Should I Check a Mold Remediation Company's Certifications?

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

When facing the prospect of hiring mold remediation specialists to mitigate mold damage to your University Place home, you may see many companies advertising specialized mold certifications. But what makes a company certified for mold removal, and is there any value in hiring a company that has been certified for mold remediation?

So Who Certifies Mold Remediation Companies?

Mold remediation companies and certified mold specialists are accredited by IICRC, or the institute of Inspection Cleaning and Remediation Certification. This organization acts as the standards body that defines proper procedure and accountability for cleaning, remediation, and restoration for various services. For certified mold remediation specialists, this means:

• Attaining in-depth expertise on mold identification
• Certifying in safe methods for mold remediation and elimination
• Gaining insight into safe technician handling of microbial substances
• Understanding water damage restoration
• Qualifying in both technician and consumer safety management

Attaining these certifications requires a great deal of training and coursework for both companies and individual technicians, as well as assessment of cleaning, remediation, and restoration protocols.

Why Does Certification Matter?

Certification means accountability and protections for you as a consumer. Certified mold remediation companies and mold remediation technicians are held to a particular standard required to maintain their certification and remain in good standing with the IICRC. This means that you as a consumer are protected by an established standard for professional, ethical mold remediation and damage treatment.

Protect Yourself

While it’s possible to hire mold remediation specialists without certification, keep in mind that certification means protections you may not find with non-certified technicians and companies. Handling mold detection, remediation, and prevention is a highly complex endeavor requiring extensive knowledge of safety procedures and proper interactions with fungal agents and microbial spores. While certified mold remediation companies may charge more, often you are paying for the assurance of a job done right. Therefore it is always wise to check the status of a remediation company’s mold certification.

Preparing for the sunny day's

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Nothing is less enjoyable than those hot summer days that you aren’t prepared for. Getting ahead of the heat before it comes could really make your summer so much more enjoyable. Here’s a few things that you could get ahead on:

• Have you’re A/C checked; it would suck to be stuck sitting in your hot home with no cool air.
• Have sprinkler systems installed or checked. Not only for your grass but for those fun hot days you can run around in the water.
• Inspect your grill, make sure it’s clean and prepared for those BBQ sunny days.
• Get your gutters cleaned and prepared for next season, it wouldn’t be much fun cleaning those out in the cold winds and rain of fall and winter.

The American red cross also a list of things to help you personally get ready for summer with staying hydrated etc. Here at SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood West wish you the best summer!

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2021/steps-you-should-take-to-help-stay-out-of-harms-way.html#:~:text=The%20American%20Red%20Cross%20wants%20everyone%20to%20have,at%20least%20achieve%20the%20skills%20of%20water%20competency.

How To Stay Safe During a Flood

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can create unexpected circumstances in Tacoma, WA. One minute your home may be fine, but the next you have rising waters in your basement. Because the situation can change so quickly, you need to know how to stay safe during a storm-caused flood. Keep these flood safety tips in mind whenever bad weather approaches.

Stay Out of the Water

Did you know that as little as six inches of moving water can cause you to lose your balance? Because it doesn't take high waters, you need to be careful whenever you walk through any type of flood. If you must walk through a flood, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Use a walking stick
• Hold on to something sturdy
• Walk quickly and cautiously

While the waters may not be moving in your house, they can still pose a safety risk. However, as a homeowner, you cannot always avoid the flooded parts of your space. You also want to avoid standing water outside of your house even if you're in your car.

Avoid Electrical Equipment

Water conducts electricity, so you want to avoid electrical equipment whenever you are in standing water. If you know there is electricity running through your basement flood, you should turn off the power to your home before anyone enters the lower levels for the best flood safety. Even if you are damp and not currently in water, you should avoid electricity.

Call for Help

Storm-caused flooding can trap you in the upper levels of your home. If you need emergency help during a storm, you should call someone as soon as you can. After the danger has passed, you may need help restoring your home. Getting in touch with storm restoration services can make your cleanup process much easier.

The heavy rains of a storm may cause flooding in Tacoma, WA. Knowing the best flood safety techniques can keep you and your home in one piece during a disaster.

Public Pool Safety!

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Pool safety can be a really big deal. Let's go over some things that can help you and the public be safe and still have fun with your pool this summer.

• Hire/or get volunteer Life guards
• Keep them away from pool drains and other opening.
• Keep things like first aid kit, flotation devices, and pool covers nearby.
• Share safety instructions with all of your family.
• Learn CPR , just in case.
• Install a 5' or taller fence around your pool and use self-latching gates
• Make sure your pool has complaint drain covers installed.
• Always keep your pool cover in good shape

Following as many of these water safety steps as possible is a good way to assure a great experience. Here at SERVPRO of University place/Lakewood we like to stay ahead and make sure our customers are safe.

Firework Fun!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood West like to help our customers stay a little bit safer with some helpful information. Let’s talk about how to stay safe this 4^th of July.

1. Keep your pet away from firework.
2. Never try to take apart or create your own fireworks.
3. Don’t try to light more than one firework at a time
4. Don’t point fireworks at places, people, or even objects.
5. Do not let children handle fire works
6. Always keep a fire extinguisher close
7. If a firework doesn’t work, do NOT try to relight it.
8. Keep a supply of water close by.
9. Whomever is lighting fireworks should wear eye protection
10. Store fireworks in a safe, dry, cool area.

Always remember to be safe. We hope these tips help. If you want access to where and what in regard to safety. Click this link that will take you to pierce county’s website.https://www.piercecountywa.gov/3893/Fireworks Thanks for trusting SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood West.

Burn Bans – what is it? What else could I do?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

A burn ban is a temporary ban on open burning during extended periods of elevated fire danger due to widespread amounts of dry natural vegetation compounded by weather conditions and/or outdoor activities. What are some alternatives to a fire during a burn ban?

• Using a propane fire pit
• Propane grills
• A portable campfire
• Camping lantern
• Propane stove
• Tiki torches

Or consider other activities you could participate in without needing a fire:

1. Go for a hike
2. Play a game
3. Go swimming
4. Tell stories
5. Stargaze

You should always keep up with your city’s burn bans to make sure you aren’t the cause of an accidental fire. For more info on your cities burn ban check the link attached. Thank you for trusting SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood West to help you stay a little safe! https://www.piercecountywa.gov/982/Outdoor-Burning

What To Look For To Prevent Water Damage

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

There is a lot to be said for having a house with a basement. Not only is it great for extra storage and a place to hide out from any severe weather threats, but it also opens up the potential to expand your home’s square footage if it is a finished area.

Overall, there are many pros to having a basement, but it is important to also acknowledge the cons that they can present.

Having a house with a basement can be a drawback when it comes to water damage. While not every basement will have water damage in its lifetime, it is something that many are notorious for due to their unique construction.

Fortunately, by being aware of the signs of water damage in the basement, homeowners can catch things before they grow out of hand. If you suspect water damage, it is important to be sure to address it as quickly as possible so you do not have a much larger issue on your plate.

Preventing Basement Water Damage By Knowing the Signs

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that leaks into a basement is often clean water, but that does not mean that musky odors can’t still develop. Water leads to mold and mildew growth, and as the water evaporates and leaves the bacteria behind, a musty odor can develop. Oftentimes, this odor is the very first thing that homeowners notice when they have water damage on their hands.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Water damage can sometimes be temporarily masked with paint, which is the route that many well-intentioned homeowners take initially. While this may temporarily “solve” the problem, it is not a long-term solution by any stretch of the imagination. Water will always find its way in if there is an underlying problem, which can lead to issues with paint over time such as cracks, flakes and chips.

Foundational cracks. As temperatures fluctuate and the ground shifts and settles, it is normal for hairline cracks to develop throughout the home’s foundation. However, any cracks larger than a hairline should be immediately examined. Cracks that occur on the ceiling, walls or floor are often signs that water damage is occurring somewhere within the home and leading to damages.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more (253) 896-3000

What Personal Protective Equipment Should Your Remediation Crew Use?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spores are a commercial hazard. They spread quickly, creating growths throughout a building. When that happens, operations must cease, halting revenue. Stopping the reproduction, then, should be a commercial owner's top priority. A mold remediation company in University Place, WA, tends to the matter, removing contamination and sanitizing the space. To avoid breathing in the spores or moving them into other areas, the crew should protect themselves by wearing appropriate safety gear. Expect the staff to use the following four pieces of equipment.

1. Face Mask
During cleanup procedures, the crewmen may have to tear out structural pieces. When this happens, the spores can enter the air. Workers should wear a respirator mask that filters out the mold particles. Typically an N99 mask suffices.

2. Shoe Covers
Don't permit microbes to move from room-to-room. Organisms can be transported by foot traffic; therefore, to control the situation, employees should wear disposable shoe covers. When they walk around the working zone, they can do as they wish. Before leaving, the booties should be removed and disposed of within a trash receptacle. 

3. Removable Clothing
Fungal spores cling to cloth. If staff arrive in their daily attire and then begin to renovate, they'll pick up fungus and possibly move it elsewhere. Avoid additional mold growth by encouraging others to use work suits. These should be taken off immediately upon exiting the facility. If, for some reason, someone enters in their regular outfit, encourage them to not sit on anything. The exposed items should be washed in hot water with soap.

4. Goggles
Drywall and flooring are likely to be torn out. They're often fraught with infestation. During the process, debris can fly up. Goggles block obstructions from entering the eye and hurting vision. 
Limit trouble by encouraging others to protect themselves and the premises. Proper materials should be used throughout the duration of the project.

How To Spend Less On Maintenance

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Home maintenance costs can add up to a considerable sum. The best way to lower maintenance cost for any structural system or appliance is to handle issues sooner than later and anticipate potential problems. Most systems, such as HVAC or plumbing, can be maintained for years without major emergency incidents as long as homeowners schedule routine upkeep. Here are three of the best ways to keep service costs low and maximize the operational life of every system in a home.

1. Fix Minor Problems
It’s a good idea to start small when it comes to maintenance. Addressing issues that seem minor when they arise can help to prevent serious issues from developing down the road. In general, scheduled or preventative maintenance is more affordable than emergency repairs in terms of the cost of parts, labor and incidentals.

2. Do Preventative Maintenance
Homeowners should schedule periodic inspections of the structural systems, appliances and other aspects of a residence. Inspections may draw attention to issues that require maintenance. Cleaning components and getting the parts necessary to prevent problems from occurring down the line tends to have a lower maintenance cost than fixing broken parts and restoring damage.

3. Get Jobs Done Right
It is important to have trained professionals install, service and repair home appliances and systems such as HVAC and plumbing. Maintaining high facility management standards may cost a little more per job, but the risk of experiencing major problems that prove very costly is significantly reduced. Bonded and insured professionals also typically guarantee their work.
The longer a problem persists, the more severe it may become and the higher the maintenance cost. When it comes to structural systems and appliances at a home in Tacoma, regularly scheduled inspections, maintenance, preventative measures and timely repairs can help homeowners avoid costly emergency fixes for major problems that can cause major damage.

Frequently Asked SERVPRO Water Mitigation Questions

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

As your local water damage restoration company, SERVPRO of Lakewood receives many questions regarding the water restoration process, costs, and insurance coverage. 

To help out our local home and business owners, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about water damage and answered them ourselves! 

Should you have any other questions about water damage in Lakewood, feel free to call our office 24/7! (253) 896-3000

Answers To Your Frequently Asked Water Damage Questions

How Much Does SERVPRO Charge for Water Damage Restoration Services? 

The cost of water damage cleanup services in Lakewood is dependent on many factors, making it hard to create a generalization on what SERVPRO charges. 

Factors that affect cost include:

• Size of area affected
• Type of building materials affected
• Amount of water
• Category of water (1, 2 or 3)
• Amount of equipment needed
• Need for mold, lead or asbestos testing
• Need for mold, lead, or asbestos removal
• Whether or not there is a need for demolition

Since there’s such a wide range for the cost of water damage restoration services (varying from $1,000-$10,000) SERVPRO of Lakewood provides estimates to all customers. Our Project Managers will also explain the restoration process in detail with you and answer any further questions you have. 

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage? 

When it comes to water damage, your insurance coverage is dependent on the cause of your loss. Damages must be sudden and unforeseen, and not caused by lack of maintenance or neglect. 

• Covered water damage: An appliance leaks and damages your kitchen floor, or your water heater bursts and floods your basement.

• Not-covered water damage: Your basement floods after heavy rains. Flooding caused by natural disasters is not covered by standard policies, and requires additional flood insurance.

Does SERVPRO Take Insurance? 

Yes, SERVPRO of Lakewood accepts all insurance carriers. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many major insurance companies in Lakewood and the United States. 

Once you’ve filed your insurance claim, our team handles the rest of the insurance process. This includes taking photos, communicating with your insurance company/adjuster, and settling your claim directly with them.

How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take? 

The length of the restoration process is dependent on the amount of flooding, extent of water damage, whether or not demolition is required, and simply how long it takes to completely dry building materials. 

For smaller water damage projects, the restoration process can take as little as 3-5 days. For larger amounts of damage, it can take weeks. Your Project Manager will clearly explain the restoration process timeline.

How Does SERVPRO Restore Water Damage? 

Our team at SERVPRO of Lakewood creates a specialized plan for every water damage project. However, the general process remains the same. Our team closely inspects your property using advanced moisture detection equipment and quickly begins the restoration process.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Can Carpets Be Restored After Water Damage? 

Many times, carpets can be saved and restored after water damage, but this depends on the type of water damage and whether or not mold has began to grow. 

To save carpets, our team will rip out the carpet padding and position fans underneath the carpet to completely dry it out. 

Will Mold Grow After Water Damage?

Because mold thrives on moisture, it can develop in as little as 48 hours after flooding, water leaks, or water damage. However, this doesn’t mean it has to grow after flood damage!

If you take fast action when your home or business is damaged by water leaks or flooding, you can avoid the growth of mold and mildew. If your property does develop mold, our professional mold removal specialists in Lakewood can handle the removal. 

Have Questions or Need Help With Water Restoration? Call SERVPRO of Lakewood 24/7 (253) 896-3000

What Should Be Expected When You Contact Us?

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

First and foremost, expect our 24/7 availability! Whether you are calling day or night, weekday or weekends, and even during the holidays, you can always expect to speak with a real person about the emergency you are experiencing. SERVPRO of Lakewood is the top choice for many insurance agencies in the Pierce and King County areas. 

Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of Lakewood: 

Quick Response - When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in determining how long and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted them about the emergency. Once you have provided them with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your situation.

Arrival Time - Depending on several factors, our technicians can be on-site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make the difference if your home or commercial business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money.

Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. Our team has the ability to let you know in the emergency is claim worthy or not as well. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our team's quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.

Call Our Office! SERVPRO of Lakewood (253) 896-3000

What Being an IICRC Certified Firm Means

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lakewood is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

SERVPRO Earned a Spot in the Top 10 of Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

We're celebrating being the #1 franchise in the cleaning and restoration industry for the 21st year in a row! We also placed #10 ranking overall for top franchises in the nation!

This is the result of hard work and working as one cohesive team, with one goal in mind, to help people in their times of greatest need and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood will continue to work diligently to provide the best fire & water cleanup & restoration, mold remediation, biohazard cleaning & sanitizing in our community. We proudly serve the Pierce, King County and surrounding areas.

Available for 24/7 emergency services! (253) 896-3000

Mold in your business

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

One of the problems with water damage is that if it is not corrected quickly and properly, secondary damage can occur. Secondary damage is when items that are within the affected area of a water damage are not treated or dried out properly. This can occur when the humidity in the area is not reduced to an appropriate level. Our dehumidifiers help reduce humidity, which will help reduce the odds of mold growing in areas around your water damage.

What happens often happens is moisture, often humidity, gets trapped in a dark, low ventilated space, such as behind drywall, where mold finds the right conditions to grow undetected. The best way to avoid this is proper treatment of the initial water damage, where spending more on proper repairs can save you so much more time and money in the long run, as it can allow you to avoid costly secondary damage.

Call SERVPRO of UP/LW making it "Like it never even happened." at (253)-896-3000

SERVPRO does the jobs you need done, even biohazard

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

What does biohazard mean? Essentially it is a substance or material that is harmful to the health of people or the environment.

The most often cause is as a result of a serious injury or death. Cleaning up a biohazard has many aspects to it. Our primary concern is the health and safety of everyone involved, from our SERVPRO workers, to you, to the people who dispose of the material.

Proper personal protective equipment is just the start. Anyone working with at a biohazard site require proper training in order to stay safe and to protect the health of everyone involved.

Materials that have come in direct contact with blood need to be properly disposed with a licensed waste hauler. This may include PPE, clothing, items used to do the cleanup such as paper products and rags, and any cloth material that needed to be removed from the affected site such as cushions, carpeting, bedding, etc.

And remember, if you need help when the unexpected happens, call us at (253)-896-3000

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is Always Ready

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

When you have a disaster, the last thing you want is people showing up to help, and for them to be unprepared to help. With SERVPRO of UP/LW, that's not what you get. We regularly update our information, our restoration methods, improve our chemicals and constantly upgrade the quality of our gear and equipment, to give you the fastest, safest, and most complete restoration possible. Additionally, and most importantly, we are always improving our training, and sending technicians to different training courses, allowing our staff to be as educated and capable as possible. Due to our constant diligence, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is able to make it "Like it never even happened." To learn more about how WE can help YOU! call us at (253)-896-3000

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West Has the Best Rebuild Team in the Biz

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

In the restoration process at your home or business, many restoration companies are unable serve you through the rebuild phase. While the companies that can, often don't strive to the same level of quality and service that we here at SERVPRO of UP/LW are able to provide to our customers. With a recent addition of a new rebuild technician, we are more than ready to serve any of the rebuild jobs you may have. Even if you used a different restoration company, or you didn't have a fire or water loss at all, feel free to give the rebuild experts here at SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West a call at (253)-896-3000! And you'll see how SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides a Wide Range of Services 24/7

4/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of University PLace/Lakewood West is here to serve you, which is why we are available all day, every day to provide for your restoration needs, whatever they may be.  From carpet cleaning to mold remediation, from water damage to fire damage, we are here to help! But the real reason people keep coming back to SERVPRO UP/LW is our outstanding customer service. Whatever service you may need when you call us, we will be there to help you all day, all night, even weekends! When you call us, you get a real person answering your phone call. From there, one of our managers will get in touch with you and go over the details, set a time, and if you need someone on site immediately, we can send someone out to your job as soon as we can, whether or not it's during business hours. So just remember, with exceptional customer service, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is faster to any size disaster!

24/7 Customer Service

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood, customer service is a priority.  Unlike other companies, when you call us we have an actual person answering your call. Every day. 24 hours a day.  If you call us after work hours, we either determine from your call that your water/fire damage is safe to sit until morning, and if not, we dispatch a Restoration Technician that night to make sure that your house will be safe OK until the next day when we can start the restoration process during work hours.  If you call us during the weekend, we will send a Tech to your house that day, where we can start the restoration process as soon as possible.  One thing to always remember, the faster we can get on the scene, the lower the cost and effort will be throughout the whole restoration process. When in doubt, call (253)-896-3000!

WINTERIZE YOUR PIPES

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

It’s getting colder outside and many of us are pulling out our winter clothes and starting our fireplaces and furnaces.  There is one task that many overlook during our winter preparations: the winterization of water pipes.  We are prone to cold snaps in the Pacific Northwest and when it gets cold, the accumulated water inside the pipes freezes, expands and creates extreme pressure.  Eventually, the ice creates enough pressure for the pipes to crack. A small 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day.

1. Wrap outside faucets – Covering and insulating the exterior faucet can help protect any water inside the pipes from freezing in the winter.
2. Caulk around pipes where they enter the house – You want to keep out as much of the cold air as possible. You can also check around dryer vents, windows, and electrical wiring.
3. Disconnect garden hoses – Any water sitting inside the garden hose could freeze and damage the material. If you have a sloped driveway, lay them out and let them drain, then store them.
4. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems – any remaining water in your sprinkler systems can expand and crack your underground pipes. Even Polyethylene pipes which are more flexible and expand under pressure can become damaged, water left inside can freeze and rupture the pipe walls.  To minimize the risk of freeze damage, contact your manufacturer for proper winterization.
5. Let a stream of water run, if the temperature dips below freezing – A little bit of water flow keeps pressure low in the pipes. Low pressure means less of a chance of burst pipes.
6. Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathroom – Keeping cupboard doors open allows heat to reach the pipes, reducing the risk of them freezing.
7. Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days – If leaving out of town during the cold months, you may consider shutting off your main water line and draining your water system. Empty pipes mean no water can freeze and rupture them.  Keep in mind, if you have a fire protection system, this may not be the best option for you.  Shutting off the water main means your fire system won’t work.

Call SERVPRO® of University Place/Lakewood West at 253-896-3000 today to get help with all your restoration needs. We specialize in water, fire, mold & bio-hazard cleanup. 

Water Damage Timeline

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 253-896-3000

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood 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. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes. 

Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve blood borne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

• Fingerprint power and evidence-gathering chemicals
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood and bodily fluids

For more information, call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West at 253-896-3000.

7 Reasons to call a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

7 Reasons to call a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional:

1. 24 Hour Emergency Response:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals work to exceed customer expectations. We respond to emergency losses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1. Communication:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals keep you informed from start to finish.

1. Reduce Recovery Time:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals help you minimize interruption. 

1. Lower Recovery Costs:

The SERVPRO® System helps you save money.

1. Home Emergency Kit:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals help you plan before disaster strikes.

1. Full Line of Services:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals help to solve your cleanup needs.

1. A Leader in Storm Response:

Help when you need it the most.

Call SERVPRO® of University Place/Lakewood West at 253-896-3000 today to get help with all your restoration needs. We specialize in water, fire, mold & bio-hazard cleanup. 

Faster to your UP/Lakewood West Water Damage Event

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 253-896-3000

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood 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. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Spring Cleaning 2019!

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is here! It’s time to start cleaning out the closets and cleaning those hard to reach areas we look over throughout the year. Here are a few tips to get you started and to stay focused during your spring cleaning.

• Always start from the top- as you clean higher items, like ceiling fan blades and top shelves on bookcases, you’ll knock down dust to a lower level. Cleaning from the top down will prevent soiling areas you have already cleaned.
• Stay focused on the task at hand- when cleaning out a closet or drawer, it’s easy to get drawn in by old photo albums and keepsakes. Set aside time for the fond memories later; you’re on a mission!
• Don’t be a pack rat- You don’t want to throw away precious keepsakes but try to limit junk laying around your home or office. If you haven’t used it in a year or two, throw it out!
• Hit the hidden areas. We all avoid the dreaded hidden areas in our homes, but now is the time to face the dust bunnies!
• Tackle the big projects first. It happens every year, we start with the best intensions to scrub our homes from top to bottom, but somewhere in the middle we run out of steam. Tackle the biggest projects first or you may never get to them.
• Yard sale time! Don’t just chuck your unwanted items. Put them up for sale; you may be surprised to see what could bring in a few bucks.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, call the cleanup team that’s faster to any size disaster- SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West at 253-896-3000

SERVPRO® of University Place/Lakewood West is Faster to Any Size Disaster

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Your home is truly a reflection of you, your tastes and your personality. Suffering damages to your home can feel like a part of you has been damages as well. We recognize a loss can make you feel vulnerable, invaded or robbed of part of your life. Your loss is unique – in how it started, the emotions experienced and the extent of the damage.

When damage affects your home, you want it to be restored to preloss condition. You cannot afford to let the marketability of your home be affected. That is why SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have professionally restored property for over 39 years.

SERVPRO® is the trusted choice for hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, because they know SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have the experience to do the job right.

• Recognized Industry Leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration
• SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Serving America Since 1967
• Over 1,400 Locations Nationwide
• IICRC* Approved School for 5 Cleaning and Restoration Categories:
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Carpet
  • Upholstery
  • ASD (Applied Structural Drying)

*Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification

Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO® of University Place/Lakewood West for any of your water, fire or cleaning restoration needs. We are a full-service franchise – we work to dry out your home and restore it to its previous condition. Contact us at 253-896-3000 to inquire about our services.