Do You Have Dirty Ducts?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO® of Floyd County's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO® of Floyd County will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO® of Floyd County can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO® Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost-efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO® of Floyd County uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

• The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO® of Floyd County today. 

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 4

2020 Resolution - Plan Ahead

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO® of Floyd County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 50 years of experience and a System more than 1,700 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO® READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting help at your fingertips.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY. Call SERVPRO® of Floyd County to establish your Emergency READY Profile®, and be “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.

Advantages of the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes SERVPRO® of Floyd County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Contact SERVPRO of Floyd County - (706) 802-1085 - to schedule your ERP today.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 1

Be Prepared with an ERP

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens.” In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

One of our Sales and Marketing Professionals will come to your site and walk you through the ERP process. They will collect the necessary information, compile it into the ERP, and provide you with your personalized plan of action, both digitally and in print. Call SERVPRO® of Floyd County to establish your Emergency READY Profile®! We stand ready to help you in your time of need.

How Fast Can Water Damage Ruin a Home?

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, time does not heal all wounds. The secondary destruction that will inevitably take place as time passes causes considerably more damage to your home.

Water damage within minutes

• Water contamination spreads, rapidly increasing claim costs.

• Moisture-sensitive furniture finishes begin to turn white.

• Furniture standing on saturated carpets will begin to leach and stain the carpeting.

Water damage within hours

• Furniture in direct contact with water begins to delaminate and swell.

• Normal household odors, amplified by humidity, become glaringly apparent.

• Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics begin to bleed.

Water damage within days

• Fungi appear, along with their characteristic musty odors.

• Severe warping and cupping of wood becomes apparent. Wood floors may become unsalvageable.

• Paint blisters, and wallpaper adhesives release and start to peel away.

• Wood structural members begin to swell, warp and split apart.

Water damage within weeks

• Mold sinks roots into organic materials and destroys their integrity.

• Occupants must be evacuated due to health hazards.

• Allergen sensitivity may arise from microbial growth.

• A complete gutting of the structure may be necessary, which will drive the claim up astronomically and displace the occupants.

Water damage escalates to mold and microbial growth issues in just a few days, which can compromise the health of the inhabitants, including your pets. Given these facts, you must begin to clean up a water damage mess as soon as you can to prevent further damage to your home. Most of these challenges are claims that are covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Reputable restoration firms work with all insurance companies and file all the paperwork on your behalf so you can focus on what matters most in a time of need.  

*Courtesy of https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-fast-can-water-damage-ruin-home.htm

The Dangers of DIY Water Damage Restoration

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

People often think that taking control and doing things on their own is sufficient. We are told that we can do anything we set our minds to, so in the case of a water disaster in our home, why not rely on water damage cleanup tutorials on YouTube? It can’t be that hard. Wrong! There are a lot of things that people can do just fine on their own or by following tutorials and guides, but when it comes to water damage restoration, there is a reason the professionals are certified and insured. It is a difficult job that MUST be done the right way to make sure that your home does not suffer more damage and is safe to live in.

In San Tan Valley, many might think that because of the hot and dry climate, there is no reason to worry about water damage. But, water damage can happen in many forms, such as faulty appliances, plumbing issues, and occasional floods. With this in mind, it is important to know why you should always leave water damage clean-up to the professionals instead of yourself.

Here are some reasons why:

Equipment & Knowledge

Professionals have the necessary tools and specialized equipment to remove the water and dry out the area properly. Most people don’t have this kind of equipment laying around just in case they have a water problem. Without the correct tools, it will not get done right. Professionals are also called professionals for a reason. They have been extensively trained to know how to restore your home to their original state, or better. You don’t have to worry if it’s being done right or not.

Future Damage

Hiring pros will decrease or completely get rid of issues in the future if it is cleaned by professionals. For example, there can be water in places that are not visible to the naked eye that the everyday person would miss. Issues that could arise from such things are mold growth, weakness to the structure, health hazards, and many other things. But professionals already know to make sure those spots are restored.

Personal Relief

If you hire a professional, you don’t have to worry if you are doing the job the right way. The training and experience that professionals have allow them to make your home clean and safe. Water disasters are already stressful situations for homeowners. Don’t make the situation increasingly stressful by trying to figure out the right way to fix the problem, only to end up with bigger problems in the future.

**Courtesy of https://contactrestoration.com/2019/02/water-damage-cleanup-san-tan-valley/

The Dangers of Fire Damage Restoration: Why Getting Professional Help Is a Smart Idea

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

If your home has recently been damaged by fire, you’re probably more than eager to kick-start the restoration process. After all, you can’t wait to resume your normal life again!

So you roll up your sleeves as you get ready to enter your fire-damaged home. You already have a game plan in your mind. But you should know a DIY approach isn’t the solution to your problems!

Wondering why you shouldn’t clean up yourself and opt for professional help instead? Here’s why!

Causes More Damage

If you’re taking out your cleaning supplies to clear away the aftermath of the fire incident, you might want to take a step back. Cleaning up after fire damage isn’t a walk in the park. It needs more than a face mask and a vacuum cleaner! It requires you to wipe away all the walls and floors to remove the soot and the residual elements thoroughly. So if you don’t have any professional equipment, you can’t expect to make any significant progress. Instead, attempting to clean it yourself will only result in more damage to your upholstery and property. 

Exposes You to Toxic Substances

You might be tempted to clean your fire-damaged home yourself. But cleaning up requires you to come directly in contact with hazardous substances. From smoke to soot particles and asbestos, these toxic elements can take a major toll on your overall health.

Even if you wear a dust mask, you can still inhale the soot and asbestos particulates. These can then enter your bloodstream to cause a number of health problems. To protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous effects of toxic substances, always enlist the help of a professional fire damage restoration company.

Adds To the Costs

If you’re going for a DIY clean up session to save some bucks, you might want to reconsider. Although it’s true that fire damage results in heavy costs for you as a homeowner, attempting a DIY job will only increase the costs.

It’s possible that you might end up throwing belongings that are salvageable. However, with the help of a professional fire damage restoration company, you’re able to save belongings that aren’t a lost cause. This way, you’ll only have to spend money on items that actually needed to be replaced.

**Courtesy of https://amnmasonry.com/blog/2019/5/20/the-dangers-of-fire-damage-restoration-why-getting-professional-help-is-a-smart-idea

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO® of Floyd County can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest or other potential obstacles.

For more information on proper cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO® of Floyd County at (706) 802-1085. 

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 4