Recent Storm Damage Posts

SERVPRO of Rocky Mount is Always Ready

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when you need emergency remediation. That's why we have crews on standby 24/7/365.

When a client in Eastern NC files an insurance claim, insurers know they need to rely on storm, fire, or water damage restoration specialists that are “Faster to any size disaster.” ™ Waiting for help to arrive can quickly lead to additional damage and rising costs. Instead of hoping to hear back from a company, have confidence in immediate assistance by relying on a trusted company that is prepared to help any time of the day.

Power in Numbers:

SERVPRO® has over 2,000 franchises, allowing our professionals to jump into action the minute they get the call. No matter where the disaster happens, commercial services available include:

  • Water damage restoration
  • Fire damage restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Cleaning services
  • Storm and major events
  • Disaster recovery

Knowing that your emergency response team means working with professionals from the community also provides additional peace of mind. Being local, we care and are dedicated to ensuring everyone is satisfied with the restoration results. In addition to the local benefits, each franchise is backed by a nationwide network. We work closely with national and local insurance companies, which boosts communication and makes the claim process easier for everyone involved.

Dedicated Professionals


Along with being faster to any size disaster, our 24/7 emergency service teams that arrive at the disaster scene are certified professionals trained in property damage restoration. Along with employee certification training, technicians are required to be certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (the IICRC). Training and certification are ongoing to ensure no matter where help is needed, the team answering the call has the latest skills to get a business back “Like it never even happened.” ®


When clients need help, it is vital to get assistance from a trusted company that is faster to any size disaster to avoid downtime, rising repair costs, and further damage.

Recognize, Prevent, and Treat the Winter Ice Dam

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips in order to Prevent Winter Ice Dam in your property.

When freezing temperatures settle in and snow accumulates in Rocky Mount, NC, the gutters around your roof could be affected by an ice dam or two. These blockages occur when melting snow runs to the roofline and freezes. If enough ice freezes here, it will stop melting snow water from draining away from the roof. Instead, the water may run below the rooftop shingles and into your attic causing expensive damage.

Prevention and Treatment for the Winter Ice Dam

Before the first winter storm hits, there are a few preventative steps you can take, such as maintaining an attic temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below:

Clear out the gutters and downspouts around the roof. Focus on creating a path for water to flow freely from the high points to the downspouts and away from the foundation of your home. During this maintenance, watch for low spots and puddling.

Make sure the attic is properly ventilated. If you're not sure how many vents are necessary for the type and size of your roof, reach out to an expert for advice. The next step is to make sure vents are free from dirt, pests, and other debris. An attic fan may also be a useful addition.

Update old insulation. Experts today recommend insulation with a value of R-40. A properly insulated attic keeps warmth inside your home and away from the roof. This step of ice dam prevention focuses on maintaining a cool temperature.

While inspecting your attic, pay attention to any openings where warm air could escape from your home. Keep a close eye on chimneys, exhaust fans, light fixtures, vent pipes, and any other opening between the ceiling and the attic.

Install an extra layer of protection with a water-repellent membrane below the shingles. This adds one more barrier between melting water and the inside of your home.

Identification of Dams in Your Gutters

Recognizing an ice dam is crucial to preventing water damage. Begin by watching for icicles that form around your home. Icicles show where water is flowing, so if they are developing above the top of or outside of the gutters, your home is at risk.

Monitor the level of humidity and moisture in the attic.

Another sign of trouble looks like water stains on the ceilings or walls inside your home.

Finally, look for moisture where the walls connect with the ceilings.

As soon as you notice these signs of developing water damage, take action to prevent further trouble. If you aren't sure how to proceed, contact water damage mitigation and repair professionals.

Safety During Removal of Frozen Dams

Before climbing up a ladder to treat the frozen water in your gutters, be sure you have taken steps to be safe. Ladders can be very slick in the winter. There is also an increased risk of injury due to heavy snow sliding off the roof and icicles coming off the roof.

Reach out to your insurance agent or other home care professionals to learn more about identifying and responding to an ice dam in Rocky Mount, NC.

Understanding the Classification of Flood Water

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Consider this information in case you experience Flood Water in your Rocky Mount, NC house.

Storms can lead to a great deal of residential damage, but the most significant cause of weather damage is a flood. Despite the overwhelming water damage it causes, flooding carries contaminants, which can affect drinking water, health, and sanitation.

While most homeowners want to take charge and start cleaning the water out of their homes, it is necessary to pause and consider the danger or implications of your actions. Floodwater can contain several types of contaminants, including:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Biological agents
  • Chemicals

Important information to consider in case of Flood Water

A DIY restoration is not the best decision when dealing with natural flooding. Instead, homeowners should contact a restoration service in Rocky Mount, NC. These companies employ qualified professionals who can assess the damage to your property and determine the type of water you are dealing with.

Water Damage: Categories and Classifications

The type of flood plays a significant role in the water category or classification. The category is typically a three for weather-related floods, which is the worst. This water classification is saved for only the most toxic or hazardous floods.

Unfortunately, category three water loss is also the hardest to remediate, and it can potentially lead to compounding issues, such as mold. Because of the increased risks, specialists need to wear protective clothing and equipment. They also need to dispose of the water in federal and state-mandated ways.

While homeowners often want to take a DIY approach to home repairs and improvements, correcting category three flooding alone is ill-advised. It is typically best to hire a professional remediation service.

3 Categories

When discussing the categories of water damage, there are three levels of damage: category one, two, and three.

Category one, or clean water, is the easiest to remediate because it is not dangerous. This type of damage or loss likely stems from a broken supply line.

Category two water loss is called gray water. Gray water is likely the result of clean water left standing. When water is left in an area for long enough or soaks through building materials, it begins to collect contaminants, making it hazardous to consume.

Category three or black water is the most dangerous type of floodwater. It is toxic, and it is dangerous to touch or consume. This type of water should be left to professional remediation services.

Black Water Risks

Because black water contains bacteria, chemicals, biological substances, etc., it is dangerous. Consuming this water will make you very sick, possibly leading to severe infections.

Category three water requires experienced hands for removal, remediation, and restoration. While the water alone is hazardous, it can also lead to other problems, like mold. It is necessary for all surfaces to be disinfected and cleaned thoroughly. In some instances, recovery specialists might need to remove structural components to ensure the house is safe.

While every category of water damage can be costly, category three is the worst. It leads to time-consuming repairs and requires a tremendous amount of caution. It would be best if you never dealt with storm flooding or surges on your own; always call for help or advice for installing specific preventatives for your home.

What Are the Different Types of Water Damage?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Depending on the type of water of the flood in your Rocky Mount, NC home, the cleaning process will be different.

If you've ever been a victim of a home flood, you know it can be a very anxiety-provoking event. The destruction is transpiring right before your eyes and every second counts. If the water itself doesn't cause enough loss, the type of floodwater can also make a difference in the type of cleanup needed. There are three categories of water damage, each presenting a different level of risk to humans and pets.

Clean Water is water that is safe enough to drink, such as tap water, a leak from an appliance, or a burst pipe. While it's clean initially, it can transform into greywater within 48 hours when it comes into contact with a contaminated substance or surface.

Grey Water contains a contaminant level that can be harmful if consumed but not toxic. Dishwashers, washing machines, and bathtubs are a few sources of greywater. This water can become toxic within 48 hours if left to sit.

Black Water is highly contaminated water. It can contain sewage, bacteria, or viruses. Restoration should begin as quickly as possible, as the contaminants not only threaten humans and pets but can also worsen structural and other types of damage to the house.

How To Safely Clean Up Black Water

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

It's best to hire flood damage restoration experts to do a thorough, professional cleanup of this highly contaminated water. They have the expertise and equipment to make sure no detail is missed. Whoever does this job must protect themselves by wearing PPE. This equipment should include a disposable hair covering, safety goggles, a respirator mask, rubber gloves, water-resistant coveralls, and rubber boots. By wearing PPE, you're protecting yourself while keeping cross-contamination at bay. The PPE should be removed when leaving the affected area and replaced upon return.

2. Extract Standing Water

It's essential to remove standing water as quickly as possible to avoid increased contamination and structural damage. The safest and most effective way to extract standing water is to use a wet/dry vacuum. However, if you don't have access to one of these vacuums, a mop and towels will work but must be thoroughly disinfected after use.

3. Remove All Contents From the Area

Everything should be removed from the area to make room for performing the water damage cleaning process. In addition to furniture and other contents, this will often include removing carpet, padding, and other soaked floorings and wet areas of drywall.

4. Clean and Sanitize Everything

Next, the entire affected area and all salvageable contents must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before returning materials to the site or replacing floors and drywall.

5. Dry Everything Thoroughly

Finally, everything should be dried thoroughly. Open windows and doors and run fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Some furniture and other items will dry best outdoors in the fresh air.

A flood in your Rocky Mount, NC, home is terrible enough, simply in terms of the resulting water damage. When you add various contaminants to create grey or black water, the situation can get much more severe. Knowing what to do beforehand can be extremely beneficial if a disaster happens.

Cleaning Your Home's Contents After a Flood

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Not all your possessions are going to be wasted after a flood in your Rocky Mount, NC, home.

If a severe storm hits Rocky Mount, NC, causing water to infiltrate your home, it's advantageous to know beforehand how to deal with water-damaged possessions. Most things will have to be taken care of swiftly to have a likelihood to salvage. In addition to the moisture itself, you must also be careful of mold growth, which will start growing within 24-48 hours of water presentation. It's essential to take swift action. Implement these content cleaning tips to save as much as possible after a flood.

1. Flooring

Soaked carpet will probably not be salvageable. The water can soak into the padding and even down to the subfloor. It's challenging to dry carpet in time to prevent mold growth. If you spot significant damage or can't get the subfloor completely dried in time, it will probably have to be cut out and replaced. Hardwood or laminate flooring may also need to be taken up if you suspect the water has seeped into it.

2. Drywall

Drywall is porous and can soak up water like a sponge. Therefore, it's essential to dry it entirely or cut out the wet parts and replace them if you see any damp drywall. Mold can even grow behind and within the drywall.

3. Furniture

Wood is porous, so wooden furniture and cabinets will have to be treated carefully after being affected by water. Take them outside and remove any drawers, shelves, and doors that are removable. Clean all parts with a mild soap and damp cloth. Allow everything to dry out of direct sunlight. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may require professional restoration. Upholstered furniture will probably need to be professionally cleaned, but you must begin drying it out immediately for any chance of saving it.

4. Paper Products

Paper products such as books, documents, and photographs are some of the most challenging types of content cleaning; they're likely to be unsalvageable if they've gotten wet. If you have important documents, collectible books, or sentimental photographs, water damage restoration professionals can sometimes restore them with their specialized equipment and expertise.

5. Electronics

Inspect all electronics that have been affected by the water. For smaller appliances such as toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers, check for fraying or exposed wires before plugging anything in or powering it on. Call a service company to inspect larger appliances like refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, and dryers for damage to see if they're salvageable or not. If you're unsure, it's best to replace it instead of risking injury or a fire.

6. Clothing

Clothing that's been in floodwaters must be cleaned thoroughly to remove the debris and contaminants from the water, particularly if it was black water (i.e., water that's highly contaminated). Washable fabrics can be treated with prewash stain treatment spray. Use powdered detergent, which is better at releasing dirt from the clothing. Also, wash them in cold water to prevent stains from setting in. Then, you should wash it a second time in hot water (for clothes that can tolerate hot water) and powdered detergent, along with bleach or another laundry sanitizer.

Now you can be better prepared for a flood with these ideas for content cleaning and mitigating property loss. Put a plan into place today so you can be ready if the worst should happen.

How To Avoid Sewer Backups in the Sink and Bathtub

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid doing certain things will prevent water damage.

You never want to see evidence of a sewer backup in your Rocky Mount, NC, home, especially in the bathtub! Naturally, a sink or bathtub backup is particularly unpleasant because of the proximity to food preparation and family bathing. One way to avoid waste coming up through these drains is to understand the potential causes:

  • Blockages along the sewer lines, often caused by foreign objects flushed down the toilet or rinsed down the drains
  • Tree roots that have grown into the lines leading to breaks, cracks, or obstruction in the pipes
  • Damage to the sewer line caused by flooding, construction, or misuse

Once you understand what to avoid, it's easier to prevent water damage. Take steps to dispose of waste properly, watch for signs of clogs, and make sure you know where your sewer lines run. It's also a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection at least once a year. Ask your insurance provider or a water damage repair agency for more preventative tips.

Avoid Chemicals in the Drain

If you suspect a clog, don't use harsh chemicals to clear it. These tend to be corrosive and may damage your pipes. The fumes and any splashing could also be problematic. If you can't solve the issue with a plumber's snake, contact a qualified professional to prevent further damage.

Stop Using the Water

When you do find that there's sewer backup in your home, immediately stop using the plumbing anywhere in your home. This is because any water or waste you send through the pipes will add more pressure behind the existing obstruction. Next, find the water main to your home and shut off the water. Before you try to do any cleanup on your own, contact an emergency plumber, your insurance provider, and a water damage cleanup and repair professional.

Protect Your Plumbing System

Any type of sewer backup is an unpleasant experience, so learn how to protect your home and plumbing system. A healthy plumbing system requires a bit of routine maintenance and a yearly inspection. These simple steps could save you from a lot of frustration and expense.

What Is a Flood Cut and Why Is It Done?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe damage to your building and may need flood cuts.

Restoration companies sometimes need to do a flood cut when flooding has occurred in a building. This guide will provide a brief overview of what a flood cut is and why it is done.

What Is a Flood Cut?

A flood cut is a cut made in drywall 12-18 inches above the flood line. Flood cuts are done in multiple situations:

  • Wall is too damaged to repair
  • Sewage water has come in contact with the wall
  • Wall can not be dried without removing sections
  • Wall contains insulation

Why Is a Flood Cut Done?

Sewer lines sometimes back up as a result of flooding. This can expose the surfaces in your building to contamination. Walls that have been damaged by sewage are not salvageable because the pathogens or bacteria may have been absorbed by the materials. Walls that contain insulation may also need a flood cut because wet insulation can not be dried out and still be functional as insulation.
A flood cut provides easier access to the area behind the wall, so that wet materials can be removed. It also aids in drying out framing and other wood materials behind the drywall. This faster drying process is critical for preventing mold growth.

When Is a Flood Cut Not Necessary?

If a wall is damaged by clean water, such as water from a broken pipe, and the wall does not contain insulation, a restoration company in Rocky Mount, NC, may be able to salvage the wall instead of doing tear out by using an injectidry system to dry the inside of the wall without cutting into the drywall.

Whenever possible, restoration companies attempt to save as much of your property as possible after damage from flooding. However, in some cases, this is not possible. Performing a flood cut can have multiple benefits for situations where the wall can not be completely restored.

3 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Maintain your sump pump regularly.

Floodwater that gets into your basement can cause serious damage to the foundation of your home. If you live in a region that experiences frequent flooding, a sump pump may play a critical role in diverting floodwater that poses a threat to your home. However, for it to function effectively, it needs to be maintained. Consider these three maintenance tips.

3 Maintenance Tips for a Sump Pump

1. Inspect the Pump Regularly

Dirt, gravel and other debris can accumulate in the vent hole, screen or discharge pipe of your pump. Additionally, debris that accumulates in the pit can interfere with the function of the float component. Regular inspections of your pump and pit should be performed as part of your pump maintenance routine. Clear out any debris you find during these inspections. You may also want to contact a professional in Rocky Mount, NC, to inspect the pump to make sure it is working properly.

2. Test the Pump

Regularly test your sump pump by emptying a bucket of water into the basin. When the water level in the basin goes up, the float should cause the pump to run and drain the water. If this doesn't happen, check to make sure the pump is plugged in and that debris or clogs aren't preventing it from working.

3. Have a Backup Plan

A pump that has a backup battery will still function if the primary power source fails. If your pump comes with a backup battery, change it every two to three years. Have a plan, such as contacting a water restoration company, in place in case your pump fails or is unable to keep up with the amount of floodwater.

A well-maintained sump pump can help prevent flood damage to your home by diverting floodwater to an area away from the foundation of your house. Performing regular maintenance on your pump will help ensure that it is in good working condition when a flood occurs.

Ice Storm Damage

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures for extended periods of time during winter storms caused a pipe to burst resulting in damage to this home.

When Storms or Floods hit SERVPRO of Rocky Mount is ready!

Storm Damage

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Nash, Halifax and Edgecombe Counties.

SERVPRO of Rocky Mount specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we 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 SERVPRO of Rocky Mount can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 252-977-9444