Recent Posts

Tornado Season in Tuscaloosa

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

In Alabama, tornadoes are most likely to occur in March, April and May, but WSFA says they are especially common in April. Since 1950, over 550 tornadoes have touched down in our state during April with Tuscaloosa County being one of the counties they are likely to be spotted in.

The most basic terms you need to know about severe weather events with the possibility of tornadoes are the warning, watch and emergency statuses. Tornado watches suggest that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, but tornado warnings alert communities that a tornado has been spotted on the radar. Tornado emergencies are declared when there is a severe threat to human life, and these events can cause catastrophic damage. 

Top Tips from Red Cross

  • Identify a safe spot in your home for your family and pets to gather during the event of a tornado. The safest places are basements, storm cellars, or any room inside on the lowest floor without windows.
  • If you are in a highrise building, seek shelter in a hallway near the center of the building. It is possible you won’t have enough time to go down to the lowest floor.
  • In mobile homes, find a safe space in a sturdy building nearby. Some mobile home parks have designated shelters, but no mobile home is considered safe in a tornado.

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa offers 24/7 emergency services including storm damage repair, cleanup and restoration. Most importantly, we want Tuscaloosa residents to be educated and safe in the event of a tornado. In the aftermath, we are always here to help!

Restoring Fire-Damaged Items

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa understands that the items inside the structure are really what makes your house a home. Our crews are trained to perform fire damage restoration on structures like your home, as well as the contents inside.

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has a “restore” mentality instead of a “replace” mindset. However, it is important to understand that not every item that survives a fire is able to be restored. Our trained technicians will analyze your fire-damaged items to determine if restoration is possible.

Here are the several methods that can be used to clean your contents:

  • Dry cleaning to clean light residues or pre-clean before wet cleaning
  • Wet cleaning to remove moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and wipe to restore items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam cleaning for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet-cleaned
  • Abrasive cleaning involving agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion cleaning where contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning solution

Do not lose hope for your cherished items when they are damaged in a fire. Let SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa inspect them for the possibility of restoration. We are always here to help!

Prepare for Storms as Spring Approaches

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is encouraging property owners to think forward to spring storms and focus on disaster readiness. Since late 2022, the United States has experienced severe weather from coast to coast, varying from major flood events to hurricanes and tornadoes. 

Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, says time spent improving disaster readiness might have helped property owners prevent damage to their homes or businesses, as well as the contents inside those properties. 

Spring weather can be especially unpredictable, so SERVPRO urges property owners in Tuscaloosa and across the country to take advantage of planning ahead in the case of a disaster. 

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa continues to encourage community members to prepare for storms as unpredictable weather conditions become the norm. Steps that will benefit you in the case of disaster include preparing an emergency kit, making sure your insurance information is on-hand, and knowing who to call in the case of storm damage in Tuscaloosa.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Commercial Properties?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

We have years of experience in Tuscaloosa.

For over 25 years, SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has been proud to serve the Tuscaloosa community. Over the years, we have been lucky to build long lasting relationships with commercial property managers and business owners. We highly value these connections and strive to provide high quality services for local apartment complexes, schools, restaurants, offices, and more!

We work with your insurance.

On larger damages, your commercial business may want to file an insurance claim. Whether your insurance carrier is local to Tuscaloosa or in a different city, SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa will work closely with your agent and adjuster to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved.

We offer a variety of services to meet your needs.

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa will be there to help during emergency situations or routine cleanings. Our crews are trained and experienced in fire, mold and water damages and have years of experience performing these services for commercial customers in Tuscaloosa. If your property just needs a general cleaning service, such as HVAC or rug cleanings, SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa can provide these services as well!

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa is proud to work with commercial properties in our community!

Here to Help Student Living Properties in Tuscaloosa

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has over 25 years of experience working with commercial properties in our community. Being in the same city as the University of Alabama means we have years of experience providing services for off-campus student living properties, including townhomes and apartments!

Along with restoration for fire, water or mold damage, we offer commercial HVAC and general cleanings. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa will provide tailored services to meet your apartment complex’s needs and our crews make it a top priority to minimize interference with residents’ schedules or property managers’ business operations.

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa values meaningful relationships with property managers and is always here to help! Call 205-553-8377 today if your property needs restoration or cleaning services from experienced professionals.

We Put the PRO in SERVPRO

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to damage at your home or commercial property, it is very important to trust the professionals on-site. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa technicians are highly trained specialists in property damage restoration.

As cleaning and restoration specialists, the technicians at SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa stay up-to-date on industry standards. One way our crews do this is by completing Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC) training and certification. Our professionals study the best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses to receive their certification.

Our technicians understand that we often respond to people in serious times of need, which can be stressful and emotionally draining. You can take a deep breath and feel relieved when SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa arrives at your home or business.

Stay Warm, Stay Safe

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

There is nothing better than the warmth of a fire or space heater during the winter. However, fireplaces and space heaters can be the source of fire damage if the proper safety measures are not followed. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides tips for space heater safety.

  • Before you even buy the space heater, make sure it has a seal of a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 
  • Keep flammable materials such as curtains, clothes and papers at least three feet away from the heater.
  • Never leave the heater on if no one is home or when you are asleep. The consequences could be disastrous for your home.
  • Don’t plug your space heater into an extension cord. This reduces the risk of fires.

Wood-burning fireplaces can be beautiful to look at and are a crowd pleaser, but like space heaters, they come with risks. You should follow some of the same precautions, such as keeping flammable materials away from the fire and never having a fire lit unattended.

Here are a few more safety guidelines for wood-burning fires:

  • Do not overload the fireplace. This prevents embers from tumbling out.
  • Never burn rolled newspaper, garbage, charcoal, plastic or chemically-treated or painted wood.
  • Keep small children and pets away from the flames.

In case of fire damage, call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa. Our team of professionals takes your family and business’ safety seriously, and we know that fires can be a traumatizing experience. We are always here to help.

Commercial HVAC Cleanings

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

One of the biggest culprits of poor indoor air quality? Ventilation systems!

It should be a priority to inspect the ductwork of your commercial property. In fact, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that commercial HVAC ducts are cleaned every three to five years to ensure optimal performance. Your HVAC could be circulating dust, odors, pollen, dirt and debris, and other contaminants if left unchecked for long periods of time. 

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa professionals can service your business or other commercial property with routine inspections. Not only will this make your air cleaner, but it also keeps the equipment working properly for longer.

Some of the benefits of HVAC cleanings are:

  • Helps restore peak energy efficiency
  • May eliminate offensive odors
  • Reduces potential for mold growth

If duct cleaning is not necessary, we will make recommendations that save you money and stress. Call us today at 205-533-8377 for more information on HVAC cleaning services for your commercial property.

I Feel A Mold Coming On!

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know why mold is so common in apartment complexes? According to RTK Environmental Group, having a large number of residents increases the chance for accidents that lead to mold contamination. 

“The main issue in apartment buildings is that water travels downward,” says Robert Weitz, founder of RTK Environmental. “It will travel down through the floors to the ceilings and walls below. When that happens, you are at risk of developing a mold problem,” he explains.

Consider this scenario: A tenant on the top floor leaves for work, but their toilet overflows while they are gone. The water trickles down to apartments below, and causes water damage. If the property manager isn’t able to get SERVPRO out fast enough, the wet walls, ceilings and floors can attract mold. Mold then leads to structural and health issues.

It is important for property managers to act quickly when a tenant alerts them of a possible mold contamination, which means that tenants need to be aware of the signs and risks too. Commercial property owners should encourage residents to use their maintenance portal or follow the apartment’s guidelines for reporting any issues like mold instead of taking matters into their own hands.

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa is happy to serve commercial properties like apartments in the community. If a resident reports mold contamination, call us for professional advice and service!

Seasonal Storm Damage

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know Alabama had more tornado warnings than any other state in 2022? This past year, the severe weather in Alabama was very active. And unfortunately, where severe storms go, property damage follows.

Even though there is a low frequency of what some might consider typical winter storms in Alabama, there are still risks of property damage from storms in colder months. 

It is possible that Alabama residents see ice storms after prolonged periods of freezing rain, according to Alabama Power. During these storms, water pipes may freeze and burst. Burst water pipes can cause mold growth and structural damage.

The mitigation and reconstruction professionals at SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa are here to help restore your home after damage caused by a storm. Even though your home or business is a major concern during a storm, the top priority is to remain safe. Always follow local news, radio stations and social media accounts for weather updates and warnings.