Water Damage can occur during Construction

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Cracked tile during reconstruction can cause water damage on the sub flooring.

Construction projects often bring with them the potential for water damage. If you are planning a construction project, there are steps you can take to prevent damage from happening.

Replace or upgrade your water lines

Water pipes are an essential part of any home, but they tend to get old as time goes on. If you have an older home and notice that some of your water lines are corroded or leaking, it's best to replace them before any major damage occurs. Even if you don't notice any leaks or corrosion right now, it's still a good idea to upgrade the piping in your house so that there isn't any risk of future problems with leaking or corrosion when you least expect it.

If one pipe started leaking today, other pipes may start leaking soon after due to stress from overburdened pressure from higher levels of usage in multiple areas around town (like hot summer days). This could result in serious consequences like flooding which could cause property damage throughout homes built near rivers/streams/lakes etc.

Replace natural gas-powered appliances with electric ones

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and a greenhouse gas. It can leak into the air, where it causes health problems and contributes to global warming. Electric appliances are safer because they don't use any fossil fuels, so you won't have to worry about any of these issues with them.

Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold

A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. It can be used to prevent mold and mildew in basements, crawl spaces and other areas prone to water damage.

Mold is one of the most common types of indoor air quality issues that homeowners face today because mold spores are microscopic fungal organisms that grow on wet materials such as wood paneling or carpeting if not properly taken care of by removing moisture from these surfaces before they become infested with spores.

Prevent leaks by insulating pipes and updating your thermostat

Insulate pipes and water heaters. Pipes can be insulated by wrapping them in an insulating blanket or using foam pipe insulation. This will help prevent the loss of heat through the walls, floors, and ceilings during winter months.

Update your thermostat. If you have an older model that doesn't automatically adjust itself based on temperature changes in your home, consider replacing it with one that does so you can have more control over how much energy is used to keep things warm or cool throughout the year. Use timers when away from home: Set up automatic timers for lights and appliances such as washing machines so they don't run when no one's around.

Water damage can be prevented

Water damage can be prevented by taking the proper precautions and using the right tools. Water damage can be expensive to repair. Water damage can happen for a variety of reasons, a pipe may burst in your home or office, or you might accidentally leave a faucet running all day long. If you have an overflowing toilet or scalding hot water running through your kitchen sink pipes, this could cause serious problems for both structural integrity as well as electrical wiring throughout your home or business premises.

Take precautions to help reduce water damage to your property during reconstruction. SERVPRO has the experience and expertise to help upgrade your home preventing water damage during a remodel.

Understanding Smoke Damage

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

When your home suffers from smoke damage, give the professionals a call today!

Smoke damage is one of the most challenging forms of damage you may have to deal with. The heat, odor, and soot residues that come from a fire are complicated in their makeup and difficult to handle. Different types of smoke will produce different types of damage. This type of damage needs special attention, both in terms of cleaning up the source of the problem and restoring your property to its previous condition.

One of the most challenging forms of damage

Smoke damage is one of the most challenging forms of damage you may have to deal with. Smoke can come from a number of different sources, including fires, barbecues and cigarettes. The smoke itself will stain and discolor surfaces and fabrics in your home if left untreated.

Fire cleanup process can be difficult

The fire cleanup process can be difficult to handle on your own. Hiring the right people for the job is important. One of the most damaging consequence of smoke is its acidic residue. Acidic fumes can etch glass or stain paint and will leave behind an unpleasant odor even after the fire has been put out. The longer you wait before addressing smoky odors, the more likely it will become permanent.

Different types of smoke will produce different types of damage

Different types of smoke will produce different types of damage. This type of damage needs special attention, both in terms of cleaning up the source of the problem and restoring your property to its previous condition. The heat, odor, and soot residues that come from a fire are complicated in their makeup and difficult to handle. The same is true with most other kinds of smoke-related damage: they can be difficult or impossible to completely remove without professional help—and even then they may not go away completely due to chemical reactions between certain chemicals found in burning materials (such as plastics) and the air itself.

Smoke can stain and discolor surfaces

Smoke can cause staining and discoloration on surfaces and fabrics. The acid residue found in smoke can etch glass or stain paint. Smoke damage can be a serious problem, requiring professional attention right away can help reduce having to replace the surface or fabric.

Smoke damage can also cause unpleasant odors

Smoke odor is a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It is caused by the lingering gases, particles and chemicals in your home after a fire or other type of smoke damage. Lingering gases and chemicals left untreated can cause further damages to your home.

The best way to remove smoke smell from your house is through cleaning up all the dust and debris left behind after such an incident occurs. This will help reduce odors greatly but might not eliminate all traces of them entirely depending on how severe things were before cleanup began. The process of fire removal is specific and is more efficient with professionals who specialize in cleanup procedures.

Find a professional immediately

If you are hiring a company to clean up the damage to your property, it is important to look for one that has experience with fire damage. You want to make sure that the company is licensed and insured, as well as being in business for many years.

Smoke damage is a serious problem that requires professional attention right away. Smoke damage cleanup companies have experience cleaning up fire damage, removing smoke odor, and restoring your property to its pre-fire condition.

If your home has been contaminated by smoke, be sure to contact a professional company immediately so they can start the process of neutralizing odors and removing any lingering contaminants in your home.

Fire and smoke damage is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. If you are dealing with this type of damage, we recommend calling in a professional restoration company who can help restore your home or business back to its original condition as quickly as possible.

Landslide Safety and Preparedness

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

Landslides are an unfortunate reality for many people. They can occur on steep slopes and in areas that have been affected by natural disasters or human activity. Landslides can be caused by flooding, earthquakes, heavy rainfall or snowmelt, volcanic eruptions, erosion due to poor forest management practices, or construction activities. Landslide occurrences are most likely to happen in mountainous regions where steep hillsides are common and soil moisture is abundant. 

Even if you don't live in an area known for landslides you should still take precautions because it's not uncommon for people living near potential slide zones to experience one unexpectedly — especially during the spring thawing season when rapid changes in temperature can cause ground cracking which may trigger a landslide downslope from your house!

Warning Signs for Landslides

• Rapid swelling or cracking of the ground.
• Changes in water flow and level.
• Sudden appearance of cracks, fissures, or bulges on the surface.
• Steep slopes showing new movement after heavy rain.

If you think you’re at risk for landslides, there are several things you can do to prepare. You can check for signs of past landslides, create a map showing the location of your property and any nearby slopes prone to movement, and consider moving building materials (including furniture) away from the edge of steep slopes.

How to Prepare for a Landslide

To stay safe during a landslide, there are three things you can do:

• Get an evaluation of your property on the ground.
• Build far from natural erosion valleys, drainage channels, mountain edges, steep slopes, or steep slopes.
• Discover your region's emergency response and evacuation strategies. Create an emergency plan for your family or business on your own.

The most important thing you can do is to prepare for a landslide. The more prepared you are, the less likely it will be that your home or business will be damaged.

How to Respond to a Landslide

• Remain awake and aware. People often die in debris flows while they are asleep. For warnings of heavy rain, tune in to a NOAA Weather Radio or a portable, battery-operated radio or television.
• If it is safe to do so, think about evacuating if you are in a location where landslides and debris flows are a possibility. Keep in mind that driving during a severe thunderstorm might be dangerous.
• If you're close to a stream or channel, keep an eye out for any rapid changes in water flow—such as a switch from clear water to muddy water—or changes in terrain (elevation) on either side of the creek bed.
• If there is no place else for shelter and/or evacuation is not possible, stay away from the slide area when rockfall begins but avoid direct contact with wet rocks because they may be extremely slippery until they dry out.

What to Do After a Landslide?

• Avoid the area around the slide. There could be a risk of more slides.
• For the most recent emergency information, tune in to local radio or television stations.
• Without going into the area directly affected by the slide, search the region for any injured or trapped people.
• Help a neighbor who might need particular help, such as a newborn, an old person, or a person with a disability.

The best way to prepare for landslides is to be aware of the dangers and take proactive measures. By doing so, you can help your property and those around you avoid costly damages and even injury. If a landslide does occur, respond quickly to minimize damage.

What Are The 5 Different Classes Of Fires?

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Each fire requires different types of extinguishers and safety procedures.

The Five Different Classifications Of Fires

A fire can be a dangerous and destructive force of nature. But fires aren't all the same, and each one requires different types of extinguishers and safety procedures to put it out. In this article, we'll discuss the five different classifications of fires: Class A, B, C, D and K. By understanding how each type of fireworks, you can better protect yourself from potential harm while preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Class A fires

As the name suggests, Class A fires are ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, wood, and rubber. These are the easiest to extinguish because they are the easiest to see and feel. They can be put out with water or CO2 fire extinguishers.

Class B fires

Class B fires are those that involve combustible materials other than wood, cloth, rubber, and plastics. Examples of Class B fires include:

• Liquids that can form flammable mixtures with air or substances that produce toxic vapors when they burn.
• Gases (other than carbon monoxide) that burn with a color equivalent to the flame produced by a candle of the same diameter in air under normal conditions. Some examples are propane and butane.
• Flammable liquids that produce toxic fumes when burned (for example paint thinner).

Class C fires

A Class C fire is a combustible metal fire. This includes any type of electrical wiring and tools that use wires to start fires, such as soldering irons, arc welders and plasma cutters. The most common fuel for this type of fire is copper wire.

Class D fires

Class D fires are the most dangerous of all and the most difficult to extinguish. They include flammable metals and liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel and other corrosive liquids. Class D fires must be extinguished with Class D fire extinguishers, which are pressurized to a higher level than other types of fire extinguishers.

The reason these types of fires are so dangerous is because they can rapidly spread across a large surface area; they produce dense black smoke that reduces visibility. They react violently with water, and their vapors may cause suffocation or chemical burns if inhale. It can also be hard for fire fighters to access them due to their location, because they often occur inside enclosed spaces where there isn't enough oxygen available for breathing. And because of the nature of the ignition in Class D fires, these fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and must be treated with the utmost care. Always call in professionals for Class D fires!

Class K fires

Class K fires include: 

• Electrical Equipment Fires
• Fuel Gas Fires (including natural gas and propane)

In the end, it’s not about the fire itself. It’s about how you prepare for it. When you know the various classes of fires, you can better prepare yourself and others around you for any possibility. 

How Does Water Affect Building Materials?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has experienced water damage, SERVPRO is equipped to remediate any restoration need!

How Do Building Materials React to Water?

Water is one of the most dangerous elements to deal with in your home. It can cause damage on every level, from mold and mildew to rotting wood and even termites. Water can also be very destructive to many different building materials, such as wood, plaster, metal, and concrete. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself from these issues.

Swelling Wood

If you've ever had to move a water-damaged piece of furniture and watched it crack, crumble, and fall apart as if there were some sort of zombie virus in the wood, you've experienced this phenomenon firsthand. Wood is porous and absorbs water, which can swell the fibers of the wood as well as cause small gaps between them. When this happens, the wood will shrink back to its original size when it dries out again; however, if too much moisture has been absorbed into a piece of furniture or other household item (especially from water lingering on one side), then it may be irreversibly damaged. As we all know from experience with dishes or clothing that have been soaked in the sink for too long: when you leave something wet for too long, mold growth will occur, and damage is irreversible.

Plaster and Drywall

The other two common building materials are plaster and drywall. Plaster is a very soft, malleable material that can be molded into any shape or form, then set. It's used as the finish coat in most homes and buildings to give them a smooth finish or texture. If water gets behind a wall of plaster, it can swell up quite a bit. However, if you act quickly by drying out the walls with fans and heaters attached to blowers (the same kind used for drying paint), it should be fine after some time passes — if there's no mold growth or damage from freezing temperatures while waiting for drying to occur.

Drywall is very similar to plaster except it doesn't have any give whatsoever: once you put drywall up on your walls, that's where it stays until you decide otherwise! The only way this type of material will crack apart during normal use is if there's too much moisture present within its structure.

Metal

You may have heard the expression, “Water and metal don’t mix.” While this isn’t exactly true, it does illustrate the point that metal can be damaged by water. There are three different ways that this can happen:

• Cracking of the material due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
• Corrosion, which is chemical degradation of a metal surface over time as it encounters oxygen and/or water molecules. This leads to rusting (oxidation), tarnishing (electrochemical corrosion), or pitting (galvanic corrosion).

Concrete

Concrete is a great building material, but it’s also porous and can absorb water. If your concrete isn’t cured properly or if it isn’t protected from water, it can be damaged by water.

Brick

Brick is made of clay and sand. It absorbs water, which can cause bricks to fall out of place or crack when exposed to freezing temperatures. While brick can be dried out, it takes a long time — up to several weeks depending on the size of the area affected. If your brick becomes damaged due to exposure to moisture or freezing temperatures, you may need professional help removing and replacing it.

Water can damage many common building materials, but some can be saved

Water damage is a serious problem. Water can seep into your building materials, causing them to expand or contract and crack. This can cause a host of other problems, like mold growth and rotting wood.

The cost of repairing water damage can be high, with some estimates running as high as $5 per square foot. To avoid this expensive repair bill, you'll want to act quickly when you notice signs of water intrusion in your home or on your property.

If you think that your home or business has been damaged by water, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Las Vegas. We offer free quotes for all types of restoration services in Las Vegas.

While water damage can be a major problem for building materials and structures, it's important to remember that not all buildings are the same. Different materials react differently to water, so you'll need to know how they're affected before deciding on any course of action. In some cases, it might be possible to salvage your home or business after storm damage. 

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

PASS fire method

Use of a Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is an important tool that every household or business should have. With the right kind of training and education, you can use it to fight fires and prevent them from spreading. A fire extinguisher has three main components: the cylinder (which holds the agent that puts out the fire), the handle (or trigger), and a nozzle for directing the agent at the flames. Here's how each part works.

1. Assess the situation: is it safe?

Before you can use a fire extinguisher, you need to make sure it's safe for you and others around you. This includes making sure that:

• The fire is out of control. You should never try to put out a potentially dangerous fire unless there's absolutely no other option—if the situation requires immediate action, then get out of there! If you think it's safe enough to use an extinguisher, proceed as follows:

2. Pull the pin and aim the extinguisher

• Pull the pin and aim the extinguisher

• Pull the pin to release it from its mount. Aim at the base of the fire and squeeze the lever fully, aiming towards where you want to send foam or water. Sweep back and forth over the affected area

3. Squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent

Now that you have aimed and released the extinguishing agent, it is time to make sure that it does its job. To do this, use a continuous sweeping motion with the hose until you see no more flames or glowing embers. Make sure to aim at the base of any fires so that they are fully covered in foam. 

4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Sweeping the nozzle of a fire extinguisher back and forth will help you cover an area with foam, helping to put out flames. Never aim the nozzle at a person, pet, or object as it could damage them or cause injury. Be careful not to get any of the agent as yourself as it can be harmful to your skin. 

A fire extinguisher can help you fight fires, but only if you know how to use one properly.

In case of an emergency, the right fire extinguisher can mean the difference between life and death. But always remember, your safety and the safety of those around is always priority number one. In the case of a fire, here’s what to do:

• Call 911 immediately. This is the most important step. Take note of how many people are in the room and if anyone needs medical help.
• Make sure nobody else is going to put themselves at risk by trying to fight the fire on their own.
• The next thing you need to do is make sure that everyone gets out safely, especially those who might be injured or have mobility issues like seniors or children who aren't able to escape by themselves easily (or at all). 

As you can see, it’s not that difficult to use a fire extinguisher. The most important thing is to take the time to assess the situation and make sure that it’s safe for you to approach the fire before you do anything else. Next, pull out the pin and aim your extinguisher at the flames. Then squeeze the lever so that it sprays out its contents onto any nearby combustibles. Finally, sweep across any areas where embers may remain after being extinguished by this method with another person helping if possible, so as not get burned again while doing so (especially important if using water).

3 Ways To Remove Smoke From Your Home After a Fire

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Thermal foggers use heat and pressurization to stop harmful particulates in their tracks

Here Are Three Smoke Removal Equipment

After a fire, you want to eliminate all traces of it using effective smoke cleaning methods. Fire restoration professionals in Las Vegas, NV have mastered the art of smoke removal. Here are three common machines they use to restore your home to livable condition:

1.Air-Filtration Devices

After a fire, particulates may linger in the air that is undetectable to the eye but nonetheless cause damage. If these contaminants enter your HVAC system, they can circulate throughout your home. Air-filtration devices use filters to improve the quality of your breathing spaces. The most powerful machines filter the air in several stages to capture both large and small particles.

2.Ozone Machines

Ozone machines are an aggressive way to eliminate smoke damage. The type of air you breathe is known as dioxygen and is comprised of two oxygen molecules. Ozone machines release the more unstable trioxygen, which has three oxygen molecules. The trioxygen easily binds to pollution such as smoke, mold, bacteria, and viruses to destroy the contaminants. This method can freshen your living space through smoke cleaning in a short amount of time.

3.Thermal Foggers

To remove heavy smoke odor, thermal foggers use heat and pressurization to stop harmful particulates in their tracks. The machine generates a dry fog by vaporizing and condensing a special fluid. The dry fog is released into the air and attaches to the porous odor chemicals to deodorize them. Thermal foggers are effective because the fog can reach anywhere that smoke does, including tiny cracks in the walls or floor.

After a fire, you want to repair your home as quickly as possible so you can return to a normal life. Restoration experts in Las Vegas, NV can access the damage and use a variety of smoke cleaning methods to get your property in top condition. Air filtration devices, ozone machines, and thermal foggers are three advanced technologies every professional should have on hand.

What To Know About Storm Damage and Flooding

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded office in Las Vegas, NV

Storm Damage and Flooding

It’s important to know that storm damage and flood damage are different things although both can affect your business. Here are a few things you may want to know about these types of damage.

1. Both Can Occur Multiple Ways

Both flooding and storm damage can occur a number of ways. Storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, hail, and freezing temperatures all of which can lead to damage. Flooding can be caused by a storm too, but can also occur from a pipe break, sewer backup or overflowing drainage. Understanding that these are two separate things will help you be prepared for these event to happen regardless of if the weather is stormy.

2. Both Should Be Handled Quickly

Both storm and flood damage should be handled quickly. This means removing the water so it can’t soak in, and thoroughly drying the area. It’s also important to make sure you know the source so that you can mitigate future problem. Fortunately, a restoration service can help.

3. A Restoration team Can Help

Contacting a local water damage restoration service is an important part of the repair process as these professionals are trained to deal with a variety of water damage types, including storm caused damages and flooding. They can access the damage, make repairs, and restore the property to pre-damage conditions. These professionals can also help with item cleaning, item storage during restoration, and may even be able to repair electronics and help back up important files. Many restoration professionals can also work directly with your insurance agent.

Remember that storm damage and flood damage are different things and business in Las Vegas, NV might be affected by one without the other, or both at the same time. Each type of damage can occur a number of ways and in both cases the damage should be repaired as quickly as possible. Fortunately a restoration service can help.

Causes for and Curing of Leaky Toilets

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet should not cause panic

Know What Causes The Problem And How To Fix IT

Sooner or later, a leaking toilet will plague one of your bathrooms in Downtown East, NV. Before yours begins oozing sewage, know what causes the problem and how to fix it.

Toilet Leak Causes
A bathroom leak may occur for any number of reasons, including:

• A cracked tank or bowl
• Rusty pipes
• A worn flapper
• Loose or worn out base seals
• Faulty connectors
• A maladjusted flush valve

Left untreated, toilet seepage can cause serious structural damage. If floor tile warps or sink cabinets endure discoloration, contact a residential water restoration specialist to get your restroom looking “Like it never even happened.”

Toilet Leak Fix Procedure
Toilets have been known to last more than 40 years with minimal care. Despite their dependability, faults still happen. The below information may help fix your leaking toilet.
Start by tightening the bolts that secure the toilet in place. Remove the caps covering the bolts with a putty knife or screwdriver and then tighten the nuts using a wrench. Keep your aggression in check, as excessive pressure may crack the base.
If the leak continues, try replacing the wax gasket. Turn off the valve and drain as much water as possible. Hold down the handle and remove the remaining liquid with a paper towel and disposable cup. Rock the toilet back and forth until the seal breaks. Remove the toilet and scrape off the old gasket. After loosening the screws used to secure the flange, insert the repair strap. Finally, place the new gasket on the ground and complete reinstallation.
Plumbers disagree on whether caulking should be applied to toilet bases. Some government buildings require it since caulking inhibits bacterial growth. Most abstain, as doing so obscures expanding leaks. If you elect to apply caulk, use one that is resistant to mildew.
A leaking toilet should not cause panic. With a bit of effort, yours will flush properly once more.

Fire Sprinklers Save Money and Lives

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Have your fire sprinkler ready in your Fremont Street, NV business.

Three Important Things To Know About Fire Sprinklers

No business in Fremont Street, NV, wants to deal with the destruction caused by fire. One of the best ways to minimize potential damage and associated expenses is to maintain a commercial fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a highly effective fire suppression strategy that can prevent many significant losses.  

1. They're Activated by Heat, Not Smoke

A sprinkler system is not activated by smoke. Instead, the heat generated by fire rises to the ceiling, where the sprinkler heads are located. Sensors recognize the change in temperature and trigger the release of water. Only sprinklers in the area of the fire will be activated. It is possible that only a single sprinkler head will deploy.

2. They Use High-Pressure Water

The pipes that feed the fire sprinkler system are filled with pressurized water at all times. There will be no delay between the activation of the system and the release of water. The volume of water from even a single sprinkler can help contain a fire, which reduces fire and water damage to the rest of the structure. By the time the fire department arrives, the fire will likely not have spread further. It may even be extinguished by the sprinkler system.

3. They Can Minimize Cleanup After a Fire

Minimal fire sprinkler cleanup is another key advantage of a sprinkler system. While there will still be fire and water damage, it is likely to be much less extensive than what you'd find in a building without a sprinkler system. The fire damage should be limited to the area where sprinklers activated. The water damage from sprinklers is far less intrusive than water damage caused by fire hoses.

Any fire will cause structural and water damage. The primary benefit of a fire sprinkler system is that inevitable damage will be kept to a minimum, resulting in saved dollars and saved lives.