Common Areas in Your Home Prone to Mold Infestation and How to Prevent I

5/14/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in the home can be a serious problem if left untreated.

Mold is a common problem that many homeowners face. Understanding the common reasons and areas where mold can grow in a home can help you prevent it from occurring and ensure a healthy living environment.

Reasons for Mold Growth

The primary reason for mold growth is moisture. When moisture is present in a home, whether from a leaky roof, plumbing issue, or high humidity, mold spores can begin to grow and spread. Other factors that can contribute to mold growth include poor ventilation and inadequate insulation.

Areas for Mold Growth

Bathrooms and kitchens: Bathrooms and kitchens are areas of the home that are prone to mold growth due to the presence of moisture from showers, baths, and cooking. It's important to properly ventilate these areas by using exhaust fans and opening windows to allow for air circulation.

Basements and crawl spaces: Basements and crawl spaces are areas of the home that are often damp and poorly ventilated. This makes them a prime location for mold growth, especially if there is water damage or plumbing issues.

Attics: Attics is another area of the home that is prone to mold growth due to poor ventilation and insulation. If there is a leaky roof or inadequate insulation, moisture can accumulate and lead to mold growth.

Wall cavities: Mold can grow inside wall cavities if there is moisture present. This can be caused by a leaky roof or plumbing issue, and it can be difficult to detect since it's not visible.

Carpets and upholstery: Carpets and upholstery can be a breeding ground for mold if they become damp. This can be caused by spills or flooding, and it's important to dry them out quickly to prevent mold growth.

Preventing Mold Growth

The key to preventing mold growth is to control moisture levels in the home. This can be done by fixing any leaks or water damage, using dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. It's also important to regularly inspect the home for any signs of mold growth, such as a musty smell or visible mold on surfaces.

If you do find mold in your home, it's important to have it removed promptly. This can be done by using a special solution for small areas, or by hiring a professional mold remediation company, like SERVPRO of Brazos Valley, for larger areas or areas that are difficult to access.

Keeping Your Home Mold-Free

In conclusion, mold growth in the home can be a serious problem if left untreated. Understanding the common reasons and areas where mold can grow can help you prevent it from occurring and ensure a safe living environment for you and your family. By controlling moisture levels, regularly inspecting for mold growth, and addressing any issues promptly, homeowners can prevent mold growth and ensure a mold-free home.

6 Steps to Creating a Home Fire Escape Plan That Could Save Your Life

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Having a home fire escape plan is essential in ensuring the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire.

Having a home fire escape plan is essential in preventing injury or even death in the event of a fire. Fires can happen at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to make a home fire escape plan:

1. Draw a Floor Plan

The first step in making a home fire escape plan is to draw a floor plan of your home. This should include all the rooms, doors, and windows in your home. Make sure to mark the location of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on your floor plan.

2. Identify Escape Routes

Once you have a floor plan, identify the best escape routes from each room in your home. This should include at least two ways out of each room, such as a door and a window. Make sure that all escape routes are clear of clutter and obstacles.

3. Choose a Meeting Place

Choose a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather in the event of a fire. This should be a safe distance from your home, such as a neighbor’s house or a tree. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where the meeting place is.

4. Practice Your Escape Plan

Once you have a fire escape plan, it's essential to practice it with your family. This should include practicing how to escape from each room in your home and meeting at the designated meeting place. Make sure that everyone in your home knows how to unlock and open windows and doors in case of an emergency.

5. Teach Children About Fire Safety

Teaching children about fire safety is essential in preventing fires and ensuring that they know what to do in case of an emergency. Talk to your children about the dangers of fire and how to prevent it. Teach them how to escape from a fire and what to do if they can't escape.

6. Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are essential in detecting fires and alerting you and your family to the danger. Make sure that you have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace the batteries twice a year.

In conclusion, having a home fire escape plan is essential in ensuring the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire. By drawing a floor plan, identifying escape routes, choosing a meeting place, practicing your plan, teaching children about fire safety, and installing smoke alarms, you can be prepared in case of an emergency. Remember, the key to fire safety is being prepared, so take the time to make a fire escape plan for your home today.

4 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Might Be Leaking

3/18/2023 (Permalink)

A dishwasher leak can leave behind secondary damages after a water loss.

If you've noticed water leaking out around your dishwasher, it could be caused by any number of issues. In this article, we'll outline some of the most common reasons your dishwasher might be leaking and how to fix them.

Malfunctioning water supply line

If you're seeing a leak coming from the bottom of your dishwasher, it's likely that the problem lies with your water supply line. A malfunctioning supply line can cause leaks for many reasons:

• It may be damaged or cracked, allowing water to seep through and leak onto your floor
• The supply line could be clogged with mineral buildup over time

If the supply line is damaged, you will need to replace it as soon as possible in order to prevent further leakage and water damage.

Leaking drain line

You might have a leaking drain line. This is the line that drains the water from your dishwasher and carries it away. If this line is damaged or clogged, it may leak into your kitchen floor.

If you suspect that your drain line is leaking, turn off power to all appliances in your home (including dishwashers), then check for leaks at both ends of this hose: one end connects to an elbow fitting on top of your machine; another end connects with a drain pipe under the sink.

A damaged latch or gasket

If your dishwasher is leaking, it's important to determine if the damage is coming from the latch or gasket. The latch is the door that opens and closes your dishwasher, while a gasket seals water from leaking out of your machine. If it was dropped or hit with something, or if the appliance is older, this could cause damage to either component.

If you notice any signs of leakage around where these two parts meet--such as wet spots on floors or walls near where they connect--you should check them immediately.

The dishwasher is unleveled

If your dishwasher is not level, water may leak from the door. This can be caused by uneven floors or a crooked installation. If your dishwasher is unleveled, it may also cause water to leak from the bottom of the dishwasher.

To check if your dishwasher is unleveled, place a straight edge on top of one side of your washer (a level works well). If it doesn't sit straight across all four corners of both sides, then there's a good chance that something isn't right with your appliance's installation or leveling system!

All in all, if your dishwasher is leaking it's most likely due to one of these reasons. It is important to fix these issues as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage to your dishwasher, as well as water and mold damage to the surrounding floors and walls. If you're experiencing any of these issues, then it's time to get out there and fix them!

Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

If you’ve been through a flood and need help repairing the damage, these questions can help you find a qualified water damage restoration company.

Water damage is a serious and expensive problem. If you have a water damage emergency, it's critical to hire a company that has the experience, tools, and resources to get your home back in order quickly. If you're considering hiring a water restoration company to help with the cleanup of your home after a flood or some other type of disaster.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Get the company’s license number and do a quick Google search to find out if they are indeed licensed. If they aren't, hire another company.

Asking this question will also help you determine if the company is bonded and insured. These two things are important because they protect your home from damage and the restoration company from liability in case of an accident. Licensing, bonding, and insurance are required by law in most states such as California. Insurance protects both you and them against lawsuits and provides legal protection for their employees during cleanup operations after water damage occurs at your home or business location.

Do you have experience with this type of damage?

If you're looking for a water damage restoration company, the first thing to do is find out if they have experience with your type of building and business.

There's no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to water damage restoration, and each type of property has its own set of problems. So before you hire a company or contractor, ask if they have experience working with your type of loss.

If they don't have any experience working on properties similar to yours, then consider hiring someone else that does. SERVPRO knows exactly what kind of damage needs fixing so that your investment can get back up and running ASAP!

How long have you been in business?

It's important to ask the water damage restoration company how long it has been in business. A reputable company will be able to provide you with a solid answer, and if they can't, that's a red flag.

This question is best answered by talking with either the owner or one of their senior employees. They should have enough experience to know exactly when their company was founded. This information may also help you determine whether or not they're certified and licensed and insured.

What kind of training do your employees receive?

Training is an important aspect of any business, but it's especially crucial when it comes to flooding and water damage. Water damage restoration companies are expected to provide high quality services and products that meet the needs of their customers. That's why you should ask about the training your potential contractor provides before hiring them.

Quality training should be provided in multiple settings: in-house, in the field, and/or in a classroom setting as well as online. Training will help ensure that employees can deliver quality work on every job they take on so that you're left feeling satisfied with their service delivery.

Can you help me file an insurance claim?

It’s important that the water damage company you hire can help you with the insurance claim process. While most people think of their local plumber as a person they could go to for anything and everything, this isn’t always the case when it comes to water damage restoration services. If a company doesn’t have experience working with insurance companies and filing claims, then they may not be able to help you get the money back that is owed to your business or home.

What is your process for water damage repair?

Your process for water damage repair depends on the type of damage. Small, localized damage can usually be repaired quickly with little or no drying time needed. This is because localized water doesn’t penetrate very deeply into your walls and floors, so it only affects a small area. The faster you can get in there and clean up the mess, the better! On the flip side, large-scale flooding can involve significant moisture penetration that requires several days or even weeks to dry out properly. In these cases, it’s not just about how long it takes for water to evaporate; you also need to ensure any remaining humidity doesn’t cause mold growth or otherwise compromise indoor air quality.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency services?

If you’re looking for a water damage restoration company, it's important to ask about their emergency services. Many homeowners don't realize that they need to be prepared for an emergency and have someone on standby at all times. If a pipe bursts or some other major problem occurs, it’s crucial that you have someone who can respond quickly and efficiently.

The best water damage restoration companies offer 24/7 service in addition to weekend hours, but what exactly do those terms mean? What makes one company better than another when it comes to emergency situations? Restoration companies are also available on nights, weekends, and holidays. We are here to help when you are in need of restoration emergency services.

If you’ve been through a flood and need help repairing the damage, these questions can help you find a qualified water damage restoration company.

Why Is My Shower Clogged?

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

When you have water damage anywhere in your home, give SERVPRO of Brazos Valley a call!

Why Is My Shower Clogged?

When I was growing up, my family had an old-fashioned claw-foot bathtub in our bathroom. We loved it because it was vintage and charming, but we also knew that the tub was never going to hold more than two people comfortably at once. When we needed a shower, my mom would use a bucket of water from the bathroom sink and pour it over her head with a cup. Of course, now we live in an era where most people have showers instead of tubs in their homes — but there are still some things you can't do while showering due to clogs! In this post we'll take a look at why your shower may be clogged and how you can fix it easily yourself:

Mineral Deposits Can Cause Damage

This can cause several problems, including:

• Clogging makes the water flow less effectively through your showerhead.
• Discoloration and loss of shine on your showerhead.
• Damage to the internal parts of your showerhead by minerals in hard water.

Mold, Mildew, and Rot

Mold, mildew, and rot are all common bathroom problems that can cause considerable damage to the walls. In addition to the unsightly appearance of mold and mildew, these substances can pose serious health risks to those who come into contact with them. Mold is especially harmful because it can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that are released into the air when moldy materials come in contact with water. These toxins can cause a wide variety of symptoms including headaches, sore throat, and runny nose.

If you suspect your bathroom has been infected by mold or mildew, remove any loose drywall or plaster from around the area where you suspect there may be hidden moisture buildup (such as around tubs). If needed, hire a professional for this step; if done incorrectly it may result in further structural issues such as water leaks or ceiling collapse.

Water Damage

Water is heavy, and can cause damage to floors, ceilings, walls, and furniture. Water can also cause mold and mildew to grow in your Bryan, TX home. It can also rot wood framing, drywall and floorboards if it sits for long periods of time without proper drainage systems in place.

Peeling paint or wallpaper may also be indicative of a clogged drain line or toilet overflow that has been allowed to sit unaddressed for some time before being cleaned up properly.

Hair Clogs

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair. Hair can get caught in the drain and wrap around it, creating a blockage that prevents water from flowing through. Hair can also become trapped in the trap (a U-shaped pipe beneath your toilet or sink), which is why it's important to keep this area clean as well. If you have long hair, be sure to keep it out of your drains so it doesn't end up causing issues down the line.

Don’t Ignore a Clogged Shower

You can't afford to ignore a clogged shower. If you do, it will only get worse, and the longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive it will be to fix. A clogged drain is often caused by hair in your drain or a foreign object like soap or shampoo that has been flushed down the toilet. When this happens, it forms what is known as a “hairball." Hairballs can cause major problems for your plumbing if they aren’t addressed immediately because they create extra pressure on your drain pipes which could result in more serious issues like burst pipes or collapsed floors due to water damage after mold starts growing in wet areas such as these

If you have a clogged shower, it is important to fix it right away. It can cause many problems in your Brazos Valley home if you ignore it. Don't let your shower get clogged and be sure to clean your showerhead regularly so that you don't end up with mineral deposits, which will eventually lead to clogs! When you have water damage anywhere in your home, give SERVPRO of Brazos Valley a call!

Roof Damage After a Fire: Everything You Need to Know

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

If your Bryan, TX roof has suffered from fire damage call SERVPRO of Brazos Valley

Roof Damage After a Fire: Everything You Need to Know

Roof damage is never good news. In fact, you may have been in such a state of shock after a fire that you didn't even notice the damage that was done to your home's roof. You might not even realize how bad the situation is until it starts raining and water begins to drip into the living room or bedroom of your Bryan, Texas home. That's why it's important to act quickly when dealing with roof damage caused by fire. We'll explain how SERVPRO can help with this common problem, as well as other things you should know about repairing or replacing a damaged roof in the aftermath of a blaze:

Roof Damage is Devastating

Roof damage is devastating to a homeowner, and fire damage only complicates things. Damage caused by flames is one thing, but soot can also cause significant problems. If possible, have a professional tarp the roof until it can be repaired or replaced.

If you've been in a fire, it's likely that your roof will have suffered some damage. While flames are one thing, soot can also cause significant problems. Soapstone and clay tiles are easily damaged by soot and ash because these materials absorb moisture from the air, which increases their weight and makes them heavier than usual. This causes them to crack or break apart on the surface of your roof. Shingles made of asphalt are susceptible to melting when exposed to flames for long periods of time; if this happens then their water resistance is compromised as well and they may leak soon after being installed or repaired.

Soot can also be extremely harmful to gutters that have been installed over an extended period of time because they accumulate debris which eventually clogs them up entirely (even if they're made out of metal). The same goes for siding -- if there's any kind of stain left behind by smoke particles then it will become difficult if not impossible for anyone trying to clean off those surfaces later down the road without damaging them further! 

Finally. insulation has its own set of issues associated with this too -- most notably that its normal function becomes compromised due to increased heat loss. Heat is lost due to condensation caused by excessive humidity levels within an enclosed area. 

Call the Professionals

Due to the severity of roof damage, it is recommended that you have a professional tarp the roof until it can be repaired or replaced. This will help keep the elements out and prevent further damage from occurring.

When you have a company like SERVPRO of Brazos Valley come in to tarp your roof, we will also check for interior water damage. This is because when the fire has burned through the ceiling of your home and reached your attic, it can cause water from the fire sprinklers to leak down into the living space below. This can cause mold growth, which can lead to all sorts of health problems such as respiratory issues and skin irritation.

Your SERVPRO professional will take precautions to make sure that there is no mold growth in your home. 

Working with Insurance

Fire-damaged roofs can be a very stressful and confusing thing to deal with, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. We would recommend calling a professional roofing company like ours to ensure that your fire-damaged roof is repaired as quickly and effectively as possible.

We can work with your insurance company and negotiate a fair price for your roof repairs. From that point forward, we will handle all aspects of the tarping process including:

• Finding any hidden damage on your home's exterior that may have been caused by smoke or water leaks during the fire
• Setting up temporary protection from rain until we remove damaged shingles from the roof decking
• Removing old shingle pieces (if necessary) using specialized tools designed specifically for this task

Act Quickly After a Fire

After a fire has damaged your roof, it is important to care for it properly. This will help you save money in the long term because you won't have to pay for more expensive repairs later. If you are not sure how to do this, it is best to hire a professional. A good roofing company will be able to help you get your roof back in shape and ensure that it stays that way.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the chaos of a fire and forget about your roof. But when you do have a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Brazos Valley come in, we will check for interior water damage and negotiate fair prices for your roof repairs.

Protective Gear for Mold Mitigation

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Before they can take care of your house, mold specialists have to take care of themselves.

Protective Gear for Mold Mitigation

Mold spores are everywhere. They are in the air you breathe every time you go outside, and they are even inside your home. They travel indoors daily on hair, clothes, shoes, and pets. If spores multiply and grow in your home in College Station, TX, though, the technicians who handle the cleanup and anyone else who enters the affected area need more than just face masks to ensure their protection.

Body Protection

Mold remediation often releases a concentrated number of spores into the air. Certified mitigation specialists won't start the mold cleanup process until they are fully outfitted in personal protective equipment:

• Ventilated masks
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Boots
• Coveralls

These protective measures may seem like overkill to the casual observer, but they serve an important purpose. They keep mold spores from getting into the technicians' eyes, nasal passages, and lungs. The full-body protection also prevents the mitigation team members from spreading mold everywhere they go after they leave the site.

Structure Protection

Mold damage in one part of your home can easily spread to other areas unless technicians take specific measures to stop it. Just like their face masks provide a shield between them and the mold spores in the air, the polyethylene sheeting over doorways and vents protects the rest of the house from the excess fungus concentrations that are released during cleanup. The affected area must be isolated before mold growth is addressed. If technicians leave the area during the cleanup process, they remove their protective clothing so that they don't spread the mold that may have attached to it anywhere else. Thorough mitigation requires containment so that the job is completed and the mold doesn't come back.

Before they can take care of your house, mold specialists have to take care of themselves. Face masks, gloves, and other protective gear are necessary safety precautions throughout the remediation process.

How To Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguishers are for small fires.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher Using The PASS Method 

Having a fire extinguisher in your home is never a bad idea, but it won’t be of much use if you don’t know how to properly operate it. When an emergency happens, seconds can mean the difference between a minor kitchen fire and a total disaster. Thankfully, there are a few basic tips and one simple acronym that can help you and your family easily remember the basics of using an extinguisher:

• Assess the size of the fire. Extinguishers are meant for smaller fires still in their infancy, known as the incipient stage. If the flames have grown taller than an average adult (5-6 feet), your extinguisher won’t help. Evacuate the home immediately and call 911.

• Check the available pressure. If the flames are still incipient, the next step is to check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher. A needle in the green means you’re good to go. If it falls anywhere outside of this acceptable range, abort and get your family out of the house.

• Position yourself appropriately. Learn and memorize the effective discharge range of your extinguisher ahead of time. Before you begin, position yourself as far away as possible while still ensuring that the discharge will reach the fire itself. Have an exit strategy in mind in the event that the flames are unable to be controlled.

• Utilize the proper technique by remembering the PASS method:
P – Pull the pin from the handle.
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the trigger to initiate discharge.
S – Sweep from side to side while continuing to aim for the base until the fire is out or the extinguisher stops discharging.

Keeping these simple tips in mind will help to ensure that you are getting the most out of your fire extinguisher in an emergency. Once the flames are out, contact a professional cleanup and restoration specialist in Bryan, TX that can help repair any fire damage and remove smoke odors from the home.

Business Owners Should Expect Experts To Do These 3 Things During Mold Remediation

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Burton, TX

Owners Should Expect To See The Following Three Things

One of the major concerns about water damage is moisture's ability to trigger black mold growth. Business owners may go from dealing with a broken pipe or toilet overflow to being told that fungus has infested the space. When this happens, proprietors should prepare for several stages of cleanup. To minimize the spread and restore the building, owners should expect to see the following three things.

1. Block Off the Contaminated Space

A water remediation company in Burton, TX, must start mold cleanup by cutting off the microbes' ability to migrate. After a thorough inspection, the experts determine what is harmed. They cut off the area from foot traffic and set up negative air chambers to stop airflow. It's best not to enter the space, allowing only the professionals to enter and leave. They wear protective gear to limit exposure levels.

2. Remove Moisture Promptly

Black mold feeds on water, so specialists perform a meticulous inspection to see how much dampness is present. With the supply stopped, the reproduction begins to slow down too. Moisture reading tools inform specialists about troublesome spots, guiding the team as to where to start extraction and drying procedures.

Carpet and drywall are concerning since they are porous substances that cannot be treated with chemicals. Tear out these items to reduce wetness and spore count. Flood cuts are made, usually a few feet above the waterline, to ensure proper cleanup. Industrial dehumidifiers run around the clock. These devices extract moisture from the air and materials, quickening the drying time.

3. Sanitize What Is Left

Once aired out, the mold remediation crew washes the rest of the interior and applies an antimicrobial spray. These work effectively on non-porous substances, killing lingering microbes. Content cleaning crews use high-tech equipment to tend to electronics and valuable documents.

Water damage may easily lead to black mold, so it's imperative to act immediately. Secure the impacted areas, and focus on getting these locations dry. With the help of professionals, owners can hinder mold development and restore the property.

3 Benefits of Professional Fire Restoration

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration in College Station, TX.

Three Ways SERVPRO Stands Out From The Competition

When fire damages a commercial building in College Station, TX, the quality of the fire restoration determines how quickly the business can reopen and how much secondary damage occurs. A top-tier restoration service is one you can confidently recommend to your insurance clients.

1. IICRC Certification Ensures Quality Restoration

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification has been setting high standards for the restoration industry since 1972. The standards cover everything from continuing education requirements to liability insurance. Due to these rigorous standards, IICRC-certified SERVPRO franchises are often given preferred vendor status by insurance companies.

2. Quick Response Prevents Further Damage

The soot leftover after a fire has been extinguished is often corrosive, but that is not the only post-fire risk businesses face. The firefighting efforts may have resulted in broken windows and holes in the roof that can allow vandals and wildlife to enter the property and cause even more damage. Standing water leftover from firehoses can lead to mold growth if not dried up within 24 hours. Boarding up openings and beginning the fire restoration process as soon as possible is the best way to prevent further damage. SERVPRO franchises are open 24/7 and are able to get to work quickly.

3. ‘Restore Versus Replace’ Saves Money

SERVPRO technicians are taught to approach every job with a “restore versus replace" mentality. This means that the goal is to restore when possible and replace only when there’s no better solution.

Although complete rebuilding services are sometimes necessary after a fire, this approach saves money and allows business owners to keep more of their original possessions.

Business fires are upsetting and stressful, but the fire rebuild process does not have to be. When insurance companies choose IICRC-certified companies with a customer-centric approach to fire restoration, the damage to the property and the stress on the client are both minimized.