The Reason a Quick Response to your Water Loss is Important

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause mold to grow in as little as 48 hours.

The Reason a Quick Response to your Water Loss is Important

Water damage is an emergency that needs to be addressed quickly. If you wait to have a professional company mitigate the water damage from your home, then you are putting yourself and your family in danger. Water can cause mold growth and structural damage to floors, walls, and other surfaces of your Bothell, WA home. This will cost you money in repairs down the road if you don't act immediately. In addition, a rapid response gets rid of standing water before it can do any more damage than it already has done by flooding your property with water or sewage overflow.

Water damage goes beyond what is visible

You will be wading through a sea of confusion, but you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. You’re going to find yourself asking questions like: “How much damage have I really incurred?” and “Is it safe for me to stay at home?” There is no way around feeling anxious about the state of your home and its contents, but it is important to remember that water damage goes beyond what is visible.

You might see water puddles on the floor or furniture damaged by moisture, but there could be hidden signs of water intrusion throughout your home. For example, behind walls where plumbing lines run through could potentially swell up and cause structural damage from within – even if those pipes look fine from the outside! Hidden mold growth in these places threatens both health and property value over time as well as making future repairs more difficult and expensive.

It can also be hard to determine whether all possible sources of moisture have been eliminated before cleaning up after a flood event because sometimes hidden sources can drip onto surfaces long after they appear dry again – leaving you susceptible for months afterward if not properly addressed immediately upon discovery!

The timing of your response is important

The sooner you call, the better. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur. Water damage can cause mold to grow in as little as 48 hours. If you wait too long, the cost of repairs will be much greater and could potentially result in other issues for your family or tenants.

Quick responses to water damage are critical, as they help to minimize the spread of water and limit structural damage. Water can move quickly through the structure of your property, causing further damages by spreading mold and other microbes that can cause problems. To protect against these issues, it is vital that you act quickly when there is a loss of water at home or commercial property.

You will save money in the long run

It's not just the cost of a quick response that matters; it's also the cost of long-term water damage. The longer you wait to call a professional, the more expensive your water loss will be. Mold is expensive to remove and requires special equipment that most people don't have at home.

We hope that this article has given you some insight into the importance of responding quickly to water damage. Though it may seem like a hassle, calling in a professional company can save you from having to deal with the headaches and costly repairs that can come from not acting fast enough. The experts at SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville will work quickly and efficiently to help mitigate your water loss so that you can get back on track as soon as possible without wasting time or money!

What Does the Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process Look Like?

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

This local business owner was needing assistance after they suffered a fire in their commercial property.

What Does the Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process Look Like?

The first steps of a fire damage restoration job don't always happen at the scene. If there's been a serious fire, firefighters and emergency medical personnel will be there first. They'll follow strict protocols for removing victims from the building and ensuring that everyone is safe. After that's done, it's time for the cleanup team to go in and start working on the damage caused by smoke, soot, and water—and sometimes even mold growth. It's a complex process that can take several days or weeks to complete; here are some details about what happens during each step along the way.

First Steps at the Scene

The first steps in the fire damage cleanup and restoration process begin at the scene of the fire. Firefighters are sent to put out any flames and determine whether or not it is safe for cleanup to begin. If it is, then cleanup must happen as soon as possible because water can cause more damage if left on materials for too long.

Once firefighters have determined that it’s safe to enter a damaged home or business, they will act quickly so that mold doesn’t start growing within 24 hours of its last use (when mold begins growing). The next step in this process involves assessing what exactly needs cleaning up and which materials need replacing after being damaged by water or smoke during a fire.

Smoke and Soot Removal

After the fire has been extinguished and contained, it's time to remove any smoke and soot from the property. This is done using specialized equipment that fans out airflow to fluff away debris particles, leaving a clean surface behind. The next step is removing any damaged materials, debris from the property, and any hazardous materials from your home or office space. After this process is complete, we can begin cleaning up the smoke odor with biodegradable deodorizers designed specifically for this purpose.

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration is a complex process that involves removing smoke and soot from the structure, cleaning and sanitizing the structure, and drying it. It may also involve the reconstruction of the structure.

If you want to learn more about fire damage restoration or require assistance with this process, call our SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville team today!

Water damage restoration

Water damage restoration is a complex process that involves removing water from the damaged area and drying it out. Once the water has been removed, you need to secure your home from further damage by keeping it warm and dry.

To restore your belongings, there are some steps you can take:

• Drying out: This involves putting free-standing fans in different parts of your house for air circulation, using dehumidifiers to remove extra moisture from the air, and opening windows or doors for ventilation.
• Sanitizing: You should also sanitize certain areas of your home with bleach or other disinfectants; this is especially important after flooding because bacteria from sewage could cause serious illnesses if left untreated.

Reconstruction Services

Once you’ve decided to hire the services of a professional restoration company, your next step is to decide which damage repair services are right for your home. To help with this decision, we’ve broken down the fire damage cleanup and restoration process into three phases:

• Removal of damaged materials
• Repairing and replacing damaged items
• Repairing structural damage

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the fire damage cleanup and restoration process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help! If your home or business in Shoreline, WA, suffers from a fire loss, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Beware of These 3 Common Sewage Issues in Commercial Buildings

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet

Three Common Sewage Problems

Maintaining a functioning plumbing and drainage system is an important part of owning a commercial property in Shoreline, WA. Sewage mishaps such as pipe breaks or a blocked sewer can cause significant building damage, not to mention cost business owners thousands of dollars in lost revenue if the damage necessitates a building closure. In order to stay ahead of a serious issue, every commercial building owner should be aware of these three commonly occurring sewage problems.

1. Sewer Pipe Blockage

A blocked sewer happens when an obstruction within a pipe inhibits sewage from properly draining. Things such as tree roots growing in the sewer line or flushing foreign objects including grease, diapers or sanitary products down the drain can cause obstructions. When the blockage is not treated immediately, a sewage backup may occur. If your drains are slow-flowing or making gurgling noises, this could be a key sign that your sewer line is blocked.

2. Deteriorating Sewer Lines

Aging sewer lines become damaged over time, often leading to leaks and pipe breaks. Rusted or cracked sewer lines may require reconstruction or replacement. One of the best ways to know if your sewer pipes are in need of repair is to hire experts to inspect the sewer lines with a camera.

3. Overflowing Toilets

Toilets in commercial buildings typically get a lot of use each day. This increases the likelihood that commercial property owners will have to deal with a toilet overflow at some point. Never attempt to clean the overflow without taking safety precautions. Ingesting potentially contaminated water poses a dangerous health risk. A professional cleanup and restoration team can safely handle the emergency with proper knowledge and equipment.

Whether your commercial property in Shoreline, WA is experiencing hazardous flooding, or you just notice the warning signs of a blocked sewer, commercial building restoration specialists are available year-round to provide emergency services and regular maintenance to your commercial building.

Should I Change My Smoke Alarm Battery?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

The value of smoke alarms is undeniable. Help your devices work as they should by keeping the batteries fresh.

When To Refresh the Batteries in Your Home's Alarm

The vast majority of American homes are equipped with fire and smoke alarms. They add security against fire damage and injury, but only when they work. Replacing batteries on time can be the difference between an alarm that is effective and one that fails. When should you do it? Keep reading for tips on when to refresh the batteries in your Kenmore, WA, home’s alarm.

Experts estimate as many as 96 percent of American homes are equipped with either a fire or a smoke detector. But there remains a gap between how many are installed and how many work. As a result:

• Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms or alarms that don’t work
• Half of home fires in homes with alarms that failed were due to missing batteries

Fortunately, keeping your device working can be as easy as knowing when to perform basic checks.

Battery Type

Knowing your alarm’s battery type can help you know when to change it. If your home has a newer, lithium-powered battery, you’re good for a decade. Older alarms powered by a 9-volt battery need their batteries replaced annually.

Research Your Device

Smoke detectors don’t last forever. Get familiar with the owner’s manual that comes with your alarm. It can guide you on when your device will need fresh batteries or should be replaced entirely.

Heed the Beep

So-called nuisance alarms - that annoying beep that’s common when a smoke alarm is losing power - are a top reason many homeowners disconnect their devices. Sadly, this can have serious consequences. Instead of ignoring beeping, take it as a sign that it’s time to change the batteries.

The value of smoke alarms is undeniable. Help your devices work as they should by keeping the batteries fresh. Use these tips and any others from your local fire cleanup experts to help keep your alarms working properly.

Types of Electronic Damage That a Fire May Cause

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

A short circuit occurs as a result of the magnetic charge that is found in smoke

Here Are Some Common Types Of Electronic Damage

A fire in your Lake Forest Park, WA, business can cause damage to many areas of your commercial building. Among the various sources of harm, you may come across signs of damage to your electronic devices. Whether you’re dealing with damaged computers or tablets, it’s crucial to have them restored as soon as possible. Here are some common types of electronic damage that may result from an electrical fire.

Black Film

If you notice a black film on any of your electronics, this may indicate that they have been damaged by smoke. While you might notice this film on a device’s exterior, it may also be hidden on the interior parts of the object. A black film can cause a device to:

• Overheat
• Break down prematurely
• Have a shorter lifespan
  
  

To avoid dealing with these consequences, be sure to have the film removed immediately. When your electronics fail, it can cause you to lose money by paying for repairs and replacements.

Short-Circuiting

Devices that are damaged as a result of an electrical fire may also short-circuit. This occurs as a result of the magnetic charge that is found in smoke. In order to prevent your electronics from short-circuiting, it is vital to have the smoke removed from them as soon as you can.

Early Deterioration

Overheating isn’t the only form of damage that shortens a device’s lifespan. Early deterioration may also take place as a result of the acidic nature of soot. If any soot is left behind on your electronics after a fire, be aware of the effects of acidity.

If you have any electronics that have been harmed by smoke damage, be sure to call emergency restoration services immediately to bring them back to life. Trusting professionals to perform a computer cleanup or other restorative service can ensure that your devices receive the proper treatment that they need in the aftermath of an electrical fire.

The Responsibility of a Landlord To Prevent Mold Growth

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth behind baseboard.

How To Protect Yourself Against Mold

As a landlord, you bear certain responsibilities to your tenants. Among the most basic is to provide a living space that is clean and safe. The presence of mold in a rental unit represents an unclean and potentially unhealthy environment. In some cases, a landlord, property manager, contractor, or engineer can be sued or held liable for injuries or illnesses to tenants caused by mold. The conditions vary as to when you might be susceptible to actions against you. To protect yourself against mold insurance claims, the following steps could be helpful:

• Rely on your general liability insurance, though this could be subject to interpretation
• Purchase environmental insurance liability which could cover a mold infestation
• Take action to prevent the spread of mold
  
  

Mold Remediation

The surest way to protect against mold insurance claims by tenants, either residential or commercial, is to make sure mold does not spread in your properties. Since fungi thrives in warm, moist conditions, it is a good business practice to maintain properties and to address any water issues such as pipe leaks or roof leaks. If mold does appear, quick, aggressive action can take care of the problem. A local mold mitigation company in Shoreline, WA, can arrive on scene fast and provide an inspection and assessment of the property. Mold testing is important since it will reveal how much mold is present and what strain. With fast action, a mold claim against the property owner can be avoided.

Mold Facts

Mold naturally occurs in the environment and is just about everywhere, albeit in low densities. There are hundreds of different types of mold, only a few of which are likely to cause a problem to homeowners or commercial property owners. Mold can grow on paper, drywall, cloth, wood, and other surfaces. Under the right conditions, mold colonies can form and spread in 48-72 hours. Mold insurance claims can be prevented by quick and effective mold remediation services.

How To Avoid Accidental Activation of Your Fire Sprinklers

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

From a minor leak to a natural disaster, SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville is here to help.

Thorough and consistent sprinkler maintenance is essential in Woodinville, WA. Not only is maintenance important to ensure your fire sprinkler system operates properly if a fire starts, it is also a key factor in the prevention of sprinkler system malfunctions, including accidental activation. For as much damage as a fire can cause, accidental activation of fire sprinklers can be costly as well. To help prevent unintentional activation of your sprinkler system, keep these five factors in mind.

1. Perform Regular Maintenance

Routine inspections and maintenance must be performed appropriately. Otherwise, regular wear and tear may not be addressed in a timely manner, which can increase the likelihood of accidental activation. Regular maintenance in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards can help alleviate this risk.

2. Prevent Freezing

If your sprinkler pipes freeze, the ice within them can damage the components of the sprinkler system and trigger accidental discharge of water once the ice melts. Sprinkler pipe routes should be assessed for freeze potential prior to installation. Antifreeze loops can be installed to help prevent freezing.

3. Address High Heat Areas

Identify sprinkler heads located near areas of high heat. Even without a fire, it may be possible for those sprinklers to reach a temperature high enough to unintentionally activate your system. In such locations, you should use sprinklers rated for higher temperatures.

4. Plan Ahead for Aging Parts

As your system ages, corrosion of pipes, fittings, and valves can become a concern. While routine inspections and sprinkler maintenance should identify issues in time to address them, it is important to be aware of these risks and plan for them in advance.

5. Exercise Caution and Care

Treat your sprinkler system with care. Do not hang items from pipes or sprinkler heads, paint over them, or otherwise modify your system without professional support.

Properly installed and maintained sprinkler systems are a key component in mitigating the risk of damage from both water and fire. Every business owner wants to be confident that his or her fire sprinklers will activate only in the event of an actual fire. Regular sprinkler maintenance with careful attention to detail can help prevent accidental activations. 

3 Tips To make handling a Canceled Flight Easier

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

No one enjoys a canceled flight, but it can be wise to prepare just in case

Things You Can Do If a Storm Causes a Delayed or Canceled Flight

Whether you're leaving your home in Bothell, WA, to travel for work or for leisure, an issue with your flight can be frustrating. However, there are several things you can do to keep calm and comfortable if a storm causes a delayed or canceled flight.

1. Strategically Pack Your Carry-On

What you pack in your carry-on can make a big difference if your flight is delayed or canceled. Bringing extra clothes can ensure that you're comfortable wherever you go, and keeping your toothbrush and toothpaste with you can help you to feel refreshed. It's also generally useful to bring along something to keep you entertained while you wait at a hotel or at the airport, such as a book, your phone, or crossword puzzles.

2. Ask Your Airline About Compensation

Though every airline has different policies, it's often helpful to inquire about your airline's compensation policy if your flight is delayed or canceled. Some airlines will cover the cost of connecting flights or will offer a voucher for a hotel, taxi, or food. Even if you don't receive compensation for your delayed or canceled flight, it's often useful to contact the airline in order to receive help rebooking your ticket.

3. Ask a Friend or Family Member To Check On Your House

After a storm causes an issue with your flight, the last thing you'll want is to come home to a house that has sustained storm damage. Though emergency restoration services can often assist in mitigation and restoration efforts, it's usually preferable to prevent damage, to begin with. When it comes to storm tips and preparing for a trip, you can often prevent major problems by asking someone you trust to check on your house to make sure everything is okay when you're gone.

No one enjoys a delayed or canceled flight, but it can be wise to prepare just in case you find yourself waiting in an airport or staying an extra night away from home. Strategically packing your carry-on bag, asking about compensation, and asking someone to check on your home while you're away can help you to handle a canceled or delayed flight like a pro.

Why Your Fire Alarm Is Beeping and What You Should Do About It

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Always give maintenance to your fire alarms in your Bothell, WA home.

Why Is Your Fire Alarm Beeping and What Should You Do?

Have you ever heard an annoying chirp inside your Bothell, WA, home? It is likely coming from your smoke detector. Once you figure out the source of the noise, you must determine why the fire alarm is beeping. Here are three common types of smoke detector beeps and what to do about them.

1. Consistent Smoke Alarm Beeps

Sometimes, the detector will chirp at consistent intervals throughout the day. This could be a sign that the alarm has malfunctioned.

Without a functioning detector, you may not discover a blaze until it has already caused severe fire damage to your home. You should thus replace a defective alarm as soon as possible.

Consistent chirping could also be evidence of a battery malfunction. Press the “test” button on the alarm and listen for a loud sound. If you do not hear one, you should replace the battery. To do this, simply remove the detector’s cover and take out the batteries. Then put new batteries inside the device. Run another test to see if the alarm is working properly.

2. Erratic Fire Alarm Beeps

Erratic, irregular chirps from your smoke alarm could also be evidence of a battery issue. If the batteries are functioning, the alarm could be sounding due to extreme temperatures. The detector will chirp if it is too close to an HVAC system or open window.

3. Fast and Loud Smoke Detector Beeps

Loud and fast beeps usually indicate that there is a fire in your home. If you suspect a blaze is present, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911. You may also want to contact smoke damage cleanup professionals who can assist with the restoration of your home.

Understanding the different causes of smoke detector chirps should help you respond appropriately to the annoying beeps. If your fire alarm is beeping erratically, you may just need to change the batteries. However, if the chirps are fast and loud, you may have a fire in your home.

What To Know About Storm Water Damage Cleanup

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

There are three categories of damage due to water.

What You Should Know About Storm Water Cleanup

Homeowners know that they’re responsible for taking care of property needs, including repairs and cleanups. This includes damage due to water, which can range from an overflowing sink to flooding from a storm event. If you ever experience this type of damage in your home in Shoreline, WA, you should contact a provider of damage restoration services for cleanup and full repair. That said, not every type of damage is the same, especially when it comes to cleaning.

Understanding Water Damage Categories

There are three categories of damage due to water:

• Category 1: Also known as clean water, this includes damage from a broken pipe or overflowing water without contaminants.
• Category 2: Sometimes called grey water, this category refers to damage from water that contains contaminants, such as discharge from a dishwasher or washing machine.
• Category 3: Damage in this category comes from flooding, rising groundwater, sewage backup, or seawater. Also known as black water, category 3 water is the most severe, containing unsanitary agents.

Water in categories 1 and 2 can become categories 2 and 3 respectively if left unattended.

Cleaning Up Damage

Cleanup should be handled by a professional, especially flood damage, which often involves unsanitary agents, pathogens, and toxins. It’s important that the actual destruction be correctly assessed and the proper remediation techniques are employed. This includes disinfection, advanced cleaning, removal of items, drying methods, and ventilation. What might look like a certain level of damage to you may be worse after professional evaluation.

While you never hope to have flooding in your home in Shoreline, WA it’s important to recognize the gravity of the situation. No two situations are the same, so it’s crucial to hire a pro to make a professional assessment. They’ll understand the key differences between the types of water damage and how to restore your place to pre-damage conditions as quickly and as efficiently as possible.