The Importance of Mold Hygienists: Protecting Your Property

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Mold hygienists have the knowledge, experience, and tools to identify mold growth, prevent further growth, and safely remove the mold.

Mold can be a serious problem in any home or business. It not only creates unsightly stains and unpleasant odors but can cause secondary damage to your home or business. If you suspect mold in your home or business, it's essential to call in a professional to assess the situation. A mold hygienist is an expert in mold detection, removal, and prevention. Here are some reasons why you need a hygienist to check for mold:

Expertise in Mold Detection

Mold hygienists are experts in mold detection. They have the knowledge and experience to identify mold growth in your home or business. They know where to look for mold and what signs to look for. They can identify the different types of mold and the risks associated with them.

Proper Equipment and Tools

Mold hygienists have the proper equipment and tools to detect and measure mold growth. They use specialized equipment such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and air sampling devices to identify the source of the mold and the extent of the damage. They can also use these tools to determine the best course of action for mold removal and prevention.

Preventing Further Mold Growth

Once mold has been detected, the hygienist will work to prevent further growth. They will identify the source of the moisture that is causing the mold to grow and provide recommendations on how to fix the issue. This can include repairing leaks, improving ventilation, and reducing humidity levels. By addressing the underlying cause of mold growth, the hygienist can help prevent future mold problems.

Safe and Effective Mold Removal

If mold growth is detected, the hygienist will develop a plan to safely remove the mold. They will use appropriate techniques and equipment to remove the mold without spreading it to other areas of the home or business. They will also take steps to prevent the mold from returning.

In conclusion, if you suspect mold in your home or business, it's essential to call in a professional mold hygienist. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools to identify mold growth, prevent further growth, and safely remove the mold. Mold issues shouldn’t be taken lightly. By calling in a mold hygienist, you can ensure that your home or business is safe and mold-free.

Avoiding Cigarette Fires in Your Home: Tips and Precautions for a Safe Environment

4/22/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing fire is important practicing safety measures at home.

A cigarette fire is a dangerous and potentially deadly situation that can occur in your home. Cigarette fires are caused by the ignition of tobacco, paper and other materials used in cigarettes. These fires can be started by carelessly discarded butts or ashtrays that contain smoldering butts. They can also result from smoking materials being left unattended or improperly extinguished, such as when someone falls asleep while smoking or leaves their half-finished cigarette burning on an ashtray.

Fire Safety Tips

• No Smoking in the Home
• Keep Cigarettes Away from Children
• Proper Disposal of Cigarettes

Fire extinguishers are the most common way to put out fires. There are different types of fire extinguishers, so it's important to know what kind you need before you buy one.

Dry Chemical

This type of extinguisher is ideal for putting out grease fires and electrical fires because it won't cause damage to your home or belongings while doing so. It can also be used on Class A, B and C fires.

Carbon dioxide

These are best suited for cooking oil or fat-based fires, such as those that start in the kitchen or garage due to improper disposal of oily rags or other flammable materials like gasoline containers. They're not recommended for use on wood-based structures because they'll just make things worse by fueling the flames further!

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an important part of your home's fire safety system. There are two types: ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Both types detect the presence of smoke, but they work in different ways.

Fire Escape Plan

• Create a fire escape plan.
• Practice the plan with your family members, and discuss it with them often.
• Make sure everyone knows how to use the phone in case of an emergency, including how to call 911 from a cell phone or landline.

Fire Prevention Measures

Fire prevention is a simple, effective way to protect your home and loved ones from fire. Here are some tips to help you avoid cigarette fires in your home:

Keep combustible materials away from heat sources. Keep candles, incense and other flammable items at least three feet away from anything that can burn.

Avoid overloaded outlets by using power strips with built-in circuit breakers or unplugging unused devices when they're not needed.

Check electrical cords regularly for damage or wear (such as frayed wires) and discard damaged cords immediately; never use them again!

Preventing Fire

Dispose of cigarettes properly. Cigarettes are the leading cause of home fires, so it's important to dispose of them properly.

The best way to prevent fires is by practicing fire safety at home. The resources below provide information on how to spot the signs of a fire and what you can do if one breaks out in your home. As always, we recommend keeping an eye out for any changes or problems with your smoke alarms so they don't go off when there's no real danger.

DIY Guide: How to Replace a Toilet in 6 Easy Steps

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Installing a toilet can be tricky, give SERVPRO a call for help if needed.

Replacing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done easily. Whether you're upgrading your bathroom or your old toilet is beyond repair, installing a new toilet can be a great DIY project. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of replacing a toilet.

Tools and materials you'll need:

• New toilet
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Wax ring
• Toilet bolts and caps
• Gloves
• Towels

Step 1: Remove the old toilet

The first step is to remove the old toilet. Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible. Use a wrench to remove the nuts that attach the toilet to the floor. Carefully lift the toilet and remove it from the flange. Place the old toilet on some towels or old newspapers.

Step 2: Remove the wax ring and clean the flange

The wax ring is a seal between the toilet and the flange. Remove the wax ring from the flange and dispose of it. Clean the flange with a scraper or putty knife to remove any residue or debris.

Step 3: Install the new wax ring

Place the new wax ring on the flange. Make sure it's centered on the flange and fits snugly around the opening.

Step 4: Install the new toilet

Lift the new toilet bowl and position it over the wax ring. Make sure the toilet is level and press down firmly to seal it in place. Install the toilet bolts and tighten them with a wrench. Attach the tank to the bowl using the bolts and nuts provided. Install the seat and lid.

Step 5: Connect the water supply

Connect the water supply to the toilet tank. Turn on the water supply and let the tank fill up. Check for any leaks around the base of the toilet and tighten the bolts if necessary.

Step 6: Test the new toilet

Flush the toilet and check for any leaks or problems. Check the water level in the tank and adjust the float if necessary.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed a new toilet! Remember to dispose of the old toilet and any packaging materials properly.

Replacing a toilet is a DIY project that can be done easily with the right tools and knowledge. Follow the above steps to replace your toilet and enjoy your newly upgraded bathroom. If you're not comfortable with DIY projects or encounter any problems, it's best to hire a professional plumber to help you with the installation.

What Are The 3 Categories Of Water Damage?

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause disruption in your home or business.

If your home has been damaged by water, you may be wondering what category of water damage it falls into. Knowing the category helps you understand how severe the damage is and how to deal with it. In this blog post, we'll go over three categories: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.

Category 1

Category 1 water damage is considered to be minor. Category 1 water damage is also called "Clean Water" and involves leaks caused by a clean water source. Some examples include:

• Leaking Pipes
• Rain
• Melting Ice
• Toilet Tank Leaks (without sewage)

Category 2

Category 2 water damage is the most common type of water damage, and it's also known as "Grey Water". Category 2 refers to water that is slightly contaminated. Examples include:

• Septic backups
• Sump pump failures
• Dishwasher or washing machine discharge (greywater)

The term "Grey Water" is used because this type of moisture has not been exposed to sewage or other contaminants that would make it brown or black (like Category 3).

Category 3

Category 3 is the most severe category of water damage and can cause long-term damage to your home. This type of damage occurs when there's been a water loss from a contaminated source. Category 3 water can include floodwaters, seawater, or sewage water.

When you have this type of water damage in your house, you need to act quickly before irreversible damages occur. Waiting to act can result in a timely and costly mitigation and restoration process.

Knowing the category of water damage helps you understand the level of severity in your home.

Knowing the category of water damage helps you understand the level of severity in your home. The categories are based on the type of water that has entered the home and its potential impact on health and safety. The first step in identifying the category of your water damage is to determine the source of the water.

How SERVPRO Can Help

Water damage can be devastating.

If you've been affected by a water damage event, you need to act quickly. The longer you wait to address the damage, the more it can cost you.

Call SERVPRO of Grosse Pointe today so we can start working on your home immediately. We'll assess your property, identify any issues that need to be addressed, and help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Knowing the category of water damage helps you understand the level of severity in your home. The three categories are: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. If you have any questions about which category your home falls into and how to proceed with repairs, contact us today!

3 Types of Storm Damage

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

There are a few different types of damage that can happen as a result of severe weather conditions.

When you hear about a storm, it can be hard to know what kind of damage it caused. Was the house damaged? Were any windows broken? What kinds of repairs will be needed? Luckily, most storms don't cause too much damage—or at least not that much that can't be repaired with some time and money. But depending on where you live and how strong your home is built, there are a few different types of damage that can happen as a result of severe weather conditions.

Roof Damage

Roof damage is the most common type of damage that occurs during a storm. Roofs can be damaged by strong winds, lightning, or hail. If your roof is damaged, you may experience water damage inside of your building as well as structural problems with your home. Repairs can be expensive and take time to complete, so it's important to take precautions against this type of damage before it happens.

Water Damage

Another common type of storm damage is water damage. Water damage can occur from rain, snow, ice, or wind. When this happens to your home or business it can lead to mold and mildew growth. The wood in your house will begin to rot. Also, electrical problems may occur because of water getting inside wires causing them to short out and spark causing fires.

Water damage after a storm can be a major problem for homeowners. Heavy rains and strong winds can also cause flooding, which can lead to water damage to the home's structure, as well as to personal belongings. Water damage can also be caused by broken pipes, faulty plumbing, and leaks in the roof. It is important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to protect the health and safety of the occupants.

Wind Damage

Wind damage can be caused by a wide range of weather conditions. The type and extent of wind damage depend on the strength of the wind, its duration, and its direction. Wind can cause structural damage to homes, buildings, and other structures.

Strong winds can cause damage to the roof, siding, and windows of a home, as well as to trees and other structures on the property. Wind damage can also cause power outages, which can be a major inconvenience and may even pose a safety risk if the outage lasts for an extended period of time.

If you suspect you may have wind damage, check for broken trees or branches. Check your yard for any signs that trees were uprooted or knocked over by strong winds.

When your home or business is damaged by a storm, give SERVPRO of Grosse Point a call. We will get your home back to normal as quickly as possible after a storm. We will focus on all the heavy lifting, so you can worry about what matters most – getting back to normal!

Why You Should Hire A Fire Damage Restoration Company

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Severe fire damage in Detroit, MI

Why You Should Work With A Company That Repairs Fire Damage

If you've ever had a fire in your home, you know how devastating it can be. Fire damage is one of the most common reasons for homeowners to file insurance claims, and it's also one of the most difficult to repair. Luckily, there are ways to make the process easier on yourself. The best thing to do is to hire a fire damage restoration company that specializes in cleaning up after these types of situations. Here are some reasons why working with a professional will help your home repair:

We Will Protect Your Home from Additional Damage

There are many reasons why you should hire a fire damage restoration company. One of the most important reasons is to protect your home from secondary damage. When a fire occurs, there is smoke and soot that can enter the structure of your home and cause structural damage. The main reason for hiring a professional restoration company is to avoid additional expenses in repairing secondary damages.

Some examples of secondary damages include:

• Water Damage - In most cases when water enters into a structure, it's usually due to broken pipes or leaking appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, etc. This causes extensive damage, especially if not remedied quickly enough before mold starts growing on wood frames or ceiling tiles. A major source of water damage in a fire is, of course, firefighting efforts. 
• Structural Damage - Firefighters spray water onto houses during an emergency situation like this one but unfortunately, this can cause cracks within walls which then leaks more moisture inside causing more problems down the line.

We Work with Your Insurance Company

You can trust the experts. If you’re dealing with a fire in your home, who is going to know better how to handle the situation than a professional restoration company? A reputable company will provide you with experts who have been trained and certified to deal with this type of damage. They also have access to tools, materials and techniques that may not be available for purchase by an individual homeowner.

They can help you with your insurance claim. After experiencing a fire in your home, there are many things on your plate that need immediate attention; one of these things is getting repairs started quickly so that the damage doesn’t continue to worsen while waiting for an insurance adjuster or contractor to arrive at your doorsteps. A professional restoration company will know exactly what needs done before they start any work which is why they are able to get started immediately without having too many questions from their clientele about how much something might cost them down the road due solely on wrong decisions made during cleanup efforts (which leads us directly into our next benefit).

We Help You Save Time and Money

When you have fire damage in your home, you’re going to want to get it fixed as quickly as possible so that the process of putting your life back together can begin.  When you hire a fire damage restoration company, they will be able to come in and do all of the work associated with getting your home back in shape so that you can start living there again. If you try doing this on your own, it’s going to take much longer and cost more money. So if saving time and money is important to you, then hiring SERVPRO of Grosse Pointe is definitely the right move for your situation!

You Will Have A Less Stressful Experience

It is a very stressful experience to deal with fire damage. The stress of cleaning up after a fire can be especially hard on you and your family. A professional restoration company will handle everything from removing debris to repairs, and cleaning so that you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

A professional restoration service has specialized equipment for handling all types of damages in various situations such as smoke damage, flooding, mold growth, and water extraction from building materials like drywall or insulation. A qualified company will also be able to provide expert advice on how best to repair any structural damage caused by the fire so that you won’t have costly repairs down the road due to poor construction techniques being used in areas where they shouldn’t be (such as behind walls).

As you can see, there are many benefits to hiring a company that specializes in fire damage restoration. Not only will it save you time and money, but it also helps protect your home from additional damage and ensures an easier process with your insurance company. If you need any help with repairing or restoring your Detroit, MI home after it has been damaged by fire, we would love to talk with you!

What Not To Do After a Water Damage

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Shut off electrical devices and appliances

Water Damage: What NOT to Do

Flooding and water damage are some of the most frightening things that can happen to your home. The immediate aftermath of a flood or water leak can be overwhelming and confusing, but it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage. After you’ve assessed the situation and ensured your family is safe, here are some tips for what not to do after experiencing a flood:

Avoid the Affected Area

It's tempting to go back and try to clean up the mess yourself, but it isn't safe—especially if there is mold involved. You should not try to clean any water damage yourself because of the risk of electric shock or exposure to mold and other hazardous materials. If you suspect that your home has experienced a flood or significant water damage, call your local emergency management agency for assistance and advice about how best to proceed.

Shutoff Electrical Devices and Appliances

Once the water has been turned off, you should shut off the main power supply and all circuit breakers. This will prevent any electrical equipment from being damaged by water or electrocution.

Next, you should turn off the gas supply to your home if it was damaged in any way. If you have natural gas or propane in your home, be sure to turn those supplies off as well.

Toss Contaminated Food

It's important to know that your home is safe and secure before you do anything else. If it's been flooded, throw away all food in the fridge or freezer that has been in contact with flood waters. Throw away any food that has an unusual or foul odor, as this can indicate contamination by sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants from the flood. In addition to making sure any refrigerated items are safe, also dispose of non-perishable food items that have come into contact with flood waters or mud because they may have been contaminated by heavy metals from the soil (such as lead).

Call The Professionals

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed. You may be wondering if your home is still safe to live in and what the next steps should be.

You’re not alone. Water damage can cause a lot of problems: It can lead to mold growth, cause structural issues, and make it difficult for you or your family members to breathe properly. In some cases, water damage can even be deadly!

Fortunately, there are ways that you can help minimize the risk of experiencing further losses after a flood or other type of water damage occurs:

Water damage can be a challenging experience to go through, but you shouldn’t let it ruin your day or take over your life. Although there are some things that you can do on your own to help mitigate any damage, it’s important to remember that water is still dangerous even after it has been contained. Make sure that you contact experts who have the training and equipment necessary for handling these situations so they can properly clean up after themselves.

Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in property

Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

The smell of smoke and soot are a reminder of a terrible fire, but they're also signs that your contents need special attention. Whether you've just had a small kitchen fire or your home was damaged by flames, you'll want to take action right away to clean your belongings. The company will take an inventory of the items that need cleaning and what needs to be replaced or disposed of completely. Content cleaning removes dust, dirt, soot, and smoke remnants from your belongings. Items that can't be cleaned with water are taken off-site for ultrasonic content cleaning at specialized facilities where they can be exposed to high-pressure water jets under controlled conditions that prevent damage caused by normal washing machines (or other methods).

Smoke and Soot Damage Quickly

Smoke damage and soot damage happen almost instantly to your clothing, upholstery, and other belongings. The smoke from a fire can permeate into the fabric of your items, leaving behind an oily residue that can be difficult to remove. Soap and water are options for cleaning clothes and fabrics that have been exposed to smoke or soot. 

However, soap has a tendency to leave a white residue on darker-colored fabrics such as blue jeans. To avoid this issue you may want to consider using an additional cleaner like OxyClean™ liquid laundry booster in conjunction with water when cleaning clothes that have been affected by smoke or fire damage.

So what exactly is soot? Soot is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels (such as candles or cigarettes). As the air passes over burning material it begins collecting tiny particles from the burning substance which creates black streaks on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces around where there is heat being generated from these sources--this includes areas directly above where flames are present!

Technicians Can Help

Once the technician has taken an inventory of your belongings, he or she will be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take to clean and/or repair your property. The technician will also advise you on what needs to be replaced or disposed of completely.

What is Content Cleaning?

Content cleaning is a process that uses water and detergents to clean the contents of your home. The cleaning process involves washing away soot, smoke remnants, and other debris from furniture, carpeting, and clothing. Content cleaning may be performed by professional cleaners or you can do it yourself with the proper equipment.

In order to make sure that your belongings are properly cleaned after a fire, you should hire a reputable company such as SERVPRO of Grosse Point. We provide content cleaning services for residential properties as well as commercial properties throughout Grosse Point. It is important that we use our own equipment because it ensures consistency in our operations while providing peace of mind to homeowners who are concerned about the potential damage caused by poorly maintained equipment used by other companies.

Offsite Cleaning

Some items go offsite for even more specialized cleaning:

• Ultrasonic cleaning is a gentler process than dry cleaning.
• It uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt, stains, and odors from non-porous items; items that are nonporous include clothes, leather, plastics, and rubber.

Treat Immediately

If you’re not cleaning your items right away, they can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and dust mites— tiny bugs that feed on skin cells and shed body parts (deerskin cells). The longer these insects have access to un-cleaned fabrics and carpets, the more likely it is that they will infest those surfaces with their eggs.

In the event of a fire, it's important to take action as quickly as possible. You can choose to have your clothes cleaned in-house or sent out for specialized content cleaning.

Content cleaning is a specialized service and involves removing the smoke odor from all of your belongings, whether they're made of fabric or not. It's best to find out what kind of damage has been done to your property before making any decisions about how much time has passed since the fire and whether it will be safe enough to handle yourself. If there are still hot spots on carpets or floorboards, then it might not be advisable for you to try doing this yourself unless you have protective equipment available (e.g., gloves).

If you're looking for a company to help with content cleaning after a fire, then contact us today! We have experienced technicians who can provide both onsite and off-site services.

3 Mold Prevention Steps for Your Bathroom

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

One of the best ways to reduce humidity levels in your bathroom is to provide proper ventilation

Three Steps to Prevent Mold in Your Bathroom

Even if you scrupulously clean your bathroom, there is still a possibility for mold growth. This is primarily because bathrooms are often areas of high humidity. The good news, however, is that once you recognize that humidity is the top source of bathroom mildew, you can take steps to reduce the excess moisture. (If you've already noticed mold or mildew, contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals right away.)

Ventilation

One of the best ways to reduce humidity levels in the bathroom for mold prevention is to provide proper ventilation. Many homes are equipped with fans in in the ceiling that carry away the moisture-heavy steam from hot showers. Make sure your ventilation fans are equipped to handle the amount of humidity in the room. For example, if there is still condensation on the surfaces of the room when the fan has been running, you know that you need more ventilation. It may be necessary to open doors and windows to compensate for the lack of other airflow.

Daily Cleaning

Once you have adequate ventilation in the room, turn your attention to towels and floor mats. These surfaces are often damp and could easily become home to mold spores. You may notice that your bathroom décor smells musty or looks dusty. These are two signs of mold in the bathroom. Replace and launder towels and rugs regularly.

Comprehensive Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance is a vital component of mold prevention. This refers to replacing deteriorating caulk around the tub to replacing the wax ring under your toilet on a regular basis. The moisture from steamy showers can make its way past gaps in tile grout. Pooling water under the base of the toilet can host an entire colony of mold before you notice any water damage. The steps you take to keep your bathroom in top repair are essential to preventing mold.
Remember, water damage isn't the only source of mold in your bathroom. Prevent new growth by adding ventilation, removing sources of moisture, and focusing on appropriate maintenance. These steps can prevent a lot of expensive and trouble in your Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, home.

The Key Elements of Fire Damage Restoration

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Detroit, MI residence.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 30,000 home fires happen every month in the U.S. These fires range from fairly minor to major events that cause extensive damage to a home. Residential fires happen for many reasons, but one commonality in these situations is the need for fire restoration. This is the art and science of restoring a home to its original condition. It is not an easy task and usually requires the services of a professional emergency restoration company. Highly trained technicians work to minimize damage to a home in Detroit, MI, reduce costs and expenses and keep everyone as safe as possible.

Proven Methods To Reduce Costs

After a fire, a home is often open to the elements and therefore subject to additional damage from weather. A fire restoration crew will do an immediate board-up or roof tarp service to prevent water from coming into the home. Experienced technicians will also perform some or all of the following actions:

• Water removal and drying
• Mitigation of smoke damage
• Cleaning and repair
• Reconstruction of damaged structures
  
  

A team that is conscious of extra costs will practice a restore versus replace mentality. Workers will test materials such as furniture, clothing and carpeting to see if they can be successfully cleaned of soot and odors.

Advanced Training for Improved Safety

In addition to professional damage cleaning, an experienced team will focus on safety. Trained workers know that soot can penetrate all areas of the home including the HVAC system. They also know that the extreme heat of a house fire can make canned goods and other foods unsafe to eat. As part of the fire restoration process, the crew will secure the home against the dangers of falling items and unstable structures. In the aftermath of a home fire, a professional crew works to restore a home safely and efficiently.