The Importance of Fast Response to Commercial Property Damage

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Doylestown is available 24 hours a day.

The Importance of Fast Response

Anything can happen in a 24-hour span, including incidents that damage New Briton, PA, businesses. When you look for a vendor of restoration and cleanup services, you might prefer one that can respond to situations at any time and quickly. Learn more about the importance of fast response and how some vendors specifically focus on this feature.

24/7 Accessibility Is Important

Disasters can strike at any point, from fires and floods to storms and mold infestations. Your clients need access to immediate help the moment they find something wrong within their facility. A remediation company that provides 24/7 access can record their situation properly and send help fast. Greater access also instills more trust with the clients. They can call when the damage first manifests and is easier to control and repair, which reduces potential costs.

Damage Progression

Damage can increase during the first few minutes and especially after a day. For instance, if a client has water damage, the effect may progress over the following timeline:

• Objects absorb water and begin to discolor, swell and warp after a few minutes
  
• Stains, cracks and odor manifest the 24 hour period
  
• Mold and mildew develop between 48 hours up to a week
  
• Damage becomes biohazardous and expensive to repair after a week
  
  

Most types of damage tend to spread when they are left unattended. Look for a company that values quick action, especially when it offers a concrete response schedule.

How SERVPRO Stands Out

Certain companies such as SERVPRO are always open to business owners when they need them the most. After a call is made, they usually respond within the hour to arrange an appointment. A team of professionals will arrive at the client's location near New Briton, PA, within four hours. Finally, a detailed inspection and a complete verbal briefing of it would be done within eight hours, long before significant damage sets in.
Commercial property damage can spread and escalate over time, which makes matters difficult for you and your clients. Find a restoration company that offers 24-hour services for the best results.

What Is IICRC Certification?

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC training school that offers training in certified cleaning and restoration methods, as well as a mitigation certificate.

What Is IICRC Certification?

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a third-party certification agency for the restoration industry. The IICRC is a member and accredited standards developer for the American National Standards Institute and also develops and maintains BSR standards. Find out more about these standards and the certification process.

ANSI and BSR Standards

A number of standards fall under the purview of this organization. These standards cover most of the major types of restoration:

• ANSI S500 for Professional Water Damage Restoration
  
• ANSI S520 for Professional Mold Remediation
  
• BSR S700 for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
  
  

There are many other standards pertaining to cleaning, maintaining and restoring other types of materials. This certifying body develops and maintains these standards in cooperation with ANSI to establish best practices for the professional mitigation and restoration industry.

Employee and Franchise Certification

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC training school that offers training in certified cleaning and restoration methods, as well as a mitigation certificate. A wide range of certifications are available for specific contents and materials as well as different types of disaster cleanup and restoration:

• Applied Structural Drying Technician
  
• Carpet Cleaning Technician
  
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
  
• Mold Removal Specialist
  
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
  
  

In order to be considered certified, a firm must employ at least one trained Technician. Franchise owners and employees can also participate in continuing education and e-learning programs. Cleaning and restoration technicians are required to earn 14 continuing education credit hours of approved instruction every four years. SERVPRO makes it possible for franchise owners and employees to earn and maintain this industry-leading certification.

IICRC certification makes it more likely that insurance company vendor networks will include a franchise or local company in Cheltenham, PA. For the best results, insurance representatives and homeowners should make sure that the mitigation and restoration service they plan to use holds this industry-leading certification.

No, Your Leaky Toilet Is Not Normal

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet can cause significant damage to your property.

A Leaking Toilet Is Not Normal

To get the most out of your Buckingham, PA, home, you need a functional, attractive and comfortable bathroom. Few things can ruin its condition faster than a leaking toilet. If your commode leaks every time you flush, you may have a bigger problem than you think.

Water Leaks Cause Significant Damage

A bathroom leak is not something you can take lightly. In fact, even a small leak can cause serious damage. If you have a leaky toilet, you may find damage to the following:

• Toilet
  
• Tile
  
• Carpeting
  
• Subfloor
  
• Baseboard
  
  

Toilet Leaks Are Common

Leaky toilets are a common occurrence. Generally, assigning blame for a leaking toilet is not difficult. In many cases, a dry wax ring is the culprit. To seal properly, rings must remain moist and pliable. As the ring ages, cracks and brittleness can encourage a leak to form. On the other hand, improper installation may be the reason your toilet leaks. Either way, you should not ignore the problem.

Leaks Often Require Remediation

When you have a leak in your bathroom, you must take certain steps to deal with it. While repairing the toilet may stop the leak, it is still possible that you have serious secondary damage. Specifically, you may need to remove and replace damaged fixtures, flooring and other items. You may also need to address mold and mildew growth. Since containing mold requires specific equipment, knowledge and skill, it’s often a good idea to leave the job to a reputable mold remediation service.

If your commode leaks when flushing, you may think a leaking toilet is normal. It isn’t. Your toilet should not spill water onto the floor, but a leak can also cause significant damage. By understanding the typical causes of toilet leaks and knowing how to prevent them, you can keep your bathroom in tip-top shape.

5 Steps To Stop Constant Flushing

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

A toilet that flushes repeatedly can cause a lot of problems in your commercial building.

5 Ways to Stop Flushing Constantly

A toilet that flushes repeatedly can cause a lot of problems in your commercial building. It can result in toilet overflow, and it can significantly increase your utility bill. The flushometer is designed to flush a commercial toilet efficiently, but if it malfunctions, it keeps flushing, even when it doesn't need to do so. Here are five steps to fix the problem.

1. Turn Off Water

When you look at your manual flushometer, you should see the slot where the screwdriver head goes. Insert the screwdriver and turn until the water source is shut off. This will help prevent a toilet flood while you are working on it.

2. Take-Off Lid

Remove the lid of the flushometer. You may have to use a wrench to get it started, but after that, you should be able to unscrew it by hand.

3. Reveal the Gasket

When you remove the flange, you should see the gasket. The most cause of flushometer malfunction is a clogged gasket. Right away, you can tell if there is a problem because the gasket and possibly the weep hold will be full of sediment.

4. Clean the Gasket

Remove the gasket and clean it thoroughly to prevent further toilet overflow that has to be mitigated by water restoration professionals. Wash the gasket and, using a small tool such as a pin, clear out the weep hole port.

5. Reassemble the Flushometer

Place the cleaned gasket back into the flushometer. Screw the lid back on, tightening it with a wrench if necessary. Turn the water back on to see if the problem is resolved. If not, you may have to call a plumber in Chalfont, PA, who can stop a toilet from running.

It's important to make sure the plumbing in your commercial building is working properly. To prevent toilet overflow, clean the gasket on your flushometers regularly.

Key Areas to Assess for Mold Growth Inside Your Home

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

In the event of a flood, a clean-up and restoration specialist can provide professional assistance, including mold remediation.

Mold spores are very small, and they can grow in numerous areas of your home. The key ingredient for mold growth is moisture. How many items in your home encounter water on a regular basis? Your list may include dishes, the toilet, bathtub, shower, and dishwasher, and each of these items and many more are indeed susceptible to mold.

Appliances

Two appliances in your home that regularly utilize water are the dishwasher and washing machine. If you keep the doors or lids of these devices continuously closed, moisture may be constantly present, creating a potential breeding ground for mold. To reduce the risk, you should routinely clean these appliances according to manufacturer recommendations.

The Bathroom

Nearly everything you do inside your bathroom involves water, so it’s not uncommon for mold to grow in this area. Specific locations that you should routinely check include:
• Tile floors and showers
• Inside and around sinks
• Toilets
• Toothbrushes

To reduce the risk of mold in the bathroom, you should use mold-resistant caulking around your tub and sinks. You can also turn on the vent while taking a shower and wipe down the shower’s surface when you finish. To prevent mold growth on your toothbrush, you should replace it approximately every three months.

Hidden Spots

Mold can also find hiding places inside your home that are not readily visible. If your home floods from excessive rainfall or a burst pipe, you must quickly remove wet items and dry the affected area. Failing to remove saturated building materials may result in moldy drywall and mold-infested carpets. If moisture is not efficiently eliminated, you may also find mold on wooden cabinets and under laminate flooring.

A Manageable Problem

Mold growth is an unpleasant find for any homeowner in Chalfont, PA, but monitoring potential hiding spots inside your home can help you quickly address the issue, if it arises. Additional prevention strategies include efficiently addressing leaks and eliminating excessive moisture. In the event of a flood, a clean-up and restoration specialist can provide professional assistance, including mold remediation.

4 Reasons To Hire a Certified Mold Remediation Company

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you stop the growth of mold in your home.

Four Reasons to Hire a Certified Mold Removal Company

A certified mold remediation company can help you stop the growth of mold in your home. Some uncertified general contractors offer mold services, but you should consider hiring a company with up-to-date mold certification. A certified mold service in Chalfont, PA, can save you time and money by making informed choices at the right time.

1. Insurance companies prefer to work with mold remediation specialists that hold an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This certification is based on current professional standards for water damage restoration and mold remediation.

2. A company that holds IICRC should be able to provide the best mold remediation services available based on the consensus of experienced and knowledgeable scientists and health experts. Hygienists, microbiologists, and public health professionals work together to set these standards.

3. When you hire certified mold experts, you can count on their awareness of the best practices for mitigating mold as quickly and effectively as possible. It is important to contact a service as soon as you suspect that mold may be a problem, ideally within 24 hours after conditions conducive to mold growth occur anywhere in your home.

4. A reputable remediation company should follow established protocols for mold testing, diagnosis, containment, removal, disposal, and restoration. They should provide the services necessary to get rid of the mold in your home and not try to upsell unnecessary services. You may wish to obtain the opinion of an independent hygienist to consult before and after remediation.

These are just a few reasons why a certified mold restoration company is the best choice when you need to eradicate mold from your home in Chalfont, PA. The difference between having inexperienced contractors or experts with mold certification attempt remediation can significantly impact whether these repairs are covered by insurance as well as the long-term results of the mold restoration process.

3 Reasons Mold May Keep Returning To Your Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Buckingham, PA.

Why Does Mold Keep Returning Back?

When mold invades your Buckingham, PA, home, the results can be distressing. This can be especially true of black mold, which tends to grow quickly after a flood and may be difficult to remove. Understanding why this occurs and how to handle it may assist you with banishing this foul fungus from your home for good.

1. Using Bleach To Clean Mold
While bleach may seem like an effective mold cleanup solution, it can only make the problem worse. Mold thrives on moisture and the high water content in bleach usually only increases favorable conditions for growth. While bleach can change the color of mold patches and appears to affect it, it is likely the fungus will return and even grow faster afterward.

2. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes hidden away from sight, such as those in your basement, can cause black mold to return, even after repeated cleanings. Interior wall pipes in your basement and under kitchen or bathroom sinks that leak out of sight can cause mold patches to grow repeatedly. Checking hidden pipes at least a few times a year can resolve this issue and banish mold for good.

3. Ineffective DIY Solutions
Using mold solutions you can find at a local home hardware store may remove mold, but few stop it from returning. Mold spores may also travel through your home's heating and cooling pipes when you use do-it-yourself cleaning products, allowing those spores to settle elsewhere and grow anew. Contacting mold remediation and cleanup service can ensure any mold patches are cleaned up with commercial-grade solutions and that knowledgeable mold technicians provide you with long-term solutions that prevent fungi from re-invading your home.
It may seem that black mold appeared at your Buckingham, PA, home without warning after the initial cleaning. However, fungi can return quickly when the cleaning methods are not as effective as it needs to be, especially in the case of more serious growths.

How To Know if Belongings Should Be Restored or Replaced

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire and water damage in Doylestown, PA.

How To Know if Belongings Should Be Restored or Replaced

If your business in Doylestown, PA, has suffered from water or fire damage, you may be struggling to figure out what items should be replaced and what items should be restored. It can be difficult to figure out which option will be more cost-effective. SERVPRO's pretesting methods can help determine what can be restored to keep your insurance claim as low as possible.

Restoration
This water and fire restoration service can repair many different types of items, including:

• Upholstered furniture
  
• Photos and documents
  
• Fabric
  
• Electronics
  
• Carpet and rugs
  
  

They are able to clean soot off of surfaces, sanitize items, freeze-dry documents, prevent mold growth, and more.

Pretests
Insurance companies tend to prefer restoring items as opposed to replacing them. SERVPRO performs pretesting on items before attempting to restore them. This testing allows them to determine if an item can be restored before spending any time or money on efforts to restore the item. If they are able to restore an item, they will. If an item cannot be restored, they will recommend replacing it instead.

Insurance
Restoring belongings is generally less expensive than replacing them. SERVPRO of Doylestown, PA, saves you money by repairing as many items as possible, so you don't have to replace them. Testing belongings before restoring them also allows you to create a more accurate list of the costs associated with damages for your insurance agent. It also lowers your insurance claim by avoiding unnecessary restoration costs.
If your belongings have been damaged by water or fire, a restoration service that pretests damaged items can help. Pretesting is an important part of the restoration process. It allows the restoration service to determine what belongings can be restored before attempting to repair anything. This maximizes the number of items that are restored and minimizes costs associated with replacing items and unnecessary restoration attempts. Keeping those costs down lowers your insurance claim.

3 Ways Rain Can Lead to a Mold Problem

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can lead to mold growth in your home

3 Ways Rain Can Lead to a Mold Problem

All kinds of mold, including black mold, depend on moisture to grow. When it rains in New Briton, PA, your home becomes exposed to moisture. Normally, this is not a problem, since houses are designed to exclude moisture very effectively. When parts of your home are improperly maintained, however, moisture can infiltrate your home and cause a mold infestation.

1. Leaking Roofing
Deteriorating roofing is often responsible for water infiltrating residential buildings. Mold that develops as a result can spread from an attic to the rest of your house if not properly stemmed. While it may seem like thoroughly cleaning the surface of your roof is enough to prevent further leaks, this is often not the case. Roofing is a critical element of your home that needs to be fixed in order to avoid a moisture problem.

2. Leaking Drainage
Water vessels from outside can lead to black mold and other molds entering your home. Make sure to carefully inspect all of your drainage systems in order to ensure that no water is leaking in through cracks, drill holes, or contacting surfaces. If you do find a serious leak that has already caused water damage, it may be necessary to tear out and replace damaged surfaces.

3. Flooding
Severe weather events often lead to flooding that goes unnoticed by homeowners. During a storm, you should always check low areas in your home to see if water has seeped in. Make sure that your sump pump is working properly by testing it regularly. Basement flooding that goes undetected can lead to large-scale mold cleanup, so you should take preventative measures ahead of time.
News stories about black mold may have you concerned for your home and family. In truth, removing a mold infestation is possible after even the most serious weather events your family is likely to face. If you require a cleanup, contact a mold restoration company who will be able to deal with an infestation efficiently and safely.

How To Minimize Mold Exposure

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Doylestown, PA

As Soon As Anything Is Spotted, Complete The Following Three Steps

Discovering black mold on the property doesn't mean that the place is a total loss. Commercial owners in Doylestown, PA, can work to minimize the hazard, particularly if swift action is taken. By implementing certain actions, the spores may be limited to an area, permitting faster and more efficient cleanup.

1. Locate a Specialist Quickly
Infestations can be much deeper than surface level. The microscopic organisms penetrate porous objects. Surface level observations could miss a concern. For a thorough understanding of the trouble, contact a mold cleanup company to evaluate the room. They can pinpoint how much should be treated. If something is left unattended, then the first cleaning is useless. The mold can simply regrow, causing future problems.

2. Cut Off the Water Supply
Fungus requires certain properties to reproduce. When the spores interact with fluid and organic material, they have the perfect combination to foster additional black mold. It's essential, then, to eliminate the food source, turning off the water. If a pipe burst occurs, shut off the main valve. Leaks in the ceiling should be patched and fixed as soon as possible.
Strive for dry space. Any excess should be wiped up. Run dehumidifiers to extract humidity from the air, walls, and flooring. Tear out drenched structures. It's better to dispose of them and replace them with something new.

3. Establish a Containment Barrier
With the moisture problem under control, begin to secure the premises. Limit movement in and out of the affected zone. Spores can be moved through your own footsteps and clothing. The specialists should block off the room. In addition, shutting off the air circulation is important in keeping other sections from having issues. The ducts should be examined and scrubbed.
Black mold is a serious matter. Don't try to tend to it yourself. Use the help of professionals to mitigate the circumstances.

Top 5 FAQs About Mold

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most common types of residential mold

Study The Following Frequently Asked Questions

Mold growth is an extremely common issue that many homeowners do have to face at some point. Attempting to solve a mold issue can be daunting, especially for first-time homeowners. Study the following frequently asked questions if your home in Doylestown, PA, has fallen victim to a black mold problem.

1. What is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most common types of residential mold. Much like the name implies, it's typically black or dark green in color and looks like a dark stain spreading across the surface of the affected area.

2. What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold needs moisture in order to thrive. Water damage, flooding, excessive moisture, and other water-related issues are common causes. You're also likely to find mold growing on spoiled food items in your fridge or pantry.

3. Where Does Mold Usually Grow?
You're most likely to find mold growing in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement, or any other areas of your house that come into frequent contact with water.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism so it's natural to assume that you could kill it by depriving it of its vital nutrients. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to moisture and organic matter could potentially prevent it from spreading, but only temporarily. It won't actually kill the mold.

5. How Do You Get Rid of Mold?
Larger issues do require assistance from mold remediation experts. If your problem is smaller, you can tackle the issue by creating a non-toxic mold cleanup solution using equal parts water and white vinegar. Scrub the affected areas with a kitchen scrub brush dipped in this solution.
Black mold is tenacious, so you have to be tough when attempting to tackle the issue. Failure to resolve the problem quickly and correctly can only result in subsequent mold damage. The only way to be absolutely certain that your mold problem has been taken care of is to contact mold remediation experts.

What To Expect From the Professional Mold Elimination Process

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Chalfont, PA

Five Steps To Make Sure Mold Is Completely Removed

Have you discovered black mold in your Chalfont, PA, commercial building? It could be just the tip of the iceberg. A small mold problem can get out of hand fast, so it’s best to hire professional help when it comes to mold remediation. Experts take the following five steps to make sure the mold is completely removed and stays away for good.

1. Locate
First, the source of the moisture must be discovered. If the moisture is limited to a certain area (e.g., under a sink), that’s probably the extent of the growth. Faucets, fixtures and exposed plumbing are checked for leaks and/or water damage.

2. Protect
Personal protective equipment is important for personal safety and to keep cross-contamination at bay. A respirator made specifically for mold remediation is crucial. Also, ventless safety goggles and disposable gloves and shoe covers will be worn. Clothing should completely cover the skin.

3. Contain
Next, the area needs to be contained to prevent cross-contamination. Anything that moves the air (e.g, air conditioning and fans) has to be turned off and windows and doors closed. The smallest draft can send black mold spores flying through the air. Doorways often are sealed with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. All vents should be sealed in the same fashion so that mold spores can’t make their way into the ductwork.

4. Eliminate
The professionals will then begin the mold elimination process. Industrial-grade equipment and cleaners are used to remove the infestation; different techniques are employed to clean different areas and surfaces.

5. Clean
Mold-infested materials must be carefully removed from the affected area to avoid cross-contamination. Finally, the whole area is thoroughly cleaned before opening doorways and unsealing vents or running fans.
You can feel confident that all of the black mold is eliminated from your building when you hire mold cleanup experts. They can return your property to its pre-mold condition as quickly as possible.

5 Crucial Steps for Mold Cleanup

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

Our specialized filtration equipment allows us to capture microscopic #mold spores out of the air

5 Key Steps For Mold Cleanup

Removing mold from your home in Buckingham, PA, is a coordinated process that includes many critical steps. This is true whether your home harbors black mold or another strain of the invasive fungus. A professional mold mitigation company uses highly-trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment to clean a property of mold. Five key steps are at the heart of each successful mold cleanup.

1. Inspection and Assessment. A team of technicians arrives at your home quickly and gets to work. In a short time, they determine if mold is present and how extensive the outbreak is. They also begin to put together a plan for mold remediation.

2. Water Treatment. The presence of black mold or other strains of mold often indicates a water problem. Therefore technicians seek to locate a reason for high levels of humidity. Treating a water problem is critical to eliminating the conditions that allow for mold growth in your home.

3. Mold Containment. Microscopic mold spores are easy to spread throughout a home. Technicians use physical barriers and negative air chambers to contain mold. They are cautious about air currents and the use of the HVAC system as these actions can contribute to mold spread. By containing the mold, the cleanup process is quicker and less expensive.

4. Air Filtration. Special filtration equipment enables workers to capture the mold spores floating in the air. Powerful "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums are utilized to make sure as much mold as possible is removed from the property.

5. Restoration. Black mold and other strains of mold can cause significant damage to your home. The final step of the process involves repairing your home from the effects of mold. In some cases, this consists of doing some touching up of impacted areas and some painting. In homes with more extensive damage, this involves replacing drywall, installing new carpeting, and reconstructing a room.

How Digital Filing Systems Can Expedite Claims

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Claims Information Center is a useful tool that allows you, the insurance agent, to manage and organize project files.

As an insurance agent, are you still using manual methods for research and claims management? Do you have a filing cabinet filled to the brim with open cases? Don't you think a digital filing system would ease the congestion and make your job less chaotic? SERVPRO, a disaster restoration specialist in Buckingham, PA, wants to make everyone's life easier with the Claims Information Center, which creates a more streamlined approach to the insurance claim process and even speeds it up. There are at least three reasons a faster claims process is better for everyone.

1. Expedited Settlements

2. Increased Efficiency

3. Improve Customer Satisfaction

Expedited Settlements
The quicker you can move on from one insurance claim to the next, the more money you save your company. When a claim is slowed down because of backlog and miscommunication, a company will spend more on litigation and resolving other changes and complications.

Increased Efficiency
A system like the Claims Information Center allows for greater efficiency and fewer redundancies. All parties involved in the claim process can access the project files and add any necessary information. For example, a client can upload proof of loss documentation, the restoration team can file their estimate for the complete project and the insurance adjuster can research similar claims, all within one cohesive system.

Improved Customer Satisfaction
When dealing with commercial clients, it is crucial to get the funds sooner rather than later. The longer a business is interrupted, the greater the financial loss and disruption. Therefore, if you can get a client claim settled quickly because of a tool, then you will inevitably breed customer satisfaction, which leads to client retention.

The SERVPRO Claims Information Center is a useful tool that allows you, the insurance agent, to manage and organize project files. The organizational help means that you can move through the insurance claim process quicker, leading to satisfied clients and employers.

How To Deal With a Disaster at Your Business Property

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can get your business back to normal as soon as possible

Anyone who has been dealt a blow to their business property in Doylestown, PA, due to a flood or other water disaster, is painfully aware of how traumatic the situation can become. The sheer number of decisions can seem overwhelming. To add to the stress, a water emergency must be dealt with quickly. Water absorbs almost immediately into flooring, walls, and even office furniture. Once that happens, the damage can be irreversible. That's why it is critical to contact a water restoration service within a 24-hour timeframe.

Water Damage That Can Occur Quickly

A fast response is essential. If you wait longer than 48 hours to seek help, the following damage can occur.

Mold and mildew begin to grow on surfaces, including carpeting and drywall.
Wood flooring, window frames, and furniture warps and swells.
Metal starts to rust.
Paint on walls and ceilings will blister.
Serious contamination can occur.

Professionals Who Can Help

SERVPRO is the restoration service of choice for many insurance companies because of the expertise of its employees. With franchises all over the United States, the company offers 24-hour service, 7 days a week. If you leave a message, someone will respond to your call within one hour, and a technician will be at your location within 4 hours.

Steps the Professional Will Follow

The expert will inspect the water damage to determine the cause and the extent of the damage.
The water is removed using pumps and vacuums. Air movers and dehumidifiers draw out the additional moisture.
The entire area is cleaned and sanitized using special cleaning techniques and antimicrobial treatments to remove odors and prevent mold growth.
Restoration takes place once the area is fully dried, cleaned, and sanitized.

In an emergency, make sure you contact a professional that is always open to serve your needs. With 24-hour service available, SERVPRO can get your business back to normal as soon as possible.

3 Ways To Discourage Mold Growth

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Mold may start to grow within just 24 to 48 hours after damage that involves water

3 Ways To Discourage Mold Growth

Mold cannot thrive without moisture and nutriment. Properly mitigating damage caused by a broken pipe or leaky plumbing or roofing may prevent a mold problem. Limiting available moisture can keep spores from multiplying. Here are three ways for the owner or manager of a commercial building to discourage mold growth.

1. Mitigate Water Damage
Mold may start growing after building materials are exposed to water. A consistent supply of moisture is necessary for mold to grow. Airborne spores settle on damp surfaces and rely on cellulose in building materials or other organic substances as sources of nutriment. Quickly extracting standing water, encouraging fast-drying, and maintaining indoor relative humidity levels under 60% are effective mold prevention methods.

2. Maintain Low Moisture Levels
Even after water from a leak is no longer saturating surfaces, residual moisture can still support mold. Running a dehumidifier can draw moisture out of the air and porous materials. If mold is not yet a problem, providing additional ventilation with air movers or fans can also be useful for eliminating the last traces of water damage.

3. Monitor the Affected Area
Mold may start to grow within just 24 to 48 hours after damage that involves water. Regardless of whether professional restoration is necessary for primary damage, a building owner or manager should check on the condition of any materials exposed to moisture. If any signs of mold become apparent or a musty odor is detectable, he or she should arrange for expert inspection and remediation as soon as possible.
Fungi can become a problem in any building that suffers water damage. Fast mitigation followed by thorough restoration can reduce the likelihood that mold will become a major problem. If there are any indications of active mold growth at a building in Buckingham, PA, the property owner or manager should arrange for an inspection followed by remediation.

Disgusting Mold Growth Can Turn a Beautiful Bathroom Into a Repulsive Restroom

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Chalfont, PA bathroom

Many homeowners in Chalfont, PA, take pride in keeping a clean, inviting bathroom. A well-kept bathroom tells the world that you’re serious about property maintenance and personal cleanliness. Unfortunately, the bathroom is the leading place where fungus is likely to grow since it’s naturally more humid in there.
The grout between tiles is often the first place bathroom mildew will appear, and cleaning it is a big pain in the neck. Ideally, you can prevent mold growth in the first place by knowing the causes and taking preemptive steps to avoid the problem altogether.

The Battle Starts By Knowing the Causes of Mold Growth

Mold spores are literally everywhere most people spend their days. Outside of special environments, such as a tightly controlled laboratory, the invisible spores float around and are harmless in and of themselves. There are three basic situations that cause them to start developing into mold growth in the bathroom:

• A humidity problem
  
• Plumbing leaks
  
• Water spilling from a shower or off the shower curtain
  
  

1. Your Defense Against Mold Starts With Good Humidity Control
A steamy shower is a great way to start the day, but all that moisture has to go somewhere. If it’s trapped in the bathroom, eventually it’ll start growing mold. Make sure you have good ventilation to spread the humidity around the house, or else consider installing a dehumidifier to prevent bathroom mildew.

2. A Tiny Plumbing Leak Is a Big Deal
Even a tiny drip, if consistent, will damage building materials and cause explosive mold growth. Also, a cold water line to the toilet can cause serious condensation in a very humid environment.

3. Excess Water From the Shower Can Cause Mold
Bathroom mildew can grow in wet floor mats and drywall. If water is consistently being thrown from the shower, it’ll eventually grow mold.
Once the mold gets established, you may not be able to remove it yourself. At that point, call an experienced mold remediation company to evaluate how severe the infestation is and begin the cleanup process. Your bathroom deserves to look its best, and SERVPRO is Here to Help.

How to Handle Water Damage After a Fire

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is undoubtedly the worst thing that could ever happen to any homeowner.

Fire is a useful invention with the potential to create a complicated fire damage mess involving structural and water damage to a house. While both possibilities pose a significant threat to your property, it’s water damage you should be worried about. Moist conditions encourage rot, and can even lead to severe mold growth in hard to reach areas.
Common causes of fire in Doylestown, PA, include:

Unattended cooking equipment
Heating
Smoking in bedrooms
Electrical malfunction

Handling Water After Fire Damage
After the flames finally die down, shut off the power and water lines running to the house. That will cut off supply to the fire hose, but it will also mitigate the risk of electric shock and more fire damage. With that out of the way, call insurance and start the water removal process immediately.

There’s no doubt firefighters use a lot of water to put out fires. This water can cause flooding and threaten the wood as well as your wallet. To get rid of it, start by removing any salvageable items from the house then use a sump pump to get rid of excess water from the floor.

However, avoid using a vacuum cleaner for water removal as it presents a surprisingly high risk of electric shock. Remember that you can never be 100% sure there’s no electricity in a water-logged house, even when the main circuit breaker is off.

Document the Damage During Cleanup
Take a video of the cleanup process for documentation purposes. That will act as your evidence to the insurance provider, making the claim process easier. Also, please make a list of all the damaged items, as seen on video, so you’ll be ready to hand it over when asked.

That said, fire damage is undoubtedly the worst thing that could ever happen to any homeowner. It occurs more often than most people might think, and that’s why you need to know what to do if it happens to you.

How can I protect myself, my family, my employees, and my customers?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Doylestown today to ensure you have a proper disease control prevention strategy.

People all across the country are scrambling to ensure that their property is sanitary and protected with viruses going around. Business owners, homeowners, and parents all around the country are interested in taking steps to ensure that facilities are taking every precaution to prevent any widespread outbreaks. In this article, we will cover how viral strains spread, how you can protect yourself, and how SERVPRO of Doylestown can provide assistance with residential and commercial cleaning and disinfection. 

How can I protect myself, my family, my employees, and my customers?

There are several things that can be done to protect yourself and others from a virus or outbreak. Most importantly, it is crucial to make sure you are washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and ensuring that the meat and eggs you consume are fully cooked. It is also important to avoid close contact with people who might display symptoms of respiratory illness. It is important to schedule commercial cleaning to further prevent the spread of the virus on high touchpoints. Surfaces, toys, furniture, and doorknobs are several areas that often carry communicable diseases. It’s important to call on a professional that is trained & certified in biohazard remediation including the disinfecting of infectious disease. Surface cleaning is not enough these days, and unfortunately, the average consumer does not fully understand the products and the chemical components behind the product's intended usage. So many products we use and are familiar with are not used properly and thus get rendered ineffective which is not the case.

How can SERVPRO help during the viral outbreaks?

SERVPRO of Doylestown offers thorough cleaning and disinfection services for schools, hospitals, and commercial properties in Doylestown, PA, and surrounding areas. Our team is always ready to go with their PPE to ensure that your building and other buildings in our community are safe to enter.  Our disinfectants & virucides are EPA, FDA, and OSHA compliant, they have a very low toxicity rating, and are effective against the most common disease and odor-causing organisms.

Call SERVPRO of Doylestown today to ensure you have a proper disease control prevention strategy moving forward to help support a healthy and safe atmosphere. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Things to Avoid After Significant Flooding

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Professional mitigation and restoration companies are ready and willing to help return your home to normal.

Whether flooding is caused by a broken pipe or a backed-up sewer, you must take certain precautions before entering the affected area. The potential risks are likely the reason that most insurers and homeowners prefer professional mitigation companies in Doylestown, PA, perform the property assessment, walk-through and cleanup. However, if you insist on entering the affected space, then there are a few things you should know to avoid.

Standing water
Electricity
Disturbances

Standing Water
Standing water in home can come from a variety of sources, and not all of them are sanitary or safe for you to touch. For example, while away on vacation, it is possible that your sewer backed-up into your basement. This water is considered black water, and it should be avoided at all costs. However, even water that stems from a clean source can become contaminated if left to stand for some time.

Electricity
Next, while you might have noticed a broken pipe soon after the break and stopped the water before flooding was too bad, you don't know if electrical outlets, appliances or plugs were compromised. Therefore, before you walk into a flooded area, make sure that the power to that space is turned off. If you cannot reach the breaker box to turn the power off safely, then wait for a professional to assist you.

Disturbances
Flooding and floodwater might stem from contaminated sources or evolve into such sources themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of surface disturbances of the water. Harmful bacteria can transfer from the water to the air and the skin if not careful. Also, reduce movement of objects that might be contaminated with mold, as slight movement can cause mold spores to spread.

A broken pipe or backed-up sewer can lead to extensive in-home flooding. While the initial damage might seem manageable, know that there are things you should avoid. Professional mitigation and restoration companies are ready and willing to help return your home to normal.

4 Steps to Take When Filing a Water Damage Claim

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

When damage occurs, you should always start filing your insurance claim as soon as possible.

If something has caused water damage to your Doylestown, PA, home, then it is a good idea to start filing an insurance claim right away. If you have never had to do this before, you might not know exactly where to start or what you should be doing during the process. If this is the case, you should take the following steps.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent
Of course, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company to report the damage. The sooner you do this, the sooner the insurance claim process can be finished. Many companies require you to contact them within a certain period after the damage has occurred, and if you fail to do this, your claim can be denied.

2. Review Your Policy
If it has been a while since you purchased your insurance policy, the details might be a little fuzzy. While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, it is a good idea to read over it. Familiarize yourself with the requirements and terms to help the process move along more smoothly.

3. Document the Damage
Something else you might want to do while waiting is to begin documenting any damage that has occurred. Take pictures of damaged belongings and areas of the house, and make a list of everything that has been affected. Your adjuster can use this while filing your claim. If a pipe bursts, make sure to document this as well.

4. Begin Mitigation
Whether it is from a flood, damaged plumbing or something else, water should not be left in your home for an extended period. Building materials can absorb the water and begin to rot or warp, and the moisture can cause mold to grow. Remove the water from the building and move items to a dry location.

When damage occurs, you should always start filing your insurance claim as soon as possible. You will likely need to hire a cleanup and restoration service to make repairs on the house, and the money you receive can help you pay the costs.

24 Hour Restoration Services

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Doylestown will make fire, smoke, soot, water or mold disasters "Like it never even happened".

24 Hour Restoration Services

A 24-hour restoration company can save you significant heartache and money. The sooner you get someone onsite, the less time water and other elements have to damage your structure. If you have experienced a disaster in Chalfont, PA, you can decrease the time it takes to return your business to normal by working with a responsive and professional restoration company. Speed is critical when dealing with water damage.

1. Almost Immediately When water invades an area, it does not stop until the source of the problem is fixed. As it leaks, it saturates everything it encounters. Soaked paper items and furniture may begin to bleed. If dyes are released from these items, they can spread through the water and stain other areas.

2. Within the First Day As the water continues to sit, drywall and furniture can begin to crack or swell. A musty odor may appear and metal surfaces could start to tarnish. A company with a fast response time may be able to stop the water from spreading and begin the drying process the very same day.

3. After Two Days In as little as 48 hours, mold may begin to grow and spread. At this point, the water is usually considered hazardous and unsafe to enter. Furniture, doors, and windows could begin to warp. By working with a 24-hour restoration service, you may be able to stop the process before mold ever has a chance to develop.

4. After a Week If water is left to sit inside a property for a week or more, it can pose extra hazards and it becomes likely that the whole area will need to be decontaminated. At this time, additional damage will have occurred and the chance of structural rebuilding is increased.
To minimize damage, you need to work with a 24-hour remediation company that is always open. They are trained to use advanced technology and are experts at responding to emergencies and restoring properties.

Restoring Office Contents After a Fire

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning electronic after fire

Restoring Office Contents After a Fire

After a fire at a Buckingham, PA, business it may be necessary to restore multiple office items. Fortunately, a local fire damage restoration service has the resources and knowledge to salvage various types of items with processes such as dry-cleaning. Repaired items can then be moved to content storage until any building repairs are complete. Here are a few item types that may need repairs, and what you can expect to see in that process.

1. Electronics

One of the hardest aspects of content cleaning is determining what to do with any damaged electronics. Fortunately, many restoration services include professionals will have the tools necessary to make these types of repairs. In the event that a device such as a computer can not be repaired, these professionals may still be able to save the data.

2. Cloth Items

In many cases cloth items, such as chairs, curtains, carpeting, and curtains will hang onto residual smoke odor. Fortunately, these items can be cleaned with special solutions. Some items can be washed while others will need to go through a dry-cleaning process. This will depend on the item type and fabric material.

3. Hard Items

In most cases small hard items can be submerged in a cleaner if they are neither mechanical or electronic in nature. Large items will need to be washed with a cleaner instead, while electronics should be sent to a professional. For solid surface mechanical items it’s best to consult a professional for cleaning recommendations. In some cases a spray on and wipe off solution will be used instead.
Electronics will need to be handled carefully by a professional with special tools, while upholstery may require dry-cleaning, depending on the cloth type. Hard items can be wiped off with a solution. Once cleaned these items should be stored elsewhere until any building repairs are finished. If you have any questions a professional can help.

National Blood Donor Month

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

This January, the American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month and recognizes the lifesaving contribution of blood and platelet donors. As we begin the New Year, the Red Cross encourages individuals to resolve to roll up a sleeve to give this month and throughout 2018.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations during winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. During the winter months, inclement weather often results in cancelled blood drives, and seasonal illnesses like the flu may cause some donors to become temporarily unable to donate.

Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to receive more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Content By: https://www.few.org/national-blood-donor-month/

Associated Builders and Contractors

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association which represents almost 21,000 chapter members. The goal of ABC is to help its chapter members develop, win work and deliver said work in a safe and ethical manner that creates profit for all parties involved. ABC works hard to better the communities in which they and their members live and work. ABC’s primary activities include but are not limited to; government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, and business development. ABC offers endless opportunities for its members to develop professionally, network and get involved through various committees and events.

SERVPRO of Doylestown saw the benefit in joining such a prestigious association and garnered excitement among a few other SERVPRO affiliates and collectively joined as a group. We have representatives from SERVPRO who are apart of the workforce development committee as well as the young professionals committee. We take advantage of utilizing ABC East’s beautiful facilities to host our meetings and in the future, continuing education classes.

The ABC Easter PA Chapter, of which we are a part of, represents more than 14,000 construction employees who work for more than 450 member companies. SERVPRO saw this as an excellent opportunity to partner with ABC East and offer our Emergency Ready Profiles, free-of-charge, to the many members and businesses.

Content & picture by: https://www.abc.org/ABC/About-ABC