Any Mold Should Bring Concern, But Don't Worry!

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you read online articles or watch news coverage, you have probably heard about black mold. The substance has developed a negative reputation in recent years, as homeowners learn about the negative effects of this type of mold growth. You may not know, however, that other types of mold can be just as harmful as black mold. By understanding how to keep mold in check, you can keep your home looking and feeling good.

Water Damage is a Problem

We all know that water is essential inside your home. When water stays where it should, you likely do not have to worry about mold growth. If there is a leak, mold can feed and spread quickly. When inspecting your house for signs of mold, look in the following areas where water damage is common:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Garages
• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Attics
  
  

Humidity Is Not Your Friend

While increasing the humidity in your home may make breathing easier, it could encourage mold to grow. If you suspect you have high humidity throughout your home, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier.

Cleanup Requires Equipment and Skill

Removing mold is not always easy. In fact, you may seemingly wipe away mold only to realize that you did not effectively kill it. If you want to stop mold growth, consider contracting with a reputable mold remediation service. Expert technicians know where to find mold. They also have the expertise and equipment to stop mold in their tracks.

To keep your home in good shape, you simply cannot ignore any type of mold growth. While finding mold in your house can be challenging, the task is likely worth your time and energy. If you notice the signs of mold, you must work diligently to remove the substance. With some information and the right team, though, you can likely ensure your house stays comfortable.

Signs You Might Have A Water Leak In Your Bathroom

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

There are many sources in your home that can create water damages or be the source of a leak. Here are a few signs in your bathroom that could be the root cause of some of them.

Water Bill

Take a look at your water bill from around the same time in previous months or previous years -- has it gone up or even changed just enough for you to take notice? That could be because of a leak. Keep an eye on it for next month and if you are still seeing the same jump, have a professional take a look. It can never hurt to have another pair of eyes on your water meter. Water bills can run deep and especially if it is winter season and the bill is climbing. 

Water Stains 

This is the main issue that we see when bathrooms are the culprit of a water damage. Water stains almost always are a symptom of a more serious issue going on in your home. Once you notice, check the adjoining sides of the walls to see if there are water spots showing up in other rooms.  These kinds of water damages can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage in their wake. Always call someone when you notice water stains so that they can be stopped and cleaned up quickly before they spread. 

Loose Tiles

When there are loose tiles in your bathtub, that may be signs of more serious water damages. Take a few tiles out and see what is behind the wall. 

The Science of Drying

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying?  Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition.

While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette is trained in the science of drying and follows strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages.  If your home or business suffers a water damage, we will inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening; measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly; and speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature?"  A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium.  When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier.  The only problem is nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette has the tools to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more.  We use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help accelerate the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line?  We have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Get Your Ducks in A Row and Call SERVPRO For a Duct Cleaning!

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is not far away and we know that here in Alabama, allergies run rampant for some people. Did you know a cleaning of your duct system can help? Duct cleaning can improve the air quality in your home and business. You may wonder, why use SERVPRO for your duct cleaning? The SERVPRO duct cleaning system is proven and cost-effective.  

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, but our trained professional here at SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette can help you change that! Inspecting the ductwork in your home or business should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your home. 

What might be residing in your ducts:

• Rodents
• Dust
• Dirt
• Debris
• Bacteria
• Mold
• Pollen
• Insects
• Pests 

A routine part of your local SERVPRO franchise professional’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO franchise professional can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. 

If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends it be inspected for proper functioning and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO franchise professionals use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime. 

If your allergies persist this season, call us to come out to provide you a FREE quote for duct cleaning. 

We've Got The Drying Process Down To A Science..Literally

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette knows that using the proper equipment makes a huge difference. You can always count on us to have the right technology and equipment to get the job done!

For example, one of the most common losses that we handle are water loss. Here is some information on the drying process. 

Psychrometrics is the study of the air and its properties. The properties are temperature, humidity and vapor pressure. Dew points are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure. These measurements allow for us to create the proper atmosphere for the most effective drying.

There is a science to drying everything properly.

The detection equipment used is always the most current within the industry. 

Moisture Sensors, Moisture Meters, Thermo-hygrometers, Infrared Cameras, and Manometers are some the detection equipment.

Extraction Equipment, Air Moving Equipment, Dehumdification Equipment, Deodorization Equipment, and many others are all used in the drying process. 

When it comes to drying, we take it seriously!

Humidifiers vs Dehumidifiers: When Do I Use One?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Humidifier or dehumidifier? Do I need more moisture or less moisture? What's the difference?

Luckily, SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette can help you understand the difference.

Tools such as the humidifier and dehumidifier have were made to measure, control and regulate humidity, circulation, and temperature to best suit our bodies. Humidity is a very important factor in determining how comfortable a space can feel.

Low amounts of water vapor in the air can cause dry skin and hair, static electricity, and increased likelihood of catching a cold or respiratory illness.

Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers help improve indoor humidity levels and eliminate respiratory illnesses like asthma and chest congestion.

A humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air while a dehumidifier decreases the amount of moisture.

Cold and Winter Months:

During the cold, winter months the air is usually dry and viruses become airborne. A humidifier will add moisture to the air and can help you avoid getting sick.

Humidifiers are also often used in babies and children’s rooms to aid in their breathing throughout the night.

Basements:

Basements are often susceptible to mold growth because they have little exposure to sunlight and tend to gather moisture which leads to high humidity. A dehumidifier would be best in a basement- especially if your basement always seems to be damp and musty.

Mold:

Mold thrives in dark, damp places. To reduce the likelihood of mold, the amount of moisture in the air needs to be reduced. This is where a dehumidifier would be appropriate.

If the humidity levels in your home are all out of sorts, or mold has already taken up residence in your home, it is probably best to call SERVPRO of Walker & Winston Counties. We can assess your air quality and help you make the right call.

Our Technicians Are Trained For Dry Out Processes

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

The onset of a burst of water where a flood enters your home or business can bring a world of uncertainties and concerns. Not only is it vital to think about the potential harm to the structural integrity of your home or business, but there is also health dangers from contaminants. SERVPRO has the tools, training, and experience to ensure your space is restored to preloss condition so that your family or company can get back to routine quicker. 

Why Are Trained Technicians Best for the Job?
Our skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) follow detailed protocols for testing and treating potentially toxic floodwaters. Big or small, we get right to work – you can expect:

    • As required, we handle board up, tarping, and pack-out services.
    • Fast action that minimizes the impact of the loss and overall costs.
    • Proven methods for extraction, water removal, deodorization, and sanitization.
    • Industrial-grade tools and equipment made to handle residential and commercial projects.
    • Homeowners enjoy our tailored approach to extraction and drying, which includes constant monitoring to ensure no moisture is left behind.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Drying?
In many flood damage situations, our crews will create drying zones to achieve our goals better. Should rooms of your home or business sustain more floodwater than other areas, we may put up polyethylene sheeting to construct sealed drying zones. However, different situations might call for open drying systems to push moisture out of your home when the weather outside is conducive to our goals. The crew chief on the project will make determinations to handle drying and moisture removal as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Four Legged Friends Safe In A Storm

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can be very stressful event for your four legged friends. Follow these tips to help alleviate some of the off of your pet. 

• Anxiety Levels: Many pets have anxiety with fireworks or storms. If your pet has been prescribed medication for anxiety, talk to your vet about the best course of action leading up to firework events or storm systems coming through your area. 
• Finding Shelter: Often times during a storm, it may be the best course of action to take shelter in a small bathroom or basement. Make sure your pet is familiar with this area just in case you need to take shelter there. Practice going to this designated place beforehand. 
• Evacuation Plan: Make sure you have an evacuation plan that everyone in your household is aware of. Create an area that you can easily locate your pets leash, carrier, medication and food if you need to evacuate. Be sure to know where your pets most desired hiding place is just in case you cannot find them when you need to evacuate. 
• First Aid Kit: Talk to your vet about adding items to your first aid kit that are dedicated for your pet. Keep your first aid kit stocked so it is always plentiful of supplies.

I Found Mold! What Personal Items Do I Need To Discard?

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can inflict devastating amounts of damage to your home or business. While all hope might seem lost, there are certain mold cleaning techniques you can use to save your possessions.

Items to Throw Away

It's important to know which items simply cannot be saved when attempting to expedite your mold cleaning efforts:

Porous Objects: Because of their tendency to absorb water quickly, it's unlikely that you'll be able to save objects with porous surfaces. This includes items made of cardboard, padding, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture, carpeting and mattresses.

Paper Products: While it is possible to restore these items, the process is rather costly and should be saved for sentimental items. Place any possessions you wish to preserve in the freezer to prevent mold damage from spreading.

Food Items: Moldy or water damaged food must be thrown away. The same goes for any water damaged food preparation appliances.

Items to Keep

Glass, Metal or Plastic Materials: Clean these items using either antibacterial hand soap or a homemade mixture comprised of 1 gallon of water and 1/2 cup of bleach.

Most Clothing Items: Time is of the essence with clothing, so make sure to wash them using regular laundry detergent as soon as possible. Leather clothing needs to be taken to a cleaning professional.

Electronic Devices: Appliances exposed to mold can vary.. Any water damaged electronics or appliances are potentially dangerous and need to be thrown away. You should consult a professional if you wish to restore these types of items.

Knowing which items to keep and which you need to get rid of can certainly help expedite your mold cleaning efforts. If you have any further questions, or require additional help getting rid of mold, contact mold remediation experts as soon as possible.

SERVPRO Makes Its Own Products...Did You Know!?

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO formulates and manufactures its own proprietary line of cleaning products?  SERVPRO Corporate has a team of chemists on hand, that make up the Professional Cleaning Products Team.  Listed below are some of the chemical categories:

• Spotting Agents
• Carpet and Upholstery Products
• Wood & Leather Care Products
• Decontamination Products
• Deodorization Products
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning Products
• Hard Floor Care Products
• Specialty Products
• Coatings & Sealant Products
• Environmentally Friendly Products

We feel this is just one aspect of our company that sets us apart from our competition.  SERVPRO knows what works and is always looking to better our products and come up with new ideas. Did we mention that they smell great too! Our products are for the exclusive use of SERVPRO franchises and are not for resale, but if we are working for you, we are using these wonderful products.

Call us today! We are here to help you.

Get The Most Out Of Your Roof

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Tips on maintaining your roof:

• Make sure that any trellises, gutters and other additions to your roof are not rotting and are suitably attached.
• Get an annual inspection from a licensed, experienced roofer. If you get overwhelmed by google, call our office today for a few local companies that we like to work with.
• Confirm with said roofer that all seams, especially those around chimneys and where a flat roof meets the pitched roof or a wall, are sealed properly to help prevent water intrusion.
• Ensure that any roof cleaning is performed by a professional with extensive experience and proper equipment and products.
• Get a stamp of approval that there is sufficient airflow in and out of the attic, proper ventilation is key to prevent moisture getting trapped in your attic space.
• And don’t forget that you shouldn’t wait around to repair or replace the roof when needed, it is one part of your home that is worth staying on top of.

In the end, a smaller investment is worth it to make sure that you are guaranteeing a well maintained roof. The little bits of extra work can go a long way toward helping prevent a loss down the road. If you suspect that you may have a moisture issue or water intrusion into your building from your roof, give our SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton and Fayette team a call to help get your loss back to normal “Like it never even happened.”

The Claims Process Doesn't Have to Be Hard

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business the last thing you want is to worry about is how to handle the process of moving forward. For this reason, our team ensures they make the claim process as stress free as possible. SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton, and Fayette will help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• Create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business
• Document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage
• Work directly with your insurer, communicating with you at all times
• Handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is as fast as it can be

We are so proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients. They are fully aware of the benefits that come along with our partnership. We do everything we can to make the entire process as easy as possible.

Our trained professionals are here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold and bio-hazard clean up and restoration services.