Everett Homeowners Benefit From Clear Information on Mold Damage

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians are ready with personal protective equipment and equipment to remediate mold damage in Everett.

SERVPRO Resources Simplify Everett Mold Restoration

It is common to feel apprehensive and even demand immediate answers when you notice signs of mold damage in your house. You may feel that the information you seek, such as whether the contamination is restricted to one area or widespread, is hard to come by, or the professionals you seek help from do not clearly understand the problems you face. SERVPRO can allay any fears regarding the infestation at your Everett home by listening to your concerns and exploring viable remediation procedures.

The approach used by the company handling Everett households with mold damage plays a critical role in determining the level of satisfaction for the affected parties. With any property loss, apportioning the blame or showing a superiority complex to the aggrieved party serves no purpose and only heightens the feeling of dissatisfaction. SERVPRO crews show empathy since we understand it is not your desire to stay in a contaminated house. Also, instead of coming across as superior and know-it-all, we choose to listen and take good notes that can elucidate the genesis of the problem.

Crucial information that helps:

• History of past water leaks
• History of structural repairs
• The state of appliances or fixtures

The primary trigger of any cases involving mold is moisture reaching unwanted house areas. Such moisture can accumulate for various reasons, including structural breaches such as roof leaks or plumbing leaks. Sometimes, negligence is to blame rather than the severity of the leak. For instance, when leaks occur, and no one bothers to check concealed areas such as wall and floor cavities, they can act as moisture reservoirs that sustain the mold colonies that sprout later. Improperly fixed structural areas can fail quickly, creating new moisture sources. Repairs can also interfere with other things, such as the ventilation systems leading the structure to retain humidity. Such background information helps SERVPRO develop the right strategy to fight mold over the long term rather than only resolve immediate contamination.

Feedback on Mold-related Issues

Sometimes you may doubt the solutions suggested by a restorer because of how the information is laid out. Our SERVPRO crews observe ultimate professionalism throughout the process. For instance, on arrival, we let the customer show us the damages and areas of concern while maintaining a neutral demeanor. We reserve opinions on whether materials are salvageable or unsalvageable until we can pretest the damage.  

Categories of mold damage:

• Visual changes and stains
• Physical deterioration
• Soiling
• Odors 

Mold develops on almost all surface types. However, only organic materials deteriorate from such contamination. The only thing you can worry about for inorganic materials is soiling, which cleaning can readily address. Staining is another issue that we can readily handle. Stains primarily affect fabrics such as draperies, carpets, or even clothes and develop because of the different color shades of mold colonies. 

Structural areas such as ceilings and walls bear the brunt of mold contamination because they are organic materials. They are assemblies made up of drywall panels, insulation, and structural framing. Mold readily colonizes all these materials leading to significant deterioration. Our SERVPRO technicians carry out controlled demolition removing unsalvageable porous materials. Then we can clean, dry, and seal structural supports to prevent a recurrence. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe considers all angles when addressing mold damage to ensure satisfactory outcomes. Call us at (360) 243-8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Approaches Everett Professional's Use Against Severe Water Damage

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crew arrives to mitigate water damage from residential and commercial properties in Everett.

SERVPRO Unravels Everett Water Restoration Challenges

Water damage can be classified as severe if the level of deterioration is high or if the affected section presents challenges that can interfere with standard restoration procedures. Characteristic conditions that result in such outcomes include extended moisture exposure when water is left stagnating in a building over an extended period. Another alternative is when the affected part of the structure is an assembly of different materials. A professional can help you easily overcome such challenges in your Everett home.

The most critical aspect of addressing Everett water damage is understanding the spread patterns and whether any barriers can interfere with water evacuation. Moisture barriers lengthen the time it takes to complete extraction or create hidden moisture pockets. Both outcomes are not ideal since wastage of resources and development of secondary damages are likely. With the evaluation done by SERVPRO, it is easy to find sound solutions for both issues.

When the wetness affects standard materials, controlling damage requires creating ideal drying conditions on the material's surface. That allows moisture to escape from the materials to the surrounding air, halting further deterioration or reversing the moisture's negative effects on the substance. For instance, swollen wood regains its usual form once the absorbed water is reduced.

Ideal drying conditions include:

• Sufficient airflow
• Warm temperature
• Humidity control

The Challenge of Structural Assemblies

Many sections of a home are made from combinations of different materials known as assemblies. In most cases, these materials have varying physical properties like varying levels of porousness and permeability. Porousness describes the material structure regarding the void spaces present, while permeability is the ease at which moisture passes through a material. In terms of physical properties, materials range from thick layers of solid materials with uniform properties to thin layered materials with varying properties. Typical assemblies include ceilings, staircases, and floors.

Restoring assemblies requires sufficient power to remove the water absorbed into materials, thus halting water damage. Our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified technicians are equipped with enough air movers and dehumidifiers to facilitate drying. The air movers ensure sufficient airflow around the wet areas. Dehumidifiers extract the moisture released into the air, thus sustaining constant drying speeds. 

Other properties complicating the restoration of assemblies

• Vapor barriers
• Conditioned and unconditioned surfaces
• Moisture entrapment in concealed areas

The efforts to restore an assembly after water intrusion can fail if there is a vapor barrier that interferes with evaporation. Vapor barriers can be layers of gloss paint, wallpapers, or 4-mil plastic sheets installed behind drywall. If the barrier is not addressed, drying might not be successful regardless of the number of drying equipment used. You can address vapor barriers in different ways, including perforation or disassembling the affected areas.

When an area is conditioned and unconditioned, it is necessary to ensure that the drying processes can work for both. Our SERVPRO technicians incorporate additional steps apart from standard drying equipment when drying unconditioned areas. For instance, we can set up drying chambers to ensure airflow or dehumidification is contained within a specific site such as an attic. When drying walls, we drill vent holes at the base of the wall allowing circulation of warm, dry air in the wall's interior.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe works with diligence to counter any challenges related to water damage. Call us at (360) 243 8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Challenges Fabrics in Everett Homes Present After Fire Damage

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

You can trust that your Everett home is in good hands with the technicians at SERVPRO with the equipment and training to help restore your home.

Better Prepared SERVPRO Eases Everett Fire Restoration

You might be expecting significant physical damage in your Everett home when it is engulfed in a fire. However, when there are limited combustible materials to sustain it, or the firefighting response is rapid enough, the flames can die down before they cause extreme fire damage. However, that does not always save you from significant restoration work. Widespread soiling is likely, and some affected materials like area rugs can be challenging to clean. 

Ordinarily, soiling in Everett homes after fire damage arises from smoke residues settling on surfaces. Vertical surfaces such as walls and elevated areas like the ceiling collect most of the deposits as the smoke rises since it is hotter than the surrounding air in the rooms. However, soiling on the floor and other lower sections of the house is also likely. Such soiling may be caused by the people who enter the property during the fire or immediately after it is put out. Foot traffic spreads soot and other residues and sets such materials because people's bodyweight forces them deeper into the fibers of materials. When SERVPRO handles restoration, carpets and rug soiling can be limited through a cautious entry. We also use professional cleaning approaches.

Steps for cleaning area rugs 

• Pre-inspection
• Pretesting
• Cleaning

The challenge of cleaning fabrics during fire restoration is often aggravated by misunderstanding all aspects of the problem. The fibers in materials and the soils deposited from combustion vary and can lead to a complicated or straightforward restoration process. Our SERVPRO technicians avoid such headaches by taking steps that provide sufficient information about the loss. Pre-inspection and pretesting help avail the necessary information.

How Pretesting Differs from Pre-Inspection

Pre-inspection helps establish the level of problems affecting the fabric. The issues include those created by the fire and any pre-existing ones. SERVPRO does restoration to a preloss state, so any changes developed before the fire might be beyond the scope of the restoration procedures we implement. 

Pre-inspection establishes

• Level of soiling
• Color changes
• Symmetry and wear
• Insect damage or infestation

Pretesting is equally essential in resolving fire-related problems. Among other things, it helps establish the best cleaning approach. Because most area rugs are patterned or multicolored, they can be permanently damaged by shrinkage, dyes running, staining, and other problems that develop during the cleaning phase. 

Pretesting involves simple or advanced processes that help establish the characteristics of the affected fabrics, especially any vulnerabilities. Our SERVPRO IICRC UFT-Certified technicians identify an inconspicuous rug section and apply a small amount of the strongest cleaning product we intend to use during restoration. We then clamp a white towel over the spot. If the agent can cause dye bleeding, color should be transferred to the towel within 15 minutes. 

Other crucial tests include shrinkage and chemical tests. These tests offer guidance on the ideal pH levels for cleaning solutions and the safe temperature to use if the cleaning solutions are heated. In most cases, a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5 is ideal. Restorers should also keep the cleaning solution temperature below 150°F. We also take additional precautions, such as asking for a copy of the manufacturer's cleaning directions if you still have it.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe takes care of challenging cleaning tasks restoring fire damage "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (360) 243-8313.

Let Professionals Handle Your Mold Damage Concerns in Everett

3/19/2023 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home is never a welcome sight. Call the SERVPRO technicians to investigate the cause and remediate the mold damage in your home.

Why SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology During Mold Damage Cleanup in Everett

There are several reasons why SERVPRO is rated highly in the provision of mold damage remediation services. When you face a mold situation, you need to work with a team that guarantees peace of mind since mold remediation is subject to building codes and regulations. Our team is certified to work in the area and complies with the set standard.

When offering mold damage cleanup services in Everett, our SERVPRO technicians use several advanced technologies for greater success. We understand that the spores can spread quickly and are difficult to capture, especially when they hide behind walls and other places which are hard to reach. Using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems makes it possible to capture the spores and prevent further contamination.

Using negative air machines can also prevent the spread of mold spores to uncontaminated areas. When the machines run, they create a pressure difference between the surrounding regions and the contaminated area. Air gets drawn into the affected area, and before it enters the region, it gets HEPA filtered to remove mold particles, and then it is directed to the outside.

For mold to grow, moisture must exist in the area. So, one of the things our SERVPRO technicians do is to detect moisture using specialized equipment. Some equipment we use to detect and measure moisture levels accurately include moisture meters, infrared cameras, and thermo-hygrometers. After that, we use appropriate drying techniques to solve the moisture problem.

When mold has reached the air ducts, we may use UV-C light technology to neutralize the spores and reduce the exposure risk. The goal is to prevent possible health effects. Working with skilled professionals for effective and efficient mold removal and cleanup is always advisable.

Consider contacting SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 for a speedy and effective mold remediation process. We use the latest technology to control the situation safely and lower the chances of future contamination.

Some Fire Damage Restoration Methods Used in Local Everett Homes

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be quite overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services. Our technicians are standing by.

Fire Damage Restoration Reduces Replacement Costs

Fire is a complicated thing, used in Everett to heat our homes, cook, and warm up our water supply. It can also destroy the same aspects of our lives if it gets out of our control. A highly skilled fire restoration team with experience and training can turn this terrible event into a distant memory for your family.

To do this for your home in Everett, our fire damage restoration crew must utilize several different techniques. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all process we can use to restore the assorted elements affected by heat, soot, and direct contact with flames.

The restoration of higher-cost furnishings keeps total expenses low compared to the replacement costs of those items. Some of these items in your home include:

• Wood flooring, 
• Painted walls and ceilings, and
• Wooden surfaces.

Instead of removing slightly damaged flooring and replacing it with new, we can clean it. Because wood flooring is a very porous material, not only does it absorb soot, but it can also retain large amounts of water from putting out the fire. We use flushing-out with clean water, vacuuming, and deodorizing to clean and recondition your beautiful floors.

Swirling smoke contains sticky particles that easily adhere to surfaces everywhere, including painted walls and ceilings. Because smoke residues are so abrasive, they are difficult to remove and quickly bleed through regular paints, including primers. We use a shellac or other sealer to prevent bleeding through fire-related particles.

Many fine furniture items contain wooden accents and trims. We get these polished for you again, applying oils and finishes as needed. The upholstered portions, including leather and woven fabrics, require other approaches, including vacuuming, brushing, shampooing, and wiping down with dampened towels.

SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe performs restoration work under our General Contractor License (#SERVPES871RD. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for dependable professionals.

Water Damage and Utility Rooms in Everett

1/15/2023 (Permalink)

After a water damage situation, the key is knowing who to turn to. Contact SERVPRO as we are available 24/7 - 365 days a week.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Help with Water Cleanup

Water emergencies can occur in any part of the home, but the most common places are utility rooms. Washing machines and dishwashers are connected directly to the water mains in the house. A loose connection can cause significant quantities of water to leak onto the tiles beneath and can often go unnoticed overnight. While it can be tempting to mop up the excess water, a proper inspection can help to save expenses in the long run. In high quantities, liquids can seep through cracks in tile or grouting and penetrate the subfloor beneath. With exposure to moisture, a subfloor can warp, leading to further cracking in the tiles above and becoming at risk of microbial infestation.

SERVPRO can help with the following:

• Water damage restoration
• Water Cleanup
• Water mitigation

Confronting water damage early in your Everett home can make all the difference. Water intrusion decays, leading to more extensive damage if left alone. Most utility rooms are fitted with ceramic tiles installed on top of the plyboard due to their natural resistance to moisture and small spills. However, that same moisture resistance can make the plyboard backing difficult to dry without removing the tiles altogether. SERVPRO technicians may try to dry the plyboard from the other side by accessing the crawlspaces and deploying a box fan or air-mover. Sometimes, drilling holes in the board can aid air circulation allowing the backing material to dry correctly and reduce secondary damages.

Restoring wet utility rooms

• Drying the floor from underneath can help to reduce claims expenses by eliminating the need to remove and re-tile utility rooms.
• Drilling holes in the floor can help technicians to monitor the subfloor and prevent warping or buckling.
• Non-penetrating moisture meters are used to check for moisture migration behind tiled floor surfaces.

Professional assistance can prevent an accident from becoming a serious problem. Contact SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for water damage restoration at (360) 243-8313.

Resource for Water Cleanup in Everett Commercial Spaces

12/18/2022 (Permalink)

After a water damage event, quick cleanup and remediation is key. Contact us right away should your commercial space suffer from a water intrusion.

Water Removal in Everett with SERVPRO

There are various situations where your Everett commercial premises might suffer water damage. For example, a burst pipe might cause a sudden flood. The effects can devastate your business since you risk facing downtime while dealing with the menace. However, it can be more manageable than it sounds. A little preparation, a plan of action, and rapid response from professionals such as SERVPRO can significantly minimize property destruction and quickly get you back to business.

Proper moisture removal and drying during water cleanup in Everett commercial premises are critical as it helps prevent any long-term problems. Mold growth after moisture intrusion in a building is common and can begin 24-48 hours after the incident. Starting extraction and drying fast is the best defense against mold infestation. SERVPRO can provide timely intervention against the effects of indoor humidity, thus preventing large-scale losses.

Risk factors from moisture in commercial buildings

• Decay and corrosion in structural materials
• Damage to machinery
• Damage to stored goods                                                       

Regulating moisture problems in commercial spaces

Water molecules move freely; hence when in contact with materials, what matters is the unique properties of each material. For example, if moisture comes in contact with a surface with a strong affinity for water, such as wood, it spreads fast across the surface. Most building materials are porous to some degree and tend to accumulate moisture. Excess water can lead to costly repairs in extensively damaged materials if extracted after a while. SERVPRO has a wide variety of extraction equipment to facilitate timely and convenient moisture management.

Extraction and drying equipment

• Dry/wet vacuums
• Portable and truck-mounted extractors
• LGR and desiccant dehumidifiers
• Structural cavity-drying equipment

Get in touch with SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe to take care of the water cleanup in your commercial premises. You can reach us at (360) 243-8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Storm Flooding in Everett Causes Layers of Damage

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Floodwaters contain contaminants, SERVPRO can safely remove the water and damaged materials from your home.

SERVPRO Helps Everett Residents with Flood Damage Repair

Flooding during a storm can bring immense damage and costs for Everett businesses and homeowners. Whether you feel flooding is not expected with an upcoming storm or live in an area not tagged as a flood zone, remember that significant storm fronts can change everything. When you have flooding throughout your interior that involves category 3 floodwater with contamination, you need skilled technicians to tackle the cleanup and repair work. This is where SERVPRO comes in – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, including emergency response and disaster crews.

Homeowners in Everett with flood damage may need to realize how common it can be. If you are unsure of your risks for flooding, you can consult local flood zone maps to determine if you should take precautions should heavy storms be predicted.

How Does Flood Damage Impact the Home?

Whether you have a basement or crawlspace, floodwater can infiltrate and even wick up into your first floor. Contaminated waters are hazardous, so you must reduce risks by keeping people and pets away from them until SERVPRO arrives for water removal services.

• Contamination – Floodwaters harbor many contaminants, including chemicals, vermin, fecal matter, fuel, and more.
• Structural Hazards – Damage to structural elements like flooring or support beams can occur from water pressure during the flood.
• Odors – Musty, foul odors could develop from floodwaters or mildew growth. These odorous particulates must get addressed by skilled Odor Control Technicians (OCT).

SERVPRO arrives at your door within four hours or less with each emergency flooding or water damage call. We begin the assessment, containment, and water removals using pumps and extractors to handle all standing water and debris. Our crew also sets up drying equipment and dehumidifiers in tandem to help quickly restore relative humidity to bring down moisture levels. We repair or replace building materials and finishing touches as needed to make everything “Like it never even happened.” – General Contractor License #: SERVPES871RD

Request help online or call SERVPRO of Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at (360) 243-8313 whenever you require flood damage assistance.

Why Reputable Mold Remediation Companies Are Best in Everett

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says controlling RH relative humidity in your Everett home can help prevent mold damage

Trained SERVPRO Technicians Help Everett Residents Address Mold Damage

Nothing is worse than the foul, musty odor we all associate with mold and mildew. Even if you cannot spot visible patches of black mold in your Everett home, increased moisture and the damp must-like odor are two telltale signs of an issue developing. SERVPRO technicians are trained to address the root cause of your mold problem, helping you remedy the issue and clean all surfaces to ensure all people and pets within your home can breathe easily again.

Our multi-level process and proven methods

Did you know that water damage restoration and addressing mold damage in Everett often go hand-in-hand? Whenever microscopic mold spores begin to colonize, there is usually some underlying moisture problem, ceiling leaks, or a slow leak within your pipes. If you recently tried DIY water cleanup, you may have missed hidden moisture that created secondary damage.

How does SERVPRO handle mold damage?

Following safe standards set forth by the IICRC, our certified mold remediation technicians leave no stone unturned. Our methods generally follow the following steps:

• Containment with poly sheeting and negative air pressure
• Standing water removal and addressing hidden leaks
• Work on restoring relative humidity (RH) with dehumidification equipment
• Careful mold cleanup and removal/replacement of unsalvageable materials
• Increasing airflow and movement to facilitate drying
• Application of EPA-registered antibacterial and antimicrobial agents

Why is relative humidity an issue?

The RH in the air dictates moisture held at specific temperatures. When the RH is high, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Our crew has all the advanced technology and tools to address RH and achieve our drying goals faster than any DIY method could achieve, if at all.

Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe, and we can send out our Green Fleet as soon as possible to restore mold damage. Request help online or call us at (360) 243-8313.

Fire Damage Alters Homes in Everett in Unexpected Ways

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

What Can Fire Damage in Everett Be Like?

A house fire can happen any time of the year in Everett. Fire damage can leave your home unlivable and many of your items irreparably damaged. Some belongings, though, sit under layers of soot and oils that steadily harden as it becomes adhered to the exterior of your otherwise undamaged belongings. 

SERVPRO technicians use IICRC-approved methods to mitigate fire damage in Everett. These same techniques consistently provide property owners worldwide with the results needed to get their lives back to normal. The calculations, the equipment, and the terminology might all seem strange and complicated. Still, our workers are highly trained and understand how to make it all work for your benefit. 

Here are some facts about our fire damage techniques:

• We don’t point air movers directly at damp surfaces,
• Tools range from foamy brushes to sandblasting equipment, and
• Some methods require more than one attempt, and that’s normal.

It is crucial to the restoration work in your home that you not adjust any of our equipment, including our air movers. These devices should rarely, if ever, point directly at a wall. A direct blast of air would only drive moisture more profound into the material, not out of it. 

Tiny brushes poofed high with soap suds for detailing soot-covered antiques can do a lot of good in the hands of an experienced restorer. Sandblasting equipment removes charred areas on wood and reveals the fresh, undamaged wood underneath. We use ice pellets for this instead of sand, of course. It even removes the foul odor!

Soot continues to break down into smaller pieces that rise into the air on air currents. Odor control becomes an ongoing task, as does removing dusty soot layers from your home. We can use air scrubbers to help ease this task and thermal fogging.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe has excellent techniques for this and any other disaster that might affect your residence. Call us at (360) 243-8313.