3 Common Myths About Protecting Your Home From a Fire

fire damage repair

When it comes to protecting your home, it’s critical to be fully informed about the risks and dangers of fires. One of the biggest dangers concerning home fire safety is the myths that people readily believe on this topic. Let’s debunk three dangerous myths about home fire safety.

1. Smoke Alarms Give You Plenty of Time

Although smoke alarms are definitely an essential part of fire prevention and they do give you an early warning, you should never assume you have a guaranteed amount of time to escape a fire. For families that don’t have an established evacuation route, time can quickly slip away in this kind of emergency situation. Fires spread very quickly and have unpredictable behavior, so there is really no way to determine how much time you have. For this reason, you must always assume you have very little time and must evacuate yourself and your family immediately.

You also need to make sure you have enough smoke detectors, because according to The Zebra, 47% of people believe they only need one smoke detector for their whole house. This is simply not the case, so remember to prioritize having the right set of equipment and alarms installed throughout the house.

2. Small Fires Are Easy to Contain

If you see a small fire break out in your home, do not assume that safely extinguishing it is easy or can be done without the right information. Fires grow and spread rapidly, no matter their size. Calling 911 immediately is still a number-one response, even in the event of a small fire. Extinguishing efforts may be more feasible, but the assistance of professional emergency workers remains essential. Remember, even small fires can cause a need for fire damage repair.

3. New Homes Aren’t at Risk of a Fire

It is dangerous to assume any house isn’t at risk because of how recently they were built. Although there are many improvements that can cut down some risks, you should always be vigilant to keep your home safe with smoke detectors, fire alarms, and a fire evacuation plan that is updated and understood by everyone in the home.

Use the truth to keep your family better protected from fire. If your home has experienced a fire, please contact ServiceMaster for fire damage repair. We’re here to provide the commercial and residential services you need.

Read More

4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Mold

water damage mold clean up

No homeowner wants to discover mold in their home, but the truth is it does show up occasionally. The more you know about mold, the better you can react to the situation. According to the experts at Ruby Home Real Estate, 14,000 people in the U.S. are affected by water damage daily, which includes mold. Here are some surprising facts about mold you may not be aware of.

1. Mold Is Already Everywhere

Most people don’t like to hear this fact, but it’s the truth, mold really is everywhere. It has an important role in decomposing organic matter, but the problem arises when mold overgrows in areas. The tiny mold spores floating through the air are normal and natural, and in the right amounts, no one ever notices them. However, the problems really start to grow when the mold starts to grow. With an overgrowth of mold comes home damage and health threats.

2. There Are 100,000 Types of Mold

Different types of mold grow in different places and have different effects on humans. The type of mold that is most concerning is black and toxic mold. When this type of mold is present, it’s necessary to get water damage mold clean-up experts to assist you. You want to get this type of mold removed as soon as possible to ensure you and your family do not get sick.

3. Mold Grows on Many Types of Surfaces

Mold is a hardy survivor that can grow on just about any surface. It’s most commonly found in bathrooms and basements. However, it can also be found in areas behind walls. It’s commonplace to find dangerous mold, as it provides a porous surface to grow on. You may have heard that mold can’t grow on concrete, but it can grow on dust or dirt layers on concrete.

4. Mold Starts Growing in 24 to 48 Hours of Moisture Exposure

This is one of the reasons why it’s so important that you contact water damage mold clean-up professionals quickly following a leak or flooding event in your home. You want to stop mold before it starts, and mold only needs 24 to 48 hours to start growing.

These are just a few facts about mold you should be aware of. If you’re in need of water damage mold clean-up, please contact ServiceMaster today. We look forward to working with you.

Read More

What’s Included in Carpet Cleaning Services From a Water Removal Company?

According to Better Homes and Gardens, it’s a good idea to have your carpet cleaned every three to six months; this keeps it from getting discolored while extending its life. However, what happens if your carpet gets soaked due to flooding? A water removal company can come and clean the carpet! Here’s what you can likely expect them to include in this service.

Extract the Water

This is the first order of business for the water removal workers. They will get all the water out of the carpet, along with any upholstery or other furnishings. This way, it will greatly reduce the chances of mold growth in your home. Mold can cause a lot of health issues, so this is very necessary.

Clean the Carpet

This is the meat of what they will do for the carpet cleaning. The professionals will use special equipment to clean the carpet so that it will look just like new. Many pros use a hot water extraction method to ensure the carpet is thoroughly cleaned. On top of that, they will deodorize and sanitize the carpet to make sure that no bacteria or other things can lurk in it.

Dry the Carpet

Once the carpet’s fully cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized, it’s going to be dried. This is to prevent any mildew from returning and making your home have that damp, musty smell that floods often leave behind. The professionals will also groom the fibers for enhanced drying and appearance. Before you know it, your home will be just like it was before the disaster happened.

It can be distressing when your home is flooded. This situation can occur within the seeming blink of any eye. One second, your home is nice and dry and then the next, it’s underwater. Having your carpet cleaned will be a start toward getting your home back to the condition that it was in before. A small step like this can mean a lot and make the efforts of the cleaners worth it. Our team at ServiceMaster helps Colorado residents with any water damage or fire damage. Our skilled workers can clean carpets, tile and grout, and more. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your home!

Read More

4 Qualities to Look For in a Fire Damage Repair Service

fire damage repair service

A fire is one of the worst things that can happen in a home. In addition to destroying property, it can also endanger people’s lives. If your home can survive a fire, then you’ll need to invest in services that can do suitable repairs. Here are the qualities to look for in a fire damage repair service.

1. Promptness

According to The Zebra, there are about 358,000 house fires annually. Some of those fires may be completely devastating to one’s life, whereas others have enough structural left for repairs. If your home has suffered from a fire, then you want prompt service as soon as possible. After all, not only do you have to worry about the damage from the fire itself, but there could also be water damage from when firefighters put the fire out. Therefore, you need a reputable service that can handle the repairs immediately. The faster they respond, the more likely they can save your home.

2. Professionalism

You should expect top-level professionalism when dealing with fire damage repair experts. From the minute you contact them to the minute they finish the job, their professionalism should show in how they conduct themselves, the materials they use, and the promptness with which they carry out the repair work.

3. Reputable

Check out the reputation of a fire damage repair service. If you haven’t gotten a direct referral from someone who used such a service, then you could always begin checking online. Online reviews are a great way to find out how reputable any contractor is, especially one who’s handled fire repairs. Once you’ve narrowed down a list of some fire repair services you like, ask the company for direct referrals. If they did a solid job and have a good relationship with past and current clients, then they shouldn’t hesitate to give you a contact.

4. Quality

Fire repair contractors should exude top-notch workmanship with the best materials. They should have skilled technicians who can restore your property as close to its pre-loss condition as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the type of equipment used. You should also ask for a portfolio of some of their before and after work.

Dealing with a fire can be devastating for anyone. However, if enough of your home survived, then a local fire repair service can help you. Look no further than our local team. We have years of experience and have all the qualities listed above and then some. Contact us whenever you need us.

Read More