Cause & Effects of Mold

1/10/2025 (Permalink)

Mold growth is primarily triggered by moisture. High humidity levels, water leaks, and condensation are common culprits that create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Poor ventilation exacerbates the problem by allowing moisture to accumulate, especially in areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Damp materials, such as wood, paper, and fabric, provide a fertile breeding ground for mold spores. Flooding or roof leaks can introduce excessive moisture into a building, leading to mold infestations. Essentially, any situation that allows water to linger can promote mold.

Here are some potential consequences of mold growth:

• Health Issues
• Structural Damage
• Unpleasant Odors
• Stains and Discoloration
• Decreased Property Value
• Increased Maintenance Costs
• Potential for Spread
• Impact on Indoor Air Quality

If you're dealing with a mold-related issue, reach out to the experts at SERVPRO of Tacoma. Promptly addressing mold growth is crucial to mitigate its effects and ensure a healthy, safe environment. The trained professionals at SERVPRO are equipped to handle mold remediation efficiently and effectively.

Snowstorm Safety

12/20/2024 (Permalink)

Snowy Weather Tips

Navigating snowy conditions requires preparation and caution to stay safe and comfortable. Start by dressing in layers, with moisture-wicking fabrics close to your skin and warm, insulating layers on top. Waterproof outerwear and boots will help keep you dry and prevent frostbite. If you need to travel, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with proper tires, a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit that includes items like blankets, food, water, and a shovel. Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. If possible, avoid driving during severe snowstorms and stay indoors.

Why Snowstorm Updates are Important

Staying updated on snowstorm information is crucial for ensuring safety and preparedness. Accurate and timely storm updates provide essential details about the storm's path, intensity, and potential impact, enabling people to make informed decisions about staying indoors, securing property, and preparing supplies. These updates can also alert you to rapidly changing conditions, such as worsening weather or road closures, allowing you to adjust your plans accordingly. Additionally, snowstorm updates often include critical safety instructions from local authorities, such as shelter locations or travel advisories, which are vital during severe weather events. By staying informed through reliable sources like weather apps or news broadcasts, you can better protect yourself, your loved ones, your pets, and your property from the risks associated with snowstorms.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes pose significant dangers to your home during cold weather. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands and exerts pressure on the pipe walls, which can lead to cracks or bursts. This can result in substantial water damage to your home, affecting walls, floors, and personal belongings. Additionally, burst pipes can disrupt your water supply and create a major repair scenario. Even if the pipes do not burst, they can still become blocked, preventing water flow and potentially causing further plumbing issues. Preventive measures, such as insulating pipes, keeping indoor temperatures consistent, and allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold, can help mitigate the risks associated with frozen pipes. These precautions can protect your home from the potentially severe consequences of freezing temperatures. In the event of water loss, here at SERVPRO of Tacoma, we specialize in water damage restoration, offering expert services to swiftly and effectively restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

With these tips you can better handle snowy conditions and keep the winter season enjoyable!

Holiday Safety

12/13/2024 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Prevention

Holiday fires can turn a festive season into a tragedy, so it's essential to take these proactive steps. Christmas trees, especially real ones, should be kept well-watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming highly flammable. Ensure that lights and decorations are in good condition, using only those that are labeled for indoor use. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, as this can cause overheating leading to fires. Never leave candles. Make sure that fireplaces are properly maintained, and that stockings or other decorations are not hanging too close to the flames. Clear any clutter that could block exits or act as fuel for a fire. Being vigilant and taking these precautions can better ensure a safe and joyful holiday season. But in the event you need fire restoration services, our team at SERVPRO of Tacoma are available 24/7.

Kitchen Fire Prevention

Kitchen fires are among the most common and dangerous household fires, often starting from unattended cooking, grease buildup, or faulty appliances. To prevent them, never leave cooking food unattended and always keep a close eye on what’s happening on the stove. Keep flammable items, such as dish towels, paper towels, and curtains, away from heat sources. Regularly clean cooking surfaces and the inside of ovens to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite easily. When frying, always use a splatter guard and be cautious with hot oil, as it can cause severe burns and fires if it splatters. It's also essential to have a fire extinguisher within reach and to know how to use it effectively. By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires and ensure a safer cooking environment.

Replacing Fire Extinguishers

Replacing fire extinguishers regularly is essential to ensure they work effectively when needed. Over time, the pressure in fire extinguishers can decrease, and the chemicals inside may degrade, reducing their ability to combat a fire. Most fire extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. Replacing them at the end of their life span guarantees that you have a reliable tool in an emergency. A functioning fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a small, manageable fire and a devastating blaze. Keeping them up to date ensures you are always prepared to protect your home, pets, and loved ones. Investing in regular replacement and maintenance of fire extinguishers is a small step that can have life-saving impacts.

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities!

Commercial Building Mold Removal Under Cabinets

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Leaks around windows or the roof, air conditioning systems, and plumbing leaks under sinks inside cabinets can lead to mold colonies forming in commercial buildings. Employees may notice a strong, musty smell in a specific location of the building, which is often the first indication there may be a mold problem.

SERVPRO® provides mold removal services for all types of buildings. Residential apartment buildings, warehouses, hotels, motels, manufacturing, and retail stores all experience water leaks leading to the formation of mold inside walls and under cabinets.

We can help

• Identify the location of the mold colony,
• The source of the leak,
• Remove the mold and
• Dry the area
• Identify damage to structure and cabinets requiring repairs

Our construction services, building, and remodeling services professionals can also assist with any repairs to the structure, cabinetry, and flooring materials damaged by the mold infestation. Among the many services we provide, the following are often required to return the damaged area to its original condition after mold damage, “Like it never even happened.”

• Floor repairs – tile, hardwood, linoleum, carpet cleaning, and repair
• Drywall and insulation removal, installation, and repairs, including baseboards and corner round
• Plumbing repairs
• Painting of walls and ceilings
• Cabinet removal, repair, and installation

Our commercial mold remediation team will assess the mold infestation, check for moisture leaks, and prepare recommendations for mold removal and repair to your commercial building. We recommend that owners and property managers act quickly to limit the potential damage caused by ongoing water leaks and mold infestations.

SERVPRO can assist with all your mold removal needs in the commercial business. Call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West for mold removal services. We provide services to University Place, Lakewood and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (253) 896-3000.

Keeping pets safe during water damage

11/8/2024 (Permalink)

As a responsible pet owner, we want to keep our furry friends safe from harm. One of the most overlooked hazards that can affect pets is water damage in your home. Whether it's caused by flooding, plumbing issues, or leaks, water damage. Here's how you can protect your pets from water damage and keep them safe.

1. Keep an Eye on Your Home

Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage. When rugs, carpets or wooden floors get wet and aren’t dried properly, they become perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Early detection can help prevent further damage and keep your pets safe from the adverse health effects if they inhale spores.

2. Keep your pets in a safe space

Moving your pet into a room that isn’t around the water damaged rooms. Always maintain calmness around your pet; they can sense stress which could scare them more. A few favorite toys or blankets can help.

4. Be Cautious of Standing Water

Standing water can pose a significant risk to pets. It can contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, or sharp debris that may injure your pet. Keep your pets away from standing water, and work to drain or remove it as soon as possible.

6. Pets Post Water Damage

Do not immediately allow your pet to roam around.  There might be sharp objects under debris or harmful substances that are set out.  Clean and sanitize everything before letting your pet back into normal spaces.

7. Plan for Emergencies

In the event of a severe flood or water-related emergency, have an evacuation plan in place for you and your pets. Know where your nearest pet-friendly shelter is, and have a kit with essentials such as food, water, and medications ready for your pets.

Kitchen Fire: Preventing Disaster in the Heart of Your Home

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

The kitchen can be considered the heart of a home. It’s a place where families gather over delicious meals, share stories, and create lasting memories. However, amidst the warmth and camaraderie, the kitchen also bears potential hazards that can turn these moments into disasters in the blink of an eye. Kitchen fires are one of the most common causes of home damage and injuries, but with the right precautions, they are largely preventable. Below are precautions that could be the difference between safety and a fire in your home:

• NEVER LEAVE YOUR STOVE UNATTENDED WHILE COOKING: Be sure to stay in the kitchen anytime your stove is turned on. If you have to leave the room—even for a moment—turn off the stove.
• KEEP YOUR COOKING AREA FREE OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS: Keep anything that can catch fire (food packaging, oven mitts, towels) away from your stovetop.
• CREATE A KID-FREE ZONE: Create a space—at least three feet—around your stove and other areas where hot food is prepared.
• KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEARBY: Make sure you have the correct type of extinguisher and know how to properly use it.
• KEEP COOKING EQUIPMENT CLEAN: Crumbs in a toaster, built-up grease on the stovetop, and excess dust behind appliances are fire hazards.
• WEAR SHORT, CLOSE-FITTING, OR TIGHTLY ROLLED SLEEVES: Loose clothing can catch fire if it comes in contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
• NEVER THROW HOT GREASE IN THE GARBAGE: Let grease cool before disposing of it in the garbage. Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
• AVOID USING KITCHEN APPLIANCES IF SLEEPY OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

By following these simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of kitchen fires and keep your home safe. Your kitchen should be a place of joy and togetherness, not danger. Stay alert, keep your cooking area clean, and be ready to act quickly if needed. With these steps, you can enjoy cooking and making memories without worry.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE AT HOME?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to chaos at home, causing structural damage and exponential mold growth. However, with the help of SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West, you can minimize your home's risk of experiencing water damage.

Here are our best tips to keep your home safe from future water damage:

• Inspect Plumbing Regularly 
  • Perform regular inspections of your plumbing system, checking for leaks, drips, or signs of water damage. Small plumbing problems can easily spiral into larger issues, so start repair work as soon as you notice anything amiss with your system.
• Ensure Proper Drainage
  • Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from seeping into your home’s foundations! Clean gutters and downspouts regularly, removing debris to allow water to flow freely away from the house.
• Invest in a Sump Pump
  • A sump pump can also help clear water from around your foundation, which curbs your potential for developing leaks that then ruin walls, ceilings, and floors. Once you have a sump pump, make sure to inspect it regularly. A malfunctioning pump can cause lots of damage, such as flooding during heavy rains.
• Find Your Water Main Shutoff Valve 
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shutoff valve in your home. In case of a burst pipe or sudden water leak, knowing how to turn off the water supply quickly can prevent further water damage. At the very least, knowing where your main water shutoff valve is can help you reduce the extent of the damage.
• Call for Backup! 
  • Despite your best efforts, water damage can still occur from all manner of things - unforeseen circumstances, severe weather events, or even plumbing mishaps. When faced with water damage, it’s always best to call a professional for help! That’s what our team at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is here to do! We can remove standing water, evaluate and repair structural damage, dry affected areas, and address mold and mildew issues.

Preventing water damage at home requires proactive measures and consistent maintenance. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your plumbing, ensuring proper drainage, and being cautious with appliances can significantly reduce your risk of water-related disasters. However, if water damage does occur, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our team of professional water damage restoration experts can help restore your home to its original condition. We have the expertise and resources to handle any situation promptly and effectively, minimizing the potential long-term consequences of water damage.

The Steps If Your Commercial Business Suffers from a Water Loss

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West, our technicians are highly trained to promptly respond to your commercial water loss 24/7, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to restoring your business to its preloss condition, making it seem as though it never even happened. The general steps for water damage restoration services at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West are as follows:

1. Contacting SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood west: The first step in restoring your business from a water loss is contacting the SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West professionals. We take pride in our rapid response as we are faster to any size disaster! 
2. Inspection & Assessment: Upon arrival, our skilled technicians will thoroughly assess the extent of the damage and formulate a plan for moving forward.
3. Removing Standing Water: Once a restoration plan is established, our technicians and workers will remove all standing water from the affected area.
4. Drying Affected Areas: We will proceed to thoroughly dry all areas impacted by water damage, utilizing air movers and dehumidifiers to expedite the process.
5. Cleaning: Once everything is dried, we will go in and start cleaning all the affected material. This is the part where we will eliminate all lingering odors as well as also preventing future outbreaks. 
6. Final Assessment: The concluding step involves a meticulous evaluation of our work to confirm that all damage and affected areas have been effectively addressed.

In the event that your business encounters water damage, do not hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West. We stand ready to assist you in your time of need. 

Water Damage: The Timeline

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor issues like a clogged gutter to more severe incidents such as extreme weather conditions. If you experience any water damage, it is crucial to contact SERVPRO of Tacoma immediately. Left untreated, water damage can pose significant health risks that may worsen over time. Within minutes of water damage, carpets and flooring start absorbing water. Within hours, humidity can lead to unpleasant odors in the house, while furniture and carpets may begin to develop stains. Within days, the growth of fungi and mold becomes a concern, and walls and floors may have already deteriorated, requiring complete replacement. Within weeks, the house can become hazardous and unfit for habitation. Within months, the damages can exceed the value of the home itself.

Preparing for a storn!

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re not shy to the exotic range of weather, especially here in Washington. That includes storms. Storms can happen at most parts of the year. We’d like to help you be a little more prepared in case you do find yourself in the middle of one. Here some ways to keep your home more protected:

• Keep rain gear, water-repellent clothing and extra warm clothing handy at home, at work and in your vehicle to use in an emergency.
• Be prepared for your power to shut off (use flashlights and back up battery packs for things like your cell phone. Avoid candles, oil lamps or anything with an open flame.)
• Clear your yard of things that could blow away.
• Stock up on water (You can save old containers such as milk & Juice cartons and use them for storing water)
• Stock up on canned goods, and things like granola bars

Other things you should watch out for or things to be cautious of:

• Pay attention to access point where water could easily seep into your home.
• Keep a close eye on local & National alerts.

If you find your home has been a victim of flooding or water damage from a storm, be sure to call your friends here at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood so we can get your home back to normal.