Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Fire Sprinklers Save Money and Lives

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler 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.

How To Replace a Leaking Toilet

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Bottom of a toilet seeping water How do you know when it’s time to replace a leaking toilet?

How do you know when it’s time to replace a leaking toilet? If you see water stains on the floor around the base of your toilet, or if you experience an open-drain smell or a moving seat when you sit, you may need to replace the toilet.
This is a simple toilet repair, and anyone can do it. Local water damage restoration experts in Medical District, NV, recommend fixing water leaks promptly to prevent expensive repairs to your home’s floors and ceilings.

Five Steps To Replace a Toilet

You’ll need a few tools: a wrench, a putty knife, an old towel, a sponge and a bucket. Gather your tools, then follow these simple steps to replace your toilet.

1. Shut Off Water
Usually, there is a shut-off valve next to the leaking toilet. If not, there will be one in the basement.

2. Drain Water 
Flush the toilet to empty the bowl and the tank. There will be residual water in the tank; use a sponge to soak it up. Get the tank as dry as possible.

3. Remove Toilet
Closet bolts hold the toilet in place. They’re under those little plastic caps by the floor. Remove the covers, then remove the nuts from the closet bolts.
Rock the old toilet back and forth to break the seal underneath. Lift the leaking toilet up off the bolts and set it aside on your old towel.

4. Set New Seal and Toilet
Remove the old wax gasket from the flange (the metal ring around the drain), and scrape off as much of the residual wax as possible.
Place a new wax gasket down, centered on the flange. Set the new toilet on top of the gasket and press down. Replace the nuts on the closet bolts. Sit on the toilet and shift your weight to settle the toilet into the wax seal. Tighten the bolts again.

5. Reconnect Water Supply
Attach water supply line to new toilet, turn the water back on and test for leaks.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Business's Document Recovery

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

An office, cardboard boxes and folders on wet floor. Document restoration is just one of the many services SERVPRO can provide.

Document Restoration

When a flood at your office soaks or submerges vital documents, you need to undertake urgent document restoration measures. Fortunately, professional document drying and data preservation professionals from SERVPRO can safeguard your data to ensure you never worry about losing it again.

Urgent Cleaning

Taking action as soon as possible is the best way to ensure your water-damaged documents' recovery. Our 24-hour response service means we can get to the disaster scene in time to remove your papers and send them to our restoration facility, where they may undergo various disinfecting, cleaning and odor removal procedures. Among the methods we may use include:

  • Air drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freeze drying
  • Vacuum freeze drying
  • Vacuum thermal drying

Depending on the type of documents we encounter, it may not be possible to restore your papers fully. However, we can often significantly improve their structural integrity and sanitize them to allow you to handle them safely.

Preventative Measures

SERVPRO document restoration professionals can undertake the digitalization of your documents and records to ensure you will never worry about losing your valuable data to a future disaster. Our team members take care to provide a thorough transfer of records that eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome physical storage solutions.

Thorough Tracking

Our team will update you at every stage of the document drying and restoration process so that you always know the status of your sensitive papers. Our goal is to maintain detailed process records and open communication with you and your representatives so that we can address your questions or concerns as soon as they arise.

Document Destruction

Whether your documents are unsalvageable or you no longer require hard copies of your data, you can count on our team to handle your papers' destruction with care and confidentiality on your premises.
Document restoration is just one of the many services SERVPRO can provide to help your business recover from a flood, fire, or another disaster in Winchester, NV.

What To Know About the Claims Inventory System

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Hands of a person an electronic inventory system A claims inventory system is designed to keep track of various types of data.

SERVPRO - Claims Inventory System

When it comes to keeping track of an insurance claim in Downtown East, NV, there can be a lot of details to remember. When your client is looking at water, fire, mold, or storm damage to their property, the restoration process can be complicated. Fortunately, the professional restoration service known as SERVPRO has a claims inventory system that can help. Here’s what you may want to know.

What the System Tracks

A claims inventory system is designed to keep track of various types of data. These include

  • Claims organized by loss type
  • Claims organized by damage type
  • Individual file reviews
  • Both regional and national company comparisons
  • Job file costs
  • Response times

Much of the data can also be organized by location, meaning that you can look up information by whether it falls under a regional, state or national category. In many cases, data can also be located by county.

How the System Works

As the team collects the information needed for the insurance claim, they upload it to their corporate database. This information typically includes both the original estimate and any updates to the information that may need to be made. As an insurance provider, you can then access this information through the management dashboard.

How It Can Benefit You

The dashboard allows the insurance agent to quickly access the facts they need to complete a claim. The ability to log in to the dashboard can help save time that might otherwise have been spent making phone calls, searching through paperwork, or seeking the right contact. This tool can also allow you to quickly look over the information needed to help answer any questions your client may have about their claim.

When processing an insurance claim, using the claims inventory system provided by SERVPRO may help. The restoration team collects the information needed for the claim and then uploads it to the database. This allows you to easily access the data needed to process your client's claim.

Bread Mold: The How, Why and Dangers of Food Mold

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth on bread Bread mold typically occurs because of the age of the bread.

Bread Mold

Many homeowners are familiar with bread mold, the fuzzy blotches of green and black that seem to show up on your loaf of bread overnight. It is a frustrating conundrum, but common enough that people accept it and move on, but why does it happen and what are the potential risks?

1. How and Why Mold Forms on Bread

While fungus does not enjoy frigid temperatures, it is not unusual to find moldy food in cupboards, and there are instances of fridge mold as well. Mold enjoys cool, dark and damp spaces, and while a bread drawer may be a dry space, bread does have a somewhat moist consistency that suits mold well. Additionally, bread is filled with food for this type of organism.

2. Safety Precautions

While moldy bread is not the most dangerous substance, it should still be handled with care. Therefore, to protect yourself, you should follow four steps when discarding moldy food.

  1. Do not smell the food item.
  2. Seal the item and discard in a covered bin.
  3. Scrub and disinfect the storage area.
  4. Ensure that the mold did not spread.

3. Other Potential Mold Concerns

While moldy bread may just be moldy bread, it is possible that it is the result of a more substantial fungus growth problem. Truthfully, food mold is common and likely not the symptom of a more significant issue, but if you notice the spread of mold in addition to bread molding quickly, you may want to call a mold remediation specialist in Las Vegas, NV, area to inspect your property.

Bread mold typically occurs because of the age of the bread. While it may not be harmful in the long term it is a fungus, and you should handle it with care.

Understanding Key Smoke Detector Distinctions

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Photoelectric smoke detector A photoelectric device uses light beams.

Understanding the Differences Between Smoke Detectors

A smoke detector is an essential fire safety device for every home in Fremont Street, NV. Like most other items, your home’s smoke alarm does not have in infinite lifespan and should be replaced approximately every 8 – 10 years. When it’s time to purchase a new device, it’s important to understand key differences so that you select the best model for your home.

Smoke detectors can sense smoke using two distinct methods. Because of design variations, each system also responds best to different forms of fire.

1. Photoelectric Devices

A photoelectric device uses light beams. When smoke reaches the detector, it scatters light. The disturbed light hits the unit’s sensor, triggering the alarm.

Not all fires burn in the same manner. Because of its design, a photoelectric detector works best in smoldering fires that produce a significant amount of noxious smoke, such as electrical fires.

2. Ionization Detector

Ionization is another detection method utilized in some smoke alarm models. Instead of light, this method uses ions, or electrically charged particles. Ionization models are well suited for fast-flaming fires sparked by ignited wood, paper or flammable liquids.

3. Dual-Sensor

Every home is potentially susceptible to both smoldering and fast-flame fires. To help ensure your family’s safety, you may want to consider purchasing an efficient dual-sensor device that contains both detection methods.

4. Units That Detect Both Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas that may seep into your home because of faulty appliances or gas leaks. If your home uses a gas stove, furnace or water heater, you should own a carbon monoxide detector. Some smoke detectors also contain carbon monoxide detection technology, making them an ideal choice for gas-energized homes.

Because of their ability to efficiently detect multiple types of fires, fire safety professionals often recommend dual-sensor smoke alarm models. However, every functioning detector is a potentially life-saving tool. Although it cannot eliminate the risk of your home sustaining extensive fire damage, a functioning detector can provide peace of mind that your family will be promptly alerted of danger in the event of a fire.

3 Strategies for Cleaning Up Small Mold Patches in Your Home

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Green mold growth on wall. House mold can be frustrating for you as a Las Vegas, NV, homeowner.

Getting rid of mold in your Las Vegas, NV, home, and preventing new growths can be a challenge. Moisture problems, high humidity, and other circumstances can cause fungi to grow in almost any room. Smaller mold patches can be equally frustrating because if they are treated improperly, the spores can spread to other areas and grow anew. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to clean up these spots before they can multiply.

1. Identify the Mold Type

If you find some house mold while cleaning, it may help to try and identify what type you are dealing with so you can use an effective strategy to destroy it. For example, if you are cleaning out your fridge and find leftovers with mold on them, it is likely a penicillium strain and can be spotted by its white or light green, fuzzy appearance. Throw the food away and then disinfect the container and the fridge shelf with an equal mix of distilled water and baking soda.

2. Avoid Using Bleach

Finding mold growth in your home may cause you to reach for the nearest bleach-based household cleaner, but this may do more harm than good. Bleach contains a good amount of water, which may only feed moisture-loving mold. Instead, battle those small patches of mold or mildew with baking soda or diluted white vinegar and dry the spot thoroughly to discourage further growth.

3. Call in a Professional

While cleaning up one small patch of mold on your own is probably harmless, multiple patches may need the attention of a mold cleanup and remediation service. Splotches that grow near each other may indicate that the fungi is spreading, so having professionals come in to clean out the mold and the odor it causes may be the best choice for protecting your home.

House mold can be frustrating for you as a Las Vegas, NV, homeowner. However, when you know how to clean up small patches before they spread, you can prevent a serious infestation later on.

5 Ways to Prevent Mildew in Your Bathroom

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold growth on bathroom tile Mildew on bathroom.

5 Ways to Keep Mildew at Bay in Your Bathroom

Black mildew on grout can be difficult to clean once it begins to form. It is best to use a combination of preventative maintenance, such as resolving a humidity problem and targeted cleaning to prevent the growth of bathroom mildew. Here are five ways you can make the environment in your bathroom less conducive to mildew growth.

1. Lower the humidity with proper ventilation. Mildew thrives in warm and wet surroundings. Properly ventilating a bathroom and even running a dehumidifier in this room after bathing or showering can make mildew less likely to develop.

2. Regularly clean and scrub bathtubs, showers, sinks, and floors. The portions of a bathroom that are regularly exposed to water are likely to end up collecting excess moisture, which can encourage bathroom mildew growth. It is a good idea to add a grout brush to your collection of cleaning supplies.

3. Deep clean once or twice a month to keep mildew at bay. You can buy specialized cleaning products to inhibit the growth of mildew or use a solution of at least one part bleach to nine parts water. Allow this bleach solution to sit for ten minutes before rinsing and allowing surfaces to dry.

4. Make sure that grout lines are sealed. You may need to re-seal grout every year to maintain waterproofing and keep mildew at bay.

5. Deep clean, lower humidity, and periodically maintain your bathroom. If you already have a mildew problem, these are the best ways to get it under control.

When it comes to combating bathroom mildew, the most important preventative factor is keeping this room clean and dry. If you are dealing with a serious humidity problem due to a lack of adequate ventilation and are concerned that mold may be present, you should contact damage restoration experts in Las Vegas, NV, to schedule a consultation or testing.

Importance of Commercial Restoration In Las Vegas

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Concrete with standing water. There is a possibility of water damage after the home fire disaster, from malfunctioning appliances, burst pipes, and water from fire-fighters.

When damage happens to your property due to any disaster, cleaning up the muddle will be one of the major actions that you should take. Responding as soon as possible will be essential; hence, you should follow proper sequences of commercial services to guarantee that you do not suffer any further issues. Here are some of the building services that should be carried out after the fire restoration work.

Before involving in any fire restoration service, you should speak to your insurance firm to make them measure the damage. You can also approach a professional contractor to measure the damage and get the estimation for cleaning work. It is also essential to have the local municipality permission to re-enter your home. Due to the severe devastation, your house interior may become insecure. Toxins can remain in the atmosphere inside your house; hence, you should wear protective gloves over mouth and noses in order to protect from toxins inhalation.

Fire restoration after fire or smoke requires careful measurement of the destruction. Remove the chrome and any other metal with the help of damp cloth. Once you completed the film removing, use petroleum as a thin coat in order to protect your home surfaces. The next action that you need to carry out is brushing vacuum dirt from window coverings, carpets and upholstery.

Next, spray antifreeze into the water tanks and toilet bowls, to protect destruction from freezing in case your heat is unavailable. It is best to recruit a professional to mount wood coverings over openings into the home including windows, roof and doorways.

There is a possibility of water damage result after the home fire disaster, from malfunctioning appliances, burst pipes, water from fire-fighters and rainfall from the outdoors. Hence, the fire restoration work that you choose should include ventilating wet surface in order to dried out them as soon as possible. It is recommended to use air conditioning or fans for ventilation during the summer season. Use alternate opening windows for ventilation during the winter season. It is essential to take steps to remove excess moisture and standing water by sponging or mopping up. Remove saturated rugs and carpeting. Also, remove electric and electronic appliances. In addition, open cabinets and drawers in order to enhance air circulation.

A special cleaning action will be essential to clean the electronic and electric devices. In order to recover from the overwhelming situation, you should hire a restoration expert. They can guide you in measuring your issues and help to restore your home. When looking for Commercial Services in Las Vegas visit, SERVPRO of Downtown Las Vegas.

The Cost of Black Mold Removal Depends on How Soon It's Caught

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture meter placed on a white wall with black mold growth Black mold discovered in a Showboat, NV home.

When black mold is discovered growing in your Showboat, NV, home, it must be addressed immediately. It indicates that excess moisture is accumulating, and if left unchecked, the mold removal and water damage can balloon from a couple of hundred dollars to tens of thousands. If you suspect you have it, don’t wait — get an inspection.

The Signs of Mold

Black mold is a specific strain of fungi that’s especially bad for buildings. Out in nature, it’s kept in check by the UV rays in natural sunlight and good airflow, but indoors it finds the perfect habitat. It’s different than mildew, which grows on tiles and grout, in that the mold eats away the building material it’s growing on.
Fortunately, it tends to be distinctive from harmless fungi. Signs of black mold are fairly clear:

  • Shiny yellow, green, or black mold patches.
  • A strong musty odor.
  • Warping floors or drywall.

An Expert Inspection
Once it’s suspected, mold removal starts with an inspection. While there are do-it-yourself mold test kits available, they’re not much use. A mold inspection includes testing but goes much further. A certified industrial hygienist looks for all the signs of water intrusion or mold growth. They use specialized equipment to seek elevated moisture issues and find the source of the problem.

A Professional Job
Black mold removal is often complicated. It loves to hide in hard-to-reach areas, and when given a food source and water, can bloom into many colonies. Your mold inspection expert is also certified to chase down and eradicate all the black mold throughout your home.
The key is to prevent it from spreading. Areas that test positive for mold can be contained using negative pressure airflow and tarping. If the spread can be stopped in time, the damage can potentially be limited to hundreds of dollars. However, if it spreads to additional areas, remediation can get very expensive.
Fast identification and immediate mold removal are essential to keep the costs down. If you know the signs and get an inspection as soon as you suspect mold, you might save many thousands of dollars.

Facts About the IICRC

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

White brick wall with the words WHAT IS THE IICRC What is the IICRC?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry's standard-setting organization. Although it is based out of the United States, it is the leading restoration certification organization worldwide. For the most part, it sets the standards for different aspects of the restoration industry. However, it also ensures that remediation companies everywhere, including in Downtown, NV, follow specific health and safety protocols.

Standards

Aside from its primary job of certifying firms and technicians, it has also developed specific standards for different remediation industry areas. These areas include:

  • Floor cleaning
  • Stone restoration
  • Upholstery cleaning
  • Water damage restoration
  • Mold remediation
  • Biological and infectious hazards cleanup
  • Carpet installation
  • Floor inspection

History
The IICRC has existed since the 1970s. Since its development, it has grown into a global organization with thousands of certified firms and technicians across the globe. Although it is based out of the United States, it has offices in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Certifications
The IICRC offers certifications for both technicians and disaster remediation companies. It does not run special schools, but it does appoint designated certification locations and instructors to carry out these courses. There are more than a hundred instructors offering certifications at numerous locations. This organization is also responsible for creating the Cleantrust certification program.

Governance
A board of directors runs this organization. Each one is expected to be active in their respective industry, maintain their appropriate restoration or mitigation certificate, and make publication contributions to trade journals on behalf of the organization. This board meets quarterly to discuss the standards and policies dictated by the organization. Additionally, there is an executive committee responsible for certain tasks.
This organization is the leading group that sets the industry standards for remediation professionals. Since it was founded in the 1970s, it has grown to a global scale. It offers many certification courses to ensure that the professionals performing restoration work are properly trained.

What To Do After You Find Black Mold

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Mold behind drywall, plastic covers in wall. Concept mold containment in commercial building Mold remediation services in Las Vegas, NV

Use These Tips To Start The Mold Remediation Process

If you spot black mold in your commercial building in Las Vegas, NV, there are important steps you must take to avoid further damage to your building. Taking the right precautions and mitigating damage can help you avoid costly repairs in the future and get your employees back to work as quickly as possible.


Call in Professionals
Your first step after spotting any type of mold should be to call in professionals or specialists to inspect damage and help with any cleaning procedures. A mold remediation company will be imperative to help you figure out the next steps in the restoration process and ensure that you don't have any unnecessary damage done to your building. A remediation company will likely:

  • Perform an inspection
  • Wear personal protective gear
  • Have commercial-grade equipment to dry and ventilate the area
  • Assist you in the clean-up and restoration process


Contain the Spread
Depending on the extent of damage, the remediation company will help contain the spread of the black mold and locate the source. They will likely turn off any HVAC systems to stop the spread and use special containment techniques, such as negative air pressure or physical barriers.


Remove Damaged Materials
In addition to getting rid of the mold itself, a remediation company may also dispose of any mold-ridden building materials. Any wet materials will be dried to avoid the possibility of more mold growth.


Clean the Building
The next step in the mold cleanup process is cleaning out and disinfecting the building. Items such as furniture, desks, curtains and other items may be able to be restored if affected by mold. A remediation company will clean and disinfect these items. In addition, they may also deodorize the building if necessary.
Quick action is necessary to make sure your commercial building does not suffer any lasting mold damage due to black mold.

DIY Mold Testing Kits: Do They Really Save You Money?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

The Microbial test kit isolated on white background A home mold testing kit won't save you any money

Here's How The Dollars Stack Up

These days, everyone in Medical District, NV, is on a tight budget. Home mold testing kits seem like an inexpensive alternative to a professional mold inspection, but do they really save you money? Here’s how the dollars stack up:

1. The Cost of the Test Kit
While the cost of a home mold kit varies widely, it’s generally much less than the cost of a professional investigation. A home kit tests for the presence of mold spores and yields either a negative (no spores detected) or positive result. Spoiler alert: All home test kits yield positive results! Mold spores are a normal part of our environment, and all homes contain mold.

2. The Cost of the Lab Work
A DIY mold test detects mold, but it can’t tell you what kind of mold is present or whether the mold poses a threat to your health. For that information, you’ll need to mail your mold testing sample to a lab, which will cost an additional fee. A lab report can tell you the type of mold spores that were detected, but you still won’t have the answers to some key questions, such as:

  • Is this kind of mold toxic?
  • What’s causing this mold to grow in your house?
  • Where is the mold located? Is it in any other locations?
  • How do you remove the mold? How can you ensure that it’s completely gone? Will it come back?

3. The Cost of Remediation
The only way to answer those questions is to have a professional mold remediation company conduct a mold investigation, including a visual inspection of your home and testing by a certified individual. In other words, you'll still end up paying for that professional service you had hoped to avoid, but now you’re also out the additional costs associated with the DIY kit.
A home mold testing kit may appear to be the best option for budget-conscious homeowners; however, these kits aren’t likely to save you any money, and you may actually end up spending more overall.

5 Things You May See During Mold Remediation

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Drywall removed, air scrubber placed on floor, containment barriers placed on wall Commercial mold containment in Downtown East, NV

Mold Removal Process

During a mold cleanup at your Downtown East, NV, place of business there are a few steps you may see the local mold remediation team working on the property taken. Each step is important to the mold removal process. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Damage Assessment

One of the first steps you may see is damage assessment. This often includes any testing and locating all the areas where mold may be growing.

2. Containment

Once it’s determined where exactly any mold spores are located, the affected areas will be contained. In most cases, they will separate off areas of the building with plastic sheeting, and then use a ventilation system to control airflow, preventing mold spores from getting airborne and contaminating other areas.

3. Safety Measure

During the mold cleanup process, a number of safety measures will be used to keep the remediation team safe and to prevent additional mold spreading throughout the business. These measures include containing the area, as well as wearing personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, clothing covers, shoe covers, and other protective equipment.

4. Material Removal

With containment and safety measures in place, any materials suffering from mold contamination can now be removed from the property. If necessary the remediation crew will cut out portions of the walls, flooring, or other affected material, which can be replaced with brand new materials after the space has been cleaned.

5. Item Cleaning

Once damaged material has been removed from the space, the rest can then be thoroughly cleaned. Item cleaning will often begin about this time, although different cleaning methods may be used depending on the item’s material type and size.

When performing a mold cleanup the local remediation service working on the property will start with a damage assessment. They will then move on to mold containment using a variety of safety precautions. Once the space is contained mold-damaged materials can be removed and item cleaning can begin.

Most Common Reasons for Mold Growth

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Degraded seal under the toilet with mold growth Mold under toilet

Ways To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

Finding mold in your home can be embarrassing and concerning. Your first thought is probably to get rid of it as quickly as possible, but you may also want to know how it got there. As you understand how black mold and other types of fungal growth show up, you can prevent it in the future.

Slow Leaks
Some mold growth in Fremont Street, NV, occurs because of a sudden rush of water. In other situations, mold spreads because of gradual leaking. Water could drip or trickle onto your floors or walls for weeks, months, or even years before you detect black mold. Common areas of leaking issues include:

  • Pipes under sinks and in walls
  • Appliances such as dishwashers, washers and water heaters
  • Leaks in the roof or under the foundation

Flooding
On the other end of the spectrum, mold growth could follow a flood in your home. Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances, and heavy rains can cause these problems and require mold cleanup. This is why professional mold remediation companies devote their efforts to mold detection in addition to cleaning up after water damage. If you can extract the water, thoroughly dry the area and sanitize all surfaces quickly, you can avoid mold growth after a flood.

Humidity Problems
Mold will thrive when there is a moisture problem or when there is high humidity in an area of your home. Make sure your home has good airflow, especially in areas such as bathrooms, the basement, and the attic. Regularly check your vents to make sure air is flowing freely. If the airflow is weak, you should clean the vents promptly. Have a professional inspect your HVAC system as well. Homes that have poor ventilation are likely to have mold somewhere on the property.
To avoid black mold and other fungal growth, be aware of these issues. Inspect your home and protect yourself against this unwanted guest.

Why a Fast Response Is Crucial Following a Water Emergency

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Air movers and dehumidifiers placed on a commercial building. Concept water damage restoration Water damage restoration in Fremont Street, NV

Commercial business owners in Fremont Street, NV, know that water emergencies can happen at any time. If a flood occurs on a Friday night or weekend, they can't wait until Monday morning to have the problem addressed. That’s because water can cause major destruction in just hours. A fast response is thus crucial.

Immediate Action

Your clients need a 24-hour water damage repair company. Thankfully, SERVPRO is always open. Its representatives are available every day, including holidays and weekends. No matter when your clients contact SERVPRO, somebody will reply immediately. In fact, within eight hours your clients will receive:

  • A call response
  • An on-site visit
  • A verbal briefing

Specifically, a SERVPRO representative will respond to a call within one hour. The visit will occur within four hours, and the briefing will take place no more than eight hours after the call.
SERVPRO can respond so quickly because it has more than 1,700 franchise locations throughout Canada and America. The company combines these local services with the corporate resources necessary for major restoration projects. SERVPRO experts also provide a 24-hour response because they know what can happen if the cleanup is delayed.

Damage Timeline
Just a few minutes after the flood or leak, the water can spread throughout the building and absorb into upholstery, floors, and walls. Carpets could stain, and paper items can swell up.
Within the first 24 hours, the drywall can break down. Furniture may also crack, and a musty odor could spread throughout the property. Over the next few days, if the restoration does not commence, mildew and mold may grow. Any metal will corrode and rust. Windows, doors, and wood floors may swell and warp, as well.
Even a slight delay in the water damage cleanup process can lead to additional harm and extensive costs. Thankfully, SERVPRO provides the 24-hour restoration services that your clients need.

A Peek Into the Mysterious World of Mold

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold growth on wall Black mold growth

There are, according to a variety of sources, many thousands of species of mold on the planet. The fungus referred to as black mold, oftentimes of the genus Strachybotrys, has dozens of species found in North America. Mold is most closely aligned with yeasts, mushrooms, and toadstools. It is neither a plant nor an animal, though it is more closely related to animals. Mold in commercial buildings feed off of materials such as wood and paper. Most species are parasitic in nature. They reproduce by microscopic, asexual spores. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It typically becomes a problem for humans when, drawn to moisture, it spreads inside buildings by forming colonies that make unsightly blotches, produce a musty odor, break down materials, and degrade indoor air quality.

Mold Cleanup

Whether your company in Downtown, NV, finds an outbreak of black mold, or some other type of fungus, it should be removed by professionals. A reputable mold remediation team can help in the following ways:

  • A rapid dispatch to your building
  • An inspection and assessment of the problem
  • Accurate mold testing
  • Mold containment and mold removal
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Mitigation of a moisture problem

A comprehensive cleanup removes mold colonies, cleans affected surfaces and air ducts of the HVAC system, restores or replaces affected drywall, carpeting, and furniture and rids the building of odors associated with mold. A professional job is less likely to allow a return of mold to the building.

Mold Information
Black mold has a widespread distribution. Its spores have a slimy character, and the fungus is attracted to materials rich in cellulose, especially after the material has been damaged by water. Perhaps the most well-known species is Strachybotrys chartarum, which is sometimes called toxic mold. The preferred method of removal for this type of mold and other problematic fungi is through the services of a licensed contractor.

Storms in Las Vegas

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO pick up truck a van and generator on parking lot ready to perform restoration services at a commercial building Storm response team in Las Vegas, NV

Storms In Las Vegas

Disturbed state of the environmental surface and severe weather changes can lead to natural disasters occurring in the world and storms are an integral part of it and you can often notice it by the strong wind flow, thunder and hail occurrences or even wind transporting small particles or substances like a dust storm or blizzard.

Las Vegas, NV is commonly known to have storm occurrences and with the natural disaster taking on to human population and their property, it is of utmost important that there are properly trained and accustomed service providers to help restore damage.

Residential and commercial restorations

Whether it is about the pre storm securities or post help, there are restoration services in Las Vegas that help every industrial building and even residential owners with storm damage restorations.

  1. Having insurances of your estates or property of any order is the first step to claim damage repair or restoration.
  2. Immediate boarding up or even structurally required support is provided on site for as long as the claim to insurance isn’t achieved to ensure storm damage repair and not risk lives.
  3. The processes of debris clean up are then done to help clean up the area and the damage that has occurred due to the disaster.
  4. Contents of the property or estate are then restored to their origins and the working in the area commences once the cleanup is successfully done.
  5. At each and every stage, the storm damage restoration processes coordinate their efforts with the required insurance company in charge of the estate.

Storm damage restoration Las Vegas is very vital and services that can help you in emergency scenarios or for immediate aids are clearly required. To help people put back their property, be it commercial or residential and clean up the area like it was nothing that happened ever is what customers look for from service providers.

Simple tips:

  1. Keep property of any order always insured
  2. Do not hesitate to cover your property from before just to be safe enough; one can never know when a natural calamity occurs.
  3. Trusts only the best of the services with your house/office and it is better to pre inquire about their past services.
  4. Personal safety is always a priority; you can always save your assets and property later.

With few safety tips and help from the service provides, one can now have their homes and properties restored "Like it never even happened." 

Mold Coverage for Renters

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Renters insurance form and dollars on the table. Renter's insurance coverage form

Mold spores are tricky and, unfortunately, they are always around. Fortunately, normal conditions keep them dormant. When the right conditions present themselves in your rented property in Fremont Street, NV, those mold spores can quickly turn into mold damage. While water damage and mold remediation experts can eradicate the problem, insurance coverage for the mold cleanup can be confusing. While savvy tenants likely have rental insurance, it is important to understand what the policy may or may not cover.

Renter’s Insurance Coverage

Water damage and black mold cleanup are typically covered when events out of one’s control happen. That means if your personal property is exposed to some form of moisture that creates mold, the mold removal will be covered. Instances of mold growth due to unexpected circumstances can include:

  • Pipe bursts
  • Overflow from plumbing, water heater or air conditioner
  • Fire or smoke damage
  • Hail, wind or ice
  • Electrical issues
  • Structural leaks

It’s important to remember that as a tenant, you are required to mitigate the damage. If an event occurs and immediate action isn’t taken to avoid mold growth, an insurer may not accept the claim. Oftentimes, coverage is capped to where additional damage could have been prevented.

Prevention Tips

Like many things in life, prevention is the key to avoiding mold damage hassles. Although the unexpected can happen, making some small changes can minimize the chances of mold getting the right environment to grow. This may include:

  • Maintain constant airflow within the rental to minimize moisture in the air. Use fans or open windows whenever possible to increase ventilation.
  • Check vents and vacuum monthly.
  • During and after showering, keep the exhaust fan running to minimize moisture accumulation.
  • If a spill happens, don’t let it sit. Quickly dry out the affected area.

Dealing with mold damage is a frustrating situation. For renters, having some insurance coverage and taking a few precautions can reduce the hassle and keep your personal property protected.

3 Ways SERVPRO Helps Adjusters Serve Their Clients

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Business Communication Connection People Concept Did you know that we are a Preferred Vendor for many insurance companies

3 Ways SERVPRO Helps Adjusters Serve Their Clients

An insurance adjuster needs to juggle many responsibilities simultaneously in order to efficiently process an insurance claim. SERVPRO may be able to help adjusters streamline this process in the following three ways.

1. Rapid Response to Claims

A professional in Showboat, NV, can respond rapidly to your client's needs for commercial storm cleanup, mold remediation, fire or water damage or other disaster recovery services, which can be essential for helping to mitigate damage that may occur from standing water, mold growth or other ongoing conditions. Additionally, the focus on efficient property restoration can help assure your customer that everything possible is being done to get their property back in preloss condition quickly.

2. Highly Trained and Qualified Vendors

SERVPRO franchises are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration and offered continuing education to keep their skills up to date. Additionally, they only use qualified vendors and monitor them to ensure they have high standards for prompt claim handling, best practices, file documentation, crew and equipment, and quality assurance. This can save both the insurance adjuster and the client the potential hassle of having to deal with substandard vendors during the claims process.

3. Accurate and Efficient Reporting

The Claims Information Center assists adjusters throughout the claims handling process by providing a complete electronic job file, on-line access to all files, access to reports and comparisons of performance to industry standards. Adjusters can access a variety of valuable information through this system including, first notice of loss, detailed estimates, digital loss photos, scanned forms and paperwork and job cost data.
SERVPRO works with the insurance adjuster as a team with the goal of providing efficient and friendly service to the client, while also making the claims process better and more cost-effective for the adjuster. Their property restoration experience combined with their claims handling resources and procedures can help the claims process run better for everyone involved.