Signs of Water Damage

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

You call us, we fix it.

Sometimes it is essential to inspect our properties, homes, offices, apartments, etc. 

Here are signs you should check if there's some water damage early on:

1. Changes in floors, walls, and ceilings regarding paint, color, or texture

Many homeowners don't notice the changes to structural elements. They are hard to spot in familiar surroundings, even if you are good at cleaning up and upkeep; when water damage is on the cards, you can observe dry walls or ceilings being flaky. This condition, if left unchecked, can become bloated; also, tiles made of ceramic material often develop mold and cracks in the grout when damaged by water for being a porous material.

2. Running water sounds

Water damage isn't always visible but makes noticeable sounds. For example, drips creaks in the floorboards, and the sound of constantly running water may signify that you need repairs. In addition, tiny bubbles can result in holes in your concrete foundation, threatening the entire home's structure.

3. Increasing water bills

A sudden surge in utility bills is an excellent indicator of water damage. Ensure to check the visible pipelines and faucets in the house for any leaks. If you fail to find leaks in the visual areas, consider the possibility of water damage within the walls. If you spot any water damage, call a plumber as soon as possible.

Contact us if you see any signs that could show some mold in your residency or commercial business. 

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

How to Prepare for a Storm

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

HERE TO HELP!

Storms can be as unexpected as the damage they cause. With the proper preparation, much of the storm damage can be minimized or prevented altogether. Here are some tips to help prevent the damages storms may cause.

Clean Your Gutters

When it rains, and your gutters are clogged, it could cause the overflow to run down into your home. Often, this water can go undetected and sit. Over time, mold can grow in these areas that remain wet having clean and sturdy gutters before the rain can minimize the damage a storm may cause.

Landscaping and drainage

Depending on the land your home is built on, water runoff can accumulate around your foundation and flood your homes. Fortunately, there are solutions to proper landscaping.

Better pathways can be created for water runoff, guiding the water away from your home. If you have noticed puddles or water accumulation near your home when it rains, contact a professional to help before a storm.

We have 24-7 service 365 days. Contact us! 

Commercial Restoration Process

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

HERE TO HELP

GET TO KNOW US BETTER, WHY SERVPRO?

We understand each situation; we know it is unique, and your business must work again!

To mitigate fire and smoke damage as much as possible and minimize the interruption to your business, we may take the following steps: 

1. Secure the facility
2. Ventilate the premises to draw out dust and soot from the air
3. Removal of any contents, separating salvageable and unsalvageable items in the process.

We at SERVPRO know how to handle these types of cases, and they will happen; you will always be safe with us, and this is something that we can apply:

• Salvageable items are moved to a secure location for restoration and storage until complete reconstruction.
• Cleaning the facility, including ceilings, walls, floors, and any permanent fixtures, to prevent further damage from the acidic effects of soot 
• Clean carpets, and upholstery, if possible, to completely neutralize any acid contained in soot and minimize further damage. Using specialized equipment, deodorize the facility.

We’ll also clean and sanitize any salvageable items and decontaminate the ductwork and HVAC system.

CONTACT US; WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Spring Cleaning Tips

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

HERE TO HELP!

Finally, the months we have waited for have arrived; we must consider the climatic changes, and you must feel the upgrades to have a fresh start.  

We know that you want your business to reflect this season with fresh and clean surroundings and atmosphere; it is an excellent way for your business to invite your clients, customers, and workforce.

Professionals: 

Any commercial cleaning project needs professional assistance. Connect with area services that are well-established and highly respected. Those reviews on social media platforms can be a big help here. These companies will come right to you, and they will make sure that your spring cleaning is done right by following your instructions precisely.

Green: 

Using green products is always a good idea. These products aren’t of harsh chemicals, so there is no danger of adverse reactions to your working environment and those with sensitivities. In addition, there are many environmentally friendly cleaning items these days, and your customers will be happy to know that you are going green, too.

Weather:

Whenever you plan any seasonal job, always keep an eye on the weather. Sometimes, it can change at the drop of a hat, making your project difficult or impossible. 

When scheduling spring cleaning services for your business, select alternate days or a whole range to allow for a change of plans. Extreme temperatures can hurt some products, as well.

Every member of your team has something valuable to add. So when planning for the spring cleaning of your business, ask for input from everyone. Perhaps they have noticed something that needs attention that has escaped you, or maybe they have a perspective on how to streamline the process to help you avoid work disruptions. 

Teamwork will help any project get done faster and more efficiently, and a cleaning job is no exception!

Get to Know Us

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO!

WHY SERVPRO?

You should choose SERVPRO, and this is why!

You will wonder why you should choose us; it is not an easy question; we know that there are dozens of restoration companies that you can choose from and make a decision to work with them or not.

We also know that it is not an easy task to select one of them in Dallas. Great competition, extreme and fierce, but why choosing us as a franchise is the best option? We have the compassion you need.

We know that a problem can range from a water leak to painting or covering a leak. We will always treat you as a priority, no matter the minor inconvenience; we are the Top restoration company.

We have a great experience which we can demonstrate if you or someone you know needs our services, never be afraid to call no matter the time of day.

We Are Always Before Any Disaster

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

24-hours service 365 days

SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry, and its professionals are faster for any size of disaster.

SERVPRO is a restoration company that we lead and many people trust; we are 24/7 for all our clients. We know how to respond as quickly as it is crucial and can change the outcome of any water loss; this helps minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

We are ready to reconstruct or help your residence or commercial asset.

We have a professional for each position who acts quickly and appropriately to handle any work properly; our clients trust us 100%, and we are always before any disaster, no matter how small or how big, we are one call away.

Faster than any disaster, contact us!

Fire extinguishers

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Damage caused by fire

Keep fire safety in mind by following a few simple safety tips. Enjoy time with your loved ones, and keep yourself and your family safe from fire.
Here is a significant fact that we should consider in our spaces.

How many fire extinguishers should I have?
Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher, and most should have at least two or three. The number of fire extinguishers you should have in your home depends on the size of your house, if you have a garage or workshop, and if your household is multi-level or not.
The minimum recommendation is to have a single extinguisher rated 2-A:10-B: C or higher in your kitchen, garage, or workshops, near doors used as an escape route, and on every level of your home.

Flames need fuel, oxygen, and heat to burn. Fire extinguishers are designed to remove one of these elements by applying an agent that either cools the burning fuel or releases or displaces the surrounding oxygen. Fire extinguishers contain either water or a smothering material, such as CO@; by pulling out the safety pin and depressing the lever at the top of the cylinder, the fire extinguishing material is released under high pressure.

Don't hesitate to call us; we would love to take care of you! SERVPRO of Southwest Irving is always at your service.

Cooking

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Caution while cooking

Did you know that commonly fires start in the kitchen?
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries due to burning.

Remember to keep children away from hot foods, liquids, matches, utility lighters, and Sharp utensils. Cover your pot or pan with a lid and turn off the burner if you have a cooking tire. Think cooking safety - use safety tools such as kitchen gloves and an apron to protect skin and clothing.

Cook with care.
Remaining in the kitchen while food is cooking, don't leave cooking food unattended. Have a fire extinguisher readily available for use. Remember, Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep. Ensure you test your smoke detectors before cooking; never throw water on a cooking fire; this will only spread the flames.

Please take the following into account to prevent a fire from starting, do not hesitate to contact us at SERVPRO of Southwest Irving.

Water Damage

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

You might be surprised to learn that water damage is one of the most common – and costly – homeowners' claims. Therefore, you must consider the following for the occasion that comes your way; we experts will be on our way to help you!

Disconnect hoses

Disconnecting your hoses from the faucet should be on your fall to-do list.

Clean gutters and downspouts

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams.

Maintain trees and vegetation

Thriving shrubs can be beautiful, except when their roots wrap around your pipes and break them.

Know your water main

Plumbing experts say that the main water shutoff may be the most crucial plumbing feature in the entire house.

Maintain appliances

Appliances are the most common cause of in-home water damage.

Check your water pressure.

If the water pressure in your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under stress.

Monitor your water bill

Sometimes, you only know that water leaks by looking at your water bill.

CALL SERVPRO of Southwest Irving so that we can help you and take action on the case!

It is essential to take action when these water damage cases occur, as it can have more long-term consequences and cause more damage. So do not hesitate to call us.

We have all the experience in this matter!

Commercial Services

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

The #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

Commercial Services, do you know what it means?

Let us explain to you and tell you how SERVPRO could help you.

“SERVPRO helps commercial customers with a wide variety of cleaning, construction and restoration projects, both large and small.” 

We can help restore your business with  services like: large loss, emergency ready plans, industry specialization, restoration services, general cleaning services and specialty cleaning services.

Here is some information about every single one of these services so you can relate better.

Large Loss:

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. 

Emergency Ready Plans: 

When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time for what you will do can make all the difference in whether your business survives the event.

Industry Specialization: 

With more than 50 years of experience, we’ve earned the reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry and specialize in fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold, and so much more. 

Restoration Services: 

Whether your business or commercial property needs emergency restoration services or professional cleaning services, we count with professionals who have the training and experience to handle any size project to get you back to business.

General Cleaning Services:

Life can get a little messy sometimes. When it does, we can help you clean it up.

Specialty Cleaning Services:

The certified technicians at SERVPRO are available to help business and commercial property owners handle specialty cleaning projects such as duct cleaning, odor removal, graffiti removal, biohazard cleaning services, and so much more.

Why SERVPRO SouthWest Irving?

• Available 24/7
• Commercial Large Loss Division
• Strategically Located
• Personal Attention
• Easier Insurance Claim Process
• Service of Construction

CONTACT US.

Emergency ready plan

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

ERP (Emergency ready plan)

Did you know that 50% of the companies that close due to a disaster never reopen again? The majority of the ones that reopen had a response plan but do you have yours? Our ERP (emergency-ready plan) app offers information on how to handle every situation, minimizing the damage and the time your business would be inoperative. This plan contains what to do, how to do it, who to call, and what to expect, as long as information on shut-off valve locations, insurance contact information, priority areas and contacts, and photos of each utility location as a visual aide for quick reference. Currently, 95% of these situations are internal or man-made as fire and flooding. Many buildings have emergency contingency plans (incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity). Still, they keep it in a folder and don't have the time to look at it during an emergency, but at SERVPRO of southwest Irving, we are " Ready for whatever happens."

Winter storm

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Unexpected winter storm

Hundreds of people get injured each year by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and fires caused by improper heaters. Prepare now so you can stay safe during winter storms.

-Listen to local news channels for critical information on snowstorms and blizzards from the National Weather Service.

 -Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain, snow, or dense fog.

-If travel is necessary, make sure you have a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle, which includes: a shovel, blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, first aid kit, extra batteries, and a sack of sand or cat litter.

-Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors, and the nature of the job.

-Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Keep all potential fuel sources like paper, clothing, bedding, or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.

-Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace get extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.

-If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

-Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

Your safety comes first; it is essential to take the measures we recommend; we have teams ready to help you with any inconvenience, and be prepared.

BBB & EPA accreditations

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

BBB accreditation

BBB (Better Business Bureau) is one of our accreditations, and it applies only to North America. This makes us one of the 400,000 accredited and trustworthy businesses. Some of the requisites we proved were:

• Build trust: Be selling products for at least six months before the application
• Advertise Honestly: follow legal and ethical advertising and selling practices 
• Tell the truth and be transparent: show the total cost of the transaction, the return/refund policy, a receipt, delays or shortages, and any automatic or financial commitment.
• Safeguard Privacy: Protect any data or personal information. 

The EPA (environmental protection agency)certification protects the environment and human health. They ensure we have clean air, land, and water and reduce environmental risks. They have a specific rule regarding Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) that says that companies doing a renovation, repair, and paint in properties built before 1978 need to be certified by EPA, and we are!

Spring cleaning

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning

Spring is here, and winter is in the past. We consider this time of the year a new beginning, and that's one of the reasons we do spring cleaning to make sure our homes are in good shape. We also recommend inspecting for damages with professionals that can save us money and prevent further damage. In Texas and especially Dallas and surrounding areas, we can expect dryness, snow, freezing rain, hail, and lots and lots of wind; these cause frozen pipes, frost, and ice dams that cause damage to your properties. Some of the areas we suggest you check are: 

• Pipes and plumbing
• Gutter systems and roofs
• Foundation and drainage
• Routine inspection 

The rainy season starts; the leaves that winter blew are going to clog the drains, which can cause a flood before it goes to rivers or bays. We can prevent this by placing our yard waste in the appropriate trash cans or bins.

Handling fire tips

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire tips

After a fire emergency, you do not know how to act. It is essential to keep in mind that specific residues of what may remain are dangerous to health, but no worries, We got you! Below, we will provide you with tips that will help you manage the situation; take a look at them:

-Have a professional examine your home to make sure it’s ready and safe.
-Send text messages or use social media to reach out to your family and friends.
-Proceed with caution: maintain a “fire watch” and check your home and surrounding areas for tiny, lingering embers.
-Do not drink, prepare food or wash with water until officials deem the water source safe.
-Photograph any damages for your records and contact your insurance agency.
-Outline clear pathways to exit doors.
-Conduct regular fire drills.
-Use flame-retardant materials in interiors.

Call SERVPRO Southwest Irving – you need professional services; get the experts before moving to the next step. You must consider the above for better management; we will always be there to take care of your

Tornadoes Damage Facts

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

“Tornadoes cause around 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries in the U.S. each year.”

Nature can take a violent turn without warning: floods, wildfires, tornadoes. Any of these can have a devastating effect on your home; that’s why we share with you some facts for you to know if any of these happens to you. 

Here are some facts about tornadoes:

Have in your mind some of the signs of a tornado:

• Dark-greenish sky
• Large hail
• Dark, larges, low-lying clouds
• Roars

The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph. Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over warm water. They can move onshore and cause damage to coastal areas.

Tornadoes can be more than one mile wide and stay on the ground for over 50 miles. Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

We recommend being prepared for this, having an emergency kit in your home, with a lamp, batteries, medicine, a backpack with a change of clothes, etc. So you should always be prepared.

When a storm damages your home, we’re one call away. With more than 1,900 locations, SERVPRO of Southwest Irving is waiting to serve you 24/7.

What to do when having a flooding

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding

Water problems are a nightmare for homeowners, especially when they lead to significant flooding. Dealing with water or flood damage is time-consuming and expensive; that's why we share with you five things you must do or check for your home. 

1. Call Your Insurance

Your home insurance can help you cover the costs of damage. However, if you ignore a water damage issue for too long, you could find it a struggle to make a claim. In addition, your insurance provider might not be happy to hear how long you waited to address the issue and contact us to solve the problem.  

2. Time Matters, Act Quickly!

An issue with ignoring water damage is that it can worsen and happen faster than you would imagine. It may not look like much now, and you might think that it will not get any worse. But if there's an ongoing cause that you do not know exists, you might find it quickly more significant. 

Sometimes you can't even see it. Try to analyze your water bills, always be aware of the estimate you always pay; if someday it's higher, you could have a water leak somewhere.

3. Protect Yourself and Your Possessions

If there's a storm and your house is flooded, you should think quickly and do these things: 

- Protect yourself and your possessions, like electric appliances, important documents, etc.

- Turn off the electricity

- If you're in danger of flooding, evacuate the flooded area until authorities deem it safe to return.

4. Get to Known Your House To The Fullest 

The source of the water problem must be identified and stopped to prevent the damage from compounding. 

The most likely cause of water damage is a burst pipe or water heater tank leak; in these cases, it's essential to know where the valves, keys, or lights switches are. 

5. Contact us, and we'll help you, "Like it never even happened." 

Call us as soon as possible after the damage occurs, and find out what steps the insurance company requires you to take so you know what your insurance covers; we'll assist you with an estimate and pictures and be in contact with your insurance. 

"We want you to be back in your restored home as quickly as possible. Whether you have minor storm damage or something larger to deal with, we have the experience and the equipment needed to clean up and restore your home and help get life back to normal following storm damage." - SERVPRO.

Thunder storm

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

We can prevent disaster caused by thunder storms

Each year the USA experiences over 100,000 thunderstorms, and while the most significant threat extends from Minnesota to Texas, every state can be at risk with little to no warning. To protect yourself, your family, and your home from the dangers of a thunderstorm, you can consider these safety tips:

• Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Don´t bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid using electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
• Avoid using corded phones. Corded phones are not safe to use during a thunderstorm. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls. Don´t lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Stay away from windows, skylights, and doors.
• If you have advanced notice of a storm, consider turning off circuit breakers to avoid power surges that may occur from a lightning strike.

We have the necessary equipment to help you. If you find any alert caused by this storm, do not hesitate to call us, and we will come with all our specialized team to put ourselves at your service.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Clean water or Category 1

Water damage from broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or rainwater. Health risks are low if you respond to the situation within less than 48 hours; after that period, the water would get exposed to different contaminants, turning it into category 2.

On most occasions, overlooking water damage can cause major headaches if left unattended because it can escalate the situation.

Greywater or Category 2

Some familiar greywater sources are equipment discharges, chemical wastes such as solid, liquid, or gaseous waste material that can pose mild to severe contamination risks. Greywater can promote microbial growth, and the severity of the condition usually escalates with time; both direct and indirect exposure can affect your health and the property.

Blackwater or Category 3

This classification refers to sewers, seawater, or water containing grease, oil, or body fluids. When this occurs, most of the materials and belongings would need to be removed from the property, and after the remediation procedure, we will do a disinfecting process.

Water loss considerations

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Acting fast will be the difference.

When facing water damage, our priority is to consider the health and safety of the occupants.

No matter the water loss you are dealing with, moving your family away from the site should be your first step if the situation seems to be going out of control.

Contain the damage: If possible, try to locate the source of the water damage and contain it. For instance, if the culprit is a broken pipe or a leak in the ceiling, you could use waterproof tape to hold the damage temporarily and prevent further damage.

If the circumstances seem severe, it is ideal to contact a water damage restoration professional to know how bad it is, especially if the area in question is near drywalls and crawlspaces.

Move your belongings: Relocating your belongings like furniture, home appliances, and clothing to a dry place is crucial; when most of them get wet or exposed to high moisture content, they can become a haven for mold growth.

Dealing with water damage can be a tricky task. The key is to take action within the first 48 hours and keep the microbial growth under constant check. Here is where water restoration specialists can play a crucial role.

We are a very committed team with professionals who make this possible, provide a good service and always give only the best. So do not hesitate to call and contact us; we are always available!

Cleaning Up and Removing Smoke Odor

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Like it never even happened.

Products containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can reduce odors in fabrics, but we need to read the label for directions and safety instructions.

• Test clothing before using any treatment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke odor and soot can be removed from clothing that can get bleached. Measure 4 to 6 tbsp of Tri-Sodium Phosphate and 1 cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach for every gallon of warm water you will use. Alternatively, consider washing clothes in cold water with your usual household laundry detergent and adding one pure vanilla extract tablespoon.
• To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix 4 to 6 tbsp of tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves and rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.
• Wash walls one small area at a time, working from the floor up to prevent streaking, and rinse with clear water immediately; ceilings should be cleaned up last. Do not repaint until walls and ceilings are completely dry. Washable wallpaper can be cleansed like painted walls but refrain from wetting through the paper. You can use a commercial paste to repaste any loose edges or sections.

Other Cleaning Tips

Consult a SERVPRO professional about replacing drywall and insulation that has been soaked by water from fire hoses. As a result, it can not be dried out and maintain structural integrity or resistance to mold and mildew.

5 Steps to Proper Mold Removal

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

It may be bigger than expected.

Step 1: There is a water or moisture problem behind all mold growth. We need to know where moisture is coming from and how it gets into the house, not just what's immediately visible.

Step 2: Before the clean-up and removal, document the situation by writing any details, photos, and videos. The warranty team supervisor will use the evidence to develop a remediation plan; this will determine when the work will begin and be completed, who will be performing the remediation, any testing needed, and if homeowners will be temporarily relocated.

Step 3: Mold may not always grow in one area, so we need to determine how much contamination there is. Calculating the size will impact how we approach mold removal and clean-up. The goal is to stop the growth within the home and avoid exposing homeowners to large amounts of mold.

Step 4: Mold removal and remediation always involve cleaning up existing mold while avoiding exposure and preventing new growth by addressing the moisture source. Lastly, we proceed the adequate drying and air purification to ensure everything is "Like it never even happened."

Mold clean up process

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Our team will ensure to develop the right plan according to your necessity.

* Repair or hold the water problem; this will help prevent new mold spores from growing.

* Close all doors and windows between the contaminated area and other household rooms. Also, cover all doorways and any other openings with polyethylene sheeting. Seal all sheeting seams with duct tape and slip openings in the sheeting to enter the contaminated area.

* Remove all wet and mold-damaged materials. Check with your SERVPRO supervisor and reference Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents on mold remediation if you're unsure which materials to remove.

* Discard all wet and moldy materials in plastic bags at least six mils thick, double-bag the materials, and tie the bags closed. They can be disposed of as regular trash once the outside of the bags is wiped with a damp cloth and detergent solution before leaving the contamination area.

* Clean the affected area and egress. HEPA vacuum and clean all surfaces with a wet cloth, mop, and detergent solution. 

* Visibility test. All areas should be visibly free of contamination and debris — no dust and dirt mean no mold.

* Dry. Cleaned materials must get dried to allow leftover moisture to evaporate. We use fans, dehumidifiers, or raise the indoor air temperature to speed up the drying process.

* Replace. All materials that were moved should be replaced or repaired.

Reference the remediation plan during the actual remediation to ensure it's being followed. For example, the warranty supervisor should update the plan if additional mold is discovered during the clean-up.

Humidity

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.

What is Humidity?

The relative humidity is given as a percentage and tells you how close the atmosphere is to being saturated with water. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so if the amount of water vapor in the air stays the same but the temperature increases, the relative humidity will decrease. If the amount remains the same but the temperature decreases, the relative humidity will increase.

What does High Humidity mean?

Suppose the air anywhere in your home–including the basement or attic–reaches the dew point (the temperature at which the air can no longer hold the moisture). In that case, the water vapor will condense on surfaces cooler than the air temperature, which can get the insulation wet and framing and damage walls and windows. Water damage and mold growth are common problems related to high home humidity, which can also cause warping of your wood floors, furniture, instruments, and other wooden items.

Mold

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Big amount of mold and restoration

We know that the mold or microbial growth caused by water is very annoying. So we will explain a little more about how microbial growth can be assessed and treated.

What is mold removal?
In simple terms, removing microbial growth is called mold removal. As simple as it sounds, but there is more to it, removing might sometimes indicate mere cleaning without addressing the core problem, that is, identifying the source for the occurrence of mold.

While mold is a natural part of our ecosystem, one cannot eliminate it. Although mold spores are typically inherent in all indoor and outdoor spaces, it is impossible to eradicate all molds, but the key is to control their growth.

Mold spores are generally harmless until they settle on a damp spot and grow into active mold. When you have mold growing in your home, removal becomes imminent. However, a simple mold removal process is never enough to solve these  problems in your home unless the infected area is too small.

What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the term used to describe all the processes involved in eliminating harmful mold growth. Depending on the type and location, it includes mold testing, removal, demolition, sanitizing, containment, and mold cleaning.

We are professionals, and we are your One Stop Shop to remediate, do not hesitate to call us now; maybe you have some microbial growth in your home, SERVPRO of Southwest Irving is here to help.

Inspection for mold

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew. Mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. However, for long-term issues, like mold caused by attic condensation, the mold may have started growing a long time ago, and if you find mold and mildew issues, you need to be very careful.

Dry Out the Affected Area
It’s essential to get rid of all moisture ASAP before it causes more damage. And for small leaks, this may not be difficult, but it’s critical to be thorough. Use fans to circulate air in the affected area. Consider renting a large-capacity dehumidifier for larger projects to dry out surrounding wood, carpet, and other materials.

Remove and Toss Damaged Porous Materials
Porous materials include carpet, insulation, fabric, and similar items. If they’ve been soaked in water, you may have to cut them out and throw them away. Water will permanently damage most porous materials by shrinking or warping them, and mildew will further damage them. And if you have a beloved piece of furniture you want to save, you could try isolating and drying it out, but the damage may already be done, especially if you see drywall water damage.

Focus on Ceilings Water Damage Repair First
Ceilings exposed to water damage are more at risk due to gravity: You don’t want them sagging or collapsing. So, remove affected ceiling panels or boards first. If a leak causes a roof problem, it’s essential to find the source of the leak, which may be somewhere far removed from the water stain. And take this time to make sure the water caused no structural damage to beams or rafters.

Replace Damaged Wood
All severely warped wood (notably flooring), rotting wood, and wood that has developed mold/mildew problems will need to be replaced. Pry apart damaged boards and thoroughly clean beneath them before replacing them. And if the wood is a structural component of your house, you must be very careful when replacing it so that the structure has the proper support during and after the water damage repair project.

It’s common to have this type of water damage in our homes, that’s why, as we could see above, it’s essential to take action so that the situation doesn’t get any worse. We SERVPRO of Southwest Irving has the suitable material and equipment to help you. Our professional team is trained for these types of events so do not hesitate to call us, we will take care of it! "Like it never happened."

Electric Heater Safety

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Door restoration

We know that the winter season is here, and temperatures can be freezing; SERVPRO of SW Irving wants you to be safe while using your Electric Heater. So here are some tips that you can implement to be comfortable and safe:

Keep It Away From Water
This should go without saying, but electricity and water don’t go together like orange juice and toothpaste. So keep your space heater out of the kitchens and bathrooms.

Avoid Flammable Objects
Avoid placing a space heater within three feet of anything flammable. Some manuals list curtains, papers, furniture, pillows, and bedding should also be kept away.

Never Leave the Heater Alone
The best way to prevent a fire is never to leave a space heater running unattended. If you have children or pets that could knock over a heater or drop fabric on it, keep a close eye on its operation.
The instructions with many space heaters also warn not to leave them on while you sleep.

Wall Outlet
Many manufacturers also recommend keeping your space heater a few feet away from the wall where it’s plugged in to avoid overheating the wall itself. Some of them fill an entire room with heat, so you should be able to get adequate performance with the heater at a safe distance.

We are here to help!. SERVPRO of Southwest Irving can assist you 24/7 if you have any damage caused by an electric heater. We have professionals to make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Let’s talk about common causes of fire.

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

These are the most frequent fire causes; take some notes about keeping your place safe!

Cooking equipment
Pots and pans can overheat and cause fire easily; if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended.

Heating
Keep portable heaters at least one meter away from anything that could easily catch fire, such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes, and even yourself. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to ensure it is working to safety standards.

Smoking in bedrooms
Bedrooms are best to be kept off-limits for smoking.

Electrical equipment
An electrical appliance, such as a toaster, can start a fire if faulty or has a frayed cord.

Candles
Candles look and smell pretty, but if left unattended, they can cause a room to burst into flames easily.

Flammable liquids
If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage, such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing them.

We want you to be safe; SERVPRO of Southwest Irving will always be there for you, so don´t hesitate to call us. Check your place to be safe and take care of your loved ones.