4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Mold
March 22, 2024 Mold Comments Off on 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.

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What’s Included in Carpet Cleaning Services From a Water Removal Company?
February 12, 2024 Water Damage Comments Off on 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!

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4 Qualities to Look For in a Fire Damage Repair Service
January 15, 2024 Fire Damage Comments Off on 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.

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A Brief History of Water and Fire Damage Restoration
November 10, 2023 Fire Damage Comments Off on A Brief History of Water and Fire Damage Restoration
fire damage

The world of fire and water damage restoration has seen many changes and evolutions over the years. According to RubyHome, 99% of counties in the U.S. were affected by flooding between 1996 and 2019. Flooding and fires cause extensive damage to homes, and it’s the fire and water damage professionals in our communities that help families rebuild their homes and lives. Let’s look at a brief history of this industry.

The Beginning of a Modern Industry

The fire and water damage restoration industry as we know it today can be traced back to 1971 when Marty King founded the National Institute of Fire Restoration. This organization provided restorer certification. This can be compared to having a Ph.D. in restoration. This organization was developed to set a standard for restoration that homeowners could depend on. This helped to avoid home demos that were unnecessary. Often homes would be demolished simply because there were not local professionals who were trained to perform restoration on the property.

National Institute of Disaster Restoration

In the 90s, the name of this organization was changed to the National Institute of Disaster Restoration. This was when a water restoration division was added. The natural consequence of fighting a fire within a home is that there will be water damage within the home as well from fire hoses. This organization could now provide comprehensive training and certification for both fire damage and water damage.

To further improve the quality of fire and water damage restoration in the U.S. the organization published Guidelines for Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration. This document has been the industry standard for two decades.

Advanced Certifications

Since the beginning of the Certified Restorer Program, certifications have continued to grow and evolve. Today, there are many different types of certifications and specializations available. Those who receive certification must go through training and prove their experience in this field. Not only are the scientific depths of restoration explored in these certifications, but there is also much time devoted to the proper execution of running a restoration business.

The fire and water restoration industry has a proud history of education and innovation in this specialty service. If you’re in need of fire or water restoration, please give ServiceMaster a call today.

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4 Reasons You May Need Residential Carpet Cleaning
October 10, 2023 General, Water Damage Comments Off on 4 Reasons You May Need Residential Carpet Cleaning

Does your home have a carpet? If so, you understand how much upkeep the carpet requires to keep it looking and smelling good. Unfortunately, your carpet can have many issues and be susceptible to damage. However, enlisting a water removal service that offers professional carpet cleaning can help your residential carpet look new again. Here are four reasons you may need such a service.

1. Pets

There’s nothing like having a cute furry pet that’s a part of the family. While you love your dog or cat, you may not love the hair and smells they leave all over your carpet. They not only leave behind their hair, but sometimes may even have accidents on the floor. Between a buildup of dirt your puppy may track in from outside, fleas, hair, and bathroom concerns, your carpet may no longer look or smell that good.

2. Water Damage

Has your home had issues with humidity? Has there ever been a flood or any other event that may have caused moisture to seep into your carpet? If so, a water removal service can help dry out your carpet and other areas of the home affected by such an event. The last thing you want is to have water linger in any part of your home, especially on a carpet that can track not only dirt and mildew but mold, which can be a detriment to your family’s health.

3. Stain Removal

Regardless of how careful you are, stains will likely build up on your carpet over time. If you’ve ever spilled a cup of coffee or wine, or have messy pets or children, spot cleaning may not have been able to remove the resulting spot. Stains can look very unsightly and embarrassing, but a professional cleaning service can help remove them.

4. Color Restoration

Do you remember when you first installed your carpet or how it may have looked when you bought your home? Unfortunately, the color may have faded over time, especially if it’s near a window where UV rays can easily shine through. Plus, a buildup of dirt can easily cover the natural color of your carpet. According to our team, homeowners should have their carpet cleaned once every six to 12 months to prevent discoloration and improve its lifespan.

When it’s time to clean your carpet, a vacuum isn’t enough. After built-up stains, dander, moisture, hair, and mold, you should call the professionals for assistance. If you need a local team to help keep your carpet clean, call us at ServiceMaster for our water removal services and professional carpet cleaning.

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How Is Water Damage Mold Clean Up Done?
October 9, 2023 Mold, Water Damage Comments Off on How Is Water Damage Mold Clean Up Done?
water damage mold clean up

After a serious flood (no matter the type), it’s important to get high-quality water damage mold clean up to ensure that your home is strong and secure. After all, this problem is one that affects many people every year. According to Ruby Home Real Estate, about 14,000 people in the United States experience water damage every day. Here’s the step-by-step process of mold remediation.

1. Complete Mold Inspection

When you experience a serious flood, our team will sit down with you and go over your home to ensure that we catch every mold-affected area. These include problems with pooled water and anywhere it might have sat for too long. This includes very specialized inspection tools that work to catch every potential threat of mold that might exist in your home.

2. Mold Surface Removal

After going through a complete mold inspection, a careful surface cleanup can help remove any surface growths and ensure that mold is properly managed. This process is done comprehensively by skilled experts who understand the various ways that this cleanup can be done. Even better, they can do deeper inspections for more problematic mold issues.

3. Carefully Cut Away Deeper Growths

If we spot deeper growths in your home, then we can provide more comprehensive mold remediation that digs deep into your house’s many appliances and furniture items to ensure they get the attention they need. Letting mold grow too rapidly and unchecked throughout your home is more likely to cause long-term problems and trigger serious mold-related issues.

4. Replace Damaged Items

Once we’ve carefully removed deeper mold growths from your home’s items, we can also identify any structural damage that might have occurred. For instance, there are many areas throughout the home’s foundation and other areas that might need to be completely replaced after a flood. This process is one that will ensure that your house is safe for years to come.

The best water damage mold clean up can keep your house strong and secure and minimize long-term problems with its structural integrity. Just as importantly, it can minimize stylistic issues and keep your home modern and attractive. Contact us today if you’re interested in this process and our team will do what they can to ensure that you’re happy. It’s our goal to make sure that every flooded area in our region is free of mold and other related issues.

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Why Is It Important to Hire a Water Removal Service Immediately After a Flood?
September 12, 2023 Water Damage Comments Off on Why Is It Important to Hire a Water Removal Service Immediately After a Flood?

Whether the source is internal or external, a flooded home is an endangered one. If flooding affects your home, it’s important to start the cleanup process as soon as possible. According to RubyHome, water damage affects almost 14,000 people every day. If you are among those who suddenly are affected by flooding, here’s why it’s important to hire a water removal service immediately after a flood.

Minimize Structural Damage

The sooner that you can hire a water removal service, the better your chances of saving the home and minimizing damage. When water has time to penetrate wood, drywall, and insulation, it can cause structural damage. The damage might include water stains, rot, or warping. The floor covering and insulation might become saturated. You also might see unsightly water stains inside your home.

Protect Your Belongings

Water intrusion also can damage your belongings, including furniture, ornamental rugs, and electronics. The sooner you remove the water, the less damage it can do to the many belongings that you have inside your home. Depending on your homeowner’s insurance policy, you might find it to be very costly to replace any furniture or belongings that the water damages or destroys. The cost for immediate water cleanup is much less than it would be if you were to delay and suffer even more extensive water damage to your belongings.

Prevent Mold and Mildew

The growth of mold and mildew is one of the potentially most dangerous developments caused by water intrusion. It doesn’t take long for mold or mildew to develop when water saturates walls and crawlspaces. The dark spaces inside the walls, closets, and crawl spaces are especially prone to mold and mildew growth when water saturates them. You can stop the growth of hazardous substances when you remove the water as soon as possible.

Lower Your Recovery Costs

The cost to repair your home and replace any damaged belongings always is lower the faster you remove the water from your home. Depending on the nature of the water intrusion, your homeowner’s insurance policy might pay the cost of water mitigation. If so, there is no reason to delay the service any longer than necessary. The sooner you get it done, the more money you save on the recovery costs from any water damage.

You can call or visit us at ServiceMaster to learn more and get emergency water removal services for your home or another property. Don’t wait for water damage to get worse, let us handle the cleanup right away.

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Everything You Need to Know About Residential Smoke Damage Restoration
August 9, 2023 News Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Residential Smoke Damage Restoration

According to The Zebra, there are about 358,000 residential fires each year. When these occur, residential smoke damage restoration is an essential follow-up service. Most people believe that smoke damage is purely cosmetic. However, even a small fire can result in significant smoke damage, including harmful particles and toxins that are health risks.

Here is what you need to know about smoke damage restoration.

Air Quality Affects

Smoke damage restoration not only cleans up the visible damage but also helps improve the air quality in your home after a fire. Harmful gases and toxins can linger long after the fire has been extinguished. An important part of the restoration after a fire is air quality testing.

Remediating air quality issues ensures your home is safe after a fire. Smoke damage restoration experts test the air quality and take remediation steps that return the air quality to a safe level. You can breathe easier knowing your home’s air quality is safe.

Cleaning Surfaces

Smoke and soot from a fire can stick to appliances, cabinetry, walls, floors, ceilings, and personal goods. Proper cleaning processes can restore all surfaces using the right equipment and solvents. During restoration, special care is taken to remove every sign of smoke damage left behind.

However, it is not just surface cleaning that is done. The home’s structural integrity is inspected, and structural repairs are made if necessary. Soot and smoke can get deep into your property, so a simple wipe-down won’t do the trick.

Turn-Key Approach

When you work with a professional restoration service to manage your smoke damage clean-up, they handle everything. They will work with your insurance company to file the necessary paperwork and ensure that the job is done right. Clean-up should be left to the professionals, so attempting the clean-up and restoration tasks yourself can further damage your home.

A home fire can be devastating. Therefore, it is essential that you have the support of an experienced team to restore your home. Get the professional help you need to ensure that your home is safe to occupy and that all evidence of the fire is removed. Call our team here at ServiceMaster today to learn more about the smoke damage restoration process.

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3 Signs You Need Water Damage Mold Clean Up Services
July 11, 2023 Water Damage Comments Off on 3 Signs You Need Water Damage Mold Clean Up Services
water damage mold clean up services

If you’ve had water damage in your home, then you can’t afford to wait on water damage mold clean up services. Even a small flooding event can cause the growth of mold in 24-48 hours. Let’s look at a few signs that you may need this type of service now.

1. You’ve Had a Flood

If you’ve had a flood in your home after a big storm, then you need to call water damage mold clean up services. According to the home experts at RubyHome, it’s estimated that 99% of counties in the U.S. were affected by some form of flooding between 1996 and 2019. Flooding is more common than you think. Naturally occurring flooding isn’t the only event that can cause mold and water damage.

Even if you have a small flooding event inside your own home, you need professional clean up services. Small flooding events can be related to plumbing, appliances, or from other causes. A flooding event is any time water is standing on your floors, so it’s important to keep an eye out for unknown water in your home.

2. You See Water Damage or Leaks

Sometimes you may not even have a flooding event yet, but you may still need the help of professionals. If you’ve had a leak in your home, then it could easily contribute to damage and the growth of mold. Sometimes a leak isn’t obvious for a while. The water could have been collecting for quite some time before you realized it. If you can visibly see damage, even if you aren’t sure where the water would have come from, then you should call our professional to keep your home and family safe.

3. You See Standing Water

Water damage professionals have the skills and equipment needed to effectively remove standing water and remove moisture from carpets or furniture upholstery. It’s important to give them a call as soon as you notice it because it can make a big difference. The quicker you have the moisture removed, the less chance you have for water damage and mold growth.

They will also be able to apply anti-microbial products to your surfaces to cut down on the chances of mold and other bacteria from growing. This can help keep your home clean and healthy.

If you are in need of water damage services, then please contact us today. We want to ensure you’re home and family are safe from mold growth. With years of experience, you will feel peace of mind when you hire our team.

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How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company
June 8, 2023 Water Damage Comments Off on How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company
emergency flood

Did you know that an estimated 14.6 million homes in the United States are at risk of flooding, according to iProperty Management? Emergency flood services need to be completed by professional companies with the proper training. If your home’s been flooded, then you’ll need to choose the right water damage restoration company. Here are a few tips on how to choose the company that’s right for the job.

Consult Your Insurance Company

Water damage remediation and other emergency flood services are often covered by your homeowner’s policy. If this is the case, then your insurance provider will often have a list of preferred professionals to hire. Some companies might even require that you choose a company from their list. Whenever you have work done on your home that’s covered by your policy, be sure to ask if there are any limitations to the companies you can hire.

Seek Recommendations From Your Friends and Neighbors

People in your social circle are a great resource when it comes to finding the best contractors in the area. They’ll be able to direct you to the best companies and, in many cases, also be able to tell you which service providers you should avoid. When you’re considering several different companies, be sure to ask for references. Doing so can be a helpful tool for determining which company will best meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you’re interviewing potential water damage restorers.

Check Reliable Sources

Online reviews can vary in their level of helpfulness. However, the Better Business Bureau or other consumer protection advocates can be very helpful. Check out the local providers in your area to get a better idea of the available options. This is an effective way to screen out undesirable companies and focus on interviewing those that are reliable. You’ll also want to ensure that any company you work with has all the necessary certifications and insurance policies in place. Taking the time to find the right company will pay dividends.

We provide emergency flood services that help to restore your home after a flood. Water damage can lead to other issues, such as mold, and needs to be remediated by a professional. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to keep your family and belongings safe.

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