Water Damage Repair of Carpets in Bellevue Homes

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Skip the DIY carpet drying--call SERVPRO to prevent water damage to your Bellevue home's flooring, "Like it never even happened."

Need Water Damage Repair in Bellevue? Call SERVPRO

Water removal and repair of carpets in your Bellevue home can be tricky as they tend to soak up a substantial amount of water and are notoriously difficult to dry. SERVPRO techs use several tools to remove water from the carpets and accelerate their drying.  

SERVPRO techs understand the importance of quickly removing the water soaked into the carpet fibers during Bellevue water damage repair. The longer the water sits in contact with the carpet, the more damage it can cause to the carpet and the floor underneath. The three most used tools to remove the water soaked into the carpet after water spillage include-

• Carpet wands
• Deep extraction tools
• Rider extractors

How do Deep Extraction Tools Work?

Deep extraction tools compress the carpet and pad to squeeze the water out and remove it using the vacuum system of a water extractor. SERVPRO’s water damage repair experts use two types of deep extraction tools in Bellevue homes-

• Self-propelled extraction tool: An independent motor helps this device to move over a wet carpet at a constant rate. Techs can adjust the speed of these devices and can maneuver them to move in both forward and backward directions. The amount of water the tool extracts depends on the weight to squeeze the water out. Consequently, these tools allow the restorer to "ride" on the unit to provide additional weight.
• Stationary tool: The device pulls water from the carpet through tiny holes at the unit's base. As there is no motor in these devices, the techs need to manually move them from one spot to another to extract water from the carpet.

If you need water damage repair services for your residential or commercial properties, call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900.

Fire Restoration in Bellevue Eateries Is Fast with SERVPRO

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleans fire damaged commercial properties, working hard, to keep the doors open in a Bellevue restaurant.

Cleaning Content During Fire Restoration in Bellevue Restaurants

Fire incidents in eateries can cripple the business, but a fast and efficient response is the best way to get back on track. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO for fire cleanup of your commercial Bellevue properties can limit the extent and severity of the damage to the contents. 

SERVPRO techs use various cleaning strategies to quickly remove smoke and soot residue during the fire restoration of your Bellevue property. Some of the methods that we routinely use in restorative cleaning of the contents in fire-damaged commercial properties include-

• Dry cleaning
• Wet cleaning
• Abrasive cleaning
• Immersion cleaning

The choice of the cleaning method depends on the nature of the soot and the damaged item.

What is Immersion Cleaning?

Immersion cleaning is most effective for materials that can withstand being completely saturated with a cleaning agent. The item requiring soot removal is dipped in a bath of the cleaning product, and the soils are loosened with scrubbers.

Ultra-Sonic Cleaning

One easier and less labor-intensive type of immersion cleaning SERVPRO techs use in Bellevue properties involves ultrasonic sound waves. In this method, high-frequency sound waves provide the agitation required to loosen the soils. Millions of tiny bubbles are created in the liquid in an ultrasonic tank as the sound waves repeatedly compress and expand the molecules.

The bubbles implode in seconds creating high temperatures and microscopic jet streams that provide agitation to loosen the soils. The energy (frequency) of the sound waves and the cleaning agent used depends on the type of residue. SERVPRO techs spend several hours mastering the use of this method to clean fire-damaged contents.

If you need help with fire restoration of your commercial properties, call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900.

Why Do Clyde Hill Residents Trust SERVPRO with Mold Remediation?

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Don't mess with mold--Call SERVPRO to remediate the infestation in your Clyde Hill property.

The Importance of Cleaning in Mold Remediation of Clyde Hill Homes

Cleaning the contamination is one of the critical steps in mold abatement of your Clyde Hill home. SERVPRO techs use a combination of cleaning methods to facilitate the remediation of the structure and contents of the affected property.

SERVPRO techs consider the extent and severity of the damage before selecting a cleaning method during mold remediation of Clyde Hill homes. We always prioritize completely removing the contamination over using antimicrobials alone to tackle mold damage. Techs also ensure that the cleaning method minimizes the mold spore's aerosolization as much as possible to prevent it from spreading to the unaffected areas.

Abrasive Methods to Clean Mold Infestations

Abrasive cleaning methods rely on using a medium or material to dislodge contamination in your Clyde Hill home. Some of the most common abrasive methods to clean visible mold include-

• Sanding
• Scraping and brushing
• Abrasive media blasting (e.g., dry ice, soda, and sand)

Manual scraping and brushing can be labor-intensive and take a lot of time, and techs use this method if the damage is confined to a smaller area. Abrasive media blasting is a much faster and less labor-intensive method of cleaning.

Blasting offers a significant advantage over traditional methods when cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as attics and crawlspaces. It can also save time during mold remediation. 

On the other hand, media blasting tends to aerosolize the fungal particles; hence, SERVPRO techs exercise extreme caution while employing this technique. Once the surface mold is removed using media blasting, the SERVPRO techs eliminate the mold spores and particles using HEPA filtration.

Professional mold remediation is a safe and efficient way to tackle contamination in your home. Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 to talk to our expert techs today!  

Water Damage Repairs in Bellevue Are Possible with the Right Technicians

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage repair specialists have the training and experience for every size disaster. Call now!

A Leaky Shower Spells Trouble for Bellevue Homeowners

Not surprisingly, kitchens and bathrooms are frequently the cause of water damage in Bellevue homes. Plumbing and appliances can contribute to water incidents and their unwelcome repercussions. When water seeps through the ceiling or soaks floors and walls, calling a professional water restoration team is the best option to mitigate your loss and let daily life resume as soon as possible. Do-it-yourself solutions can be costly in the long run, while experts have the equipment and know-how to return your home to mint condition.

In Bellevue, water damage repairs are in great hands under SERVPRO’s care. Our certified water restoration technicians rely on state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment to assess where water has traveled and how extensive the damage is. In the initial inspection, our staff begins to draft a plan to extract water and clean surfaces, finishing off with disinfecting and deodorizing the home as needed. When water-causing repairs such as drywall replacement and controlled demolition are necessary, our team also coordinates to make them happen.

Water damage is unquestionable when a shower leaks and runs through the ceiling. There are, however, other less dramatic signs of damage that are just as important. Some telling signs to confirm that you need to call a water cleanup and restoration crew as soon as possible include-

• Discoloration in walls and ceilings
• A musty smell
• Unexplained increase in your water bill

Regardless of the size of the water damage that appears to be, SERVPRO of West Bellevue is there to help. Our expertise and professionalism are the foundation of our commitment to leaving your home in pristine condition. Call us at (425) 454-3900 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Handling Fire Damage Restoration in Clyde Hill Requires an Expert

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Mitigate Smoke and Fire Damage in Clyde Hill Homes by Calling SERVPRO

When a home fire happens in Clyde Hill, its owners naturally want to return their lives to pre-fire conditions as soon as possible. The consequences of the fire can be plentiful and devastating, often making it difficult for homeowners to determine where to start and who to call for help. Those looking for reliability and professionalism and speed, and efficiency should look for certified fire damage technicians who base their approach on scientific principles and industry best practices.

The search for a professional fire damage restoration team in Clyde Hill doesn't need to go any further than SERVPRO. Our certified team of experts is prepared to spring into action as soon as we receive your call on our 24/7 hotline. Once local authorities and first responders determine the area safe to enter, our team begins a thorough inspection to assess cleanup and repair needs and take action. Prioritizing action steps, we seek to remove traces of soot and smoke from your home through cleaning up with specialized cleaning solutions, providing offsite drying techniques, and discarding unsalvageable items.

Virtually all the sites our SERVPRO experts visit has the distinctive smell of smoke that follows a home fire. Our staff is powerful in counteracting and neutralizing smell molecules, so your home smells as fresh as before. To achieve smoke odor removal, we can employ multiple techniques, including the following-

• Air scrubbers neutralize smell molecules and retain clean air in the home
• Hydroxyl generators that deodorize and purify the air as they filter it
• Foggers permeate every surface in the home with odor-controlling solutions

Regardless of your needs after a home fire, SERVPRO of West Bellevue is there to help. Call us at (425) 454-3900 and let us leave your home "Like it never even happened."

Protecting Bellevue Homes Against Water Damage

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

A Few Simple Solutions Help Prevent Extensive Water Damage to Bellevue Homes

Water damage can happen with little to no warning. Leaks and plumbing malfunctions invite water into your Bellevue home and leave you to deal with the aftermath as best you can. Water-related problems can escalate quickly in scope and cost, derailing your family budget and interrupting daily life. Finding certified water restoration technicians is critical to the water extraction and remediation approach when this happens. Taking timely action is the basis for success in mitigating your loss.

For successful water damage remediation in Bellevue, look no further than SERVPRO. Our staff’s credentials and certifications speak to their expertise in the water restoration field, and once you meet them in person, you will understand why we are leaders in the industry. Not only are we well-versed and well-trained on the principles behind a thorough water extraction, drying, and disinfecting job, but we have access to the latest equipment and techniques. We inspect each home we visit carefully to assess the extent of the water damage and develop personalized solutions to meet your needs. Not all homes are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach can be detrimental.

Even before a disaster happens and you need to call our SERVPRO crew, there are some things you can do on your own to minimize the threat-

• Check doors and windows for leaks and add sealant as needed. When you reduce possible entry points for outside water, you help preserve your home’s interior.
• Be vigilant of wall discoloration, bubbling surfaces, and water stains. Acting immediately when you see telltale signs of leaks can help prevent bigger damage.
• Keep your roof in good shape and trim branches around your home that may damage it. Even a slight rupture in your roof can cause gradual but critical water entry into the house and cause major damage.

We hope you never face water damage in your home, but if you do, SERVPRO of Bellevue West is here to help. Call us at (425) 454-3900 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Remediating Flood Damage to Hardwood Flooring in Clyde Hill

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians. Call today (425) 454-3900.

Flood Damage to Clyde Hill Hardwood Floors Requires Specialized Restoration Methods 

Not all building materials react the same way to floodwaters when they impact Clyde Hill homes. Some weather them better than others, while different ones may be far less resilient. Fortunately, for homeowners with hardwood flooring, hardwoods tend to withstand high moisture situations better than other things. However, special techniques are necessary to remediate their damage. 

The Clyde Hill flood damage experts at SERVPRO routinely encounter flood-fouled hardwood flooring and successfully restore it. These efforts are all a part of our emergency water damage services, including everything from water clean-up and water damage repairs to biohazard remediation. With that said, our hardwood restoration methods focus on preventing moisture-related buckling and warping from becoming permanent. In working toward this goal, we:

• Try to dry floors as soon as possible, lowering the relative humidity to between 30-45%, with air movers strategically positioned to circulate air above and under flooring simultaneously.
• Raise interior air temperatures to facilitate evaporation once floor moisture levels are under 16%
• Remove or penetrate floor finishes acting as vapor barriers with pin rollers to enable thorough drying.
• Employ state-of-the-art Injectidry systems to force air underneath flooring and dry it from below 

After all of these drying actions have been taken, SERVPRO technicians patiently wait until moisture levels in the hardwood decline below 12%. Once this benchmark is reached, they carefully sand down all remaining cupping and warping. Then, they refinish the sanded flooring to look almost like new. 

Keeping this information in mind, it is no wonder why SERVPRO of Bellevue West is considered one of the best flood damage remediators in the Northwest region. So, whenever your residence suffers a flooding event, rest assured that your neighbors at SERVPRO can help. Call us anytime at (425) 454-3900 for assistance.

Odor Control Is Important in Bellevue Fire Damage Restoration

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let your property be a victim of fire damage, SERVPRO of Bellevue West is only a call away.

Bellevue Fire Damage Restoration Efforts Are Impacted by Deodorization Factors

One of the essential tasks of Bellevue fire remediation services is odor neutralization. This work is crucial because it makes burned homes livable and pleasant to live in again. Therefore, restoration experts know the factors that affect the odorization of different materials and their severity. Also, good remediators are educated on eliminating unwanted fire-related smells. 

SERVPRO is a Bellevue fire damage restoration firm that is highly trained and experienced in deodorization methods. This expertise is in addition to our general house fire clean-up, smoke remediation, and fire restoration skills in rehabilitating fire-damaged homes. As far as SERVPRO’s knowledge of deodorization factors goes, we understand that the following five main characteristics determine the severity of odors and the materials they impact most:

• Odor particle size – in general, odor particles are exceedingly small and the smaller they are, the more areas and items they can permeate
• Residue concentration – the more concentrated smelly residues are, the greater the material surface area they can affect.
• Surface porosity – more porous surfaces tend to take in more odors
• Heat – higher temperatures cause porous surfaces to expand, and colder temperatures make them contract, which means hotter burning fires often lead to more odor-related problems and the proximity of items to a fire impact how much odor they absorb 
• Exposure time – the more extended surfaces experience high temperatures and the presence of odor particles in their environment, the more smells that could foul them

How SERVPRO Removes Odors

Our technicians effectively deal with persistent fire and smoke odors by:

• Removing their sources and affected remnants
• Cleaning malodorous residues off of surfaces
• Removing smells by recreating the conditions that implanted them
• Sealing surfaces hopelessly impacted by foul odors

So, if you ever need fire damage restoration work done, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900. We are here whenever you need us.

Wall Type Affects the Speed of Bellevue Flood Damage Cleanup

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of Bellevue West.

Flood Damage Remediation in Bellevue Is More Difficult in Homes with Cinder Blocks 

Flooding is a persistent problem in the notoriously rainy Northwest, and the Bellevue area is no exception. As a result, residents are sometimes faced with the difficulties of cleaning up flood damage. Unfortunately, the associated drying process can be significantly impacted by the building materials used to construct your home’s walls.

SERVPRO understands the particular troubles involved in effectively remediating flood damage in Bellevue homes with cinder block walls. Block walls can seriously complicate work such as biohazard remediation, basement flooding cleanup, water removal services, and water damage repairs. With that said, our highly-skilled technicians know the various issues that can slow the restoration process and can address them properly. Some of the particular situations they have encountered that hinder the drying process in cinder blocks are:

• Old block walls that have absorbed considerable amounts of environmental moisture over the course of several years or even decades
• Long-standing floodwaters that have had time to permeate the cells of cinder block structural elements thoroughly
• Blocks covered in semi-gloss or gloss paint that has trapped flood-related moisture within walls and made standard drying techniques ineffective.
• Fiberglass, foam, cellulosic, or vermiculite insulation-filled block walls are slow to remediate because internal dry air circulation is difficult to maintain at levels necessary to return their moisture readings to normal.
• Walls will concrete bond beams that slow or otherwise alter airflow within block cavities. 

SERVPRO solves most of these particular problems simply by drilling holes in a mortar joint near the base of impacted walls, using non-penetrating moisture meters to determine when drying is complete, and later patching up the drilled holes. 

Considering all of this, remember to contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 when you need specialty flood damage assistance. We are always ready to answer your call.

Extracting Flood Damage in Clyde Hill Basements

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding hits your area, you need to call the technicians at SERVPRO of Bellevue West.

Extraction and Cleaning of Flood Damage Are Pressing Needs in Clyde Hill

The basement of your Clyde Hill home can quickly suffer flood damage when intruding water passes through vulnerabilities in your home's structural design. The age of elements like masonry units of the foundation can allow the penetration of this floodwater. Several immediate steps can help overcome flood damage and mitigate loss for your home, especially for contents stored in this lower level.

Standing Water Threats 

The first thing property owners notice about flood damage and Clyde Hill homes is the standing water concerns. Water can heap up quickly at this lower level, reaching several inches or even feet in depth. We have multiple water removal units capable of managing the concerns of pooling floodwater, especially powerful units like truck-mount extractors that also collect debris.

Drying With Air Movers

Air movers are among the most powerful tools in our inventory to manage moisture and water concerns after disasters like flooding. These units' placement and frequency help overcome surface moisture damage by introducing dry, warm air against damp building materials to promote efficient evaporation.

Surface Cleaning

As with many flood damage events, extensive cleaning of non-porous materials like concrete flooring or masonry units is critical. While the flooring may not require demolition and removal, disinfection cleaning protects the property from growing microbes and harmful organisms posing potential health threats. Mechanical action mixed with our powerful cleaning products effectively eliminates surface microbial or bacterial threats. Ultimately, the cleaning process is a combination of three principles:

• Temperature
• Agitation
• Chemical 

Regardless of how quickly flood damage can infiltrate and collect in the basement level of your home, our fast response can help protect both the contents stored in the lower level and the structural elements exposed. Give our SERVPRO of Bellevue West team a call today at (425) 454-3900.

Factors That Influence Surface Fire Restoration in Bellevue

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

The first step to resolving fire damage is calling your local trained professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West.

Fire Restoration and Cleaning of Bellevue Relies on Several Factors 

Many surfaces can be ruined by overexposure to smoke and soot damage. Professionals work fast to protect exposed elements with the most efficient cleaning solutions, including:

• Walls
• Floors
• Ceilings

Type of Smoke Damage 

One of the main obstacles in fire restoration for Bellevue homes or businesses is the type of smoke damage incurred. It is often vital to determine what soils and residues exist on surfaces before getting restoration underway. Wet smoke damage is among the most challenging to remove. These thick soil deposits can ruin underlying substrates if not managed quickly with solvents and detergents. We have specific cleaning and restoration strategies for any of the main types of smoke damage your home might experience.

Temperature 

Another factor that will hinder the effectiveness of the cleaning process is the temperature of the building and the damaged areas. Chemical processes occur at a faster rate when heat is involved. Much like the fire, the hotter the blaze, the quicker it spread and the more destructive it became. Increasing the temperature in the restoration zones can help the chemical processes necessary to eliminate soot damage happen quickly.

Contact Time 

Introducing chemical cleaners into the restoration process is a typical step in recovering damage after fire losses. The longer these chemicals interact with the surface soil deposits, the more of the intended chemical reaction. In some cases, a short contact time is required to ensure the reaction does not ruin underlying substrates. In other instances, longer exposure times are necessary for thorough cleaning.

Humidity 

The current humidity can also influence restoration and cleaning with chemical products. Moisture content in the environment can play a significant part and how quickly chemical processes are complete and if additional restoration action like dehumidification is required alongside soot cleanup.

With how destructive fire damages can be, especially when soot and smoke residues are widespread in the home, it is vital to take steps towards the most efficient cleanup possible. Our SERVPRO of Bellevue West professionals are ready to help now at (425) 454-3900. 

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration Services in Bellevue

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

Need Water Damage Restoration and Drying Services in Bellevue – Call SERVPRO

Residents of Bellevue are amazed at how quickly a water leak can spread to adjacent rooms, soaking carpets, underpads, and even the subfloor. These materials are very porous, absorb water quickly, and must be dried promptly before secondary damage occurs. Discoloration, delamination, and mold can occur if the water and moisture remain in place longer than twenty-four hours.

SERVPRO provides water damage restoration and repair services in Bellevue and surrounding areas. Our team is well aware of how important it is to remove water and moisture before it permanently causes damage. We respond 24/7 and are onsite within four hours of your call.

SERVPRO utilizes weighted water extractors, dehumidifiers, and large-capacity air movers to remove the water and moisture from carpets and underpads. In some situations, the carpet and underpad must be removed to dry the subfloor and verify structural integrity properly. Once the subfloor is completely dry, we install a new underpad and reinstall the existing carpet in most cases.

The underpad is inexpensive and is usually damaged while being removed. We check the carpet for water stains and delamination (separating the carpet fibers from the backing). We also install new tackless strips. We also stretched and installed the existing carpet in the room. As part of the restoration process, delaminated and stained carpets caused by the water leak are replaced according to the guidelines provided by your insurance company.

In addition to the above, SERVPRO provides the following services to cover all of your water restoration needs:

• Emergency service water damage cleanup
• Water damage repairs
• Ceiling repairs from water damage and water leaks
• Mold inspection, remediation, and removal

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West and nearby areas for water restoration assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (425) 454-3900.

The Benefits of Professional Services for Water Damage Restoration in Bellevue

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

When pipes at your business location break and leak, water damage often follows. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 - 365 days a year to investigate the cause.

SERVPRO Can Help your Bellevue Business Recover after a Water Intrusion Event

Water intrusion can be a nuisance for your business and damage the premises. One area commonly damaged in any size water intrusion is carpets, as these tend to be soaked by any leaking pipes, faucets, or appliances. Our team delivers expert mitigation and emergency services to help reduce the expenses of a water intrusion event. Once these vital tasks are complete, we can begin the restoration process, not least by restoring carpets, sofas, and chairs to their former glory. At SERVPRO, we have a dedicated Color Repair Technician (CRT) to help ensure that staining, dye bleeding, or watermarks are taken care of to a professional standard. We can help with:

• Textile restoration
• Removing watermarks
• Restoring carpeting and fabrics

To become a practising CRT technician capable of performing commercial water damage restoration in Bellevue, you must first complete two certifications. These certifications include Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) and Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician (CCMT). Holding qualifications like these ensures that our restoration technicians have the requisite expertise. CRT technicians can make informed decisions about natural versus synthetic dyes, assess fiber types in any material, and address common problems like color loss of textiles from bleaching. Ultimately, a SERVPRO technician can help make quick decisions regarding each fabric that has received damage from water exposure and often restore them to a preloss condition.

• Sometimes exposure to water can cause watermarks- where part of a textile becomes washed out compared with unaffected areas. 
• We can color match your business's textiles and re-dye them to remove watermarks or fading materials. 
• Our industry-leading training helps to reduce the likelihood of cleaning agents inadvertently causing further harm to textiles or their color. 

Let us restore your business to a preloss condition after water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West for commercial water damage restoration at (425) 454-3900.

Abnormal Humidity Levels in a Clyde Hill Home Can Cause Mold Growth

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

When the conditions are such that mold grows, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Team SERVPRO will assess, remediate and help your home.

Mold Remediation Is Vital for Clyde Hill Homes with Humidity or Moisture Problems

Mold grows from microscopic spores that exist in every indoor environment. Usually, mold spores are a relatively benign particulate that does not bother homeowners. However, if the home has a moisture or humidity problem, spores can settle on organic matter and develop from a spore to a full-size colony. Colonies are known to cause unpleasant, musty odors in your home and produce additional spores which can spread through rooms, crawlspaces, ductwork, and attic spaces. We believe that any noticeable symptom of mold growth justifies professional remediation. Our team is here to help you with:

• Mold remediation
• Mold decontamination
• Humidity control

Drying a property is vital for mold remediation in your Clyde Hill home. Mold spores rely on water to build through their stages of growth. Removing moisture from the property, then, can help to remedy the core issue causing microbial growth. A natural relative humidity for your home is around 45%. Once humidity levels rise beyond these median averages, it can cause lots of problems in your home, not limited to just mold. All microbes thrive in humid conditions, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. SERVPRO technicians have extensive experience controlling the atmospheric conditions of your home, a process known as psychometry. We can help reduce mold colonies in your home through preventative measures and equipment. 

• Thermal hygrometers are relatively cheap instruments that detect humidity levels in your home. We can also use manometers to register particulate matter such as spores.
• Running dehumidification in your home can help stop spores from passing through the stages of growth, allowing us to focus on removing infested material.
• Controlled demolition and replacement of infested materials can help to ensure that mold does not become a recurring issue for homeowners.

If you notice mold symptoms, contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West for mold remediation at (425) 454-3900.

A Fire in Your Bellevue Home Can Have Significant Consequences

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Many times fire damage and water damage go hand in hand. Call SERVPRO after the fire fighters leave for fire cleanup services. Contact us 24/7.

SERVPRO Is an Established Fire Cleanup Service that Can Restore Your Home

Water staining can be a side-effect of firefighting procedures. The use of water to extinguish flames can have a lasting impact on soft furnishings, carpeting, or flooring. It is imperative to contact professional restoration agencies immediately after experiencing a house fire to avoid further losses to your home or contents. Moisture in your home can set soot or ash into materials. Large volumes of water to extinguish flames are equivalent to a water intrusion event in larger fires. There is a real risk of mold developing in a wet environment while cleaning wet ash can spread damage around. We are here to help residents with:

• Fire debris removal
• Stain and spot cleaning
• Contents care 

It is normal for fire cleanup in Bellevue to incorporate drying or cleaning procedures. Sofas, mattresses, and carpets are soft-furnishings that can be adversely affected by fire and water. Our SERVPRO team aims to restore these furnishings rather than replace them, which often results in a less expensive service and the protection of valuable belongings. Chemical cleaning is the preferred method of our technicians when it comes to clearing away wet soot or smoke deposits. We often complete this process using a range of proprietary cleaning products. 

• Brown Out (#257) is a peroxide stain remover designed to reverse the "browning effect" of moisture on soft-furnishings.
• Combining Brown Out with a textile shampoo formula produces an alkaline mixture that can effectively remove stains or for spot cleaning.
• Our technicians pre-test furnishings by applying small amounts onto discrete areas to prevent unexpected reactions such as dye bleeding from damaging the textile.

Reduce losses at your home. Contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West for expert fire cleanup at (425) 454-3900.

Simple Decisions Change Water Damage Mitigation Outcomes in Bellevue Homes

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 for assistance from a professional remediation company.

For Ultimate Convenience During Water Restoration in Bellevue, SERVPRO Can Help

Water can leak from different sources in your Bellevue home, including overflowing or faulty appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. On discovering the leak, taking immediate action helps mitigate any damages that result from moisture exposure. 

Although water damage mitigation in Bellevue homes counters the harmful effects of water exposure, results can vary greatly based on the actions taken. If you make errors or choose inappropriate actions, the intervention may not be as effective as you expect. SERVPRO can help you avoid mistakes, and poor choices since our decisions are based on technical skills and industry experience.

Some areas where errors and poor choices are common includes:

• Choice of drying approach
• Application of biocides
• Timing of restoration processes 

Moisture Management Decisions Have a Big Impact

Moisture control is one of the top priorities when mitigating water damage. You can accomplish your drying objective in many ways, but it is best to choose an approach that matches the conditions at your property. Some crucial decisions to make include whether to dry materials like carpets in place or remove them for offsite drying. In-place drying requires appropriate resources like:

• Weighted water extractors like water claws or rovers
• Cavity drying equipment with positive to negative pressure
• Special extractors such as drying mats 

Microbial growth is a common process in homes after a water intrusion, as signified by the mold that develops after some time. Controlling microbes takes both moisture management and the application of biocides. Since such products are readily available commercially, any problems mostly relate to the application processes since direct contact between the antimicrobial agent and the targeted microbes is necessary. For example, after extracting water from carpeted surfaces, our SERVPRO technicians apply disinfectants on the back of the carpet and floor surface.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West eases water damage mitigation, ensuring your home is dry and sanitary. Call us at (425) 454-3900. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Are the Advantages of Thorough Fire and Smoke Cleanup for Clyde Hill Premises?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to help with fire restoration to your property.

SERVPRO Uses State-Of-The-Art Equipment in Clyde Hill Properties Improving Restoration 

There is no question regarding the need to clean your premises after a fire. What might not be clear is how much effort you have to dedicate to the cleanup processes that you perform at your Clyde Hill premises. Being thorough enhances the benefits of cleaning as a fire restoration approach. However, sufficient effort and resources are necessary to guarantee thoroughness.

Your desire to perform thorough fire smoke cleanup at your Clyde Hill facility might not always be realized unless a professional handles the procedure. Such assistance avails sophisticated equipment, better technical skills, and in many cases, better cleaning products. SERVPRO has a strong sense of duty and thus takes every possible step to guarantee better outcomes.

Benefits that accrue from thorough smoke cleanup include:

• Better Indoor air quality
• Limited follow-up maintenance
• Lower replacement costs

Cleaning is more than just a way to remove soils from materials and contents. It can play a protective role against the physical deterioration triggered by soot and other corrosive smoke residues, which necessitate follow-up maintenance. Deterioration from such exposure takes time before damaging various items like doorknobs, hinges, and other metal accessories. When our SERVPRO technicians use vacuum cleaners, we can lift off all soot residues preventing such deterioration.

Replacing damaged materials after a fire may be necessary, but it is the most expensive solution. Apart from the materials consumed by flames, replacements are essential for stained or discolored materials. Thorough cleaning, especially through specialized techniques, can help eliminate the need for replacements prompted by heavy soiling.

Specialized fire cleaning techniques include:

• Soda blasting
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Use of specially formulated reagents

SERVPRO of Bellevue West has significant experience handling fire and smoke cleanup eliminating the effects of fire “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (425) 454-3900.

What Precautions Are Necessary for Safe Mold Remediation in Bellevue Homes?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let your home be a victim of mold damage, SERVPRO of Bellevue West is only a call away.

SERVPRO Uses Engineering Controls in Bellevue Properties to Minimize Mold Hazards

The inconveniences from mold, such as deterioration of surface finishes, push many people to expedite restoration processes. Taking precautions during remediation at your Bellevue home is necessary for your safety and protection of the structure against unnecessary damages.

Taking precautions does not mean you should avoid mold remediation at your Bellevue home. You need to identify possibly risky procedures and find a way to complete them safely. SERVPRO this approach regularly to deliver quality results.

Some useful precautions when resolving mold include:

• Avoiding drying processes involving air movements on moldy surfaces
• Setting up containments when demolishing contaminated areas
• Using the right PPE 

Mold masses are made up of loose and embedded residues. Forcing air currents over such surfaces would blow away the loose residues spreading them into the air and unaffected rooms. Therefore if the moldy surfaces are wet, alternative drying procedures or scheduling drying after cleaning is the best approach. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to low airflow dehumidifiers suitable for moisture management under such circumstances.

Engineering Controls Help with Mold Management

Delaying procedures or using specialized equipment may not work in all circumstances. It might also lengthen the restoration timelines unnecessarily. A better alternative is establishing engineering controls, such as setting up plastic sheet containments. That way, any debris loosened does not reach unwanted areas. Engineering controls help when:

• Doing abrasive cleaning 
• Using air currents to improve evaporation
• Demolition to remove deteriorated materials

Precautions are also necessary for the people handling the restoration. That usually means wearing protective clothing items like respirators, bodysuits, and gloves.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West prioritizes safety and convenience during mold remediation, resolving any level of contamination, "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (425) 454-3900.

Crucial Fire Damage Restoration Steps for Clyde Hill Homes

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can clean up fire damaged Clyde Hill area homes and build them back, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Documents and Resolves All Damages From Fires in Clyde Hill Properties

The aftermath of a fire incident is a hectic time with many activities that you must complete to restore your Clyde Hill home to its preloss state. When dealing with such loss, it is easy to overlook or mess up some steps, which can be detrimental.

One of the reasons for seeking fire damage restoration help in Clyde Hill is to ensure all steps necessary for restoring a home are carried out satisfactorily. With an experienced team like SERVPRO, you can be certain of timely and thorough execution of major or trivial actions.

Fundamental processes that help combat fire damage include:

• Assessing structural integrity
• Securing the property
• Documenting all losses
• Thorough clean-up of all areas of the property

Some processes are essential immediately after the fire is extinguished since they can influence other processes or change the outcome. For instance, assessing the structure's integrity helps identify hazards that might cause injuries or delays. Securing the property against intrusion by vandals or weather elements helps limit secondary damages. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate properties to reveal hazards and set up roof tarps and board-up wall openings.

Fire incidents damage various materials in different ways, including:

• Soiling with residues
• Corrosion
• Charring from heat
• Moisture deterioration

Documenting the different problems in your property is essential in aiding the restoration process or facilitating insurance claims. For instance, taking photos of surfaces like walls or ceilings can help prove the impact of cleaning efforts. Our SERVPRO crew chiefs take several pictures and videos to help document the damage. We also use various approaches, including using chemical agents and sophisticated equipment to clean up all fire residues deposited in your house.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West ensures your fire restoration efforts cover all bases. Call us at (425) 454-3900. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Issues Must Water Damage Restoration of Bellevue Homes Address?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

This Bellevue homeowner is about to call SERVPRO to mitigate the water damage to her property

SERVPRO Ensures Full Restoration of Daily Routines at Your Bellevue Home

Water intrusion causes many physical damages to property. It also affects other aspects, such as disrupting the daily household routines. Restoration is only suitable if it is comprehensive enough to manage all the issues, reinstating normalcy.

Identifying priority activities is essential during water damage restoration in a Bellevue property. Although the most focus is on removing the intruding water, paying attention to other issues is crucial. SERVPRO technicians evaluate the property comprehensively before starting restoration.

Some essential issues to address when mitigating water damage include:

• Identifying pre-existing issues
• Removal of any hazards
• Identifying any hidden problems

Water intrusion causes many problems, including staining or changing the physical structure of materials. Many of these issues can be eliminated or reversed. However, if there is an issue pre-existing the water intrusion, chances of fixing it are minimal and the effort wasted in attempting restoration can interfere with other crucial processes. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect structural materials and contents closely to identify pre-existing issues to avoid wasting opportunities.

A wet property has many hazards, including:

• Slick surfaces
• Trip hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Contaminated surfaces or air

Injuries from falls are inconvenient and traumatizing. Wet surfaces become slick while cords and hoses from restoration equipment can easily trip someone. It is easy to overcome these problems through proper management of the worksite. Our SERVPRO technicians use squeegee wands to extract water from hard surfaces ensuring they are not slippery. We organize cords and hoses by zip-tying them and keeping any equipment, not in use in a staging area.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West provides all the services that deliver adequate water damage restoration. Call us at (425) 454-3900 to help make any water intrusion "Like it never even happened."

Is Mold Damage Removal in Bellevue Homes Urgent if Contamination Is Behind Walls?

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Visible mold growth and damage? Call SERVPRO for rapid response and remediation in Bellevue

SERVPRO Considers Any Case of Mold in Bellevue Homes as Requiring Immediate Attention

Mold is readily identifiable once it starts developing on structural or content surfaces. Mold can also grow surreptitiously behind wall panels or ceiling panels. Since it is out of sight, you might not notice it immediately.

Regardless of the location, mold damage removal from your Bellevue home should be a priority since deterioration worsens the longer it remains in the structure. If you are not sure whether there is contamination, SERVPRO technicians can help confirm its presence.

Signs that indicate mold beneath wall panels include:

• A musty smell in the house
• Wallpaper and paint cracking, bubbling or peeling
• Discoloration or stains on the wall surfaces

One of the reasons you might keep postponing mold remediation when it is concealed within wall surfaces is the cost and disruption of opening the cavities to inspect and address the damage. Our SERVPRO microbial remediation technicians can inspect your structure with limited invasiveness. For instance, we drill small holes in suspected areas then use borescopes to check the condition of the cavity. That way, we only demolish walls where growth is detected, saving cost, and minimizing the inconvenience of torn-down materials.

Another reason for putting off remediation is the fear of exposure or the inconvenience of leaving the property during remediation. Our SERVPRO technicians establish airtight containments separating the affected areas from the rest of the house. We can also create a 4-walled containment, thus setting a room within a room.

A good containment barrier requires:

• Using 6-mil plastic sheets as a barrier
• Establishing negative air pressure
• Using sturdy spring-loaded metal poles for containment support

SERVPRO of Bellevue West can help you complete mold damage removal within the appropriate timelines saving you cost and inconvenience. Call us at (425) 454-3900. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Storms in Bellevue Call for Prevention of Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your home, SERVPRO has storm damage restoration teams on call 24/7 365 days a year. Call now!

SERVPRO is There to Assist with Water Damage Should You Have Issues with Frozen Piping or Ice Dams in Bellevue

Strong winds and drops in temperature are typical in Bellevue when the winter weather starts roaring in. As a homeowner or local property manager, you need to do whatever possible to protect your building from damage due to winter storm mayhem. Freezing pipes and ice dams are a concern for many homeowners, but SERVPRO wants you to know that they are preventable.

Nobody wants to have problems with frozen pipes or ice damming in Bellevue during a storm, so SERVPRO is offering some helpful tips to get ahead of any possible issues.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Any water line can freeze given the right conditions, and burst pipes are something no homeowner wants to deal with. Extreme cold can leave your home vulnerable, so prevent frozen pipes from happening by:

• Open up bathroom and kitchen cabinets to circulate warm air around your piping
• If your garage has pipes, keep the garage door closed to help conserve heat
• Let a trickle of cold water drip from faucets that get water from exposed piping
• Should you be away from home, be sure that you keep the heat on and above 55° F
• Always insulate your crawl spaces, basement, and attics to protect pipes that are not climate controlled

Ice Dam Prevention

It is best to take action before the first snow or significant storm to ensure your roof remains in good condition. Icicles and ice dams form as snow melts, running down the roof, then refreezing at the edge. Because ice dam removal can be challenging, it is best to prevent them before they have a chance to form by:

• Close up any attic bypasses
• Manage the insulation level in the attic
• Add soffit and roof vents

Note: Climbing onto your roof can be dangerous, especially during the winter months. Always follow safety procedures and act with caution.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West has the staffing and equipment necessary to help you recover from water damage after frozen pipes burst or hidden water intrusion due to ice damming. Call us at (425) 454-3900 whenever you need assistance!

What Does Water Damage Mitigation Look Like for Clyde Hill Commercial Properties?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial damage restoration service is top-notch. We use the latest technology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO’s Water Cleanup and Damage Mitigation Offers Fast, Efficient Results for Clyde Hill Businesses

No matter the cause of any water damage incident within a Clyde Hill commercial space, it is all about how mitigation and cleanup are planned and executed. If there is a significant amount of water damage, you want to have a team like SERVPRO that offers fast response and proven methods while using the right equipment and products for the job. We work to restore versus replace whenever possible, all to save you as much money and time possible. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Water damage mitigation for Clyde Hill commercial properties starts with initial contact. Within hours of your call, we mobilize our Green Fleet to your door to begin an assessment. Immediately following assessment and mitigation planning, water removal services start. Any kind of pooling can be destructive to your structural elements and also pose a hazard for employees. We have many ways of tackling trapped moisture that may have traveled behind machinery and furniture to eliminate the chance of secondary damage or the onset of mold and mildew.

Whether you have ceiling leaks or burst pipes, drying must go hand in hand with water cleanup. Drying areas behind wallboards or carpeting may call for a combination of evaporative tools. Our team adjusts equipment and placement as we go to help achieve the best results. Some of the equipment used to remove moisture and restore relative humidity (RH) while addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) may include:

• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers and industrial fans
• Drying mats
• Portable electric heaters
• Injectidry system

You can trust our professional team at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to carefully and strategically address your commercial water damage mitigation needs. We save you a great deal of downtime and money so that your business gets back to normal, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a phone call whenever you need us at (425) 454-3900.

Restaurant Fire Damage in Bellevue Calls for Skilled Restoration Efforts

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size and destruction to your commercial building, SERVPRO handles all commercial damage restoration projects. Call now!

When Bellevue Business Owners Require Fast, Efficient Fire Damage Restoration, SERVPRO is Available 24/7

You may have heard stories of fire damage taking out a business to the point of no return. However, if the scope of the fire is not too devastating, there is a chance for total recovery. When you have a kitchen fire in your restaurant, you need skilled technicians on the scene to handle the job. The last thing any Bellevue restaurant or bakery owner wants is the lingering odors left behind by soot and smoke. SERVPRO features odor control technicians (OCT) that will make your dining establishment like-new again, “Like it never even happened.”

Depending on the fire event, SERVPRO takes the time to study all elements of your commercial space to determine the right course of action. When it comes to smoke remediation and fire damage restoration in Bellevue, our crew must look at the source for all harsh odors while working to remove debris and clean up any standing water.

Our Tools of the Trade

With the proper deodorization practices, our team can neutralize odors. Fire debris removal is just one step of the process. We also have a variety of products and industrial equipment loaded onto the vehicles in our Green Fleet to help make our job easier. Some of the tools in our arsenal includes:

• Odor counteractant beads
• Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration
• Thermal fogging equipment
• Ozone machines
• HVAC/exhaust system cleaning
• Hydroxyl generators
• EPA-registered cleaning agents

With any fire and smoke damage project, controlled demolition is usually part of the plan. We take the time to remove unsalvageable materials from your restaurant, including drywall, carpeting, fixtures, and more. Everything gets replaced and finished off so that you are back in business sooner than later.

Calling on SERVPRO of Bellevue West is your best course of action whenever you require commercial fire damage restoration. You can reach us online or by calling (425) 454-3900.

How Does SERVPRO Remove Smoke and Soot Damage to Furniture in Bellevue Homes?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Removal of odors and soot from Bellevue homes often requires the expertise of SERVPRO, we make you feel, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Brings Years of Experience to Fire Restoration in Bellevue Properties

SERVPRO handles not only the structure clean-up after fire damage in Bellevue properties but also the contents. This action is important to save homeowners the cost of replacing furnishings whenever possible.

SERVPRO technicians have extensive training in the removal and restoration of smoke and soot damage in Bellevue homes. During the initial scoping of the aftermath of the fire throughout the house, the techs inspect the structure and the contents. While a favorite table in a living room may not look like it will ever recover from being covered in black soot, the technicians know what to look for to determine if it indeed has restoration potential through their advanced cleaning methods.  The techs used cleaning agents specially formulated for use on hardwood furnishings to lift away the residues while doing as little harm to the finish as possible.

It is not uncommon for water damage to be part of the fire restoration process. Furnishings can get wet from the extinguishing actions of the first responders, and some amount of extraction and drying may be necessary as part of the house fire cleanup.

SERVPRO techs have the training to determine the restoration potential in each furniture piece by looking for damages such as:

• Cracked or split joints from heat or water exposure
• Charring on edges
• Types of smoke damage present on the piece
• Steam cleaning potential for upholstered furnishings

An additional step that furnishings require is odor removal. Indoor Air Quality IAQ is often degraded by wildfires and house fires. Soot particles are also odorous, and even a cleaned piece of furniture can still emit smoke odors. The technicians have various odor control applications that neutralize the particulate that causes the smells at the molecular level, completely eradicating the scent.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 brings the latest smoke and soot damage cleaning methods to local Bellevue properties.

What are Typical Reasons For Bellevue Commercial Water Damage?

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can clean up and disinfect water damage and backups in Bellevue commercial properties, including sewage blockage in restrooms

Bellevue Commercial Property Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Water Cleanup Services

Many Bellevue business owners start off doing monthly inspections on their properties to look for leaks and signs of water damage; however, the task may get put off as time goes on.

Some commercial water damage occurs without warning in Bellevue properties, such as a sewage backup or flood damage from storms. However, the slow leaks can lead to large-scale damages, including the need for mold remediation. Other frequently seen reasons for water cleanup restoration services by SERVPRO include:

• Sudden pipe burst
• Leaking or faulty sprinkler systems
• Damaged roofs and windows
• Slow leaks behind walls
• Restroom backups

Most business owners would prefer to stay open during the water restoration services; however, that is not always possible. SERVPRO technicians inspect the property upon arrival and can give a time frame for how long the water cleanup will take and if it is safe to remain open or on-site for the property owner. In cases where the water has degraded or contains sewage, or the building is structurally unsound due to sagging ceilings or other issues, SERVPRO will opt for the safest course of action for all.

In cases where the flooring is slab or tile, the danger of slip and fall hazards during the water restoration services may require that the work-site area get taped off with security tape while the rest of the building remains open. Before the building reopens, the technicians verify that the structure reads as attaining drying goals using their various types of moisture detection equipment and visual inspections. The final step is to sanitize all surfaces, so the employees and customers come back to a healthy environment when the property reopens for business as usual.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 supports the local Bellevue community with all types of commercial water damage cleanup and restoration service.

What Tools Does SERVPRO Use for Bellevue Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides fire damage cleanup, debris removal and build-back eventually for our Bellevue customers

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Training and Equipment to Perform Post-Fire Cleanup in Bellevue Properties

There are different types of fire and smoke damage left behind in Bellevue. These residues need to be handled in specific ways for the best outcome.

SERVPRO technicians handle the cleanup of smoke and fire damage in Bellevue homes. As a fire moves through a room, the articles and building materials that fuel the flames determine the type of soot that collects on the surfaces. It is not unusual for the technicians to encounter the different types of residues such as: 

• Dry smoke
• Wet smoke
• Smoke webs (often from a furnace puff back)

SERVPRO recommends that homeowners do not attempt to clean up as a DIY project. There are a lot of bad examples of post-fire restoration advice to be found on the Internet. For instance, all smoke damage should not be handled in the same manner. Applying wet cleaning solutions to the dry, powdery soot can cause it to stain and drive it further into surfaces. The technicians use tools such as dry cleaning sponges that they turn as they pick up dry smoke residues. Smoke webs are handled in much the same manner for removal without damaging the surface. Portable vacuums, often outfitted with a HEPA filter are often the first choice for residue capture.

Wet smoke is another type of residue that should get professional removal. This greasy type of smoke damage smears easily and can be difficult to remove. Care must be taken not to use abrasive methods, or it can ruin the surface underneath. SERVPRO technicians have various solvent-containing cleaning agents that release the residue's grip so it can get wiped away cleanly.  Air quality is a concern, and the technicians run air scrubbers to capture airborne soot particulates during the restoration service. This process also helps to eliminate pungent smoke odors.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 stands ready to support Bellevue residents with any size or type of fire damage restoration needed. The trained and IICRC certified technicians are available 24/7.

Keeping Your Attic and Crawl Space Healthy

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Living in the Pacific Northwest has its share of positives and negatives; beautiful scenery and all major seasons of the year. Unfortunately an excess of rain and clouds is part of our typical weather pattern. The damp weather that we’ve grown accustomed can be difficult to keep molds and fungus at bay, or what we call microbial growth. Attics and crawl spaces are the perfect incubator for these nasty microbes. Short of keeping a webcam in your attic (out of sight, out of mind) here are five recommendations to keeping your attic microbial growth free.

1. Water intrusion from a leaking roof is a common cause of microbial growth. Confirm your roof is tight and leak proof by having it inspected by a professional.
2. The bathroom ventilation, in some homes, exit by way of the attic and through the roof. Make sure that ductwork is sealed, secure, and continuous. If not, warm moist air will blow directly into your attic and can cause unwanted visitors.
3. A well-insulated attic stops moisture from escaping your house and entering your attic. It also helps with your home’s energy costs. Is your attic insulated?
4. Air ventilation is essential; it makes for a cooler attic in the Summer but also reduces moisture and heat buildup. Air from outside enters the attic by way of soffit vents (under the eaves) and exits through turtle vents (at top of roof). These should be kept clear.
5. Is it mold, or is it dirt? Not everything is mold, and for that matter, the scary and often misconceived “black mold.” Proper testing is the only way to know for sure what kind of growth you’re dealing with. Don’t get too worried, but if you have concerns, call a professional.

Microbial growth causes silent destruction in our attics and crawlspaces: wood rot, ruined drywall, and overall structural deterioration. If you discover an issue and feel there’s more than meets the eye, contact a company with experience such as SERVPRO of Bellevue West. It’s crucial to remove microbial growth adequately but also understand where the problem began in the first place. Count on our team to help you keep your attics and crawlspaces clean and healthy.

Restoring Your Home After A Leak

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Your home may flood for a number of reasons caused by natural or man-made disasters, a broken pipe or a heavy rainstorm. If your home has water damage, it’s time for restoration! Most people are stumped by how to handle the cleanup process. They may not know which items to throw out, which items to clean or how to clean them.

1. Which Items To Clean

It’s wise not to try to handle the cleanup on your own. A restoration company such as SERVPRO can assess the damage done to your business. They can tell you which items can be cleaned and which cannot be. The rule of thumb to remember is that nonporous objects can be cleaned, whereas porous materials are more tricky. For instance, carpeting, bedding and soft furniture may be difficult to clean. However, hard and smooth surfaces can be washed.

2. How To Clean Your Contents

Call your insurance company to see what type of cleaning coverage is included in your policy. If there is mold or mildew, an expert can assess how it should be cleaned and with what equipment. When clothing is damaged in a flood, it may be salvageable, the SERVPRO team can help you with cleaning all household items. 

3. What Items To Throw Out

Upholstered furniture, bedding and paper products should be the first to be removed after a flood. These are objects that can be difficult if not impossible to clean. Document drying is available and should be done as soon as possible. Consult the professionals at SERVPRO for advice! 

The cleanup of your flooded home does not have to be a miserable affair, SERVPRO professionals will walk you through the process- were are always on standby ready to help! 

The Hidden Value of Personal Protective Equipment

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, SAFETY is the second most important factor of life only behind basic survival needs. At SERVPRO of Bellevue West we take safety very seriously. When our employees feel safe and comfortable while working with or around possibly hazardous materials it is important to our success. When workers feel safe, they work harder, smarter and help us retain high skilled, hard-working talent in our company. Keeping these people within our company is an easy way to make sure that we have properly trained and certified workers that can help with every and any job.

Investing in proper Personal Protective Equipment can also create a great return on investment opportunity because we have the right tools for the job. It is a great opportunity to set us apart from other companies while recruiting new workers and customers. Proper Protective Equipment shows how seriously we take our job, always being prepared with our PPE bag shows professionalism and that we are up for anything the customer need, wants or throws our way. When realizing that safety is not just a human need, but a key motivator in the success of our company is when we start to see our company thriving. When breaking down the pros and cons of investing in top tier Personal Protective Equipment, the Pros of return on investment and safety far outweigh the cons of the initial price.

Dealing with possibly hazardous material can be a big turnoff to people when they apply for a job, but here at SERVPRO of Bellevue West we take all possible measures to make sure that everybody is always safe and is always comfortable. If you have questions about biohazard regulations in the State of Washington or if you have a biohazard cleaning issue call us for more information at 425-454-3900.

Tips for Ventilation In your Kitchen

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Abundant plumbing and cooking-related moisture can increase the availability of moist spaces for mold to easily grow. Check out our following list of tips to avoid microbial growth in your kitchen;

1. Actively check for and repair leaks. Leaking sinks and pipes create new moist areas for mold to easily grow in. It’s important to ensure that leaks are repaired as soon as possible. It is ideal to schedule seasonal maintenance checks to make sure that there are no hidden leaks or damaged, leak-prone pipes in the property.
2. Check cabinets. Kitchen cabinets that house or are found in proximity of main pipes are likely to entrap moisture. This is true especially if they are made of moisture-absorbing material, like unsealed wood. We recommend having a plumbing professional evaluate whether the location of pipes and the material of kitchen cabinets are adequate for your kitchen.
3. Check the garbage disposal. Older and faulty garbage disposal systems will often fail to allow wet food scraps to be properly flushed and disposed. The garbage disposal then becomes a dark, wet, and organic material-filled space for mold to grow in. Repairing a broken garbage disposal as soon as it exhibits issues can prevent mold.
4. Seal permeable surfaces. Countertops and cabinets usually take up the majority of the space in the kitchen. Some materials are prone to absorbing moisture more easily than others. Choosing materials for your countertops and cabinets is an important process and our experts find that wooden countertops have been known to rot due to lingering moisture. This can be prevented by regularly sealing the countertops. Following the suggested procedures and checkups is the best way to avoid wear and tear in the long run.
5. Bonus Tip. Remind residents that cleanliness should always be a priority when it comes to the kitchen. Making sure that dirty dishes, food scraps and food in general are not left out will decrease the likelihood of mold to grow on organic material. Spills - especially underneath and behind fixtures and countertops - should be cleaned up promptly. Food should be always stored mindfully.

Summary

Preventative maintenance is a serious issue as moisture and microbial issues can increase when not properly addressed. If you think you may have an issue in your property call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900 or visit our website for resources at www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com .

What Is Black Water?

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

What Is This Water, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Black water is liquid presumed to house multiple contaminants. It’s a very common danger after floods especially from toilet or sewer related leaks. It could contain:

• Fecal matter
• Urine
• Used toilet paper

Sewage systems frequently become compromised and leak after water damage. Then, they pose health threats to those who encounter the dirty liquid.

It’s also important to be aware of gray water. That type often comes from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks and showers and is not immediately as dangerous as the black variety, but can become more hazardous after 48 hours of contact with building surfaces. These contaminated waters contain bacteria that could be harmful to your health.

How Can You Stay Safe From Contaminated Water?

The best way to limit your exposure to hazardous water from flooding is to limit your exposure to it. Instead of trying to handle the cleanup process on your own call on a flood cleanup company to assess the damage and tackle the steps necessary for a thorough restoration of your home. SERVPRO if Bellevue west is available 24/7.

Black water is a likely contaminant after a flood, and it’s a primary reason why you should not deal with the water damage on your own. Contacting a professional team to assist with damage from flooding gives you greater protection from possible risks and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Odor Treatment Methods

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Odor treatment is a science and cannot be treated as a “One size fits all”. SERVPRO of Bellevue West uses the best Odor Treatment Method necessary for your home or commercial building to remove the odor as fast and efficiently as possible. Between the 7 methods of odor treatment there are many differences and all of them that work in different ways. The differences between each of them are as follows  

Absorbents: Typically, they are solid materials made to keep the odor in place and smother it. By smothering, it captures and holds the odors on their surfaces. These solids can be cleaned up afterwards and take the odors with them.

Neutralization: Uses the equation “1-1=0” to eliminate the odor. This equation means that it uses a chemical to neutralize the odor and make it obsolete. This process is mostly used for halogens such as Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine.

Oxidation: Mostly used for organic decomposition or skunks. This process adds oxygen to the scent to control the odor. Oxygen is a great method to eliminate odors.

Biocides: Used to kill the growth of microorganisms. Killing the source of the smell is one of the most effective ways of odor treatment.

Counteraction: This means to work against the odor. It takes scentless odors and it combines with the odorous odor to eliminate the scent.

Masking: This process covers the bad smelling odor with a stronger, better smelling, pleasant scent.

Bioenzymatic digestion: Specially engineered bacteria are scent out to produce enzymes to consume and digest the odorous materials. Most often used while carpet cleaning.

If you have an odor issue call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900.

The Importance of A Quick Response Time During Water Damage

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, one of the worst things you can do is wait. The longer you wait the more damage is being caused, the longer it will take to fix and dry. Labor costs and job scope increase as the damage worsens. Within minutes of a water flood or leak, water quickly spreads in your home and infiltrates walls, floors and household items; becoming absorbed sometimes not visibly to the naked eye. Dyes in furniture may start to bleed causing permanent staining to other items. Also, pictures, arts and books can start to swell and warp. While this seems overwhelming, if you continue to wait the condition of your house will continue to get worse. Between 1- and 24-hours drywall, furniture and metal surfaces will begin to break down. A musky odor will start to become apparent around the affected area and start to take over your entire house. Days 2-7 is when mold and other biohazards start to appear. Metal can start to corrode, wood will start to swell and furniture starts to warp. If a week passes and there has been effort to mitigate then you may be facing a concern for structural safety, mold growth and more biohazards causing serious risks.

 Don’t allow you water loss to become much more than a water damage issue; mold and biohazard issues can be avoided with a responsible response time.  Bottom line, if you have water damage then call a professional and solve the problem as soon as you possibly can. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is trained, specialized and experienced for all the problems you may encounter during a flood or leak. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 425-454-3900!

Commercial Fire Damage Cleaning Process

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire emergencies are one of the most common disasters that business owners have to prepare for in advance. Fire damage may be because of negligence, electrical fire, or accidental fire within your facility. Regardless of the cause of fire, soot damage, fire damage, and smoke damage are inevitable and one can only minimize their extent. The best way to deal with commercial fire accidents is putting in place preventative mechanisms; sprinklers and suppression systems. Every commercial building should have a utility room fire that stores all firefighter’s tools like fire suppression materials, fire sprinkler system, fire hose, and a fire truck should be easily available.

Below are general steps that are involved in fire restoration in case of commercial fire damage:
i. Emergency contact
After a commercial fire accident, the first step you should take is to contact a fire restoration company. The company’s agent will seek to know about the extent of the fire damage to know the number of fire trucks and firefighters to dispatch to your premise. The fire restoration agent may also seek clarification on any fire suppression and fire sprinkler system in place. You should ensure that electricity and water supply are cut to avoid electrical fire and water damage.

ii. Inspection and Assessment
Once you have informed your fire restoration company of the commercial fire damage, they will send their agents to carry out inspection and assessment. Inspection and assessment should focus on soot damage, smoke damage, and determine the extent of the damages. Fire damage inspection is necessary as it helps with the development of an action plan for fire restoration after a fire accident.

iii. Documentation of the damages caused by the fire
It is important to record videos and take pictures of your damaged premises, as this will help you in filling claim forms for compensation from your insurer. You should do damage documentation as soon as you are able to access the premises safely.

iv. Immediate board-up and roof tarp service
The restoration company personnel will then carry out board-up and roof tarp services because fire damages might compromise your walls, windows, and doors. This will ensure that you guarantee security of your personal belongings.

v. Water removal and drying
Firefighters often use water for fire suppression through the fire sprinkler system or fire trucks. A fire sprinkler system needs a long fire hose to be efficient when dealing with utility room fire or electrical fire. Water use by a firefighter can lead to further damage hence the need for water removal and drying.

vi. Handling smoke damage and soot damage on all surfaces
The unavoidable damages that accompany a fire are soot damage and smoke damage. There are specialized equipment and techniques that professionals use to remove soot and smoke traces from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

vii. Cleaning and Sanitizing
This stage involves restoring the state of belongings to the condition they were before the commercial fire damage. Deodorization will help in getting rid of odors while scrubbers and fogging equipment helps in addressing the soot and smoke traces. Sanitation is also a commercial disinfection process.

An effective fire restoration process is efficient and quick; call us at 425-454-3900 if you need assistance. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on fire damage.

The Importance Of Fire Damage Restoration

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire ranks as one of the most dangerous events that a home or business owner can face. In a matter of seconds, flames can sweep the entire building leaving an empty shell behind. While the first course of action is to get people to safety, the effects of fire damage become apparent after the fire. Fire damage brings with it other forms of damage such as smoke smell, soot damage and smoke damage. These elements can be as destructive as the flames.

Smoke damage is inevitable after a fire in the home or fire in the business. Smoke can cause damage to the furnishings and other possessions. Items such as clothing, window treatments, upholstery, wall hangings and carpeting can suffer smoke damage. Smoke can be oily and sticky, and this makes it hard to remove. This is why affected persons should work with a restoration company. A thorough fire cleanup can restore a home or business to its previous condition.

Smoke also comes with a smoke smell that is pungent and unpleasant. The smoke smell can also linger in the rooms and clothing if proper fire cleanup is not done. A commercial fire damage company will install a board up. The board up is to prevent further exposure to the fire damage. A proper board up will also limit access to the affected areas.

Fire damage restoration must take care of the smoke damage. It is ill advised to ignore it or simply mask it. A professional restoration company will have ozone generators to help break down the molecules that cause the smoke smell. This is why it is important to let fire cleanup experts handle the task after a fire in the home or a fire in business. They have the experience and tools to carry out a systematic fire damage restoration.

Soot damage is another important part of the restoration process. Soot is the flaky black substance that is left after an incomplete combustion. Soot damage can affect the ceilings, walls and even the contents of the building. Soot can be dry or oily. Depending on the type of soot damage, there are cleaning agents that are used by commercial fire damage companies. A restoration company will conduct a test to ascertain the type of soot damage.

Another issue about fire damage is the subsequent water damage. While water is crucial in putting out the fire, it also exposes a home or business to water damage. Fire cleanup services from a restoration company will also include water damage removal. If the water damage is not addressed, it can create a breeding ground for mold and other fungi.

Water damage can also destroy furniture, fabric, and paper. A restoration company will use dehumidifiers and other water extraction tools to dry the home. They will also board up the area to prevent further damage. The commercial fire damage company will also assess the damage and advice the home or business owners on the items that can be salvaged. Immediate drying services can restore some items to their original condition. The ability to save the items depends on how fast one engages the services of a commercial fire damage company.

While fire can have devastating consequences, immediate fire damage restoration can reduce the extensive losses that come after a fire in the home or fire in the business. SERVPRO of Bellevue West expertise and experience can ensure that home and business owners return to their daily activities in a short period of time. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on fire.

SERVPRO of Bellevue's Fire Restoration Process

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

All fire damage is different depending on the unique situation. The type of fire, the areas affected and the severity all require calculated solutions. Despite all these factors, our proven process stays the same!  Here is a list of the actions and precautions we take;

 Step 1: First Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.   

 Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

 Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Services

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We are also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

 Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West is committed to helping our customers during stressful and difficult times. If you have experienced a fire damage in your home or business, please call the professionals at 425-454-3900.

Cold Weather Storm Damage Restoration

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather storm events are very dependent on your region and the type of weather you experience in the winter months. Many people across the United States live in warm climates where cold weather storm damage is unheard of. However, for those who live in climates that experience annual cold weather snaps its important to be prepared or the unexpected.

Blinding snowstorms and freezing temperatures can cause extensive damage to buildings in many ways. Homeowners in areas in which temperatures are prone to fall to zero and beyond should consider possible risks and take necessary measures. Snow and ice accumulation can collapse roofs and cause branches to break falling on structures and vehicles. In weather so cold heating systems can freeze up causing dangerously low temperatures for safe living conditions.

Pipes cracking and freezing because of ice damage is also a common issue. Frozen pipes may also cause water to back up and seep into the house walls and flooring, causing structural damage. The flooding caused by cracked frozen pipes plus ground water might require the services of a home restoration expert such as the professionals at SERVPRO. Melting of snow and ice can also cause flooding. Sump pumps can be used to remedy flood water, just ensure they are working properly before cold weather hits. Experts recommend the use of strong and durable pipes which can withstand frozen pipes pressure. At times, pipes with bigger radius help solve the issue of frozen pipes.

Ice damming can also contribute to the damage of a structure, especially roof damage. An ice dam prevents snow from draining off the roof leak. They are formed when a ridge of ice acts as a barrier on the roof's edge. Signs of an ice dam include damaged walls and leaking ceilings caused by thick snow accumulation. Gutter systems can become damaged and should always be inspected after heavy snow.

If you have experienced damage due to a cold weather storm, or if you want to be prepared for next season call SERVPRO of Bellevue West. We are here to be your resource for all cold- weather emergencies!

Common Types of Storm Damage Restoration

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Most people live for decades without ever thinking of storm damage restoration, however its important to have a plan and be aware of what kind of storm damage you could face in your region. Let’s examine different types of storm events:

Wind damage makes up for a lot of devastation both in cost and frequency. Roofs, doors, and windows must be checked for cracks and holes. Care should be taken to avoid cuts from glass shards. Wind damage is easily noticeable sometimes. Winds of 50 mph easily topple power lines and trees. It can be very severe when a tree falls on a roof: For roof repair, licensed roofers may be needed for roof damage if it goes beyond roof leaks.


Hurricanes have some of the most devastating effects on houses. Hurricane damage usually includes flooding, wind damage, and hailstorms. Most homeowners who live in regions where hurricanes are common will have special allowances on their home and business Insurance for coverage from these catastrophic events.

Damage also comes in the form of floods, especially for people who live close to rivers. During river flooding, contact with flood waters should be avoided during storms. With river flooding, the ground water and river flood water may raise several inches above the ground and infiltrate a structure making it uninhabitable.


Hailstorms can take place anywhere and can be either be light and sporadic or devastatingly damaging. Hails the size of golf balls cause considerable roof damage. Insurance is offered to alleviate the burden of hail damage. Small hailstorms can also cause both roof and window damage. Patio furniture, air conditioners, and doors should also be inspected for cracks, dents or breaks. Hail damage might also leave behind standing water that may require professional extraction.

Aftermath of a storm should include thinking about home restoration. Item to be inspected and restored include flooring, cabinets, wall finishes and plumbing and electrical systems. It is important to review your insurance coverage and receive quotes from professionals such as the restoration specialists at SERVPRO. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on storm damage.

Emergency Supply Checklist

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Most storm, fire, and water damage happens unexpectedly and emergencies can catch Bellevue residents unprepared.

It is very smart to have an emergency supply bag or container already stocked with the basics you need should an emergency happen. Our SERVPRO team recommends the following items for personal preparedness;

Emergency survival kit

• Store a kit at home, at work and at each child’s school or daycare facility.
• Dry or canned food and drinking water for each person
• Can opener
• First aid supplies and first aid book
• Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, licenses, and insurance policies
• "Special needs" items for family members such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medications
• A change of clothing
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Battery powered radio or television
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Waterproof matches
• Toys, books, puzzles, games
• Extra house keys and car keys
• List of contact names and phone numbers
• Food, water and supplies for pets

Additional items you can store at home for emergency use:

• Cooking supplies
• Barbecue, camp stove
• Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal or camp stove fuel
• Plastic knives, forks, spoons
• Paper plates and cups
• Paper towels
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Sanitation/Personal supplies

• Large plastic trash bags for trash, water protection
• Large trash cans
• Bar soap and liquid detergent
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine and infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach with no additives, and eyedropper (for purifying drinking water)
• Newspaper — to wrap garbage and waste

Comfort

• Sturdy shoes
• Gloves for clearing debris
• Tent

Important Tools

• Ax, shovel, broom
• Crescent wrench for turning off gas
• Screwdriver, pliers, hammer
• Coil of one-half inch rope
• Plastic tape and sheeting
• Knife or razor blades
• Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting

In Washington flood recovery, earthquake recovery, and recovery from other natural disasters will be much easier if you’re prepared with emergency survival tools and supplies like these. Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West for more information regarding how you can appropriately prepare for an emergency: 425-454-3900.

Did you Celebrate your 4th of July Holiday Safely?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

On July 4^th, 1776 our great country was founded; The United States of America! Every year we celebrate by wearing red, white and blue, barbequing and shooting fireworks high into the night sky. While this is a long-lasting tradition, it does not mean fireworks are safe and should always be done with caution. According to the National Fire Protection Association fireworks cause roughly 18,500 fires per year in the US alone. Due to this risk, King and Snohomish counties have banned fireworks in some areas during the 4^th of July and you can be fined up to 5,000 dollars. Dry conditions and firework do not mix well, and we never recommend shooting fireworks in illegal areas and drylands. If you are in a safe and legal place and plan to partake in fireworks, here are some tips that will keep your family and homes safe. 

• Always follow the directions written on the firework, never relight a dud or make/operate any custom fireworks
• Make sure that the area you are shooting fireworks and the area where they land does not have any fine grass, dead/dry branches and all debris
• IF you are near your house make sure you have insurance that covers any firework accidents
• Clean your gutters of anything that could catch fire. Even though gutters are made for water, during droughts they can become kindling
• If you are leaving town during the 4^th, make sure you have a neighbor keeping a close eye on your home
• Have a water bucket near so you can put out any dud fireworks or fires you might encounter.

These few simple tips can help your family and home stay safe on this most patriotic of holidays.

Insurance and Water Damage Contamination Levels

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding strikes a home, it is important for homeowners to have an idea of what to expect from an insurance repair and restoration standpoint. Insurance companies generally have three different ways of categorizing flood water. Each level corresponds with how dangerous the water can be and how it should be treated. The varying levels help to inform both insurance companies and water restoration specialists how to best address the contaminated water problem.

How Do Insurance Companies Categorize Water?

Insurance companies generally separate floodwater into three types of categories.

• Category 1 – Clean Water. This comes from a sanitary water source, such as your supply line and water heater.
• Category 2 – Grey Water. This is usually from your washing machine and dish washer.
• Category 3 – Black Water. This comes from the outside in storm and flood situations, or when a sewer line breaks.

How Dangerous Are Each of the Categories?

Category 1 water levels are not dangerous but can promote mold development if left untreated. For this reason, you want to ensure that you completely dry any flooded areas and follow a dehumidification process to discourage mold production.

Category 2 water levels can be somewhat toxic if consumed but are not dangerous if a person is only exposed to them. The risk of mold production remains intact, however, with this kind of water.

Category 3 is for contaminated water that is toxic to the point that the rest of the house needs to be barred from the affected area. It is crucial to take the utmost precaution with category 3 water levels, so be sure to call your local water removal specialists if you are dealing with black water damage.

Even the cleanest water can make its way to unseen places and later cause mold problems. Therefore, regardless of whether your home is flooded with clean or contaminated water, you can benefit from the assistance of emergency flood damage restoration professionals in Bellevue, WA.

Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on water damage.

Keeping Summer Cooling Costs Down

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Summer of 2021 experienced record high temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and everyone who didn’t have air conditioning was picking up the phone to call their local HVAC company. During the summer it can become very hard to keep your business a decent temperature as the weather gets increasingly warmer. Large amounts of square footage to cool can result in a very high AC bill. Keeping the air conditioner running can add up fast and surprise you when the bill comes; no one wants to spend a fortune on this intangible product. Listed below are some very helpful tips to keep your bill down and your business cool without overspending.

1. Do not cool rooms when you are not in them. A typical workday is 8 hours long. If you turn off your AC for the other 16 hours of the day to save 2/3rds of your bill. This is one of the most effective way of saving money.
2. Replacing a used AC filter. Changing out your AC filter can help it run up to 15% more efficiently saving energy, money and cooling down a building faster. Do you know how old your filter is?
3. While it may be tempting do not turn down your thermostat colder than usual. You might think that turning your temperature down more will cool your building faster but that is not true. It will take just as long to get just as cold and will use more energy raising your bill. Keep your thermostat at your normal temperature and it will cool just as fast and not raise your bill as much.
4. Ceiling fans can make your building colder without and extra cost. Ceiling fans will allow you to raise the thermostat roughly 4 degrees without noticing an increase in your energy bill.

Hopefully these tips can help your building stay cool while not raising your energy bill. If you have more questions about keeping your cooling bill down during the heat call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900. We will you help you get prepared!

Assessing Microbial Growth

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with microbial growth can be an arduous process if the correct steps aren't utilized from the beginning of the process. Remediation of the mildew, fungus or mold the first time around can save a home or business owner worry, time and money. 

SERVPRO of Bellevue West can properly assess what scope of work is necessary for your unique situation and oftentimes each job is different depending on source and severity.

How do I know if its mold? Could it possibly lead to dry rot? Does the smelly odor need deodorization or will it go away on its own? These are questions the general public doesn't typically have answers to. Oftentimes mold growth isn't visible; which is why it is important to consider the quality of your indoor air and to call in the professionals if you sense a strange odor.

Keep in mind; mold growth can spread and this condition could lead to dry rot. Dry rot occurs when the wood that supports the home or business starts to decay because of the extensive mold damage. This dry rot damage could lead to a potential rebuild of the dwelling in question which is why it is important to tackle a microbial situation as soon as possible.

Mitigation is the lessening of the damage seen with mold; this involves deodorization and sometimes demolition in an isolated area; each situation is unique. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on mold.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West Proudly Supports The Bellevue Chamber

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellevue West proudly supports the Bellevue Chamber and has maintained membership for several years! Our SERVPRO team is thrilled to be involved with the Bellevue Chamber which is a wonderful organization supporting local business' growth and development. We have immensely enjoyed participating in a multitude of events, keeping up to date on local news and making new connections!

The 4 main reasons SERVPRO of Bellevue West is involved in the local chamber:

1. Local Visibility in our community
2. Access and connections to other business partners
3. Resources related to training (workshops, featured speakers and mentors offer a wealth of knowledge)
4. Advocacy to learn about local politics

The chamber provides its members with a wonderful and strong voice in the community. The Bellevue Chamber is a leader in Eastside public policy discussions affecting the business community and is committed to ensuring that our members’ concerns are heard on a wide range of issues at the local, regional, state and federal levels of government. Local businesses know that the Chamber is championing business issues on their behalf and is very thankful to have this support.

How To Recover From A Flood

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood the damage can be extensive and beginning the cleanup can be daunting. Where do you start? Commercial property owners in Bellevue, WA struggle with this question every year, but by removing water, discarding ruined items, and content cleaning, your business will soon be back to normal.

1. Eliminating Standing Water

Before you can determine what can be cleaned, there can’t be any water left in the building. The standing water should be professionally removed. Bacteria and mold that is often found after major flooding, it’s important that you don’t come in contact with the water itself. It’s easier for you do a full cleanup if there isn’t any water to contend with.

2. Removing Loose Items

Unfortunately, not all items can be saved. This is especially true for porous surfaces. Porous materials include certain types of tile, laminate and granite. These permeable materials don’t have a smooth surface and because of this, content cleaning is more difficult and complex. Certain pieces of furniture or appliances may have to be removed from the property entirely to properly disinfect the building. If you’re ever confused about what to keep or throw out, a professional can help.

3. Cleaning Contents

For hard surfaces, it is recommended that you use a mixture of water and detergent. While most non-porous surfaces are safe to clean, keep in mind that black water is a breeding ground for molds, so if you suspect or know there was waste water involved, be sure to get expert help.

It may seem like a long road to restoration, but it’s easier to consider if you break it up into simple stages. Clearing out the water, removing the items, and proper content cleaning should have your business back on track in no time and SERVPRO of Bellevue West can help! Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on flood damage.

Tips to Prepare Your Business in the Event of A Fire

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

All commercial property owners hope nothing bad will ever happen to their building. However, it is best to still have a fire contingency plan in place. There is a chance you will never need to put it into action, but in the event you do need it, you will be thankful it is there. Develop an evacuation plan using resources from your local fire department in Bellevue, Washington, to ensure you cover all essential points.

1. Create a Command Structure

When a fire breaks out, you want everyone to know what they are supposed to do. You should assign one individual to be in charge of communications and inform everyone in the vicinity of the fire. Someone will also need to be in charge of reaching out to the fire department to extinguish the flames. Finally, one person should oversee the recovery efforts and reach out to fire remediation experts so that restoration begins right away.

2. Train Employees to Prevent Fires

Your contingency plan should involve more than simply responding to a fire. It should involve how you are going to be proactive in preventing one in the first place. This may include hosting seminars where a professional firefighter teaches employees about common fire hazards around the workplace. Preventive efforts should also involve having your building’s fire alarms and fire extinguishers inspected regularly.

3. Create a Staffing Plan

Your business operations will naturally be interrupted immediately following a fire. You can reduce the financial impact of this by having a plan to maintain operations while the building is getting repaired. Some employees may be able to do some of their duties at home.

You will feel a lot more at ease once you have a detailed fire contingency plan in place. You may never need it, but it could help your business tremendously if it ever does need to come into play.

For more on fire tips visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com.

How To Maximize Your Home Inspection in Bellevue, WA

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Are you considering a home inspection?

Are you a buyer or seller interested in getting a home inspection? A home inspection is always a great idea so you can be in tune with any potential issues that may need to be addressed. Pest control? Drainage Issues? Roof or plumbing problems? We recommend maximizing your inspection by following these steps:

Get A Recommendation. Your real estate professional should be able to recommend a reliable and highly rated inspection company. Make sure your agent knows that you don’t want to cut corners. The cheapest option may not always be the best option.

Be Present for the Inspection. The inspector will most likely want to point some things out to you and explain any notes he or she is making on the report. This is an important step, but it’s only possible if you’re present and engaged for the inspection. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It is important you understand the functions of the systems in your home and the overall health of the property.

Ask Questions: Ask as many questions as you want, and make sure you feel comfortable with the answers. After all, a house is the biggest investment most people will ever make in their lives and it is important to understand what problems may need to be addressed.

Bring in Additional Specialty Professionals if Needed: If your inspector does not look at the plumbing system or does not offer something specific like mold testing, feel free to bring in a third-party specialist. There is nothing wrong with having someone else come in to look at a specific portion of the home, especially if they are an expert in their field. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is here to provide a professional scope for water, mold or deodorization remediation that may be needed in the home. Call the professionals at 425-454-3900!

Steps to Take Following A House Fire

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can be terrifying experiences, and recovering from them can take a long time. Depending on the size and scope of the fire, fire restoration in Bellevue, Washington, can take several weeks, even a few months, to fully complete. Following these steps can help you recover successfully from this difficult experience:

1. Assess family member safety.
2. Contact insurance agency.
3. Contact board up services.

Check Everyone’s Safety

If you have a fire safety plan, all family members probably followed it to safely exit the house; everyone then should have met at a pre-determined location. After exiting the house, begin by assessing the safety of each family member and pet. Pursue medical care promptly for all concerns.

Contact Insurance Company

Fire restoration should be started as soon as possible, and your fire insurance coverage can help address these and other concerns. Once your family’s immediate care needs have been seen to, you can begin contacting your insurance company. It probably needs lots of information, some of which you may not have at this time. Simply beginning the conversation can be important since your insurance company can provide you with some helpful support following a City, State, house fire.

Arrange for Board Up Services

Your insurance company can probably help you contact board up services and disaster management companies. These service providers may help secure the scene so that no one can enter the property while it is still unsafe. Often, insurance agents must inspect the scene to help assess the degree of damage; this board up service helps agents do their jobs effectively. Your insurance agent may be a point person that you can contact for questions regarding any stage of fire restoration.

Cleaning is likely going to take a bit of time, depending on the degree of the fire and to what extent it damaged your home. Arranging for smoke cleaning can help you get back to your normal routine that much faster.

For more information visit us at http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more fire tips. 

Water Damage Tips & Tricks

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know About Water Damage

There are several ways you may fall victim to a water damage situation: a water supply line break, a pipe break or water damage after a fire rescue mission. All these situations pose a risk to the health of the structure and residents living in the property.

Steps to Take After Detecting Water Damage

Water related damage can be progressive. Do your best to isolate the issue and stop the source. Do you know where your water main shut-off is? Call a plumber if needed and call a trusted Restoration Professional that can utilize tools to give you an accurate description of damage.  

Shut Down the Electricity Supply

Any case of flood damage and live electricity poses a risk of a fire or loss of life due to an electric fault. To prevent this, shut down the primary power source.

Call a Professional

Trust the professionals and don’t attempt to DIY. Water Restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West are experienced in drying structures efficiently and correctly. We also work with major insurance companies to figure your coverage and streamline the process. The best time to call a restoration company is when you notice any water collecting in an unnatural state. We can quickly provide an inspection and Assessment of Extent of Damage

There is no doubt that water related disasters can be catastrophic. Utilize the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to ensure proper dehumidification, drying and sanitation practices. Call us at 425-454-3900 with any questions!

Spring Refresh Preparedness Planning

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West for emergency preparedness kit tips.

The beginning of a new Season is a great time to refresh and re-plan for the months ahead. We encourage making resolutions that will help you prepare for the unexpected curveballs that sometimes come our way. As this past year demonstrated, disasters come in many forms from viral pathogens to hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, storms and floods. How can we be more prepared? 

Here are a few tips to get started: 

1. Review your emergency kit and update. Refresh water and expired food. Check battery expiration and update documents. Add new supplies you may think will be useful. 

2. Assess your finances and savings. Make sure you have funds to fall back on in case of emergency. Review annual budgeting and plan accordingly. 

3. Considering getting involved in Community Preparedness. Join CERT- Community Emergency Response Team and consider taking a class. There may even been volunteer opportunities that will help you become more prepared. 

4. Review your Plan and Communicate. Are your emergency contacts up to date? Do you have a back-up plan for a secondary place to shelter in case of emergency? Discuss options with you family members so everyone is aware. Communication is key in being prepared for the unexpected. 

If you experience an unexpected emergency in your home or business call on SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900. 

Puget Sound Natural Disasters

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know the basic earthquake safety measures?

This past year was unfortunately infamous with issues that impacted the world far and wide. Aside from the pandemic we experienced many natural disasters throughout our region, specifically climate fueled wildfires.  These trying times sharpen our awareness of our region's natural disasters. One of the best ways to prepare is by making our homes safer, more resilient and structurally sound. 

The state of Washington has the second highest risk in the country for large destructive earthquakes due to the North American plate and a network of related fault lines. While an earthquake could happen tomorrow or 200 years from now its important to be prepared for this reality. Here are a few recommendations to consider; 

Homes built before 1980 in King County should be inspected by a professional to evaluate if they need a seismic retrofit. This is due to the fact that older homes aren't generally tied to a solid foundation. 

Residents can take small proactive steps to increase safety measures such as stockpiling food and water along with a useful preparedness kit. 

Ensure you are knowledgeable about your major shut-off locations. In homes with gas connections automatic shut-off valves should be installed. Make sure these locations are well marked and contact SERVPRO of Bellevue West for shut-off tags if needed.  

Most important educate yourself about resources available in your community and what to do if a disaster strikes. Knowledge and preparedness are key. 

Covid-19 Impacts to Commercial Industries

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

When 2020 began few could have foreseen how Covid-19 would radically change the lives of many. With travel bans, economic shut-downs and a 'Stay at Home' order many industries were impacted. 

Residential construction was deemed non-essential, but as it lifted the industry was lucky to see increased demand. More individuals are looking to remodel or accommodate home offices. Companies had to learn how to adapt their safety procedures in order to continue work. 

Retail space is focusing on managing customer traffic, occupancy levels and safety procedures. Distance markers, one way aisles, mask requirements and sanitation procedures are the new norm. Unfortunately restaurants have suffered greatly due to stricter regulations than other industries. 

Commercial office space has taken a hit as many companies transitioned to online platforms and eliminated in-person work space. Commercial business that has stayed open has modified and put more safety protocols in place. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is proud to offer Covid-19 commercial decontamination services, contributing to helping keep offices, business and restaurants open. 

Focusing on the positive and staying creative with modifying space and updating safety protocols has kept business afloat for many. An action plan is more important than ever as we learn to adapt on this rollercoaster of economic change. Having a network to help you through tough situations is vital and SERVPRO of Bellevue West is proud to be on the front lines. We are passionate about helping our customers in times of emergency and uncertainty in order to overcome tough times. 

If you have questions about commercial cleaning and decontamination please call us at 425-454-3900. 

Carpet Cleaning Certifications and Techniques

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

In the Cleaning and Restoration Industry Carpet Cleaning is a typical service line that SERVPRO offers, especially in cases after a water or fire damage when carpet can be salvaged, cleaned and dried. Believe it or not the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) offers several courses for certification that focuses on carpet cleaning specifics. In order for our employees to be an expert in their craft we provide these certifications along with ongoing training. Emphasis is placed on practical application, identifying fiber, yarn and carpet constructions, style types and finishes, soiling conditions, cleaning science and methodology, and other issues and concerns faced by individuals who maintain and clean installed broadloom carpet. When coupled with on-the-job training and field experience, our technicians are well prepared to perform carpet cleaning techniques and procedures in residential homes or commercial structures.

Below are several of the specialized certifications available that our team members hold;

• Senior Carpet Inspector
• Carpet Cleaning Technician
• Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician
• Carpet Repair and Re-installation Technician
• Rug Cleaning Technician

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Bellevue West are knowledgeable and well trained when it comes to caring for carpet. Trust the professionals and call us at 425-454-3900.

Summer Safety Tips for Preventing Fire Hazards

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is a popular time for barbecuing, campfires and outdoor fun. Now more than ever Americans are enjoying time outdoors and away from home after being indoors and quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people venture out more for these outdoor activities its important to keep in mind the steps to keep families and nature safe.

Recommendations put forth by the US Fire Administration and FEMA include the following;

• When having a campfire keep a bucket of water handy. Embers can float out of the pit and travel, creating big problems. Also, make sure your fire is completely out when you are done, cover it with water to ensure the flame is dead. A campfire should never be left unattended.
• Before using a barbecue make sure everything is connected, clean and working properly. Barbecue grease can build up and create accidental fires or worse, if a barbecue is not secured it can tip over.
• If you are camping inspect areas around barbecues and fire pits. Ensure there is nothing flammable that could ignite.
• If you are using fireworks or lanterns or candles always supervise. Never leave an open flame unattended.

At SERVPRO of Bellevue West it is our priority to help educate the public about fire safety so we can reduce the amount of fire damaged homes, businesses and landscapes for the betterment of our community. Stay safe and enjoy your summer responsibly. Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West if you experience a fire that compromises your home or business, 425-454-3900.

Cleaning and Disinfecting in Commercial Buildings

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

With the threat of COVID-19 disinfecting commercial spaces is more important than ever as communities work to minimize the risk of spreading germs. The CDC recommends the following protocols for cleaning:

• Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
• Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
• Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
• More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
• Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.
• High touch surfaces include:
• Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

When disinfecting its always important to keep surfaces wet for a dwell time, utilize good ventilation/ PPE and read the directions on the label carefully. Soft surfaces, electronics and textiles should all be handled according to specific directions. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is trained in the decontamination of commercial buildings and is always happy to provide complimentary inspections for those who are in need of disinfection. Call us at 425-454-3900.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West Helps Condominium Boards Effectively Prepare for Emergencies

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

If you participate in a homeowners association or condominium association board you are likely a very useful and knowledgeable resource for owners and tenants alike. As a board member it is important to discuss all relevant issues and concerns that affect the health and safety of a property. Many boards have their own policies and procedures for handling emergencies, but how often are they discussed and reviewed? SERVPRO of Bellevue West offers complimentary emergency preparedness planning AND is happy to speak at board meetings about common issues that may be of concern when handling an emergency. We speak on topics such as;

• How to mitigate water damage during an emergency
• Causes of mold and mildew
• Questions about insurance coverage and responsibilities
• Routine inspections that can minimize water damage risks
• Emergency and evacuation planning
• How to choose the right emergency service vendors for your property

We are happy to speak in-person or virtually about any issues pertaining to the restoration industry. Call us at 425-454-3900 to schedule with us!

Commercial Cleaning in Bellevue, WA

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Bellevue West we are aware that going back to school this year will look different and may not be in person for some time. We are keeping up on the newest government mandates and helping to support our community in any way that we can. When it is time for school to commence in-person or part-time keep the following tips in mind for your safety and health;

• Wear face coverings, especially when physical distancing is difficult 
• Don't share items that are difficult to clean or disinfect
• Wash you hands often with hot water and soap, especially when you return home
• Clearly understand school policies on sickness and when it's appropriate to return to school 
• If possible, bring your own food

SERVPRO of Bellevue West is available to clean schools, retail, restaurants, offices, and all commercial buildings through our new highly developed program Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Our team has experience working with the local school districts in emergency situations and has a large enough team equipped to clean any size of commercial building. For an estimate or questions about our cleaning process please call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900.

The Importance of Quick Response Time Following Water Damage

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fast response is the single most critical factor in restoring water-damaged materials and is important is picking a quality, reliable company. SERVPRO of Bellevue West averages a maximum of 1 hour response time for all emergency service calls. The longer moisture is present means more time for building materials to absorb and consequently break down material structure. We pride ourselves on responding quickly with a large network of certified technicians.  

Materials like sheetrock and installation act like a sponge, unfortunately soaking up water and bacteria. The longer that sheetrock, installation sit the less likely they are to be able to be dried in place and could cause further problems such as microbial growth.

Carpet and carpet pad also act like a giant sponge and can take a long time to dry out. If you experience storm or flood damage to your home or business call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900 for quick response time to minimize your water damage 24/7 365 days a year.

How To Mitigate Water Issues Leading To Microbial

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

When you find mold or water issues in your home or business it’s to get professionals on the case as soon as possible. You should never try to fight mold or water issues yourself, but you can reduce the size of your problem by taking a few key steps to slow its spread by:

Reducing air flow

Reducing moisture

Maintaining cool temperatures

How Microbial Growth Spreads:

Microbial growth is a form of fungus, and like other fungi, it is known to grow in warm, wet conditions. Therefore, parts of your home experiencing a moisture problem are more prone to mold invasion than areas that are open and receive plenty of fresh air. Mold can travel through both moisture and airflow, so it’s imperative to reduce the presence of these two in your home to slow down the spread of mold while waiting for expert assistance.

Reduce Airflow

The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off your HVAC system. This can prevent air from moving mold spores to different areas of your home where they might otherwise sprout and cause a much larger issue than you already have. Furthermore, you should attempt to keep your home cool without the use of your HVAC system, as mold tends to grow more quickly in warmer conditions.

Eliminate Excess Water

Turning off your water until the professionals arrive to assess the mold issue is the best possible way to reduce the moisture in your home. This stops running water from moving mold spores to other parts of your home and from directly contaminating the water you regularly use. The pros will let you know when it’s safe to turn the water back on.

Taking these precautionary steps won’t eliminate microbial growth, but it can certainly slow down its spread to make the overall damage more manageable until professionals arrive. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on mold cleaning and steps to mitigate water from your home or business.

Eliminating Microbial Growth

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

The unfortunate thing about microbial growth is that once it is present, it can spread like wildfire. Mold spores are tiny and lightweight, and even just a puff of air can send spores from one room to the next. If you have discovered mold in your home, the key to controlling the situation is to act fast. To stop mold in its tracks and prevent further damage, do the following four things:

Turn Off Your HVAC System

Mold spores can travel from room to room via your home’s HVAC system. Once in the HVAC system, there is no telling where the spores may go or what type of damage they will cause. To prevent extensive damage to everything from your possessions to your home’s foundation, turn off your HVAC immediately after discovering the problem.

Increase Ventilation

Don’t let mold fester; keep all rooms well ventilated. Turn on the fans in each room, open the windows if it’s not cold outside and check all of your exhaust systems to make sure that they’re working properly. The key is to get mold out, and not let it fester in still air.

Turn on a Dehumidifier

Black mold needs a humid environment to grow and thrive. Keep your home’s humidity levels in check; ideally, the humidity levels in your home should stay between 30 and 50 percent.

Call in a Mold Remediation Team: SERVPRO of Bellevue West

The best way to effectively stop mold in its tracks is to retain the help of your Bellevue, WA mold remediation team at SERVPRO of Bellevue West. A team that specializes in mold cleanup knows how to kill mold as well as where to look for the source of the problem. Once they identify the source, they can advise you on what steps to take to prevent future infestations.

Microbial Growth is a major pain for homeowners to deal with and can quickly spread given the right conditions. However, by taking the proper measures immediately after detecting it, you can prevent extensive damage to your home and save yourself the time, money and hassle of dealing with a larger infestation.

Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on mold, water issues and our cleaning process.

STEP: Students and Teachers Towards Emergency Preparedness

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters impact children and youth across the United States. We know this from a first-hand experience and have seen families (and children) displaced from their homes due to flooding and fire issues. This is a tough reality to face; interruption in children’s lives can cause distraction in school and emotional distress. Even the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted students and their families with unexpected health threats. This is one of the many reasons SERVPRO of Bellevue West works hard to make sure families and their children can get back into their homes as quickly as possible following a disaster.

When children prepare and practice for an emergency, it improves their ability to take immediate action and feel more comfortable, less shock, in an emergency situation. With training, they can actively take part in preparedness in their communities, from home to school. But students, teachers, and parents know that between classes, testing, and extracurricular activities, making the time can be challenging. A new program in place helps teachers be proactive about implementing emergency preparedness training. Many schools nationwide have begun using Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP). FEMA piloted STEP in 2008 for fourth and fifth grade classrooms. STEP’s basic lessons are only an hour long. Students learn skills to build an emergency kit and a family communications plan. These basic lessons taught together build the foundation for the program, or can stand alone. Children are able to bring home what they have learned and share with their families.   Teachers can add lessons and customize situations about disasters that might happen in their area- for example tsunamis for coastal cities and hurricanes in the mid-west. STEP includes lessons about fires, severe weather (including extreme heat and cold, tornadoes, and hurricanes), and earthquakes. There are also lessons to include geography, science, English, art, and math. Throughout, instructors can use STEP’s “Disaster Dodgers” video series, handouts, homework assignments, and classroom activities to bring the lessons to life. These features make it adaptable on every level and help create real life situations that children can relate to. Practice makes perfect and this si certainly something worth practicing in school and at home.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West is passionate about emergency preparedness in schools and our local communities. If you are a teacher and would like emergency preparedness coloring books or emergency kit flyers for your classrooms please contact us at 425-454-3900.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

If you have recently suffered commercial fire damage, it is important that you get fire restoration done by a company that has experience. SERVPRO of Bellevue West can handle fire damage, smoke damage and even soot damage that has been left behind from a utility room fire or electrical fire. After the firefighters have left with their fire trucks and fire hoses, you need to get fire restoration done by professionals who specialize in commercial fire damage.

The soot damage that has been left behind from a utility room fire or electrical fire is best left to the professionals. Unfortunately, firefighters with their fire trucks and fire hoses will not be able to handle the damage that has been left behind after they have left. This is why it is important for you to contact a local company so that they can come out and assess the damage and give you a quote for how much it is going to cost to restore your office back to preloss conditions. This is an option best left to The Experts, since many people do not have the tools or skills necessary in order to do fire damage cleanup on their own. If you have some type of insurance on your property, you may even find that you save money simply because of the fact that they cover the cost of the cleanup for you.

There are many different options available to you when it comes to getting the most from your fire cleanup options. Because there are lots of companies out there that do this type of work, it is important for you to contact them to get a quote for having the job done. Once you have the job done, you are able to get back into the office and work with clients and employees on a regular basis. This ensures that nothing with your business goes on the back burner simply because you have recently dealt with a fire and do not know how to clean it up properly. There are many different professionals out there who are going to be more than willing to help you with the fire clean up, so make sure that you contact them to find out what they are able to do for you and how much they charge for their services before you make the decision to hire them to get the project done. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

The Importance of First Aid and CPR Training

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

As emergency responders SERVPRO of Bellevue West experiences daily the importance of a rapid and efficient response. Life can change in a matter of minutes which is why we know the best way to expect the unexpected is to be prepared. What better way to celebrate preparedness than to certify our employees in CPR and First Aid training?

We teamed up with one of our favorite associations; PHCCWA (Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of Washington) to host a CRP and First Aid class at our facility. Many of our association members and our team members attended to renew their certifications.

We think CRP and First Aid training is important in the work place for many reasons;

• Having trained employees can make a substantial difference in your ability to maintain a safe work environment. They will be able to respond more quickly and effectively when medical emergencies occur.
• This training and knowledge provides a sense of security and promotes a more confident work environment.
• As staff becomes more prepared and responsive – they also become more aware of their surroundings and more likely to spot potential hazards. This inspires a ‘safety culture’.
• 25% of all emergency room visits can be avoided with basic first aid and CPR certification.
• Safety precautions and preparedness applies to ANY industry of ANY size. 
• There are many local resources that can help you get CPR and First Aid Certified such as The Red Cross or local Fire District.

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West and speak to one of our Marketing Specialists to learn more about how you can be personally prepared; 425-454-3900

Importance of On-The-Job Training

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Even when hiring someone that has experience in the Restoration Industry, on the job training is still a necessity. On the job training goes much farther than making sure your staff is trained for any job they might come across. On the job training ensures that everybody in the company understands what’s going on throughout every job and are up to the company’s standards.

Everybody being on the same page ensures that Restoration Technicians, Project Managers and all office personnel know what is happening, and therefore anyone can explain it to the clients.

Often, companies’ standards differ in some ways from the industry standards because the industry standards are set to just the necessities and SERVPRO of Bellevue West goes above and beyond. Employees being trained should understand why we do a job a certain way this will advance their career and further their abilities. Getting the job done isn’t good enough, getting the job done right and making sure that the problem will not arise again is the SERVPRO way. The more training that employees have means that your company can take on more expert level, higher paying jobs increasing revenue and our reputation. It also is a benefit for the employee because they will be smarter at their job, helping them make their job easier, and they can make more money with the more they know. Job training is so important to the success of the company, and it makes sure everybody is on the same page, doing the job right, all the time. Whether we are performing service for a commercial building or residential home, you can ensure the job will always be done correctly and efficiently. If you are interested in joining the SERVPRO of Bellevue West team call us at 425-454-3900.

Preparing Your Business for Unexpected Events

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Are you looking to become more prepared in your business? Consider calling SERVPRO of Bellevue West for an Emergency Ready Profile.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. Your business can receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

The SERVPRO ERP Advantage:

A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.  

A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects.   But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.  

A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  

Establishes SERVPRO OF Bellevue West as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by. 

Identification for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.  

Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” communicated trust and peace of mind to your clients and employees.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you help to minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is helpful in receiving timely mitigation and can help minimize the effects water and fire damage can have on your business.

Call and schedule an appointment today! 425-454-3900

SERVPRO of Bellevue West Hosts Effective Safety Meetings

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

OSHA requires that every employer make safety and health a top priority and ensure a safe working environment. OSHA's job is to provide leadership and encouragement to employers to take that responsibility seriously and provide educational or awareness opportunities to employees so they know of their rights to a safe workplace. It is important that every employee receive proper and adequate training to ensure they are able to safely and competently perform their jobs. This also applies to temporary, part-time and contract employees. Regular safety meetings should be documented and attendance should be recorded. 

Employers have a duty to protect workers from injury and illness on the job by developing and implementing a safety and health program. According to OSHA, there are five components that every effective safety program should have.

• Management Leadership and Employee Participation
• Workplace Analysis
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Safety and Health Training and Education
• Program Evaluation

In high risk industries like construction and restoration repeat safety discussions can have a positive impact on good habits that start in the office and are carried out on each and every jobsite. At SERVPRO of Bellevue West we hold weekly safety meetings for our team to make sure they are following the best protocols while servicing commercial and residential customers. To have a successful safety meeting we always follow these steps;

• Let your employees, crews, and teams know that you will be holding a safety meeting or starting a safety meeting program.
• Decide on the theme, subject, or topic of the safety meeting.
• Prepare for the safety meeting- use demonstration, photos and props
• Send out a reminder of the safety meeting the day before the meeting is scheduled to be held.
• Present the information clearly, with expectations and save time for questions

Several common safety topics that SERVPRO of Bellevue West reiterates are;

• Respiratory Protection and proper PPE
• Distracted Driving
• Handling Power Tools Safely
• Temperature Extremes
• Working in Confined spaces and on Ladders
• Asbestos and Lead Protocols
• Proper hazard reporting and handling

Water Restoration Step By Step Process

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Steps in the Water Damage Restoration Process

Water damage can occur for dozens of reasons, including a pipe break, a sink that overflows, a supply line break, a flood or a large amount of rainfall. When water in a home or water in a business appears, it's time to take steps to prevent the spread and worsening of that water damage. Some property owners may wonder why they should call SERVPRO of Bellevue West instead of doing the work in-house. The simple answer is that our mitigation professionals will take all the steps necessary to repair any visible and not visible water damage and flood damage.

Assessing the Damage

The first step in the water cleanup process is a full assessment. Assessment involves looking at all the water in a home and finding out where that water comes from. In the case of a flooded home caused by a supply line break or pipe break, they can repair the pipe or hire a subcontractor to repair the pipe to keep it from leaking. Restoration experts will also shut off the pipe to prevent any more water from spilling out.

Extracting the Water

Extracting the water in a business is the next step. One of the best ways to get rid of that water is a pump. Though some homes may have a pump because the owners worry about flood damage, many people do not bother investing in a pump because they rarely see a flooded home in their area. A pump works well when placed directly on the floor in the basement or on the first floor. It pumps all the water out of the home or business and creates a dryer space.

Drying Techniques

Mitigation and restoration offer drying techniques during the water cleanup process. Proper drying removes any water from the space and creates an environment that repels the mold that might otherwise grow. Water in a home can impact any carpeting as well as the padding beneath the carpet. With water in a business, the owner needs to worry about the water causing tile and other types of flooring to peel off the ground. Drying methods remove every trace of water.

Mitigation Steps

A restoration company will also provide the property owners with mitigation help, which essentially refers to the process of offering help that keeps the water damage or flood damage from seriously impacting the property. Those who call their insurance company sooner after experiencing a flooded home have a greater chance of saving that home and spending less on the cost of repairs.

Insurance Claims

One of the most important things that a restoration company can do is provide owners with help filing water cleanup insurance claims. After a pipe break or a supply line break, that owner needs to call and find out whether their insurance will cover the water cleanup. The company may only agree to pay a certain amount or require that the owner go through a specific company. If an owner calls after seeing water in a business and already knows what water damage company to use, the process of filing a claim becomes much easier.

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West if you ave questions about the restoration process, we are available 24/7 at 425-454-3900. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on water damage.

Tips on How to Deal With Storm Damage

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Severe storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes can cause massive losses in the areas that they affect causing home flooding, river flooding, roof damage, hail damage, roof leak, flood water, and ground water. Just look at the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas or Irma in the Caribbean islands, they left devastating effects on communities. Dealing with water or wind damage in the event of a tornado or a hurricane is both dangerous and difficult. You need a professional water restoration or home restoration company to do the storm remediation.

Damages resulting from a storm can be in many forms depending on the nature and magnitude of the storm. There could be flood water from river flooding — if you live in a place located close to a river — or from the ground water. There could be ice damage, hail damage, wind damage, frozen pipes, ice damming, et cetera. The best thing to do is always to be prepared to deal with such through storm restoration and storm remediation. This is particularly important for people who live in storm prone areas. Here a few tips on how to deal with storm damage after a hurricane damage or river flooding.

Stay Safe from Storm Damage

In the event of a storm, most of the losses occur from wind damage, i.e., falling trees, blown off roofs, etc. and flood water, river flooding, ground water, and home flooding. While it's not possible to prevent high-speed winds from knocking down trees, there's a lot that can be done to prevent flood water from finding its way into the house. Homeowners should ensure that any roof leak is mitigated through roof repair to prevent roof damage and flooding within the house. Hail damage can also result in massive property destruction like shattered windscreens and frozen pipes. Only a qualified water restoration and home restoration company can effectively mitigate hail damage and hurricane damage with their specialized equipment like flood pump.

If there is a roof leak, make sure that it is sealed before the storm hits. Ground water can also find its way to the house via the basement, so there should be a flood pump in there to pump it outside and prevent water level rising down there. As soon as the storm subsides, homeowners should call storm restoration professionals immediately before the damage spreads to carry out storm remediation. The water restoration or home restoration company should act swiftly after a hurricane damage to clear off the water using a flood pump.

Dealing with Ice Dams

Ice damming is the formation of a ridge of ice at the roof of a house. An ice dam keeps water from melting snow from draining off the roof, the water is held behind the ice dam and can easily find its way into the house leading to flooding and frozen pipes. If the water seeps through the shingles into the house, it could lead to damage on the walls, ceiling, and other parts of the structure.

Ice dams or ice damming can be dealt with by breaking them into small pieces with a blunt mallet. Using a sharp tool can damage the shingles and lead to further roof leak — its best to let a professional ice damage company do the work of removing ice damming before you carry out roof repair. Ice dams can also lead to ice damage on the roof and rather than dealing with them after a storm, homeowners should seal air spaces beneath the roof and prevent the format of these ice ridges in the first place. Frozen pipes are another cause of ice damage during storms.

Dealing with Roof Damage

Roof damage can be caused by falling objects or the roof itself getting blown away by the strong winds. If the roof of a house is destroyed as a result of a hurricane damage, homeowners are advised not to climb to the unstable roof in an attempt to carry out roof repair. They should call professionals to do the roof repair for them.

The first thing homeowners should do after storm damage or wind damage is getting in touch with a storm restoration, water restoration, or home restoration company such as SERVPRO of Bellevue West. We are experts in matters to do with storm remediation. For a typical homeowner, trying to undertake the storm restoration process without professional help can even be dangerous.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on storm damage.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West Decontaminates COVID-19

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

If you need a COVID-19 Decontamination reach out to the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West professionals are here to help the local community and are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. If you have an office, restaurant or retail store that has a confirmed case of coronavirus we are Here to Help® get your building back to safe conditions.

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we are here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims.

Our SERVPRO of Bellevue West team can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption. We are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that a regular janitorial staff would perform. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West continues to help our communities and we encourage you to stay positive, safe and healthy during this difficult time. Please call us if you need assistance or if you have questions about decontamination at 425-454-3900.

No Job is Too Big for SERVPRO of Bellevue West

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellevue West is just one of SERVPRO’s 1,700 franchises, however we are one of the most capable and well-equipped franchises in the state of Washington. Our highly capable team and has strengths in effort, good communication and experience in all jobs you could possibly imagine. We have performed small jobs that are only a couple of square feet and we have done jobs in multi-floor commercial buildings. Our team is part of the LLRT: Large Loss Response Team in the SERVPRO network meaning we are well equipped to handle large scale losses.

Water, fire, mold, big or small it does not matter. SERVPRO is committed to giving excellent service on every job and will not stop until the job is finished and our customers are satisfied. We define ourselves as an emergency service meaning that if is an emergency, we will have a crew out to a new loss as fast as humanly possible; our rule of thumb in under four hours and is always met typically closer to 2 hours.  We have a response policy to guarantee fast response time called “1-4-8”. The 1 in “1-4-8” stands for 1 hour. Within 1 hour we will contact you about the proper services needed for the job at hand. On average it only takes around 15 minutes to complete this process, our team is quick! The 4 stands for 4 hours. Within 4 hours a SERVPRO Professional will be on site to manage this job. This step is so crucial step in minimizing the damage and getting the scope of work and needed equipment. The 8 stands for 8 hours. Within 8 hours a briefing of the project will be shared with the appropriate individuals or groups. The better informed all parties are the better understanding they will have about the scope of work we are performing and why we are performing it.

No matter the size of the job please consider giving SERVPRO of Bellevue West your next call at 425-454-3900. We are always happy to be of service!

Content Restoration Methods

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellevue West is committed to keeping costs as low as possible. We can do this by having the most advanced methods and fast response times for our customers. Effective cleaning methods and getting to the job early are 2 factors that can keep costs WAY down especially while dealing with contents.

While experiencing a loss many clients have questions about how to handle the cleaning and storage of their possessions. Instead of making snap judgments about replacing an item SERVPRO of Bellevue West will closely examine items to deem if they are salvageable; if it can be restored there is no use in replacing it. Restoring an item can save the customer money especially when it comes to big items such as couches, rugs and other valuables. SERVPRO of Bellevue West has serval different methods to make sure we preserve and clean our customers possessions in the most effective way possible.

Below we have listed our different content restoration methods and a brief explanation of each;

1. Dry Cleaning: Mostly used to remove light residue. Also used prior to Wet-Cleaning
2. Wet Cleaning: Effective when used to remove moderate to heavy residues
3. Spray and Wipe: Used for sensitive or fragile items that cannot withstand wet cleaning
4. Foam Cleaning: Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed when wet cleaned
5. Abrasive Cleaning: Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
6. Immersion Cleaning: Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product  

Between these 6 different methods we are bound to have a strategy that will work for your unique cleaning needs. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is committed to making sure we save as much money as possible for our clients. If you have questions about content cleaning or would like to tour our content cleaning warehouse please give us a call at 425-454-3900!

2019 Restoration Trend Predictions

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

The Restoration Industry has and will continue to change throughout the years as rules and regulations evolve. Below, our SERVPRO of Bellevue West team has researched and written some possible predictions for the restoration industry in 2019 based on industry trends. None of these are guaranteed, but only what experts think will continue/start to happen.

1. Labor Shortages: There is a shortage of all positions in the Restoration Industry. It is incredibly hard to find highly skilled workers in any market. A lot of businesses are limited in growth because of their staff shortages.
2. Weather Events Continue: There have been a record number of insured losses due to mother nature in the last couple years and that number will most likely will continue to rise. During times of catastrophic events restoration companies tend to be exposed and stretched short.
3. Actionable Technology: As new technology continues to make our jobs easier, it will also help us keep costs down and help us provide better, more accurate estimates to our customers.
4. Cost Inflation: While this is not a new trend, costs will continue to rise as time goes on.
5. Cyber Crime: While not an industry trend at the moment, it could easily ruin a business or distract workers from being able to focus on their job.
6. More Flexibility in Program Work: Workers will start to have more leverage when it comes to their jobs. Reducing zip code coverage, labor shortages, increasing costs, expectations and a strong economy will help the laborers gain more leverage in this industry and take the job back into their hands.

For more questions about restoration trends call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900.

Essential Maintenance Tips for your Home

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping your home tidy and clean is important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, a clean home is less likely to face issues like mold damage and other problems that stem from a lack of attention and care. In addition, maintaining the cleanliness of a home will help tremendously in the resale value of the home should the homeowner consider selling down the road. If an emergency does arise SERVPRO of Bellevue West is here to help.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (425) 454-3900

In the meantime perform these simple tasks to keep you home fresh and clean;

• Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads
• Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time
• Wash all windows
• Check window seals to make sure they are working properly
• Inspect and service your HVAC system to make sure all components are working properly
• Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose fixtures or deterioration
• Dust or wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Shampoo your upholstery and carpet with professional grade serums
• Clean out your refrigerator by disposing of expired items and sanitize each shelf
• Pressure wash roof and gutters to make sure there is no blockage
• Wash any moss or algae off of your driveways, sidewalks and roof
• Degrease kitchen surfaces that may have cooking residue
• Deodorize and clean out your garbage disposal from any lingering food products

By performing these simple maintenance tips you can possibly prevent water damage, or fire to your home.  SERVPRO of Bellevue West specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.

How Can You Tell if There’s Mold?

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

Do you see spots on the walls or ceiling? Does the same musty smell reoccur in the same place? If so, you have a mold problem. An indoor environmental specialist in Clyde Hill, Washington can help you determine just how bad the damage is by performing a mold test.

Why Mold Grows

Mold is a natural part of the ecosystem, and it plays a vital role by breaking down organic matter during the decomposition process. That’s all well and good outdoors, but when it grows aggressively indoors, it damages building structures and degrades air quality.

Mold multiplies under favorable conditions:
• Excess water that creates high humidity
• Still air that allows the spores to settle
• Proper temperatures that encourage colonies to grow

Mold commonly grows in places you can’t see. It hides under counters and behind large appliances. In many cases, it grows between walls or floors.

What the Signs Are

Mold shows up as spots on the surfaces of the infected material. It is most commonly black, white, green, or yellow, and it has a leathery or cottony looking texture. During certain stages of its growth, the colony expels gasses that give it the musty odor for which it's famous.

How Professional Testing Can Help

Even if you can identify the presence of mold growth yourself, you may not be able to determine the extent of the damage. That’s where a qualified indoor environmental specialist can help you.

These technicians use specialized equipment to test for mold. Then, a lab analyzes air quality samples. Results help the technician to estimate the type of mold and the extent of growth.

What to Do About Mold

With the information gathered, experts can help you figure out just how much work is needed to repair the damage. In some instances, cleaning is possible. When the damage has extended too far, complete mold remediation and replacement of critical structures may be necessary.

Don’t put off mold testing. If you suspect molds have invaded the inside of your home or office, contact an indoor environmental specialist today for testing.

For more information on mold visit us at http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com.

Frozen Pipes? Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

Severe winter weather ranks third as a cause of insured catastrophic losses, after hurricanes and tornadoes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  Losses from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across the United States average about $1.2 billion a year, according to the New York Times.

Preparing your home for cold weather can help avoid potentially costly problems, like frozen pipes.  When water freezes it expands.  That's why a can of soda explodes if you put it into a freezer to chill quickly and forget it.  When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way.  If the water expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes, and major damage can begin.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

So what can you do to avoid frozen pipes?  First, make sure your heating system is working properly and that vulnerable pipes, like those that run close to your exterior walls, are insulated. 

If you go away for several days in the winter, make sure you leave the heat on.  The Insurance Information Institute recommends setting your thermostat at 65 degrees.

Have someone check your home and property, if you can.  If you expect to be away for extended periods - say, you go South for the winter - have your water turned off.

Other actions you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing are:

• Seal air leaks surrounding or near your pipes
• Keep your garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems.
• Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Keep your heat at a minimum of 55 degrees at all times.  Keep it at 65 when you're out of town.
• During severe cold turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night.
• Remove your outside hoses and store them inside during the winter.
• If you need to be away from home, consider draining your water system before you go.
• Identify the locations of shut-off valves so that you're prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts.

If a pipe bursts:

• Shut off water at the main valve. Your shut-off should be easily marked with a tag. Call SERVPRO of Edmonds, Lynnwood & Bellevue West if you would like one.
• If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.
• Call a professional restoration expert such as SERVPRO of Edmonds, Lynnwood & Bellevue West to mitigate the damage. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick access!
• Call us anytime at 425-774-1148