Recent Posts

Water Damage in Winter

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

Modern plumbing systems have made accessing running water in homes a straightforward task. It allows residents to engage in everyday activities like bathing, washing, or enjoying a glass of iced tea directly from the tap. Despite these conveniences, unexpected plumbing incidents can turn this luxury into an unanticipated problem.

Whether residing in a house or a condominium, harsh winter conditions, especially during extreme temperatures, pose a significant risk of water damage. Failing to address frozen pipes in cold weather can lead to cracks and ruptures, causing water to overflow into different areas of the home.

The consequences of water damage unfold swiftly, causing floorboards to warp and infiltrating porous materials like sheetrock and drywall. Addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further damage. In the unfortunate event of such damage, seeking professional help is recommended. Companies like SERVPRO have the expertise to mitigate both structural and cosmetic water damage efficiently.

SERVPRO® Technicians take necessary precautions to ensure the safe execution of their work. Properly assessing the damage involves considering factors like the extent of moisture and the types of materials involved, such as carpet, insulation, wood floors, and baseboards. Additionally, the layout of the room, including walls, windows, cabinets, and closets, is taken into account to determine the optimal placement and number of air movers. The correct angle of equipment is also crucial, ensuring that air effectively carries away moisture without bouncing off walls.

The mantra "We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster" is not merely a slogan for SERVPRO; it defines their commitment. With technicians available 24/7, ready to respond promptly, residents experiencing water damage in their homes are encouraged to contact SERVPRO without delay.

Fire Safety

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

Would you and your family know what to do if your home was affected by a fire.  Being prepared is the best way to ensure your safety.  Here are 7 tips that can help make sure your prepared if you are faced with this disaster.

The 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

1.Install the correct number of smoke detectors . Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2.Teach children what smoke detectors sound like and what to do when they hear one.

3.Ensure that all household members know a couple ways to get out of every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

4.Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

5.Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.

6.Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

7.Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Sprinkler Head Floods office Building

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water does not pick favorites it can happen in commercial building just like it does in residential homes.  In many cases the scope of work can be much greater in these instances do to the large size of the buildings.  In these instances you not only have the inconvenience but also the burden of job interruption.  When a commercial property is affected, the money lost to lack of productivity is often greater than the cost of repair.  At SERVPRO® we understand, and work diligently and efficiently to get your business back up and running.  We have the tools and knowledge to dry your property as quickly as possible.  We understand that to you time is money.  Let us work with you and respect your time so you can get back to making money.

After the Fire

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a fire at your place of business or in your home, many decisions exist after the fire has been extinguished. At SERVPRO we are happy to assist you and attempt to make some of these decisions easier with the services that we provide.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

It's best to be prepared

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

One of the most damaging and devastating things you can ever experience as a homeowner is a flood.

There are many causes of household flooding that can include:

  • Heavy rains
  • Sewer back-up
  • Malfunctioning sump-pump
  • Pipe burst

No matter what the cause, you should know what you should do if your house floods. Taking care of the problem earlier will help you to reduce the amount of damage and can make the clean-up and repair easier.  It's best to call a professional when dealing with water damage in your home.  The certified technicians at SERVPRO® of South Louisville know exactly what steps to follow in order to prevent further damage, and to get your home cleaned up and dried out so you can get back to normal.

The first several days after a disaster are critical to preventing unnecessary secondary damages like mold. SERVPRO suggests the following steps to help minimize additional damage to your home, business and possessions.

  • If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered black water and could be hazardous to your health. Avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
  • Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
  • Do not attempt to operate any electrical equipment while standing in wet or damp locations.
  • Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have encountered flood waters.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Place fans at 45-degree angles to walls and move large furniture away from walls to create the best air circulation.
  • If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

SERVPRO also recommends having a three-day supply of water for each member of your family - including pets - along with non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a flashlight. Citizens should also keep in mind things like necessary medications and insurance documents.

Flood Waters Rise

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

In any Hurricane situation, one of the greatest dangers that face residents is not only wind and rain.  Many times rising floodwaters cause the much of the damage and heartache.  Although rainfall plays a role in this, so does the storms surge that pushes water not only onshore but up rivers and tributaries, causing floodwater to reach miles inland.  These waters not only damage structures as rushing water causes foundations to erode and break loose from the ground to which they are anchored,  but also carry with them deadly bacteria and disease.  In many cases what is left behind after the water subsides, can cause great problems of its own.  The trained professionals at SERVPRO have been specially trained for these scenario's.  Let us be there for you in your time of need.

Ice Storm Damage in South Louisville

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

Earlier this week Louisville got its first frost and snow of the year. With the pretty snow comes a lot of unexpected problems. SERVPRO of South Louisville received several calls about branches falling through roofs due to the weight of the ice that fell overnight. SERVPRO went out to the homes and put tarps on the effected rooftops to prevent anymore interior damage from being done.  We also set up air movers to dry out any areas with water damage such as hardwood flooring to prevent it from buckling, and then started the steps necessary to repair the roofs. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure all of the trees around your home are well maintained and trimmed so that there are no branches hanging over your home. 

Water Damage due to sump pump failure

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Today SERVPRO of South Louisville received a called about a sump pump failure in a customers home. Sump pumps don't last forever, aside from electrical interruptions the sump pump has a life expectancy of only 10 years.

We arrived on site and most of the water had already dried up but the customer was very aware of the risk of mold after standing water has been in your home even if it was a short period of time. After the water was extracted SERVPRO placed several dehumidifiers and air movers in the basement to pull all of the moisture out of the air to prevent any possibility of mold becoming a problem for the customer. Sump pump failures are more common than people think, SERVPRO suggests people perform regular maintenance by regularly pouring a bucket of water in it to make sure it start immediately, making sure the vent hole is clear with no blockages, and making sure all pipes are tightly connected. Another option to make sure the battery isn't a concern is "deep cycle batteries" they are made to use a steady amount of energy over a long period of time so they are less likely to fail as quickly.

Water Damage Repair and Restoration

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Repair and Restoration

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Please refer to our Water Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

Let us Show you why SERVPRO has so many happy customers in our area, we will make your home or business “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Damage

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of South Louisville are proud to be part of the national Disaster Recovery Team.  SERVPRO Industries has strict standards when it comes to allowing franchises be part of this important team.  We have the manpower, equipment, and knowledge necessary to tackle any disaster no matter how big or small.

Louisville has gone through their fair share of disasters in recent years, and SERVPRO of South Louisville has been there to help homeowners and property managers along the way. 

Some of the storms we've helped with are as follows:

  • Wind storms
  • Ice storms
  • Tornado damage
  • Ohio River flooding 
  • Flash Flooding
  • And much more

Don't hesitate to contact us when a disaster happens near you.  We are available 24/7/365. 

We are Here to Help.