The Best Call to Make in the Worst Situation!

Water Damage

Water damage restoration is an emergency business. That’s why ServiceMaster of Greater Harrisburg and West Shore is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our quick response reduces your suffering and saves money. Water damage claims increase substantially if prompt action is not taken to contain the damage.

The restoration professionals at ServiceMaster of Greater Harrisburg and West Shore use the most advanced procedures and equipment to assure the highest level of service in property restoration and repair services.

The process unfolds in eight steps:

1. Quick response 24 hours a day
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
3. Communication with all parties
4. Water Extraction
5. Structural Drying
6. On going monitoring & review
7. Cleanup and Repairs
8. Wrap up

Time is of the Essence During a Water Damage Emergency

After a residential or commercial water loss, every second that ticks creates more damage to your home or business. Immediate response and proper extraction is essential when mitigating commercial and residential water damage, saving property and preventing the growth of the mold and mildew. When you experience water damage, our top priority is getting your family, your life or your business back together quickly.

It is critical to act quickly during a commercial or residential water damage emergency since water will continue to cause damage for weeks after the initial loss.

Here’s the destructive pattern water tends to follow:

Less Than One Hour
• Moving water quickly spreads to other areas
• Furniture may stain carpets permanently
• Moisture-sensitive furniture may discolor
• Paper goods are runined
One to 24 Hours
• Furniture delaminates or swells; legs can spilt
• Pressed wood swell and wraps
• Bacterial odor becomes apparent
• Uncoated metal surfaces may tarnish
• Normal household odors strengthen
Two to Seven Days
• Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor
• Musical instruments swell and wrap
• Drywall swells and disintegrates
• Uncoated metal surfaces begin to rust
• Door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate
• Wood decking and studs begin to swell, wrap or split
• Electronic Components may malfunction
• Occupants with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems can experience distress
One Week and Beyond
• Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor
• Wood components wrap and split
• Chemicals within wood dissolve, discolor, or destroy finishes
• Claim costs escalate dramatically
• Serious occupant health hazards may occur

Here’s what we consider when drying wood floors:

• Wood floors are very sensitive, so proper drying is critical.
• Wood naturally holds water—up to 10% depending on the type of floor.
• Wood can absorb another 5% to 10% without showing any noticeable effects. Within a few days, however, floors that cannot hold the water any longer will expand, causing cupping or crowning. Both are very difficult to restore.
• Emergency response is critical for any damage to wood floors.

Here’s what your ServiceMaster of Greater Harrisburg and West Shore professional considers when drying carpet:

• Age and condition of carpet
If a carpet is so old that it is a better value to replace than attempt restoration, we’ll let you know what makes the best financial sense. ServiceMaster Clean® uses industry resources to help determine the exact value of carpet.
• Length of time carpet was exposed to water
Most carpets can withstand water for up to three days, but immediate response to your loss is critical. In most cases ServiceMaster Clean® can be at your site within two to four hours.
• Type of water
Types of water affect the restoration process.
· Clean water: Water from a clean source with no debris.
· Grey water: Water that is not necessarily clean but is not hazardous (washing machine and dishwasher overflow, for example).
· Black water: Sewage backup or runoff water. These losses are hazardous and should be handled with caution.
• Water temperature
The temperature of the water is important to consider. For example, a hot water heater with very warm water will affect the glue used to hold carpet fibers together.