Tag Archive for: disaster restoration

, ,

Why you need professional leak detection services from ServiceMaster Restore

What is leak detection, and why do you need it?

At ServiceMaster Restore, we have over 65 years of expertise in working with both residential and commercial clients to provide expert damage restoration services.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, loss assessor or adjustor, service provider or a commercial premises, we are here to help you deal with the fallout and recovery from incidents that have damaged your property, be it fire, flood, mould or a burst pipe.

We offer professional leak detection services to people and properties across the UK.

But what is leak detection?

Leak detection is the process of using non-invasive and market-leading technology to locate and address leaks in a property, therefore mitigating potential damage, stress, and repair costs.

When might you need leak detection services?

Leak detection is a crucial way to prevent unnecessary costs and damage to your property.

If you’ve noticed things like:

  • Unexpected increases in your water bill
  • Damp spots or discolouration on walls, ceilings and floors
  • The sound of running water when all faucets are off

You may have a leak that you can’t see.

If you suspect a leak in your property, please contact us immediately for a professional and non-invasive inspection.

As experts in disaster restoration, we know that a leak can occur at any time, which is why we offer our services around the clock.

Our team is always prepared to respond immediately, ensuring a swift initiation of the leak detection and mitigation process.

For a 24/7 rapid response to leaks and property damage, think ServiceMaster Restore.

How leak detection helps you

Professional leak detection services are an investment in the future health of your property.

Ignoring a suspected leak can lead to devastating consequences, including structural damage and expensive repairs.

ServiceMaster Restore uses cutting-edge and market-leading equipment to quickly and effectively identify leaks.

Our technology is designed to cause minimal disruption to your property and allows us to locate leaks without unnecessary destruction.

In doing so, it can:

  • Prevent Expensive Repairs by detecting leaks early and mitigating further damage. Thus, it reduces the overall cost of repairs.
  • Protect Your Property: Unresolved leaks can pose a serious threat to your property’s structural integrity. Our services aim to preserve your property’s condition, thereby protecting its value and appeal.

Suspect a leak in your property?

If you suspect your property may have a leak that you can’t see, don’t delay – contact the experts and get it checked.

Choose ServiceMaster Restore for all your leak detection needs, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is in expert hands.

Our combination of professional knowledge, innovative technology, non-invasive methods, and a firm commitment to customer satisfaction makes us a trusted name in disaster restoration.

If you suspect a leak, whatever the time of day, contact us on 0845 762 6828 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business now.

, ,

Case Study: Rapid response to campus contamination crisis

Rapid restoration response and containing a biohazard at a university in Devon.

When a biohazard incident occurs in a public space, swift and effective action is critical. The following case study from ServiceMaster Restore Devon illustrates our specialist response to a serious sanitation emergency at a prestigious university campus, where a sudden sewer overflow threatened the health and safety of students and staff, disrupted academic operations, and put valuable infrastructure at risk.

Confronted with contaminated wastewater flooding both a campus bathroom and part of the university library, and with initial clean-up efforts worsening the situation, the institution urgently needed expert support. Our team was called in to contain the biohazard, restore hygiene standards, and ensure the safe, swift reopening of key university facilities.

The Problem

A sudden and severe sewage overflow occurred in a public bathroom on a prestigious university campus, with contaminated water spilling into the adjoining library. The incident posed an immediate health risk to students and staff, threatened significant disruption to campus operations, and put university property at risk of long-term damage. Initial clean-up efforts by university staff using standard wet vacuums not only proved ineffective but also resulted in further contamination of their equipment, emphasising the need for specialist intervention.

What we did

Upon receiving the urgent call, our team was on-site within two hours, and our priority was to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and ensure that all technicians were adequately equipped with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before commencing any work.

We immediately coordinated with the university’s on-site drainage provider to ensure the source of the overflow was identified and remedied promptly. Once the issue was under control, our technicians moved swiftly into action.

Using our high-performance equipment, we extracted all contaminated wastewater from both the bathroom and the affected library carpet. This was followed by a thorough sanitisation process, which included deep cleaning of the entire bathroom floor, all surfaces—particularly high-touch areas—and the library carpet to eliminate any remaining contaminants and odours.

In response to the university’s additional challenge, we also collected their contaminated wet vacuums. These were transported off-site, where they underwent rigorous cleaning and sanitisation before being safely returned to campus, providing further peace of mind and practical support.

The Results

Our swift and professional intervention delivered several key outcomes:

  • Minimised disruption: Our rapid two-hour response and efficient clean-up limited downtime across vital university facilities, ensuring operations could continue with minimal interruption.
  • Ensured safety: Thorough sanitisation eliminated biohazard risks, making the affected areas safe for students, staff, and visitors to return.
  • Prompt reopening: The speed and effectiveness of our work enabled the building to reopen at the earliest opportunity, avoiding prolonged closure and academic disruption.
  • Comprehensive support: Our proactive approach to cleaning and sanitising the university’s contaminated equipment provided additional value and support, showcasing our commitment to going above and beyond.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, expertly manage complex biohazard clean-ups, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution for our clients, contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

How to add value for policyholders at no extra cost

How ServiceMaster Restore can support you and your policyholders when you need it most.

When your policyholders face a disaster, one of their biggest concerns is cost. As a broker, this is a concern you share. You’ll also want to minimise the cost of restoration work, no matter how complex.

Extra disaster restoration costs often arise from delays or third-party contractors. That’s why, at ServiceMaster Restore, we’ve reduced the costs of restoration work through approved networks to save you and your policyholders time and money.

Let’s see how.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

In disaster restoration, time is money, so saving time means saving costs. Your policyholders want to know that they can return to their property as soon as possible.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus is a hassle-free addition to your existing coverage. It caters to the diverse needs across sectors to ensure guaranteed same-day callouts, exceptional service, and cheaper claims costs.

How?

Restore Plus is our network of restoration specialists. Being part of it means that with one phone call through our 24/7 Priority Line, you can arrange for someone to be on-site the same day. With Restore Plus, lengthy and costly claims processes are a thing of the past. As soon as disaster strikes, we’ve got you and your policyholders covered.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our official supplier network, joining you, your policyholders and us with the nation’s most reputable trade experts and contractors.

Through this network, we offer a complete end-to-end solution for restoration work. Whether for a commercial or domestic property, ServiceMaster Restore Connect is a seamless integration of our services that brings together local experts in various trades. So, no matter where you are in the country, you can trust we’ll have an expert at the door the same day.

When your policyholders contact ServiceMaster Restore UK, they’re not only benefiting from 65+ years of experience delivering premium disaster restoration services, but also from approved suppliers that allow us to support on…

  • Drainage Solutions
  • Building Repairs
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Floor covering, Boarding & Scaffolding
  • Furniture and Upholstery Repairs
  • Plumbing, Water & Heating
  • Refurbishment and Reinstatement work (painting and decorating)
  • Roofing
  • Landscaping
  • Waste Management
  • Pest Control

And we’re not done. As the portfolio of approved suppliers grows, we can support our customers in more ways, ensuring all policyholders get the right help when they need it most.

Choosing ServiceMaster Restore means choosing an end-to-end solution that can mitigate damage, report and complete all restoration works. So, you can spend more time with your policyholders, knowing each client is being looked after, as Restore Plus also means they use our services risk-free. When making a claim, we work within their excess and report before an insurer has even attended the property.

Combined, ServiceMaster Restore and Connect ensure our local experts can be on hand fast to deliver professional solutions. All while making you the hero, by providing great value at a speed that saves time and money.

See the value of a comprehensive restoration service

Join the supply chain for premium end-to-end claims management and disaster restoration solutions from an industry-leading brand with over 65 years of providing evolving and expert services across the UK.

Sign up for ServiceMaster Restore Connect and ServiceMaster Restore Plus and get connected to more local opportunities and be the hero your policyholders need. It’s easy and (not to mention) free!

Or, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

3 Crucial Home Fire Safety Tips

A home fire occurs every 15 minutes in the UK, the equivalent of approximately 93 per day, adding up to over 34,000 a year. These fires result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, along with billions in property damage. While the numbers are alarming, some of the harm caused by residential fires is avoidable.

A strong home fire safety plan can improve your policyholders’ chances of escaping a fire safely and, in some cases, it may help them avoid one altogether. Share these three important tips on fire safety with your policyholders to help spread awareness.

The best way to stay safe from fires is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Start by implementing these fire safety tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Home Fire Prevention

  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. If you’re using a portable heater, keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects like furniture, blankets, electronics, and anything combustible.
  • Don’t leave flames or smoking materials unattended, including fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes. Avoid smoking indoors, and never smoke in bed. The majority of avoidable deaths from home fires are caused by smoking in the UK.
  • Fix or replace frayed electrical cords or wires.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets or extension cables.
  • Have your chimney periodically inspected and kept in good working order.
  • Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of home fire safety and observes fire-safe habits, including your kids.

Home Fire Safety Equipment

A good home fire safety plan includes having the right supplies and safety equipment on hand. These tools will be your first line of defence in the event of a fire, and they can dramatically improve your ability to react effectively.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
  • Inspect and maintain your smoke alarms.
  • A fire extinguisher can keep small, containable fires from growing out of control. Have an extinguisher or fire blanket handy whenever you use cooking or heating equipment.

Fire Safety Planning

During an emergency, reaction time is critical. Beyond the equipment you need, everyone in your household should know what to do if a fire starts. Here are some tips to get you started:

Create a fire safety plan that establishes at least two escape routes and a safe location away from the home where everyone can meet.

  • Make an emergency communications plan to stay in contact during and after a fire.
  • Practice your escape plan twice a year so everyone can act quickly when it counts.
  • Teach children how and when to call 999.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Don’t let a fire catch your policyholders off guard. The right preparations and an effective home fire safety plan can mitigate the risk of injury or damage during a residential fire or help prevent a fire emergency altogether.

If disaster does strike, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help your policyholders through the traumatic event of a home fire. With over 65 years of industry experience, you can count on us to provide your policyholders with the peace of mind they need.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or call our 24/7 response line on 0800 021 3970 to see how your local experts can help you.

,

Navigating the Claims Process for Disaster Restoration

How to know when to claim on restoration work on your property.

When the unexpected happens, time is of the essence. Whatever the nature of the damage to your property, whether water and flood, fire and smoke or mould damage and vandalism, you need to be prepared to take the best course of action for the issue at hand.

But with so many variables and moving parts, it can be hard to know when, in the process of restoring your property, you need to claim on your insurance and what the restoration timeline is for your property.

In this blog post, the disaster restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore, who regularly work with insurance brokers, loss assessors and adjustors to ensure swift and professional restoration work, walk you through the claims process for disaster restoration work and what to do when.

  1. Stay Safe and Conduct a Damage Assessment

Once you are safe, your first step to determine when to claim on restoration work will be to assess the damage promptly and/or professionally. An early and thorough assessment of the damage will help you know what you’re dealing with to prevent further deterioration, especially with water or mould issues and ensure accurate cost estimates later on, which are crucial for insurance claims.

At this point, you may want to engage restoration experts to conduct an accurate assessment and perform cost estimates, as they are more likely to have the tools and expertise necessary to identify hidden damages to your property.

  1. Make Contact

Whether your property is residential or commercial, the next step is to contact your building’s insurance company.

If you rent your property, inform your landlord about the damage, as they are likely responsible for the repairs. If you are the property owner, contact your insurance provider for any damage covered by your policy as soon as possible.

They are likely to advise you to take one of the following courses of action:

  • Contact their approved disaster restoration company
  • Send them photos for the insurance company to contact a disaster restoration expert
  • Find and contact a disaster restoration company

Logging the Claim with your Insurer

In some incidents, like a flood or burst pipe, which often occur out of hours or during high-demand periods, your insurer may not be able to immediately assist you.

Many restoration companies like ServiceMaster Restore operate 24/7 due to the unexpected nature of the majority of disasters property owners face. Therefore, we’ll be able to assist whenever you need us. In this instance, log a claim with your insurer and utilise their approved contractors or contact a restoration company yourself.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we understand that this aspect of the claims process can often be what hinders essential restoration work from happening as quickly and effectively as it should. That’s why, with ServiceMaster Restore Plus, we have streamlined the claims process. A service that understands the diverse needs across sectors, ensuring that everyone gets a tailor-made experience with a hassle-free add-on to your insurer’s existing cover, offer or policy, which allows us to act quickly 24/7, ensuring rapid response times, reduced costs and an exceptional service.

  1. The Claims Process for disaster restoration

Once the claim has been logged, your insurer is likely to provide a claim form, which you should complete accurately and keep for your records.

After the claim form and emergency repairs are done, your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate the cost of claims, the cause of the incident, and how much is covered by the insurance policy to agree on a cost.

A restoration expert will then likely provide a quote on restoration and reinstatement work for the property. This quote will then be sent to your insurer to agree on before work commences.

If you disagree with your insurer’s offer, utilise their complaints process if necessary.

When Not to Claim

There are a few reasons why claiming restoration work may not be in your best interest. Including…

  1. Policy Limits

If the damage is extensive and estimated repair costs exceed the maximum payout under your insurance policy, you may instead consider a partial claim or paying for the remaining costs yourself.

Even if repairs are underway, if the policy limit has been reached, the insurance provider might refuse to cover further costs, like alternative accommodation (AA), even if the property remains uninhabitable.

Your insurance provider will assess individual circumstances to determine if a property is truly uninhabitable or unsafe, considering factors beyond the availability of basic amenities.

  1. Lack of Coverage and Exclusions

Some policies might exclude certain types of damage, like certain events or to specific parts of the property. Be aware of any limitations or exclusions in your policy, as this may affect your ability to claim.

  1. Qualifying Repairs and Specific Schemes

Some schemes, like the Right to Repair Scheme, have specific criteria for repairs that are considered qualifying repairs.

If the damage doesn’t fall under the scheme’s definition of a qualifying repair, e.g.:

  • It’s beyond the cost limit
  • The local authority isn’t responsible

Then you won’t be able to claim under this particular scheme.

Furthermore, if the repair is considered an improvement rather than a restoration to the original condition, it might not be covered under certain schemes.

  1. Timing and Delays

When repairs take longer than expected and there are no undue delays caused by you, the insurance provider is likely to cover your alternative accommodation costs, even if the policy limit has been reached. However, if it is established that unnecessary delays were caused on your part, the insurance provider may appropriately refuse to cover additional alternative accommodation costs beyond the policy limit.

  1. Third-Party Claims or Disasters

In certain situations, property damage may occur due to factors entirely beyond your control. If a third party is responsible for the damage, pursuing a claim against them could be the most effective course of action instead of relying on insurance.

Additionally, if the property has been significantly affected by a natural disaster, considering rebuilding or renovating may be a better choice than attempting to restore it to its original state, particularly if the original structure is no longer feasible.

Need help navigating the claims process for disaster restoration?

At ServiceMaster Restore, we work closely with insurance companies to restore your property following most disasters, but if that aspect isn’t covered within your policy, we are happy to take on private cases.

No matter what disaster you’re facing, as a trusted provider for insurers across the UK, we’ll be on hand quickly to deal with the damage to your property.

Call 0845 762 6828 or 0800 021 3970 24/7 in an emergency, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

Case Study: Clearing Contaminated Loft Insulation in Swansea

Helping recover in the aftermath of a rat infestation in Swansea.

Anyone unfortunate enough to have had rats in the home knows they leave more damage even after they’re gone.

In this case study, we share how Jamie Williams and his team at ServiceMaster Restore Swansea helped restore a property that had been contaminated by rats in just a matter of days.

What was the issue?

Jamie had been contacted by Swansea City Council to restore a property that had been affected by rats.

While the rat infestation had been dealt with before the team arrived, the damage still lingered in the roof space, as the loft insulation had become contaminated with droppings and deceased rats.

What we did

Over the course of two days, the team removed the contaminated insulation and sanitised the void space by removing the droppings.

They then re-insulated the loft to a minimum of 270mm thickness, opting for 300mm on this job to be on the safe side.

The impact

Within a matter of days, the loft was restored to its former condition, free of any contamination and lingering damage and smells from the infestation.

Need expert disaster restoration?

If you’re in Swansea and the surrounding areas and need help immediately after or in the aftermath of a disaster, contact Jamie and his team on 01792 439940.

Or nationwide, call 0800 021 3970 in an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.

Expanding the Fleet in Swansea

A new vehicle hits the road in Swansea.

The owner of ServiceMaster Restore Swansea has expanded his fleet with the addition of a brand-new ServiceMaster Restore pickup truck.

This addition to his existing fleet of branded vehicles will allow Jamie to better serve a broad range of clients in residential and commercial properties across the area needing expert disaster restoration services.

Disaster Restoration from ServiceMaster Restore

Fire and Smoke Damage

Our expert fire and smoke damage restoration services help you return to your home or business as quickly as possible.

All our technicians are fully trained in fire mitigation, restoration and corrosion control, giving you the reassurance and results you need in a difficult situation.

Furthermore, acidic residue may continue to cause damage, even after the fire has been put out.

Even a small fire can cause dangerous smoke damage and create soot that needs expert removal to be dealt with.

Our professionals can evaluate what damaged items are salvageable and act quickly to save them.

Flood and Water Damage Restoration

All of our technicians are fully equipped to carry out professional extraction and drying processes to protect your assets and restore your property as close as possible to its prior condition.

Our top-notch equipment is also non-invasive and can be run quietly, so you don’t lose sleep while your home dries.

Leak Detection

We also carry out sophisticated leak detection services to identify water damage before it happens and stop it in its tracks, sparing you the cost and stress of dealing with damage from water in your property.

Our top-of-the-range and non-invasive equipment uses infrared cameras, acoustic sensors and moisture metres to identify a leak and check for moisture to mitigate potential damage and give you peace of mind.

Graffiti and Vandalism Restoration

Graffiti and vandalism can have a huge impact on your corporate image.

First impressions count, and an unsightly building could lead to a loss of business, a reduction in staff morale and a negative public perception

Our specialist products can remove unwanted graffiti from walls to signage, with a rapid response and effective restoration to get your property back to normal in no time.

Trauma Restoration

Whether you need to clean up blood, bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia and other biohazards, we’re here to help.

Once at a scene, we’ll evaluate the extent of the damage and when authority is given, we will immediately begin trauma scene cleanup and restoration procedures.

We sanitise, clean, and deodorise all affected areas for infectious pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C and Tuberculosis.

Once the infectious pathogens have been eradicated, we take all steps to return the residence or business to its original state before the incident.

Mould removal and inspection

We’re here to protect you and your property from mould damage by using advanced tools to detect and effectively remove it.

If you have even the smallest suspicion that there may be mould in your property, call the experts and we’ll be here to help put you at ease.

Sanitisation, Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services

Prevent flu or cold viruses from stopping your commercial property with ServiceMaster Restore’s comprehensive sanitisation, deep cleaning and disinfection services and products.

We carry out room and building contamination, fogging and surface sanitisation services using BDMA-qualified technicians and specialist products that meet the Emerging Pathogen Standard to be effective against many virus strains.

This includes SaniMaster, our effective sanitising and decontamination product widely used within hospitals, food preparation areas and schools to kill 99% of viruses like Cdiff, HIV and enveloped viruses

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

ServiceMaster Restore Plus caters to professionals navigating the intricacies of property claims.

Say goodbye to lengthy claims processes and say hello to being the local hero for your customers through this hassle-free add-on to your existing cover.

Our network of restoration specialists streamlines the claims process, preventing bottlenecks so that we can all be there for the people who need our support, when they need it most, with a guaranteed same-day callout for any disaster restoration work.

This offering also ensures cost efficiency through a tangible decrease in claims costs due to our proactive approach to damage mitigation.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Whatever damages your residential or commercial property is facing, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

If you’re in Swansea and the surrounding areas, keep your eyes out for Jamie’s new truck or give him a call when you need him on 01792 439940.

Or, nationwide, we’ll be there on 0800 021 3970  in an emergency or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today for support with a range of premium disaster restoration services from your local heroes.

ServiceMaster SOS: About our emergency callout services

How ServiceMaster Restore helps you in a crisis.

Need an emergency callout?

Disaster can strike without warning, leaving you blindsided by the trauma of a damaged property and no clue how to start picking up the pieces.

ServiceMaster Restore has been delivering premium disaster restoration services in the UK since 1959, from fire, water and trauma aftermath restoration to sanitisation and graffiti vandalism cleanup. 

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

In a crisis, whatever the day, whatever the time, we will be there.

But how do our emergency callout services work?

Emergency Callouts

As of June 2024, ServiceMaster Restore covers much of the UK with 30 dedicated locations from Barnsley to Belfast.

There are many ways of contacting your local experts, from our find your nearest tool or filling out a contact form from our homepage.

But in an emergency, you can also call 0800 021 3970, no matter the time of day or night, to contact the people best equipped to help you.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

In a disaster, time is of the essence.

Acting fast saves you property damage and often a lot of money.

Especially when facing flooding or smoke damage, a lot of the damage can come from secondary sources if left to linger – like smoke or mould. 

However, due to lengthy claims processes, often your property doesn’t get the rapid response to prevent these damages due to an abundance of red tape.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we don’t let this stop you from saving your property from damage.

With ServiceMaster Restore Plus, we’ve streamlined the claims process by working closely with approved suppliers and accredited professionals, allowing us to be on-site and carry out expert disaster restoration services 24/7, 365 days a week, often within the first 24 hours of a disaster – the most vital and time-sensitive period.

Our technicians across the UK are local to you and work closely with other approved local suppliers to ensure we can get to you fast and get your property back to as close as its previous condition in as little time as possible, causing you less disruption and trauma in the long run. 

Need an emergency callout?

Whatever damages your residential or commercial property is facing, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Backed by over 60 years of experience delivering professional and comprehensive disaster restoration, prevention and mitigation services across the UK with the latest tools and expertise to help you recover from whatever life throws at you.

Disasters don’t work just 9-5, and neither do we. Our teams are on hand through our hotline 24/7, 365 days a year.

We’ll be there on 0800 021 3970 if you need us in an emergency.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today for support with a range of premium disaster restoration services from your local heroes.

,

ServiceMaster by Deeland wins big at Thames Valley Business and Community Awards

ServiceMaster by Deeland have been awarded at the prestigious Thames Valley Business and Community Awards as Employee of the Year.

 The team at ServiceMaster by Deeland are delighted to have been named Employer of the Year at the Thames Valley Business and Community Awards, where they were three-time finalists.

This blog post has all the details.

Award-Winning Progress

Listed as top three finalists in their two other categories, SME and Business Leader of the Year, the team took home the gold for Employer of the Year, which recognises an employer who looks after their people by creating an outstanding workplace based on values that have led to a committed, effective and motivated workforce.

As winners and top three finalists, the business will also progress to the National Business Awards in June in all three categories they were nominated for.

 What makes ServiceMaster by Deeland an award-winning employer?

ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland began as a one-man and van operation in 1991. Achieving rapid growth over the first ten years enabled them to expand their ServiceMaster Clean franchise operations and acquire new ServiceMaster brand licenses and new territories, expanding to include licenses in residential carpet and upholstery and contract cleaning services.

They now serve multiple clients with over 400 staff and a fleet of over 70 vehicles.

In 2021, they became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), whereby 80% of the company shares are held in trust on behalf of their employees.

This structurally ensures that staff can contribute to ideas within the company and benefit from a shareholder distribution scheme.

Not only does this result in greater longevity and expertise amongst the team, but it also ensures that staff are actively invested in the success and growth of the business and go above and beyond in providing excellent customer service with a real financial motivation to achieve growth.

They have also formalised their training process through a comprehensive induction and training matrix conducted for all staff.  This commences on the first day of their employment and helps to ensure the maintenance of high standards.

Need expert help?

As the largest ServiceMaster franchise in the UK, ServiceMaster by Deeland delivers award-winning excellence in every aspect of their business.

See how they can help you today by calling 01635 40400 for a free, no-obligation quotation on disaster restoration and professional cleaning services.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today to connect with your local restoration experts.

, , ,

Case study: Flood Drying in Devon

How our experts dealt with flooding in a bungalow due to a burst pipe. 

When it comes to flooded properties, we often assume the cause is sudden and heavy rainfall. However, a common cause of flooding is a burst pipe or leak. Leaked water can cause extensive property damage and requires expert and prompt remedial care.

ServiceMaster’s technicians are trained to deal with flood water and have specialist water-drying equipment. This recent case study from ServiceMaster Restore Devon provides insight into our process and the benefits of using our services to deal with the aftermath of a leak or flood.

What was the problem?

We attended a semi-detached bungalow that suffered a water escape during the night due to a burst pipe. Our client was unaware of the situation until she woke to find water had saturated the floors (concrete with laminate wood-effect flooring) in several rooms—the bedroom, conservatory, and kitchen.

Solution

Our step-by-step process to remediate the damage was as follows:

  • We drilled small holes in the floors to access the concrete below with our moisture probes. This investigation confirmed water moisture equivalent (WME) readings of 100% (saturated).
  • We removed the laminate floor to expose the sub-concrete floor below.
  • After carefully removing the furniture to a safe space, we installed a tented drying system in each room to only localise the drying to the floor, as other areas were unaffected.
  • We used a combination of refrigerant dehumidifiers to reduce humidity in the room and desiccant dehumidifiers to blow warm, dry air into the polythene tents. Using both types of humidifiers together creates a very dry atmosphere, accelerating moisture evaporation in a targeted way.
  • We installed humidity sleeves into the concrete and completed weekly visits to check the equipment, take moisture readings, and monitor the overall drying progress.
  • At our weekly visits, we adjusted the tenting to ensure the drying system continued to operate at optimum levels.flood-drying-devon

Outcome

Our swift intervention prevented further damage to the property and ensured our client could reinstate her home in the least amount of time possible. It took approximately six weeks to dry the floors completely.

Upon completion, we issued a certificate of dryness and a final report with all the key information for the homeowner’s records.

Need us?

For swift restoration following a flood or water leak, contact the ServiceMaster Restore Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk

For residential or commercial carpet, rug, upholstery or hard floor cleaning, visit our ServiceMaster Clean website.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.