Recent Posts

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Helping prevent flooding in your business

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

Just like any other building, your business is subject to water damage, especially weather related (Storms, Rising rivers, Heavy rainfall, etc.). It’s important to keep maintenance up in your business and use prevention tactics to try and prevent something terrible like this from happening. Here are some tips to help prevent these things from occurring:

  • Inspect your building regularly for any access points or needed maintenance where water could get in.
  • If your building has a basement pay close attention to it, make sure caulking and foundation walls are intact.
  • Consider flood proofing your property (this usually is adding a water proofing coating)
  • Grade property so water drains away from the foundation. Try to work on landscaping, landscaping helps allow water to run down away from your building.
  • Make sure your gutters, spouts and roof are cleared to prevent puddling which could lead to water backing up.
  • If your business building is in an area prone to floods, double check your policy to see if you have flood insurance.

It’s best to go out of your way to prevent water damage rather than to have water damage and go through the stress of having it resolved. Here at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood, we specialize in the clean up of water damage and clean up. If you ever find yourself stuck in the wet situation reach out to us at 253-896-3000.

Puff Backs, how to prevent them, and what to do if they happen.

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

First, it’s important to know what a puff back is. A puff back occurs when an oil burner doesn’t ignite right away and as consequence fumes build up in the furnace. The fumes cause an explosion inside the burner chamber, which vaporizes and expels soot throughout a home or business, covering walls, baseboards, furniture, and floors in oily toxic soot.

A few ways you can help prevent puff backs include:

  • Make sure you get regular services for all oil burning appliances.
  • Get thorough cleaning and inspections annually.
  • Pay attention to any odors or noises from your furnace room.
  • Keep your eye out for debris such as soot, and rust flakes.
  • Install a carbon Monoxide detector.
  • Check for oil leaks.

We can’t always prevent things like puff back from happening but if they do here’s some things you might be able to do to help:

  • Document it (especially if you plan to report it to your insurance)
  • Contact a repair service to have it repaired.
  • Contact SERVPRO of University Place for a thorough cleaning.

We hope this helps you either prevent or have some ease of mind if one may occur. If you ever need assistance with a puff back be sure to call your friends at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood at 253-896-3000.

Make sure you have sewage coverage in your building

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage backups are more common than most people think. There are many possible sources to sewage backups. These can include:

  1. Not having regular cleaning & Maintenance
  2. Improper flushing habits
  3. Grease builds up
  4. Cracked pipes.
  5. Misaligned plumbing systems
  6. Tree roots that have disturbed your plumbing systems.

A lot of these can be prevented with regular building maintenance and inspections but not everything can be 100% prevented. Did you know backups can costs thousands of dollars for repairs and clean up? Repairs also tend to be a lengthy process which may inconvenience your business they need to make sure all materials are ordered (which also take time to be shipped and delivered) and then need to perform the labor. Having sewage back up insurance can at least bring you the ease of mind that it’ll be covered and paid by your insurance so the only thing you must fight with is time. Here at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood we have a fast and active team that can assist you get things repaired and cleaned up efficiently with the help of your insurance. If you have had a flood and need quick assistance, give our team a call at 253-896-3000.