Steps to Take When Your Water Heater Leaks

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage if it isn't addressed quickly.

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage if it isn't addressed quickly. Water damage restoration specialists can clean up the water, mitigate damage and prevent mold growth as a result of a failed water heater.

Damage

A broken water heater can inflict damage in several ways:

• Structural damage
• Deteriorating building materials
• Mold growth
• Electrical wiring damage
  
  

If your water heater in Arcadia, OK, is leaking, you need to contact an emergency restoration service that can get there fast.

Drying Process
The restoration service will first remove all water, thoroughly drying the area. Depending on the amount of flooding from the leaking water heater, they may have to use submersible pumps or vacuums to remove the flooding. After the water has been pumped out of the building, they will use fans to ensure that all surfaces dry fully.
You can help by removing wet objects and taking them outside as soon as you notice the flooding. You can also open doors and windows to help the space dry faster. If the water may be in contact with any part of an electrical circuit, you could be electrocuted if you make contact with the water. If this is the case, do not touch the water. Wait for professionals to arrive.

Mold Treatment
Mold grows quickly in moist environments and could be harmful to the building and its inhabitants. After the area has been dried, the restoration service will clean every surface with antibacterial sprays. This will kill any mold that has already formed, stop further growth and prevent future damage.

Structural Damage
If needed, the repair service will repair any structural damage from the flood. This could include things like damaged drywall or weakened wood beams.
When your business in Arcadia, OK, encounters flooding from a leaking water heater, you need an emergency restoration service to mitigate damage. They will dry the area, treat for mold and repair structural damage.

Third-Party Certification for Cleaning and Restoration Professionals

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is certified with the IICRC for water, fire, and mold damage. 

Third-Party Certification For Cleaning And Restoration Professionals

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is an independent third-party certification agency for the restoration industry. The IICRC reviews the certification processes and the standards put in place for cleaning and restoration professionals Hibsaw, OK. Companies and manufacturers in many industries work closely with third-party certification agencies for several reasons:

• Non-biased certification shows compliance with national or international standards.
• Third-party compliance shows a company's commitment to safety and quality.
• A mitigation certificate from a third-party increases credibility with customers, insurance companies, and regulators.
• Restoration companies benefit from enhanced regulations in quality and safety.
• Companies, auditors, and consumers enjoy increased trust and cooperation.

Increased Trust Between Service Providers and Consumers

While some government oversight plays a role in protecting consumers from fraud and low-quality goods or services, third-party certification takes a stronger stance. This is good for restoration companies and for consumers because it develops relationships of deeper trust between the service provider and the customer. Naturally, company leaders promote the quality and benefits of their own goods or services. When customers hear those claims and expect a high level of service, only to be disappointed, their trust in the company suffers.

Higher Levels of Quality and Stricter Standards

Agencies that oversee and enforce quality standards, such as IICRC, perform a series of checks and audits to ensure that companies are in compliance. Agencies may affect how often cleaning and restoration technicians are trained and could influence what is taught during trainings. As a result, customers don't have to take the word of marketers or company spokespersons; instead they look for certification from neutral parties.

Benefits for Service Providers and Customers

Third-party certification through agencies such as IICRC encourage higher quality standards and improved consumer confidence. There may be limitations to governmental oversight and industry regulations, but the involvement of an outside agency fills existing gaps. Cleaning and restoration companies offer certification and compliance verification to service partners and consumers. Customers enjoy the increased standards for quality and safety. It's a situation where all parties benefit.

Top 5 Places Where Mold Likes to Hide

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold damage on basement

Top 5 Places Mold Likes To Hide

Nearly every homeowner worries about mold growth at some point during homeownership. However, not every owner knows where to look. Mold can be a tricky organism because it likes to develop in dark corners away from prying eyes. Most often, you will smell mold before you see it. Therefore, to know when it is time to call in a mold removal crew from Oak Tree, OK, you need to know the top five places mold likes to hide.

Wall Cavities
Underlayment
Under Sinks
Mechanical Closets
Basements and Attics

Wall Cavities

Mold requires water or moisture to grow. Unfortunately for homeowners, most of your house's plumbing is tucked into the wall cavities. Also unfortunate, not every leak in your plumbing is perceptible from the other side of the wall. Some leaks are so minor that they don't even show up on your water bill. Therefore, your first hint that you have mold behind the wall might not come until you see moldy drywall.

Underlayment

Another common area for mold to grow is on underlayment, especially after a flood. While the flooring on top of the plywood subfloor might show signs of distress, mold can be developing.

Under Sinks

Mold growth is also typical under sinks, and it can seem to occur rapidly. However, most people store a lot of items under sinks, which can block early signs and indicators of such growth.

Mechanical Closets

Mechanical closets are where your hot water tank live, but they are often neglected areas of the home. Any space that combines moisture with extended absences from the homeowner is at an increased risk of fungal development.

Basements and Attics

Basements and attics are similar to mechanical closets. However, they are more likely to suffer from humidity problems and not direct water leaks. Be sure to check your attic and basement ceilings for mold on wood.
Mold growth is a concern for many homeowners. However, if you know where to look and who to call, you can nip any problem in the bud early.

How to Clean a Moldy Washing Machine

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Take preventative measures in your washing machine

It's natural to assume that our washing machine is self-cleaning, especially with all that soap and warm water tumbling around. However, this isn't always the case. Your laundry machine actually has a pretty high risk of falling victim to mold growth, especially if you don't take the proper preventative measures. Follow these steps if your laundry machine in Waterloo, OK, has an unwanted mold smell.

Getting Rid of the Mold

Luckily, mold is extremely easy to clean out of a laundry machine. Just follow these steps:

• Create a non-toxic, mold cleaning mixture using equal parts baking soda and freshwater. 1/4 of each product should suffice. Add this cleaning solution to the machine's detergent container.
• Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum itself.
• Run a normal wash cycle on the highest heat setting possible. Make sure you don't have any clothes in the washer for this specific cycle.
• After the cycle ends, use a kitchen sponge or scrub brush to attack any remaining patches of mold. Use a mixture that contains equal parts of white vinegar and fresh water for this process.
  
  

Even if your washing machine isn't suffering from mold growth, it's still a good idea to repeat the above process at least once each month for maintenance purposes. After all, the best offense is a great defense.

Preventing Mold Growth
Once you've gotten rid of the mold that caused your musty, dirty laundry, you're going to want to keep it away. Prevent subsequent mold growth by keeping your machine's drum as dry as possible. This involves removing your laundry as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends and leaving the washer's door open to dry out when you aren't using the machine. You might also consider running a fan near the washer to help accelerate airflow.
Nothing ruins the excitement of laundry day quite like a moldy washing machine. Using the above technique should solve the problem, but if it doesn't then you need to contact mold remediation experts for further help.

5 Ways to Prevent Water Damage While on Vacation

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Shut off your main water valve

Ways To Save Your Property From Disaster

Few things are more frustrating than returning home from a lovely vacation just to find that your Luther, OK, home flooded while you were gone. Simple tactics, such as a water pipe repair, a gutter sweep and several other methods could be enough to save your property from disaster.

1. Shut Off Your Main Water Valve.
This is the easiest way to prevent water damage. Turn off the main valve right before you leave for vacation to prevent water from entering your home. After you do so, test to see whether you were successful by turning on a faucet.

2. Clear Out Your Gutters.
Your home's gutters are intended to catch water running off of your roof and divert it away from your property. When they become obstructed, water pools on the roof and runs down the sides of your home, resulting in a flooded basement. You should regularly clear out your gutters, but make sure to also do so before you leave for vacation.

3. Prevent Freezing Pipes.
Always take your region's temperature into consideration. If you plan to leave during the colder months, make sure to turn your home's heat up to at least 60 degrees while you're gone to prevent the pipes from freezing.

4. Upgrade to Stainless Steel Supply Lines.
Plastic supply lines are significantly more likely to rupture while you're away. Upgrading to stainless steel can help prevent a broken pipe. The good news is that these supply lines are not costly to replace, and are significantly less expensive than an unnecessary water pipe repair job.

5. Shut Off Valves to Major Appliances.
You should have already shut off your main water valve, but you can never be too careful. Make sure to turn off the valves for major appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher. You should also shut off the supply valves for your toilets and sinks.
Preventing unnecessary damage is significantly easier than having to deal with bigger issues, like a water pipe repair or a flood. Contact water remediation experts for more information and assistance in protecting your home from water damage.

3 Ways Pretesting Can Lower Claims

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

Severe fire-damaged home in Hibsaw, OK.

Pretesting Can Help Lower Claims in 3 Ways

Pretesting can determine the extent of damage at a residence in Hibsaw, OK. This testing method can identify traces of damage that may not be immediately apparent. Learn more about three ways that preliminary testing can result in a more accurate estimate and lower insurance claims.

1. Determine the Full Extent of Damage

A visual inspection may not be the best method for determining how much damage a property has sustained, particularly from soot or smoke. One of the most common preliminary testing methods is wiping down surfaces or contents with a chemical sponge. This can allow mitigation and restoration professionals to make more informed estimates with regard to how much of a home must be cleaned or restored.

2. Accurately Allocate Equipment and Experts

Pretesting can also be useful for anticipating which types of equipment and professional expertise will be necessary on a job site. If the damage affects the majority of a structure, the duration of cleanup and restoration may also be longer than if only a limited area requires treatment.

3. Safely Limit Cleanup and Restoration

Homeowners and insurers run the risk of overlooking damage when they try to cut corners on an insurance claim for cleanup and restoration. This can lead to an incomplete job or secondary damage. Preliminary testing during an assessment can give all parties a clearer idea of the degree of damage and what will need to be cleaned, restored or rebuilt. This allows for a more complete estimate and reduces the risk of unexpected increases due to the discovery of further damage.

These are three ways that pretesting can be useful after a fire or other damage at a residence in Hibsaw, OK. A homeowner or insurance agent should contact a certified and trustworthy Preferred Vendor to ensure that damage is handled properly and cost-effectively, from the initial assessment to the final touches.

4 Ways SERVPRO Helps Adjusters and Clients

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

A quick response to a cleanup and restoration expert, such as SERVPRO of Edmond.

4 Ways SERVPRO Helps Adjusters and Clients

Several features set SERVPRO apart from other mitigation and restoration companies. These distinctions should be clear to an insurance adjuster as well as homeowners. Here are four ways this company facilitates the process of making, processing and settling an insurance claim.

1. Fast Response

A fast response on the part of a mitigation and restoration company benefits clients and insurers. The sooner that damage can be professionally assessed, the sooner mitigation can start. A call response time of one hour, a four-hour window for an on-site visit and an eight-hour window for a verbal briefing can limit extensive primary and secondary damage.

2. Accurate Estimates

A company can make more accurate estimates by hiring certified professionals, relying on a national network of locations for training and maintaining data on locations. An insurance adjuster can use the Claims Information Center to obtain information about individual estimates and compare different companies, causes of loss and job files costs. All of this data adds up to more accurate estimates that account for mitigation and restoration.

3. All-In-One Service

Rather than working with separate mitigation and restoration companies, clients and insurers may prefer a one-stop-shop. A company that handles the damage remediation process from start to finish can provide a more accurate estimate from the start. There will also be less need to worry about adjusting schedules or necessary tasks getting lost in the shuffle.

4. Electronic Claims Service

In addition to the aggregated data available through an electronic claims service, this portal can also make it easy for a restoration service and insurer to share information. This resource can speed up insurance claim processing and allow for faster settlements.

All of these are ways in which SERVPRO, a national mitigation and restoration company with local and regional franchises, can support insurers and clients. Whether you are an insurance adjuster or homeowner in Oklahoma Christian University, OK, you should consider hiring this Preferred Vendor for the best results.

3 Techniques for Mastering Mold Prevention in Your Bathroom

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

One of the easiest ways to prevent bathroom mildew is by installing a ventilation system.

Three Mold Prevention Techniques

Noticing a buildup of moisture in one or more of your household bathrooms should be a no-brainer, given that these are high-traffic areas in your Luther, OK, home. Unfortunately, this humidity problem means an accumulation that can lead to bathroom mildew or mold growth over time. If you want to create an environment that’s sustainably mildew and mold-free, follow these three techniques for mastering prevention and keeping any growth at bay.

1. Ensure that a fan or vent is located in the room. One of the easiest ways to prevent bathroom mildew is installing a ventilation system or simply storing a handheld fan in the bathroom. Keeping it running during your shower or bath, and not turning it off for 15-20 minutes after you bathe, can eliminate the chances of moisture from lingering or seeping into the walls.

2. Utilize a squeegee on your shower walls after bathing. It might seem odd for some to leave a squeegee in or nearby the shower, but its effectiveness in removing moisture from the shower tiles or glass panels makes it a very handy preventative tool. Simply taking an extra minute or two to wipe the walls dry after showering should give you a noticeable upgrade in moisture maintenance.

3. Wash your rugs and towels on a regular basis. While many bathroom accessories are designed to wick away moisture, towels and rugs are still not immune to soaking up all of the water around them, as it is their job to do so. Therefore, washing them on a consistent basis is necessary to prevent mildew or mold from settling into their fibers and creating the perfect breeding grounds for growth.

When you’re looking to sustain a clean, mold-free Luther, OK, home, following these easy and effective techniques for preventing bathroom mildew is a great place to start. Should you come across any mildew or mold that’s not a simple wipe-away cleaning job, it’s important to hire experienced mold remediation specialists who can handle the problem in a suitable manner.

Why Does Smoke Damage Electronics?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

What does smoke do to electronics?

The intense heat caused by a fire is likely to destroy electronics. Even exposure to smoke can cause irreparable damage. Find out more about why smoke damage affects appliances and devices and how this damage may be restored as part of professional fire cleanup.

What Is In Smoke?

Smoke is a visible suspension of small particles. The composition of smoke may include:

• Water vapor
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrogen oxide
• Volatile organic compounds
  
  

The acidity of smoke causes metals to corrode or disintegrate. It is necessary to ensure that circuit boards and other electronic components function properly after exposure to heat or smoke.

What Does Smoke Do To Electronics?

Smoke damage can cause a black film to develop over internal electronic components. This residue may cause malfunctions, such as:

• Overheating
• Short-circuiting
• Electrical fires
  
  

Black film is formed when smoke adheres to any dirt or dust that is already present in electronics. An owner can attempt to clean out corrosion or film, but this effort is more likely to be successful when attempted by fire cleanup professionals.

How Do Experts Clean Up Damage?

Restoration specialists will remove electronics from the scene of a fire for cleanup off-site in a dedicated facility. This may involve:

• Removing corrosion or residues
• Attempting to retrieve data
• Providing proof of loss
  
  

Even if a device is no longer functional, it may still be possible to retrieve data stored on a hard drive or memory card. Experts may also be able to completely restore devices that have only suffered slight damage.

Exposure to smoke can cause corrosion or residues to form on the internal components of electronic appliances and devices. While a non-professional may attempt to clean contents after a house fire in Hibsaw, OK, trained fire cleanup professionals working in controlled environments are likely to achieve the best results with delicate components inside electronics.

Can I Save My Plants From Mildew?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Mildew found on plants.

Once you find mildew on your plants, you may despair of ever saving them; plants are often delicate creatures, and the slightest blight can completely destroy them. Yet with a little love, care, and judicious oversight, you can save your plants from the unsightly, murderous blotches of plant mildew. All you need is a little extra time, care, and a sunny spot in your Luther, OK, home.

Getting Rid of Plant Mildew the Safe Way

You can recognize plant mildew as a powdery white substance growing on the leaves and stalks of your plants; the effect mildew has of obscuring the plant’s leaves can interfere with photosynthesis, weakening your plants when they can’t absorb enough light. Some mildews are plant-specific, while others can cross species. Here are a few things to do with your mildew plants:

1. Don’t use harsh mildew cleaners. These might work for inorganic surfaces, but they’re brutal on your plants.

2. Immediately separate your plants. Keeping your plants separated can prevent the mildew from hopping from one plant to the next, and can stop an infected plant from re-infecting a recently cured plant.

3. Move your infected plants to a sunny spot. Making sure they get more sunlight can help your plants survive while mildew growth is eradicated.

4. Cut away the infected portions. If you can fully cut off the leaves and stalks blighted with plant mildew without killing the plant, do so. Cut away as much as possible to eliminate any areas for regrowth.

5. Move the plant outside if the weather is not too wet, and use fungicides or mildewcides that are safe for plants. Make sure you check before buying; many will list which plants they can help and which they can harm, or the types of plant-specific mildews they treat. Professionals may also be able to consult on this.

6. Water plants from the roots. This way you won’t add more moisture to feed the plant mildew on leaf surfaces.

7. Weed and clean around your plants. Dead leaves and weeds can contribute to mold.

Mold Growth in the Home: 3 Common Areas Where It May Thrive

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fighting mold damage in your Edmond, OK, home can be a challenge.

Maintaining your Edmond, OK, home can increase its resale value and give you a sense of pride as a homeowner. However, not all maintenance battles are easy ones, especially in the case of mold damage. There are many different types of mold, and each can affect your home and its structure in different ways. If you want to seek out and destroy mold in and around your home, there are several places where you may find it hiding.

1. The Attic

Because heat rises, your home’s third or fourth-story attic may be hotter than other floors and encourage humid temperatures. As a result, mold spores that lay on the surface of stored items, such as wood furniture and papers may be given a perfect habitat in which to grow and spread. Store books and documents in a cool, dry place and cover furniture with plastic to keep mold spores and mildew growth off wood surfaces.

2. Near the HVAC System

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit keeps the indoor temperature comfortable all year long. However, the outdoor compressor, vents, and ducts may retain moisture that can encourage mold growth. If you find that the area contains considerable growth, you may want to call in mold damage and cleanup service to eliminate the problem before it spreads to other areas of your home.

3. In the Bathroom

Your bathroom sink, bathtub, and shower can all give mold an opportunity to thrive. High humidity and water leakage are both conducive to mold and mildew growth, and over time, this can lead to serious problems with your bathroom walls and floors. Check your bathroom fixtures often and allow the vent to run after someone uses the shower to dry up any excess moisture and to lower the room’s humidity level.

Fighting mold damage in your Edmond, OK, home can be a challenge. However, where you know where mold hides and grows, you can seek it out and destroy it before it takes hold.

3 Key Differences Between Mold and Mildew

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Molded insulation in a Waterloo, OK home.

Three Differences Between Mold And Mildew

When areas of your home in Waterloo, OK, are wet, humid, mold and mildew are likely to grow. As a homeowner or renter, it may be hard to recognize what exactly is growing. However, learning the differences can help you from stopping any more mildew or mold damage from occurring. 

1. Mold is Fuzzy, Mildew is Flat
Although it can be tough to determine which is which, an easy way to identify the difference between the two is by how they look. Black mold looks fuzzier and often appears slimy or slightly raised from the surface. It usually is a dark color, and also causes warping and bulging of walls. Mildew is flat and often appears dry. It also has a musty smell, but mold colonies are a little more pungent.

2. Mold Is Worse Than Mildew
Although both are unwanted guests, it's important to recognize that mold is a much bigger problem. If you see signs of mold, it's time to call mold remediation services for professional help. This is because mold is more invasive and can cause more mold damage to your home.

3. Mildew is More Common
Although less invasive, mildew is commonly found in humid areas of the home such as bathrooms and windows. Mildew growth has a distinctive smell, and you'll notice little gray or white splotches. Keep in mind that mildew is often considered an early stage of mold, so you'll want to take care of it quickly, too.
Knowing the difference between the two types of growth can help you take the right steps to remove it. In any case, be sure to get professional help quickly to avoid more mold damage.
If you have areas of your home that could have mold or mildew, look for these differences to help identify what kind of mold growth you are dealing with.

Here to Help After The Winter Storm

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster.

The chain of events that began the week before Valentine’s Day has been a never-before-seen national disaster. The ice and snow that quickly piled up, the subzero temperatures that marched in with it, as well as the 50-60 mph winds across many states paralyzed daily life. All in all, 150 million people in 25 states, in a 2000 mile stretch from southern Texas to northern Maine were affected. Over 5 million people were without power, along with hundreds of thousands without water, sewer and natural gas including many of our own teammates.

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster and over the last 15 years our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team has traveled coast to coast helping those in need. This time around, it was OUR backyard and OUR neighbors who needed the help. With over 30,000 calls in the last two weeks for disaster cleanup, SERVPRO has hundreds of crews from across the country that are leaving their home states to help. Many of these men and women spent months away from their families and friends recently helping our friends on the Gulf Coast.

While the heavy snow and ice did delay many of these crews from being able to hit the road, as well as most trucking services ceasing operations, reinforcements are still coming in daily to help. As neighbors, we’d like to ask for your patience and understanding as our disaster recovery crews are working 7 days a week to put our community back together one building and one family at a time. Many of these crews are working 14-16 hours a day but their relentless servant hearts won’t let them give up on you.

We’re human- we’re going to make mistakes, we’re going to drop the ball sometimes and in a disaster this widespread we won’t be able to make it to every single loss as quickly as we want to. We will keep trying, we will keep working, we will keep drying, disinfecting, cleaning and restoring. It is what we do – it’s how we’re made – it’s what makes us tick.

If you happen to see one of those bright green SERVPRO trucks from here or from out of town– give them a wave. These real-life heroes are trying their best for you. A little smile or a wave is great encouragement to all those that left their friends and families behind to answer your calls for help. Thank you for understanding, thank you for trusting in us and thank you for believing in us.

What To Do When Your Water Heater Leaks

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage if it isn't addressed quickly.

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage if it isn't addressed quickly. Water damage restoration specialists can clean up the water, mitigate damage and prevent mold growth as a result of a failed water heater.

Damage

A broken water heater can inflict damage in several ways:

• Structural damage
• Deteriorating building materials
• Mold growth
• Electrical wiring damage
  
  

If your water heater in Arcadia, OK, is leaking, you need to contact an emergency restoration service that can get there fast.

Drying Process
The restoration service will first remove all water, thoroughly drying the area. Depending on the amount of flooding from the leaking water heater, they may have to use submersible pumps or vacuums to remove the flooding. After the water has been pumped out of the building, they will use fans to ensure that all surfaces dry fully.
You can help by removing wet objects and taking them outside as soon as you notice the flooding. You can also open doors and windows to help the space dry faster. If the water may be in contact with any part of an electrical circuit, you could be electrocuted if you make contact with the water. If this is the case, do not touch the water. Wait for professionals to arrive.

Mold Treatment
Mold grows quickly in moist environments and could be harmful to the building and its inhabitants. After the area has been dried, the restoration service will clean every surface with antibacterial sprays. This will kill any mold that has already formed, stop further growth and prevent future damage.

Structural Damage
If needed, the repair service will repair any structural damage from the flood. This could include things like damaged drywall or weakened wood beams.
When your business in Arcadia, OK, encounters flooding from a leaking water heater, you need an emergency restoration service to mitigate damage. They will dry the area, treat for mold and repair structural damage.

How To Clean and Inspect Ceiling Tiles

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling damaged by mold growth

Importance Of Inspecting Our Ceiling Tiles

Ceiling tiles naturally fade and change in color over time. While some causes for discoloration may be normal and harmless, it is important to inspect your ceiling tiles regularly to ensure they do not become a breeding ground for tile mold or other issues in Arcadia, OK.
There are several reasons you should routinely inspect your ceiling tiles, including:

• Dirt and dust removal
  
• Visual and aesthetic improvement
  
• Mold detection and prevention
  
• Tile performance improvement
  
• Regulation compliance
  
  

Performing general maintenance and upkeep is a crucial step in caring for ceiling tiles. Tiles are generally built to last for many years, but due to their overhead location, they are often overlooked and excluded when performing general office cleaning and maintenance.
Keeping tiles clean prevents them from harboring dirt and bacteria, which can lead to the spread of tile mold over time. Wiping tiles clean with a damp cloth and a non-solvent-based cleaner should remove any dirt and dust from the surface. Clean tiles will assist with aesthetic appeal and can also extend the lifespan of the tiles by removing any corrosive substances that could affect the tile finish and cause tile discoloration. If your tiles require more work than cleaning and minor touch ups, you should replace them using the same pattern as your current tiles, if available.
While some fading and visible spots are often due to aging and environmental factors, large water stains could signify a bigger issue. Leaking pipes above the ceiling could be the cause of these stains, putting your business at risk for water damage and mold. If you notice any structural damage or mold growth, contact a commercial mold removal and remediation service immediately to eliminate the problem and prevent further damage.
While ceiling tiles stay largely out of sight and out of mind, it is important to keep a regular eye on them to prevent tile mold and other damage from occurring. Most of the time, tiles just need to be cleaned and touched up, but sometimes damaged tiles can signify larger issues that require immediate attention.

What Is Mold?

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold growth in Edmond, OK

Mold Questions

Black mold is an extremely common issue for many homeowners, yet so many people still know so little about it. Before you attempt to tackle the issue in your Edmond, OK, home, you should look for the answers to all of your pressing mold questions.

1. What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that has the potential to grow just about anywhere. Common types of residential molds feed off of moisture and organic matter, meaning it's quite common to find them in areas that come into contact with a lot of water.

2. How Do You Know Whether You Have a Mold Problem?
Almost every type of mold is visible to the naked eye, so you can easily spot a mold problem in your home. In some cases, the mold might grow inside your walls or ceiling where you can't see it as easily. In these instances, you can usually identify the mold by its musty odor.

3. Where Does Mold Usually Grow?
The most common types of residential molds require water in order to grow. You're most likely to find them growing in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement, garage or attic. If your home has a moisture problem or recently suffered from a flood, you could also find it growing in the walls or ceilings.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Since mold is a living organism, it's natural to assume that it could die off on its own. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Depriving the black mold of its essential moisture and nutrients might temporarily prevent it from spreading, but it won't resolve the issue.

5. How Can You Get Rid of Mold?
You can tackle a smaller a mold cleanup project by mixing together your own non-toxic cleaning solution, consisting of equal parts white vinegar and bleach. Larger problems might require professional assistance however.
Learning about your fungal home invader is the first step to solving the issue. Make sure to contact mold remediation experts if you require more assistance dealing with your black mold problem.

How to Reduce Your Commercial Property's Mold Danger

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold insurance claims in Edmond, OK, pose a real financial risk for property managers. In 2017, for example, an infestation in military housing led to a $350,000 verdict. Even more devastating, a music teacher was awarded $1.8 million in 2016 for occupational exposure. If you oversee any type of property, you need to check your location’s mold vulnerability.

Reasons Properties Develop Mold

Mold can grow if:

Wrong materials are used. Incorrect components, such as ill-fitting windowpanes, could become catalysts for leaks.
Damage occurs during a renovation. Say a vent gets bashed during the installation of a new roof. Subsequent leakage might generate wetness.
Your building contains items susceptible to molds, like carpeting, drywall, ceiling tiles or wallpaper. Every assailable ingredient increases your chance of mold insurance claims.

Before needing services from a building renovation expert, check for the above, then take action to correct any weaknesses.

Prevent Properties From Forming Mold
Overseeing building construction can head off a costly mold claim, so follow the proceeding suggestions to reduce liability. These simple steps remain far preferable to a messy and invasive post-development mold remediation.
Be certain all materials used are dry. Porous components, especially, must be stored in dampness-free locales. Agree upon a moisture clause with your lumber supplier before confirming your purchase. As work commences, reaffirm the site’s watertight status by inspecting trouble-points such as windows, roofing and exterior siding. Check carefully around wood and plumbing zones. Don’t neglect basements or crawlspaces either, where poor drainage often generates mold damage. Eliminate heat sources or employ dehumidifiers, making sure your relative humidity never exceeds 60%. When weather causes shutdowns, assign someone to dry and seal the most susceptible areas. Once everything has been completed, develop a plan for tacking mold should it arise.
Avoid mold insurance claims by monitoring the assembly of all properties to which you are responsible. Proper controls can prevent the formation of a stressful, money-draining situation.

3 Item Restoration Processes You May See After Mold Damage

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

Mold cleaning can be performed in paintings

Three Processes Professionals May Use

During a mold cleaning in your Hibsaw, OK, you may see a number of techniques used by the local mold damage remediation team working on your home. These methods are each designed to help restore a different type of damage. Here are three processes you may see these professionals use.

1. Electronics

In many cases, mold damage may also affect electronic items. This must be cleaned carefully to avoid any additional damage. The professional working on these items must first ensure they are thoroughly dry and then may begin carefully using dry cleaning methods that could involve special powders and tiny brushed to restore the unit. If the electronic item cannot be salvaged, the data may still be transferable to a new device.

2. Paintings

You may also see mold cleaning performed on more delicate paper items such as a painting. The process for this may be performed in several steps. The painting will first be cleaned with a special solution to remove the mold without causing further damage. Depending on the damage severity a restoration professional may then have to repair any tears, remove old varnish, touch up damaged areas with new specialized paint, and then re-seal the canvas.

3. Furniture

Another set of items often cleaned during mold remediation is any furniture that may have been affected by the mold. These can usually be wiped down with a special cleaner designed for either wood or metal depending on the unit’s types. Small cushions may be washed with a special soap, while an upholstery cleaner will then be used for the attached material.

During a mold cleaning, the professionals working on your home may use different processes depending on the item size and type. Electronics may go through a careful dry cleaning procedure while a restoration expert may use a multi-step process to restore the painting. In most cases, furniture can be wiped down with a cleaner while special upholstery products are used on the cushions.

Rethink Using Drain Cleaners

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

When faced with a clogged drain, business owners in Oklahoma City, OK, may immediately reach for a drain cleaner

When faced with a clogged drain, business owners in Oklahoma City, OK, may immediately reach for a drain cleaner. Unfortunately, that is often a temporary fix and the strong ingredients used them can damage your plumbing system. That may mean added expenses from a plumber and water damage and remediation expert.

Problems with Chemical Cleaners

There are three main types of options on the market:

Caustic: Contain lye and caustic potash
Oxidizing: Contain bleach, peroxides, nitrates
Acid: Contain sulfuric and muriatic acid

For buildings with older metal pipes or plastic pipes, the heat these cleaners generate can damage those types of piping. Since they are designed for partial issues, using them on a complete blockage can also lead to other issues.
Oftentimes, finding the real culprit of a clog is overlooked. Although hair, grease, and debris are main causes, there could be a much larger underlying problem, such as a broken pipe or sewer line, making the use of a cleaner null. It could also be a backup from the main sewer, which require sewage cleaning services to properly address.

Safer Options
If you know the reason for the clogged drain and feel that a cleaner will do the trick, consider more environmental-and plumping-safe options.

Mechanical: A bent wire hanger or plumber’s auger are easily accessible tools that can clear the top inches of a clog. They work by penetrating through the clog to make it easier to pull out or force down the drain.
Biological: There is a good chance that the ingredients for a homemade cleaner are already on the premises. Vinegar and baking soda are a natural method of cleaning just about anything, including breaking down clogs. There are also eco-friendly enzymatic options for purchase, which feature enzymes or bacteria that slowly dissolve the problem.

Before reaching for a harsh, chemical treatment, consider the underlying clog issues and safer alternatives. If it is an ongoing problem, the best bet is to call a trusted plumber and fully be rid of the problem.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold growth can damage your building in Edmond, OK

You may not think about the roof of your building in Edmond, OK, very often. Besides having it inspected once or twice a year and checking for damage after particularly brutal storms, it's easy to assume it's doing its job. You may not realize a small leak is a problem until you see black mold on your ceiling tiles. There are ways to prevent this from happening, though.

Respond Quickly

It doesn't take much for a roof leak to cause significant damage. Mold only needs three things to thrive:

• Excess moisture
  
• Organic matter to feed on
  
• 24-48 hours to grow
  
  

Your best chance of preventing black mold from growing in your building is to call mold remediation experts as soon as you discover water damage in your building. They can identify the areas that are most likely to foster mold growth and resolve the underlying issues before it starts.

Inspect Often
Your roof is one of your building's main protections from the outside elements. If you see a ceiling leak, it likely means your roof has been neglected and that mold growth is almost inevitable. Building code laws are designed to set the minimum standards for commercial property upkeep. Go beyond the minimum that is required by law. You can save the professional inspections for once or twice a year, but you should be inspecting your roof as part of your monthly maintenance rounds. Look for any weak spots or loose joints where precipitation could seep in. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear so that water can drain properly instead of pooling on the roof. Frequent inspections can help you avoid not only costly roof repair or replacement but also secondary damage such as mold that is common with leaks.
Black mold growth can damage your building, but it is preventable. Remain vigilant in your inspections and get any leaks repaired as quickly as possible to avoid mold problems.

What's the Best Way To Get a Quote for Fire Restoration?

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are a lot of repairs that may need to be made

What's the Best Way To Get a Quote for Fire Restoration?

When a fire damages your Edmond, OK, commercial building, you want to figure out how much the repairs are going to cost. This type of estimate relies on a variety of factors, including the following:

• Who does the repairs
• How long the fire burned
• What fueled the fire
• How long the restoration takes
  
  

Even though there are so many elements that affect price, you may be able to get a quote. In order to get a quote, you need to work with the right people.

Work With Your Insurance Provider

Chances are some of the fire damage repairs are going to be covered by your insurance policy. While you should have some idea of what your coverage is, you may not know exactly how much the policy pays for. You can call your insurance provider to find out what parts of the fire cleanup are fully or partially covered. For example, your insurance may help pay for the cleanup, structure repairs, belonging replacement or building restoration.

Working with your insurance provider can not only help you get an estimate, but it can also help you find professionals in your network. Some providers may only want you to work with licensed contractors to do the repairs. Learning about the requirements you have to follow can make filing your claim easier.

Get Professional Help

If you want to know how much you're going to have to pay after a commercial fire, you need to work with a team of fire restoration experts. These professionals will be able to give you a quote because they know how much it costs to repair common fire damages. If you work with a novice or try to make the repairs yourself, you may not follow fire codes, which can cost you more in the long run. Professionals also may be able to get better prices on building materials and get the job done faster.

After a fire, there are a lot of repairs that may need to be made. You may want to get an estimate before committing to a specific fire restoration team.

Likely Places To Find Mold Growth

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in Luther, OK

As a homeowner in Luther, OK, you know how important it is to maintain a comfortable place for you and your loved ones to live. Some invaders can threaten that feeling of peace, even some of the smallest unwanted guests. Seeing mold damage in your house falls into this category. As you are aware of where mold typically rears its ugly head, you can take the right steps to keep it away.

The Right Environment

Mold is a tiny fungus that thrives in wet, humid conditions. The spores can grow and spread quickly when you give them the ideal home. The following are typical areas of your home where you might come across mold growth:

• Behind and underneath appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators
• Underneath sinks
• On shower walls
  

Types of Materials Where Mold Shows Up

Mold damage can occur throughout your home. This fungus can grow on any organic material such as wood, drywall, and even paper. You may commonly find mold inside walls after a pipe springs a leak or bursts. Building materials in the attic can be a breeding ground for mold, especially if your roof has a leak and lets water in. If you experience a flood at home, you should check personal items as well. Mold can develop on documents, books, and maps.

Keeping it Away and Cleaning it Up

Like spot mildew growth on a shower wall, you'll want to clean up mold quickly so it doesn't spread and cause other concerns. A professional mold remediation company is the right place to call for widespread growth. If it affects a smaller area, you can use household items such as vinegar or bleach to get rid of it. Regularly inspecting the pipes in your house and drying spills and leaks are also critical.
Mold damage can stress you out, but you can avoid this challenge. The more you know about how and where mold grows, the more likely you are to keep it away.

How To Handle Water Damage

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Oak Tree, OK

3 Things To do to Keep You and the Premises Safe

Water damage is caused by several issues, but it all has a similar result: Your property has been harmed, ruining structural material and becoming a potential mold hazard. Can you open a window, grab a mop and walk away? While the liquid may seem innocuous, it isn't, and, if improperly handled, the problem could simply persist; therefore, business owners in Oak Tree, OK, should contact a water remediation company as soon as possible, hoping to mitigate the trouble and begin restoration. While the crew arrives, here are three things to do to keep you and the premises safe.

1. Disconnect the Utilities

When broken pipes burst or leak, they create a hazard. Immediately shut off the breakers to the room as well as the main water line. You don't want moisture reaching appliances. If this becomes a threat, don't go near the area until help arrives. Especially important, don't run a vacuum to cleanup.

2. Inspect and Remove Property

Water damage needs immediate attention. Grab a mop and rag. Begin cleaning. Wipe the fixtures, and try to remove them, as well as small objects, from the section. You can place aluminum foil or blocks underneath furniture legs, avoiding further dampness. Be careful of water that came from toilets, sewer lines or outside floods. This is category 3 and exposes you to high levels of bacteria. The professionals should handle this.

3. Dry and Replace Material

You can turn on the HVAC system. It will begin to pull out excess humidity from the air. Then, during water cleanup, the specialists use industrial equipment to remove moisture. They should inspect the affected section, and determine what needs to be tossed. Dehumidifiers will then come in, running for perhaps days until the walls and flooring are cleared. Once this is complete, allow the team to sanitize your items and mend anything harmed.
Water damage should be contained as best as possible. After you have turned off the utilities, work on airing out the space. Then, look over your assets, determining what is safe to keep. Finally, allows the remediation crew to cleanse and repair the facility.

3 Misconceptions About Fire Sprinkler Systems

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler systems can help reduce fire damage to a building

3 Misconceptions About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems can help reduce fire damage to a building by dousing fires when they first start before they can spread. Sprinkler systems are common in commercial buildings but there are some misconceptions about how they work.

1. Sprinkler Systems Don't Detect Smoke

Fires cause the air above them to rapidly increase in temperature. Sprinkler systems are activated when they come into contact with air that has been heated between 135 and 165 degrees. That air then rises and spreads, where it contacts the sprinkler heads. Most sprinklers utilize a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid, which expands and then shatters when the air temperature exceeds the threshold.

2. Sprinklers Don't Sprinkle Water

The water a fire sprinkler system uses isn't just sprinkled over a fire. Instead, the water is pressurized. Pressurized water sprays out in an arc, which helps it to reach a larger surface area and more effectively put out the fire.

3. Sprinkler Systems Don't Usually Cause a Lot of Water Damage

If you've ever seen someone set off the sprinkler systems in a movie, you might be expecting a small amount of fire to result in a large amount of water being sprayed in your building. However, sprinkler heads are designed to function independently. Most fires only trigger one or two sprinkler heads, which helps confine any water damage in the area where the fire started. Sprinkler systems can actually reduce water damage from putting out fires because they often require less water to put out a fire than fire hoses from the fire department.
Fire sprinkler systems can be a valuable part of the fire suppression system in your commercial building. They can also help reduce water damage that results from putting out a fire. If you need help cleaning up fire or water damage in your building, consider contacting a fire sprinkler cleanup specialist in Edmond, OK.

Top 5 Places Where Mold Likes to Hide

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage on basement

Top 5 Places Mold Likes To Hide

Nearly every homeowner worries about mold growth at some point during homeownership. However, not every owner knows where to look. Mold can be a tricky organism because it likes to develop in dark corners away from prying eyes. Most often, you will smell mold before you see it. Therefore, to know when it is time to call in a mold removal crew from Oak Tree, OK, you need to know the top five places mold likes to hide.

Wall Cavities
Underlayment
Under Sinks
Mechanical Closets
Basements and Attics

Wall Cavities

Mold requires water or moisture to grow. Unfortunately for homeowners, most of your house's plumbing is tucked into the wall cavities. Also unfortunate, not every leak in your plumbing is perceptible from the other side of the wall. Some leaks are so minor that they don't even show up on your water bill. Therefore, your first hint that you have mold behind the wall might not come until you see moldy drywall.

Underlayment

Another common area for mold to grow is on underlayment, especially after a flood. While the flooring on top of the plywood subfloor might show signs of distress, mold can be developing.

Under Sinks

Mold growth is also typical under sinks, and it can seem to occur rapidly. However, most people store a lot of items under sinks, which can block early signs and indicators of such growth.

Mechanical Closets

Mechanical closets are where your hot water tank live, but they are often neglected areas of the home. Any space that combines moisture with extended absences from the homeowner is at an increased risk of fungal development.

Basements and Attics

Basements and attics are similar to mechanical closets. However, they are more likely to suffer from humidity problems and not direct water leaks. Be sure to check your attic and basement ceilings for mold on wood.
Mold growth is a concern for many homeowners. However, if you know where to look and who to call, you can nip any problem in the bud early.

3 Ways To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home’s Bathrooms

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing mold from growing in your bathroom can help to prevent mold from spreading to other areas in your home.

Various types of water damage in bathrooms make these rooms common sites of mold growth in homes in Edmond, OK. Fortunately, there are several mold prevention tips that can keep mold from growing in your home’s bathrooms.

1. Look for Common Issues That Cause Mold

There are certain issues that often cause mold to grow in bathrooms, such as leaky pipes, overflowing toilets or dripping showerheads. It can be helpful to frequently inspect your bathroom and look in areas where mold often grows. Cleaning your bathroom often can help to make it more difficult for mold to grow. If you do notice a problem that is causing mold to grow, it can be useful to contact mold remediation specialists.

2. Replace Caulking

When mold is on one surface in the bathroom, it can easily spread to other surfaces in your bathroom and to areas in your home that haven’t been affected by water damage. When you notice that your caulking has mold on it, replacing it can be useful. Though mold spores are always present, it can be helpful to reduce the number of spores in a contained space such as a bathroom. By replacing the caulking, you can make it more difficult for the mold to spread.

3. Decrease Moisture

Decreasing the amount of moisture in your bathroom can help to prevent mold from appearing in the area. Using dehumidifiers and using opening your air vents can be useful ways to lower humidity levels in the room. Taking showers or baths that aren’t extremely hot can lessen the amount of steam present in the bathroom. However, if you don’t want to sacrifice your hot shower or bath, you can also decrease the humidity by taking shorter showers or baths.

Preventing mold from growing in your bathroom can help to prevent mold from spreading to other areas in your home. Looking for signs of water damage, replacing caulking as needed and decreasing the moisture in your bathroom can help keep your home free of mold.

Third-Party Certification for Cleaning and Restoration Professionals

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is certified with the IICRC for water, fire, and mold damage. 

Third-Party Certification For Cleaning And Restoration Professionals

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is an independent third-party certification agency for the restoration industry. The IICRC reviews the certification processes and the standards put in place for cleaning and restoration professionals Edmond, OK. Companies and manufacturers in many industries work closely with third-party certification agencies for several reasons:

• Non-biased certification shows compliance with national or international standards.
• Third-party compliance shows a company's commitment to safety and quality.
• A mitigation certificate from a third-party increases credibility with customers, insurance companies, and regulators.
• Restoration companies benefit from enhanced regulations in quality and safety.
• Companies, auditors, and consumers enjoy increased trust and cooperation.
  

Increased Trust Between Service Providers and Consumers

While some government oversight plays a role in protecting consumers from fraud and low-quality goods or services, third-party certification takes a stronger stance. This is good for restoration companies and for consumers because it develops relationships of deeper trust between the service provider and the customer. Naturally, company leaders promote the quality and benefits of their own goods or services. When customers hear those claims and expect a high level of service, only to be disappointed, their trust in the company suffers.

Higher Levels of Quality and Stricter Standards

Agencies that oversee and enforce quality standards, such as IICRC, perform a series of checks and audits to ensure that companies are in compliance. Agencies may affect how often cleaning and restoration technicians are trained and could influence what is taught during trainings. As a result, customers don't have to take the word of marketers or company spokespersons; instead they look for certification from neutral parties.

Benefits for Service Providers and Customers

Third-party certification through agencies such as IICRC encourage higher quality standards and improved consumer confidence. There may be limitations to governmental oversight and industry regulations, but the involvement of an outside agency fills existing gaps. Cleaning and restoration companies offer certification and compliance verification to service partners and consumers. Customers enjoy the increased standards for quality and safety. It's a situation where all parties benefit.

Mold Prevention in the Bathroom

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

There are several things you can do to help eliminate the threat of mold spores and protect your property.

Mold Prevention In The Bathroom

Are you frustrated by mold that keeps coming back in your residential bathroom? Have you suffered from a lot of water damage that led to such growth, and are not sure what to do to stop this cycle from happening over and over again? If so, do not get discouraged - there are several things you can do to help eliminate the threat of mold spores and protect your property. Here are a few tips for mold prevention to help get you started:

1. Use grout sealer.

If you have trouble with mold buildup in the shower, try using a grout sealer on your tile once each year. Any standard sealer should do the trick and help prevent destructive mold growth from damaging your property.

2. Run your bathroom fan.

After you take a bath or shower, remember to run the bathroom fan for at least thirty minutes. This helps to eliminate moisture and prevent water damage that could lead to mold. If the fan does not seem to be clearing out the moisture, you may need a new one.

3. Get a squeegee.

Did you know that a simple squeegee can eliminate three-fourths or more of the damaging moisture left over after a bath or shower? Simply run the squeegee over the walls of your shower after they get wet - you will notice a difference in the wetness level right away.

If you still cannot figure out what to do about your mold problem, or are currently dealing with an existing water damage situation that you cannot handle alone, it is time to call in the professionals. Your local residential mold remediation company should be able to quickly arrive and help you figure out a restoration plan that will likely include some cleanup steps on their part - and should help get your Waterloo, OK home back in shape fairly soon.

Claims Management: SERVPRO Offers a Streamlined Approach

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Claims Management

While working on an insurance claim is tedious and often time and life-consuming, there are ways to streamline the research process effectively. You can either visit a SERVPRO in the Arcadia, OK, area or log on to their CIC system to look up claims based on state, region and county. No more long nights. Take advantage of all the work this top-ranked restoration firm has done.

1. Organization Through Database Creation

To help insurers cut back on the level of tediousness that is involved in the claims process, SERVPRO created a database that would allow insurers to search for claims and performance numbers. Mainly, the idea was to present a nonbiased assessment of typical claims and to allow for the tracking of new claims without pressuring outcomes, so the CIC was born.

2. Claims Information Center

Any insurance agent wants to be able to collect information as quickly as possible. Despite common beliefs, they don’t want to delay insurance claim approvals. Thankfully, the CIC, or Claims Information Center, helps to streamline the process by allowing agents to search by claim location and type.

3. ReportER

ReportER is the corporate database of SERVPRO, and it is where they keep track of all claims and projects. The Managed Dashboard is the access point provided to insurers so that they can utilize the database for research and updates of current working claims.

While tedious, the insurance claim process is an essential part of coverage and ensures that people are being correctly and adequately covered for actual loss. In order to make the process more streamlined the Claims Information Center was established in the ReportER database. This database provides insurers with an accurate depiction of claim expenses and timelines, allowing them to make accurate judgments about client losses. However, beyond assessment, the Managed Dashboard allows for organization of projects in one easy to use platform.

Mold Damage in Edmond

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold clean up.

Mold Remediation

If your home has mold, it can be a scary prospect to try to get rid of it. Mold remediation is vital to living in a safe and comfortable home. The truth of the matter is that mold can cause a variety of respiratory and health-related issues, making it an incredibly dangerous thing to be living around or having your loved ones living around.

Hiring a mold remediation contractor is vital to getting rid of this problem in a completely professional manner. You should never attempt to get rid of the mold on your own because you may not necessarily know what you're dealing with or how to properly get rid of it.

One of the most important things when you're searching for Mold damage contractors is to see if they have licenses and insurance. The contractor needs to be fully insured so that both them and you are protected fully when they are on the job.

The problem with mold and getting rid of it is that it can be downright dangerous. You do not want to take the chance of hiring someone who has no insurance, gets sick from cleaning the mold and then tries to sue you for money. The contractor needs to have full insurance on themselves before they should attempt to work on any project.

You also want to make sure that the Mold damage contractor is licensed and has had a lot of experience working with and cleaning mold. This is relatively easy for you to find out, since all you have to do is ask the contractor about their licenses and to get information on their license number. You should also ask the contractor about their past project log and to give you at least five different referrals to past jobs that they have done for other people. It is then up to you to contact these past clients to see what the work was like and what they thought of the contractor after they had been hired.

When you hire the right type of Mold damage professional to remedy your mold problem for you, you're doing something that will benefit your entire home and all of your family.

You shouldn't attempt to clean the mold on your own because it can be downright dangerous and you may not even get rid of all of the problem for you.

This is why hiring the right type of contractor is your best bet, and diligent research should be done in your area to find someone who is qualified and licensed to do the job. Someone who has a lot of experience, licenses and insurance would be the ideal person for you to hire for this specific type of project. This is why you should take the time to look for a professional who can remedy the mold and get your home's water damage cleared up when it is most convenient for you.

Stages of Commercial Mold Remediation

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial mold clean up in Oak Tree,OK

A mold infestation at your commercial property in Oak Tree, OK, is frustrating. You worry about losing time and money while mold removal takes place. What does the process entail? How long does it take?

Initial Stages

Before remediation begins, the problem needs identified. As a business owner, perform regular inspections of your property and encourage open communication with employees. Once you suspect a problem, do not delay.

• Contact a mold remediation specialist as soon as possible. Mold growth happens fast; every day you wait is another day it spreads. Oftentimes, technicians offer 24 hour emergency service.
  
• Typically professionals first conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Some damage is visible to the naked eye, while hidden decay requires specialized equipment to detect.
• Before cleanup begins, experts physically contain the target area to prevent further spreading and secondary damage. HVAC systems are often disabled and air filtration devices are used to prevent spores from contaminating the surrounding air.

Mold Removal Stages

Once the inspection and containment are complete, removal of damaged items begins.

• Porous, infected materials and structures are discarded. Black mold usually cannot be removed from items such as carpeting or drywall.
• Non-porous contents are cleaned, disinfected and sanitized with antifungal treatments.

Final Stages

After all mold growth is removed, it is safe to return. Specialists complete the restoration process.

• During the last phase, building materials are repaired. This includes replacing carpeting, wood flooring or drywall that was removed in previous stages.
  
• Cosmetic procedures, such as painting, return your business to preloss condition.
  

The process of commercial mold removal in Oak Tree, OK, is meticulous due to the nature of the infestation. The length of time for all stages varies depending on the level of contamination. On average, you can expect the process to last about a week. In order to save time and money, have your property inspected as soon as you suspect a problem.

The Common Effects of a Commercial Property Fire

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage due to fire in an Arcadia,OK commercial property

No one can be prepared for the shocking repercussions of a blazing inferno that’s torn through a Arcadia, OK commercial property. While setting your eyes on the resulting fire damage can be overwhelming from the start, it can be a little less harrowing if you’re informed of the possible effects ahead of time. Read on to discover some of the more common results you could encounter after a massive fire takes hold of your property, and feel more prepared to handle the aftermath.

Heat and Pressure Damage

One of the most common results of fire damage doesn’t necessarily have to be brought on by contact with the flames at all. Heat damage to your building can materialize from simply being within the vicinity of the fire’s onslaught, including the warping of certain finishes and the combusting or melting of objects in the affected areas.

Extensive Water Damage

One of the last things you might consider after a fire is the role of water in creating major damage to your property. However, the destruction from water through the efforts of firefighters to put out the raging blaze can be quite considerable, as one fire hose alone can emit gallons of water per minute. Thankfully, fire and water damage restoration specialists are available to help recovery efforts for both of these kinds of devastation.

Harmful Ash and Smoke Damage

Another form of fire wreckage can occur without being touched by the fire itself, and that’s in the form of smoke damage and residual ashes. The chemical effects of heavy smoke and ash on your belongings or along the walls of the building can be catastrophic for days or even weeks after the fire, so it’s paramount that restoration is initiated immediately to minimize its destruction.

While dealing with substantial fire damage to your Arcadia, OK commercial building is hardly a situation you can react to calmly, keeping these common hazards in mind can go a long way in helping you prepare for how to handle the aftermath.

Flooded Streets and Vehicles: Why You Shouldn't Drive Through Floods

11/18/2018 (Permalink)

If your vehicle begins to flood, then move to the roof of your car

Flooded Streets and Vehicles

A flooded home is one thing. There is an understood protocol in dealing with a flooded home, and it is to stay dry and call emergency restoration services in the Arcadia, OK, area after the damage is done. But, flooded roads offer a different and deceiving problem. A flooded street that looks intimidating to walk down may not look that scary from the inside of your vehicle, but floodwater should never be underestimated.

1. Depth of Water Can Be Deceiving

True, the water level may only be about 12 inches deep, but that level of rushing water is enough to carry a small car, and if the depth increases to 2 feet, then it can carry almost any vehicle. Despite the weight of most vehicles, it is no match to the surge and power of rushing flood water, no matter the depth.

2. Loss of Control Can Be Immediate

The second your car begins to float you have lost all control. Steering, accelerating, and breaking will do nothing to help you maneuver obstacles in the flooded street. A vehicle becomes a projectile with a passenger.

3. Water Can Flip A Vehicle

As waters rise, it is possible that your floating vehicle will roll and flip upside down, which can make it difficult and dangerous for an escape attempt. It is also important to note that the water does not have to be significantly deep to flip your vehicle. The same 12 inches that can move your car can also flip it.

4. Water Is Equally Dangerous for People

While it is dangerous to drive in a flood, it is even more dangerous to walk in a flood. That is why the essential safety and travel tips for flood zones are:

• Stay Dry
• Stay Safe
• Seek Higher Ground

If you are trapped in a vehicle on a flooded street with moving water, then stay inside your car until help arrives. If your vehicle begins to flood, then move to the roof of your car, but do not enter moving water. Flood water is dangerous, and your safety is paramount.

Can Employees Work During Flood Cleanup?

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial clean up after storm in Bethany,OK

Few things can bring a  Bethany,OK, business to its knees faster than a flood. If your business has sustained water damage, your first thought is apt to be about flood cleanup. After all, accumulated black water is both unsanitary and hazardous to equipment and inventory. Once you have scheduled cleanup, though, you may wonder how soon your employees can return to work.

Beginning the Cleanup Process

Your first priority is to locate the source of the flooding. When you have fixed broken pipes or removed excess water, you must focus on water cleanup. Collaborating with a reputable restoration service is usually your best bet. Specialists have the knowledge, skill and equipment to effectively remediate water damage.

Inviting Employees Back to Work

If your business is like most, it only functions when employees are hard at work. Of course, since black water can be dangerous, you don’t want to have employees on the job when water is present. Generally, though, you can invite your staff to return to work during the restoration process. Simply make sure all of the following are true:

• The source of the flooding has been resolved
• Flood waters have receded
• All demolition is complete
• Restoration specialists have disinfected the job site

Breathing Filtered Air

Your employees are likely to be concerned about air quality in your post-flood workplace. That makes sense, as no one wants to breath dank air. Fortunately, restoration specialists use air-filtration devices throughout the cleanup and restoration process. The result is clean, breathable air that poses little risk to employees. You may want to inform workers about the filtration system to help ease their concerns.

Business flooding in  Bethany,OK, is not something any business owner can take lightly. Still, you don’t have to ask your workers to stay away for long. By working with the right restoration service, you can develop a reasonable timetable for employees to return to work after black water has been removed.