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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Mold Damage Tips

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts: 

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours. 
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems. 
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting. 

What to Do: 

  • Stay out of affected areas. 
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 
  • Contact SERVPRO® for mold remediation services. 

What Not to Do: 

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold. 
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. 
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself. 
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. 

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO® has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. 

March 2024 CE Courses for Insurance Agents

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

Person's hand typing on a laptop. Calling all insurance agents!

Calling all insurance agents! SERVPRO® is hosting a complimentary CE course webinar on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. If you need continuing education credits, our team is Here to Help®!  

The following webinar will be held on March 6, 2024: 

 
9:30 AM - 11:30 PM: Biohazard Cleanup Webinar (2 Credits – Course Number: 85805) 

Registration for the class begins at 8:30 AM and goes on until 9:30 AM. Attendees who sign up for the webinar will be required to have their web camera and microphone on throughout the entirety of the class. The webinar link to access the class will be sent via the provided email the week of the class. 

All attendees are required to register for the courses by Friday, March 1, 2024. Class space is limited. Email marketing@rdmhc.com to learn more about registering! 

Vandalism and Graffiti

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Vandalism in a building Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting.

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. 

SERVPRO® will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. Our highly trained technicians can offer the following services: 

  • General cleaning and graffiti removal 
  • Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning 
  • Odor removal and deodorization 
  • Debris removal 

If you experience vandalism damage or unwanted graffiti on your residential or commercial property, SERVPRO® of West Sterling Heights can help get your property back to preloss condition. Call us today at 586-480-2400.  

Sewage and Toilet Overflows

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

A sewage overflow Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible.

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. 

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO® will inspect any contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business. 

The three types of contaminated water are: 

Category 1: "Clean Water" 

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants. 

Category 2: "Gray Water" 

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow. 

Category 3: "Black Water" 

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. 

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business. 

Air Duct Cleaning for Your Home

8/27/2023 (Permalink)

Dirty air ducts Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following: 

  • Dust 
  • Pollen 
  • Odors 
  • Dirt and debris 
  • Other contaminants 

SERVPRO® professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. 

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system. 

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include: 

  • Helps to restore peak energy efficiency. 
  • May help to eliminate offensive odors. 
  • Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.