Mold is present all around us. Some forms pose no threat to humans, while others like the dreaded black mold can cause serious health effects. It’s essential to always be on the lookout for mold to protect the health of you and your family, as well as to avoid costly mold removal.

The experts at ServiceMaster of the Upstate discuss the types of mold in your home or place of business and in what ways their growth affects your property.

Basic Facts About Mold

• In order to grow, mold requires moisture. It grows on soil, plants and decomposing materials outdoors; indoors, it thrives in damp, moist areas like basements and bathrooms.

• The four common types of indoor mold are: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

• Mold often appears greenish-gray, gray, brownish-green and black. Slimy green mold growing on exteriors can often be removed by a power washer.

• Mold propagates by releasing spores that create new colonies.

• While most mold species are harmless, some do release toxins and cause health risks for people with mold allergies, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

• The mold species Stachybotrys chartarum is commonly known as "toxic mold" or "black mold". It can be harmful and can safely be handled only by a mold remediation professional.

• Bleach can remove mold on non-porous surfaces, but only use it in a well-ventilated room. Some types of tile may etch upon contact with bleach, so make sure to perform a little spot check.

• Provide sufficient ventilation to often moist areas such as bathrooms. Open windows and doors if the weather permits and make use of fans and dehumidifiers.

• Mold growth can be indicated by an unnatural musty, mildew-y smell. Locate the source of the odor immediately.

• High humidity manifests as condensation on walls, windows and other hard surfaces. To inhibit mold growth, maintain indoor humidity levels below 45 percent.

• Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water damage incident.

• Mildew is a surface fungus that appears white or gray and grows on cardboards, books and even fabrics. It can easily be wiped away by a cloth.

• Mold can grow in hard-to-reach or hidden areas, like within insulation and behind drywall, after a flood.

• Add mold inhibitors to paint before painting to reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

• Get complete mold remediation services only from professionals, such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

Types of Mold and How to Identify Them

Mold comes in a variety of colors and varieties and can be present in almost every space of your home.

Six common types of mold you may find include:

Acremonium

• Acremonium mold is a toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time.

• It first starts out as a small, moist mold that turns into a fine, powdery substance.

• Acremonium mold is often pink, grey, orange, or white in color.

• Acremonium typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.

Aspergillus

• With a black or green ground pepper-like appearance, you can often find Aspergillus around toilets, painted surfaces, or around air ducts.

• If inhaled, Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions that cause asthma attacks, fever, and a mucus cough.

• This commonly found mold should be checked frequently.

Aureobasidium

• Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.

• Aureobasidium usually develops in pink, brown, or black color. As it ages, Aureobasidium typically turns into a darker brown color.

• The primary health risk of Aureobasidium is its ability to cause infections of the eye, skin, and nails. Because of its potential to cause dermatitis (skin rash), it should never be touched directly with bare skin.

Alternaria

• Alternaria is black with a velvet-like texture. Although it is a common type of outdoor mold, it is easily airborne, traveling for a warm, wet place to multiply. This is when it will cause an issue for your home.

• It will cling to plants, furniture and in damp areas like under sinks, showers, or window frames.

• The health risks of this mold include a runny nose, a sore throat, hives and rashes on the skin. Babies and those with asthma should be especially careful around this mold.

Cladosporium

• Cladosporium is olive or black in color and found on wood and textile. This is another mold that is more commonly seen outside, although it can also find its way into your home.

• It attaches itself to damp areas of the home like the basement, attic, and bathrooms. Similar to other molds, it can cause allergic reactions like watery or itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing and other common cold symptoms

Trichoderma

• This green and white mold can feel almost wool-like and thrives in a variety of environments. These can include wood, paint, carpet and filters.

• Its adaptability is due to its strong metabolism, so almost anywhere can be a potential living space.

• Most Trichoderma species aren’t amongst highly dangerous forms of mold, but they can trigger allergies, as well as asthma.

Harmful Effects of Mold

Some mold types can produce minor health effects like allergy symptoms, while others are highly toxic to humans, which can cause:

• Chronic coughing and fatigue

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Rashes

• Internal bleeding in the lungs

• Damage to internal organs

• Brain damage like memory loss and tremors

Implementing consistent home checks in places like the bathroom, attic, and basement can help to catch the growth of mold before a loved one begins to feel these symptoms.

Have a professional mold expert, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate, come into your home when an outbreak of mold is found. An expert will know how to tackle the issue so it does not return.

What to Do When You Have Mold in Your Home

Water penetration can occur anywhere in your home. In addition to the bathroom and basement, to avoid extensive damages and mold growth, it’s important always to be looking at the following areas for the signs of water damage:

• Ceilings and Walls: In the ceiling, water damage can either be the result of water leaking in through the roof or, if there’s a bathroom on the floor above, from a leaking pipe in the bathroom. For walls, you’ll want to check for the same sources of water damage, as well as areas around doors and windows.

• Floors: Many things can be the cause of water-damaged floors, including overflowing sinks and tubs or leaky appliances.

• Exterior Walls: Improper drainage or gutters that don’t whisk water away from your house are common causes of exterior wall damage.

• Attic: Stains, mold, and swollen insulation are the common signs your attic has damages.

• Appliances: Check under or behind your refrigerator, washer and dryer, water heater, toilets and sinks for signs of pooling or leaks.

Schedule an Appointment for Mold Removal Today

Always check for mold in your bathrooms, cellars and other moist places, and make sure your home is well-ventilated with controlled humidity levels. If you think that you already have mold in your home, it may be time to contact a mold remediation expert from ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891. You may also complete our online contact form.

We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in:

• Greenville

• Saluda

• Spartanburg

• Newberry

• Laurens

We’ve been trusted to help homeowners clean their homes and remove mold and pride ourselves on doing your job right the first time. For your cleanup needs, give us a call today.

When buying fire extinguishers for your business or home, it’s important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires it’s effective in putting out. By understanding what each fire class means, you can understand which fire types are a safety hazard at your business. Once you are aware of what types of fires your business may encounter, you can buy the proper extinguisher for protecting against them.

Class A

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials, such as cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many plastics. Extinguishers with an A rating are designed to extinguish fires involving these ordinary combustible materials.

Class B

Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, lacquers. Therefore, extinguishers with a B rating are designed to extinguish fires involving flammable and combustible liquids.

Class C

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Extinguishers with a C rating are designed for use with fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Class D

Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. Extinguishers with a D rating are designed to extinguish fires involving combustible metals.

Class K

Class K fires involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. Extinguishers with a K rating are designed to extinguish fires involving vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats utilized in commercial cooking appliances.

How To Put Out Wood Fire

Wood burning fires typically stem from a fireplace or fire pit and are categorized as Class A fires – or a fire that uses flammable material as its fuel sources. Wood, paper, trash, fabric and plastics are also common sources of Class A fires.

If a fire originating from your indoor fireplace gets out of hand, here are some dos and don’ts on how to put out a wood burning fire:

• Do: Use a fireplace poker to spread out the wood and embers. 

• Do: Extinguish the flames using the ash from your embers once they cool down.

• Do: Put a layer of banking soda over the ash once the fire is out to eliminate any remaining embers. This adds an additional layer that prevents oxygen from reaching the embers.

• Don’t: Remove the burning logs. Doing so increases the risk of the fire spreading to other parts of your home as you attempt to remove it.

• Don’t: Douse the flames with water in a fireplace or in an enclosed room unless this is a serious emergency and there’s no other option. Using water creates massive amounts of smoke and can cause steam burns. It can also damage your fireplace leading to cracks and heaves due to the sudden change in temperature.

How To Put Out Outdoor Fire Pit

• Extinguish the fire with water. Compared to fireplaces, outdoor fire pits are often in more open spaces which allows for steam or smoke to go away when extinguished.

• Spread the wood and embers to create ash, similar to how you would handle a fireplace fire.

• Put sand over the burning embers. Make sure you spread a thin layer of sand on the embers to prevent them from having access to oxygen. Adding too much sand can cause the embers to remain lit underneath, which poses a fire hazard if they’re uncovered by wind.

• Use a Class A fire extinguisher if the fire gets out of hand. If the steps above do not take effect and the fire appears to be out of control or in danger of spreading, call 911 for help.

How To Put Out Gas Fire

Fires caused by natural gas, kerosene, propane or gasoline are categorized as Class B fires. These types of fires are caused by flammable liquids and best extinguished by smothering.

• Do not use water to put out a gas fire. It will only make the situation worse.

• Use a Class B fire extinguisher instead which is made to put out a gas fire.

• After the fire is controlled, shut off the gas flow on the appliance and notify your utility company.

• Do not turn back on the appliance until the situation has been properly handled.

How To Put Out Electrical Fire

Speaking of appliances, if they’re connected to electrical outlets, it’s possible for them to catch fire. There are specific steps you can take to handle a fire resulting from a home wiring failure, worn out breaker box, appliance malfunction or frayed electrical cord.

Here’s how you can put out an electrical fire:

• If possible, unplug the appliance. Doing so will help reduce the risk of the fire spreading while also ensuring the appliance does not pose additional risk to those attempting to put out the electrical fire.

• Use Type C fire extinguisher that has a ‘C’ on its label. 

• If the electrical fire is small, smother the flames with baking soda. This will reduce the oxygen that the fire has access to, potentially putting it out. However, if the electrical fire starts to grow out of control, call 911 for help.

How To Put Out Appliance Fire

There are also the home appliances that aren’t connected to an electrical outlet but can still cause fire, like your oven, stove and microwave. These appliances are often located in the kitchen, where high temperatures place them at an increased risk of catching on fire.

There are some specific steps you should follow if you’re want to know how to put out an appliance fire:

To put out an oven fire:

• Leave the oven door closed. This prevents oxygen from fanning the flames and helps avoid flames from reach other areas of your kitchen.

• Turn off the oven. This will prevent the fire from spreading to the outlet where it can quickly spread throughout your home.

• Do not put water on the flames. If the oven is plugged in, this will cause electricity to electrocute the person throwing the water on the flames.

• Use a Class C fire extinguisher. This will help smother the oven fire and help put it out.

How To Put Out Stove Fire

• Make sure all burners are turned off. Having a burner on will only help fuel the stove fire, making it harder to put out the flames.

• Move everything away from the stovetop area

• Unplug appliances near the stove. Less items near the oven means that the stove fire has less items to potentially spread to.

• Do not use water to douse the flames. Electricity travels through water quickly and may electrocute you.

• Use a Class C fire extinguisher.

How To Put Out Microwave Fire 

• Unplug the appliance or turn off the kitchen’s circuit breaker.

• Move everything away from the microwave area

• Use a Class C fire extinguisher.

How To Put Out Grease Fire 

Cooking fires are the top cause of home fires and injuries. Of these fires, the majority begin with oil becoming too hot, boiling and eventually turning from smoke into flames. These are called grease fire, or Class K fires.

Here’s how to put out a grease fire:

• Cover the fire immediately. You can use a lid or cookie sheet to put out a grease fire. Leave this cover on until the flames are gone and the metal is cool to the touch. This helps prevent oxygen from continuing to fuel the fire.

• Turn off the heat source. Turning off the stove or burners used will prevent the grease or oil from continuing to be heated. While this will help, do not remove the pan from the stove. You may drop the pan or cause burning grease to spread throughout your home, placing yourself at risk of harm.

• Do not pour water on the fire. It can cause the grease to splash and the flames to spread. This is caused by the water vaporizing in the intense heat, causing grease to splash as the water vapor escapes.

• Using a Class K fire extinguisher should be your last resort. A grease fire can be difficult to put out without the proper tools. If you don’t have a class K fire extinguisher, call 911.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU CAN’T EXTINGUISH A FIRE?

If a fire becomes uncontrollable, leave your house immediately. Close the door as you leave to try to contain the flames. Once you’re safe, call 911 and do not go back inside your home until you’re told by a professional – like a firefighter – that the area is safe for reentry.

Contact Most Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Company in Greenville, South Carolina

Fires spread quickly and failure to act quickly could lead to structural damage and health issues. However, fire damage is not the only concern, since smoke damage and soot can also spread in your home which will lead to ongoing issues with odors and corrosion to different surfaces and contents.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers water damage restoration, mold removal, fire damage repairs, content cleaning and restoration, smoke and soot removal, board up and pack out storage services. We’ll work with you to recover what can be recovered, while ensuring that you have the support you need during the process. We guide and walk through during insurance claims.

Call us today at (864) 310-7891 or contact us online to learn more about our complete fire damage restoration services.

We service  customers in South Carolina including: Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, Laurens and surrounding areas. 

Quite a number of people fall into the trap of hoarding things. People who hoard are usually those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder who need to buy too much of something or people who have trouble getting rid of so many items that they think may have value in the future.

Some consequences of hoarding are as follows:

• Hoarding things lead to so much clutter in your home that it no longer becomes functional.

• Hoarding too many things may lead to health risks or even fire hazards.

• Hoarding can negatively impact the safety of you and your family.

You can learn how to stop hoarding by trying to identify and overcome your fears. Create a plan to slowly clear out unnecessary items and get help from IICRC  trained and certified professionals from ServiceMaster of the Upstate who can give you suggestions on how to clear out your home to make it functional again.

Hoarder Cleanup Services in South Carolina

If you or someone you know suffers from hoarding disorder, then you should contact the professionals at ServiceMaster of the Upstate to assist in clearing out your home.

• ServiceMaster of the Upstate is an established hoarder cleanup company in South Carolina.

• You can get complete and comprehensive house clean-up with expert cleaners who can understand your situation, as it can be so hard to part with the load of things that you have.

• ServiceMaster of the Upstate is also known as an understanding hoarder cleanup service because of the sensitive and compassionate cleaning professionals who know how challenging it is for hoarders to part with their things

Our hoarder cleanup service includes:

• Promise to identify all items of value with photographic Identification

• Always supply fully trained and checked staff

• Provide professional cleaning and waste removal service

• Undertake full decontamination of the property

• Manage the waste streams in agreement with the client or representative

• Technicians trained to the highest industry standards

• Return the property clean, decontaminated and waste-free

• Rodent eradication, decontamination of the area, and removal of the junk.

If you are not a hoarder but need help decluttering your home, then you should follow these tips:

• Identifying and overcoming your fears are steps you should take to understand why you need to stop hoarding. Hoarders usually hold on to things based on sentimental, instrumental, and intrinsic beliefs.

• You should also determine how to clear out your things from the easiest to the most difficult to part with.

• Getting rid of surplus bathroom products, for example, is easier to do than parting with sentimental items.

•  When things get overwhelming and so much stuff has piled up in your home that you do not know what to do anymore, you can call up hoarder cleanup services. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is the perfect choice to call when you are ready to clean up your home, and yet you are overwhelmed with too much stuff you have accumulated.

NEED HELP WITH CLEANING UP ALL THE CLUTTER?

The team of cleaning specialists is trained to be sensitive to the difficulties that a hoarder may be facing during the cleaning and clearing process. ServiceMaster of the Upstate can bring back your room to its original state; clean, sanitized, and waste-free.

If you need emergency hoarder cleanup services, ServiceMaster of the Upstate has 24/7 emergency services. You may call the emergency line at (864) 310-7891.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is at your service 7 days a week. For more information on the specific services you may avail, you can access the website at https://www.servicemasterupstate.com/cleaning-sc/hoarder-cleanup-greenville-spartanburg-laurens-newberry-saluda/.

Mold development is very common in homes and buildings and has the potential to cause health risks. Without professional help, mold can grow and spread to other areas, triggering allergies and worsening existing respiratory conditions.

Since 2008, ServiceMaster of the Upstate has been providing residential and commercial properties in Mauldin, South Carolina and the surrounding areas professional mold removal and remediation services. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and have a team of licensed, certified and fully bonded mold remediation specialists. ServiceMaster of the Upstate's experts will create a customized mold remediation plan after conducting a thorough assessment of the affected area, then proceed to eliminate mold using state-of-the-art technologies and cleaning products. We work with insurance companies in South Carolina to help guide policyholders all throughout the claims process.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or connect with us online to request a free, on-site inspection and estimate. 

Mold Remediation and Restoration Services in Mauldin, SC 

• Appliance Ruptures & Leaks

• Burst & Leaking Pipes

• Carpet Removal and Installation

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration

• Contaminated Water & Sewage Backups

• Content  & Document Drying

• Drying and Dehumidification

• Emergency Board-Up and Tarp

• Fire Fighting Damage

• Flooded Basement & Rising Water

• Hardwood Floor Repair & Cleaning

• Mold Remediation

• Odor Removal

• Roof Leaks & Failures

• Tile and Grout Cleaning

• Water Removal

ServiceMaster of the Upstate's Mold Remediation Process 

Mold remediation processes vary in each project, however,  ServiceMaster of the Upstate follows general steps to completely eliminate mold from affected properties.

• Free, On-Site Mold Inspection and Estimate - A ServiceMaster Project Manager will assess your property and provide a findings based estimate.  Oftentimes, we recommend conducting an initial air quality test to determine if there are traces of mold present in the air.

• Isolation and Containment - Isolating and containing mold is crucial. Our technicians use techniques like physical barrier installation and negative air machines to prevent the spread of mold.

• Air Filtration - Capturing, filtering and scrubbing microscopic mold spores from the air is critical for air safety.

• Mold Removal - ServiceMaster of the Upstate's technicians utilize HEPA vacuums, antimicrobial agents, negative air scrubbers and other high-tech equipment to eradicate mold from homes or businesses

• Cleaning Content and Sanitizing - Our team will sanitize, disinfect and dehumidify your home or business, including inside HVAC units and air ducts, using state-of-the-art industrial dehumidification equipment. This removes excess moisture and prevents new mold growth.

• Disposing of Affected Materials - ServiceMaster of the Upstate properly and lawfully disposes of contaminated materials.

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate has all required licenses and insurances, including workers’ compensation, liability coverage, and pollution coverage, to conduct proper and professional mold removal and remediation services in Mauldin, SC. Call us at (864) 310-7891 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment. 

Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and moist places. While mold typically occurs in nature, it can be a nuisance when it grows indoors. Mold can attach itself to porous and non-porous surfaces and spread to other areas in a matter of time. While most mold species are harmless, some can cause allergies and even trigger existing respiratory conditions, especially that of immunocompromised individuals.

Mold exposure causes symptoms that may seem mild at first, but they can develop to life-threatening medical problems. These dangers inspired the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to create National Mold Awareness Month.

Health Risks of Mold

National Mold Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness, inform and educate the public about the adverse health effects of mold exposure and mycotoxins. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include the following:

• Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes

• Colds and flu-like symptoms

• Headaches

• Mold-induced asthma episodes or irritation

• Nausea

• Nose bleeds

• Respiratory issues

• Skin irritation

How to Prepare For Mold Awareness Month

Inspect your home

• Don't wait for mold growth to escalate into a full-blown problem before you start noticing. This will only increase the risk of sickness and damage to your property.

• Check your house for leaking pipes and damaged plumbing especially in areas with poor ventilation such as the attic, basement, bathroom and garage. Upon recognizing a problem, have it repaired immediately and inspect the area for mold.

• Research about the common types of mold that grow indoors to easily recognize mold growth when you see it. Contact a mold remediation professional to address any mold problem to prevent potential health risks.

Prevent future mold development

• Damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms and crawl spaces, must be dried out regularly.

• Use ventilation fans at least 30 minutes after showering or bathing to ensure that your bathroom is dry and that mold growth is prevented.

Educate your family and loved ones

• Tell your friends, family and loved ones to check their homes for mold especially if they are showing symptoms of prolonged mold exposure.

• Help the elderly or those with health conditions and compromised immune systems as they are more susceptible to the health effects of mold.

Call a trusted mold remediation professional

• Contact the professionals at ServiceMaster of the Upstate to remove mold growth from your property. We have the training, experience and equipment to safely treat and kill mold to restore your health and property as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment for Mold Removal in Greenville, South Carolina

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to immediately address your mold damage emergency. We service commercial properties in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. 

• We are an IICRC-certified firm and a Preferred Vendor for insurance companies in South Carolina.

• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.

• Call us at (864) 310-7891 to schedule an appointment for mold remediation service.

• You may also message us online through our contact form.

• Our office is located at 170 Old Airport Road, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.

Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and moist places. While mold typically occurs in nature, it can be a nuisance when it grows indoors. Mold can attach itself to porous and non-porous surfaces and spread to other areas in a matter of time. While most mold species are harmless, some can cause allergies and even trigger existing respiratory conditions, especially that of immunocompromised individuals.

Mold exposure causes symptoms that may seem mild at first, but they can develop to life-threatening medical problems. These dangers inspired the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to create National Mold Awareness Month.

Health Risks of Mold

National Mold Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness, inform and educate the public about the adverse health effects of mold exposure and mycotoxins. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include the following:

• Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes

• Colds and flu-like symptoms

• Headaches

• Mold-induced asthma episodes or irritation

• Nausea

• Nose bleeds

• Respiratory issues

• Skin irritation

How to Prepare For Mold Awareness Month

Inspect your home

• Don't wait for mold growth to escalate into a full-blown problem before you start noticing. This will only increase the risk of sickness and damage to your property.

• Check your house for leaking pipes and damaged plumbing especially in areas with poor ventilation such as the attic, basement, bathroom and garage. Upon recognizing a problem, have it repaired immediately and inspect the area for mold.

• Research about the common types of mold that grow indoors to easily recognize mold growth when you see it. Contact a mold remediation professional to address any mold problem to prevent potential health risks.

Prevent future mold development

• Damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms and crawl spaces, must be dried out regularly.

• Use ventilation fans at least 30 minutes after showering or bathing to ensure that your bathroom is dry and that mold growth is prevented.

Educate your family and loved ones

• Tell your friends, family and loved ones to check their homes for mold especially if they are showing symptoms of prolonged mold exposure.

• Help the elderly or those with health conditions and compromised immune systems as they are more susceptible to the health effects of mold.

Call a trusted mold remediation professional

• Contact the professionals at ServiceMaster of the Upstate to remove mold growth from your property. We have the training, experience and equipment to safely treat and kill mold to restore your health and property as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment for Mold Removal in Greenville, South Carolina

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to immediately address your mold damage emergency. We service commercial properties in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. 

• We are an IICRC-certified firm and a Preferred Vendor for insurance companies in South Carolina.

• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.

• Call us at (864) 310-7891 to schedule an appointment for mold remediation service.

• You may also message us online through our contact form.

• Our office is located at 170 Old Airport Road, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.

Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.

Being the leader in the water damage restoration industry begins with having the best-trained professionals. ServiceMaster of the Upstate and their team of remediation experts offer premier water damage restoration services to residential and commercial properties in Fountain Inn, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. Whether enduring mold or flooding damage, we’ll be by your side to provide guidance throughout the restoration project.

Since 2008, our IICRC-certified technicians have helped home and business owners across South Carolina recover from every sized water-related disaster. Our licensed, insured and fully bonded team is equipped to handle complete restoration processes, from the initial cleanup, pack-out and storage of contents to mold remediation and comprehensive repairs.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate walks clients through an inspection and plan of action outline required to secure the property and minimize losses. We are a part of ServiceMaster Restore’s nationwide catastrophic response network, meaning we can respond to losses of any scale.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.

Fountain Inn, SC's Leading Preferred Insurance Vendor

ServiceMaster of the Upstate specialists work closely with property owners and insurance professionals to ensure the insurance claim process is as smooth as possible. We are a Preferred Insurance Vendor for the top insurance carriers in South Carolina and meet their strict standards in regards to service levels, communication quality and the requirement to be licensed, bonded, and insured.

With Continuing Education (CE) classes from ServiceMaster Restore, our restoration specialists are better equipped to help policyholders through constant exposure to the latest disaster restoration techniques, procedures and practices

Water Damage Restoration Services

• Content Cleaning

• Dehumidification

• Restoration & Repairs

• Structural Drying

• Water Removal

Professional Water Damage Restoration Process

• Inspection and Assessment. An intensive surface and penetrative inspection process identifies the severity of water damage so we can create a strategic restoration and cleaning plan.

• Water Removal. Technicians extract all standing and trapped water using industrial pumps and vacuums to avoid further damage.

• Structural Drying & Dehumidification. Air movers and dehumidifiers are installed to quickly dry structures, evaporate water, and remove moisture.

• Cleaning and Disinfection. All restorable items and structures damaged by water are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized.

• Restoration and Repairs. Trained technicians efficiently and effectively repair and restore properties to original conditions.

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do.

• ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call us at (864) 310-7891 for water damage restoration services or message us online for a free on-site inspection and assessment. We service Fountain Inn, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. 

The aftermath of a hurricane can have devastating effects to businesses and the economy. While business owners in hurricane-prone areas are mostly familiar with basic hurricane preparedness to protect their commercial properties, hurricanes can be unpredictable and leave serious damages in their wake. These include property damage, losses in revenue, a halt in business operations and worse, business closure.

With the hurricane season in order, it is important for managers and business owners to be aware of the steps to take to get their businesses back up and running after hurricane damage. Here are some hurricane recovery tips from ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

Steps to Restore Your Property After a Flood

SAFETY FIRST!

Before entering your property, make sure that an inspector has determined that it's safe to do so. Even after the initial storm passes, the dangers of flooding remain. It may be easy to overlook electrical hazards, gas and propane leaks and water contaminants if you are not a professional. If the go signal has been given to reenter your facility, follow the steps below.

Contact your insurance company

• Call your insurance provider to begin the claims process for any major damages as soon as possible.

Wear proper protective equipment

• Floodwaters often bring in dangerous items, such as broken glass, metal fragments and other sharp debris, which is why you need to wear safety gear such as closed toe shoes, gloves and waders.

• Cover any exposed skin to prevent cuts, punctures, scratches and infection from contaminated floodwaters.

Survey the damage

• It's normal to feel overwhelmed when surveying the damage of the hurricane and flood. Take your time to process the extent of the disaster's impact.

• Document damages through taking photos and videos for your insurance claim and company records.

Clear rubble and salvage what you can

• Items that are unharmed or repairable must be removed from the area and stored in a safe, dry place until the restoration of your building has been completed.

• Clear away rubble if the rest of the debris is safe to handle so that you can begin repairs. Perform minor fixes if you can, but don't be afraid to ask for help.

Find the right professional help

• Find a trusted company like ServiceMaster of the Upstate who can guide you through the entire restoration process and help your business recover quickly after hurricane flood damage.

How to Secure More Funding for Repairs

If the area your business is located in is outside of marked flood zones, you may or may not have the coverage necessary to pay for all the repairs your business needs to recover. You can look into:

• State and federal aid

• Disaster relief organizations

• Local resources

• Crowdsourcing

• Bank loans

• Private funding

Make an Appointment With Storm Damage Restoration Experts Today

If your storm damage emergency can't wait, ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We service commercial properties in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina, and surrounding areas.

• We are an IICRC-certified firm and a Preferred Vendor for insurance companies in South Carolina.

• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.

• Call us at (864) 310-7891 to schedule an appointment for mold remediation service.

• You may also message us online through our contact form.

• Our office is located at 170 Old Airport Road, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.

After a fire incident, homeowners and business owners have to deal with more than just fire damage. Water damage from firefighting efforts and residual soot and smoke must immediately be addressed to prevent further problems from occurring. This is a job that is best done by professionals, such as the team at ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

Without proper cleaning techniques and the right equipment, it can be very difficult to return a home or business to pre-disaster condition after it has been damaged by smoke and fire.

A home or business owner may opt to file an insurance claim for smoke damage after a fire incident. Learn about smoke damage and the process of filing a smoke damage insurance claim in this article.

What is Smoke Damage?

When wood, fabric, plastic, and other materials burn, the resulting odor and physical residue left behind is called smoke damage. Smoke damage can affect building materials and parts such as walls, ceilings, and windows, as well as contaminate items like clothing, jewelry, and furniture. If left untreated, smoke damage can leave behind unsightly stains, discolorations, corrosion and permanent damage.

Effectively removing smoke damage requires different cleaning solutions and techniques, which often requires the skills and expertise of a professional. The most common items affected by smoke damage after a fire incident are the following:

• Art work

• Books and photographs

• Ceilings

• Clothing

• Furniture

• Jewelry

• Walls

• Window treatments

How to File for Smoke Damage Insurance

Here are the steps to take when filing for smoke damage insurance:

• Immediately call your insurance company after a fire. 

• Review your insurance policy for information regarding the coverage, limitations, deductibles or exclusions, as well as the deadline for filing.

• Take proper documentation of the damage (photo or video) and take care not to disturb the affected area.

• Contact a professional smoke damage removal team such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate to provide damage inspection and assessment and formulate a remediation plan.

• Gather all the information necessary for filing the claim. This information may include the date of the loss, the type and location of the damage, your contact information or that of the property's owner, a copy of the police report, remediation estimates, receipts for the repairs and restoration, repairs for hotels or meals if the affected area was deemed unlivable and you need to find a lodging, and a complete list of all damaged building materials and items. 

• Verify the procedures and timeline for filing all parts of the claim with your insurance agent.

Smoke Damage Removal?

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Property Damage Restoration Company

Any form of damage is a time-sensitive problem, which is why it is necessary to call the professionals as soon as possible to get the job done fast. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is South Carolina's premier damage restoration and cleaning company. We have been helping residential and commercial property owners navigate the uncertainty after a fire with our top-notch solutions and services. ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers fire damage restoration services, including content cleaning, soot and smoke damage restoration, and board-up and pack-out with storage. We have a team of certified, licensed and fully bonded technicians who have been trained under the latest techniques and practices in the industry, and have the skill to properly perform the job using state-of-the-art equipment, 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or message us online for a free on-site inspection and assessment. We are servicing clients in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina and surrounding areas. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to your needs.