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland counties has been helping Bennington and Rutland Vermont Counties and neighboring communities since becoming part of the SERVPRO family in 2014. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties takes great pride in being a part of the Bennington & Rutland Counties community. We want to do our part to ensure the Bennington & Rutland Counties community thrives by helping those less fortunate, keeping the area safe and making our community the best it can be. Our teamat SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties not only comes with over 20 years of experience, but we come prepared in the restoration industry. From our initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, mold certification, and EPA certifications, please be rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources to restore your property.

The SERVPRO system has more than 1,600 franchises nationwide in 48 different states. If you would like to schedule cleanup or restoration services for your residential or commercial property, please call our 24-hour emergency service today, (802)375-1500. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Post mitigation in office hallway!

During this time of year, many businesses could become unlikely victims of water damage.  Some may experience flooding, and others may experience leaky roof or windows.  With many different ways water can enter your business, there’s a top choice to choose when the water needs to be removed.  Any day or time, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can be there to remove the water from your business and restore the damage it could have caused. 

If water damage has occurred at your business, there are other damages that could happen such as underlying mold after a period of sit time.  If a fire occurred, there could be water damage from the fire department or sprinkler system. 

A disaster doesn’t wait for the right time, which is why SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is ready to answer your call 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  It’s important to start the process of removing the water quickly before additional damage can occur.

If your business has the unfortunate experience of water damage, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties anytime 802-375-1500!

Did water damage your wood floors?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Don't hesitate to call for all your water damage needs! (802)-375-1500!

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties has responded to many water losses where   wood floors have been affected.  Wood floors differ from any other flooring material because there are so many different categories of wood floors. Wood Floors could be made of, bamboo, oak, pine, cherry, etc. Therefore, the drying process and salvation is different with every type of wood. Our technicians are trained to know the different processes needed to dry wood floor effectively. The first thing our technician will do is determine the type of wood they are dealing with and inspecting if it solid or an engineered wood product.  Once the determination of which type of wood is completed, we then us a moisture meter to test the moisture levels in the floor. By taking these readings, it is the most effective way to determine the moisture levels. Meter reading also helps us understand how much water covered an area. For example, if the wood floor has increased by more 10% moisture content, the wood has swelled and is pushing the shouldering boards by ¾” or more. This will create large gaps when the floor is totally dried and back to original moisture content. If the floor has expanded and is actually buckling in areas, there might be the concern of whether or not the floor is salvable. If we have determined that the floors have a possibility on being saved, we at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties utilize a dry force system, which includes drying mats to dry the floor in place and relieve moisture within the wood floorboards. Unfortunately, not every wood floor can be saved. It is vitally important for us the restoration company to observe all the conditions involving wood floors beforehand and to understand how the wood floors were originally assembled. In some cases, wood floors have been in homes for years and removal can be trying. Therefore, when it comes to a water loss in your home affecting your wood flooring, timing is everything.

So, if you recently experienced a water loss and your wood floors are affected, please do not hesitate to contact us right away! We are trained professionals and are here to help in the restoration process of getting your hard wood floors back to their original condition.

802-375-1500

Frozen Pipes- How to Prevent This Winter!

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call at 802-375-1500 for all of your water damage needs!

Preventing frozen pipes this winter is one of the keys  to preventing a water damage in your home. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent this from happening in your home!

1. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature! During the day and night keep your thermostat at the same temperature. You need to constantly have warm air circulating to prevent pipes from freezing!
2. Insulate your pipes especially if have pipes against an exterior wall!
3. Let faucets drip! If pipes are exposed to cold keep water running at a trickle.
4. Open Cupboard. If you have any pipes under vanities open up your cupboard doors to let heat circulate and warm up those pipes!

These are just a few tips we have found to be helpful here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. If you experience a water damage at your home or business this winter, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 802-375-1500. We are always happy to help!

Winter is Here!

1/8/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your mitigation needs this winter. 802-375-1500

With fall on its way we are moving into winter months! And with that comes freezing temperatures! One of the most common causes of water damages in the winter months is when pipes freeze. When pipes freeze they expand which causes them to burst resulting in a water damage in your home. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you if you or your business experience a water damage from frozen pipes this winter! A water damage in your home is no fun so here are a few tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter!

1. Adjusting your thermostat- keeping your thermostat the same temperature during both the evening and day reduces risk of pipes freezing
2. Going away- if you are leaving your home for an extended period, leave your heat on and set the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. House Sitting- as a neighbor to check your house daily to ensure it is warm enough and pipes have not frozen.
4. Garage- keep your garage door closed to keep cold air out!
5. Insulation- insulate all exposed pipes properly.
6. Faucet- Let your faucet drip, moving water is less likely to freeze!

So if your pipes freeze at your home or business and you experience a water damage please call us at 518-677-3444. We are available 24/7 365 days a year and are always happy to help!

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your water clean up needs. 802-375-1500

Winter is here, and with it, comes sub zero temperatures! Pipes freezing are a common occurrence that can happen in the winter. When pipes freeze they expand your pipe to the point where it bursts! This is caused by the increase in pressure. Pipes bursting are a common cause of water damages that we here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties receive in the winter months. So here are some helpful tips to avoid frozen pipes and water damages that can happen from them!

• Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home day and night.
• Keep your garage door closed to keep cold air out!
• Open interior doors to allow heat to circulate.
• If you are leaving your home for an extended period, leave your heat on and set the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Insulate all exposed pipes properly.
• Let your faucet drip, moving water is less likely to freeze!
• Apply heat tape to pipes that are exposed.

Fire Safety Tips for Kids

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you need any help with cleaning and restoring your structure due to a fire. 802-375-1500

A fire is a devastating event that no one can count on happening. A top priority for parents in Bennington, VT is children’s’ safety. Below are just a few tips and information tid bits that will help children to be mentally and physically prepared for an emergency.

1. Prevent your children from starting fires. The U.S Fire Administration estimates that 300 people are killed each year as the result of children playing with fire. So, keep matches or lighters out of your children’s reach. Use flameless candles inn your home rather then candles with an open flame.
2. Install smoke alarms in your children’s bedrooms as well as on every level of your home.
3. Have a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year! Practice what you would do if you woke up and there was smoke or smoke alarms were going off, practice a low crawl and meeting outside. Make sure your kids and all those in your household know how to dial 9-1-1!
4. Visit a fire station! Visit your local fire station in Bennington, VT where your children will be able to see a firefighter in full gear before an emergency. Sometimes seeing a firefighter in full gear can be scary especially during a fire emergency so hopefully visiting a fire station will help your child feel less anxious if they have seen a firefighter’s apparatus before a true emergency.

When it comes to fire and kids’ safety, drills and discussions are essential. It is important to regularly review and revise your plans for what to do in case of a fire!

How To Prevent Dryer Fires

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call for Vent cleaning so that you dont have a fire!

Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association every year roughly 13,820 home fires are caused by clothes dryers? About 27 percent of these fires are due to the accumulation of lint in the dryer! Who would have thought that a third of the reason these fires occur is due to a failure to clean dryer vents! Not properly cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a serious fire hazard that can cause a lot of harm.

                Here are some simple tips to ensure the safety of you and your home:

1. Clean out your lint filter after every load! Doing this will help prevent a fire but also dry your clothes much faster! The back of your dryer should also be cleaned because lint can at times build up in that area as well. The vent pipe/exhaust should also be emptied with a plumbers snake every few months as well to help avoid a lint fire.
2. Proper use of your machine! You want to avoid over filling your dryer as well with too many clothes for a single load. You also want to avoid drying items that are made of plastic or rubber. You never want to put clothing in your dryer that has oil, gas, alcohol, or any other flammable products.
3. Turn your dryer off! Always ensure your dryer is off before leaving your home or going to bed.
4. Routine Maintenance! You want to inspect your equipment to make sure there is no damage or build up of lint. Also check outside venting for blockages from things like bird nests.

Dryer/lint fires are almost always preventable if you take the proper precautions. If your home has been damaged by a dryer fire, please call us, SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/ South Washington Counties at 518-677-3444.

Mitigation Vs. Remediation

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you have a mold problem! 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties often gets asked the question, “What is the difference between Mitigation and Remediation?”. So, let us help you clear up a lot of your questions when it comes to a disaster that happens either in your home or business.

What is Mitigation?

The actual definition of Mitigation is the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. For example, if there was a water loss that happened, and an area was flooded and it had damaged your structure, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties would mitigate the loss. This means we remove the effects materials and use drying equipment to help prevent any further damage in the coming future. I.e. Mold Growth.

What is Remediation?

Remediation is the act of remedying something, in reversing or stopping environmental damage. For example, if you have a lot of mold in an area, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties will remove the mold and help prevent it from coming back by using industrial strength microbials and equipment to remediate the problem. Mold is a natural spore that can spread throughout an area, so it is best that the problem is dealt with at a professional level.

If you have any questions about the technical terms used in the restoration business, Give us a Call today! 802-375-1500

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if your Restaurant is under water! 802-375-1500

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our Staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. For 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

Make a Food Plan for the Next Storm Outage!

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Snowstorms, ice storms, thunderstorms if severe enough all can knock out your power quickly. And we here in the Bennington and Rutland areas know a few things about storms! Sometimes power outages can last days or even weeks depending on how quickly the electric company is able to service your area. Having a stockpile can ease you and your families’ minds during such an event.

                One suggestion we have is to always keep the staples on hand. Do not be one of those pre-storm shoppers that runs to the grocery store and empties out all the bread and milk in the aisle! If you set aside the staples you need throughout the year you can avoid all the pre storm grocery store mayhem!

                Some essentials to have in your stockpile:

• Bottled water
• Protein bars
• Breakfast cereal
• Plant based milk
• Shelf stable milk
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Canned beans
• Canned fish
• Canned meat
• Canned veggies
• Canned fruit
• Rice

It is important to keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. If you keep your refrigerator closed it usually can stay at a safe temperature of below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 4 hours. Freezers will stay cold for 24-48 hours as well if kept closed.

These are just a few tips on making a food plan for the next storm! The team at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has specialized training and experience in storm damage restoration, water restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500.

Mold Containment

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

During a recent mold remediation job at a Bennington Vt commercial establishment, we created an area of full containments to separate the mold affected areas from non affected areas. This helps prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the whole facility. Mold has a tendency to grow anywhere there is high moisture and easily can be transported from one room or surface to another. When our trained professionals come in they will use personal protective equipment to protect themselves from being exposed to the mold and also use these containments to prevent further spread of mold.  These containments consist of airtight layers of polyethylene that seals off the affected area. The containments act as negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. Before the mold remediation starts, it is important that the source of moisture (such as a leaky roof) is identified and fixed, otherwise mold may return.

Tips to Prevent A Sewage Backup

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

A sewage backup is something none of us want to experience! Unfortunately, many of us will face this unexpected disaster. However, we here at SERVPRO are here to help! We have the training and expertise as well as the equipment that is needed to help you in a time like this. Our team deals with sewage backups on a weekly basis and are ready at anytime 24/7 to help you and your family during these tough times. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to try and reduce your hances of encountering a sewage problem.

1. Do Not Pour Cooking Oil Down Your Drains

Many people think that they can dispose of cooking oil down their toilets or sink drains. However, this is one of the worst things you can do to your drains! Cooking oil hardens in your drains and make it difficult for debris to drain causing clogged pipes which can lead to sewage problems. The best practice is to dispose of cooking oil into a heat resistant container and throwing it in your trash can once it cools off.

2. Maintain Your Sewage System

Check your sump pump pit regularly for debris that could be sucked up into the pump causing damage. Ensure that the filter is there in order to prevent debris from getting inside the pump. You should also periodically have a professional sewer cleaning performed to remove debris that can accumulate in your sewer lines.

3. Prevent Tree Root Damage

If your sewer lines are older you make want to consider replacing them with new plastic pipes. Plastic pipes are much more resistant to damage from tree roots. If tree root problems persist you may want to periodically trim your roots or remove trees that are too close to the sewer line.

                If you experience a sewage backpack in your home please do not hesitate to give us a call at 802-375-1500!

Know Your Hurricanes!

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prepare for any sort of natural disaster is to educate yourself and understand them! Hurricanes are no different, when you are sitting at home  watching television and you see reports that a hurricane is coming you likely think, how bad is this storm and what do I need to do to protect myself and my family?

                One of the most common tools used to decipher and understand hurricanes is called the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale categorizes hurricanes based off their wind speeds primarily. There are 5 categories on this scale. Hurricanes reaching a category 3 or higher are major hurricanes with life threatening and significant potential for extreme damage.

                Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds between 74-95mph. This level of a storm will likely cause minimal damage to your home. This speed of wind however can still lead to some damages and loss of power.

                Category 2 hurricanes have wind speeds between 96-110mph. Winds of this speed can cause an increase in damage to your home and property. Several trees may be down, roads can be shut down, and power outages will most definitely occur.

                Category 3 hurricanes have wind speeds between 111-129mph. Significant damage will be done to most homes such some roof damage. Power outages will occur lasting several days typically with this high level of a storm.

                Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds between 130-156mph. Storms of this category are very deadly and destructive. Significant damage that is sometimes irreparable will be done to your home and property.

                Category 5 hurricanes have winds that are greater than 157mph. This is the highest category of a storm on this scale. A storm of this caliber is highly destructive leaving buildings, homes, and even entire residential areas uninhabitable for weeks or even months.

                We here at SERVPRO can help you prepare for any storms that lay ahead by completing an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). Please call us if you have any questions we are always here to help. We can be reached at 802-375-1500. 

Media Blasting

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

What is media blasting? Media blasting is the use of compressed air, abrasive media and a specialized machine that removes debris such as char from a surface. This method is a quick way to prepare a surface for refinishing or painting. We typically use this method during fire damages when we need to remove char off surfaces such as walls and framing.

There are several different types of media that can be used such as glass, garnet, or silicon carbide. Each of these mediums are for different uses. Glass bead media is the most common used. It is usually made from recycled glass and is used to remove things like paint and result off of surfaces. Garnet is also a popular media although it is not as abrasive as other medias it is very effective for areas covered in light debridement such as charring. Silicone Carbide is one of the toughest abrasive media you can get. It is fast cutting and can even be used for carving hard metals or stones.

Recently we were working on a fire damage that had some charring and needed some media blasting. Check out the photos below for some before and after looks at the soda blasting, we did! If you or someone you know experiences a fire damage, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 518-677-3444 and we will handle all your fire damage needs!

What About Your Ducts?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that the air ducts in your home can have an impact on your health! Air ducts provide an especially important function they circulate air from your heating and cooling systems into each of the rooms in your home. The air that you and your loved ones breathe in circulates through those ducts’ multiple times a day! So naturally, you would want those ducts to be as clean as possible so the air that filtrates through them will also be clean!

Air duct cleaning involves the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. This included the supply and return air ducts and registers, grills and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, drip pans, fan motor and fan housing, as well as the air handling unit housing.

If not properly maintained these components of your air duct system may become contaminated with dust particles, pollen, and other debris. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprits in poor air quality. Proper cleaning can reduce the allergens and irritants and improve air quality and breathing. 

Having your ducts professionally cleaned can also remove unpleasant smells and odors. Odors from pets, cleaning agents, paint fumes, tobaccos and even mold contribute to odors in air ducts. And every time your duct system is on these odors repeatedly flow through your home. A professional cleaning removes all odor trapped particles and freshens the smell in your home!

Ductwork that has heavy build up and debris also restricts and can block the air flows efficiency. This forces your system to have to work harder to cool or heat your home, decreasing the efficiency.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties have the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to clean your ducts and HVAC systems properly and professionally. Please give us a call at (802)375-1500 and we will be happy schedule and appointment to inspect your duct system and schedule the cleaning!

How Clean is Clean?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your cleaning needs. 802-375-1500

Did you know there are different “levels” of clean? There are 3 levels of clean. First being sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilization. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties pride ourselves in our cleaning and making your home or business back to "Like it never even happened." We specialize in water, mold, fire restoration, as well as biohazard and carpet cleanings. Below are the three different levels of cleaning.

• Sanitary- when things are sanitized that means soils and microorganisms are removed to point that general health of humans is protected. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs that are on surfaces to a safe level.
• Disinfecting- is when at least 99% of the soils and microorganisms are removed from a surface or object and killed.
• Sterilizing- removes 100% of soils and organisms on surfaces and objects.

So if you or your loved ones are looking for the SERVPRO clean way please do not hesitate to give us a call at (802)375-1500.

Why Choose SERVPRO As Your Water Restoration Team? - Our Drying Equipment

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you home needs some drying out. 802-375-1500

Water damages in Bennington & Rutland Counties can occur from several sources in your residence from a faulty appliance to a leaking pipe. With so many avenues that could allow for water damage, you need a team of professionals with the expertise and the training to handle all the obstacles that might stand in the way of a fully restored property. Our SERVPRO team is a group of highly trained professionals who go through extensive training to obtain water restoration certifications. Our team not only includes our amazing staff but also includes our state of the art equipment!

                Our drying equipment for water damages mainly comes down to two pieces of equipment, our air movers and our dehumidifiers. Air movers are used to increase air flow and to move air across wet surfaces which accelerates evaporation and speeds up the drying process! Dehumidifiers on the other hand, pulls water and moisture from the air using condensing coils. Both pieces of equipment are essential “members” of our water damage team!

                If your Bennington & Rutland County home or business experiences a water damage, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are a 24/7 emergency service team who no matter the day or hour are always here to help.  We take pride in restoring your home or facility back to "Like it never even happened." So please give us a call at 802-375-1500 for all your water damage needs!

Know Your Hurricanes!

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call for all your storm damage needs. 802-375-1500

The best way to prepare for any sort of natural disaster is to educate yourself and understand them! Hurricanes are no different, when you are sitting at home watching television and you see reports that a hurricane is coming you likely think, how bad is this storm and what do I need to do to protect myself and my family?

                One of the most common tools used to decipher and understand hurricanes is called the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale categorizes hurricanes based off their wind speeds primarily. There are 5 categories on this scale. Hurricanes reaching a category 3 or higher are major hurricanes with life threatening and significant potential for extreme damage.

                Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds between 74-95mph. This level of a storm will likely cause minimal damage to your home. This speed of wind however can still lead to some damages and loss of power.

                Category 2 hurricanes have wind speeds between 96-110mph. Winds of this speed can cause an increase in damage to your home and property. Several trees may be down, roads can be shut down, and power outages will most definitely occur.

                Category 3 hurricanes have wind speeds between 111-129mph. Significant damage will be done to most homes such some roof damage. Power outages will occur lasting several days typically with this high level of a storm.

                Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds between 130-156mph. Storms of this category are very deadly and destructive. Significant damage that is sometimes irreparable will be done to your home and property.

                Category 5 hurricanes have winds that are greater than 157mph. This is the highest category of a storm on this scale. A storm of this caliber is highly destructive leaving buildings, homes, and even entire residential areas uninhabitable for weeks or even months.

                We here at SERVPRO can help you prepare for any storms that lay ahead by completing an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). Please call us if you have any questions we are always here to help. We can be reached at 802-375-1500. 

Specialized Drying Equipment to Save Your Bennington & Rutland County Hardwood Floors

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if your hardwood floors like this before photo. 802-375-1500

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to your home that are awfully expensive and that you would want to preserve! However, when hardwood flooring gets wet during a water damage it can cause serious problems. Even if the water is cleaned up immediately, the water may have already penetrated the flooring. If the water penetrates the flooring it travels under the floorboards which can cause them to swell and to buckle. It can take roughly 48 hours for visible signs of water damage in wood flooring and in many cases this damage can be irreversible which means the flooring will require replacement if it cannot be salvaged. As we stated before, timing is essential when evaluating water damaged hardwood flooring, the length of time the floor is wet is a critical factor. If the flooring dwells in water too long, it is possible for the board to warp and buckle so severely that they can break. Rapid response is critical!

                This is where SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties comes in to help! We here have the proper state of the art drying equipment specifically designed for saving hardwood floors. The system is called a “Trapped Moisture Ventilation System”. It works by placing plastic mats on wet hardwood flooring and using suction to dry the moisture out of the floors. This drying process usually takes around 3 days or more to return the moisture content of the floor back to normal. And in most cases, you will not even need to refinish your hardwood floors!

                SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Please do not hesitate to give us a call immediately at (802)375-1500 we are a 24/7 emergency service who are always here to help!

Prevent Mold Buildup In Your Bennington/ Rutland Vermont Home or Business

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a mold damage please don't hesitate to give us a call here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland. 802-375-1500.

Mold is something none of us want in our homes or businesses. Mold spores feed on dust, dirt, or other organic materials so it is important to thoroughly clean your home or business.  Below there are three areas to focus on to help to reduce the chances of mold buildup.

1. General Surfaces

As stated, above mold can feed on organic material such as dust. Dust gathers around any surface if it is not cleaned frequently. Therefore, if dust is not regularly cleaned and continues to accumulate mold can begin to grow and feed on the dust. It is best to regularly clean your home or business to prevent this from happening.

2. Carpets and Rugs

Carpet flooring can trap dirt, soil, and spores which people can bring in from outside. If carpets are not cleaned and left alone these particles can build up and eventually lead to mold buildup and growth. This can be prevented by regular carpet cleaning and vacuuming. Another option in addition to regular cleaning is to install mats at the entrance of your home or building so people can wipe their footwear immediately upon entrance.

3. Air Vents

HVAC cleaning is also an area of extreme importance to regularly clean. Dust can gather inside of them and spread throughout your home or building. If mold is found this means that mold can easily through your duct system be spread throughout your home. To prevent this, it is best to get your HVAC system professionally cleaned which is something we here at SERVPRO offer. 

SVMC Essential Workers Charity Golf Tournament  

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

More details soon to follow! Give us a call at 802-375-1500.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are beyond thrilled to announce that on October 2^nd, 2021 we will be hosting our first every Charity Golf Tournament! This tournament is benefiting South Western Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). We are especially grateful to all our essential workers at the hospital and are proud to support this wonderful cause!

SVMC has provided quality medical care for the Bennington area for roughly 100 years. It has nine total locations that service Bennington, New York, and Massachusetts. This year has been far from easy and even more challenging with the Covid 19 Pandemic. Yet, SVMC has provided excellent care to many in our local communities despite the many difficulties they have faced.

We are so looking forward to supporting the hospital in this charity tournament and we hope to see many of you there! Keep an eye out on our Instagram and Website where more details are soon to follow!

Tragedy Clean Ups With Care.

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

If a disaster strikes and you don't know what to do, give us a call and we will handle it for you.

When tragedy strikes such as a crime, not many people think about what to do after in regard to the mess that is left over. We here at SERVPRO however, are here to help. When a crime or other biohazard event causes a mess you need specially trained professionals to come down to do the proper cleanup. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offer services that include:

• Suicide/death accidents
• Crime scene residues
• Hoarding scenes
• Blood cleanup
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Animal remains or waste
• Meth lab cleanup

Biohazard cleanups include blood, bodily fluids, vomit, animal waste, used needles, and much more. In order to handle these sensitive and dangerous materials, one needs to be a trained professional who understands how to properly handle them, so they do not cause any harm to others around. Our team of highly trained professionals who are certified in biohazard cleanup are fully equipped with the proper tools, cleaning products, and materials to get the job done safely and returned to previous conditions. Our team has the proper personal protective equipment otherwise known as PPE, which they will wear for the entire duration of the job.

We understand that biohazard situations require more then just a great care for safety, but they all require a great deal of sensitivity. We are here to make sure the job is done quickly and cautiously to help you and your families during these difficult times. You never know what occurred that requires this type of cleanup, so we strive to treat each customer and job with the utmost compassion and kindness. If you or your loved ones need any sort of biohazard cleanup, please do not hesitate to call us SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500.

The Steps of Mold Remediation

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your Mold Remedation needs. 802-375-1500

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

                The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

                PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

                Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

                Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

                We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking "Like it never even happened."

Hurricane Week and Flash Floods?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call for all your Storm Emergency Needs. 802-375-1500

What is a flash flood? A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas, usually caused by heavy from sever thunderstorms, hurricanes, or collapsing of human made structures like dams. The National Weather Service defines flash flooding as flooding that begins within 6 hours of heavy rainfall.  They also recommend people get out of the area of the flash flood and not attempt to face it or cross its paths.

                What makes these floods so dangerous is how rapidly they can occur and how fast moving the water can be. Flash floods are serious and many loose their lives yearly from them. There are several steps however you can take to keep you and your family safe during a flash flood!

1. Have an emergency plan and kit ready to go.
2. Follow evacuation orders immediately.
3. Stay up to date on weather forecasts.
4. Do not attempt to walk and or drive near flooded areas.
5. If it is too late to evacuate your home call 911 and move to the highest point in your home.

We here at SERVPRO know the seriousness of flash floods and we are always here to help. If you’ve experienced any water damage due to a recent storm, give SERVPRO Bennington and Rutland Counties a call and well make sure to make it "Like it never even happened."

Summer Grilling Safety Tips!

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call for all you fire and water damage needs. 802-375-1500.

Every year when the weather gets warmer more and more people are outdoors using their grills! We can’t help it, with summer right upon us there is nothing better then being outside grilling some BBQ enjoying the warm weather! Unfortunately, on average every year roughly just over 10,000 home fires occur due to grills, hibachis, and barbecues. Here are some BBQ safety tips that will keep you and your home safe for your summer barbecuing season:

1. Keep your grill away from any structures, such as your house, porch, or garage.
2. Regularly clean your grill, grease is a major source of flare ups.
3. Check for gas leaks.
4. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
5. Never leave your grill unattended.
6. Keep a spray bottle of water handy incase minor flare ups happen you can spray with water to instantly calm it.
7. Never use your grill indoors!
8. Keep children and pets away from grill!
9. Always wait for your grill to cool off before attempting to move it.
10. If using a charcoal grill always soak coals in grill with water after cooking.

These are just a few tips we thought you would find helpful while grilling this summer!

There are just a few tips we loved ones experience a fire please give us a call. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are a team of highly trained professionals who are experts in Fire restoration. We are available 24/7 for all your fire restoration needs so give us a call at (802)375-1500.

Summer Vacation Plans? Protect Your Home From Water Damage While You Are Away!

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call if you have an emergency and can't get to it. We are here to help! 518-677-3444

Summer 2021 officially kicks off June 21^st, 2021! And with summer usually comes a vacation. We all could use a vacation and the last thing you want to worry about on vacation is a water damage in your home when you return. One of the most common causes of home water damage during the summer is when a family leaves to go on vacation. We leave our homes empty for days, weeks, and some people even months and the tiniest of leaks left unchecked can cause a substantial amount of water damage that can be devastating!

                In order to prevent water damages from occurring while you are on vacation it is important to prepare your home! We here at SERVPRO have some tips to ensure the safety of your home!

1. Turn off the main water. Turning off the water main to your home will avoid water pressure from building up in your pipes and weaken them.
2. Turn off your water heater. This prevents your water heater from having any problem while you are away.
3. Drain your pipes. Running faucets in your home will ensure that the pipes are alleviated of any pressure.
4. Have a friend or neighbor check on your home. With so much that can go wrong when we are away from our homes having someone to check on your house will be the best way to sure any situation that unfortunately can occur will be handled quickly and this will decrease the amount of damage that can happen.

If you or your loved ones experience any kind of water damage, we here at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for all of your water restoration needs. We have state of the art equipment as well as IICRC water mitigation experts who will be there at any time of the day to help you in a time of need. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you experience a water damage at 518-677-3444. We are happy to help!

Why Your North Rensselaer/ South Washington County Business Needs an Emergency Ready Profile

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Download the app! Call us 518-677-3444

Business owners are under a lot of stress and have a lot to worry about, but how to handle an emergency should not be one of those concerns. Your business needs a SERBPRO ERP. 

An Emergency Ready Profile or an ERP, is a plan that is put into place specifically for when an emergency strikes. An example of a type of an emergency could be a fire in your business or a pipe breaking and flooding your business, etc. Although not all catastrophes cannot be prevented having an ERP in place works to prevent situations from escalating. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan application is designed for commercial use and is geared towards property and risk managers as well as business owners.

                Having an ERP helps to preparer you in a sense that the more you know what t expect during any kind of emergency leads to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, storm, and fire damage can affect your business.  Our ERPs include

• A no cost assessment of your facility
• A concise profile which contains critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identify the line of command for work to be authorized and started.
• Identifies your facilities shut off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contacts.

We here at SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/ South Washington Counties are happy to provide you with access to our mobile app to take full advantage of this NO COST service and we would be happy to provide your business with an ERP. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (518)677-3444 at any time for an appointment. Keep your business up and running with peace of mind and an action plan in place. We are in business so you can stay in business!

Summer Storms are Just Around the Corner!

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties want you to be safe this summer. 802-375-1500

Did you know that thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the spring and summer months? Just because the weather is nice and warm does not mean that summer storms are not dangerous! As of June 20^th summer is officially here so now is the time to start thinking about how to prepare for summer storms. Follow these simple tips below to be more prepared!

1. Keep cash on you.
2. Fill your gas tanks and any extra gas tanks that you have.
3. Ensure you have plenty of drinking water handy and nonperishable foods.
4. Charge your mobile devices.
5. Have extra chargers that you can charge your device with incase you lose power.
6. Keep a light source on you such as a candle or flashlight.
7. Have ice on you and store some in a cooler in case the power goes out.
8. Move your vehicles away from trees.
9. Make sure your pets are secure and protected, ensure you have enough food and water for them.
10. Strap anything outside that could fly away such as a grill, tables, and chairs, etc.
11. Steer clear from windows which could easily break at any moment.
12. Avoid taking baths and showers.
13. Always keep a first aid kit in your home.
14. If your town is evacuating because of a storm if you have time board up and secure your windows and any other openings of your home.
15. Avoid electrical wires especially if you are experiencing a water damage as well.

These are just a few helpful tips that may help you and your loved ones during a summer storm. If you do have damage to your home or building and need assistance, please give SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500. We are available 24/7 for all your water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard needs.

Tips and Tricks for Mold Remediation

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for your Mold Remediation 802-375-1500

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

                The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

                PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

                Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

                Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

                We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking, "Like it never even happened."

Top of The Line Cleaning Products

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

GIVE US A CALL FOR OUR SAFETY DATA SHEET ON ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS. 802-375-1500

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are your local mitigation, remediation and restoration company that carry a variety of top-of-the-line products to take care of all your needs. The products we use are not your general cleaning products that you can get in your local store. SERVPRO Industries has their own staff of scientists that work to formulate the best and most effective products to take care of your losses.

                Each product has a label that specifies the ingredients and the proper use of the product. Our technicians also have the knowledge and ability to explain each product and answer all questions you may have.  Please feel free to contact us at 802-375-1500 if you have any questions regarding the products, we use to get your home back to looking "Like it never even happened."

Our SERVPRO team is made up of highly trained professionals in property mitigation, remediation, and restoration. Our technicians receive continuous training throughout their career here at SERVPRO and many are currently IICRC certified. We assure you our team is well equipped with the knowledge and tools to restore your property back to looking "Like it never even happened."

Oh No My Hardwood Floors Are Soaked!

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call to save your Hardwood Floors. 802-375-1500

Hardwood floors are very expensive, and many people think that once their hardwood floors sustain a water damage they are ruined. However, that is not necessarily true! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have the training and resources to try and save your hardwood floors!

                One important thing to remember is that to avoid mold growth and prevent your wood from buckling it is important to call us as soon as possible. The faster we can be at your service the better chance we have at saving your floors! Quick extraction of standing water and proper equipment setup is essential, if too much warping of the hardwood floor occurs is it difficult to bring it back to its previous state.

                When our technicians arrive on scene, they will measure the moisture in the flooring using our moisture readers. This will ensure that all the wet areas are properly accounted for and dried. The drying systems that we here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have include drying mats, air movers, and dehumidification equipment. This equipment when used properly helps remove the water that is trapped in the flooring. Once the water is extracted and the equipment is set up, our technicians will return to continue to monitor the equipment and take moisture readings daily.  With our advanced drying equipment and moisture detecting tools, we are fully prepared to save dry your hardwood floors!

                Please call us here at 802-375-1500 for all your water damage needs. No job is too small or too big for SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties!

Types of Fire Extinguishers and How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you have a fire in your home. 802-375-1500

Do you know that there are several different types of fire extinguishers? Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher in your home or business? A fire extinguisher is an especially important tool to have in case of a fire emergency. It is portable active fire protection device used to control or extinguish small fires. There are 3 different ratings of fire extinguishers, A, B, and C.  Fire extinguishers with a Class A rating are effective in fighting fires which involve paper, wood, and trash. Class B fire extinguishers are effective against fires involving liquids. And finally, Class C fire extinguishers are effective in fighting fires involving electrical equipment.

                To safely use a fire extinguisher, it is best to remember this acronym P.A.S.S. This acronym stands for a four-step process that is simple and easy to remember! Let us look at this step by step:

1. (P)- Pull the pin while you hold the nozzle away from you
2. (A)- Aim the rubber hose toward the fire
3. (S)- Squeeze the handle which will release the extinguisher agent, this mixture comes out quickly and powerfully so make sure you have a tight grip and be careful!
4. (S)- Sweep, you will want to use a sweeping motion aiming the nozzle from side to side

Keep everyone in your home and workplace safe with the proper knowledge and techniques of fire extinguishers. Safety is our number one concern here at SERVPRO of Bennington/Rutland Counties and if you have any other questions regarding the proper technique you can contact your local fire department for instructions. And if you or anyone you know experiences a fire, water, or mold damage please call us at 802-375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties thinks the storms are behind us.

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

READY for SPRING!! 802-375-1500

SERVPRO is ready to welcome Spring!!! Here is a little look back on a our crazy winter and the day we received 26 inchs of snow. That was the most snow most of us has ever seen. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties pulled through and made sure that all our customers were taken care of. There is no storm that is too tough for our SERVPRO. We are a 24/hour business and we weather every storm. However, Spring is HERE and we couldn't be happier for the nicer weather. Give us a Call for all your Storm Damage needs. 

Top Ten Reason Why to Choose SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties.

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Check out our Website Today! https://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com

1. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties knows how bad a disaster could impact a home or business. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are qualified to handle disasters fast and effectively. We call this our 1-4-8 protocol. 1 hour to make a customer contact, 4 hours to be onsite to start the work, and 8 hours to discuss the scope of work and brief the insurance company of our findings. This kind of action gives us a competitive advantage.

2. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are fast to restore property and our customer appreciate our immediate response and understand that we are doing everything we can to limit the damage any further.

3. At SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties we say, Don’t Replace it, let us test to make sure we can restore it first. Replacing items that are both for structure and contents can be expensive, so please be sure to ask if we can restore it before you replace it.

4. We are experts at handling a claim. At SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties we work closely with Insurance Companies and make sure that all your work is covered prior to starting any work so there is no chance of a surprise bill at the end of our work. We make sure we keep our customers and insurance adjuster up to date with all new information that we received.

5. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is meticulous at making sure we are organized from start to finish. With our integrated software systems, we are able to document every aspect of the job, include content inventory, drying logs, Photos and documentation while on site and in the office.

6. SERVPRO has a continued education process that allows our technicians to be fully trained to the IICRC standards for restoration companies. We also make sure that our Technicians are certified in Mold Remediation and Biohazard Remediation.

7. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties offers an array of specialties from Fire restoration, water mitigation, mold remediation, biohazard remediation, General cleaning, Duct cleaning and many more. We encourage our customer to ask about services or check us out online to see if there are any other services that they may need that we can help with.

8. SERVPRO Industries undergoes massive updates. Like right now SERVPRO is integrating Reconstruction, so that our customers have a 1 stop shop to get their properties up and running.

9. SERVPRO has superior cleaning products like no other company. Most of our Products are green products that don’t harm the environment, humans or pets. We also have some cleaning agents that get the will get the hard to clean areas. Be sure to always ask what cleaning products we are using. We would be happy to give out our Safety Data Sheets on our product line.

10. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland counties surpasses our competition with our state of the art equipment. We also always make sure that we decontaminant our equipment after every use.

For more reasons why to choose SERVPRO, Check out our website for more Information.

Is Your Emergency Kit Ready?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call 802-375-1500

If a community is not prepared for a severe storm, the consequences can be devastating. We here in the Bennington and Rutland area are no strangers to storms! So, we here at your local SERVPRO wanted to share with you a few tips to keep in mind when putting together your emergency kit in the event of a severe storm.

                A basic emergency kit should last you roughly 3 days and should include the following recommended items:

• Water (the average person should have one gallon per day)
• Non-perishable Food
• First aid kit as well as any medication that you are currently taking
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Mask
• Local map
• Cell phone with backup charger
• Extra set of clothes
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal.

These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. You can add whatever you would like to your own! You can also use ready.gov for additional ideas on what to pack in your emergency kit. We want to help you prepare for any storm! If a storm ever damages your home or business, please call us at (802) 375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties Tool Box

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

GIVE US A CALL TO GET YOUR MOISTURE READING TODAY!!!! 802-375-1500

The Moisture Meter: An Essential Tool For Water Damages

                You may have seen us use this small tool all throughout your Bennington & Rutland County home or business during a water damage, but what exactly is this tool and what is it doing? A moisture meter is an essential tool that is used in our industry that detects moisture content and can identify areas/structures that have been compromised and have a lot of moisture buildup. Using these tools can aid in moisture control and help to avoid mold build up in one’s home or business where there has been a water damage. This tool is used to check moisture in you walls, cabinets, and other furnishings! There are three types of moisture meters that are the most common: pin-type, pin-less, and all in one.

                Pin-type moisture meters use contact pins that are invasive to calculate the moisture content percentage. The pins are inserted into the wet material to gather the correct percentage of moisture content, this type of tool is usually used measuring wood flooring, drywall, carpet, ceiling tile, and painted services.

                Pin-less moisture meters provide a nondestructive measurement of moisture because no pins are inserted into your water damage surfaces. This tool is essential in hard to reach areas such as behind bathroom tiles as well as other finished surfaces where the most noninvasive method is preferred.

                All in one moisture meters uses both methods described above. It can be used with or without pins to detect moisture which makes this device the most useful due to its dual capability!

                We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties know exactly how to use all of this state-of-the-art equipment we have just described. And we have the best tools to get the job done, "Like it never even happened." If you experience a water damage in your home or business, please call us at 802-375-1500.

Keep Your Pets Safe During an Emergency

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call 802-375-1500

Keeping your loved ones safe during an emergency like a fire, hurricane, flood tornado, or any other unexpected event is a priority. Many families loved ones also include their furry family members as well, their pets. SERVPRO of Bennington/ Rutland Counties wants all your family members to be safe including your pets. Many pet owners are unsure of what to do with their beloved pets during an emergency.

Here are a few suggestions on what to do to keep your pet safe in any type of event that comes your way:

• Be prepared and have a plan. Have a plan for both what you would do if you were home or if you were not and your pet was left alone. Find local pet daycares or even family or friends that can get to your pet if you cannot. Be prepared to evacuate if you have to a place that is pet friendly.
• Make an emergency kit. Just like you would for yourself make a kit also for your pet. Stock up on their food, water, collar, leash, toys, and any medication they may be on, etc. Also, in this kit include information about your pet incase they get lost such a recent photo that can help others return your pet back to you safely.
• Make sure vaccines are up to date. If your pet has to relocate to a shelter most shelters require certain vaccinations so you will be required to provide documentation of your pet’s vaccine history. Make sure they are up to date so your pet will not have any issues staying in a safe place.
• Create a safe haven for your pet. Change can be chaotic and stressful not only to us but also to our furry family members. So be sure to bring things that they love such as their favorite toy or blanket/ bedding for sleeping. Bringing a little piece of home when evacuating can help ease their nerves during these anxious times.

Being forced to leave your home due to an emergency is stressfull and frusterating. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington/ Rutland Counties understand this and we are here to respond to any emergency in your home quickly. We are water, fire, and mold specialists who are available 24/7 and can be reached at 802-375-1500!

Candle Free Alternatives

3/7/2021 (Permalink)

Give Us for All Fire Restoration Needs. 1-802-375-1500.

Candles are lovely to have in your home, they bring wonderful aromas as well as a “homey” sense we all love. However, as great as they are over 15,000 home fires are caused by candles. These statistics are staggering. So, we here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are happy to share with you some alternatives to the traditional candle jars.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

Oil diffusers are great! They can fill your room with therapeutic scents such as lavender, peppermint, and more. Each scent can have different health benefits such as helping to cope with anxiety.

2. Reed Diffuser

Reed diffusers also use essential oils however the difference is that the reeds diffuse scents over several weeks and require not maintenance. No flames, no wax, or any sort of plug in.

3. Fairy Lights

These are battery run or electricity run lights which are perfect for setting the mood without the need of a flaming candle. They come in several different colors as well!

4. Wax Warmers

This is a flame free device that warms scented wax melts/cubes that can release smell they are also electrical, or batter powered.

5. Flameless Candles

These are battery operated candles that give the appearance of having a flame! They provide that cozy atmosphere that you are looking for from a candle but without the risks that come along with a flaming candle!

                These are just a few options that we here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties wanted to share with you. We hope everyone stays safe and if you ever have any fire, water, or mold needs please give us a call at (802)375-1500.

SERVPRO know First Aid Safety in the Work Place

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you are in need of the some help. 802-375-1500

There are certain things that all businesses should have prepared, and proper first aid preparation is one of them! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have comprised a list of first aid basics for the workplace that everyone should know/have!

First Aid Kit

A safety kit is something that every business should have. You never know when an emergency is going to happen, so you want to be prepared in case it does. There are several essentials that each emergency kit should contain. First, assorted bandages. If someone gets cut/has a wound bandages prevent dirt and debris from getting into the wound causing an infection that will prevent healing. Sterilization and ointment should also be in your kit to clean wounds/cuts. Protection such as latex gloves and resuscitation masks are important additions to your kits because it does not help the situation if the person performing the first aid gets infected.  

Know the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver is supposed to help someone who is choking in a foreign object. First, ask the victim if they are chocking; in an emergency, the person will usually not be able to talk.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are quite common in both children and adults. You can help someone with a nosebleed by encouraging them to pinch their nostrils closed for several minutes allowing the broken vein in nose to close. Tilting the individuals head back can make the nosebleed worse.

Cardiac Compressions

The American Heart Association is the best resource to learn how to do cardiac compressions. Simply put, the American Heart Association does not mandate everyone learning the rescue breathing aspect of CPR. However, when it comes to compressions all you have to do is put your hands over the victims hear and push to the beat of “Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees which is roughly 100 compression/min. For proper CPR training have an individual in your office or business become trained in CPR through the American Heart Association! Cardiac compressions are a simple technique that can mean the difference between life and death. Consider these facts from the American Heart Association:

• Bystander CPR can increase the victim’s chance of survival by as much as 300.
• It takes roughly 8-12 minutes for an ambulance to arrive on the scene.
• 88% of all cardiac arrests do not happen in a hospital or healthcare facility and nowhere near healthcare professionals.

Stop Heavy Bleeding

If an individual is heavily bleeding their body in unable to form a clot on its own so they could bleed out. You can stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound. Raising the wounded limb over the heart will also help to slow down the bleeding.

If you own a commercial property, you are responsible for what happens there. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency at any time!

Local Restaurant fights to stay open with the help of SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties.

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a Call for all your Commercial Water Damage needs. 802-375-1500

Water damage can happen at any time, especially in the middle of winter with frigid temperatures. Depending on the affectedness of materials, it can leave financial hardships. Understanding the basics of commercial water restoration can help anyone be aware for a business and help minimize the damage.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is the leading restoration company in Vermont. We specialize is water restoration for both Residential and Commercial Applications. We know just what to do when a disaster strikes. Even though some disaster is hard to plan for, SERVPRO always gets the job done quickly and efficiently to get back to business. Whether it is from a burst pipe, flooding, or even sprinklers spontaneously turn on, it can leave a facility unfit for business. Water seeps into ceilings, walls, and under floors. Its time to call SERVPRO because it is crucial to get treated so that no other problems occur.

Working with an experience’s restoration company like SERVPRO is the best way to prevent lasting damage. After getting things under control, most water damage restoration technicians dry and clean your damaged building structures. Using dehumidifiers and heavy-duty drying equipment is essential for stopping mold growth. Next steps are to get insurance involved. For reasons like a disaster striking, this why we pay insurance, to protect businesses. Insurance will ask you to fill out paperwork, but do not sweat, SERVPRO is there to manage that for you and takes the burden away.

As you can see in the photo, a prestigious restaurant that was once a historic building was turned into a beautiful restaurant. In the early hours of the morning, the sprinklers spontaneously turned on and flooded 3 floors. As soon as the CHEF opened the door and found a disaster, he quickly called SERVPRO to get help. He did the right thing; we were there within an hour. Once our Manager assessed the damages, he quickly called in for reinforcements to help mitigate. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties was able to get the job done all in one night, with drying for a few days after. They were beyond happy with our work and we were so happy to help get business back up and running.

So, if you have a water loss in your business and do not know what to do, give us a call because we are here to help. 802-375-1500

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

If its cold and your pipe freeze give us a call for the clean up. 802-375-1500

Winter is here, and with it, comes sub zero temperatures! Pipes freezing are a common occurrence that can happen in the winter in your Bennington/ Rutland County home. When pipes freeze, they expand your pipe to the point where it bursts! This is caused by the increase in pressure. Pipes bursting are a common cause of water damages that we here at SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/ South Washington Counties receive in the winter months. So here are some helpful tips to avoid frozen pipes and water damages that can happen from them!

• Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home day and night.
• Keep your garage door closed to keep cold air out!
• Open interior doors to allow heat to circulate.
• If you are leaving your home for an extended period, leave your heat on and set the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Insulate all exposed pipes properly.
• Let your faucet drip, moving water is less likely to freeze!
• Appy heat tape to pipes that are exposed.

If your pipes freeze at your home or business and you experience a water damage, please call us at 802-375-1500. No job is too big or too small and we here at SERVPRO of Bennington/ Rutland Counties have the experience and the tools to help you with all you water damage needs!

Water Damage in Your Basement? SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties Is Here To Help!

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

GIVE US A CALL!!! 802-375-1500

A basement can flood or have a water damage at any given time, especially during a heavy rainfall. And we here in the Bennington/ Rutland County area are no strangers to heavy rainfall! What makes basements however so prone to flooding and water damages is that they are the lowest level of a home most times even below ground level. If a flood water is not handled quickly and properly it can cause severe damage to your home and structure.

                We recently remediated a water damage in a basement of a home in Bennington County. The customer called us quickly and we were able to get their home back to "Like it never even happened." It is worth making a call to SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties we are flooded basement specialists with the proper equipment and team of trained professionals who are eager to restore your home back to its original state!  We are available 24/7 and are a preferred vendor to many National Insurance Companies! We also use IICRC Restoration Standards and our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques.

                So, a flooded basement? Call us at 802-375-1500! We are happy to help you with all your water damage needs.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties, explains what an Air Scrubber is.

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is keeping its customers and employees safe with the use of an Air Scrubber. Give us Call 802-375-1500

An air scrubber also known as a High Efficiency Particulate Air vacuum is a portable filtration system that removes particles, chemicals, and gases from the air within a given area. This piece of equipment draws in air from the surrounding environment and the air then passes through a series of filters to remove any contaminants that may be there.  Air scrubbers are essential during restoration jobs such as mold, dust asbestos, and fires where airborne contaminants are present and can disturb the restoration process. Air scrubbers use several different filters, a HEPA filter can remove 99.7% of particulates in diameter, Primary Filters are used to protect the HEPA filters, and charcoal filters are primarily used for fire damage jobs.

                We recently took care of a fire in a home in Bennington County that had a fire damage, and an air scrubber was needed during our fire damage restoration process. As explained above an air scrubber filters particles that are in the air well, when your Bennington home experiences a fire many large particles are still floating in the air. Smoke particles can be extremely dangerous to your health and your safety is our number one priority here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties which is why we always use the proper equipment when restoring your home or business.  However, these particles are not only dangerous to your health as well as our staff who are restoring your home but, they also produce a strong odor that is often associated with fires. If these particles continue to float in your home the home will stay contaminated making it impossible to restore.

SERVPRO uses air scrubbers not only for fire damages but also for mold jobs, sewage damages, and even at times when homeowners have respiratory problems that are due to poor air conditions. Please call us here at 802-375-1500 if you would like to know more about our services! We are always happy to help!

Water Damage in Your Basement? SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Is Here To Help!

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland County a call if your basement gets flooded. 802-375-1500!

A basement can flood or have a water damage at any given time, especially during a heavy rainfall. What makes basements so prone to flooding and water damages is that they are the lowest level f a home most times even below ground level. If a flood water is not handled quickly and properly it can cause severe damage to your home and structure.

                We recently remediated a water damage in a basement of a home in Bennington County. The customer called us quickly and we were able to get their home back to "Like it never even happened." It is worth making a call to SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties we are flooded basement specialists with the proper equipment and team of trained professionals who are eager to restore your home back to its original state!  We are available 24/7 and are a preferred vendor to many National Insurance Companies! We also use IICRC Restoration Standards and our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques.

                So, a flooded basement? Call us at 802-375-1500! We are happy to help you with all your water damage needs.

Recent House Fire in Arlington Vermont

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

This photo was taken in Arlington Vermont, of a kitchen that recently had a fire loss and SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is restoring it.

Recent House Fire in Arlington Vermont!

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties recently helped a family return their Arlington VT home back to "Like it never even happened." We recently took care of a home that was damaged due to a grease fire that originated in the kitchen.  The kitchen was severely damaged and required lots of demolition, but many other rooms were affected by the fire and needed to be cleaned as well. Our crew got out there immediately and the customer's home has been repaired!

According to the U.S Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting between the years 2014-2016 there were roughly 188,800 cooking related fires that cost about $463 million in property loss! And Grease fires are one of the most dangerous cooking fires! Here are some safety tips to help prevent kitchen fires!

1. Before cooking make sure all spills have been wiped up and your burner is cool.
2. Never add water to grease, water and oil do not mix and when added together the water will sink to the bottom and evaporate spreading your oil flame everywhere.
3. Use a screen that can cover your pan and protect against splatters outside of the pan.
4. Never leave your stove unattended!
5. As soon as you see smoke remove pan immediately and turn off the heat source!
6. If a flame occurs attempt to remove all oxygen from flame, for example cover with another pot.
7. If unable to cover fire pour baking soda over it.
8. Use a class B fire extinguisher to put out the flame
9. Call 911 and evacuate your home as a last resort. If the above steps do not work, you should evacuate your home immediately and call 911.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have the skills and proper products/equipment to restore your homes that have been impacted by a fire. If you experience a fire in your home or business, please call us at 802-375-1500. 

Mold Remediation in Bennington County Basement

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Photo taken from a basement in Bennington County Vermont of black mold.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties offers mold remediation services. Mold is a type of fungus that can grown in many different types of environments. These small organisms can be black, white, orange, green, or purple.  Mold remediation signifigantly reduces the mold spore count back to safe baseline levels. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have all the proper protective equipment as well as products and machinery that are equipped to handle any sort of mold damage you may have in your home or buisiness. Mold tends to grow best in moist environments so here are a few tips to check in your home that could potentially help you from having a mold damage.

                Be on the watch for the following in your home:

1. Plumbing problems- common leaks such as from a toilet or a sink may go unnoticed and can cause mold growth. Be sure to check areas lie these regularly
2. Flooding- if your home is flooded due to heavy rain be sure to have your home dried out by professionals to make sure no moisture is left behind and mold cannot grow. We here at SERVPRO Bennington and Rutland Counties are well equipped to handle your water mitigation needs as well.
3. Roof leaks- keep your roof in good condition, making sure there are no leaks. And frequently check you attic yearly for moisture build up.
4. Foundation problems- Soil that is around your home should always be sloped downward and away from your home to prevent water from entering your basement and flooding.
5. Wipe down walls- after you shower moisture sits on those walls which can lead to mold growth. Best way to prevent this is wiping those walls down with towel or sponge every time after you bathe.
6. Air flow- be sure that there is enough air flow in your home, exhaust fans can be used in your kitchens and bathrooms to vent outside your home.
7. Humidity- keep the humidity levels in your home less than 50%
8. Natural light- allow the sun into your home, mold grows best in dark environments so natural light can help prevent growth.

If you need mold remediation done in your Bennington County home please call us at 802-375-1500 and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Bennington and Rutland County Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties is proud to be a part of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties offers to commercial locations during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) program is to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected to minimize harmful pathogens. This is a level of clean that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. Being able to reopen business is just the beginning of our new journey and way of life. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they visit are a safe environment. So, when businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they have selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. If a structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left at the structure, as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected.

If your business is getting ready to reopen and you want to give you employees and customers peace of mind that your business what Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, then give us a CALL! 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland are the Storm Damage Experts

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 

Storm damage in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.  

Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling.   

Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

TIPS on How To Prevent Mold Growth in Rutland Vermont

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont has released tips on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred.

14,000 people daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.

All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.

Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:

Remove the water as quickly as possible.

Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.

Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.

It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process.

Dehumidify the affected room.

Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.

Steam-clean your carpet.

Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house.

Sanitize walls and baseboards.

Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth.

Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun

Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.

Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Water damage and mold remediation solutions

SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs. Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Provides Great Solutions to Storm Damaged Properties

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes several days of heavy rains follow one after the other, greatly increasing the possibility of home flooding. Rivers and streams rise with the added precipitation, threatening nearby homes, and another flood risk indicator is the saturated soil. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is ready to help local homeowners reverse the lasting effects of flood damage.   

One storm front follows another, pushing the capacity of the ground to absorb more water. This train of storms means water flows downhill into your home’s walkout lower level, and you notice more moisture seeping in through the foundation. Do not wait for the rains to stop before calling us about the flood damage to your home.

Our crew arrives with truck-mounted pumps and extractors, powerful and ready to start removing water even if the storm knocked out local power lines. Work begins after we ensure electricity is not live in the flooded area -- safety first for you and the SERVPRO restoration crew. The water collected may be contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, so we contain and dispose of it under local regulation.   

Technicians sanitize the surface with appropriate antimicrobials as others operate the extractors on carpeting. SERVPRO workers receive advanced training on how to remove the most moisture without stretching or tearing the carpet fibers from the backing. The impure flood water is difficult to pull out of the padding and may accelerate mold growth. Usually, we remove and replace the padding as it is cost effective and because of the risk of retained impurities contributing to secondary flood damage.   

The SERVPRO team positions air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce lingering moisture quickly. Throughout the process, we measure moisture levels to ensure we hit appropriate drying targets. Because the flooded space is partially within the home’s foundation, we check the perimeter for additional seepage and hidden pockets of water in cinder blocks or behind paneling or drywall. We do not consider the restoration job finished until all evidence of excess moisture disappears and measurements are within the normal range.   

We move furnishings and stored personal belongings out of the flooded area for evaluation and to allow easier cleanup of the floors and walls. SERVPRO inventories items transferred and consults with you to help determine what to dry and restore and what to discard. Important documents and treasured pictures and heirlooms respond best to a freeze drying restoration procedure and need to be stabilized off-site swiftly.   

Rely on SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to respond fast and efficiently to your home’s flooding issues. Our staff awaits your call at (802) 375-1500 to schedule an estimate.

Mold Damage Source in Bennington & Rutland Counties

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.  

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.   

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.   

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.  

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it.    For mold on the structure, we use a variety of anti-fungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised. 

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

Are You A Commercial Property Dealing with Mold Damage? SERVPRO is Here to Assist!

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for a business like yours, for the majority of restoration companies, is an afterthought. They lump services in with those provided for home recovery, when in fact there is a major difference in business preparations and the restoration process itself.

To properly treat your Manchester, Vermont property for mold damage, it may be necessary to work during non-peak hours to limit interruptions to normal business operations. When dealing with mold that affects your hotel guests, remaining operating during remediation is imperative. The company you choose needs to understand and have the knowledge to protect employees and customers from exposure.

You want access to someone like SERVPRO with all of the resources, equipment, personnel, and experience necessary to perform at a maximum level. Our technicians take every precaution to restrict access to contaminated areas, keeping you informed after each night, advancing your remediation process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our containment methods prevent exposure to additional areas, containing mold when possible to avoid additional growth. We also have access to air movers, scrubbers, infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, and water extraction equipment necessary to perform any services required to get the job done right.

SERVPRO technicians explain our remediation process entirely, giving you exceptional insight into how mold operates and how everyone that works for you can help prevent these problems from reoccurring. Our staff knows how important your business is and we make every effort to show how much we care during every interaction.

Removing mold from your hotel rooms can be easy, or it can be hard. The longer you wait to make a call for help, the more losses you experience. With the right company, your mold remediation services go off without a hitch. They can even help remove odors that develop and completely deodorize the entire space.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for full details, or to schedule your initial inspection today. Help is only a phone call away. (802) 375-1500

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage Rutland, Vermont

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at any time, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Follow these tips to help protect your home from water damage during the next storm in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont. 

1. Modify your homes water valves. If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a a puddle of you-know-what. You may want to consider installing a interior or exterior backflow valve. Backflow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. 
2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.
3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 
4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

Bennington, Vermont Smoke and Soot Damage Restoration

8/8/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning Manchester, Vermont

8/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers HVAC Air Duct Cleaning using negative pressure to Manchester, Vermont.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, or for a FREE estimate call us today at(802) 375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Certified

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.

Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Their first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

• Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
• Tear gas and pepper spray residues
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

Common Trauma and Crime Scene Scenarios

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

SERVPRO realizes 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 Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Servicing Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is pleased to advise that we have expanded services to Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts area.

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Residential Services

Whether your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Post-Construction Cleaning Services

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

Does Your Rutland, Vermont Home Have a Mold Problem?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

We respond to many requests for mold damage restoration throughout the Rutland, Vermont area. There is no reason to be embarrassed by its presence, or attempt to clean the affected area yourself without the proper tools or equipment. You have IICRC Certified technicians available around the clock to provide you with the services needed to regain control over your indoor living environment.

Whether you have a small patch of mold on your bathroom ceiling or an entire floor of your home affected by growth, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians can help. We can help you get the problem under control while also providing you with any necessary repairs that help return your home to a quality pre-damage condition.

Not sure if mold is the actual problem? SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect your home, rule mold out, and help you discover the true nature of the problem affecting your home. Our technicians are qualified to perform a variety of repairs, or restore any section of your home, regardless of its condition. If mold proves to be the issue at hand, you already have qualified mold remediation specialists on site to address the situation appropriately.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties use negative airflow machines. We then remove any saturated materials, disposing and transporting all affected materials. Our cleaning technicians use a variety of equipment and cleaning supplies to decontaminate the entire area. Making it ready for the installation of new materials and any additional repairs. 

Receive the professional, courteous services you deserve by calling SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties today. We are available 24/7, 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm

6/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm!!

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm. 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Offers FREE Mold Inspections

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program

Ushering in a new standard of clean

As America gets back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations*. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 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.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or are you a consumer who wants to learn more?

Have Questions? Call Today 802-375-1500

*#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 job according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result.

(*The Harris Poll conducted online on behalf of Fast, between April 28 and April 30, 2020. About 2,048 U.S. adults aged 18 or older participated.) https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/350922/89-of-consumers-concerned-about-returning-to-bric.html

Types of Storm Damage in Vermont

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties customers are in an area where they could experience the following types of storm related damage: 

Hurricane Damage

There are two chances of getting hit by a hurricane in Vermont: Fat and Slim. But storms are getting stronger and more frequent (and the hurricane center is tracking them better). Hurricanes can and do cause problems and property damage in Vermont. They can wash away your driveway and flood your basement.

Tornado Damage

Local residents do not normally experience tornadoes, but it is possible to have  tornado anywhere. The tornadoes experienced locally are usually small and only last for short times. The damage they can do during that time is extensive. 

Flooding Damage

Flooding is a concern in and around  Vermont, especially after heavy rainfall or storm activity.

Hail Damage

Hail damage can occur at any time. Hail is formed by strong rising air currents that carry the rain drops high enough for them to freeze into ice balls before falling as rain. Hail can range in size from the size of a normal rain drop to softball and even larger sized hail. 

Lightning Damage

Lightning can strike a property during a storm causing the structure to catch on fire. When this happens wiring is often burnt and systems within the home may fail. It is important to call emergency services immediately to put out any fire caused by a lightning strike. 

The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties team pride themselves on providing excellent customer service during the customer's time of need and works closely with insurance companies to make the entire process as easy as possible. Call us 802-375-1500

We Do Service The Williamstown, North Adams & Clarksburg, Massachusetts Area

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

We are pleased to announce that we do service the Williamstown, North Adams and Clarksburg, Massachusetts area in Water, Fire and Mold Damage Restoration. 

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside can present health effects and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

The Many Faces Of Fire Damage

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

If your property in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont suffers from fire damage, you should talk to someone on our team. We are experts at minimizing current damage and keeping damage from increasing in severity. Even after a fire has been extinguished, its effects can continue to grow. We can stop that with state-of-the-art equipment.

Damage can be found even after small fires. These can happen anywhere in the home. They remain small when someone is present and can extinguish the fire before it can spread. The kitchen and bathroom are the most common, with the laundry room and garage coming in second. Bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and hallways can also have fires take place, but these areas are the least common. Patios are also prone to having fires, especially if outdoors cooking is done, or children experimenting with a range of items, from fireworks to magnifying lenses

Fire damage can range from discolored concrete and natural rock outside to charred walls and scorched carpets inside. Drywall can suffer additional damage if water is heavily applied when there is a fire, although drywall should resist small, low-temperature fires. Paneling and wallpaper will burn, however, no matter what it is applied to as a covering. 

Kitchens can experience scorched counter tops and cabinets, which need either repairing or replacing. If the cabinet doors are warped from the heat and then the cold from putting the fire out with either water or a fire extinguisher, they are typically replaced as needed. Then the remaining ones are cleaned. If floors have been soaked with water in the effort to extinguish the fire, we at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are equipped, and experienced, in getting it dry quickly so that underlay and any support beams are not damaged.

We can also create and provide an inventory list of damaged items. We can list which items are damaged beyond repair, salvageable, or undetermined for insurance purposes.

If you've had a fire in your Bennington or Rutland County area home causing damage, don't try repairing the area yourself. You need to call us at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802)375-1500. We’ll help you get your home’s beauty back on center stage and put the fire behind you.

April Showers Can Bring Septic System Backups to Bennington, Vermont Homes

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, however, here in Bennington and Rutland County, Vermont area, heavy rains can be rough on a home's septic system.  On days like today, when rain is falling onto already wet ground, septic problems can be common.

When there is great deal of rain, the drain field in your yard can become saturated and stop the water from flowing out of your septic system as designed. Because the water has no exit point, it can eventually make its way back into your home. The waste water can travel back through the pipes and through your drains and toilets, causing an overflow.  If you have sewage backup through one of your drains, that is a clear sign that your septic system is malfunctioning.  

Other signs of a failing septic tank are: 

1. A Foul Odor: A clear sign that your septic tank needs inspection is the presence of odors in your house, outside near your septic tank or near the pipe ventilation system. We all know the smell of the methane gas escaping, similar to rotten eggs, so it's not hard to identify! 
2. Soggy Ground: Saturated areas around your septic tank may also indicate a problem. Excess moisture can be a sign that your tank is full or the drainage pipes are damaged.  
3. Slow Drainage: If you have a slow draining sink, tub or toilet, it is a warning sign that your septic system is  malfunctioning.  
4. Gurgling Sounds: If you notice that there is a gurgling sound when you flush the toilet, that is a common sign of septic system failure.  
5. Contaminated Well Water: Well water tests that show results of high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria are of concern, as they indicate that untreated sewage is seeping into the ground.  

If you notice any of these signs in your home, we recommend that you call a septic system repair contractor to inspect your system and identify the cause. It could be a blocked line from tree roots, an improperly installed leach field, a clogged filter or a full septic tank that requires pumping. Having the problem repaired before it causes damage to your home is the goal! 

In the event that there is already a backup at your home, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500.

Sewage floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that should be cleaned by restoration professionals. The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew has the training and equipment to clean up and sanitize your home and belongings. 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup in Winhall, Vermont

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (802)-375-1500

Water Damage Restoration in Rutland, Vermont

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Rutland & Bennington, Vermont. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Techniques
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Today - 802-375-1500

Residential Services:

Whether your Bennington or Rutland home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services 

Commercial Services:

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Bennington or Rutland property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration 

Mold Facts for Bennington County Vermont Residents

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (802)375-1500

Water Damage in Manchester, Vermont

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you purchase a brand new home or have something with a little more history, water entering your home can cause a great deal of stress and take a severe toll on your living environment. Humidity, condensation, and water intrusions are all things that every Manchester, Vermont homeowner has to face at some point in their lives.

Using professional water removal methods can help prevent a variety of damages in your Manchester Center, Vermont area home. Regardless of the source of the problem you face, a company that provides these services can efficiently assist with protecting essential documents, furniture, appliances, carpeting, and personal items affected by this type of event and help you restore your home to its former glory.

SERVPRO’s fully-certified IICRC water removal and restoration professionals have access to a variety of water removal and drying equipment. Portable hand-held or truck-mounted extractors of various sizes make drying and cleaning carpeting, flooring, and upholstery items more successful and give you a higher chance of significantly reducing possible damages caused by water intrusions in your home.

SERVPRO technicians can put the extractors heater, pump, and vacuum system to use, providing you with both damage mitigation and restorative functions for many contents found in your home. If you have over two inches of standing water, we can put submersible pumps to work, extracting a higher volume, faster and help dispose of any possibly contaminated water the correct way. 

SERVPRO is locally owned, open 24/7, 365, proudly providing water removal, cleaning, and restoration services you can count on to get your home water-free, fast. We can explain our services in detail, keep you informed throughout the removal process and communicate with your insurance company to make the entire situation is as stress-free as possible.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers expert water removal and restoration services throughout the Manchester, Vermont area, providing quality solutions to members of our local communities that help make your house feel like a home again. Call us anytime, day or night for qualified help you can trust. (802) 375-1500

Have Smoke Odor? You Need An Ozone Generator!

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Ozone Generator of Odor Removal

Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. One question we get asked frequently is whether ozone treatments are bad for furniture and other possessions. I hope that this blog answers that question.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a machine that generates the molecule ozone (O3), a highly reactive molecule that reacts chemically with the particles it comes into contact with. Professional restoration companies and some dry cleaners use industrial ozone generators to remove the smoke odor from furniture, clothes and other belongings after a fire.

How does it work?

Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.

The more smoke damage has been done, the more ozone is needed to eliminate the smell. There need to be enough ozone molecules to react with all of the offending molecules in order for the treatment to be successful.

So, is it bad for my stuff?

Ozone is the most effective way to remove odor caused by smoke damage. Professional restoration contractors can control the temperature, humidity, and treatment time carefully for maximum positive effects. In short—no, ozone is not bad for your belongings, as long as it is being controlled by a professional. The reason this is important is because professional restorers know and understand the power of ozone. 

Many people think that they can clean their clothes after a fire by washing them multiple times. But this will not remove the smoke odor. Ozone is also cleaner than other methods because it does not leave any byproducts or residue that need to be cleaned later.

As a form of oxygen, ozone itself is not dangerous. However, if overexposure occurs it can be harmful to lungs. This is another reason to allow a professional to perform the ozone treatment. They have the right equipment in place to protect themselves during the process, and once your items are returned to you, they are safe to be in your home.

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500 for more information on using ozone for odor removal.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster." This is our commitment, to be there when you need us most.

Here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened,” if one of those disasters comes your way. With over 1,700 independently owned and operated Franchises, you can trust the team in green to get your property— and life—back to normal. We’re only a call away!

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need us most.

Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the resources needed to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.

If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500.

Coronavirus and Ozone Treatments

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Guidelines for Ozone Use from The EPA.

Recently we have been getting numerous calls requesting ozone treatments to prevent or eliminate potential viruses, specifically Covid-19. 

Please note the official positions of the Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Control regarding this method of disinfecting (document attached).

Additionally, both the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist "ACGIH" and Institute of Inspection and Restoration IICRC have voiced a similar position.

Over ozoning a home or business can lead to serious health issues as well as property damages.

At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we utilize ozone treatment for various odor issues. Ozone generators are a valuable tool in the restoration industry when used properly. 

Considerable information regarding Covid-19 is available on the Center for Disease Control website https://www.cdc.gov/

Springtime Fire Safety In Manchester, Vermont

3/22/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for fire safety in the spring.

Here in southern Vermont, spring is peaking around the corner, hopefully!

When we think of home fire prevention, we think about the things we would normally keep an eye on during the winter months like space heaters, Christmas trees, fire places and ovens during cooking those big holiday meals. But spring time presents its own fire dangers.

For example, you may want to start up your outdoor grill after a long winter trapped inside to grill up some nice steaks.  Be sure to give your grill a good inspection before starting her up. Check the propane tank, and the gas line. Make sure everything is clean. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure that it’s started with the proper charcoal lighting fluid. And this maybe a given but put the grill in an open area with nothing flammable near it.

If you want to start up your fire pit, make sure all leaves and debris are removed from the pit, as those can create embers that can float into the air. And don’t throw anything like that in the fire. Always keep children away from open flames, and always keep a bucket of water next to you before you start the fire just in case of emergencies. 

If you happen to suffer from a springtime fire, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500

Timing Is Vital When It Comes To Water Damage In Your Rutland, Vermont Home

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Why Fast Extraction Is Critical For Damaged Rutland, Vermont Properties.

For as much as Rutland residents know about flooding and the dangers of excessive water, it remains a mystery why so many deem smaller amounts inside of their property as less severe or threatening. While many interior water loss incidents do not require extraction and the same measures necessary to overcome the effects of flooding, it is still a situation that requires a fast response to protect vital construction materials and protect your home from threatening secondary effects like mold growth.

For situations that do require water extraction in your Rutland residence, it is critical to contact a professional restoration company immediately. With pooling water, exposed materials can begin to distort and erode in as little as a day, which can make them non-salvageable for even the experienced SERVPRO technicians we can dispatch to your address after the emergency.

When we arrive at your home following a water loss incident, it is our utmost priority to identify the source of the damage and determine what can or must be done to prevent this same situation from occurring a second time. In some situations, this is repairing busted plumbing. In others, it might be repairing damage to your roof that allows water penetration into the attic. Whatever source has allowed for this excess of water into your home, we have to repair it.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties arrive quickly to the scene of your water loss, because our professionals are ready 24 hours a day to help a customer in need. We have our equipment and tools loaded into our Green Fleet and ready to roll out to an emergency shortly after we get that initial call. It is that fast response that helps us to save our customers money and to make restoration projects more efficient overall.

With a situation that requires extraction, you need a team of experienced professionals with the equipment to remove the water from your home fast. Our SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties rapid response team can arrive quickly and work immediately to improve the damage your home has sustained. Give our experts a call anytime that you need us at (802) 375-1500

Different Causes of Commercial Water Damage

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. 
 
However, many business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (802) 375-1500 for fast help.

5 Common Causes of Water Damage in Bennington, Vermont

3/7/2020 (Permalink)

Unlike other parts of the country, rain isn't the main cause of water damage in homes and businesses in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont. Get to know some of the common causes of water damage so that you can do what you can to prevent it from happening on your property. 

1. Broken Pipes – A broken pipe can do a lot of damage to your home in just a short amount of time. Before you know it, gallons short amount of time. Before you know of water could be spewing through your home. Pay close attention to any leaks, drips, and signs of deterioration. Have a plumber come out to your house for regular maintenance, and if there ever is a broken pipe, you can always turn the water off before the plumber arrives in order to avoid further damage.
2. Pinhole Leaks – common if a home has copper plumbing, a pinhole leak is a puncture of a copper pipe due to corrosion. If your home has a copper water system, check your pipes for signs of corrosion often.
3. Old/Faulty Appliances – If your fridge or washing machines aren’t maintained well, or have gotten too old, they could start to leak and create a significant amount of water damage in your home. It’s especially important to keep an eye on the appliances in your kitchen, as water damage caused by your fridge or dish washer can affect not just your floor, but your cabinets as well. Often times, leaks that go undetected for some time will cause significant water damage behind cabinets, which in turn can lead to mold if the problem goes unnoticed for an extended period.
4. Roof Leaks – a lot of homeowners tend to suffer water damage due to roof leaks. Check your roofs frequently and take care of any maintenance or repairs while the weather is still dry. That way you won’t have to worry about your home flooding next time a storm hits.
5. Accidents – Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side and one tiny mistake can lead to a big problem. A clogged toilet or too much soap in the dishwasher or washing machine can have water coming across your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. These parts of the home are generally better equipped than the rest of the house to handle a larger spill, but water moves fast and could potentially cause damage to the walls, ceiling, or other rooms in the home. If an accident ever does occur that you think calls for a professional, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Taking Care of Your Belongings After a Disaster

3/7/2020 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties understands that your home is more than a structure. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are important to you. Your belongings are important to us, which is why we provide the following to help restore and protect your belongings while we are restoring your home.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

On-Site Storage

We have in-house storage where we can keep your belongings safe from further damage, and can provide cleaning and restoration services for your belongings. Your items will be placed in clearly identified and secured containers ans boxes. You can rest assured that your items are being taken care of.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering contents inventory service which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Pre-loss list of contents to be salvaged
• Non salvageable list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with burden of proof for claims

If your home and belongings need restoration services, rest assured that SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has you covered. We can pack out, store and restore your belongings. Give us a call today at (802)375-1500

How to Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at any time, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Follow these tips to help protect your home from water damage during the next storm in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont. 

1. Modify your homes water valves. If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a a puddle of you-know-what. You may want to consider installing a interior or exterior back flow valve. Back flow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. 
2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.
3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 
4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

Commercial Services of SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Deep Cleaning/Janitorial

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

Is Your Business Disaster Ready?

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is a full service commercial restoration company. We specialize in commercial drying, cleaning and decontamination needs. Our upfront approach uses a collaborative method to reduce operational risks, minimize downtime and save you money.

Consider this: 50% of businesses that suffer a major disaster will never reopen. And of those that reopened, most of them had a plan.

Do your employees know your chain-of-command?

Do your night teams know where your water shut-offs are?

Would your employees be able to direct first responders to your fire riser room?

Put simply: Is your team prepared to deal with situations like fire, water & mold damage? What about situations bigger than your Operations capacity?

Preparation is key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it's a small leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.  Now is the time to ask yourself, "Are you Ready for whatever happens?"

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers a complimentary assessment of your facility that can minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. This assessment provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. 

Make sure you have the help you need in an emergency, give us a call today.  802-375-1500

Fast Response to your Water Damaged Home in Rutland, Vermont

2/8/2020 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

24 Hour Water Damage Emergency Rutland, Vermont

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-375-1500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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)?

About SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

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

Fire Restoration in Manchester, Vermont

12/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage to your home or business can be a huge and unexpected bump in the road. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our disaster restoration experts will be there to help you clean up and restore your home or business to its preloss condition.  Our certified team offers customers professional restoration expertise while providing the highest level of integrity, quality and service, including but not limited to the following:

• Work directly with your insurance company and assist you in the claims process
• Deal directly with professional dry cleaners to get your clothing back to you quickly
• Smoke and odor removal, sanitation and air purification
• Structural cleaning with environmentally friendly methods
• Cleaning and storage of personal belongings
• Complete Demolition
• Thermal Fogging and using Ozone on site or in our cleaning facility

Fire spreads a variety of chemicals and soot, depending on the source of the fire.  This creates challenges in cleaning and decontamination, which can be hindered if not done properly.  In addition, smoke can be caustic in nature resulting in the necessity for prompt removal to minimize damage to fabrics, ferrous metals, electronic devices, chrome and painted surfaces.  Our Disaster Restoration Experts are ready to respond 24 hours a day to start the cleaning and restoration process to help minimize the damage.

Our project managers will support you throughout the entire restoration process, informing you every step of the way.  Property damage by fire, smoke and especially water must be treated promptly and efficiently to ensure the best results and prevent further damage.  We are available 24 hours a day,365 days a year including holidays for any emergency. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our IICRC certified team will make sure your loss situation is handled correctly and professionally to minimize discomfort, inconvenience and unnecessary additional costs. We specialize in insurance claims and we'll even bill the insurance company directly so you have one less thing to worry about.

We know a home or business disaster such as a fire is a traumatic event.  No one expects a fire to happen to them, and therefore they frequently are unprepared for what they must do to help return their lives back to normal.  Our goal is to help you regain control to make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us at 802-375-1500

Smoke and Soot Damage Facts in Rutland, Vermont

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties inspect and accurately assess the extent of damage and develop an immediate scope of work and plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smokes migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure. Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Here is some additional information:

• Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
  Low heat. Smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
  Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
• Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services:

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?--Call Us Today - 802-375-1500

Why Professionals Should Handle Sewage Cleanup in Bennington, Vermont

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

If you suffer from flooding or a broken pipe in your home, the result could be the release of sewage. While any type of water damage in dangerous to your home and your health. With the existence of unsanitary water in your home comes the possibility of the contracting bacteria and viruses that could result in serious illness. If this is a problem in your home, professionals of SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties should be called to handle the situation as they have the special training and equipment necessary to clean that type of contamination.

Safety

Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with dangerous materials such as sewage. To avoid potential safety problems, you should never deal with sewage yourself but call professionals like SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to perform the cleanup. 

Professionals have the training and experience to follow the appropriate safety protocols to ensure a safe and proper cleanup. This involves the wearing of protective gear that is specifically designed to protect from diseases such as those potentially spread by raw sewage.

Quick Cleanup

When dealing with sewage, it’s important to have it cleaned up as soon as possible because the longer that you allow sewage to remain, the worse it will get. Relatively clean water can turn into a hazard in little time. Seemingly harmless water damage can turn into a serious problem in as soon as 12 to 24 hours. Most people don’t have the time or capability to clean up water damage in that short period of time. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew can arrive in a few hours to begin the cleanup.

Due to its ability to get significantly worse in a short period of time, water damage should be cleaned up quickly. That’s even more so if raw sewage is involved through flooding or a broken pipe. For the safety of you and your family, it’s important to leave the cleanup of sewage to professionals that are specifically trained for such occasions. If you have a release of sewage in your home, call on the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

In the Aftermath of a Fire - "Do's" and "Don'ts" in Vermont

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

In the Aftermath

After a fire occurs, you should quickly react and take steps to restoring your Rutland County, Vermont Home.  The reason being, fire damage commonly results in broken windows and exposed walls to the outside elements and can cause further damage if not addressed.  Home Owners usually try to save themselves some money here, but if not educated on this specialty situation they can actually cause permanent damage.  We recommend your first step is to call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500.

Steps We Take

There are multiple steps we take to restoring your home.  We start with removing the source of the odor, follow up with cleaning what is left, and last deodorizing.  During the first stage we remove anything that can give off that smell of fire which can include the structure and contents.  After we have removed all of this we move to a cleaning process.  In our cleaning process we remove the soot with a special rubber sponge.  Any other item will rub the soot in and permanently stain the contents.  The last major step we take in the remediation process is deodorizing.  We use a special "Fog" machine that kills the particles that leave that nasty fire smell behind.  

Our Experience

We have posted our past jobs on our website and Facebook pages.  You can check out our work on our "Before and After" and our feedback on our "Testimonials" links.  Also be sure to check out our Facebook page for further information.

Mold Damage Remediation in Bennington & Rutland Counties Vermont

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage is a genuine environmental problem that introduces the chance of significant property damage to homes. Anytime there is evidence of water damage or leaky pipes, there is always a chance of mold growth.

It is paramount for homeowners to respond quickly to the first signs of mold. Our specialized team of experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties come to your location and perform an initial mold inspection to assess the damage. A mold problem tends to reflect a moisture problem in the home. The source of the moisture problem must be addressed to develop a long-term solution to the mold. 

Once the mold is identified, we will contain the area and section it off from the rest of the property to prevent the mold spores from becoming airborne. An air filtration system is brought to the site to filter out the air and to remove existing mold spores from the air while our team works. The indoor air quality is a measure of the air in and around the building. The goal at SERVPRO is to eliminate your mold damage problems and return the indoor air quality to a safe level so you can return home. Our team removes the mold and any mold infested building materials. Once the mold is removed, we clean the area and contents that are not damaged by the mold. We apply anti-microbial sanitizing agents to prevent a regrowth of the mold problem. 

Any time mold is observed on building materials, on walls, under cabinets or areas with pipes, it is time to call in the experts for a professional opinion. Never try to remove the mold yourself.

Our team of highly trained specialists will provide you with a timeline of the removal process and what to expect with each step along the way. When you suspect or see mold, don't tackle it yourself. Call the mold experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to assess the problem at 802-375-1500.

The Dirty Secrets of Mice Infestation in Manchester, Vermont

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized this property in Manchester, Vermont affected by rodent droppings.

Mice infestation can be a headache for property owners in Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont. 

With the cooler days of autumn come the chores of raking leaves and cleaning the gutters for the winter. Some wildlife get ready by storing up food for the colder days.  Some—mice, for example—will plan for the upcoming winter by finding a cozy place to build their nests. And that often results in a problem for property owners. Tips: What you can do until help arrives.

Because these rodents are without a skeletal system, they can easily maneuver into tiny spaces to gain entrance to a building. Once they are in, they get behind walls, in attics, basements and crawlspaces where fluffy pink insulation provides the ideal spot for nesting. If you think rabbits multiply, mice can double in population just as easily, quickly infesting a building.

Once you begin to see evidence of mice infestation—usually in the form of tiny black feces no bigger than a sesame seed or holes chewed out of food containers in the pantry—you are going to have to address the problem. While getting rid of one or two mice is a one-person job, getting rid of many requires the expertise of a professional.  While exterminators can come in and eradicate the property of the mice infestation, that is where their job ends—leaving the property owner with the cleanup. And if there were a significant number of mice inside the structure, the damage and the cleanup are going to be far more than just picking up a few droppings or throwing out food from the pantry.

How To Deter Mice From Entering Your Home

·      Install door sweeps on exterior doors and seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home or building.

·      Do not leave doors open and this includes the bulkhead.

·      Keep trash in secure buckets outside & away from the house.

·      Dispose of trash on a regular basis.

·      Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home or building.

Call us at 802-375-1500 for a free estimate.

Killing Mold With Ozone

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

To understand the flawed premise of killing mold you must first understand the different characteristics between molds that are (alive) and molds that are dead. Once you do it will be clear why killing mold is not a sensible way to deal with indoor mold growth.

Live Mold

Molds, also known as viable mold are living organisms that require food and water to stay alive. Take away one or the other and mold dies. Molds produce two things; enzymes to digest organic matter and spores to reproduce. Outdoors mold is a vital part of our ecosystem. Without it we would be deep in dead plant matter and other organic materials. But indoors mold can be a real problem when it starts digesting organic materials. As long as mold has a food source and a water source, it can live indefinitely and cause significant damage to anything it comes in contact with.

Dead Mold

When dead mold, also known as non-viable mold has lost its food or water source it dies or goes dormant. At that point, it can no longer cause any further damage to your property. As mold dies it dries out and starts to release spores into the air at a highly accelerated rate, and mold spores – dead or alive – have the same affect on people and animals.

So, if dead mold is just as harmful alive mold – what would be the point in killing it?

Mold spores are organized into three groups according to human responses;

1. Allergenic
   Most likely to affect those who are already allergic or asthmatic
    
2. Pathogenic
   Serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems
    
3. Toxigenic
   Capable of causing serious health effects in almost anybody

The purpose of mold remediation is never to kill mold, treat mold, heat it, or poison it with gas. Mold remediation means mold removal. Therefore the goal of remediation is always to remove the mold. Mold exposure - dead or alive is a health issue.

Remediation means removing mold. In the simplest of terms, if mold is properly remediated (removed) there should be nothing left to kill.

Contractors who sell high ozone treatments as a method of mold remediation, fail to explain the amount of ozone it takes to kill mold will harm you too!

FROM EPA’s WEB SITE:
Q: Are Ozone Generators Effective in Controlling Indoor Air Pollution?
A: Available scientific evidence shows that concentrations of ozone that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants.

For more information from the EPA regarding the use or effectiveness of ozone generators, please visit their web site at: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

For more specific information regarding mold questions and concerns, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to speak to a Certified Mold Professional. 802-375-1500

Hoarder Cleanouts in Vermont

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Hoarder Clean-Out in Bennington County, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has conducted many hoarder cleanouts in Vermont.

The cost of this service can very dramatically depending on the level of hoarding involved. Normally, almost 50% of the job cost is for dumpsters and dump fees. Many items being disposed of are considered hazardous materials and will require special handling. Labor rates for hoarding clean-outs cost between $55-85 per hour, per Technician depending on the severity of the job. Expect the higher rate when Technicians are required to wear PPE - personal protection equipment. 

Cleanup Services include:

• Any and all types of trash cleanup
• Furniture removal
• Animal waste removal
• Sort and find items of value
• Deep cleaning of structure and contents

Many hoarder clean-outs reveal significant rodent activity including dead rodents and extensive rodent and animal feces, all of which are considered a biohazard.

When dealing with a Vermont hoarder or just a massive clutter cleanup, think of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500 for a FREE estimate.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland are the Storm Damage Experts

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 

Storm damage in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.  

Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling.   

Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

TIPS on How To Prevent Mold Growth in Rutland Vermont

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont has released tips on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred.

14,000 people daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.

All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.

Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:

Remove the water as quickly as possible.

Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.

Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.

It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process.

Dehumidify the affected room.

Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.

Steam-clean your carpet.

Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house.

Sanitize walls and baseboards.

Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth.

Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun

Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.

Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Water damage and mold remediation solutions

SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs. Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Provides Great Solutions to Storm Damaged Properties

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes several days of heavy rains follow one after the other, greatly increasing the possibility of home flooding. Rivers and streams rise with the added precipitation, threatening nearby homes, and another flood risk indicator is the saturated soil. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is ready to help local homeowners reverse the lasting effects of flood damage.   

One storm front follows another, pushing the capacity of the ground to absorb more water. This train of storms means water flows downhill into your home’s walkout lower level, and you notice more moisture seeping in through the foundation. Do not wait for the rains to stop before calling us about the flood damage to your home.

Our crew arrives with truck-mounted pumps and extractors, powerful and ready to start removing water even if the storm knocked out local power lines. Work begins after we ensure electricity is not live in the flooded area -- safety first for you and the SERVPRO restoration crew. The water collected may be contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, so we contain and dispose of it under local regulation.   

Technicians sanitize the surface with appropriate antimicrobials as others operate the extractors on carpeting. SERVPRO workers receive advanced training on how to remove the most moisture without stretching or tearing the carpet fibers from the backing. The impure flood water is difficult to pull out of the padding and may accelerate mold growth. Usually, we remove and replace the padding as it is cost effective and because of the risk of retained impurities contributing to secondary flood damage.   

The SERVPRO team positions air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce lingering moisture quickly. Throughout the process, we measure moisture levels to ensure we hit appropriate drying targets. Because the flooded space is partially within the home’s foundation, we check the perimeter for additional seepage and hidden pockets of water in cinder blocks or behind paneling or drywall. We do not consider the restoration job finished until all evidence of excess moisture disappears and measurements are within the normal range.   

We move furnishings and stored personal belongings out of the flooded area for evaluation and to allow easier cleanup of the floors and walls. SERVPRO inventories items transferred and consults with you to help determine what to dry and restore and what to discard. Important documents and treasured pictures and heirlooms respond best to a freeze drying restoration procedure and need to be stabilized off-site swiftly.   

Rely on SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to respond fast and efficiently to your home’s flooding issues. Our staff awaits your call at (802) 375-1500 to schedule an estimate.

Mold Damage Source in Bennington & Rutland Counties

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.  

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.   

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.   

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.  

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it.    For mold on the structure, we use a variety of anti-fungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised. 

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

Are You A Commercial Property Dealing with Mold Damage? SERVPRO is Here to Assist!

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for a business like yours, for the majority of restoration companies, is an after thought. They lump services in with those provided for home recovery, when in fact there is a major difference in business preparations and the restoration process itself.

To properly treat your Manchester, Vermont property for mold damage, it may be necessary to work during non-peak hours to limit interruptions to normal business operations. When dealing with mold that affects your hotel guests, remaining operating during remediation is imperative. The company you choose needs to understand and have the knowledge to protect employees and customers from exposure.

You want access to someone like SERVPRO with all of the resources, equipment, personnel, and experience necessary to perform at a maximum level. Our technicians take every precaution to restrict access to contaminated areas, keeping you informed after each night, advancing your remediation process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our containment methods prevent exposure to additional areas, containing mold when possible to avoid additional growth. We also have access to air movers, scrubbers, infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, and water extraction equipment necessary to perform any services required to get the job done right.

SERVPRO technicians explain our remediation process entirely, giving you exceptional insight into how mold operates and how everyone that works for you can help prevent these problems from reoccurring. Our staff knows how important your business is and we make every effort to show how much we care during every interaction.

Removing mold from your hotel rooms can be easy, or it can be hard. The longer you wait to make a call for help, the more losses you experience. With the right company, your mold remediation services go off without a hitch. They can even help remove odors that develop and completely deodorize the entire space.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for full details, or to schedule your initial inspection today. Help is only a phone call away. (802) 375-1500

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage Rutland, Vermont

8/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at any time, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Follow these tips to help protect your home from water damage during the next storm in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont. 

1. Modify your homes water valves. If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a a puddle of you-know-what. You may want to consider installing a interior or exterior backflow valve. Backflow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. 
2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.
3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 
4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

Bennington, Vermont Smoke and Soot Damage Restoration

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning Manchester, Vermont

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties  offers HVAC Air Duct Cleaning using negative pressure to Manchester, Vermont.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, or for a FREE estimate call us today at(802) 375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Certified

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.

Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Their first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

• Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
• Tear gas and pepper spray residues
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

Common Trauma and Crime Scene Scenarios

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

SERVPRO realizes 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 Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Servicing Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is pleased to advise that we have expanded services to Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts area.

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Residential Services

Whether your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Post-Construction Cleaning Services

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

Does Your Rutland, Vermont Home Have a Mold Problem?

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

We respond to many requests for mold damage restoration throughout the Rutland, Vermont area. There is no reason to be embarrassed by its presence, or attempt to clean the affected area yourself without the proper tools or equipment. You have IICRC Certified technicians available around the clock to provide you with the services needed to regain control over your indoor living environment.

Whether you have a small patch of mold on your bathroom ceiling or an entire floor of your home affected by growth, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians can help. We can help you get the problem under control while also providing you with any necessary repairs that help return your home to a quality pre-damage condition.

Not sure if mold is the actual problem? SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect your home, rule mold out, and help you discover the true nature of the problem affecting your home. Our technicians are qualified to perform a variety of repairs, or restore any section of your home, regardless of its condition. If mold proves to be the issue at hand, you already have qualified mold remediation specialists on site to address the situation appropriately.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties use negative airflow machines. We then remove any saturated materials, disposing and transporting all affected materials. Our cleaning technicians use a variety of equipment and cleaning supplies to decontaminate the entire area. Making it ready for the installation of new materials and any additional repairs. 

Receive the professional, courteous services you deserve by calling SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties today. We are available 24/7, 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm!!

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm. 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Offers FREE Mold Inspections

6/9/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Types of Storm Damage in Vermont

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties customers are in an area where they could experience the following types of storm related damage: 

Hurricane Damage

There are two chances of getting hit by a hurricane in Vermont: Fat and Slim. But storms are getting stronger and more frequent (and the hurricane center is tracking them better). Hurricanes can and do cause problems and property damage in Vermont. They can wash away your driveway and flood your basement.

Tornado Damage

Local residents do not normally experience tornadoes, but it is possible to have  tornado anywhere. The tornadoes experienced locally are usually small and only last for short times. The damage they can do during that time is extensive. 

Flooding Damage

Flooding is a concern in and around  Vermont, especially after heavy rainfall or storm activity.

Hail Damage

Hail damage can occur at any time. Hail is formed by strong rising air currents that carry the rain drops high enough for them to freeze into ice balls before falling as rain. Hail can range in size from the size of a normal rain drop to softball and even larger sized hail. 

Lightning Damage

Lightning can strike a property during a storm causing the structure to catch on fire. When this happens wiring is often burnt and systems within the home may fail. It is important to call emergency services immediately to put out any fire caused by a lightning strike. 

The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties team pride themselves on providing excellent customer service during the customer's time of need and works closely with insurance companies to make the entire process as easy as possible. Call us 802-375-1500

We Are Pleased To Announce That We Do Service The Williamstown, North Adams & Clarksburg, Massachusetts Area

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

We are pleased to announce that we do service the Williamstown, North Adams and Clarksburg, Massachusetts area in Water, Fire and Mold Damage Restoration. 

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

The Many Faces of Fire Damage

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

If your property in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont suffers from fire damage, you should talk to someone on our team. We are experts at minimizing current damage and keeping damage from increasing in severity. Even after a fire has been extinguished, its effects can continue to grow. We can stop that with state-of-the-art equipment.

Damage can be found even after small fires. These can happen anywhere in the home. They remain small when someone is present and can extinguish the fire before it can spread. The kitchen and bathroom are the most common, with the laundry room and garage coming in second. Bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and hallways can also have fires take place, but these areas are the least common. Patios are also prone to having fires, especially if outdoors cooking is done, or children experimenting with a range of items, from fireworks to magnifying lenses

Fire damage can range from discolored concrete and natural rock outside to charred walls and scorched carpets inside. Drywall can suffer additional damage if water is heavily applied when there is a fire, although drywall should resist small, low-temperature fires. Paneling and wallpaper will burn, however, no matter what it is applied to as a covering. 

Kitchens can experience scorched counter tops and cabinets, which need either repairing or replacing. If the cabinet doors are warped from the heat and then the cold from putting the fire out with either water or a fire extinguisher, they are typically replaced as needed. Then the remaining ones are cleaned. If floors have been soaked with water in the effort to extinguish the fire, we at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are equipped, and experienced, in getting it dry quickly so that underlay and any support beams are not damaged.

We can also create and provide an inventory list of damaged items. We can list which items are damaged beyond repair, salvageable, or undetermined for insurance purposes.

If you've had a fire in your Bennington or Rutland County area home causing damage, don't try repairing the area yourself. You need to call us at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802)375-1500. We’ll help you get your home’s beauty back on center stage and put the fire behind you.

April Showers Can Bring Septic System Backups to Rutland, Vermont Homes

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, however, here in Bennington and Rutland County, Vermont area, heavy rains can be rough on a home's septic system.  On days like today, when rain is falling onto already wet ground, septic problems can be common.

When there is great deal of rain, the drain field in your yard can become saturated and stop the water from flowing out of your septic system as designed. Because the water has no exit point, it can eventually make its way back into your home. The waste water can travel back through the pipes and through your drains and toilets, causing an overflow.  If you have sewage backup through one of your drains, that is a clear sign that your septic system is malfunctioning.  

Other signs of a failing septic tank are: 

1. A Foul Odor: A clear sign that your septic tank needs inspection is the presence of odors in your house, outside near your septic tank or near the pipe ventilation system. We all know the smell of the methane gas escaping, similar to rotten eggs, so it's not hard to identify! 
2. Soggy Ground: Saturated areas around your septic tank may also indicate a problem. Excess moisture can be a sign that your tank is full or the drainage pipes are damaged.  
3. Slow Drainage: If you have a slow draining sink, tub or toilet, it is a warning sign that your septic system is  malfunctioning.  
4. Gurgling Sounds: If you notice that there is a gurgling sound when you flush the toilet, that is a common sign of septic system failure.  
5. Contaminated Well Water: Well water tests that show results of high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria are of concern, as they indicate that untreated sewage is seeping into the ground.  

If you notice any of these signs in your home, we recommend that you call a septic system repair contractor to inspect your system and identify the cause. It could be a blocked line from tree roots, an improperly installed leach field, a clogged filter or a full septic tank that requires pumping. Having the problem repaired before it causes damage to your home is the goal! 

In the event that there is already a backup at your home, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500.

Sewage floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that should be cleaned by restoration professionals. The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew has the training and equipment to clean up and sanitize your home and belongings. 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup in Winhall, Vermont

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (802)-375-1500

Water Damage Restoration in Manchester Center, Vermont

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Rutland & Bennington, Vermont. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Techniques
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Today - 802-375-1500

Residential Services:

Whether your Bennington or Rutland home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services 

Commercial Services:

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Bennington or Rutland property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration 

Water Damage in Manchester, Vermont

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Extracting water from carpets in Manchester, Vermont

Whether you purchase a brand new home or have something with a little more history, water entering your home can cause a great deal of stress and take a severe toll on your living environment. Humidity, condensation, and water intrusions are all things that every Manchester, Vermont homeowner has to face at some point in their lives.

Using professional water removal methods can help prevent a variety of damages in your Manchester Center, Vermont area home. Regardless of the source of the problem you face, a company that provides these services can efficiently assist with protecting essential documents, furniture, appliances, carpeting, and personal items affected by this type of event and help you restore your home to its former glory.

SERVPRO’s fully-certified IICRC water removal and restoration professionals have access to a variety of water removal and drying equipment. Portable hand-held or truck-mounted extractors of various sizes make drying and cleaning carpeting, flooring, and upholstery items more successful and give you a higher chance of significantly reducing possible damages caused by water intrusions in your home.

SERVPRO technicians can put the extractors heater, pump, and vacuum system to use, providing you with both damage mitigation and restorative functions for many contents found in your home. If you have over two inches of standing water, we can put submersible pumps to work, extracting a higher volume, faster and help dispose of any possibly contaminated water the correct way. 

SERVPRO is locally owned, open 24/7, 365, proudly providing water removal, cleaning, and restoration services you can count on to get your home water-free, fast. We can explain our services in detail, keep you informed throughout the removal process and communicate with your insurance company to make the entire situation is as stress-free as possible.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers expert water removal and restoration services throughout the Manchester, Vermont area, providing quality solutions to members of our local communities that help make your house feel like a home again. Call us anytime, day or night for qualified help you can trust. (802) 375-1500

Mold Facts for Bennington County Vermont Residents

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

It only takes 48 hours for mold spores to begin to spread. Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties!

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (802)375-1500

Have Smoke Odor? You Need An Ozone Generator!

3/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Ozone Generator of Odor Removal

Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. One question we get asked frequently is whether ozone treatments are bad for furniture and other possessions. I hope that this blog answers that question.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a machine that generates the molecule ozone (O3), a highly reactive molecule that reacts chemically with the particles it comes into contact with. Professional restoration companies and some dry cleaners use industrial ozone generators to remove the smoke odor from furniture, clothes and other belongings after a fire.

How does it work?

Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.

The more smoke damage has been done, the more ozone is needed to eliminate the smell. There need to be enough ozone molecules to react with all of the offending molecules in order for the treatment to be successful.

So, is it bad for my stuff?

Ozone is the most effective way to remove odor caused by smoke damage. Professional restoration contractors can control the temperature, humidity, and treatment time carefully for maximum positive effects. In short—no, ozone is not bad for your belongings, as long as it is being controlled by a professional. The reason this is important is because professional restorers know and understand the power of ozone. 

Many people think that they can clean their clothes after a fire by washing them multiple times. But this will not remove the smoke odor. Ozone is also cleaner than other methods because it does not leave any byproducts or residue that need to be cleaned later.

As a form of oxygen, ozone itself is not dangerous. However, if overexposure occurs it can be harmful to lungs. This is another reason to allow a professional to perform the ozone treatment. They have the right equipment in place to protect themselves during the process, and once your items are returned to you, they are safe to be in your home.

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500 for more information on using ozone for odor removal.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster". This is our commitment, to be there when you need us most.

Here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” if one of those disasters comes your way. With over 1,700 independently owned and operated Franchises, you can trust the team in green to get your property— and life—back to normal. We’re only a call away!

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need us most.

Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the resources needed to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.

If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500. 

Timing Is Vital When It Comes To Water Damage In Your Rutland, Vermont Home

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Why Fast Extraction Is Critical For Damaged Rutland, Vermont Homes

For as much as Rutland residents know about flooding and the dangers of excessive water, it remains a mystery why so many deem smaller amounts inside of their property as less severe or threatening. While many interior water loss incidents do not require extraction and the same measures necessary to overcome the effects of flooding, it is still a situation that requires a fast response to protect vital construction materials and protect your home from threatening secondary effects like mold growth. For situations that do require water extraction in your Rutland residence, it is critical to contact a professional restoration company immediately. With pooling water, exposed materials can begin to distort and erode in as little as a day, which can make them unsalvageable for even the experienced SERVPRO technicians we can dispatch to your address after the emergency. When we arrive at your home following a water loss incident, it is our utmost priority to identify the source of the damage and determine what can or must be done to prevent this same situation from occurring a second time. In some situations, this is repairing busted plumbing. In others, it might be repairing damage to your roof that allows water penetration into the attic. Whatever source has allowed for this excess of water into your home, we have to repair it. Our SERVPRO crew arrives quickly to the scene of your water loss incident because our professionals are ready 24 hours a day to help a customer in need. We have our equipment and tools loaded into our Green Fleet and ready to roll out to an emergency shortly after we get that initial call. It is that fast response that helps us to save our customers money and to make restoration projects more efficient overall. With a situation that requires extraction, you need a team of experienced professionals with the equipment to remove the water from your home fast. Our SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties   rapid response team can arrive quickly and work immediately to improve the damage your home has sustained. Give our experts a call anytime that you need us at (802) 375-1500. 

Springtime Fire Safety In Manchester, Vermont

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Always use fire safety when grilling in Manchester, Vermont!

Here in southern Vermont, spring is peaking around the corner, hopefully!

When we think of home fire prevention, we think about the things we would normally keep an eye on during the winter months like space heaters, Christmas trees, fire places and ovens during cooking those big holiday meals. But spring time presents its own fire dangers.

For example, you may want to start up your outdoor grill after a long winter trapped inside to grill up some nice steaks.  Be sure to give your grill a good inspection before starting her up. Check the propane tank, and the gas line. Make sure everything is clean. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure that it’s started with the proper charcoal lighting fluid. And this maybe a given but put the grill in an open area with nothing flammable near it.

If you want to start up your fire pit, make sure all leaves and debris are removed from the pit, as those can create embers that can float into the air. And don’t throw anything like that in the fire. Always keep children away from open flames, and always keep a bucket of water next to you before you start the fire just in case of emergencies. 

If you happen to suffer from a springtime fire, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500

Timing Is Vital When It Comes To Water Damage In Your Rutland, Vermont Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Why Fast Extraction Is Critical For Damaged Rutland, Vermont Properties.

For as much as Rutland residents know about flooding and the dangers of excessive water, it remains a mystery why so many deem smaller amounts inside of their property as less severe or threatening. While many interior water loss incidents do not require extraction and the same measures necessary to overcome the effects of flooding, it is still a situation that requires a fast response to protect vital construction materials and protect your home from threatening secondary effects like mold growth.

For situations that do require water extraction in your Rutland residence, it is critical to contact a professional restoration company immediately. With pooling water, exposed materials can begin to distort and erode in as little as a day, which can make them non-salvageable for even the experienced SERVPRO technicians we can dispatch to your address after the emergency.

When we arrive at your home following a water loss incident, it is our utmost priority to identify the source of the damage and determine what can or must be done to prevent this same situation from occurring a second time. In some situations, this is repairing busted plumbing. In others, it might be repairing damage to your roof that allows water penetration into the attic. Whatever source has allowed for this excess of water into your home, we have to repair it.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties arrive quickly to the scene of your water loss, because our professionals are ready 24 hours a day to help a customer in need. We have our equipment and tools loaded into our Green Fleet and ready to roll out to an emergency shortly after we get that initial call. It is that fast response that helps us to save our customers money and to make restoration projects more efficient overall.

With a situation that requires extraction, you need a team of experienced professionals with the equipment to remove the water from your home fast. Our SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties rapid response team can arrive quickly and work immediately to improve the damage your home has sustained. Give our experts a call anytime that you need us at (802) 375-1500

Different Causes of Commercial Water Damage

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. 
 
However, many business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (802) 375-1500 for fast help.

Taking Care of Your Belongings After a Disaster

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties understands that your home is more than a structure. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are important to you. Your belongings are important to us, which is why we provide the following to help restore and protect your belongings while we are restoring your home.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

On-Site Storage

We have in-house storage where we can keep your belongings safe from further damage, and can provide cleaning and restoration services for your belongings. Your items will be placed in clearly identified and secured containers ans boxes. You can rest assured that your items are being taken care of.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering contents inventory service which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Pre-loss list of contents to be salvaged
• Non salvageable list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with burden of proof for claims

If your home and belongings need restoration services, rest assured that SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has you covered. We can pack out, store and restore your belongings. Give us a call today at (802)375-1500

5 Common Causes of Water Damage in Bennington, Vermont

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Unlike other parts of the country, rain isn't the main cause of water damage in homes and businesses in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont. Get to know some of the common causes of water damage so that you can do what you can to prevent it from happening on your property. 

1. Broken Pipes – A broken pipe can do a lot of damage to your home in just a short amount of time. Before you know it, gallons short amount of time. Before you know of water could be spewing through your home. Pay close attention to any leaks, drips, and signs of deterioration. Have a plumber come out to your house for regular maintenance, and if there ever is a broken pipe, you can always turn the water off before the plumber arrives in order to avoid further damage.
2. Pinhole Leaks – common if a home has copper plumbing, a pinhole leak is a puncture of a copper pipe due to corrosion. If your home has a copper water system, check your pipes for signs of corrosion often.
3. Old/Faulty Appliances – If your fridge or washing machines aren’t maintained well, or have gotten too old, they could start to leak and create a significant amount of water damage in your home. It’s especially important to keep an eye on the appliances in your kitchen, as water damage caused by your fridge or dish washer can affect not just your floor, but your cabinets as well. Often times, leaks that go undetected for some time will cause significant water damage behind cabinets, which in turn can lead to mold if the problem goes unnoticed for an extended period.
4. Roof Leaks – a lot of homeowners tend to suffer water damage due to roof leaks. Check your roofs frequently and take care of any maintenance or repairs while the weather is still dry. That way you won’t have to worry about your home flooding next time a storm hits.
5. Accidents – Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side and one tiny mistake can lead to a big problem. A clogged toilet or too much soap in the dishwasher or washing machine can have water coming across your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. These parts of the home are generally better equipped than the rest of the house to handle a larger spill, but water moves fast and could potentially cause damage to the walls, ceiling, or other rooms in the home. If an accident ever does occur that you think calls for a professional, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

How to Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at any time, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Follow these tips to help protect your home from water damage during the next storm in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont. 

1. Modify your homes water valves. If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a a puddle of you-know-what. You may want to consider installing a interior or exterior back flow valve. Back flow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. 
2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.
3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 
4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Commercial Services

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Deep Cleaning/Janitorial

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

Is Your Business Disaster Ready?

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is a full service commercial restoration company. We specialize in commercial drying, cleaning and decontamination needs. Our upfront approach uses a collaborative method to reduce operational risks, minimize downtime and save you money.

Consider this: 50% of businesses that suffer a major disaster will never reopen. And of those that reopened, most of them had a plan.

Do your employees know your chain-of-command?

Do your night teams know where your water shut-offs are?

Would your employees be able to direct first responders to your fire riser room?

Put simply: Is your team prepared to deal with situations like fire, water & mold damage? What about situations bigger than your Operations capacity?

Preparation is key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it's a small leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.  Now is the time to ask yourself, "Are you Ready for whatever happens?"

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers a complimentary assessment of your facility that can minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. This assessment provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. 

Make sure you have the help you need in an emergency, give us a call today.  802-375-1500

Fast Response to your Rutland, Vermont Water Damage

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

24 Hour Water Damage Emergency Rutland, Vermont

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-375-1500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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)?

About SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

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

Fire Restoration in Rutland, Vermont

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage to your home or business can be a huge and unexpected bump in the road. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our disaster restoration experts will be there to help you clean up and restore your home or business to its pre loss condition.  Our certified team offers customers professional restoration expertise while providing the highest level of integrity, quality and service, including but not limited to the following:

• Work directly with your insurance company and assist you in the claims process
• Deal directly with professional dry cleaners to get your clothing back to you quickly
• Smoke and odor removal, sanitation and air purification
• Structural cleaning with environmentally friendly methods
• Cleaning and storage of personal belongings
• Complete Demolition
• Thermal Fogging and Ozoning on site or in our cleaning facility

Fire spreads a variety of chemicals and soot, depending on the source of the fire.  This creates challenges in cleaning and decontamination, which can be hindered if not done properly.  In addition, smoke can be caustic in nature resulting in the necessity for prompt removal to minimize damage to fabrics, ferrous metals, electronic devices, chrome and painted surfaces.  Our Disaster Restoration Experts are ready to respond 24 hours a day to start the cleaning and restoration process to help minimize the damage.

Our project managers will support you throughout the entire restoration process, informing you every step of the way.  Property damage by fire, smoke and especially water must be treated promptly and efficiently to ensure the best results and prevent further damage.  We are available 24 hours a day,365 days a year including holidays for any emergency. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our IICRC certified team will make sure your loss situation is handled correctly and professionally to minimize discomfort, inconvenience and unnecessary additional costs. We specialize in insurance claims and we'll even bill the insurance company directly so you have one less thing to worry about.

We know a home or business disaster such as a fire is a traumatic event.  No one expects a fire to happen to them, and therefore they frequently are unprepared for what they must do to help return their lives back to normal.  Our goal is to help you regain control to make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us at 802-375-1500

Smoke and Soot Damage Facts in Manchester, Vermont

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties inspect and accurately assess the extent of damage and develop an immediate scope of work and plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smokes migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure. Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Here is some additional information:

• Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
  Low heat. Smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
  Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
• Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services:

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?--Call Us Today - 802-375-1500

Why Professionals Should Handle Sewage Cleanup in Southern Vermont

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Safety

Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with dangerous materials such as sewage. To avoid potential safety problems, you should never deal with sewage yourself but call professionals like SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to perform the cleanup. 

Professionals have the training and experience to follow the appropriate safety protocols to ensure a safe and proper cleanup. This involves the wearing of protective gear that is specifically designed to protect from diseases such as those potentially spread by raw sewage.

Quick Cleanup

When dealing with sewage, it’s important to have it cleaned up as soon as possible because the longer that you allow sewage to remain, the worse it will get. Relatively clean water can turn into a hazard in little time. Seemingly harmless water damage can turn into a serious problem in as soon as 12 to 24 hours. Most people don’t have the time or capability to clean up water damage in that short period of time. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew can arrive in a few hours to begin the cleanup.

Due to its ability to get significantly worse in a short period of time, water damage should be cleaned up quickly. That’s even more so if raw sewage is involved through flooding or a broken pipe. For the safety of you and your family, it’s important to leave the cleanup of sewage to professionals that are specifically trained for such occasions. If you have a release of sewage in your home, call on the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Mold Damage Remediation in Bennington & Rutland Counties Vermont

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage is a genuine environmental problem that introduces the chance of significant property damage to homes. Anytime there is evidence of water damage or leaky pipes, there is always a chance of mold growth.

It is paramount for homeowners to respond quickly to the first signs of mold. Our specialized team of experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties come to your location and perform an initial mold inspection to assess the damage. A mold problem tends to reflect a moisture problem in the home. The source of the moisture problem must be addressed to develop a long-term solution to the mold. 

Once the mold is identified, we will contain the area and section it off from the rest of the property to prevent the mold spores from becoming airborne. An air filtration system is brought to the site to filter out the air and to remove existing mold spores from the air while our team works. The indoor air quality is a measure of the air in and around the building. The goal at SERVPRO is to eliminate your mold damage problems and return the indoor air quality to a safe level so you can return home. Our team removes the mold and any mold infested building materials. Once the mold is removed, we clean the area and contents that are not damaged by the mold. We apply anti-microbial sanitizing agents to prevent a regrowth of the mold problem. 

Any time mold is observed on building materials, on walls, under cabinets or areas with pipes, it is time to call in the experts for a professional opinion. Never try to remove the mold yourself.

Our team of highly trained specialists will provide you with a timeline of the removal process and what to expect with each step along the way. When you suspect or see mold, don't tackle it yourself. Call the mold experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to assess the problem at 802-375-1500.

In the Aftermath of a Fire - "Do's" and "Don'ts" in Vermont

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

In the Aftermath

After a fire occurs, you should quickly react and take steps to restoring your Rutland County, Vermont Home.  The reason being, fire damage commonly results in broken windows and exposed walls to the outside elements and can cause further damage if not addressed.  Home Owners usually try to save themselves some money here, but if not educated on this specialty situation they can actually cause permanent damage.  We recommend your first step is to call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500.

Steps We Take

There are multiple steps we take to restoring your home.  We start with removing the source of the odor, follow up with cleaning what is left, and last deodorizing.  During the first stage we remove anything that can give off that smell of fire which can include the structure and contents.  After we have removed all of this we move to a cleaning process.  In our cleaning process we remove the soot with a special rubber sponge.  Any other item will rub the soot in and permanently stain the contents.  The last major step we take in the remediation process is deodorizing.  We use a special "Fog" machine that kills the particles that leave that nasty fire smell behind.  

Our Experience

We have posted our past jobs on our website and Facebook pages.  You can check out our work on our "Before and After" and our feedback on our "Testimonials" links.  Also be sure to check out our Facebook page for further information.

The Dirty Secrets of a Mice Infestation in Manchester, Vermont

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized this property in Manchester, Vermont affected by rodent droppings.

Mice infestation can be a headache for property owners in Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont. 

With the cooler days of autumn come the chores of raking leaves and cleaning the gutters for the winter. Some wildlife get ready by storing up food for the colder days.  Some—mice, for example—will plan for the upcoming winter by finding a cozy place to build their nests. And that often results in a problem for property owners. Tips: What you can do until help arrives.

Because these rodents are without a skeletal system, they can easily maneuver into tiny spaces to gain entrance to a building. Once they are in, they get behind walls, in attics, basements and crawlspaces where fluffy pink insulation provides the ideal spot for nesting. If you think rabbits multiply, mice can double in population just as easily, quickly infesting a building.

Once you begin to see evidence of mice infestation—usually in the form of tiny black feces no bigger than a sesame seed or holes chewed out of food containers in the pantry—you are going to have to address the problem. While getting rid of one or two mice is a one-person job, getting rid of many requires the expertise of a professional.  While exterminators can come in and eradicate the property of the mice infestation, that is where their job ends—leaving the property owner with the cleanup. And if there were a significant number of mice inside the structure, the damage and the cleanup are going to be far more than just picking up a few droppings or throwing out food from the pantry.

How To Deter Mice From Entering Your Home

·      Install door sweeps on exterior doors and seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home or building.

·      Do not leave doors open and this includes the bulkhead.

·      Keep trash in secure buckets outside & away from the house.

·      Dispose of trash on a regular basis.

·      Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home or building.

Call us at 802-375-1500 for a free estimate.

Hoarder Cleanout in Vermont

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarder Clean-Out in Bennington County, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has conducted many hoarder cleanouts in Vermont.

The cost of this service can very dramatically depending on the level of hoarding involved. Normally, almost 50% of the job cost is for dumpsters and dump fees. Many items being disposed of are considered hazardous materials and will require special handling. Labor rates for hoarding clean-outs cost between $55-85 per hour, per Technician depending on the severity of the job. Expect the higher rate when Technicians are required to wear PPE - personal protection equipment. 

Cleanup Services include:

• Any and all types of trash cleanup
• Furniture removal
• Animal waste removal
• Sort and find items of value
• Deep cleaning of structure and contents

Many hoarder clean-outs reveal significant rodent activity including dead rodents and extensive rodent and animal feces, all of which are considered a biohazard.

When dealing with a Vermont hoarder or just a massive clutter cleanup, think of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500 for a FREE estimate.

SERVPRO Professionals are the Storm Damage Experts

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 

Storm damage in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.  

Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling.   

Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

TIPS on How To Prevent Mold Growth in Manchester Vermont

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont has released tips on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred.

14,000 people daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.

All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.

Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:

Remove the water as quickly as possible.

Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.

Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.

It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process.

Dehumidify the affected room.

Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.

Steam-clean your carpet.

Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house.

Sanitize walls and baseboards.

Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth.

Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun

Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.

Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Water damage and mold remediation solutions

SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs. Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Are You A Commercial Property Owner Dealing with Mold Damage? SERVPRO is Here to Assist!

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for a business like yours, for the majority of restoration companies, is an after thought. They lump services in with those provided for home recovery, when in fact there is a major difference in business preparations and the restoration process itself.

To properly treat your Manchester, Vermont property for mold damage, it may be necessary to work during non-peak hours to limit interruptions to normal business operations. When dealing with mold that affects your hotel guests, remaining operating during remediation is imperative. The company you choose needs to understand and have the knowledge to protect employees and customers from exposure.

You want access to someone like SERVPRO with all of the resources, equipment, personnel, and experience necessary to perform at a maximum level. Our technicians take every precaution to restrict access to contaminated areas, keeping you informed after each night, advancing your remediation process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our containment methods prevent exposure to additional areas, containing mold when possible to avoid additional growth. We also have access to air movers, scrubbers, infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, and water extraction equipment necessary to perform any services required to get the job done right.

SERVPRO technicians explain our remediation process entirely, giving you exceptional insight into how mold operates and how everyone that works for you can help prevent these problems from reoccurring. Our staff knows how important your business is and we make every effort to show how much we care during every interaction.

Removing mold from your hotel rooms can be easy, or it can be hard. The longer you wait to make a call for help, the more losses you experience. With the right company, your mold remediation services go off without a hitch. They can even help remove odors that develop and completely deodorize the entire space.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for full details, or to schedule your initial inspection today. Help is only a phone call away. (802) 375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Provides Great Solutions to Affected Storm Damaged Properties

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Sometimes several days of heavy rains follow one after the other, greatly increasing the possibility of home flooding. Rivers and streams rise with the added precipitation, threatening nearby homes, and another flood risk indicator is the saturated soil. SERVPRO SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is ready to help local homeowners reverse the lasting effects of flood damage.   

One storm front follows another, pushing the capacity of the ground to absorb more water. This train of storms means water flows downhill into your home’s walkout lower level, and you notice more moisture seeping in through the foundation. Do not wait for the rains to stop before calling us about the flood damage to your home.

Our crew arrives with truck-mounted pumps and extractors, powerful and ready to start removing water even if the storm knocked out local power lines. Work begins after we ensure electricity is not live in the flooded area -- safety first for you and the SERVPRO restoration crew. The water collected may be contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, so we contain and dispose of it under local regulation.   

Technicians sanitize the surface with appropriate antimicrobials as others operate the extractors on carpeting. SERVPRO workers receive advanced training on how to remove the most moisture without stretching or tearing the carpet fibers from the backing. The impure flood water is difficult to pull out of the padding and may accelerate mold growth. Usually, we remove and replace the padding as it is cost effective and because of the risk of retained impurities contributing to secondary flood damage.   

The SERVPRO team positions air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce lingering moisture quickly. Throughout the process, we measure moisture levels to ensure we hit appropriate drying targets. Because the flooded space is partially within the home’s foundation, we check the perimeter for additional seepage and hidden pockets of water in cinder blocks or behind paneling or drywall. We do not consider the restoration job finished until all evidence of excess moisture disappears and measurements are within the normal range.   

We move furnishings and stored personal belongings out of the flooded area for evaluation and to allow easier cleanup of the floors and walls. SERVPRO inventories items transferred and consults with you to help determine what to dry and restore and what to discard. Important documents and treasured pictures and heirlooms respond best to a freeze drying restoration procedure and need to be stabilized off-site swiftly.   

Rely on SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to respond fast and efficiently to your home’s flooding issues. Our staff awaits your call at (802) 375-1500 to schedule an estimate.

Mold Damage Source in Bennington & Rutland Counties

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Moisture Removal Begins Mild Damage Remediation in Bennington & Rutland Counties 

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your home Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.  

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.   

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.   

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.  

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it.    For mold on the structure, we use a variety of antifungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised. 

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage in Manchester, Vermont

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 
Storm damage in Manchester and Bennington, Vermont areas can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

Air Duct Cleaning Manchester, Vermont

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After Air Ducts Cleaned in Manchester, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties  offers HVAC Air Duct Cleaning using negative pressure to Manchester, Vermont.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, or for a FREE estimate call us today at(802) 375-1500.

Bennington, Vermont Smoke and Soot Damage Restoration

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

Does Your Rutland, Vermont Home Have a Mold Problem?

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

We respond to many requests for mold damage restoration throughout the Rutland, Vermont area. There is no reason to be embarrassed by its presence, or attempt to clean the affected area yourself without the proper tools or equipment. You have IICRC Certified technicians available around the clock to provide you with the services needed to regain control over your indoor living environment.

Whether you have a small patch of mold on your bathroom ceiling or an entire floor of your home affected by growth, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties technicians can help. We can help you get the problem under control while also providing you with any necessary repairs that help return your home to a quality pre-damage condition.

Not sure if mold is the actual problem? SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect your home, rule mold out, and help you discover the true nature of the problem affecting your home. Our technicians are qualified to perform a variety of repairs, or restore any section of your home, regardless of its condition. If mold proves to be the issue at hand, you already have qualified mold remediation specialists on site to address the situation appropriately.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties use negative airflow machines. We then remove any saturated materials, disposing and transporting all affected materials. Our cleaning technicians use a variety of equipment and cleaning supplies to decontaminate the entire area. Making it ready for the installation of new materials and any additional repairs. 

Receive the professional, courteous services you deserve by calling SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties today. We are available 24/7, 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties servicing Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is pleased to advise that we have expanded services to Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts area.

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Residential Services

Whether your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Post-Construction Cleaning Services
  

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Offers FREE Mold Inspections

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Types of Storm Damage in Vermont

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties customers are in an area where they could experience the following types of storm related damage: 

Hurricane Damage

There are two chances of getting hit by a hurricane in Vermont: Fat and Slim. But storms are getting stronger and more frequent (and the hurricane center is tracking them better). Hurricanes can and do cause problems and property damage in Vermont. They can wash away your driveway and flood your basement.

Tornado Damage

Local residents do not normally experience tornadoes, but it is possible to have  tornado anywhere. The tornadoes experienced locally are usually small and only last for short times. The damage they can do during that time is extensive. 

Flooding Damage

Flooding is a concern in and around  Vermont, especially after heavy rainfall or storm activity.

Hail Damage

Hail damage can occur at any time. Hail is formed by strong rising air currents that carry the rain drops high enough for them to freeze into ice balls before falling as rain. Hail can range in size from the size of a normal rain drop to softball and even larger sized hail. 

Lightning Damage

Lightning can strike a property during a storm causing the structure to catch on fire. When this happens wiring is often burnt and systems within the home may fail. It is important to call emergency services immediately to put out any fire caused by a lightning strike. 

The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties team pride themselves on providing excellent customer service during the customer's time of need and works closely with insurance companies to make the entire process as easy as possible. Call us 802-375-1500

The Many Faces Of Fire Damage

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

If your property in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont suffers from fire damage, you should talk to someone on our team. We are experts at minimizing current damage and keeping damage from increasing in severity. Even after a fire has been extinguished, its effects can continue to grow. We can stop that with state-of-the-art equipment.

Damage can be found even after small fires. These can happen anywhere in the home. They remain small when someone is present and can extinguish the fire before it can spread. The kitchen and bathroom are the most common, with the laundry room and garage coming in second. Bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and hallways can also have fires take place, but these areas are the least common. Patios are also prone to having fires, especially if outdoors cooking is done, or children experimenting with a range of items, from fireworks to magnifying lenses

Fire damage can range from discolored concrete and natural rock outside to charred walls and scorched carpets inside. Drywall can suffer additional damage if water is heavily applied when there is a fire, although drywall should resist small, low-temperature fires. Paneling and wallpaper will burn, however, no matter what it is applied to as a covering. 

Kitchens can experience scorched counter tops and cabinets, which need either repairing or replacing. If the cabinet doors are warped from the heat and then the cold from putting the fire out with either water or a fire extinguisher, they are typically replaced as needed. Then the remaining ones are cleaned. If floors have been soaked with water in the effort to extinguish the fire, we at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are equipped, and experienced, in getting it dry quickly so that underlay and any support beams are not damaged.

We can also create and provide an inventory list of damaged items. We can list which items are damaged beyond repair, salvageable, or undetermined for insurance purposes.

If you've had a fire in your Bennington or Rutland County area home causing damage, don't try repairing the area yourself. You need to call us at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802)375-1500. We’ll help you get your home’s beauty back on center stage and put the fire behind you.

April Showers Can Bring Septic System Backups to Bennington, Vermont Homes

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Whether from a full septic tank, a clogged filter or a blocked line, sewage floods from septic tank backups require professional restoration.

April showers bring May flowers, however, here in the Bennington and Rutland County, Vermont area, heavy rains can be rough on a home's septic system.  On days like today, when rain is falling onto already wet ground, septic problems can be common.

When there is great deal of rain, the drain field in your yard can become saturated and stop the water from flowing out of your septic system as designed. Because the water has no exit point, it can eventually make its way back into your home. The waste water can travel back through the pipes and through your drains and toilets, causing an overflow.  If you have sewage backup through one of your drains, that is a clear sign that your septic system is malfunctioning.  

Other signs of a failing septic tank are: 

1. A Foul Odor: A clear sign that your septic tank needs inspection is the presence of odors in your house, outside near your septic tank or near the pipe ventilation system. We all know the smell of the methane gas escaping, similar to rotten eggs, so it's not hard to identify! 
2. Soggy Ground: Saturated areas around your septic tank may also indicate a problem. Excess moisture can be a sign that your tank is full or the drainage pipes are damaged.  
3. Slow Drainage: If you have a slow draining sink, tub or toilet, it is a warning sign that your septic system is  malfunctioning.  
4. Gurgling Sounds: If you notice that there is a gurgling sound when you flush the toilet, that is a common sign of septic system failure.  
5. Contaminated Well Water: Well water tests that show results of high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria are of concern, as they indicate that untreated sewage is seeping into the ground.  

If you notice any of these signs in your home, we recommend that you call a septic system repair contractor to inspect your system and identify the cause. It could be a blocked line from tree roots, an improperly installed leach field, a clogged filter or a full septic tank that requires pumping. Having the problem repaired before it causes damage to your home is the goal! 

In the event that there is already a backup at your home, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500.

Sewage floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that should be cleaned by restoration professionals. The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew has the training and equipment to clean up and sanitize your home and belongings. 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup Rutland Vermont

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

This smoke damage affected the ceilings, walls, drapes, furniture in this Rutland, Vermont home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (802)-375-1500

Water Damage Restoration Manchester Center, Vermont

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties is here for your water damage restoration needs.

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Rutland & Bennington, Vermont. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Techniques
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Today - 802-375-1500

Residential Services:

Whether your Bennington or Rutland home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services 

Commercial Services:

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Bennington or Rutland property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration 

Water Damage in Manchester, Vermont

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Mitigation in Manchester, Vermont home

Whether you purchase a brand new home or have something with a little more history, water entering your home can cause a great deal of stress and take a severe toll on your living environment. Humidity, condensation, and water intrusions are all things that every Manchester, Vermont homeowner has to face at some point in their lives.

Using professional water removal methods can help prevent a variety of damages in your Manchester Center, Vermont area home. Regardless of the source of the problem you face, a company that provides these services can efficiently assist with protecting essential documents, furniture, appliances, carpeting, and personal items affected by this type of event and help you restore your home to its former glory.

SERVPRO’s fully-certified IICRC water removal and restoration professionals have access to a variety of water removal and drying equipment. Portable hand-held or truck-mounted extractors of various sizes make drying and cleaning carpeting, flooring, and upholstery items more successful and give you a higher chance of significantly reducing possible damages caused by water intrusions in your home.

SERVPRO technicians can put the extractors heater, pump, and vacuum system to use, providing you with both damage mitigation and restorative functions for many contents found in your home. If you have over two inches of standing water, we can put submersible pumps to work, extracting a higher volume, faster and help dispose of any possibly contaminated water the correct way. 

SERVPRO is locally owned, open 24/7, 365, proudly providing water removal, cleaning, and restoration services you can count on to get your home water-free, fast. We can explain our services in detail, keep you informed throughout the removal process and communicate with your insurance company to make the entire situation is as stress-free as possible.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties offers expert water removal and restoration services throughout the Manchester, Vermont area, providing quality solutions to members of our local communities that help make your house feel like a home again. Call us anytime, day or night for qualified help you can trust. (802) 375-1500

Mold Facts for Bennington County Vermont Residents

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

It only takes 48 hours for mold spores to begin to spread.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (802)375-1500

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning Servicing Manchester, Vermont

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

"Before" and "After" Duct Cleaning in Manchester, Vermont

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties  offers HVAC air duct cleaning using negative pressure to Manchester, Vermont and surrounding Northsire towns.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (802) 375-1500.

The Different Causes of Commercial Water Damage

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO OF Bennington & Rutland Counties

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. 
 
However, many business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (802) 375-1500 for fast help.

5 Common Causes of Water Damage in Bennington County

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Unlike other parts of the country, rain isn't the main cause of water damage in homes and businesses in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont. Get to know some of the common causes of water damage so that you can do what you can to prevent it from happening on your property. 

1. Broken Pipes – A broken pipe can do a lot of damage to your home in just a short amount of time. Before you know it, gallons short amount of time. Before you know of water could be spewing through your home. Pay close attention to any leaks, drips, and signs of deterioration. Have a plumber come out to your house for regular maintenance, and if there ever is a broken pipe, you can always turn the water off before the plumber arrives in order to avoid further damage.
2. Pinhole Leaks – common if a home has copper plumbing, a pinhole leak is a puncture of a copper pipe due to corrosion. If your home has a copper water system, check your pipes for signs of corrosion often.
3. Old/Faulty Appliances – If your fridge or washing machines aren’t maintained well, or have gotten too old, they could start to leak and create a significant amount of water damage in your home. It’s especially important to keep an eye on the appliances in your kitchen, as water damage caused by your fridge or dish washer can affect not just your floor, but your cabinets as well. Often times, leaks that go undetected for some time will cause significant water damage behind cabinets, which in turn can lead to mold if the problem goes unnoticed for an extended period.
4. Roof Leaks – a lot of homeowners tend to suffer water damage due to roof leaks. Check your roofs frequently and take care of any maintenance or repairs while the weather is still dry. That way you won’t have to worry about your home flooding next time a storm hits.
5. Accidents – Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side and one tiny mistake can lead to a big problem. A clogged toilet or too much soap in the dishwasher or washing machine can have water coming across your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. These parts of the home are generally better equipped than the rest of the house to handle a larger spill, but water moves fast and could potentially cause damage to the walls, ceiling, or other rooms in the home. If an accident ever does occur that you think calls for a professional, call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at any time, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Follow these tips to help protect your home from water damage during the next storm in Bennington or Rutland County, Vermont. 

1. Modify your homes water valves. If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a a puddle of you-know-what. You may want to consider installing a interior or exterior backflow valve. Backflow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. 
2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.
3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 
4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties a call at 802-375-1500! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Services Commercial Properties

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Deep Cleaning/Janitorial

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

WHY MORE INSURANCE AGENTS CHOOSE SERVPRO  

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

Is Your Business Disaster Ready?

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is a full service commercial restoration company. We specialize in commercial drying, cleaning and decontamination needs. Our upfront approach uses a collaborative method to reduce operational risks, minimize downtime and save you money.

Consider this: 50% of businesses that suffer a major disaster will never reopen. And of those that reopened, most of them had a plan.

Do your employees know your chain-of-command?

Do your night teams know where your water shut-offs are?

Would your employees be able to direct first responders to your fire riser room?

Put simply: Is your team prepared to deal with situations like fire, water & mold damage? What about situations bigger than your Operations capacity?

Make sure you have the help you need in an emergency, give us a call today.  802-375-1500

Faster to your Rutland, Vermont Water Damage Event

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Rutland, Vermont

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

Killington, Vermont 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-375-1500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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)?

About SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

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

Fire Restoration - Fire & Smoke Damage in Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage to your home or business can be a huge and unexpected bump in the road. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our disaster restoration experts will be there to help you clean up and restore your home or business to its preloss condition.  Our certified team offers customers professional restoration expertise while providing the highest level of integrity, quality and service, including but not limited to the following:

• Work directly with your insurance company and assist you in the claims process
• Deal directly with professional dry cleaners to get your clothing back to you quickly
• Smoke and odor removal, sanitation and air purification
• Structural cleaning with environmentally friendly methods
• Cleaning and storage of personal belongings
• Complete Demolition
• Thermal Fogging and Ozoning on site or in our cleaning facility

Fire spreads a variety of chemicals and soot, depending on the source of the fire.  This creates challenges in cleaning and decontamination, which can be hindered if not done properly.  In addition, smoke can be caustic in nature resulting in the necessity for prompt removal to minimize damage to fabrics, ferrous metals, electronic devices, chrome and painted surfaces.  Our Disaster Restoration Experts are ready to respond 24 hours a day to start the cleaning and restoration process to help minimize the damage.

Our project managers will support you throughout the entire restoration process, informing you every step of the way.  Property damage by fire, smoke and especially water must be treated promptly and efficiently to ensure the best results and prevent further damage.  We are available 24 hours a day,365 days a year including holidays for any emergency. At SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, our IICRC certified team will make sure your loss situation is handled correctly and professionally to minimize discomfort, inconvenience and unnecessary additional costs. We specialize in insurance claims and we'll even bill the insurance company directly so you have one less thing to worry about.

We know a home or business disaster such as a fire is a traumatic event.  No one expects a fire to happen to them, and therefore they frequently are unprepared for what they must do to help return their lives back to normal.  Our goal is to help you regain control to make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us at 802-375-1500

Why Professionals Should Handle Sewage Cleanup in Southern Vermont

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

If you suffer from flooding or a broken pipe in your home, the result could be the release of sewage. While any type of water damage in dangerous to your home and your health. With the existence of unsanitary water in your home comes the possibility of the contracting bacteria and viruses that could result in serious illness. If this is a problem in your home, professionals of SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties should be called to handle the situation as they have the special training and equipment necessary to clean that type of contamination.

Safety

Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with dangerous materials such as sewage. To avoid potential safety problems, you should never deal with sewage yourself but call professionals like SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to perform the cleanup. 

Professionals have the training and experience to follow the appropriate safety protocols to ensure a safe and proper cleanup. This involves the wearing of protective gear that is specifically designed to protect from diseases such as those potentially spread by raw sewage.

Quick Cleanup

When dealing with sewage, it’s important to have it cleaned up as soon as possible because the longer that you allow sewage to remain, the worse it will get. Relatively clean water can turn into a hazard in little time. Seemingly harmless water damage can turn into a serious problem in as soon as 12 to 24 hours. Most people don’t have the time or capability to clean up water damage in that short period of time. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties crew can arrive in a few hours to begin the cleanup.

Due to its ability to get significantly worse in a short period of time, water damage should be cleaned up quickly. That’s even more so if raw sewage is involved through flooding or a broken pipe. For the safety of you and your family, it’s important to leave the cleanup of sewage to professionals that are specifically trained for such occasions. If you have a release of sewage in your home, call on the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Residential Water Damage in Rutland, Vermont

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Why You Should Call in SERVPRO for Water Damage Service

There is nothing worse than coming home to find residential water damage at your Rutland, Vermont property. Whether your water damage is from a storm or an overflowing toilet, the on-going damage is real and must be dealt with correctly and swiftly.

If you find standing water all over the floor, the natural instinct is to pull out the bath or beach towels to dry up as much water as possible. While this is better than doing nothing if it is not contaminated water, you may quickly run out of towels and still have a lot of water all over the floor. You may need to call the experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to get industrial strength help. Shop vacuums are resourceful to help remove standing water, but they will fill up quickly. And they are not efficient at removing moisture from carpeting and padding. Regardless of the efforts made, the water travels quickly, and may have already found its way into ventilation systems or ducts. Secondary water damage in Bennington or Rutland Counties might be the result even if you've made a good faith effort to dry everything quickly. Sometimes the signs of water damage may take a few days to show up on the surface, such as warped floorboards, peeling paint, bulging walls, or lifting tiles. 
 
As frustrating as this may be, there is help available to clean up the water damage and make an assessment. Drying the affected areas is a critical step in preventing the formation of mold. Water extraction and moisture removal are essential to restoring your home to its preloss condition. Despite your best efforts, the after effects of dealing with water damage are overwhelming.

Not only are there indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns and property damage to worry about, homeowners have to realize the amount of lost time from their day spent on clean up. Although every effort to address the water damage is useful, it is best to turn to a qualified team of experts to complement your efforts, finish the clean up when necessary, and perform inspections for signs of hidden damage. Often, experienced and IICRC certified technicians are needed to complete a water problem and any ancillary negative results that may follow.

Call the pros at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to discuss your unique situation at (802) 375-1500. Our goal is to avoid property damage as much as reasonably possible and determine if you need additional services.

In the Aftermath of a Fire - "Do's" and "Don'ts" in Vermont

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

In the Aftermath

After a fire occurs, you should quickly react and take steps to restoring your Rutland County, Vermont Home.  The reason being, fire damage commonly results in broken windows and exposed walls to the outside elements and can cause further damage if not addressed.  Home Owners usually try to save themselves some money here, but if not educated on this specialty situation they can actually cause permanent damage.  We recommend your first step is to call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at (802) 375-1500.

Steps We Take

There are multiple steps we take to restoring your home.  We start with removing the source of the odor, follow up with cleaning what is left, and last deodorizing.  During the first stage we remove anything that can give off that smell of fire which can include the structure and contents.  After we have removed all of this we move to a cleaning process.  In our cleaning process we remove the soot with a special rubber sponge.  Any other item will rub the soot in and permanently stain the contents.  The last major step we take in the remediation process is deodorizing.  We use a special "Fog" machine that kills the particles that leave that nasty fire smell behind.  Febreeze does not last!

Our Experience

We have posted our past jobs on our website and Facebook pages.  You can check out our work on our "Before and After" and our feedback on our "Testimonials" links.  Also be sure to check out our Facebook page for further information.

Air Duct Cleaning servicing Manchester, Vermont

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Before and After Air Ducts Cleaned in Manchester, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties cleaning air ducts in Manchester and Dorset, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties  offers HVAC air duct cleaning using negative pressure to the Manchester, VT area.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, or for a FREE estimate call us today at(802) 375-1500.

The Dirty Secrets of a Mice Infestation in Manchester, Vermont

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized this property affected by rodent droppings.

Mice infestation can be a headache for property owners in Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont. With the cooler days of autumn come the chores of raking leaves and cleaning the gutters for the winter. Some wildlife get ready by storing up food for the colder days.  Some—mice, for example—will plan for the upcoming winter by finding a cozy place to build their nests. And that often results in a problem for property owners. Tips: What you can do until help arrives.

Because these rodents are without a skeletal system, they can easily maneuver into tiny spaces to gain entrance to a building. Once they are in, they get behind walls, in attics, basements and crawlspaces where fluffy pink insulation provides the ideal spot for nesting. If you think rabbits multiply, mice can double in population just as easily, quickly infesting a building.

Once you begin to see evidence of mice infestation—usually in the form of tiny black feces no bigger than a sesame seed or holes chewed out of food containers in the pantry—you are going to have to address the problem. While getting rid of one or two mice is a one-person job, getting rid of many requires the expertise of a professional.  While exterminators can come in and eradicate the property of the mice infestation, that is where their job ends—leaving the property owner with the cleanup. And if there were a significant number of mice inside the structure, the damage and the cleanup are going to be far more than just picking up a few droppings or throwing out food from the pantry.

How To Deter Mice From Entering Your Home

·      Install door sweeps on exterior doors and seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home or building.

·      Do not leave doors open and this includes the bulkhead.

·      Keep trash in secure buckets outside & away from the house.

·      Dispose of trash on a regular basis.

·      Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home or building.

Call us at 802-375-1500 for a free estimate.

SERVPRO Professionals are the Storm Damage Experts

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 
Storm damage in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

TIPS on How To Prevent Mold Growth in Vermont

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation

Mold Damage Source in Bennington & Rutland Counties

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Moisture Removal Begins Mild Damage Remediation in Bennington & Rutland Counties 

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.
 
Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae. 
 
These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well. 
 
Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else. 
 
With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it. 
 
For mold on the structure, we use a variety of antifungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised. 

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home. If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Provides Great Solutions to Affected Storm Damaged Properties

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

Sometimes several days of heavy rains follow one after the other, greatly increasing the possibility of home flooding. Rivers and streams rise with the added precipitation, threatening nearby homes, and another flood risk indicator is the saturated soil. SERVPRO SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is ready to help local homeowners reverse the lasting effects of flood damage.
 
One storm front follows another, pushing the capacity of the ground to absorb more water. This train of storms means water flows downhill into your home’s walkout lower level, and you notice more moisture seeping in through the foundation. Do not wait for the rains to stop before calling us about the flood damage to your home.
 
Our crew arrives with truck-mounted pumps and extractors, powerful and ready to start removing water even if the storm knocked out local power lines. Work begins after we ensure electricity is not live in the flooded area -- safety first for you and the SERVPRO restoration crew. The water collected may be contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, so we contain and dispose of it under local regulation.
 
Technicians sanitize surface with appropriate antimicrobials as others operate the extractors on carpeting. SERVPRO workers receive advanced training on how to remove the most moisture without stretching or tearing the carpet fibers from the backing. The impure flood water is difficult to pull out of the padding and may accelerate mold growth. Usually, we remove and replace the padding as it is cost effective and because of the risk of retained impurities contributing to secondary flood damage.
 
The SERVPRO team positions air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce lingering moisture quickly. Throughout the process, we measure moisture levels to ensure we hit appropriate drying targets. Because the flooded space is partially within the home’s foundation, we check the perimeter for additional seepage and hidden pockets of water in cinder blocks or behind paneling or drywall. We do not consider the restoration job finished until all evidence of excess moisture disappears and measurements are within the normal range.
 
We move furnishings and stored personal belongings out of the flooded area for evaluation and to allow easier cleanup of the floors and walls. SERVPRO inventories items transferred and consults with you to help determine what to dry and restore and what to discard. Important documents and treasured pictures and heirlooms respond best to a freeze drying restoration procedure and need to be stabilized off-site swiftly.
 
Rely on SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to respond fast and efficiently to your home’s flooding issues. Our staff awaits your call at (802) 375-1500 to schedule an estimate.

Are You A Commercial Property Owner Dealing with Mold Damage? SERVPRO is Here to Assist!

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for a business like yours, for the majority of restoration companies, is an after thought. They lump services in with those provided for home recovery, when in fact there is a major difference in business preparations and the restoration process itself.

To properly treat your Manchester, Vermont area property for mold damage, it may be necessary to work during non-peak hours to limit interruptions to normal business operations. When dealing with mold that affects your hotel guests, remaining operating during remediation is imperative. The company you choose needs to understand and have the knowledge to protect employees and customers from exposure.

You want access to someone like SERVPRO with all of the resources, equipment, personnel, and experience necessary to perform at a maximum level. Our technicians take every precaution to restrict access to contaminated areas, keeping you informed after each night, advancing your remediation process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our containment methods prevent exposure to additional areas, containing mold when possible to avoid additional growth. We also have access to air movers, scrubbers, infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, and water extraction equipment necessary to perform any services required to get the job done right.

SERVPRO technicians explain our remediation process entirely, giving you exceptional insight into how mold operates and how everyone that works for you can help prevent these problems from reoccurring. Our staff knows how important your business is and we make every effort to show how much we care during every interaction.

Removing mold from your hotel rooms can be easy, or it can be hard. The longer you wait to make a call for help, the more losses you experience. With the right company, your mold remediation services go off without a hitch. They can even help remove odors that develop and completely deodorize the entire space.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for full details, or to schedule your initial inspection today. Help is only a phone call away. (802) 375-1500

When Storms or Floods hit Vermont, SERVPRO of Benningto/Rutland County is ready!

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, professional, and certified. We use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. 

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. 

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Bennington or Rutland Counties, Vermont, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network across the New England area. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! 802-375-1500

Bennington County, Vermont Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

Rutland County Vermont Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Countiesspecializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re-mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

Causes of Mold in Your Home

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

For professional mold removal, as well as fire and water restoration services, contact the professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Types of Storm Damage in Vermont

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties customers are in an area where they could experience the following types of storm related damage: 

Hurricane Damage

There are two chances of getting hit by a hurricane in Vermont: Fat and Slim. But storms are getting stronger and more frequent (and the hurricane center is tracking them better). Hurricanes can and do cause problems and property damage in Vermont. They can wash away your driveway and flood your basement.

Tornado Damage

Local residents do not normally experience tornadoes, but it is possible to have  tornado anywhere. The tornadoes experienced locally are usually small and only last for short times. The damage they can do during that time is extensive. 

Flooding Damage

Flooding is a concern in and around  Vermont, especially after heavy rainfall or storm activity.

Hail Damage

Hail damage can occur at any time. Hail is formed by strong rising air currents that carry the rain drops high enough for them to freeze into ice balls before falling as rain. Hail can range in size from the size of a normal rain drop to softball and even larger sized hail. 

Lightning Damage

Lightning can strike a property during a storm causing the structure to catch on fire. When this happens wiring is often burnt and systems within the home may fail. It is important to call emergency services immediately to put out any fire caused by a lightning strike. 

The SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties team pride themselves on providing excellent customer service during the customer's time of need and works closely with insurance companies to make the entire process as easy as possible. Call us 802-375-1500

Fire Damage Repairs in Vermont

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Has your home recently been damaged by fire? If so, we bet you’re eager to get started improving your property. Most people who suffer fire damage want their lives and their homes to return to normal as soon as possible. But many don’t know the costs. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to repair smoke and fire damage is $5,844.

Fire damage can make areas of your home unusable until the fire damage has been repaired. More extensive fire damage may make your entire home unsafe. You may have to live elsewhere  until cleanup and repair work gets done. No matter how minor or significant the fire damage restoration work is, you want to know how long it will take. The timeline depends on the restorative process and whether you take the opportunity to do remodeling at the same time.

Starting Fire Damage Repair Work
It can be difficult to determine how and where to get started with fire damage repair work. The first step in the repair process is to remove water from the home if firefighters used water during the extinguishing process. Perhaps, a kitchen fire left chemical residue for cleanup. Water extraction can be completed by the professionals from SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties quickly and affordably. We arrive in our green vehicles stocked with equipment and supplies to surmount any cleaning and restoration need you have. Then, you can begin the repair process and decide which items you want to replace and which ones need repair.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can also suggest to you and your adjuster what items and materials are salvageable. Keep in mind that smoke damage can also be a problem, and some items, such as carpeting and your HVAC system may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the smoke odor from your home.

Get Professional Help
Repairing your home after you have suffered fire damage is not something that you want to attempt on your own. A fire damage restoration project requires a considerable amount of time and energy to complete.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can help you restore your property in minimal time with minimal costs. Our IICRC cleanup and restoration certified technicians have the skills and assets to do a quality job. We are a locally owned and operated fire damage repair franchise. We can also help with mold, storm, chemical, or water damaging events to your property.

Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties At (802) 375-1500 Anytime

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup in Killington, VT

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Caused Pervasive Odor in this Killington home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties servicing Williamstown & North Adams, MASS area

2/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is pleased to advise that we have expanded services to Williamstown & North Adams, Massachusetts area.

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.servprobenningtonrutlandcounties.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration


• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Residential Services

Whether your SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration


• Fire Damage Restoration


• Storm Damage Restoration


• Cleaning Services


• Post-Construction Cleaning Services

We welcome all opportunities to be of service. Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties provides 24 hour water damage restoration service in Poultney, Castleton & Fair Haven areas of Vermont

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-375-1500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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)?

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning servicing Stratton, Vermont

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties cleaning air ducts in Stratton, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties  offers HVAC air duct cleaning using negative pressure to the Stratton, Vermont mountain area.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (802) 375-1500.

Faster to your Rutland, Vermont Water Damage Event

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Rutland, Vermont

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 802-375-1500

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.


• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.


• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.


• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.


• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.


• Furniture begins to swell and crack.


• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.


• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.


• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.


• Metal begins to rust and corrode.


• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.


• Paint begins to blister.


• Wood flooring swells and warps.


• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.


• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Killington, Vermont 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Killington, Vermont.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-375-1500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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)?

About SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

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

What To Do If You Find Water In The Basement

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage resulting from a flooded basement in Killington, Vermont

What To Do If You Find Water In The Basement

One of the worst nightmares for any homeowner is finding water in the basement, and in most cases, the only way to deal with such a situation is to bring in  professionals, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. Excess water, especially when it is contaminated, has the potential to cause a great deal of damage, and if the problem is not dealt with properly, the situation can quickly get out of hand. This is especially true when water is pooling in the home and coming in contact with organic materials like drywall or fabric.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is now in the business of HVAC Air Duct Cleaning

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is now in the business of HVAC air duct cleaning using negative pressure.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is introducing our latest equipment addition: The Nikro PDV 4000 Negative Pressure Duct Cleaner. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is now in the business of HVAC air duct cleaning using negative pressure.

Cleaning Under Negative Pressure

As cleaning agitation proceeds inside the ductwork, dislodged particulates are sucked out of the duct and into the vacuum receptacle. Working under negative pressure prevents contamination of household air during the cleaning process as well as later, when loosened contaminants left in the ducts might infiltrate living spaces after the system is restarted. The vacuum force itself also enhances the cleaning action of the tools.

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.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (802) 375-1500.

Tips For Recovering After A Fire

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can help after a fire.

It is all to easy to think that it can't happen to you, there is no way you could be the victim of a devastating fire.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that there were 365,500 home fires in the United States in 2015.

That's an average of over 30,000 fires per month. These fires resulted in over 2,000 deaths, 11,000 injuries and over $7 billion in damage.

If you have suffered the unthinkable, here are some tips to help you put the pieces back together.

Get Medical Treatment - Getting everyone out of the house during a fire or other emergency can be a harrowing experience. During your evacuation, you may suffer injuries.

No matter how minor you injuries may seem, be sure to have them checked.  This will help reduce any chances of infection.

Get Emotional Help - This is something that is equally as important as the physical healing you may need. A disaster such as a fire can effect people differently.

Some of the emotions you and your family may experience include fear, shock, disbelief, grief, anger, guilt, anxiety and/or depression.

Remember, children also process traumatic events differently than adults, so be prepared to provide them with additional support if necessary. Your local Red Cross can help find you the help you need.

Rebuilding Your Home - It is extremely important to never enter your home after a disaster until inspectors have determined that it is safe to do so.

Get in touch with your insurance agent to help determine the extent of the damage and get a claim open immediately so you can begin to put the wheels in motion for rebuilding or replacing your home.

Finding Professional Contractors - No matter what repairs are needed for your home, always be sure to use reputable contractors to complete the work. Any contractors you choose should have extensive experience repairing homes after a fire or disaster.

Your local chamber of commerce is a good place to start locating the professionals best suited for your needs.

If you have suffered a fire in you home, the professionals at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are only a phone call away. We will jump into action immediately to help you and your family back on track.

Is your Contractor Insured for Mold Remediation?

9/8/2016 (Permalink)

Before spending thousands of dollars to have your home or business Mold Remediated consider the following:

• Make sure your contractor is insured for Mold Remediation
• They are IICRC Certified for Mold Remediation
• Provide proof that their liability policy provides coverage for mold remediation 
• Request a list of mold remediation customers and referrals.

Don't be misled by vague advertising and low or free mold inspection fees without the experience, insurance coverage and certifications to back them up.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are highly trained Mold Remediation Technicians.

We Use Advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and Equipment.

We invest in the latest equipment and ongoing mold remediation training because it helps us restore your home or business quickly and effectively. We will isolate the affected area using physical barriers and a negative pressure chamber.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is a trusted leader in the Restoration Industry.

If You See Signs of Mold,
Call Us Today – (802) 375-1500

Tips to Help Prepare your House for Fall in Bennington County, Vermont

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

Fall tips for your Bennington County, Vermont home.

Summer is still in full swing in the Manchester, Vermont area, but autumn will be here soon. Every season brings change and a different set of items to stay on top of with your house. Since it is never too early to start thinking about getting your home ready for a changing season, let's start with a quick list of recommended items.

1. Have the roof inspected for leaks or damaged shingles. This summer seems to bring torrential downpours and sweltering heat in alternating amounts. Heat builds up in the attic causing temperatures to rise. It becomes more of a problem when the attic is not vented. If the heat has no place to escape, it can cause your shingles to blister and crack while making it’s way out. Let's avoid that!

2. Power wash any siding. Many HOA maintained communities mandate the cleaning of house siding. Muck and grime can accumulate and leave a horrid green grime stain.

3. Check for wood rot near window seals. Moisture in wood creates an environment conducive to fungal growth and causes the wood’s fibers to deteriorate. So, when water contacts an unprotected wood surface for a long enough period of time, the wood begins to rot.

4. Test your smoke detectors! (Buy them if you own none!) This is important because besides having a hot house, a fire won't warn you on its own. Having these installed may bring down your home insurance as well.

Team SERVPRO Can Help With Mold Damage

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Areas With Mold Damage Need To Be Sectioned Off From Rest Of House

Mold damage is a genuine environmental problem that introduces the chance of significant property damage to homes. Anytime there is evidence of water damage or leaky pipes, there is always a chance of mold growth. It is paramount for homeowners to respond quickly to the first signs of mold. Our specialized team of experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties come to your location and perform an initial mold inspection to assess the damage. A mold problem tends to reflect a moisture problem in the home. The source of the moisture problem must be addressed to develop a long-term solution to the mold.

Once the mold is identified, we will contain the area and section it off from the rest of the property to prevent the mold spores from becoming airborne. An air filtration system is brought to the site to filter out the air and to remove existing mold spores from the air while our team works. The indoor air quality is a measure of the air in and around the building. The goal at SERVPRO is to eliminate your mold damage problems and return the indoor air quality to a safe level so you can return home. Our team removes the mold and any mold infested building materials. Once the mold is removed, we clean the area and contents that are not damaged by the mold. We apply anti-microbial sanitizing agents to prevent a regrowth of the mold problem.

There are various types of mold that can grow in homes. One of the most dangerous types of mold is known as toxic mold. Mold can be black in color or show up in other colors such as green. All mold is potentially dangerous. However, this is best determined by our team of specially trained experts.

Any time mold is observed on building materials, on walls, under cabinets or areas with pipes, it is time to call in the experts for a professional opinion. Never try to remove the mold yourself.

Our team of highly trained specialists will provide you with a timeline of the removal process and what to expect with each step along the way. When you suspect or see mold, don't tackle it yourself. Call the mold experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties to assess the problem at 802-375-1500.

Taking Care of Leaks Needs To Include Drying Out a Damaged Area

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Plumbing Service Call To Stop a Leak

Water damage occurs daily from plumbing failures. The large disasters are easy to spot and fix, but it is the small failures that can lead to just as much property damage and cost over time.

When a water main breaks or a sewer pipe collapses, the effects are immediate and immediately known to everyone around. Flooding happens, property is soaked, and the smell quickly gets into everything. Home and business owners call us here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Many homeowners though ignore small incidents until it is too late. For example, a leaky faucet is easily fixed within a few hours after it's noticed. In most cases, the plumber comes in and tightens things up or replaces a washer. What gets missed in the success of stopping a leak is 'where did the water go'. Most plumbers are not concerned about standing water unless they have to kneel or lay down in it. It is, after all, your home and you are responsible for the environment that person will work in.

The same situation happens with a broken water line to a dishwasher or a clothes washer. Once the water stops spraying out from a pipe or broken coupling, it's easy to think that all you have to do is lay down a few towels, and that's it.

When water is removed quickly, it will not show an effect on the paint. There is no 'high water mark' like you have after an extensive flood. The other side of that piece of trim is not painted however and will absorb a much larger amount of water. This unequal water absorption also applies to any studs and other lumber that are behind a wall or underneath a bathroom or kitchen sink.

This is why drying out an area that has had standing water, even for just an hour or two, is so important. There is no one better to take care of this than SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

If you have had several leaks in the same area of your home and are worried about the long-term effects of water damage, call our offices today at 802-375-1500. Our technicians will schedule an inspection convenient to your schedule. Once on-site, our inspector will quickly let you know if you may have a problem and how to resolve it.

Mold Inspection - SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

It's Mold Season here in Southern Vermont. This house in Bennington had severe mold growth. Servpro of Bennington/Rutland Counties are here to help!

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties located in Manchester, Vermont will perform a visual Mold Inspection report along with moisture readings for a nominal service charge. This report will also include an estimate for our Mold Remediation services.

1. Our inspection includes a full visual including moisture meter readings and a comprehensive written report including documented photographs of the mold growth.
2. Our Mold Inspections look for evidence of past or current Mold Growth. Past mold growth may indicate a water problem which will come back when certain conditions return such as a recurring leak. 
3. We will look for mold within the building, and in other areas where mold growth is undesirable, including areas where mold growth could be causing structural issues such as wood decay in crawlspaces.
4. We take moisture meter readings during the Mold inspection. Water is essential for mold growth. Without a source of water, you will not have mold growth

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, our Professional team can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennnington & Rutland presents 2 FREE Continuing Education Classes

3/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

will be offering TWO FREE Continuing Education Seminars on

                                 May 25, 2016

• "Ethics"   9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• "Deodorization of Malodors"  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:

                  The Manchester Community Library

                   138 Cemetery Avenue/Route 7A

                    Manchester Center, VT 05255

                For reservations contact: SERVPRO^® of

 Bennington & Rutland Counties

 802-375-1500 – office@SERVPRObennington.com

Contact SERVPRO of Bennington Rutland Counties for Water Damage Cleanup

3/14/2016 (Permalink)

Residential water damage cleanup services are critical after a big storm has occurred in the area.

Vermont residential water damage clean-up services are critical after a big storm has occurred in the area. Torrential rains and high winds are a combination that can lead to severe damage to homes. Strong winds often blow off shingles or throw debris around a residence until a window breaks, and rain can flood a home through roof or window damage, leading to serious concerns if Vermont residential water damage cleanup services are not performed immediately. Extremely heavy rains or water that has built up over time can also seep into a home under doorways. There are many ways that flood damage can occur in just a short amount of time.

Water damage can start off small and end up leading to secondary problems and expensive repair and restoration fees. The faster water damage is discovered, the better. Whether water damage is being caused by a roof leak or some other emergency, the first step is to find out exactly where the water is coming from so that it can be stopped.


Rely on Professional Bennington & Rutland Counties Residential Water Damage Cleanup Services
Fast water extraction methods are necessary to make sure that your home sustains the least amount of damage as possible. To begin with, it is important to find out what type of water you are dealing with. Specialists can get rid of clean, gray, or black water with ease. They use reliable, high-powered equipment that can extract standing water rapidly. After water is removed, carpet pads should be checked out to make sure that they do not need to be removed to save the flooring underneath them. Walls should also be inspected for damage. Moisture meters and sensors can detect moisture levels all over your home whether it is visible or not.


Along with removing water, cleaning and sanitizing your property are also essential. If there are bad scents, deodorizing your property may be a necessity too. You want to return to your home knowing that there are no lurking bacteria left over from the flooding.


When a severe storm attacks your property, getting it repaired right away can help to stop water damage from getting worse. It is important to salvage as much as possible from your home. Be careful walking around the property that has standing water in it because it could be holding many dangerous surprises that only specialists are equipped to handle.


SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is standing by to assist you with all sorts of residential water damage cleanup services. As we're a local company, you can trust us to arrive promptly to clean up your water damage as quickly as possible. Contact us today at 802-375-1500

Winter Weather Checklist by SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

Winter Weather Checklist

Be Prepared at Home:

• Keep several days of food that does not need cooking or refrigeration. Remember to stock up on infant formula and baby food if you have children. If you plan on using canned goods, be sure to have a can opener that does not require electricity.

• Keep several days of water on hand (about 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, more for hygiene purposes) in case your pipes freeze or you lose power. Don’t forget to store extra water and food for your pets.

• Keep flashlights, a portable radio and extra batteries handy. Battery operated lights should be used instead of candles which can cause a fire.

• Keep a first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.

• Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment needed directly to the outlets on the generator.

• Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.

• Charge electronic devices and cell phones that can be used to report an emergency, check the status of a power outage or local emergency assistance. If possible, have an additional cell phone battery charged to act as a backup.

Be Prepared on the Road:

• Keep a vehicle emergency preparedness kit: battery powered radio, first-aid kit, whistle, jumper cables, flares, flashlight, batteries, tool kit, sand, ice scrapers and shovel.

• Keep a personal emergency preparedness kit: water, non-perishable foods, blankets or sleeping bag, gloves, hats, scarves, antiseptic towelettes, hand warmers and any personal medications.

• Create an emergency contact card to keep with you: Your name, address, telephone number, local contact and out of area contact.

• Check the antifreeze in your car. Also check windshield wiper blades and fluids.

• Keep the car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

In Case of an Emergency:

• If possible, call 911 on your cell phone. Provide your location, condition of everyone in the vehicle and the problem you are experiencing.

• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.

• Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. Your vehicle is good shelter.

• If you must leave your vehicle, write down your name, address, telephone number and destination. Place it inside your front windshield to be seen.

• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes do not back up into the car.

• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Salutes our Veterans

11/11/2015 (Permalink)

Servpro of Bennington & Rutland Counties Salutes our Veterans

 FOR ALL WHO HAVE SERVED OR
WHO ARE SERVING, 
WE ARE FOREVER THANKFUL. 

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

will be open on Veterans Day
for any of your emergency or repairs needs.
24/7/365
1-802-375-1500

#1 Readers Choice Award Winner!

7/3/2015 (Permalink)

Thank you for selecting SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties as the #1 Readers Choice Award Cleaning and Restoration Company in the area by the Readers of the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has expanded our Commercial Services Department

4/3/2015 (Permalink)

Our commercial Services Department continues to expand. We are currently under contract with:

• Vermont National Guard - Bennington & Rutland Counties, VT
• Rutland Regional Hospital - Dorset, Vermont
• Town of Winhall Town Hall - Winhall, Vermont
• Town of Winhall Old Town Hall - Winhall, VT
• Town of Winhall Police Department - Winhall, VT
• Town of Winhall Library - Winhall, VT
• Town of Winhall Fire Department - Winhall, VT
• Town of Sunderland Town Hall - Sunderland, Vermont

We welcome an opportunity to bid on all Janitorial and/or Commercial Cleaning Services within our area.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

802-375-1500

http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/

We Provide Mold Inspections for your Home or Business

2/6/2015 (Permalink)

We Provide Mold Inspections for Manchester, Arlington, Shaftsbury,Danby, Dorset, Rupert, Wells, Bondville, Stratton, Winhall, Weston, Wallingford

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties can assess your property if you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

1. Our fee of $150 is credited towards the mold remediation work that we do on your behalf. Our inspection includes a full visual including moisture meter readings and a comprehensive written report including documented photographs of the mold growth.  
2. Our Mold Inspections look for evidence of past or current mold growth. Past mold growth may indicate a water problem which will come back when certain conditions return such as a recurring leak. 
3. We will look for mold within the building, and in other areas where mold growth is undesirable, including areas where mold growth could be causing structural issues such as wood decay in crawlspaces.
4. We take moisture meter readings during the Mold inspection. Water is essential for mold growth. Without a source of water, you will not have mold growth

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, our Professional team can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

802-375-1500

Avoid Water Damage to your Vacation / Seasonal Home in Manchester, Vermont

1/19/2015 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage to your vacation / seasonal home by taking these easy and inexpensive precautions:

1. Shut off main water supply valve when you leave, to minimize possible water damage.

2. Set thermostats to a minimum of 55 degrees when you are away. Heat may not get to your home's extremities - open cupboards and doors where pipes are isolated.

3. Ask a trusted neighbor to check your house periodically while you are away. Delay in recognizing and stopping water damage can substantially increase the severity of the loss.

4. Install a temperature monitor. A battery-powered monitor can notify you if the temperature in your home has fallen below a safe level.

5. Having regular heating system maintenance and automatic fuel deliveries can save on fuel bills and reduce the risk of losing heat when you need it most.

6. If you close your property for winter, drain the water pipes.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has extensive experience with vacation and second homes in the Manchester area, serving; Manchester, Dorset, Sunderland, and Arlington.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties: 802-375-1500

Prevent Water Damage to Your Vacation / Seasonal Home Serving the Stratton Mountain area,Vermont

1/19/2015 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage to your vacation / seasonal home by taking these easy and inexpensive precautions:

1. Shut off main water supply valve when you leave, to minimize possible water damage.

2. Set thermostats to a minimum of 55 degrees when you are away. Heat may not get to your home's extremities - open cupboards and doors where pipes are isolated.

3. Ask a trusted neighbor to check your house periodically while you are away. Delay in recognizing and stopping water damage can substantially increase the severity of the loss.

4. Install a temperature monitor. A battery-powered monitor can notify you if the temperature in your home has fallen below a safe level.

5. Having regular heating system maintenance and automatic fuel deliveries can save on fuel bills and reduce the risk of losing heat when you need it most.

6. If you close your property for winter, drain the water pipes.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties has extensive experience with vacation and second homes in the Stratton area, serving; Winhall, Bondville, Peru, Londonderry, South Londonerry, Weston and Jamaica.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties: 802-375-1500

Mold Removal, Clean-Up and Restoration in Londonderry, Vermont by SERVPRO of Bennnington & Rutland Counties, Vermont

1/9/2015 (Permalink)

Mold Removal, Clean-Up and Restoration

Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Professionals

If You See Signs of Mold, Call 802-375-1500

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,650 Franchises

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties?

They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact them. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

They’re Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

They specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

They Use Advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and Equipment

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use advanced equipment to detect the source of water feeding the mold. Next, they isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

PO Box 2167

Manchester Center, VT 05255

802-375-1500

Water Damage Emergency Tips for Stratton, Vermont by SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont

1/9/2015 (Permalink)

WHAT YOU CAN DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful.

Have A Water Damage Emergency?
Call 1-802-375-1500

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

PO Box 2167

Manchester Center, VT 05255

802-375-1500

Holiday Fire Prevention

12/16/2014 (Permalink)

http://www.manchesterjournal.com/business/ci_27115871/SERVPRO-provides-holiday-fire-prevention-tips

'Tis the Season for Safety - SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties

12/15/2014 (Permalink)

Christmas tree safety.

Pretty lights and decorations add to the feel of the holiday season, but if they are not used properly your holidays can go from festive to frightening quickly. Fortunately, by following a few simple safety tips, you can greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, and heat vents.

• Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

• Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

• Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

• Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO® of Bennington & Rutland Counties wishs you a safe and happy holiday season!

Holiday Carpet Cleaning Southern Vermont

11/12/2014 (Permalink)

As the holidays quickly approach, the thought of having your entire family in your home may be terrifying. Let SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties ease some of that burden with our excellent carpet cleaning service. Whether you need some annual cleaning, spot treatment, or want to get that pet odor out of the rug just before your in-laws come in, we are here to help. If you would prefer to wait until after your neices and nephews track in mud and dirt after playing all day in the yard, we can help with that as well. Just remember that the quality carpet cleaning companies book up quickly around the holidays, and just after, so make sure you call and book in advance. 

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties is proud to provide what we consider the best carpet cleaning experience in our County. 

Call and schedule your appointment today! (802)375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties specializes in: water remediation, flood mitigation, carpet cleaning, mold removal, fire damage, general cleaning, post contruction clean-up, and smoke clean up, disaster restoration, and storm response. We are licensed and insured and have an excellent reputatuion. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties (802) 375-1500  http://www.SERVPRObenningtonrutlandcounties.com/

The SERVPRO watchdog hard at work!

10/8/2014 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO watchdog hard at work!

SERVPRO pf Bennington & Rutleand Counties Watchdog.

AUTUMN SPECIAL! Commerical Cleaning!

10/6/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont

We are available to your clients for Commercial Cleaning work and Heavy Residential Clean-Outs serving Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont.

Our rates start at $32.50 per hr. with a minimum job charge of $275.

It's Carpet Cleaning Season

5/23/2014 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning in Manchester, Vermont

The winter is Finally over and nice weather has arrived! Time to spiff up those tired carpets.

With top of the line equipment and IICRC certified staff we will get your carpets looking like new again!

We are starting the summer off with an introductory carpet-cleaning offer!

This offer includes:

All for only $0.40/SQFT

We also offer a Scotchguard Treatment.

Coat your carpet to repel dirt and moisture protecting you carpet against stains!

$0.07/SQFT

Minimum Charge $250 

Rutland, Vermont Residents: We specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/26/2014 (Permalink)

This Rutland, VT Home's basement flooded due to a pipe burst.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us at 802-375-1500

A pipe burst, creating 3 inches of standing water in the basement, caused the flooding in this Rutland home. We were onsite within an hour, to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days we had the basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine your home's structure is actually dry. If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home's structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today - We're Here To Help 802-375-1500 

Bennington & Rutland VT Residents: SERVPRO is Ready to Serve You

2/26/2014 (Permalink)

Bennington & Rutland, Vermont Resident: We provide fast service day or night!

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Rutland & Bennington, Vermont. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Have Questions? Call Today - 802-375-1500

Residential Services:

Whether your Bennington or Rutland home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

Commercial Services:

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Bennington or Rutland property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

Mold Inspections - SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, VT

2/26/2014 (Permalink)

Ludlow, Vermont Residence content Mold Remediation

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland, Vermont will perform a visual mold inspection survey along with moisture readings for a nominal service charge. This survey will also include an estimate for our mold remediation services.

Service Area Extended for SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, VT

2/26/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Serving Southern Vermont

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties also service the following communities:

Arlington, Vermont

Bondville, Vermont

Castleton, Vermont

Danby, Vermont

Dorset, Vermont

East Dorset, Vermont

Jamaica,Vermont

Landgrove, Vermont

Londonderry, Vermont

Ludlow,Vermont

Manchester, Vermont

Mendon, Vermont

Mt. Holly, Vermont

Mount Tabor, Vermont

North Bennington, Vermont

North Clarendon, Vermont

Pawlet, Vermont

Peru, Vermont

Poultney, Vermont

Rupert, Vermont

Sandgate, Vermont

Shaftsbury, Vermont

Stratton Village,Vermont

South Londonderry, Vermont

Sunderland, Vermont

Wallingford, Vermont

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Post Construction Cleanup - SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, VT

12/13/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties can supply Commercial grade equipment for excellent post construction cleanup. The cost of this service is very often less then you expect and provide an added value to your job, which is greatly appreciated by your client.