We Can Remove Difficult Smoke Odor After a Fire

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor in Your Spokane Home? SERVPRO Can Help

Smoke odor is a stubborn and pervasive odor which lingers a long time after the flames of a fire are out. Whether it was caused by a nearby fire, a natural disaster, or from an accident such as an out of control cooking fire or a fireplace left unattended, the smoke odor can be a challenge to remove, even for experienced restoration professionals. 

There are various factors which influence the severity of smoke odor from fire damage in your Spokane home. The first is obvious – the size of the fire. The bigger the fire is and the more materials which have burned, the more smoke there is. How long the affected area is exposed to smoke matters as well. Smoke odor embeds itself deeper into porous materials the longer it has a chance to sit. 

Our technicians at SERVPRO know that after a fire, time is of the essence to prevent additional damage, which is why once you call us, we are out to your home quickly. We clean up the smoke odor, sanitize the area, and repair any salvageable items. 

Another factor which impacts the smoke odor is how large the room which is affected is. The smaller the room is, the more concentrated and intense the smoke odor can become. Materials which have burned is also important. Different materials leave behind different odors. A fire which burned wood smells different than a fire which affected mostly plastics or a protein fire. The kind of materials affected can influence the products we at SERVPRO use to get the smoke odor out. 

Our technicians have a large selection of equipment and products which are designed specifically to remove stubborn smoke odors. From hydroxyl generators to ozone machines, eco-friendly odor-busters to powerful odor-destroying chemicals, we are your answer to all your smoke odor removal needs. Our experienced professionals help you pinpoint the problem and figure out the best solution after we arrive at your home.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Think of SERVPRO of Spokane County when your home has suffered from a fire of any size. We can get the smoke odors out of your home and prevent additional damages. Call us anytime 24/7 at (509) 487-4700.

Water or Fire Damage in Your Business? Call The Pros!

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how large or small your commercial property damage problem, SERVPRO of Spokane County has the resources you need.

Commercial Buildings In Spokane Have Disasters

All properties can have an unforeseen disaster at any time. They can be small like a water leak, or large catastrophes like a complete fire that burns the building to the ground.

At SERVPRO® we have seen all types of Spokane water and fire disasters to both commercial properties and residential homes.

The first thing to do after you discover a problem is to call a fire and water restoration company in Spokane that can handle the job. SERVPRO of  Spokane County has unlimited resources to take care of any size project. Our large loss team has yet to come upon a restoration job that they could not handle.

If you have questions about what to do or may just need a inspection we are here to help.

Have Questions? Call Today – (509) 487-4700

Spokane Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Spokane County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Spokane property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of more than 2,000 franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events.

You may also visit our SERVPRO Facebook page for more information about us and what we do.

We are available to respond to your emergency 24/7. Just call us at 509-487-4700.

Cleaning Your Chimney Can Help Prevent Fires

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your chimney regularly can help prevent fires within your home. But like any other important task, it’s critical for you to do the job as safely as possible. Here are three simple tips to help make cleaning your chimney easier:

1. Have the proper tools

Tools that you will need to clean your chimney include a chimney rod, chimney brush, buckets, tarps, and a flashlight. It also never hurts to have some extra duct tape around.

2. Do it before the weather turns cold

This is a job that is much easier to do during warmer weather in late summer or early fall--well before the winter burning season. Climbing on a frosted or snowy roof is extremely dangerous, so plan ahead and do your chimney cleaning before those frosty nights when a warm, cozy fire is on your mind.

2. Use the correct technique

As with most things, using the appropriate process makes chimney cleaning much easier. The following website contains a step-by-step process for cleaning your chimney:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/clean-a-chimney.htm

SERVPRO of Spokane County is available for fire and water damage restoration in your home or business. Call anytime 24/7. We're ready to help you. 509-487-4700

How to Handle Fire Damage to Your Spokane Home

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. If it has happened in your home, it could destroy everything you own. The lasting damage might seem irreparable. To make sure, though, you’ll need to hire the services of a fire and smoke damage restoration team. Here are a few tips to help you deal with the aftermath.

Remove the Soot and Smoke

Don’t leave the soot, fire, and smoke unattended for too long. Once you get the go-ahead that it is safe to enter your property, your restoration team will need to start removing your belongings as soon as possible. The sooner the team carries this out, the more successful the restoration efforts will likely be.

Don't Touch Anything

If you’re not sure how to go about cleaning your carpets or belongings, don’t touch anything. Leave the work to the hands of experts. The fire damage restoration firm has the experience and tools to take care of this for you. If you’re not certain how to handle anything, just keep out of the way of the team and let them work.

Replace Your Belongings

Cleaning efforts can only do so much. This applies to your belongings and your property. If your contractors suggest that you replace your carpets or rebuild parts of your home, you’ll need to follow that advice. Experts know best, so trying to fix those belongings or structures in your home will mean you’ll only be tossing money out the window.

Be Careful with Clothing

It’s easy for soot to get into your clothing, just as it can get into your curtains. When you clean your clothes, don’t rub them, or throw them into the wash with the rest. Doing so will contaminate the rest of your clothing. If the pros you hire tell you that the damaged clothes are beyond repair, toss them and get new ones.

SERVPRO of Spokane County is Your Best Resource for Fire Damage Restoration

The experts at SERVPRO of Spokane County have decades of experience in restoring fire and smoke damaged structures and belongings. Their professionals are IICRC certified. They have all the latest equipment and processes that will make certain you get the best results from your restoration. They are available anytime 24/7.  Call them at 509-487-4700.

Fast Action After Storm Damage Can Prevent Further Damage

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Quick removal of damaged property from flood or storm is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your Spokane property. Using professional-grade equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water damage that could be ruining your subfloors, drywall and more. Advanced drying processes will aid in the cleanup and make certain your property is restored to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Spokane Storm and Flood Damage Cleanup 

There are many ways storm damage can surprise you. A leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or strong thunderstorms that come quickly and leave a huge amount of water. Sometimes this sudden influx of water can even cause toilets to overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Spokane County can quickly be on the scene with submersible pumps (sump pump), truck-mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Our trained and certified technicians can also use moisture detectors and hygrometers to detect flood damage in hidden places.  Even infrared cameras can help find hidden water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Professional grade extraction machines can be deployed to remove most of the water. When the standing water has been removed, industrial-grade dryers and dehumidifiers are used to make certain everything is thoroughly dried.

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County Quickly
It’s critical that you contact SERVPRO of Spokane County immediately when storm and flood damage occurs. We are ready for your call 24/7. The faster our team can get started on the water removal and recovery process, the higher the likelihood that your home and possessions can be restored.

SERVPRO of Spokane County provides emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Call us at 509-487-4700.

Flooding from Storms Can Happen Quickly in Spokane

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding is a possibility in many areas of Spokane. It might surprise you how a flash flood from a strong thunderstorm can impact your neighborhood. Unwelcome water can quickly cause great damage to your home and possessions. Even after the water is gone, it can leave behind dangerous mold. Your best bet is to call a professional team to remove the water, repair the damage, and restore your property to its original condition.

A trained and fully equipped team from SERVPRO of Spokane County can be at the scene of your flooding within minutes of your call 24/7. Specialized equipment will make quick work of removing the water in your home and begin the drying process. Technicians with state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment and hygrometers can find water wherever it might be hiding and causing damage to your house.  Infrared cameras can detect water, even inside walls and crawl spaces.

Industrial grade dehumidifiers and air movers can be deployed throughout your property to aid in the drying process.
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County has a staff of highly skilled and certified professionals that are experienced in using this specialized equipment and the processes necessary to clear your home of unwanted moisture and then restore it to its pre-flood condition.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Spokane County is a locally owned business. We live and work in this community too. We are close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. When you have storm damage, give SERVPRO of  Spokane County a call. We’re available 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Filing an Insurance Claim in Washington State? Know Your Rights

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

With serious windstorms more common in the Spokane area than we would like to think, it is appropriate to review the Washington State Insured Bill of Rights. This list of your rights has been compiled from various Washington State insurance and consumer rights organizations. 

Washington State Insured Bill of Rights

• YOU MAY TAKE AND BE FULLY COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF EMERGENCY STEPS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROPERTY FROM FURTHER DAMAGE AFTER A LOSS.
  In fact, you have the obligation to do so under the terms of your policy. The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection.  

• IF YOU HAVE SECURED ADEQUATE COVERAGE, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THE FAIR COST OF FULLY RESTORING YOUR HOME TO ITS PRE-DAMAGED CONDITION.
  You are, however, not insured for the repair of unrelated problems such as code deficiencies and or prior damage.
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY AND SHOULD INSIST UPON A FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED REPAIR FIRM OF GOOD REPUTATION.
  If you choose not to employ such a firm, the consequences, and liability for any injury, damage or other actions will rest with you. 
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY A FIRM WITH SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE AND STABILITY IN THE COMMUNITY TO STAND BEHIND ITS WORK AND WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES.
  The repair contract and its execution is strictly between you and the contractor. Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire.
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP FULLY EQUIVALENT TO YOUR EXISTING INSTALLATION IN “LIKE KIND AND QUALITY”. The insurance company has no obligation to improve your existing installation. 
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST BIDDER. NOWHERE IN YOUR POLICY DO THE WORDS “CHEAPEST”, “LOW”, OR “LOWEST PRICE” OCCUR.
  Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A DETAILED LISTING OF THE SCOPE OF REPAIRS AND QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BEFORE WORK BEGINS.
  Provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO AND SHOULD REJECT ANY CONTRACT THAT DOES NOT INCORPORATE ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION WORK.
  You must be familiar with these requirements in order to enjoy the protection the law provides. Contact a Professional Restoration Contractor for this important information. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO SELECT A FIRM WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE SKILL AND EXPERIENCE IN INSURANCE DAMAGE REPAIR AS A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.
  Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work.
• IF SUBSTANTIAL DISAGREEMENT ARISES BETWEEN YOU AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY OVER THE AMOUNT OF THE LOSS, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO REQUEST ARBITRATION (APPRAISAL) AS DESCRIBED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY LINES 123-140 OF THE STANDARD HOMEOWNERS FORM WHICH SPELLS OUT THE PROCEDURES FOR SETTLING DIFFERENCES WITHOUT RESORTING TO LAWSUIT. The insurance company is also entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, regardless of whether or not you have received advanced payments.  

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED BY THE POLICY AND YOUR STATE INSURANCE REGULATIONS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM USING DELAY AND PERSONAL HARDSHIP TO COMPEL A LOWER SETTLEMENT.
  The policy also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim. Ask your adjuster about these requirements at the outset so that you can be in compliance.

For more details you can visit the following website:

https://www.insurance.wa.gov/your-homeowner-claim-responsibilities-and-rights

SERVPRO of Spokane County works with your insurance company to make sure your claims are handled quickly and efficiently.  Contact us for any of your property damage repair and restoration solutions. You can reach us anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Water Damage Surprise After Vacation

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

When homeowners take a week or two off during growing season, they often hire a local youngster to take care of watering chores. Watering done too enthusiastically, especially near a foundation, threatens basements and crawl spaces with damage. Call SERVPRO® if your welcome home gift is a wet basement.

A local teenager agreed to keep your flower and vegetable gardens maintained while you and your family traveled out of state. He accidentally ran a soaker hose next to your foundation overnight, causing water damage to your Spokane home. Engaging a local restoration company with experience drying out a basement is the first thing you need to do. Our certified and licensed team fits the bill.

SERVPRO of Spokane County offers full-service restoration, able to manage the range of tasks necessary to dry out cinder block, drywall, paneling, and all types of flooring. Technicians measure moisture levels in all of the structures and components, assigning appropriate drying goals to each. Carpeting receives thorough water extraction, taking care not to stretch or pull fibers away from the backing. We assess tile, laminate or hardwood floors, using our powerful wet vacuums for surface water and drying mats if subfloor moisture is a concern. If necessary, we pull up portions of the floor coverings to expose the moisture we need to remove.

Cinderblock lines the entire foundation, and the crew scans for hidden water trapped in cells. A low impact, high result method to release water drills holes in the mortar joints, but we also search for openings at the top of the blocks to pull water out with flexible tubing. Sheetrock or paneling in the finished area add a layer or more and increases the number of recesses where water hides. SERVPRO of Spokane County uses advanced technology to locate pockets of moisture, removing portions of the wall covering if required to reach and extract the water.

Air movers and dehumidifiers continue decreasing the moisture level, aimed under the carpeting and between the foundation bricks and paneling or sheetrock via tubing or through slots we create by removing pieces of the material. Restoration is the goal, but if crumbling, saturated drywall or separating pressed wood is a problem, we suggest replacing some materials.

We also assess furnishings and personal belongings, taking them to a dry area in the basement or outside. Before you commit to off-site drying, we discuss what items you want to be selected for special drying treatments and keep a complete inventory of what we remove for further processing.

Rely on SERVPRO of Spokane County to develop a water damage restorations plan that returns your sense of home and peace of mind. Call (509) 487-4700 day or night to schedule an assessment.

How to Prepare for a Fire Emergency

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

As a homeowner in Spokane you need to prepare yourself for a variety of worst case scenarios. You may make plans for bad weather, faulty plumbing and house fires to ensure you can bounce back from any unexpected event. Fire preparation should include preventative measures as well as practicing what to do in case of an emergency.

4 Preventative Measures in Case of an Emergency

1. Have a fire drill. Making sure your entire family knows what to do in the case of an emergency is a must. During a fire drill, you should show everyone what the alarm sounds like, how to safely exit a room and where to meet outside of the home. For the highest level of fire safety, you may want to encourage everyone to have at least two exit strategies in mind for each room in the house. For example, you could leave a bedroom through the door or a window.

2. Install smoke alarms. A home fire is often detected by smoke alarms. If you do not have this safety equipment properly installed throughout your house, a fire may blaze without you knowing.

3. Check smoke alarms. Once the alarm is in place, your fire preparation is not over. You also need to make sure it can work. You should do an alarm check at least once every month. If you don't, the batteries inside may die without you realizing it.

4. Figure out who to call. Everyone knows to call emergency responders after a home fire, but you may also want to decide what type of residential fire remediation team you would like to work with if flames engulf your house. Getting in touch with these experts prior to a fire can speed up the restoration process.

Being proactive in your fire preparation ensures your entire family will know what to do if there ever is a fire in your house. Once you have made the preparations, you can sit back and hope to never put them into action.

You can count on SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to be there for your fire emergency anytime 24/7. Call us at 509-487-4700

Rapid Response is Critical When Water Damage Strikes

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

As soon as moisture finds its way inside your home, it is vital to get it removed before problems get worse. The best way to get water cleanup completed promptly is to call in a professional company such as SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. Our technicians are equipped with the industry's most advanced technology to make sure moisture gets removed as quickly as possible. We utilize the industry's best equipment from the beginning to the end. And we get on scene fast! We use advanced moisture sensors to figure out the extent of the water cleanup.
 
Next, we implement extraction systems so that we can vacuum up as much water as we can while it is in liquid form. Our SERVPRO technicians can use different types of equipment for your specific water cleanup project in Spokane. If tight areas or pieces of furniture get wet, we can use portable extractors and handled tools designed to remove moisture quickly. When the situation is more severe, we can hook up a large extraction tool to our truck-mounted pump. We have extraction tools that use the operator's weight to compress the carpet and pull out more moisture, called a Rover.
 
Our SERVPRO team always offers fast 24/7 service to mitigate issues with your home as quickly as possible. We answer our phones at all times, and our technicians are located in the area so we can arrive at your residence shortly after your emergency call, usually within four hours. We first start by removing as much water as we can with our extraction equipment. The more water we can vacuum up while it is liquid the easier the structural drying process will be. We strive to restore and preserve rather than demolition and replace with rapid water mitigation techniques.
 
Once we extract all of the liquid H2O that we can, we begin drying out your structural components. To do this, we set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers push wet air away from affected surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air.

If you ever find wet building materials inside your home call SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane at (509) 487-4700 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

SERVPRO is Specially Equipped to Handle Commercial Fire and Water Damage

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has a dedicated team to handle commercial emergencies? Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business. 

Our commercial response team has the experience and knowledge to help guide you through the claims process, while performing services around the clock if necessary to bring the business back to operational status as quickly as possible. Even a small fire can shut your business down for several days or weeks if not taken care of properly. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane today for an appointment for a free assessment and Emergency Ready Profile. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business

Call us today for help in developing your Emergency Ready Profile. 509-487-4700.

When Flooding Happens in Your Spokane Home

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the size of your flood damage disaster, SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is equipped to help you recover.

How To Deal With Flooding In Spokane, WA

Flood damage in Spokane is not to be taking lightly. Water is not just something that you drink. It has the potential to destroy your home in a slow and steady way. Among the things that water damage causes are mold and fungi. While it is possible to get rid of the fungi by yourself, you need the help of a professional. The reason behind this is that water and moisture can be in areas that can't be accessed. There are well-trained specialists that are certified and have the equipment needed to not only get rid of water but restore all of the damage that has been caused by floods. 
 
The usual causes of floods are storms, natural disasters or other issues. In many cases, all it takes is hard rain to flood the home. When a home is flooded, the best way to get rid of all of the moisture in the home is to call a professional. You need a professional that has a certification and a proven track record. Research is necessary when it comes to hiring a company that is trustworthy to handle your flooding. 
 
There are different types of equipment that a company uses to get rid of all of the moisture in the home. Among the pieces of equipment used are sump pumps. They are very helpful for getting all of the water and hidden moisture out of the home. Moisture detectors and hygrometers are utilized to measure the amount of moisture saturation in a certain area. Another type of equipment used is infrared cameras. They are used to locate water that may be hidden behind ceilings and walls. Dehumidifiers and air movers help dry up any remaining moisture.
 
A Spokane flood damage professional company that is worth checking out is SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has a staff of highly skilled and certified professionals that are experienced in water damage removal and restoration. They are also well equipped to handle all the water damage in the home. With specialized equipment and techniques they can locate every bit of moisture so you can rest assured that your home remains safe.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane Today (509) 487-4700 We are available anytime 24/7 to respond to your flood damage emergency.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane Helps Your Business Reopen Fast!

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the size or type of business you're in, you need specialized help when it comes to damage from water, fire, mold and more,

Commercial Buildings In Spokane Have Disasters

All properties can have an unforeseen disaster at any time. They can be small like a water leak, or large catastrophes like a complete fire that burns the building to the ground.

We at SERVPRO have seen all types of Spokane water and fire disasters to commercial properties and residential homes.

The first thing to do after you discover a problem is to call a fire and water restoration company in Spokane that can handle the job. We at SERVPRO have unlimited resources to take care of any size project. Our large loss team has yet to come upon a restoration job that they could not handle.

If you have questions about what to do or may just need a inspection we are here to help.

Have Questions? Call Today – (509) 487-4700

Spokane Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is available 24 hours a day to restore your Spokane property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. Our teams are IICRC certified and up to date on all the latest cleanup and restoration techniques. We can also access the resources of our national network of over 2,000 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events.

You may also visit our SERVPRO Facebook page for more information about us and what we do.

Call us anytime 24/7 for help with a property damage disaster at your home or business. 509-487-4700.

Damage From a Fire Can Be More Extensive Than Meets the Eye

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, the damage it creates can be overwhelming. Initially, it may look like you just need to clear away that space, remove the drywall, and handle the flooring. Yet fire damage tends to be much more invasive than you realize. It is critical, then, to have a licensed team on hand to help you with the project.

Handling the Damage Expertly

The first step is always to handle the fire damage properly. That means removing all of the damage from the space. From there, it is necessary to remove any wet and damaged material resulting from putting the fire out. You may also have to remove debris further – such as pulling out more of the drywall to ensure the underlying plumbing and electrical work is in good condition. If not, more repairs are going to be necessary.

Beware of Smoke Damage

Another key concern is the home’s smoke damage. Smoke can travel beyond the area of the fire, often throughout the whole home. It can enter into your home’s ventilation, easily spreading throughout the space. This requires proper cleansing by a licensed technician because if you do not take care of this, the odor of smoke will persist.

Trust the Experts

Our team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane will create a treatment plan to address each area properly. We will then work closely with you to ensure that the space is properly cleaned and, once the cleaning and sanitizing is done, we will handle all of the restoration work for you. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in all areas of remediation and restoration from fire damage. Give us a call 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

10 Bathroom Water Damage Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

10 Bathroom Water Damage Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

Ever wonder what can be lurking in your toilet?  Or where all of that water went when your sink overflowed?  What could be growing behind the walls?  Keep reading to learn some interesting bathroom facts you probably didn't know.

1.       Did you know that the bathroom is THE most susceptible location for water damage in your entire house? There are so many little bits of information and facts you may not know that could possibly save your bathroom from potential water damage. Read on below for nine more bathroom water damage tidbits we bet you didn’t know, but would love to find out!

2.       Invisible plumbing problems such as clogged drains can stop your bathtub and shower from completely drying after usage, and can signal severe problems underneath the bathtub. To prevent further bathroom water damage, these inconspicuous plumbing troubles should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

3.       The toilet is one of the household fixtures that can cause the majority of bathroom water damage in the home. Never ignore any water found around the toilet. The toilet lines should constantly be check for leaks, and the toilet rims, seats, and the toilet tank should be regularly checked as well. Also inspect the seal of the toilet. If the seal does not work anymore, there will be leakage from the toilet, causing disastrous bathroom water damage. 

4.       If the bathroom floor is soft, damage may already be in the process of occurring.

5.       The exhaust fan is an essential bathroom asset for the maintenance of low humidity levels. Assisting to keep the area dry and ventilated, the exhaust fan is an added security against the destruction that bathroom water damage causes. Be sure to turn on the fan during and following a warm/hot shower or bath to prevent moisture accumulation.  Routine cleaning and inspection can ensure that your exhaust fan is always operating properly. It is suggested to wire the fan to automatically function when the bathroom is used.

6.       Hanging deodorants in the toilet bowl can increase the chances of a clog, especially in low-flow toilets. Skip the fancy deodorizers if you want to keep your bowl clog-free and lessen your chances of bathroom water damage.

7.       Blisters along caulked areas, or discolored floor stains can suggest water leakage. Although these blemishes may seem small to the naked eye, do not underestimate the extent of the water damage in your bathroom. Just a tiny leak can be a sign of a enormous problem on pipes and drains that are not exposed and cannot be seen.  Furthermore, the water that penetrates into the floor encourages growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms that feed on the wood, causing more bathroom water damage. 

8.       Did you know that these microorganisms flourish in temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees? That is the typical temperature of most bathrooms, making the overall damage horrendous.

9.       If the humidity in your bathroom is high, generally more than 55 percent, you have a possible mold problem. Check for water on pipes because it can also suggests a mold situation and water damage. A musty odor also signals mold, and should be followed up with an inspection. The presence of mold cannot only lead to damage to your bathroom.

10.    Sinks and cabinets are constantly exposed to humidity and moisture, but are often ignored by homeowners searching for bathroom water damage. However, these are two fixtures that are known to conceal damage. You should regularly inspect under sinks and cabinets. A slow draining pipe underneath the sink suggests a clogged drain. If you see a loose or cracked drain seal, replace it immediately.

If you suspect water damage in your bathroom, or anywhere in your home or business, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. We are the leading water damage restoration specialists in the Inland Northwest. We are ready for your call anytime 24/7. Just call us at 509-487-4700.

When Water Damage Happens in Your Spokane Home or Business

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Drying A Home Or Building In Spokane After Water Damage.

When the expert water technicians from SERVPRO® of Northwest Spokane enter your home after a water disaster, we have two very important questions that must be answered before drying equipment is installed.  The first question is “What is Wet?”  The question sounds simple enough but the answer is often more complicated.  Standing water is obvious but it almost always means that hidden cavities of water exist that must also be found.  These hidden areas can be found under cabinets or laminated flooring.  Water can also seep under tile floors or hardwoods.  Beyond the floors, water often rests inside walls and insulation and can move to adjoining rooms.  Determining “What is Wet” is one of the most important questions we must answer.

 The second question in our damage assessment is “How Wet Is It?”  Water found under cabinets or inside walls can cause extensive damage if left untreated.  Wood will warp, wet sheetrock will lose its strength and insulation can absorb large amounts of water.  To answer the question “How Wet Is It,” we use sophisticated metering equipment that can measure moisture levels in areas that are out of site.  We may also use a special camera capable of reading temperature variations within walls or ceilings or even in the foundation to answer this critical question.

Every Spokane water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. 

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today - (509) 487- 4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Professional Help for Fire and Smoke Damage in Spokane

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

How To Handle A House Fire In Spokane WA

Having your residential property undergo extensive fire damage in Spokane can be a very traumatic occurrence. In addition to adversely impacting your emotional equilibrium, the fire can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your property. However, learning more about what fires entail and how to handle them effectively can help you remain calm if and when the natural disaster or accident strikes your home. Get the information and advice you need regarding this important matter by reviewing the short outline provided below:

Physical Damages. Because the fire's temperature exceeds 1,200 degrees F, the heat from the fire can cause more problems than the flames did. Additionally, the smoke from the fire can make its way through the structure and possessions on your property. In so doing, the smoke can leave unpleasant odors and unsightly stains from soot. This cleanup is very challenging and should only be performed by certified IICRC specialists from SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane.

Returning Home. After the flames are extinguished, and you can return to survey your home, the result can be a difficult experience. Seeing your property in fire damaged shape or utter ruin can leave you feeling heartbroken and helpless. If the damages are severe enough, the fire department may not allow you to enter your property. To minimize the current fire damage and to thwart extensive secondary water damage, you will need to get in contact with all the right people as quickly as possible.

Who To Call. The first individual you'll want to get in contact with is your insurance agent. If the fire damage is severe, they will dispatch an insurance adjuster. This individual will walk through the structure taking pictures of damages, and listing fire damaged items and materials. Ask the adjuster, or your agent, for a referral to a fire damage restoration company -  chances are they will suggest SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. This local franchise is on the approved vendor list for over 315 insurance companies, property management companies and federal and state entities. Our inspectors will also create a list (CCIS) of damaged items and categorize them as salvageable, questionable, or candidates for tossing. By working in conjunction with you and your adjuster, we can assist in the claims process and save you time and money. Not to mention that we will relieve you of most of the stress from this unfortunate event.

Clean-Up Services. There is a specific protocol for fire damage control and restoration. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has heavy duty pumps and wet-vacs to extract water from the fire department's work. We will secure the grounds against vandalism and theft and use plywood, tarps, and all means available to protect your home from the weather. An arsenal of equipment can be utilized to dry out furnishings and building materials. We will dispose of unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring, and carpeting. We can also repair and have replaced structurally destroyed materials.

Let Us Help You Now. As a team of experienced fire damage restoration specialists, the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane respond immediately to your emergency in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington. We understand the trauma that results from a large-scale home inferno and will treat you and your family with empathy and understanding. Allow us to get you back home into your house "Like it never even happened."

Faster to Any Size Fire Emergency

When water and fire damage strike, a fast response is critical. We’re dedicated to responding immediately day or night to your Spokane, WA home. A faster response helps to prevent secondary damage and helps to reduce cost. Call us 24/7 for help. (509) 487-4700

Water Damage at Your Business? SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane Will Get There Fast

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

When your business experiences water damage, you need help fast. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane.

Flooding and water damage events at Spokane-area commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Many business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating to the property damage -- we understand that many times the most important thing to Spokane-area businesses is to get back in business . . . fast.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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. We can be reached at (509) 487-4700.

Join Our Team

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

The hardworking team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is looking for a few more people to join their ranks.

Want to join a great team and have a rewarding career? SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has your opportunity! We're a fire/water damage mitigation company and we're currently hiring for all positions.

We may not rescue people, but we rescue their property and help restore peace of mind after disaster strikes! When there's been fire or smoke damage, water damage, storm damage, or any type of property damage, SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is on the scene to secure the property, begin the cleanup process and restore the property.

If you're ready to work, we've got your job!

• Full Time
• Competitive Salary
• Great Benefits

First: Download an application here:  

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7er2gui0js99tz0/Application%20for%20Employment.pdf?dl=0

Second: Send the completed application to rachael@SERVPROnwspokane.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Proper Training and Certification is Critical in Your Restoration Technician

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire or storm damages your home or business, it is frightening to think about your next steps. You need someone that can give you all the advice and guidance necessary to put your property back together. The people you rely on for this need to be well-trained professionals, with years of experience they can rely on to ensure your property is properly restored.

What to Look for in Those Technicians

As you consider who will handle your damage restoration services, one of the most important considerations is finding technicians that are well trained. You want to ensure they have extensive training and are properly licensed to provide the types of services you need. They should be trained extensively in areas such as water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Not all companies offer the same level of service.

You also want to choose a team that is continuously training and keeping their education up to date. You want to know they are using the most advanced equipment and methods for getting your home back to a safe environment again.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

When you are facing a disaster like this, turn to SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. Our team goes through a rigorous training process. We work closely with you to ensure you understand everything we are going to do, and we follow all the best practices in the industry. Our technicians and our processes are IICRC certified so you can be confident that we are using the latest techniques and equipment to restore your property damage.

When you have damage to your commercial or residential property, choose SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. Call us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Water Damage in Your Business Requires Next Level Professional Response

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage needs special attention and quick action. The resources of SERVPRO are critical at these times.

Handle Your Spokane Commercial Water Damage with SERVPRO

If you have recently become a victim of commercial water damage in Spokane WA, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages. There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible when water damage has occurred in a commercial space.

 Preparing a Space for Water Damage Restoration

Before you enter your commercial space or any flooded building, you will need to make sure the electrical power to the structure is shut off. You should also be aware that during a flooding event, small animals or reptiles tend to seek shelter inside of buildings. Be prepared to deal with the discovery of wild animals in your space.

Protect yourself from entering any flooded building by wearing an organic vapor respirator. You can purchase these at any local paint and building supply stores. You also want to have rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The first thing you should do is ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and placing fans where possible.

Unfortunately, there likely will be items that you need to throw away. Any items that are porous and have absorbed contaminated floodwater cannot be restored. If your commercial space has drywall, mattresses, pillows, box springs, particle board, carpets or carpet pads, these will need to be discarded if they have become saturated. However, there is good news: If you have clothing or household fabrics that can be machine-washed, you may be able to salvage them. Use your washing machine to clean these items with a 10-minute soak at the minimum in hot water with detergent. The soap and normal wash should remove most of the contamination and any staining that is present.

Be aware that your commercial space will need a thorough professional inspection, cleaning and possibly restructuring. Water damaged walls and installations must be removed and repaired, and pockets of saturation should be exposed for drying and sanitizing. Always remember that mold growth could take a few days to appear as it thrives in a moist environment with organic-type materials such as paper or particle board and in temperatures that range between 60 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep good airflow throughout the interior environment, and maintain moderate temperatures to decrease the risk of any mold growth. It is also important that you let your space dry out before any rebuilding occurs.

Services You Can Count On in Spokane, WA

You can depend on SERVPRO to provide reasonable prices for commercial damages and other services in the Spokane area. Our restoration services include cleanup after water damage, fire damage, and storm damage. We also assist with mold remediation, and we're qualified to provide cleaning and building services. Our trained and certified IICRC technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin your restoration. Whether you require cleanup after a commercial water damage or simply need a carpet cleaning, call us at (509) 487-4700.

Have Questions? Call Us Anytime 24/7 – (509) 487-4700

Make Sure You Hire Certified Professionals for Storm Damage Restoration in Spokane

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Even the strongest, best-built Spokane home can suffer significant damage after a storm. If you have damage, it is best to hire storm damage restoration professionals to provide support and cleanup guidance. Hiring a trained and certified team can help ensure the work is done properly so you can return to your home with confidence. What can a storm damage professional do for you?

Determine Where the Problems Are

Sometimes the damage from a storm is easy to spot. This may include larger holes in the roof or a flooded basement. In other cases, you may not see the damage initially. You may have foundation issues, problems with the siding, or damage to the drywall in your living room. Storm damage professional technicians are trained in how to spot concerns fast.

The Right Type of Drying

Storm damage often leaves a wet mess to clean up. Fast, reliable drying is a key component to protecting your home and minimizing mold risk. Technicians at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane use scientific drying techniques and specialized equipment to ensure proper care and monitoring for mold growth or other risks. They also provide the necessary monitoring and documentation you need to know your home is safe.

Finding the Right Help Matters – Call Us First

At SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane, our team understands what you are up against when it comes to storm damage cleanup. That is why our IICRC certified restoration professionals are available to you anytime day or night. To get help, call us 24 hours a day for immediate support. Just call 509-487-4700 and we'll be there.

Hire the Right Restoration Company

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Property damage restoration work requires immediate action. The sooner the pros get started on your restoration, the more successful their efforts will be. Here’s why you’ll want to hire SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to handle your restoration needs.

Qualifications

Our trained professionals are licensed and certified. With a team of qualified experts, you can count on us to deliver excellent results. With industry knowledge and expertise, we provide the service quality that you can trust. Years of experience in the field have given our teams insight into restoration work. We maintain our IICRC certifications which means we keep up to date with the latest and most effective practices and techniques, ensuring that our clients always get the best outcomes possible.

Specialized Equipment

Water damage, storm damage, fire, and smoke damage, and even mold remediation all require specialized tools. With our specialized equipment and training, we are able to perform efficient cleanup and restoration work. We also produce faster results. That matters, since restoring properties and belongings is a race against time. With tools that make restoration easier, we bring back your valuables, furniture, and even your property to their pre-damaged states successfully.

Customer Service

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, fire, or a bad storm is devastating for anyone. Our team understands that. This may be your first experience with significant property damage, but it's not ours.  We provide experienced and compassionate assistance. Our crew is trained to handle your belongings with care. We do the best we can to minimize the damage.

Service Solutions

We offer restoration as well as cleaning assistance. We perform storm damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage restoration, cleaning, and mold remediation. If you’re not quite sure about the kind of help you need, talk to us. We can guide you through the process of determining the right solution for your needs. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is here to help you. Call us anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

What to Know About Filing Storm Damage Insurance Claims

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Filing an insurance claim is not the easiest thing to do in the aftermath of a storm, especially if your property suffered significant losses. With the help of a trusted local storm damage restoration service provider, all of your restoration tasks—including insurance forms—will be that much easier.

Prioritize Temporary Repairs

As soon as you experience storm damage, contact the pros at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to review the damage and recommend a restoration plan. Qualified and licensed experts can determine if your property is in need of extensive restoration work. Calling the team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is a good move because they also provide much of the material or documentation you’ll need for your insurance claim.

Secure Evidence

A successful insurance claim involves proper and considerable documentation. You can take photos of your home along with videos. If you have photos of your home prior to the damage, it may be helpful to include those as well in order to illustrate the scope of the damage.

Review Your Policy

Before you fill out that form and file a claim, make sure you go over your policy. Get a good grasp of your coverage. What can you expect? What are the limitations indicated? Knowing these ahead of filing for a claim will give you a better sense of what to expect. It will also help you keep your expectations realistic. Your professionals from SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane can step you through the process of your claim.

Don’t Waste Time

Start working on filing a claim as soon as you can. Some insurance companies have a window for accepting claim applications, so you wouldn’t want to miss that. If you do, you might not get another chance to ask for compensation for your loss. Don’t risk that.

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane Can Help with Your Storm Damage Restoration and Insurance Claim

This may be your first storm damage incident, but it’s not the first for your SERVPRO team. Let the experts carefully step you through the process of getting your property back in shape and communicating with your insurance provider. Call them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Make Sure You Hire a Qualified, Experienced Restoration Team

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

When you have property damage it's important to hire a trusted team like SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to take care of your restoration needs. Our team offers water, fire, and mold cleanup along with restoration services for both residential and commercial properties. Here are some of the reasons why we are the right choice for you.

Specialization

Not all companies have the industry knowledge and expertise to provide specialized restoration work. We do. Our IICRC certified team is equipped to handle biohazard cleanup, document restoration, dry cleaning, reconstruction and more along with the more basic restoration work we do for smoke, water, and fire-damaged properties. We have specific training in each of these areas and more so there's no guesswork involved. 

Disaster Recovery

We are capable of mounting disaster recovery solutions on a large scale. The experience and expertise as well as the organizational competence of our team make that possible. If you need restoration and reconstruction assistance, consider our track record.

Tailored Solutions

We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We ask you about what you need. We provide restoration plans based on our assessment of your property. That’s why you can count on us to deliver restoration work that addresses the needs of your property, all while helping you stay well within your budget. And we’re experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We can help you get your claim processed properly.

Customer Service

We understand how devastating it is for people to lose their properties and belongings to fire, smoke, storm, or water damage. That’s why our teams are trained to work efficiently and swiftly. As soon as we arrive on the scene, we don’t waste a moment. We know how important it is to get started on restoring and saving what we can. We treat your home or facility as well as your furniture, valuables, and other belongings with respect.

24-Hour Emergency Response

The team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is available to answer your calls and requests 24 hours a day. We know that disasters can strike at any time. Call us today to learn more about the help we can extend to you and your family. We’re here for you 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Use These Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your Spokane Home

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

When undetected moisture seeps into the wood construction of your home, it not only weakens the wood but it is an invitation to carpenter ants and termites. Be careful!
 
Knowing how to prevent water damage is something every homeowner should be familiar with. Here are some suggestions.
 
Drainage is Critical
 
Poor drainage is a recipe for disaster. When water does not drain away from your home it can weaken your foundation and cause your home to settle giving you sloping floors or uneven walls with cracks, resulting in even more opportunities for water to enter your home.
 
Check your gutters regularly for blockages. Pine needles, especially here in the beautiful Northwest, are a constant source of obstructions in rain gutters. Failure to deal with these blockages can cause water to run over the edges of your gutter and pool next to your foundation.

A leaky foundation can be difficult to spot. Water can seep slowly into your basement and appear as simply a damp spot on your unfinished basement floor. If your basement is carpeted, you may not even notice this moisture at all until it results in a musty odor or even mold. If this happens, your best bet is to call SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to help you locate the source and deal with the problem.
 
Check Your Sump Pump Often 
 
Many homes in our area have sump pumps that "lift" water from the depths of your basement or foundation into your sewer line. This critical piece of equipment must be kept in working order at all times. Check your sump pump especially when there is a threat of significant precipitation.
 
How to Spot Water Leaks 
 
Small but consistent leaks cause mildew and mold, rot, and encourage the presence of carpenter ants and termites. If you are quick to fix a leak, you may save your home from long-term damage. 
 
Leaks can show as dark stains under pipes inside sink cabinets as well as stains on ceilings.

Take a close look at your roof at least once per year. Be sure to note and replace loose or damaged shingles. Check around flashing for leaks and be sure to inspect caulking for cracks.

Call the Pros

If you find a leak you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane to have the source identified and the leakage stopped. Our professionals are IICRC certified and are available 24/7. Just call us at 509-487-4700.

Flooded Basement? You Need SERVPRO of Spokane County!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

As most everyone knows, our beautiful Inland Northwest is susceptible to long periods of intense rain which can cause flooding even in the most well-built basement. Finding standing water in your basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. 

Quickly Remove the Water

If there is standing water in your basement, your first reaction will be to find a way to remove the water. This will require a wet vac at the very least and likely some sort of pumping system at the most. Many homeowners will have a wet vac, but very few will have any sort of pumping system beyond their overwhelmed sump pump. Getting the water out of your basement quickly helps to prevent further damage. It's one good reason to call the experts at SERVPRO of Spokane County. Our water damage restoration teams have specialized equipment to remove the water from your basement--no matter how much water there is.

Dry the Surfaces

After the standing water is gone, it's important to quickly and thoroughly dry all the surfaces. This includes flooring and walls. Drywall will likely have to be removed just above the water line for the drying process to be complete. SERVPRO of Spokane County has industrial-grade drying equipment that can accomplish this task much more quickly than anything available to a homeowner. Getting things dried out quickly helps to prevent further damage and discourages the growth of mold. Our technicians are also equipped with professional-grade moisture detection equipment to make certain that hidden moisture is also removed. 

Inspect HVAC and Other Basement Equipment

It's possible that the flood water damaged some of your HVAC system or appliances. SERVPRO of  Spokane County can evaluate these damaged items and recommend action.

Restore the Damage

This often includes the replacement of flooring which is too badly damaged to be restored and may even involve replacing some wall structures. Once again, the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County is highly trained and qualified in restoring water damaged areas of your basement--regardless of how severe the damage. They are a flooded homeowner's best friend. 

If you have a flooded basement, regardless of the source of the water or scope of the flood, SERVPRO of Spokane County is the trusted resource in Spokane for homeowners who want their restoration work done quickly and professionally. Just call them anytime 24/7 and they'll respond faster to your disaster. You can reach them at 509-487-4700.

Worried About Wildfire Smoke in Your Indoor Air?

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfire season is in full swing in the Inland Northwest. It seems to have started earlier this year and has only become worse as the summer has progressed. Many of our customers are concerned about the effects of exposure to smoke during this troublesome time of the year.

Wildfire Smoke Contains Gases and Particulates

Wildfire smoke often contains gases and particulate matter from burning vegetation and other materials. This can even be a problem for people who are well outside the immediate area of the fire as the smoke and particulates can spread for hundreds of miles. When smoky conditions persist in your outdoor environment it’s very likely that the same smoke is penetrating your home or office.

If you feel that poor air quality from wildfire smoke—or any other source—is impacting your home or place of business, you have a solution right at your fingertips. A quick phone call to SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane will give you access to professional, industrial strength air scrubbers.  These devices can be deployed in your home or office to clean your indoor air and restore it to pristine quality. Our air scrubbers feature a two-stage filtration system that captures larger particulates such as household dust, followed by a professional HEPA filter that captures 99.7% of the small particles down to 0.3 microns. This effectively removes wildfire pollutants.

The Difference Between Air Purifiers and Air Scrubbers

You might be thinking that you don’t have to worry about your indoor air quality because you have an air purifier. While air purifiers and air scrubbers both use negative ions to do their work, the air scrubber has a decided advantage in that it can not only clean particles from the air, but can also remove settled dust and bacteria. As a result, air scrubbers are much more efficient at creating an indoor air environment that is free not only of wildfire smoke, but other odors and pollutants that may be in your home or office. 

Call Now to Get Air Scrubbers and Clean Your Air!

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has technicians on staff who are IICRC certified and trained in the use of this specialized equipment and can quickly create a solution for your indoor pollution issues. Just give us a call at 509-487-4700 anytime 24/7.

Finding the Right Restoration Company for Your Commercial Property

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Choosing a commercial restoration and cleaning firm isn’t rocket science. But you’ll want to pick a trustworthy team to take care of your property. Before you settle on a selection, here are some suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind.

Know the History

How long has the firm been around? What kind of experience does the company have in commercial restoration jobs--not just residential? A newly minted firm might not have the resources necessary to handle this for you. Past behavior is the best predictor of future results. You’ll want a company that delivers consistently outstanding results.

Ask About Customization

Some firms provide restoration packages. Are those solutions right for what you need? Don’t hesitate to discuss alternate options or arrangements with the firm. The team might come up with a package that’s ideal for your budget and property.

Learn About Employee Training

What kind of training do the contractors have? What credentials and qualifications? Are they IICRC certified and licensed to work in your area? The crew must have experience in the kind and scope of commercial restoration project you have in mind.

Find Insured Contractors

Accidents can happen. Hiring a team of licensed and insured contractors is a sound way to protect yourself and your assets.

Come Up with a Plan

Pros come to check out your property and provide a plan that includes which areas are good for renovation and which ones need to be torn down and rebuilt completely. If they don't present a plan, they're probably not right for you.

Get More Details

An established firm will have no problem walking you through the plan. If the contractor can’t provide more details about the process, that’s a red flag. Get help elsewhere.

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is ready to help you with any size of commercial restoration project. We are IICRC certified and available for your call anytime 24/7. Call us at 509-487-4700.

Leave Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration to the Experts

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Attempts to perform fire and smoke damage restoration on your property and belongings should only be undertaken by experts. Restoring your property after a fire can be a complex and technical process when done correctly. If you’ve experienced a fire and you want to stay safe and get the best possible restoration results, here’s some helpful advice.

Minimize Exposure

Don’t try to breathe in air that’s been contaminated by smoke or soot. If the property hasn’t been cleared yet, whether by local officials or by smoke damage restoration experts, you’ll want to stay away.

Wear Protective Gear

When you do venture onto the property for the first time, wear the proper protective gear. Without any protective gear, you might put yourself in danger when you step into the home in the aftermath of a fire.

Don’t DIY It

The worst mistake that property owners make is to take the restoration on their own. Don’t do that. Reading a few websites doesn’t make you an expert in fire and smoke damage restoration. You could injure yourself. You might not know enough about protective measures too. You’ll need pros to handle the problem. They have the knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure effective damage restoration.

Do Your Homework

Find a trusted team of experts for the restoration. Look for experience and an excellent track record. A firm that’s been in the business for years is a lifesaver. Longevity in the industry is an indication that you’re hiring the right team for the job. Also look for proper certifications. A good firm will be IICRC certified. That means they are trained in the latest restoration tools and techniques.

Read the Reviews

Look for client feedback. What do other customers think about the company? What do they say about the firm’s service level? What common problems or issues came up when they hired the company’s services? In today's world even the most careful and competent firms will have some negative reviews. In fact, if a firm has dozens of reviews without even one negative one, it might be a red flag. Whatever information you find will give you a sense of what to expect from the restoration service provider, enough to help you determine if you’re making a sound hiring decision.

Choose SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

After a fire, you will likely experience some emotional stress. You’ll be concerned about the loss of your property and belongings. You want to be sure you select a restoration firm that understands not only the physical aspects of what you have been going through but the emotional aspects too. That comes from experience. For decades SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has been a reliable partner for homeowners in their most devastating emotional state. You need a true partner in this time of loss. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. You can reach them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Restoring Fire Damage in Spokane

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating. Not only does fire damage surfaces, but the smoke generated and the water used to extinguish the fire can make things even worse. But fire damage can be restored. In order for that to happen, several things must be done.

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may not only include the actual furnishings and items burned, but also the structural components of the home such as drywall, studs, floor joists, and roof trusses. All damaged furnishings need to be removed. Additionally, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary.  Restoring the structural integrity of the home is the first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Cleaning up the water damage fast is important since it only takes a matter of hours before mold can begin to grow. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, may be necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning and treatment to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning Up Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage restoration. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property. This is not a task for untrained property owners. Doing this properly requires specialized training and equipment.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the IICRC certified team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day. Give us a call at 509-487-4700.

What to Do and Not Do After Storm Damage

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

After a severe storm, you’ll need to carefully determine the extent of the damages that your property suffered. Here are a few do’s and don't’s to keep in mind.

Do’s

• Talk to your insurance provider. You’ll need to consult them about the process. Find out how much of the damage is covered by your insurance. You might need to brush up on your policy, then, before you make that call.
• Hire professionals. Look for trusted storm damage restoration experts to help you get your property in excellent shape again. With their honest assessment and comprehensive action plan, your property should be safe and habitable in no time.
• Get repairs done right away. Don’t waste time waiting around. The longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be to restore your property and belongings to their pre-damaged condition. By hiring pros as soon as you can, you make it possible to lessen the repair and replacement costs. With quick action, you’ll have fewer losses.

Don’ts

• Don't do it on your own. If there are plenty of signs that the structure isn’t stable, or you just don’t know what to do, leave it up to the experts to inspect your home or facility.
• Don't hire the wrong team. When you look for a team, go for a trusted, reputable service provider. Check out their credentials and qualifications. Make sure you go over the reviews from other clients. Is a lot of the feedback positive? What kind of issues came up? Are there any recurring problems with the firm?
• Don't choose cheap cost over quality. Always choose a storm damage restoration team that will give you the best value for your money. A company that is willing to deliver its best work at a competitive price is a much better option.

Finally . . .

Talk with the Experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. Experienced professionals have handled storm damage restoration for decades in the Spokane area. They are IICRC certified so you know that they’re trained in the latest techniques and are using the latest equipment. Call them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

How to Find the Right Restoration Company

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Thoroughly vetting a company before you hire one for your commercial restoration and cleaning needs is a smart move. Asking the right questions makes this easier. If you’ve had a fire or flood or water damage, etc., your needs may be urgent. If you have thought about some of these issues in advance, it will be helpful.

What are your needs?

Before anything else, make sure you understand what you need from the firm. Fire or flood restoration? Water damage restoration? Mold removal and remediation? Some firms offer specialized services and use specialized equipment and processes specifically for these restorations. Some have special certifications. It’s always good to go with a firm that is IICRC Certified. This helps you to be confident that the firm has received the proper training to handle your disaster restoration and cleanup. Professional firms will do a customized assessment of your needs and then recommend a specific set of solutions.

Do they have reviews?

A firm that’s been around for years should have more than enough positive reviews from happy clients. A company that’s also proud of its work and the service quality it delivers will be more than happy to direct you to those reviews. If the firm doesn’t have any, that’s a red flag.

What do the reviews say?

When you look up the reviews, look over them to gain more insight into how the firms serviced their clients, what they did to help, what kind of customer service they are able to deliver. All the information you find will help you figure out if you're choosing the right restoration crew. Remember also, that most businesses—especially those that have been in business a long time--will have an occasional bad review. If a company has dozens of reviews and none of them are negative, that can be a red flag pointing to fake reviews. Pay attention to their responses to negative reviews. Sometimes people write negative reviews and post them to the wrong company—especially if the company is a franchise business.

What are their rates?

Price is a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one on your list. Using cost as a measure of what makes quality service isn’t accurate. You want to get the best value for your money instead, all while still receiving the level of restoration and cleaning service your property requires. Additionally, you’ll want a firm that is experienced in dealing with insurance companies, as you will likely be filing a claim for cleaning and restoration work from a fire or flood.

Choose SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is the preferred restoration company in Spokane. If your business has experienced a disaster or even just needs a deep clean, they should be your first call. They are available to respond to your emergency 24/7. Call them at 509-487-4700.

When Disaster Strikes Call SERVPRO® of Spokane County

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size or scope of your disaster, SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is ready to help 24/7.

When a disaster strikes your home or business you may also be at a loss as to where exactly to start on the repair and restoration process. Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County should be your first call. We are available 24 hours a day to provide you with fast, reliable cleanup services no matter the type or scope of your disaster.

Disasters can take many forms. Fire, flood, storm damage, water leaks, sewage back up, mold, hoarder, or crime scene cleanup or biohazard contamination. All of these issues and more can be addressed with one phone call to SERVPRO of Spokane County.

Protecting Your Space and Your Safety

It's important to prevent the problem from becoming worse. For example, if you have fire, flood, or storm damage to your property after it is safe to do so, you need to board up and secure the space. Our team has the equipment and resources to do that. We can tarp the roof and other areas to prevent water from continuing to damage your structure and add temporary fencing to prevent access to unsafe or contaminated areas. Preventing further issues is always the first step.

Debris Removal

From here, your property needs to have the damage assessed and the damaged or contaminated material removed from it. This includes any type of material that is saturated with water, as well as any type of damage to furniture and nonrepairable structures. You also need to ensure that all drywall and flooring that cannot be cleaned is removed.

Sanitization and Restoration

Our team then goes to work to restore these areas for you. We work to properly clean and sanitize your property for you, removing smoke odor or damage as well as water damage and risk of bacteria and viruses. We then work to handle any mold that has become a concern. After all of this, our licensed and certified restoration team can rebuild necessary structures. No matter the type of scope or your disaster one call to SERVPRO of Spokane County will bring you immediate help every step of the way. Call us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

When Storm Damage Strikes, Call SERVPRO of Spokane County

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Quick removal of damaged property from flood or storm is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your Spokane property. Using professional-grade equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water damage that could be ruining your subfloors, drywall and more. Advanced drying processes will aid in the cleanup and make certain your property is restored to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Spokane Storm and Flood Damage Cleanup 

There are many ways storm damage can surprise you. A leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or strong thunderstorms that come quickly and leave a huge amount of water. Sometimes this sudden influx of water can even cause toilets to overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Spokane County can quickly be on the scene with submersible pumps (sump pump), truck-mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Our trained and certified technicians can also use moisture detectors and hygrometers to detect flood damage in hidden places.  Even infrared cameras can help find hidden water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Professional grade extraction machines can be deployed to remove most of the water. When the standing water has been removed, industrial-grade dryers and dehumidifiers are used to make certain everything is thoroughly dried.

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County Quickly
It’s critical that you contact SERVPRO of Spokane County immediately when storm and flood damage occurs. We are ready for your call 24/7. The faster our team can get started on the water removal and recovery process, the higher the likelihood that your home and possessions can be restored.

SERVPRO of Spokane County provides emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Call us at 509-487-4700.

When Flooding Happens to Your Spokane Property You Need SERVPRO of Spokane County

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

It might surprise you how a flash flood from a strong thunderstorm can impact your Spokane neighborhood. Unwelcome water can quickly cause great damage to your home and possessions. Even after the water is gone, it can leave behind dangerous mold. Your best bet is to call a professional team to remove the water, repair the damage, and restore your property to its original condition.

An IICRC trained and certified team from SERVPRO of Spokane County can be at the scene of your storm damage within minutes of your call 24/7. Specialized equipment will make quick work of removing the water in your home and begin the drying process. Technicians with state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment and hygrometers can find water wherever it might be hiding and causing damage to your house.  Infrared cameras can detect water, even inside walls and crawl spaces.

Industrial grade dehumidifiers and air movers can be deployed throughout your property to aid in the drying process.
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County has a staff of highly skilled and IICRC certified professionals that are experienced in using this specialized equipment and the processes necessary to clear your home of unwanted moisture and then restore it to its pre-flood condition.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Spokane County is a locally owned business. We live and work in this community too. We are close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. When you have storm damage, give SERVPRO of Spokane County a call. We’re available 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

If You Have Water Damage You Need a Professional Inspection

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs in your home, water can rapidly seep into hidden areas. Even though you may think the flooding is localized, that is often not the case. It can be hard to know where exactly the damage is because you are unsure precisely how much of your home is wet. Our team can help you to determine the extensiveness of your water damage with a complete inspection. Using the latest techniques and sensitive professional equipment, we can find areas where moisture is present.

Advanced Inspections Are Necessary

When a water line breaks, a storm causes water to enter into the home, or any other water event occurs, the water that was in your home can easily travel throughout the space. This includes adjoining areas. It can also climb up the drywall by saturating into these materials. It can saturate your furniture, too. During an advanced water damage inspection, we can find exactly where it went and ensure that we can properly remove it and any damage it causes.

Sanitizing the Space

Water damage inspections also tell us where we need to clean and sanitize. The goal is always to limit the risk of mold growth. Our team will take every step possible to prevent it from occurring. If mold is present, we can offer mold remediation services to remove it.

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for the help you need with water damage. Let us provide a full inspection to determine the scope of the problem. We are ready for your call anytime 24/7. You can reach us at 509-487-4700.

Broken Water Line Flooding Your Home? Here's What to Do.

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the scope of the water damage in your home or business, SERVPRO of Spokane County can remove the water and restore your property.

When a water line breaks in your home, water can come rushing into your home. Within a matter of seconds, you could have an inch of water in your basement. The longer that water line is left running the more likely your home can have significant damage – and it can typically take several minutes to simply figure out how to shut off the supply. Then the damage is done.  Now what?

Water Extraction and Drying Out

The first step is always to remove the water from the space and to get this done by the fastest method possible. That’s when it’s important to have SERVPRO of Spokane County on your team.  Our professional water extraction tools and our trained technicians are available to help you 24/7. We can safely remove all standing water quickly, regardless of the size and scope of the problem. From there, it becomes necessary to dry out the property. While time will dry it out on its own, the longer water sits there, the more likely it is for mold to grow. Our state-of-the-art technology will speed up this process safely and get your home dry as soon as possible.

What Happens Then?

Sanitizing your home will likely be necessary after all water-damaged debris is removed. In some cases, mold remediation is needed to ensure these surfaces are properly cleaned and mold removed. Our team will ensure this is done properly for you.

You do not have to deal with a water line break like this on your own. Instead, allow our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County to do the cleanup work for you. Give us a call anytime for immediate help.  You can reach us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

SERVPRO of Spokane County is Uniquely Qualified to Help You Restore After a Disaster

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

If you are facing disaster such as a storm or fire or other emergency, the first thing you need to do is get qualified, professional help. Cleanup of the damage is just the beginning of getting back into your home or business. Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County provides a wide range of repair, restoration and building services to help you to get your property back to pre-disaster condition.

What Type of Work Do You Need to be Completed?

After a storm or fire does damage to your property, it is critical to rebuild areas that are damaged by working from the structural components out. Our team is experienced and qualified to handle the entire process for you. That includes helping with the electrical and plumbing work. We can also help to ensure your HVAC system is working at its best. We can help with roof repair as well as get the damaged tile floor replaced, or deal with any moisture and mold.

We also can help you by finding temporary warehouse space to store your belongings until you can get back into your space.  When you call SERVPRO of Spokane County, you get a team of trained professionals who can handle all of the issues surrounding your property damage.

It All Starts with a Call to Our Pros

You may not be sure what type or amount of work needs to be done, but that is quite normal in a property damage situation. We will help you to get back on track fast. Our trained professionals can perform a detailed assessment.  Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for a consultation and quote for the work you need to be done at your home or business. We’re available for you 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Find the Right Restoration Company for Your Commercial Property

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

After a disaster happens, it is critical for you to get in touch with a responsible professional who can help you to restore, rebuild and reopen your business fast. Tasks need to be done in a very specific way if you are to minimize damage and restore your property efficiently. Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County has the tools and resources to help you every step of the way.

Make Certain They Are Licensed

When choosing a company or a professional to handle this type of work, you want to be sure they are fully licensed to do it for you. That means they should be a licensed general contractor for residential or commercial projects, depending on what your needs are.

Are They IICRC Certified?

IICRC is the organization that maintains the standards and protocols for the cleaning and restoration industries. This organization administers training and certification for businesses in this industry. An IICRC certification means that the business is up on all of the latest processes and techniques for cleaning and restoring your business after a property damage loss.

Can They Do It All?

When you have a lot of damage to repair – from plumbing to electrical and even to your property’s structural integrity, you need a team that can do all of the work for you, instead of bringing in multiple contractors. They should be able to help you completely restore all damage properly, to ensure there is no risk to your property or your employees or customers going forward. Can they do it all for you, including handling the restoration you need and putting up temporary fencing if necessary?

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, we do it all for you. We use the most experienced and highly trained technicians and the latest specialized equipment to do the work. If you have damage to your commercial property, call us anytime 24/7 at (509) 487-4700

Fire Damage Can Be More Extensive Than First Appearance

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in your home or business, the damage it creates can be overwhelming both physically and emotionally. Initially, it may look like you just need to clean off the soot and replace burned drywall and flooring. Yet fire damage tends to be much more invasive than you realize. It is critical, to have a licensed and trained team on hand to help you with the project.

Handling the Damage Expertly

The first step is always to handle the fire damage properly. That means removing all of the damage from the space. From there, it is necessary to remove any wet and damaged material resulting from putting the fire out. You may also have to remove debris further – such as pulling out more of the drywall to ensure the underlying plumbing and electrical work is in good condition. If not, more repairs are going to be necessary.

Beware of Smoke Damage

Another key concern is the home’s smoke damage. Smoke can travel well beyond the area of the fire, often throughout the whole home. It can enter into your home’s ventilation, easily spreading throughout the entire space. This requires proper cleaning by a licensed and trained technician because if you do not take care of this, the odor of smoke will persist.

Trust the Experts

Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County will create a treatment plan to address each area properly. We will then work closely with you to ensure that your space is properly cleaned and, once the cleaning and sanitizing is done, we will handle all of the restoration work for you. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in all areas of remediation and restoration from fire damage. Give us a call 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Training and Certifications are Critical in Your Restoration Contractor

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire or storm damages your home or business, you need someone that can give you all the advice and guidance necessary to put your property back together properly. The people you rely on for this need to be well-trained and certified professionals, with years of experience they can rely on to ensure your property is properly restored.

What to Look for in Those Technicians

As you consider who will handle your damage restoration services, one of the most important considerations is finding technicians that are well trained. You want to ensure they have extensive training and are properly licensed to provide the types of services you need. They should be trained extensively in areas such as water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Not all companies offer the same level of service.

Look for IICRC Certification

Make sure the firm you select is IICRC certified. This means they have been trained and tested in the latest methods of cleaning and restoration from fire, flood, storm damage, and other sources of property damage

You also want to choose a team that is routinely training and keeping their education up to date. You want to know they are using the most advanced equipment and methods for getting your home back to a safe environment again. IICRC certification will guarantee that this specialized training has happened.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County

When you are facing a disaster like this, turn to SERVPRO® of Spokane County. Our team goes through a rigorous training process. We work closely with you to ensure you understand everything we are going to do, and we follow all the best practices in the industry. Our technicians and our processes are IICRC certified so you can be confident that we are using the latest techniques and equipment to restore your property damage. When you have damage to your commercial or residential property, choose SERVPRO of Spokane County. Call us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

A Whole New World of Clean: Certified SERVPRO® Cleaned

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The New Meaning of Clean

Now that businesses have reopened, business owners are faced with new problems. The old standards of cleanliness in preparation for customers and employees in your business are no longer acceptable. A recent national survey showed 89% of customers continue to be apprehensive about going back to brick and mortar establishments. 40% of those cite business cleanliness as a top reason for concern.  

In order to safely open for business and encourage customers to enter businesses confidently, business owners have strict new protocols that can be unfamiliar and difficult to implement.

The SERVPRO® Solution

With special expertise in cleaning and restoration in all types of situations, it only made sense that SERVPRO would come up with a COVID-19 cleaning program that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning,  The program was created from protocols and practices suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered professional cleaning and disinfecting products. Technicians from SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane have received specialized training in these protocols and products.

The Three “Cs” of New Clean

• Consult—A SERVPRO of Spokane County representative will develop a tailored cleaning program to meet your needs based on your business type, amount of space involved, and employee and customer traffic patterns.
• Clean—SERVPRO of Spokane County will deliver both proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning. This intense, deep cleaning will be much more aggressive than typical janitorial cleaning and will target surfaces, equipment, tools along with employee and customer touchpoints. If you have a COVID-19 exposure, a SERVPRO of Spokane County response team can be at your facility within hours to perform an intense defensive cleaning to make sure you can be back in business as soon as possible.
• Certify—SERVPRO of Spokane County will certify that your business has been cleaned and sanitized for your employees and customers. You can display the certificate prominently at your business to give your customers and employees the confidence of knowing that your establishment has been aggressively disinfected with special attention to COVID-19 protocols

What to Expect from a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

There are several benefits to implementing a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program at your business.

• Custom cleaning plans—from proactive cleaning to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cleanings, based on your exact business needs including touchpoints and traffic patterns for both customers and employees.
• Visual identification—You can display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal at your business to give both employees and customers peace of mind.
• High Standard of Cleaning
  • Clean bacteria and other microbes
  • Sanitize soft and porous surfaces
  • Disinfect hard and high-touch surfaces
• Transparent, fair pricing
• After being cleaned you’ll receive guest accessible hygiene products and signage
• Technology—digital emblems to share on your website and social media properties

Call Today to Protect Your Business, Employees, and Customers with a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program Tailored for Your Business

It’s critical that you trust this important process to the trained technicians at SERVPRO of Spokane County. Call 509-487-4700 anytime, 24-hours a day to schedule your consult.

Get Help for Fire Damage Restoration in Spokane

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating. Not only does the fire damage surfaces, but smoke damage and damage from the water used to extinguish the fire can make things even worse. Fire damage restoration requires several things.

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may also include the actual structural components of the home such as drywall, studs, floor joists, and roof trusses. All damaged items need to be removed. Additionally, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary. Restoring the structural integrity of the home is the first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Removing water damage fast is important since it only takes a matter of hours before mold begins to grow. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, is necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning and treatment to prevent mold growth.

Overcoming Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage care. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property. Damage from smoke and soot can be very difficult to remove by yourself. It is best done by trained professionals with specialized treatments and equipment.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day. Call us at 509-487-4700

Effective Fire Damage Cleanup Requires Professional Help

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire in your home or office leaves behind surfaces that are impacted in many ways. This includes not only burned surfaces, but also smoke and water damage. The fire cleanup process requires addressing all layers of damage. This may include more extensive work than appears at first glance.

Removing Damage

Fire and smoke debris removal and cleanup are just the start of the process. This includes removing all water from the space but also includes removing any damaged furnishings. Removing all of the damaged items from the fire that cannot be cleaned is important. Restoration work also often includes rebuilding damage to drywall, flooring or ceiling.

Odor Control

Odor control is also part of a complete recovery from fire damage. Your SERVPRO of Spokane County team will work to address the smell of smoke in every area of the home. This includes the HVAC system. Having a specially trained team help you with odor control is an essential step in minimizing damage.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleanup

It is also very important to work closely with a team to ensure all fabrics, such as your furniture and carpeting, are properly cleaned. This requires a very specialized cleaning process to not only sanitize surfaces but also to remove odors built up in them.

Finding the Right Level of Cleanliness Starts with a Call

When your home suffers fire damage, put our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County to work for you. Our team can offer a fast, reliable service to get all of your surfaces clean properly. Call us today for immediate help. Call us at 509-487-4700.

Professional Inspection and Restoration After Water Damage in Spokane

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water damage quickly and completely is critical. The first step is to understand just how extensive the problem is. It is also necessary to find the source of the water damage to stop it from becoming even worse. 

Finding the Water

Water inspection services help to determine the source of the water. In some cases, this is obvious, such as a broken pipe or a backed-up sewer line. In other cases, it is a drip behind a wall or a leak in the roof. That's why specialized moisture detection equipment in the hands of a trained professional is essential.

Water Extraction

For the best possible water damage repair, the water needs to be removed. With professional water extraction tools and methods, it is possible to get as much of the water out of the space as possible. This allows for thorough and quick drying, too.

Restoration Work

Once this is done, the next goal is to get rid of anything that cannot be saved and to clean every other surface. Water damage may result in the loss of some belongings. In addition to this, there may be the need for mold remediation and rebuilding or restoration work for remaining fixtures, furnishings, and structural components.

Get Immediate Help for Your Water Damage

Any time you have even a small amount of water damage, act quickly to get it dry and clean. When the damage is significant, let SERVPRO of Spokane County help you. Call us for immediate help 24/7. You can reach us at 509-487-4700.

Quick Response is Critical to Spokane Water Damage Restoration

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a dangerous situation. If your basement is flooded or you have standing water in any area, call a professional to handle it immediately. Walking through it is not safe. You also do not want to allow it to remain for long. It takes just 12 to 18 hours for mold to begin to grow. What should you do in this situation?

Request Immediate Water Damage Help

Getting emergency service to clean up the water damage is one of the best steps to take. SERVPRO of Spokane County is available 7-days a week and 24-hours a day. Trained professionals can help you to reduce risks fast. This includes stopping the flow of water and extracting the water quickly.

Minimize Damage with a Faster Response

A fast response can help minimize the extensiveness of the water damage. This includes removing as much of the water as possible in a short period of time to prevent mold growth. Within just a few hours, drywall will begin to swell and break down. Furniture can be damaged, and a musty odor can begin to grow. Within just two days, the flooring, doors, and even metal surfaces in your home are damaged. You may also notice mildew and mold growth advancing. Because it is so risky, you’ll want to get professional water damage help immediately.

For Immediate Help, Call Our Team

We respond quickly to your need for water damage help. Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for immediate help to ensure your home is properly restored. Reach us anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Let the Professionals Handle Repair and Restoration of Your Business

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm or a fire or flood occurs on your property, your business may be unable to operate until the damage is properly cleaned up and restored. Your best option is turning to a trusted local company to handle commercial damage repair, and restoration to get back to operating. When you call a company like SERVPRO of Spokane County, our team can be there quickly to get you back to work faster.

Inspections and Cleaning Up

The first step of any commercial cleanup process is to evaluate the scope of the problem. We can then create a plan for cleanup and restoration. This often includes hauling away debris and damaged materials that cannot be restored. From there, our team will dry out the location to ensure it is ready to be cleaned.

Rebuilding After the Damage

Damage repair and restoration work can include multiple steps. In some cases, cleaning and mold remediation work should to be done first. Once this is done, there may be a need to paint, replace drywall, and add new flooring. Every situation requires a customized plan to get you back up and running again.

Turn to a Trusted Company for Fast Help

If your business is unable to operate due to damage from a storm or major event, call SERVPRO of Spokane County for a consultation and assessment. Our team is available online and by phone 24-hours a day to help you. Just call 509-487-4700.

Impacted by a Storm? You'll Want Professional Help to Restore Your Spokane Business Property

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

After storm or water damage occurs, it is essential to have a professional cleaning and restoration company handle the cleanup and get you back in business. These pros should be IICRC certified and properly trained in how to safely and effectively clean up and restore your Spokane commercial property. They should also have the resources and equipment necessary to do the work properly.

What Helps Some Stand Out?

When choosing a company for commercial cleaning, damage repair, and restoration, there are a few key things to look for in the organization. Be sure to choose a company that is available 24-hours a day to help you. They should also be licensed and insured and have the appropriate professional certifications. 

Hire a company that can handle the entire project from start to finish. This may include water extraction, material and debris cleanup, mold remediation, and rebuilding of damaged areas. Having a professional available to quickly assess storm or other major property damage like this helps ensure the cleanup is done properly.

You also want to work with a company that is well respected in the community and known for having well-trained, customer-first employees. This can help ensure you are getting the best quality service possible.

Call Our Team for Immediate Storm Damage Help in Spokane

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, our commercial cleaning team is available to help with all types of storm and water damage cleanup. Put your trust in us when you need it the most. Call us today at 509-487-4700.

Watch for Mold Damage in Your Spokane Home

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water leaks and unwanted moisture can quickly result in mold growth. Mold is dangerous because it can have health effects in some people. But, it is not always easy to know if mold is present. It can hide behind surfaces and under flooring. 

A Unique Smell

Some types of mold have a very specific smell. If you have a musky, heavy scent in areas where it is damp, such as the basement or a crawlspace, this may indicate the presence of mold.

Discoloration on Surfaces

Mold can be green to black in color. But, you may not see the mold growth because it may be covered by drywall or carpeting. However, it may also climb up on surfaces, such as appliances and cabinetry, over time.

Health Problems

Unfortunately, in some cases, the first sign of mold damage may be health effects. You may notice it is worse in some areas of the home, especially areas that are damp and dark.

Worried You May Have Mold Damage? Let Us Help

If you suspect mold damage, do not try to clean it up yourself. Let the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County do the work for you. Proper cleanup requires the right equipment and expertise to protect your health. Call us 24/7 for a custom quote today. You can reach us anytime at 509-487-4700.

Storm Damage Restoration is Best Handled by the Pros

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Even the strongest Spokane home can suffer significant damage during a storm. If you have property damage, it is best to hire storm damage restoration professionals to provide support and cleanup services. Hiring a professional team can help ensure the work is done properly so you can return to your home with confidence.  What will a storm damage restoration professional do for you?

Determine Where the Problems Are

Sometimes the damage from a storm is easy to spot. This may include larger holes in the roof, water inside the house, or even a flooded basement. In other cases, the damage may not be obvious. You may have foundation issues, problems with the siding, or water damage to your drywall. These storm damage professional technicians are trained in how to spot concerns fast.

The Right Type of Drying

Storm damage often leaves a wet mess to clean up. Fast, reliable drying is a key component to protecting your home and minimizing mold risk. The best technicians use scientific drying techniques and specialized equipment to ensure proper care and monitoring for mold growth or other risks. They also provide the necessary monitoring and documentation you need to know your home is safe.

Finding the Right Help Matters – Call Us First

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, our team understands what you are up against when it comes to storm damage cleanup. That is why our IICRC certified restoration professionals are available to you anytime day or night. To get help, call us 24 hours a day for immediate support.

Restoring Fire Damage in Spokane

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating. Not only does fire damage surfaces, but the smoke generated and the water used to extinguish the fire can make things even worse. But fire damage can be restored. In order for that to happen, several things must be done.

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may not only include the actual furnishings and items burned, but also the structural components of the home such as drywall, studs, floor joists, and roof trusses. All damaged furnishings need to be removed. Additionally, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary.  Restoring the structural integrity of the home is the first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Cleaning up the water damage fast is important since it only takes a matter of hours before mold can begin to grow. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, may be necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning and treatment to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning Up Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage restoration. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the IICRC certified team at SERVPRO of Spokane County can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day.

Count on SERVPRO for Expert Disinfection and Cleaning

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

This unprecedented time we are experiencing requires vigilance and attention to detail. The impacts of the pandemic continue to be keenly felt throughout our area. Most people--especially businesses--are going to need professional help to deal with these ongoing issues.

Specialized Training

SERVPRO of Spokane County is fully trained to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have decades of hands-on experience in dealing with biological contaminants. This means we go well beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs.

The CDC encourages specialized cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the use of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the COVID-19 virus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. 

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Spokane County, 509-487-4700.

Join Our Team

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

The hardworking team at SERVPRO of Spokane County is looking for a few more people to join their ranks.

Want to join a great team and have a rewarding job? SERVPRO of Spokane County has your opportunity! We're a fire/water damage mitigation company and we're currently hiring for all positions.

We may not rescue people, but we rescue their property and help restore peace of mind after disaster strikes! When there's been fire or smoke damage, water damage, storm damage, or any type of property damage, SERVPRO of Spokane County is on the scene to secure the property, begin the cleanup process and restore the property.

If you're ready to work, we've got your job!

• Full Time
• Competitive Salary
• Great Benefits

First: Download an application here:  

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7er2gui0js99tz0/Application%20for%20Employment.pdf?dl=0

Second: Send the completed application to rachael@SERVPROnwspokane.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Know Your Rights When Filing an Insurance Claim

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

With the recent serious windstorm in the Spokane area and the resulting massive increase in insurance claims from homeowners we thought it would be appropriate to review the Washington State Insured Bill of Rights. This list of your rights has been compiled from various Washington State insurance and consumer rights organizations. 

Washington State Insured Bill of Rights

• YOU MAY TAKE AND BE FULLY COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF EMERGENCY STEPS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROPERTY FROM FURTHER DAMAGE AFTER A LOSS.
  In fact, you have the obligation to do so under the terms of your policy. The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection.  

• IF YOU HAVE SECURED ADEQUATE COVERAGE, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THE FAIR COST OF FULLY RESTORING YOUR HOME TO ITS PRE-DAMAGED CONDITION.
  You are, however, not insured for the repair of unrelated problems such as code deficiencies and or prior damage.
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY AND SHOULD INSIST UPON A FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED REPAIR FIRM OF GOOD REPUTATION.
  If you choose not to employ such a firm, the consequences, and liability for any injury, damage or other actions will rest with you. 
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY A FIRM WITH SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE AND STABILITY IN THE COMMUNITY TO STAND BEHIND ITS WORK AND WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES.
  The repair contract and its execution is strictly between you and the contractor. Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire.
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP FULLY EQUIVALENT TO YOUR EXISTING INSTALLATION IN “LIKE KIND AND QUALITY”. The insurance company has no obligation to improve your existing installation. 
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST BIDDER. NOWHERE IN YOUR POLICY DO THE WORDS “CHEAPEST”, “LOW”, OR “LOWEST PRICE” OCCUR.
  Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A DETAILED LISTING OF THE SCOPE OF REPAIRS AND QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BEFORE WORK BEGINS.
  Provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO AND SHOULD REJECT ANY CONTRACT THAT DOES NOT INCORPORATE ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION WORK.
  You must be familiar with these requirements in order to enjoy the protection the law provides. Contact a Professional Restoration Contractor for this important information. 

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO SELECT A FIRM WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE SKILL AND EXPERIENCE IN INSURANCE DAMAGE REPAIR AS A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.
  Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work.
• IF SUBSTANTIAL DISAGREEMENT ARISES BETWEEN YOU AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY OVER THE AMOUNT OF THE LOSS, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO REQUEST ARBITRATION (APPRAISAL) AS DESCRIBED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY LINES 123-140 OF THE STANDARD HOMEOWNERS FORM WHICH SPELLS OUT THE PROCEDURES FOR SETTLING DIFFERENCES WITHOUT RESORTING TO LAWSUIT. The insurance company is also entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, regardless of whether or not you have received advanced payments.  

• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED BY THE POLICY AND YOUR STATE INSURANCE REGULATIONS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM USING DELAY AND PERSONAL HARDSHIP TO COMPEL A LOWER SETTLEMENT.
  The policy also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim. Ask your adjuster about these requirements at the outset so that you can be in compliance.

For more details you can visit the following website:

https://www.insurance.wa.gov/your-homeowner-claim-responsibilities-and-rights

SERVPRO of Spokane County works with your insurance company to make sure your claims are handled quickly and efficiently.  Contact us for any of your property damage repair and restoration solutions. You can reach us anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

SERVPRO of Spokane County Cleans Vandalized Lincoln Statue

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Spokane County Cleans Vandalized Abraham Lincoln statue in downtown Spokane.

SERVPRO of Spokane County finished cleaning the red paint off the Abraham Lincoln statue downtown, which was vandalized on Thanksgiving.

It took two days and more than 40 working hours to completely clean the statue, which was doused in red paint on Thanksgiving.

SERVPRO of Spokane County volunteered the time and materials to clean and restore this important landmark in downtown Spokane. 

“We love our community. We love Spokane,” said Jess Hockett, Marketing Manager for SERVPRO. “We’re proud to be members of the community, and the statue belongs to each one of us. It just doesn’t belong to the City of Spokane. It belongs to each one of us as members of the community.”

SERVPRO of Spokane County specializes in property damage restoration whether from vandalism as in this instance or fire damage, water damage, storm, or flood damage. 

Some Suggestions on Preventing Water Damage to Your Spokane Home

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Undetected or untreated water damage can do serious harm to the structural integrity of your home. When moisture seeps into the wood construction of your home, it weakens the wood and is an invitation to carpenter ants and termites. Be careful!
 
Knowing how to prevent water damage is something every homeowner should be familiar with. Here are some suggestions.
 
Drainage is Critical
 
Poor drainage is a recipe for disaster. When water does not drain away from your home it can weaken your foundation and cause your home to settle giving you sloping floors or uneven walls with cracks and even more opportunities for water to enter your home.
 
Check your gutters regularly for blockages. Especially here in the beautiful Northwest, pine needles are a constant source of blockages in rain gutters. Failure to deal with these blockages can cause water to run over the edges of your gutter and pool next to your foundation.

A leaky foundation can be difficult to spot. Water can seep slowly into your basement and appear as simply a damp spot on your unfinished basement floor. If your basement is carpeted, you may not even notice this moisture at all until it results in a musty odor or even mold. If this happens, your best bet is to call SERVPRO of Spokane County to help you locate the source and deal with the problem.
 
Check Your Sump Pump Often 
 
Many homes in our area have sump pumps that "lift" water from the depths of your basement or foundation into your sewer line. This critical piece of equipment must be kept in working order at all times. 
 
How to Spot Water Leaks 
 
Small but consistent leaks cause mildew and mold, rot, and encourage the presence of carpenter ants and termites. If you are quick to fix a leak, you may experience no long-term damage. 
 
Leaks can show as dark stains under pipes inside sink cabinets as well as stains on ceilings.

Take a close look at your roof at least once per year. Be sure to note and replace loose or damaged shingles. Check around flashing for leaks and be sure to inspect caulking for cracks.

Call the Pros

If you find a leak you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County to have the source identified and the leakage stopped. Our professionals are IICRC certified and are available 24/7. Just call us at 509-487-4700.

If Your Basement is Flooded You Need the Professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

We don't like to think about it, but our area is susceptible to long periods of intense rain which can cause flooding even in the most well-built basement. Finding standing water in your basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. 

Quickly Remove the Water

If there is standing water in your basement, your first reaction will be to find a way to remove the water. This will require a wet vac at the very least and some sort of pumping system at the most. Many homeowners will have a wet vac, but very few will have any sort of pumping system beyond their overwhelmed sump pump. Getting the water out of your basement quickly helps to prevent further damage. It's one good reason to call the experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. Our water damage restoration teams have specialized equipment to remove the water--no matter how much--from your basement.

Dry the Surfaces

After the standing water is gone, it's important to quickly and thoroughly dry all the surfaces. This includes flooring and walls. Drywall will likely have to be removed just above the water line for the drying process to be complete. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has industrial-grade drying equipment that can accomplish this task much more quickly than anything available to a homeowner. Getting things dried out quickly helps to prevent further damage and discourages the growth of mold. Our technicians are also equipped with professional-grade moisture detection equipment to make certain that hidden moisture is also removed. 

Inspect HVAC and Other Basement Equipment

It's possible that the flood water damaged some of your HVAC system or appliances. SERVPRO of Spokane County can evaluate these damaged items and recommend action.

Restore the Damage

This often includes the replacement of flooring which is too badly damaged to be restored and may even involve replacing some wall structures. Once again, the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County is highly trained and qualified in restoring water damaged areas of your basement--regardless of how severe the damage. They are a flooded homeowner's best friend. 

If you have a flooded basement, regardless of the source of the water or scope of the flood, SERVPRO of Spokane County is the trusted resource in Spokane for homeowners who want their restoration work done quickly and professionally. Just call them anytime 24/7 and they'll respond faster to your disaster. You can reach them at 509-487-4700.

Questions to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Restoration Service

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Thoroughly vetting a company before you hire one for your commercial restoration and cleaning needs is a smart move. You’re letting this company come onto your property so it’s important that you make the right hiring decision. Asking the right questions makes this easier. If you’ve had a fire or flood or water damage, etc., your needs may be urgent. If you have thought about some of these issues in advance, it will be helpful.

What are your needs?

Before anything else, make sure you understand what you need from the firm. Fire or flood restoration? Water damage restoration? Mold removal and remediation? Some firms offer specialized services and use specialized equipment and processes specifically for these restorations. Some have special certifications. It’s always good to go with a firm that is IICRC Certified. This helps you to be confident that the firm has received the proper training to handle your disaster restoration and cleanup. Do any of their specializations fit the bill? Some firms will do a customized assessment of your needs and then recommend a specific set of solutions.

Do they have reviews?

A firm that’s been around for years should have more than enough positive reviews from happy clients. A company that’s also proud of its work and the service quality it delivers will be more than happy to direct you to those reviews. If the firm doesn’t have any, that’s a red flag.

What do the reviews say?

When you look up the reviews, look over them to gain more insight into how the firms serviced their clients, what they did to help, what kind of customer service they are able to deliver. All the information you find will help you figure out if you're choosing the right restoration crew. Remember also, that most businesses—especially those that have been in business a long time--will have an occasional bad review. If a company has dozens of reviews and none of them are negative, that can be a red flag pointing to fake reviews. Pay attention to their responses to negative reviews. Sometimes people write negative reviews and post them to the wrong company—especially if the company is a franchise business.

What are their rates?

Price is a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one on your list. Using cost as a measure of what makes quality service isn’t accurate. You want to get the best value for your money instead, all while still receiving the level of restoration and cleaning service your property requires. Additionally, you’ll want a firm that is experienced in dealing with insurance companies, as you will likely be filing a claim for cleaning and restoration work from a fire or flood.

Choose SERVPRO of Spokane County

SERVPRO of Spokane County is the preferred restoration company in Spokane. If your business has experienced a disaster or even just needs a deep clean, they should be your first call. They are available to respond to your emergency 24/7. Call them at 509-487-4700.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Fire and Smoke Damage

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. If this happened in your home, it could destroy everything you own. The lasting damage might seem irreparable. To make sure, though, you’ll need to hire the services of a fire and smoke damage restoration team. Here are a few tips to help you deal with the aftermath.

Remove the Soot and Smoke

Don’t leave the soot, fire, and smoke too unattended for too long. Once you get the go-ahead that it is safe to enter your property, your restoration team will need to start removing your belongings as soon as possible. The sooner the team carries this out, the more successful the restoration efforts will likely be.

Don't Touch Anything

If you’re not sure how to go about cleaning your carpets or belongings, don’t touch anything. Leave the work to the hands of experts. The fire damage restoration firm has the experience and tools to take care of this for you. If you’re not certain how to handle anything, just keep out of the way of the team and let them work.

Replace Your Belongings

Cleaning efforts can only do so much. This applies to your belongings and your property. If your contractors suggest that you replace your carpets or rebuild parts of your home, you’ll need to follow that advice. Experts know best, so trying to fix those belongings or structures in your home will mean you’ll only be tossing money out the window.

Be Careful with Clothing

It’s easy for soot to get into your clothing, just as it can get into your curtains. When you clean your clothes, don’t rub them, or throw them into the wash with the rest. Doing so will contaminate the rest of your clothing. If the pros you hire tell you that the damaged clothes are beyond repair, toss them and get new ones.

SERVPRO of Spokane County is Your Best Resource for Fire Damage Restoration

The experts at SERVPRO of Spokane County have decades of experience in restoring fire and smoke damaged structures and belongings. Their professionals are IICRC certified. They have all the latest equipment and processes that will make certain you get the best results from your restoration. They are available anytime 24/7.  Call them at 509-487-4700.

Why SERVPRO of Spokane County

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Hire a trusted team like SERVPRO of Spokane County to take care of your restoration needs. Our team offers water, fire, and mold cleanup along with restoration services for both residential and commercial properties. Here are some of the reasons why we are the right choice for you.

Specialization

Not all companies have the industry knowledge and expertise to provide specialized restoration work. We do. Our team is equipped to handle biohazard cleanup, document restoration, dry cleaning, reconstruction and more along with the more basic restoration work we do for smoke, water, and fire-damaged properties.  

Disaster Recovery

We are capable of mounting disaster recovery solutions on a large scale. The experience and expertise as well as the organizational competence of our team make that possible. If you need restoration and reconstruction assistance, consider our track record.

Tailored Solutions

We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We ask you about what you need. We provide restoration plans based on our assessment of your property. That’s why you can count on us to deliver restoration work that addresses the needs of your property, all while helping you stay well within your budget. And we’re experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We can help you get your claim processed properly.

Customer Service

We understand how devastating it is for people to lose their properties and belongings to fire, smoke, storm, or water damage. That’s why our teams are trained to work efficiently and swiftly. As soon as we arrive on the scene, we don’t waste a moment. We know how important it is to get started on restoring and saving what we can. We treat your home or facility as well as your furniture, valuables, and other belongings with respect.

24-Hour Emergency Response

The team at SERVPRO of Spokane County is available to answer your calls and requests 24 hours a day. We know that disasters can strike at any time. Call us today to learn more about the help we can extend to you and your family. We’re here for you 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Fire Smoke Damage Restoration Advice

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Attempts to perform fire and smoke damage restoration on your property and belongings should only be undertaken by experts. If you’ve experienced a fire and you want to stay safe and get the best possible restoration results, here’s some helpful advice.

Minimize Exposure

Don’t try to breathe in air that’s been contaminated by smoke or soot. If the property hasn’t been cleared yet, whether by local officials or by smoke damage restoration experts, you’ll want to stay away.

Wear Protective Gear

When you do venture onto the property for the first time, wear the proper protective gear. Without any protective gear, you might put yourself in danger when you step into the home in the aftermath of a fire.

Don’t DIY It

The worst mistake that property owners make is to take the restoration on their own. Don’t do that. Reading a few websites doesn’t make you an expert in fire and smoke damage restoration. You could injure yourself. You might not know enough about protective measures too. You’ll need pros to handle the problem. They have the knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure effective damage restoration.

Do Your Homework

Find a trusted team of experts for the restoration. Look for experience and an excellent track record. A firm that’s been in the business for years is a lifesaver. Longevity in the industry is an indication that you’re hiring the right team for the job. Also look for proper certifications. A good firm will be IICRC certified.

Read the Reviews

Look for client feedback. What do other customers think about the company? What do they say about the firm’s service level? What common problems or issues came up when they hired the company’s services? Whatever information you find will give you a sense of what to expect from the restoration service provider, enough to help you determine if you’re making a sound hiring decision.

Choose SERVPRO of Spokane County

After a fire, you will likely experience some emotional times. You’ll be concerned about the loss of your property and belongings. You want to be sure you select a restoration firm that understands not only the physical aspects of what you have been going through but the emotional aspects too. That comes from experience. For decades SERVPRO of Spokane County has been a reliable partner for homeowners in their most devastating emotional state. You need a true partner in this time of loss. Call SERVPRO of Spokane County. You can reach them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Why SERVPRO of Spokane County is Your Best Restoration Resource

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, fire or smoke damage, or water damage, you’ll need to hire a team right away. Restoration work requires immediate action. The sooner pros get started, the more successful their efforts will be. Here’s why you’ll want to hire SERVPRO of Spokane County to handle your restoration needs.

Qualifications

Our trained professionals are licensed and certified. With a team of qualified experts, you can count on us to deliver excellent results. With industry knowledge and expertise, we provide the service quality that you can trust. Years of experience in the field have given our teams insight into restoration work. We maintain our IICRC certifications which means we keep up to date with the latest and most effective practices and techniques, ensuring that our clients always get the best outcomes possible.

Specialized Equipment

Water damage, storm damage, fire, and smoke damage, and even mold remediation all require specialized tools. With our equipment, we are able to perform efficient cleanup and restoration work. We also produce faster results. That matters, since restoring properties and belongings is a race against time. With tools that make restoration easier, we bring back your valuables, furniture, and even your property to their pre-damaged states successfully.

Customer Service

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, fire, or a bad storm is devastating for anyone. Our team understands that. That’s why we provide competent and compassionate assistance. Our crew is trained to handle your belongings with care. We do the best we can to minimize the damage.

Service Solutions

We offer restoration as well as cleaning assistance. We perform storm damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage restoration, cleaning, and mold remediation. If you’re not quite sure about the kind of help you need, talk to us. We can guide you through the process of determining the right solution for your needs. SERVPRO of Spokane County is here to help you. Call us anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

6 Commercial Restoration Hiring Suggestions

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Choosing a commercial restoration and cleaning firm isn’t rocket science. But you’ll want to pick a trustworthy team to take care of your property. Before you settle on a hiring decision, here are suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind.

Know the History

How long has the firm been around? What kind of experience does the company have in commercial restoration jobs? A newly minted firm might not have the resources necessary to handle this for you. Past behavior is the best predictor of future results. You’ll want a company that delivers consistently outstanding results.

Ask About Customization

Some firms provide restoration packages. Are those solutions right for what you need? Don’t hesitate to discuss alternate options or arrangements with the firm. The team might come up with a package that’s ideal for your budget and property.

Learn About Employee Training

What kind of training do the contractors have? What credentials and qualifications? Are they IICRC certified and licensed to work in your area? The crew must have experience in the kind and scope of restoration project you have in mind, such as residential or commercial properties.

Find Insured Contractors

Accidents can happen. Hiring a team of licensed and insured contractors is a sound way to protect yourself and your assets.

Come Up with a Plan

Pros come to check out your property and provide a plan that includes which areas are good for renovation and which ones need to be torn down and rebuilt completely.

Get More Details

An established firm will have no problem walking you through the plan. If the contractor can’t provide more details about the process, that’s a red flag. Get help elsewhere.  

SERVPRO of Spokane County is Your Smart Choice for Commercial Cleaning and Restoration

When you’re looking for someone to work on your commercial property, you need an experienced, professional team with all of the training and certifications so you can have the confidence that your property is in the best possible hands. Call the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700

Storm Damage Restoration Tips: Insurance

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Filing for an insurance claim may not be the easiest thing to do in the aftermath of a storm, especially if your property suffered significant losses. With the help of a trusted local storm damage restoration service provider, all of your restoration tasks—including insurance forms—will be that much easier.

Prioritize Temporary Repairs

As soon as you see damage, contact the pros at SERVPRO of Spokane County to review your damage and recommend a restoration plan. Qualified and licensed experts can determine if your property is in need of extensive restoration work. Calling the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County is a good move, too, because they provide a lot of the material or documentation you’ll need for your insurance claim.

Secure Evidence

A successful insurance claim involves proper and considerable documentation. You can take photos of your home along with videos. If you have photos of your home prior to the damage, it may be helpful to include those as well in order to illustrate the scope of the damage.

Review Your Policy

Before you fill out that form and file a claim, make sure you go over your policy. Get a good grasp of your coverage. What can you expect? What are the limitations indicated? Knowing these ahead of filing for a claim will give you a better sense of what to expect. It will also help you keep your expectations realistic. Your professionals from SERVPRO of Spokane County can step you through the process of your claim.

Don’t Waste Time

Start working on filing a claim as soon as you can. Some insurance companies have a window for accepting claim applications, so you wouldn’t want to miss that. If you do, you might not get another chance to ask for compensation for your loss. Don’t risk that.

SERVPRO of Spokane County Can Help with Your Storm Damage Restoration and Insurance Claim

This may be your first storm damage incident, but it’s not the first for your SERVPRO team. Let the experts carefully step you through the process of getting your property back in shape and communicating with your insurance provider. Call them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Storm Damage Restoration Do’s and Don’ts

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

After a severe storm, you’ll need to determine the extent of the damages that your property suffered. Here are a few do’s and don't’s to keep in mind.

Do’s

• Talk to your insurance provider. You’ll need to consult them about the process. Find out how much of the damage is covered by your insurance. You might need to brush up on your policy, then, before you make that call.
• Hire pros. Look for trusted storm damage restoration experts to help you get your property in excellent shape again. With their honest assessment and comprehensive action plan, your property should be safe and habitable in no time.
• Get repairs done right away. Don’t waste time waiting around. The longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be to restore your property and belongings to their pre-damaged condition. By hiring pros as soon as you can, you make it possible to lessen the repair and replacement costs. With quick action, you’ll have fewer losses.

Don’ts

• Do it on your own. If there are plenty of signs that the structure isn’t stable, or you just don’t know what to do, leave it up to the experts to inspect your home or facility.
• Hire the wrong team. When you look for a team, go for a trusted, reputable service provider. Check out their credentials and qualifications. Make sure you go over the reviews from other clients. Is a lot of the feedback positive? What kind of issues came up? Are there any recurring problems with the firm?
• Choose cheap cost over quality. Always choose a storm damage restoration team that will give you the best value for your money. A company that is willing to deliver its best work at a competitive price is a much better option.

Finally . . .

Talk with the Experts at SERVPRO of Spokane County. Experienced professionals have handled storm damage restoration for decades in the Spokane area. They are IICRC certified so you know that they’re trained in the latest techniques and are using the latest equipment. Call them anytime 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Disaster Cleanup Services and Much More

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

No matter the size or scope of your disaster, SERVPRO of Spokane County has the equipment, resources and training to handle it.

When a disaster strikes your home or business, you may not be sure what steps to take next.  You may also be at a loss as to where exactly to start on the repair and restoration process. Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County should be your first call. We are available 24 hours a day to provide you with fast, reliable cleanup services no matter the type or scope of your disaster.

Disasters can take many forms. Fire, flood, storm damage, water leaks, sewage back up, mold, hoarder, or crime scene cleanup or biohazard contamination. All of these issues and more can be addressed with one phone call to SERVPRO of Spokane County.

Protecting Your Space and Your Safety

There is no need to allow the problem to worsen. For example, if you have a fire, flood, or storm damage to your property after it is safe to do so, you need to board up and secure the space. Our team has the equipment and resources to do that. We can tarp the roof and other areas to prevent water from continuing to damage your structure and add temporary fencing to prevent access to unsafe or contaminated areas. Preventing further issues is always the first step.

Debris Removal

From here, your property needs to have the damage assessed and the damaged or contaminated material removed from it. This includes any type of material that is saturated with water, as well as any type of damage to furniture and nonrepairable structures. You also need to ensure that all drywall and flooring that cannot be cleaned is removed.

Sanitization and Restoration

Our team then goes to work to restore these areas for you. We work to properly clean and sanitize your property for you, removing smoke odor or damage as well as water damage and risk of bacteria and viruses. We then work to handle any mold that has become a concern. After all of this, our licensed and certified restoration team can rebuild necessary structures. No matter the type of scope or your disaster one call to SERVPRO of Spokane County will bring you immediate help every step of the way. Call us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Water Damage Inspections Are Critical After a Flood

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

When a flood occurs in your home, water can infiltrate various areas rapidly. Even though you may think it is rather localized, that is often not the case. It can be hard to know where exactly the damage is because you are unsure precisely how much of your home is wet. Our team can help you to determine the extensiveness of your water damage with a complete inspection. Using the latest techniques and sensitive professional equipment, we can find areas where moisture is present.

Advanced Inspections Are Necessary

When a water line breaks, a storm causes water to enter into the home, or any other water event occurs, the water that was in your home can easily travel throughout the space. This includes into adjoining areas. It can also climb up the drywall by saturating into these materials. It can saturate your furniture, too. During an advanced water damage inspection, we can find exactly where it went and ensure that we can properly remove it and any damage it causes.

Sanitizing the Space

Water damage inspections also tell us where we need to clean and sanitize. The goal is always to limit the risk of mold growth. However, mold growth is a common concern in situations like this. Our team will take every step possible to prevent it from occurring. If mold is present, we can offer mold remediation services to remove it.

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for the help you need with water damage. Let us provide a full inspection to determine the scope of the problem. We are ready for your call anytime 24/7. You can reach us at 509-487-4700.

What to Do After a Water Line Break

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water in your home or office doesn't have to be deep to cause significant damage. Get help fast from SERVPRO of Spokane County.

When a clean water line breaks in your home, water can come rushing into your home quickly. Within a matter of seconds, you could have an inch of water in your basement. The longer that water line is left running the more likely your home can have significant damage – and it can typically take several minutes to simply figure out how to shut off the supply. Then the damage is done.  What do you do when you have had this type of damage?

Water Extraction and Drying Out

The first step is always to remove the water from the space and to get this done by the fastest method possible. That’s when it’s important to have SERVPRO of Spokane County on your team.  Our water extraction tools are available to help you 24/7. We can safely remove all standing water quickly, regardless of the size and scope of the problem. From there, it becomes necessary to dry out the home. While time will dry out the home on its own, the longer water sits there, the more likely it is for mold to grow. Our team and state of the art technology will speed up this process safely and get your home dry as soon as possible.

What Happens Then?

Sanitizing your home may be necessary after all water damaged debris is removed. In some cases, mold remediation is necessary to ensure these surfaces are properly cleaned and mold removed. Our team will ensure this is done properly for you.

You do not have to deal with a water line break like this on your own. Instead, allow our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County to do the cleanup work for you. Give us a call anytime for immediate help.  You can reach us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

After a Disaster, We Can Help You Restore and Re-Build

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

If you are facing disaster such as a storm or fire or other emergency, your first step is to get qualified, professional help. Cleanup of the damage is just the beginning of getting back into your home or business, though, as you may face further complications you cannot see at first glance. Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County provides a wide range of building services to help you to get your property restored.

What Type of Work Do You Need to be Completed?

After a storm or fire does damage to your space, it is critical to rebuild areas that are damaged by working from the structural components out. Our team can handle the entire process for you. That includes helping with the electrical and plumbing work. We can also help to ensure your HVAC system is working at its best. We can help with roof repair as well as get the damaged tile floor replaced, or deal with any moisture and mold.

Over time, you may need a bit more help. This may include move out services or tree removal to prevent the problem from happening again. We also can help you by finding temporary warehouse space to store your belongings until you can get back into your space.  When you call SERVPRO of Spokane County, you get a team of trained professionals who can handle all of the issues surrounding your property damage.

It All Starts with a Call to Our Pros

You may not be sure what type or amount of work needs to be done, but that is quite normal in a property damage situation. We will help you to get back on track fast. Our trained professionals can perform a detailed assessment.  Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for a consultation and quote for the work you need to be done at your home or business. We’re available for you 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

When Storm Damage Hits Home Call SERVPRO of Spokane County

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fast removal of flood and storm damage is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your Spokane property. Using the right equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water sources that could be ruining your subfloors, drywalls and more. Advanced drying techniques will aid in the cleanup process to make certain your property is returned to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Spokane Storm and Flood Damage Cleanup 

There are many ways storm damage can surprise you. A leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or strong thunderstorms that come quickly and leave a huge amount of water. Sometimes this sudden influx of water can cause toilets to overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Spokane County can quickly be on the scene with submersible pumps (sump pump), truck-mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Our trained technicians can also use moisture detectors and hygrometers to detect flood damage in hidden places.  Even infrared cameras can help find hidden water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Powerful extraction machines can be deployed to remove most of the water. When the standing water has been removed, industrial-grade dryers and dehumidifiers are used to make certain everything is thoroughly dried.

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County Quickly
It’s critical that you contact SERVPRO of Spokane County immediately when storm and flood damage occurs. We are ready for your call 24/7. The faster our team can get started on the water removal and recovery process, the higher the likelihood that your home and possessions can be restored.

SERVPRO of Spokane County provides emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Call us at 509-487-4700.

Yes, Flooding Does Happen In the Inland Northwest

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding is a possibility in many areas of Spokane. It might surprise you how a flash flood from a strong thunderstorm can impact your neighborhood. Unwelcome water can quickly cause great damage to your home and possessions. Even after the water is gone, it can leave behind dangerous mold. Your best bet is to call a professional team to remove the water, repair the damage, and restore your property to its original condition.

A trained and fully equipped team from SERVPRO of Spokane County can be at the scene of your flooding within minutes of your call 24/7. Specialized equipment will make quick work of removing the water in your home and begin the drying process. Technicians with state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment and hygrometers can find water wherever it might be hiding and causing damage to your house.  Infrared cameras can detect water, even inside walls and crawl spaces.

Industrial grade dehumidifiers and air movers can be deployed throughout your property to aid in the drying process.
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County has a staff of highly skilled and certified professionals that are experienced in using this specialized equipment and the processes necessary to clear your home of unwanted moisture and then restore it to its pre-flood condition.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Spokane County is a locally owned business. We live and work in this community too. We are close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. When you have storm damage, give SERVPRO of Spokane County a call. We’re available 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

How Well-Trained Are Your Restoration Specialists?

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire or storm damages your home or business, it is frightening to think about your next steps. You need someone that can give you all the advice and guidance necessary to put your property back together. The people you rely on for this need to be well-trained professionals, with years of experience they can rely on to ensure your property is properly restored.

What to Look for in Those Technicians

As you consider who will handle your damage restoration services, one of the most important considerations is finding technicians that are well trained. You want to ensure they have extensive training and are properly licensed to provide the types of services you need. They should be trained extensively in areas such as water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Not all companies offer the same level of service.

You also want to choose a team that is routinely training and keeping their education up to date. You want to know they are using the most advanced equipment and methods for getting your home back to a safe environment again.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County

When you are facing a disaster like this, turn to SERVPRO of Spokane County. Our team goes through a rigorous training process. We work closely with you to ensure you understand everything we are going to do, and we follow all the best practices in the industry. Our technicians and our processes are IICRC certified so you can be confident that we are using the latest techniques and equipment to restore your property damage. When you have damage to your commercial or residential property, choose SERVPRO of Spokane County. Call us 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

Fire Damage Is More Than You Think

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, the damage it creates can be overwhelming. Initially, it may look like you just need to clear away that space, remove the drywall, and handle the flooring. Yet fire damage tends to be much more invasive than you realize. It is critical, then, to have a licensed team on hand to help you with the project.

Handling the Damage Expertly

The first step is always to handle the fire damage properly. That means removing all of the damage from the space. From there, it is necessary to remove any wet and damaged material resulting from putting the fire out. You may also have to remove debris further – such as pulling out more of the drywall to ensure the underlying plumbing and electrical work is in good condition. If not, more repairs are going to be necessary.

Beware of Smoke Damage

Another key concern is the home’s smoke damage. Smoke can travel beyond the area of the fire, often throughout the whole home. It can enter into your home’s ventilation, easily spreading throughout the space. This requires proper cleansing by a licensed technician because if you do not take care of this, the odor of smoke will persist.

Trust the Experts

Our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County will create a treatment plan to address each area properly. We will then work closely with you to ensure that the space is properly cleaned and, once the cleaning and sanitizing is done, we will handle all of the restoration work for you. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in all areas of remediation and restoration from fire damage. Give us a call 24/7 at 509-487-4700.

What to Look for in a Building Restoration Service

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

After a disaster happens, it is critical for you to have get in touch with a responsible professional who can help you to restore and rebuild and reopen your business quickly. There is a lot of work to be done, and many things need to be done in a very specific way if you are to minimize damage and restore your property efficiently. Our team at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has the tools and resources to help you every step of the way.

Ensure They Are Licensed

When choosing a company or a professional to handle this type of work, you want to be sure they are fully licensed to do it for you. That means they should be a licensed general contractor for residential or commercial projects, depending on what your needs are.

Can They Do It All?

When you have a lot of damage to repair – from plumbing to electrical and even to your property’s structural integrity, you need a team that can do all of the work for you, instead of bringing in multiple contractors. They should be able to help you completely restore all damage properly, to ensure there is no risk to your property or your employees or customers going forward. Can they do it all for you, including handling the restoration you need and putting up temporary fencing if necessary?

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, we do it all for you. We use the most experienced and highly trained technicians and the latest specialized equipment to do the work. If you have damage to your commercial property, call us anytime 24/7 at (509) 487-4700

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. A Cleaning Program for Today’s Business Needs

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Get a custom-tailored Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program for your business.

The New Meaning of Clean

As businesses begin re-opening, business owners are faced with new problems. The old standards of cleanliness in preparation for customer and employee operations are no longer valid. A recent national survey showed 89% of customers are apprehensive about going back to brick and mortar establishments. 40% of those cite business cleanliness as a top reason for concern.  In order to safely open for business and encourage customers to enter businesses confidently, business owners have strict new protocols that can be unfamiliar and difficult to implement.

The SERVPRO Solution

With special expertise in cleaning and restoration in all types of situations, it only made sense that SERVPRO would come up with a COVID-19 cleaning program that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning,  The program was created from protocols and practices suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered professional cleaning and disinfecting products. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane technicians have received specialized training in these protocols and products.

The Three “Cs” of New Clean

• Consult—A SERVPRO of Spokane County representative will develop a tailored cleaning program to meet your needs based on your business type, amount of space involved, and employee and customer traffic patterns.
• Clean—SERVPRO of Spokane County will deliver both proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning. This intense, deep cleaning will be much more aggressive than typical janitorial cleaning and will target surfaces, equipment, tools along with employee and customer touchpoints. If you have a COVID-19 exposure, a SERVPRO of Spokane County response team can be on site within hours to perform an aggressive defensive cleaning to make sure you can be back in business as soon as possible.
• Certify—SERVPRO of Spokane County will certify that your business has been cleaned and sanitized for your employees and customers. You can display the certificate prominently at your business to give your customers and employees the confidence of knowing that your establishment has been aggressively disinfected with special attention to COVID-19 protocols

What to Expect from a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

There are several benefits to implementing a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program at your business.

• Custom cleaning plans—from proactive cleaning to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cleanings, based on your exact business needs including touchpoints and traffic patterns for both customers and employees.
• Visual identification—You can display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal at your business to give both employees and customer peace of mind.
• High Standard of Cleaning
  • Clean bacteria and other microbes
  • Sanitize soft and porous surfaces
  • Disinfect hard and high-touch surfaces
• Transparent, fair pricing
• After being cleaned you’ll receive guest accessible hygiene products and signage
• Technology—digital emblems to share on your website and social media properties

Call Today to Protect Your Business, Employees, and Customers with a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program Tailored for Your Business

It’s critical that you trust this important process to the technicians at SERVPRO of Spokane County. Call 509-487-4700 anytime, 24-hours a day to schedule your consult.

Spokane Water Damage Inspection and Restoration

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

There are several steps to cleaning up water damage. The first is to understand just how extensive the problem is. It is also necessary to find the source of the water damage to stop it from becoming even worse. Once it is clear what the problem is, and the source of the water flow is off, the cleanup process starts.

Finding the Water

Water inspection services help to determine the source of the water. In some cases, this is obvious, such as a broken pipe or a backed-up sewer line. In other cases, it is a drip behind a wall or a leak in the roof.

Water Extraction

For water damage repair to happen, the water needs to be removed. With specialized water extraction tools and methods, it is possible to get as much of the water out of the space as possible. This allows for thorough and quick-drying, too.

Restoration Work

Once this is done, the next goal is to get rid of anything that cannot be saved and to clean every other surface. Water damage tends to be significant, which means you may lose some belongings. In addition to this, there may be the need for mold remediation and rebuilding or restoration work for remaining fixtures, furnishings, and structural components.

Get Immediate Help for Your Water Damage

Any time you have even a small amount of water damage, act quickly to get it dry and clean. When the damage is significant, let SERVPRO of Spokane County help you. Call us for immediate help 24/7.

Restoring Your Spokane Home from Fire Damage

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating to structures. Not only does the fire damage surfaces, but the smoke generated and the water from putting it out can make things even worse. For fire damage restoration to happen, several things must be done.

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may not only include the actual furnishings and items burned, but also the structural components of the home such as drywall, studs, floor joists and roof trusses. All damaged furnishings need to be removed. Additionaly, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary.  Restoring the structural integrity of the home is a first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Cleaning up the water damage fast is important since it only takes a matter of hours before mold begins to grow. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, is necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning an treatment to prevent mold growth.

Overcoming Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage care. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day.

What Is a Mold Damage Restoration Specialist?

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

A highly trained mold damage restoration specialist is the ideal person to call on when you have significant damage to your home. After a flood or a leak that goes unnoticed for some time, mold can grow rapidly. When this happens, it can put your home and your health at risk. These well-trained professionals are able to find all areas of mold. They can then create a treatment plan to address your needs.

What Type of Training They Have Matters

When choosing someone to handle mold damage, learn what type of training they have. Our team has extensive training, including the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) certifications. We also have employee certification training, initial franchise training, e-learning programs to further education, and continuing education. All of this works to keep each individual at the top of his or her game in treating your mold.

This type of high level of training can give you peace of mind. It ensures each person understands best practices for detecting and treating mold to ensure the best possible outcome for every individual. This not only covers mold detection but also mold remediation services using the most advanced techniques and equipment available.

Hiring a Trained Professional Makes Sense – Call Our Team

Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for immediate help in handling any mold damage in your home. Our team of restoration specialists is fully trained to answer your questions, create a treatment plan, and execute it. Call us 24/7 for immediate help.

What to Do When You Have Storm Damage in Spokane

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your property, it is critical to react properly but quickly. If the area is unsafe, leave it. Do not stay in a home that has significant damage, increasing flooding, or potential electrical failures. Once you are safe, call a company to handle the storm damage cleanup for you.

Managing Debris Cleanup

Having a professional handle the storm damage ensures you do not put yourself or your home at risk of increased damage. The first step will always be to remove any excess and standing water from the home. Proper drying using professional equipment and techniques helps prevent the buildup of mold.

It is not possible to save many types of wet materials, including damaged drywall and some types of flooring. For furniture and other hard surfaces, removing the moisture and professionally cleaning these services is important.

Handling Difficult Tasks

Many times, storm damage is much more significant than this. You may have a tree or a tree branch on your roof. You may have a hole in the roof or damage to your roof trusses as a result. You may have sewage backed up into your basement. Having a professional handle this type of storm damage clean up is essential to ensure the work is done safely and properly.

The good news is help is available to you right away. Protect your family while the team at SERVPRO Spokane County handles the cleanup.

Get Immediate Help by Calling SERVPRO of Spokane County

When you have storm damage, do not wait to get help. Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for immediate assistance and support. We are here for you.

Why You Need to Respond Fast to Water Damage in Spokane

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is a risky situation. If your basement is flooded or you have standing water in any area, call a professional to handle it immediately. Walking through it is not safe. You also do not want to allow it to remain for long. It takes just 12 to 18 hours for mold to begin to grow. What should you do in this situation?

Request Immediate Water Damage Help

Getting emergency service to clean up the water damage is one of the best steps to take. SERVPRO of Spokane County is available 7-days a week and 24-hours a day. They can arrive to help you to reduce risks fast. This includes stopping the flow of water into the space and extracting the water quickly.

Minimize Damage with a Faster Response

A fast response like this can help minimize the extensiveness of the water damage. This includes removing as much of the water as possible in a short period of time to prevent mold growth. Within just a few hours, drywall will begin to swell and breakdown. Furniture is damaged. A musty odor begins to appear. Within just two days, the flooring, doors, and even metal surfaces in your home are damaged. You may also notice mildew and mold growth advancing. Because it is so risky, you’ll want to get professional water damage help immediately.

For Immediate Help, Call Our Team

We respond quickly to your need for water damage help. Call SERVPRO of Spokane County for immediate help to ensure your home is properly restored.

Comprehensive Fire Damage Clean Up in Spokane

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire in your home or office leaves behind surfaces that are damaged in multiple ways. This includes smoke and water damage as well as burned surfaces from the fire itself. When this occurs, the cleanup process requires addressing all layers of damage. This may include more than you think, especially when multiple rooms are impacted.

Removing Damage

Fire and smoke debris removal and cleanup is the start of the process. This includes removing all water from the space but also includes cleaning up any damaged furnishings. Removing all of the damage from the fire that cannot be cleaned is important. Restoration work also often includes rebuilding damage to drywall and flooring.

Odor Control

Odor control is also part of recovery from fire damage. Your SERVPRO of Spokane County team will work to address the smell of smoke in every area of the home. This includes the HVAC system, if impacted. Having a specialized team help you with odor control is an essential step in minimizing damage.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleanup

It is also very important to work closely with a team to ensure all fabrics, such as your furniture and carpeting, are properly cleaned. This requires a very specialized cleaning process to not only sanitize surfaces but also to remove odors built up in them.

Finding the Right Level of Cleanliness Starts with a Call

When your home suffers fire damage, put our team at SERVPRO of Spokane County to work for you. Our team can offer a fast, reliable service to get all of your surfaces clean properly. Call us today for immediate help.

What Happens in Commercial Restoration After a Major Event?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm or major event like a fire occurs, your business may be shut down and unable to operate until the work is cleaned up properly. Turning to a trusted company to handle commercial cleaning, damage repair, and restoration is the first step to getting back to operations. When you call a company like SERVPRO of Spokane County, our team can be there quickly to get you back to work faster.

Inspections and Cleaning Up

The first step of any commercial cleanup process is to determine the extensiveness of the problem. We can then handle the cleanup, including removing any excess water present. This often includes hauling away debris and damaged materials that cannot be restored. From there, our team will dry out the location to ensure it is properly ready to be cleaned.

Rebuilding After the Damage

Damage repair and restoration work can include multiple steps. In some cases, cleaning and mold remediation work has to be done first. Once this is done, there may be the need to paint, replace drywall, and add new flooring. Every situation requires a customized care plan to get you back up and running again.

Turn to a Trusted Company for Fast Help

If your business is unable to operate due to damage from a storm or major event, call SERVPRO of Spokane County for a consultation and assessment. Our team is available online and by phone 24-hours a day to help you.

What to Look for in a Commercial Cleaning Company After a Spokane Storm

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

After storm or water damage occurs, it is essential to have a professional cleaning and restoration company handle the cleanup and get you back in business. These pros should be properly trained in how to safely and effectively clean up and restore your Spokane commercial property to the proper condition. They should also have the resources and equipment necessary to do the work properly.

What Helps Some Stand Out?

When choosing a company for commercial cleaning, damage repair, and restoration, there are a few key things to look for in the organization. Be sure to choose a company that is available 24-hours a day to help you. They should also be licensed and insured. A reputable company ensures you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing things are being done right.

Hire a company that can handle the entire project for you. This may include water extraction, material and debris cleanup, mold remediation, and rebuilding of damaged areas. Having a professional available to quickly assess storm and major events damage like this helps ensure the cleanup is done properly.

You also want to work with a company that is well respected in the community and known for having well-trained, customer-first employees. This can help ensure you are getting the best quality service possible.

Call Our Team for Immediate Storm Damage Help in Spokane

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, our commercial cleaning team is available to help with all types of storm and water damage cleanup. Put your trust in us when you need it the most. Call us today.

Signs of Mold Damage in Spokane

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaks and unwanted moisture can cause mold growth rather quickly. Mold is dangerous because it can cause health effects in some people. Yet, knowing mold is present is not easy. It can hide behind surfaces and under flooring. There are several signs it may be present.

A Unique Smell

Some types of mold have a very specific smell. If you have a musky, heavy scent in areas where it is damp, such as the basement or a crawlspace, this may indicate the presence of mold.

Discoloration on Surfaces

Mold can be green to black in color. It is not always evident, though. You may not see the mold growth because it is covered by drywall or carpeting. However, it may climb up on surfaces, such as appliances and cabinetry, over time.

Health Problems

In some cases, the first sign of mold damage may be health effects. You may notice it is worse in some areas of the home, especially areas that are damp and dark.

Worried You May Have Mold Damage? Let Us Help

If you suspect mold damage, do not try to clean it up yourself. Let SERVPRO of Spokane County do the work for you. Proper cleanup requires the right equipment and expertise to protect your health. Call us 24/7 for a custom quote today.

Why a Storm Damage Restoration Professional Is Best

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even the strongest, best-built Spokane home can suffer significant damage after a storm. If you have damage, it is best to hire storm damage restoration professionals to provide support and cleanup guidance. Hiring a team like this can help ensure the work is done properly so you can return to your home with confidence. What can a storm damage professional do for you?

Determine Where the Problems Are

Sometimes the damage from a storm is easy to spot. This may include larger holes in the roof or a flooded basement. In other cases, you may not see the damage initially. You may have foundation issues, problems with the siding, or damage to the drywall in your living room. These storm damage professional technicians are trained in how to spot concerns fast.

The Right Type of Drying

Storm damage often leaves a wet mess to clean up. Fast, reliable drying is a key component to protecting your home and minimizing mold risk. The best technicians use scientific drying techniques and specialized equipment to ensure proper care and monitoring for mold growth or other risks. They also provide the necessary monitoring and documentation you need to know your home is safe.

Finding the Right Help Matters – Call Us First

At SERVPRO of Spokane County, our team understands what you are up against when it comes to storm damage cleanup. That is why our restoration professionals are available to you anytime day or night. To get help, call us 24 hours a day for immediate support.

Restoring Your Spokane Home from Fire Damage

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating to structures. Not only does the fire itself damage surfaces, but the smoke and water from putting it out can make things even worse. For fire damage restoration to happen, several things must be done.

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may not only include the actual furnishings and items burned, but also the structural components of the home such as drywall, studs, floor joists and roof trusses. All damaged furnishings need to be removed. Additionaly, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary.  Restoring the structural integrity of the home is also a first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Cleaning up the water damage fast is important since it only takes a matter of hours before mold begins to grow. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, is necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning an treatment to prevent mold growth.

Overcoming Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage care. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the team at SERVPRO of Spokane County can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day.

We Are Cleaning Experts

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

This unprecedented time we are experiencing requires vigilance and attention to detail. The impacts of the pandemic continue to be keenly felt throughout our area. Most people--especially businesses--are going to need professional help to deal with these ongoing issues.

Specialized Training

SERVPRO of Spokane County is fully trained to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have decades of hands-on experience in dealing with biological contaminants. This means we go well beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs.

The CDC encourages specialized cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the use of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the COVID-19 virus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. 

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Spokane County, 509-487-4700.

After a Sprinkler Snafu, Commercial Water Removal is Quickest Route to Restoring any Spokane Shop

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Rapid Drying Mitigates Water Damage to Commercial Businesses

Sometimes, the best intentions in protecting our investments go awry. One of these instances might involve sprinkler systems that malfunction. Instead of protecting our assets in the event of a fire, they damage those same items when a sprinkler head comes loose. It does not even have to come off entirely for this to happen.

When your business floods because of a loose sprinkler head in your Spokane shop, the fastest commercial water removal is exactly what you need. At SERVPRO, We're Fastest To Any Size Disaster. We arrive as quickly as we can so no time is wasted, and your emergency is brought under control as soon as possible. Removing the standing water and excess moisture is paramount to ensuring that any potential damage is stifled before it can become a reality. 
 
Removing the water from a broken sprinkler head often means drying out not only your building but anything and everything between the sprinkler system and the floor. Merchandise, displays, carpeting, furniture and much more all face damage if allowed to remain saturated. Preventing subsequent damage is impossible unless water removal begins immediately. 
 
Depending on the type of materials involved, and any cross-contamination that might exist, we tailor our efforts to your specific needs to provide you with the best results possible. This is true no matter how small or large the catastrophe might be at your location. Some materials might need to be removed to a drier location, such as our facility for better processing, while other items can remain safely where they already exist. Either way, we are dedicated to providing you with the best in services during the entire process. 
 
Removing excess moisture from your building can be accomplished with the use of heaters, air movers, and dehumidifiers. Using these together increases each type of machine's efficiency, cutting the overall drying out period drastically. Water vapor removal is crucial to preserving inventory and keeping a shop open.
 
Some materials that are highly sensitive to contact with water might need specialized care to preserve it. Other items may be so fragile that no amount of attention can salvage them. Each item is always assessed on a case-by-case basis. SERVPRO makes it a point to explain all details of such matters with you, before disposing of anything. We understand that inventory may need to be photographed in such situations when damaged beyond repair or restoration. 
 
For the fastest response from start to finish, contact us, SERVPRO of Spokane County. We are local and always ready, day or night. Our number is (509) 487-4700, and we are always available to answer your call.

Click here for the Spokane City Directory

Commercial Losses Bring Unique Challenges

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Water, fire and mold losses present challenges that are unique versus residential losses.

Flooding and water damage events at Spokane-area commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Many business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating to the property damage -- we understand that many times the most important thing to Spokane-area businesses is to get back in business . . . fast.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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. We can be reached at (509) 487-4700.

3 Simple Ways To Prepare Your Home for a Storm

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage to home in Spokane, WA

Steps To Help Minimize The Chances Of Flooding

Being in the path of a severe storm in Spokane, WA can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to think about your safety, but you also have to consider the damage that your home might sustain from flood water. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to help minimize the chances of flooding or other issues.

1. Check Your Gutters

Your gutters are one of your home’s main ways of preventing water from leaking into your home. However, they likely won’t work properly if they aren’t clean. Leaves, sticks and other debris can get stuck in the gutters, which can lead to water damage in your home. Double check that they are clear before it starts raining. Additionally, check for damage to your gutters so you have time to repair them before the storm hits. This will reduce the chances of a flooded building.

2. Inspect Trees Around Your Home

Flood water isn’t the only thing you need to look out for when preparing for a storm. If you live in an area surrounded by trees, then you should consider having your trees trimmed before the storm arrives. Trees that still have a lot of leaves on them or have particularly heavy branches are more likely to fall due to heavy wind and rain. Furthermore, you might see branches that already look like they are about to detach and fall, which should be removed immediately.

3. Do Your Homework

Sometimes, even when you do everything right, there is nothing you can do to prevent flood water from entering your home. Finding a storm damage restoration company beforehand can help relieve stress if your home winds up needing repair. It’s also a good idea to keep important phone numbers in a safe location. If you do not evacuate, have an emergency kit and be prepared for an extended time without power.

It can be helpful to take these steps when you know a storm is headed your way. Ensure your gutters are clear, your trees are trimmed, and you are prepared with emergency items. These things can reduce water damage, stress and danger during a storm.

Water Damage: Three Important Facts

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss in a Spokane, WA home

You may be worried about water damage if you recently experienced a pipe burst in your Spokane, WA home. Such situations can cause flooding and other issues but try not to panic. Instead, learn about the following three facts, so you can be prepared for any future problems that arise.

1. Damage

When water enters your home, it can damage many different structures. However, the severity of the damage can vary widely. There are three recognized classes of water damage:

• White or Category 1 Water Damage: This is clean water.
• Gray or Category 2 Water Damage: This is often waste water.
• Black or Category 3 Water Damage: This is considered contaminated water.

Category 3 damage is urgent and requires quick cleanup, while Category 1 water is not contaminated, but still requires rapid cleanup. A broken water line that leads to a pipe burst typically will only result in Category 1 damage as long as the matter is quickly addressed.

2. Restoration 

Taking advantage of mitigation services is not always just a practical move. In cases where you are dealing with complicated damage, such as when clean water is left to sit for too long, a service may be necessary. Most trained workers will arrive on the scene quickly, assess the damage and take measures to restore your property.

3. Salvage

You may think that the random valuables around your home cannot be saved after a water damage incident however, this is not always the case. Technicians such as those mentioned above can typically help you remove certain furniture and personal items and may even offer move-out assistance to help you preserve items before they get damaged. Most professionals also understand that your keepsakes are precious and may attempt to restore photographs and other keepsakes.

A pipe burst at home is never fun, but understanding the issue at hand helps. If you put an action plan into place, you have a better chance of returning to normal life sooner rather than later.

Dropping Temperatures & Freezing Pipes

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Which Pipes Are Vulnerable to Freezing?

• Pipes located on the outer walls of the home
• Pipes located in unheated garages, attics, crawl spaces and basements
• Copper pipes
• Galvanized pipes
• Uninsulated pipes

So What if Your Pipes Freeze?

When temperatures drop, water freezes and expands causing pipes to burst.

A burst pipe can result in a water leak. Ruptured pipes and water damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair. The amount of damage depends on where the burst occurs, how long it takes to catch the problem, and how much water is leaking from the pipe.

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing.

• Install Insulation.
• Insulate pipes on the outside of your home .
• When temperatures drop, open your faucets to a slow dribble.
• Open cabinets for warm air to circulate through your home.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the night and day.
• If you leave your home for extended periods of time leave your heat on at 55 degrees.

What Do You Do if Your Pipes Freeze?

1. Turn off the main water valve.
2. Call a professional plumber.
3. Call an IICRC certified restoration & mitigation company.

SERVPRO's Water Restoration Process:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call us at 509-487-4700 if you have any questions or concerns.

Are You Prepared for Winter Weather?

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared!

Prepare Your Business for Winter Weather

• Check your business property for low hanging tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviated flood hazard potential.
• Inspect handrails, stairways and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present .
• Ask our highly trained SERVPRO professionals about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells this allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets , especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl or crawl space and turn it to “off”.
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage

Commercial Water Damage

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Restoring Your Spokane Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at Spokane, WA commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane

SERVPRO of Spokane County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Mold in Schools and Commercial Buildings

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings

Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems. When mold growth occurs in buildings, adverse health problems may be reported by some building occupants, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.

If you are a facilities manager, maintenance supervisor or property manager and you have a mold issue; please call SERVPRO of Spokane County, (509) 487-4700.

Choosing Relevant Cleaning Actions During Fire Damage Restoration In Spokane

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning Actions During Fire Damage Restoration

You need cleaning services as part of the restoration procedures after experiencing a fire damage incident. Cleaning aims to remove the soils or any soot particles from the surface. Our technicians will go over some of the cleaning actions we perform when offering cleaning services in Spokane. Before we select a cleaning action, we first look at the type of smoke particles and the surface of your property.

When our SERVPRO technicians are cleaning non greasy particles during fire damage restoration in Spokane, we start by using mechanical actions. It is a process that dislodges particles from surfaces before we can employ other cleaning processes that involve the use of solvent-based or water-based cleaning agents. Sometimes, surfaces can create strong bonds with the particles if you start by using liquid cleaning products before dislodging the excess residues.

In some situations, we might decide to make the particles slippery through a method known as lubrication. By lubricating, the bond between the surface and the soils weakens, making the residues to slide into the detergents. In cases where a substance chemically changes when it comes into contact with another substance, our SERVPRO technicians use chemical action. We use this method when it is not possible to remove residues from surfaces without altering their chemical formula. Removing oxidized stain from wool carpeting and cotton are some of the examples where we apply chemical actions.

Our SERVPRO technicians can also apply suspension and dispersion when cleaning your property. We begin by loosening the residues and then suspend and disperse them in the detergent. After that, we extract the cleaning product and the soils. When choosing a cleaning product, we have to consider whether the particles can dissolve in water or solvent-based cleaning agents.

SERVPRO of Spokane County has highly trained and experienced restoration technicians who offer storm, mold, water, and fire damage restoration services. Call us at (509) 487-4700 and let us make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Prevention Steps for Your Spokane Home

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Having a Fire Safety and Escape Plan in Place is Crucial

Once your home has caught on fire, did you realize you may have only about two minutes to get out safely? An early warning from a smoke detector in proper working order during a fire and a fire escape plan which has been regularly practiced can save the lives of you and your family. After the fire, you may be disorientated and distraught, but at SERVPRO, we understand that and want to help put your life back together by cleaning up the mess and repairing the damages. 
 
Preventing a fire at all costs in your Spokane home is imperative. Our team at SERVPRO is quite experienced, highly trained, and ready to tackle whatever challenge is at hand. Our strategies and state of the art equipment for fire damage remediation are unmatched. The lasting damage of a fire, however, can still cause problems for you and your family. To prevent such events, ensure that you have the following taken care of: 
 
Smoke Detectors 
 
Make sure smoke detectors are installed in your home and working properly. You can have earlier warning of fire because of these devices, and can even help you put a fire out before it gets out of control. It is the most important step in preventing fires. 

Fire Extinguishers 
 
Fire extinguishers should be within reach at all times. If things get bad, this ensures you are prepared to fight it and help you to get away from the fire safely. 
 
Test, Test, Test 
 
Your smoke alarms need to be tested each month. If they are not working properly, change the batteries right away. 
 
Escape Plan 
 
Create an escape plan in case of an emergency and go over it with the whole family. Ensure that everyone understands it and that you have a safe spot where you can meet up once everyone gets out of the home, so you know that everyone is accounted for. 
 
Unfortunately, there are times when a fire breaks out, and we understand that there are many reasons why this can happen. Therefore, our approach at SERVPRO to fire and smoke damage cleanup involves a very extensive damage assessment. After you are safe and the fire is under control, get in touch with us right away and let us know exactly why the fire started. We use this information to deploy a strategy and team which is tailored uniquely to solving your problem. 
 
We give you our best work with the highest level of customer service in the industry. Our trained professionals are willing to do the dirty work, so you have no worries. Fire damage is quite serious, and we treat it as such. Our goal is to give you top level professionalism, and the highest level of service, customer support, and damage cleanup. 
 
Reach out to us at SERVPRO of Spokane County if your home experiences a fire for any reason. We are happy to be out to your home right away when you call us at (509) 487-4700 anytime, any day of the week.

Dealing With Fire Damage In Your Spokane Home

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores Spokane Properties Post Smoke & Fire Damage

After a fire happens on your property, you may be anxious to clean things up right away and attempt to get started on your own. However, unless you have professional cleaning experience or gain advice from a cleaning expert, you may be wasting your effort, or cause even further damage. 

  
A properly trained restoration technician can help you determine whether the items that receive fire damage in your Spokane home are worth trying to restore, or if they need replacement. These professional fire restorers can provide you with recommendations that help prevent further damage and give you estimates on services for cleaning and deodorizing the entire affected area. 
  
Fire and water damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, follow strict guidelines when providing repair and cleaning services in your home. They take the time to secure the area, prevent hazards, and help limit the damages that you experience during this type of disaster. Getting help is the best way for you to assist with recovering from accidents that occur on your property. 
  
SERVPRO offers a variety of services that includes the removal of soot and smoke residues that form on various surfaces throughout your home during a fire. Household textiles such as carpeting and draperies often require several attempts before cleaning and deodorization services are complete. Not doing so may cause odors to return. 
  
It is important to make quick, precise decisions when considering your options after an event happens in your home. Time is essential, making dealing with smoke odors in your clothing, furniture, and other household items critical to prevent odors from lingering for days, weeks, or even months. Having a professional restoration company helps get things under control quicker and removes these odors in a more efficient manner.  
  
SERVPRO technicians use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove water used during firefighting efforts and have years of experience using cleaning methods to get the job done right. They are locally owned and operated, giving them the ability to provide you with what you need to get things back to normal fast. 
  
Contact SERVPRO of Spokane County for additional information about available services or help regarding a fire, water, storm, or mold situation happening in your home today - (509) 487-4700. 

Smoke Odor from Fire in Your Spokane Home

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor in Your Spokane Home? SERVPRO Can Help

Smoke odor is a stubborn and pervasive odor which lingers a long time after the flames of a fire are out. Whether it was caused by a nearby fire, a natural disaster, or from an accident such as an out of control cooking fire or a fireplace left unattended, the smoke odor can be a challenge to remove, even for experienced restoration professionals. 

There are various factors which influence the severity of smoke odor from fire damage in your Spokane home. The first is obvious – the size of the fire. The bigger the fire is and the more materials which have burned, the more smoke there is. How long the affected area is exposed to smoke matters as well. Smoke odor embeds itself deeper into porous materials the longer it has a chance to sit. 

Our technicians at SERVPRO know that after a fire, time is of the essence to prevent additional damage, which is why once you call us, we are out to your home quickly. We clean up the smoke odor, sanitize the area, and repair any salvageable items. 

Another factor which impacts the smoke odor is how large the room which is affected is. The smaller the room is, the more concentrated and intense the smoke odor can become. Materials which have burned is also important. Different materials leave behind different odors. A fire which burned wood smells different than a fire which affected mostly plastics or a protein fire. The kind of materials affected can influence the products we at SERVPRO use to get the smoke odor out. 

Our technicians have a big selection of equipment and products which are designed specifically to remove stubborn smoke odors. From hydroxyl generators to ozone machines, eco-friendly odor-busters to powerful odor-destroying chemicals, we are your answer to all your smoke odor removal needs. Our experienced professionals help you pinpoint the problem and figure out the best solution after we arrive at your home.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Think of SERVPRO of Spokane County when your home has suffered from a fire of any size. We can get the smoke odors out of your home and prevent additional damages when you contact us at (509) 487-4700.

Mold Damage Remediation Services in Spokane

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help Your Residential Mold Damage Emergency 

It is easy to ignore a simple pipe leakage when it happens, but the results can be costly. Dripping water from burst pipes can penetrate the walls and eventually find its way onto carpets and other house items. Failure to dry these items within 24-48 hours can lead to mold and mildew growth. These fungi thrive in moist environments. In the house, they can grow on cardboards, ceiling, tiles, wood products, foods, plants, fabrics, drywall, carpets, and other materials. While they have their purpose in nature, they can cause health effects. 

Following a water damage incident, it is important to have a mold remediation company check your house for mold growth. If you are looking for mold damage control services in Spokane, SERVPRO has qualified technicians with adequate equipment for the job. Our techniques are up to par with IICRC recommendations, and our emergency response is quick and efficient. 

Water damage situations provide an excellent environment for mold growth. Molds feed on organic materials such as natural fibers, drywall, paper, and wood. Additionally, they thrive in typical building temperatures of between 68 and 86 degrees F (meaning either extremely hot or cold temperatures). Some can survive in low relative humidity levels (up to 65 degrees low), but most prefer lots of moisture. To control their growth, our technicians use different equipment to reduce the RH to below 60%. 

The purpose of mold damage remediation is to eliminate any mold growing inside the house and to prevent exposing you to large amounts of mold. To do this effectively, SERVPRO technicians have to calculate the extent of the contamination. Indeed, mold does not always grow in one place. 

Based on our calculations, we can determine the most efficient method and products to use. The idea is to stop the water source, remove all moisture, and dry the area completely to avoid future mold growth. Air movers are particularly useful in drying a mold-damaged area. They create airflow at the surface level, allowing moisture into the air in the form of vapor. Drier air fills up the vacuum created, thus accelerating evaporation.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Molds may (or can) cause health effects if not addressed. As a locally-based water damage restoration company, SERVPRO of Spokane County can arrive quickly to control the mold damage. Call us today at (509) 487-4700.

Cleaning and Removing Mold From Spokane Homes

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Understand the Three Major Tasks After Finding the Source of the Mold Infestation in Your Home

The first sign of mold for Spokane residents is that telltale ‘musty’ odor everyone recognizes. In some cases, it is the only sign that a homeowner ever notices. 
 
Once we are called in, SERVPRO technicians often trace mold damage in Spokane homes using that odor as well. Although we can use air content meters to analyze mold spore counts, it is often easier and faster to find the starting growth point for a mold colony just by following our sense of smell. 
 
After we find the starting point, our technicians have three tasks: Stop current growth, kill the active spores, and clean the home to prevent future mold growth. Team members stop the growth by finding and eliminating the source of water that allows the spores to expand and search for food and more moisture. 
 
In most homes, the water source is a small leak from a leaking pipe connection or even a rubber washer that needs replacing. SERVPRO specialists can fix these small issues quickly, but if they find a major leak, the team leader recommends the homeowner bring in a licensed contractor or plumber. After stopping the leak, our personnel can remove any puddles or other standing water with sponges and cloths. 
 
If there is a large amount of water, they use extraction wands. The wands we use are commercial grade versions of a Water-Vac, but are adjustable in speed and have more options to draw out water from tight places in attics or crawlspaces. Once the water source is gone, the mold rapidly returns to an inert state and growth stops immediately. 
 
Next, our restoration team wipes down every affected area with a dry sponge which removes the majority of the inert spores. Then they spray an anti-fungal agent over spots where the mold layer is thick. The chemical breaks up the clumps of spores, kills the few remaining active spores, and allows our specialists to remove them easily. The agents evaporate quickly, so our teams leave a clean, dry structure for the homeowner and residents to reoccupy. 
 
If you suspect there is mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Spokane County today at (509) 487-4700. That musty odor is a warning you cannot ignore, so let us help you get rid of it.

Faulty Appliances Can Cause Flood Damage to Your Spokane Home

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO if an Appliance in Your Home Causes Water Damage

Spokane, in general, is no stranger to severe weather threats to the homes here. While this might be the case, and you might be well prepared structurally for high rising water that might attempt to intrude from the outside, there are still unexpected situations that can cause significant water damage inside of your home. These are situations that are almost impossible to plan for and require fast reaction times to keep the damages from getting worse.

As you might have already guessed, flood damage to your Spokane home does not have to occur from severe weather or storm damages at all. Convenience purchases like your dishwasher and washing machine can give you the same flooding damages when certain malfunctions occur within these appliances. The trouble is, even with preventative maintenance and servicing of these appliances on a regular basis (which is not all that common for the typical homeowner to do unless there's a present issue in performance), the threat of appliance failure persists.

Something as simple as a bushing that has gone bad in a washing machine can allow gallons and gallons of water to begin pouring onto your floor unabated until someone in the house takes notice of the occurrence. If you have set one of these appliances on right before leaving the house, the results could be significant flooding to the areas where you have this appliance located in your home. While this might be a shock to see, the longer this water can sit and spread throughout your home, the more damage it can cause. A situation like this is an excellent time to reach out to our SERVPRO emergency response team.

Right away, our IICRC certified technicians get to work with eliminating the source of the water damage (if it has not stopped before we arrive) and extracting the present water in the area. Pumps get used for fast extraction, and our drying equipment such as air movers get used to finish off the last of the present water in the area.

Appliances can add a new level of convenience to your home life, but they are not built to last forever. If you are battling flood damage from faulty appliances in your home, call SERVPRO of Spokane County today. You can reach us at any time by calling (509) 487-4700.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Spokane Home

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Carpet from a water line break. Call the experts at SERVPRO for any of your Water Damage needs.

Water damage is the main thing which weakens the foundation of your home and the core that holds your house together. Water damage hits at the core strength of your home, causing serious structural damage in the end. With damp wood, carpenter ants and termites have an invitation. Plus, mildew and mold start to grow. 
 
Knowing steps to prevent water damage can give you peace of mind during the next heavy storm. Your Spokane home can stand up to the elements, and you do not have to spend your time worrying about the possible damages that could happen. When water damage still occurs, get a professional remediation company into your home right away to minimize damages. SERVPRO is always ready to help you when needed. 
 
Make Sure You Have Good Drainage 
 
Poor drainage weakens your foundation, causing uneven settling, cracks, and pathways for water to get into your home. 
 
Keep your gutters clean. A clogged gutter sends cascades of water down the side of your house, which damages your siding and foundation. Make sure your downspouts direct the water five to ten feet away from your house. Also, ensure that your yard is sloped six inches or more over a ten-foot span away from the foundation. A gradient like this keeps water from getting right next to your foundation, which can crack the masonry, cause walls to lean, and make leaks. When it comes to crawl spaces, keeping water away ensures that extra water is not pooling under your floor, creating damp conditions that encourage rot, insects, and mold. 
 
If you ever notice leaking at all around your foundation, get in touch with our technicians at SERVPRO right away, as this can become an enormous and expensive problem if it is not taken care of as soon as possible. 
 
Check Your Sump Pump Regularly 
 
During a severe storm is not when you want to realize your sump pump is not working. Check it at least once a year, or more during a heavy period of storms. 
 
Fill the sump pump pit slowly with water and watch for the float to rise. Make sure the water level falls. Test your backup pump the same way, unplugging the main pump first. 
 
Check for Water Leaks 
 
Persistent leaks cause mildew and mold, rot, and the presence of carpenter ants and termites. If you are quick to fix a leak, you may experience no long-term damage. 
 
Look for dark spots under piping inside sink cabinets, toilets which rock, stains on ceilings, and drips. Inspect your roof at least once per year, and repair any loose, missing, or damaged shingles. Cracked caulking needs repair, and look for leaks around flashing. 
 
If you do ever find water leaks or damage in your home, you need to have it taken care of as soon as you can to prevent additional and more costly damage. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane can help you clean up and repair water damage of various kinds. Just give us a call at (509) 487-4700 any time of the day so that we can assess the damage and get your home back to its proper condition.

Free Insurance CE Classes In Spokane, WA

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Free Insurance CE Classes In Spokane, WA 9/6/2018

SERVPRO of Fire Extinguisher Powder After a Small Commercial Fire. is offering FREE Insurance CE Course's in Spokane on Thursday, September 6^th 2018 – hosted on the north side of Spokane at the Quality Inn on North Division. Please RSVP as soon as possible as space is limited and we are filling up fast!

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6^th: Ethics

Quality Inn Oakwood, N Division

8:00am-11:00am (Check-In is at 7:30am)

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6^th: Restorative Drying for Water Damage

Quality Inn Oakwood, N Division

12:00pm-2:00pm (Check-In is at 11:30am)

Muffins, Pastries, Lunch & Beverages Provided.

We would love for all Spokane-area insurance agents to attend and please share this information with any other agents/agencies who you think may be interested. We fly our instructor in from our Corporate Tennessee office and he does an excellent job and teaches the class with humor and some hands-on learning that keeps you engaged!  We also have fun giveaways for class attendees, leaving you with an opportunity to leave with something really cool!

This is a once a year event so save your spot today by emailing jess@SERVPROnwspokane.com.

Mold: Myths, Facts and Solutions

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Great example of mold visibility and level of actual damage

Mold is everywhere. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. That said, mold is not always bad. Many molds we embrace, and some of us even eat types of mold as delicacies. Yeast, Mushrooms and Blue Cheese are great examples of molds we embrace and which are widely consumed.  In addition to those, many types of mold are used in hospitals every day to fight and ward off infections - these include Penicillin, Lovastatin, Cyclosporine and many more. We also find ourselves in contact with mold every time we go outdoors - most of this mold is harmless and does nothing to us. Mold becomes dangerous and potentially harmful when it occurs in enclosed spaces with reduced circulation and a moist environment. There are specific types of mold that produce spores known as Mycotoxin - these are the ones you do not want around. That being said, there are some myths about how to handle, clean and remove mold should you find it within your home. 

Let us take a look at the top 8 myths:

Mold is natural so you do not have to worry about it.

If you only see a little bit of mold it is nothing to worry about it.

There should be no mold inside.

All mold is bad.

All mold causes health problems.

Bleach Kills mold.

Killing mold is enough I do not have to remove it.

Cleaning up mold is not that hard you can do it yourself.

WOW! Ok, that is a lot of information and very contradictory information at that. We have already debunked the idea that all molds are bad but what about the rest? While mold is a naturally occurring substance that does aid in decay it does not make it safe all the time. As we stated, it is the type of mold that can be damaging not only to the air but also to any building or area that it is found in. This is due to the way it feeds - mold must absorb nutrients from the organism rather than directly eating it.

When you can actually see the mold, you have a much larger problem. Mold likes warm moist areas to live and all too often these are places that go undisturbed for extended periods of time. When you can see the mold it is like an iceberg -the majority of it lives below the surface. When you open a container of fruit that was in the back of the refrigerator, what you see is contained inside a sealed area. Your home attic, basement or forgotten closet is not quite as contained.

This is not to say that no mold should be inside a home at all. Mold is everywhere and all around you but acceptable levels and safe types of mold are the focus here. When an area is given ripe conditions for growing mold is where problems arise. Your health along with any allergies will determine how much mold you can tolerate within the environment. No one has set specific levels however. There are a great number of contributing factors that come into play. Central heating and cooling for example allow for rapid air flow which can circulate spores faster as well create more airborne particles more likely to be breathed in than those that are not.

Having already determined that not all mold is bad, let us examine what happens to your health when you do come into contact with mold. First and foremost, it does not mean you will get sick. Just like anything else, there are varying degrees. For example, if you are very sensitive to the environment, already sick, or have severe allergies to other things, this could lead to a more intense reaction to mold spores. This does not mean a lack of a reaction means the mold is safe and does not need treated - if left untreated, it will continue to grow and can quickly become out of control.

So how do you get rid of it? Bleach right? WRONG! Understanding basic science helps here. Bleach is meant for topical treatments and does not soak into materials. Bleach is also very strong and can damage many surfaces that it comes into contact with. So anything porous gets a good cleaning from the surface could be ruined and you still have mold. Mold does not live on the surface of materials which we already discussed. It is a deep down organism and it needs the same to combat it. Concrobium (commercial grade) is a product that has these properties. It gets through the surface deep down into the materials, finds the mold spores, wraps itself around them and crushes them as it dries. While doing so, the anti-microbial barrier remains on the surface to protect against future mold growth. Bleach dries and evaporates. Remember mold is under surfaces just like the iceberg.

Ok, so you can go to the store and get some of that and are all set right? Well not exactly. Just wiping down a surface with the Concrobium is not enough. What caused the mold to grow in the first place? Did you use a scope and look behind the walls, get into the attic, or crawl space and see what was going on? Did you stop the problem? Did you remove the ruined insulation? What was the insulation rating, how thick was it and what did you do to replace it? How about that wall that is covered from the back? Were you able to get it all wiped and cleaned... wait, what about the front of the wall, the pretty part? Did you spray and wash that down? Did you know that the middle part of the wall has a membrane that most moisture can not get through which is why you only saw it on the back of the wall...how do you access that? This is why you do not just wipe it down and move on.

Killing the spores that are there does not mean you still do not have a problem. If some of the spores were disturbed while you were spraying the solution and traveled outside of the treated area, you will have this problem again. If too many of the spores became airborne they can get into vents and duct work and move to other areas of the house or even push down deeper into the materials affected and work from the other side that you may not have treated. Looking behind walls to determine the extent of the damage is important. Many walls and beams can be affected and could need to be replaced. Calling a professional to assist in the proper remediation is the best way to get it taken care of properly.

Myths debunked - Check. Doctor visits are recommended if you suspect you have any issues that could stem from mold. Always call a professional and have them assess the situation before you try and handle it yourself. Be safe out there and make sure you remember - not all mold is bad!

What You Should Know About Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

What You Should Know About Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

Mold is found under the fungi classification. It is a soft green or at times grey growth which develops on objects or old food left for a lengthy period in warm, wet air. It can be found in outdoor and indoor places, thus, it is important for the indoor humidity to be kept below forty-five percent because a higher humidity supports the growth of this class of fungus. Floods and high humidity levels often lead to microbial growth and fungus. Microbial growth can be present in an area, but that does not classify it as mold. The most efficient method of controlling microbial growth is by the moderation of temperature. When the temperature is lowered, the rate of microbial growth decreases rapidly. 
Mold and mildew are two fungi that people often tend to confuse. Mildew appears to be powdery and white in color then later turns to brown, black or yellow. The other fungus seems fuzzy but can appear in similar colors as the mildew. Mildew damages crops while molds damage the structural foundations of homes. Both fungi are usually accompanied by a musty odor which can lead to more health issues. It likes to thrive in moisturized areas and grows quickly into colonies with water exposure. These colonies are responsible for the production of irritants and allergens that affect the health of people. 

For mitigation of molds to take place, all sources of moisture and water need to be addressed otherwise it may regrow. The first step is to remove all traces of moldy growth immediately. Five fundamental principles must be applied by homeowners and employers to ensure successful mitigation of this fungus. They should focus on the source and moisture removal, safety, contamination control and assessment. Proper mitigation is essential once the fungi is removed because areas must be monitored to prevent it from occurring again.

It is important to determine the party that will be in charge of the mold cleanup. An environmental hygienist can determine what treatment can be used for this fungus. These hygienists mitigate the problem by sealing off the affected areas with plastic sheets to stop dispersion of the spores. Fungus should be dealt with by the wearing a face mask with high filtration and neoprene gloves. Once the mold cleanup is finished, the air around it needs to be cleaned using air exchange and scrubbers. 

It is essential for the environmental hygienist to have a protective suit because harsh chemicals are used for the mold cleanup. Hard surfaces with moldy growth have to be scrubbed with water and detergent and left to dry completely. Porous materials like carpets and ceiling tiles need to be disposed of by the environmental hygienists if they get moldy. The crevices of these porous materials are prone to mold growth, and painting can only happen once the environmental hygienists complete the mold cleanup otherwise the paint peels off. The correct mitigation strategies need to be employed for effective cleanup.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestspokane.com for more information on mold remediation.

Understanding Storms and How to Prepare

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Basics

 A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning. It is classified as “severe” when itcontains one or more of the following:

 Hail (one inch or greater)

Winds in excess of 58 mph

Structural wind damage

Tornado:

Tornadoes are arguably nature’s most violent storms. Generated from powerful thunderstorms, and generally appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the cloud base to the ground. With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 miles per hour, but may vary from stationary to 70 miles per hour. Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

 Tornado Facts and Storm Tips (above) are provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Watch vs. Warning

A severe thunderstorm watch: means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds. A watch is issued by the SPC (Storm Prediction Center).

A severe thunderstorm warning: means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on Doppler radar information or a reliable spotter report. A warning is issued by the local National Weather Service office.

 Watch vs. Warning and Storm Basics are provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). For more information visit their website: www.noaa.gov  

Be prepared!! Emergency Supply Kit 

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

Water (one gallon per person per day)

Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

Manual can opener

Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Clothing

Dust masks or bandanas

Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Local maps

Hygiene items

Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

Cash

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Before the storm 

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

Postpone outdoor activities.

Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.

Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixture can conduct electricity.

Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.

Take shelter in a sturdy building.

Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

Avoid contact with anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.

Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

After the storm

Never drive through a flooded roadway.

Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.

Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

If you have storm damage to your home or property call your local professional immediately. Timely mitigation is key to minimize secondary damages caused by severe storms.

SERVPRO of Spokane County (509) 487-4700

When the severe storm rolls out ...we roll in.

Water Damage and Flooding Dos & Don'ts

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Have A Water Damage Emergency?

Call (509) 487-4700

         What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.
  
  
  What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Reducing Business Interruption After a Disaster

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher Powder After a Small Commercial Fire.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Spokane County has a dedicated team to handle commercial emergencies? Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business. 

Our commercial response team has the experience and knowledge to help guide our client through the claims process, while performing services around the clock if necessary to bring the business back to operational status as quickly as possible. Even a small fire can shut your business down for several days or weeks if not taken care of properly. Contact SERVPRO of Spokane County today for an appointment for a free assessment and Emergency Ready Profile. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business

Does Your Business Have an Emergency/Disaster Plan?

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan
Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope, and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed, or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Your employees and co-workers are your businesses' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during, and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, consumers, and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.  

Problems That Can Happen If You Don't Hire Professionals To Handle Flood Service In Spokane

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Floods happen in a lot of areas around the world, and you never know when the water from the flood is going to affect you and your home or business. Everyone hopes this doesn't happen to them, but unfortunately it does. When you have water in your home or business from a flood, hire only professionals who handle flood service in Spokane.

When you don't hire professionals to handle this issue for you, there are problems that can happen that most people don't know about. It is smart for you to learn what these problems are now so that you can understand how important it is to hire the professionals right away.

Below are the most common problems that can happen.

One: Water can be left behind - Anyone can clean up water that you can see, but not everyone knows or thinks about water getting into areas where you can't see. The professionals do know this, and they will look in all areas to ensure that the water is gone.

For example, water can seep into cracks in the walls or under the flooring. Any water that is not cleaned up will cause another problem to happen.

Two: Mold can grow - This is another problem that no one wants to happen in their home or business, but if there is water left behind after a flood that wasn't cleaned up then this will become a problem for you.

The professionals will clean up all the water, even in areas where it can't be seen before they leave your home. That will stop this second problem from happening to you.

Three: Structural damage to your home or business - This can become a major problem, and an expensive one. Water can cause the structure of your home or business to deteriorate, and that can cause the structure to become weak and unsafe.

By hiring the professionals from the beginning of the water problem you can prevent this problem. They will get the water cleaned up right away from all areas so that your home or business is safe to live or be in again.

You can clearly see that hiring the professionals for flood service in Spokane is definitely the smart step to take because they have the knowledge, experience, time and equipment needed to stop all of these problems from happening to you. Just be smart and call in the professionals from the first sign of water damage to your home or business from a flood so that you can have peace of mind knowing that the problem isn't going to become a bigger problem for you later on.

Summary: Floods happen in a lot of areas around the world, and you never know when the water from the flood is going to affect you and your home or business. Everyone hopes this doesn't happen to them, but unfortunately it does. When you have water in your home or business from a flood you need to hire professionals to handle flood service in Spokane for you. 

Check us out at BBB for more info.

Spokane Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Spokane basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface Water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-Water tank failure
• And many more...

Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call (509) 487-4700

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spokane County is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Spokane Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

A  Spokane basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Spokane, WA basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

The flooding in this Spokane, WA home was caused by heavy rain runoff.  Spokane had received several inches of rain that week and it overwhelmed the system.

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane was onsite within an hour of the initial call, to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process.  In less than four days we had the entire basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine your homes’ structure is actually dry. 

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• We have advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

When A Spokane Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

When A Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins 

You didn't anticipate a flash flood, but it happened. A building that held your business or the place you call home has felt the impact of flood water. How should you handle this situation? What is the next step? Questions will fill a person's mind, and emotions are difficult to handle. Recovering from a flash flood will not happen quickly. It will take time to return to normal.

Remain Informed
When trying to recover from Spokane storm damage, it's important to stay aware of events from the local media such as internet, social media, television and radio. Weather radio can also provide important information. There is always a chance of dangerous flooding even after the water levels have dropped. The news media will be able to provide information on when it will be safe to return or go outside.

Examine Utilities
If a person returns to a building and sees wires that are frayed or broken, smells burning insulation or sees sparks, the electricity needs to be turned off immediately. Avoid going into water to reach a fuse box. Ask for help from a professional electrician if this is the case. It is possible that a building's sewage or water lines have sustained damage. A licensed plumber needs to be asked for help. In some cases, people may smell propane or natural gas or hear a hissing noise. If this happens, a person should leave the area immediately and inform the fire department.

Do Not Consume the Water
When a flash flood has impacted a building or home, neither the well nor tap water should be used for drinking or anything else. It is best to wait until the authorities declare the water does not contain any type of pollutants. It is best to get bottled water or water from a safe source to use until the building's or home's water is safe. 

Children And Pets
A flash flood situation is very dangerous. Children and pets need to be watched closely to keep them safe from harm.

Flooded Areas
It is important to stay away from flooded areas. Barricades should not be challenged. There could be a number of problems that are visible as well as invisible. This includes road damage, bridge damage, and a number of other problems. It's important to follow the recommendation of emergency workers. Avoid driving as much as possible and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Moving Water
It's important for people to stay away from any moving water. It only takes half a foot of moving water to knock a person down. A few feet of moving water can sweep away most automobiles.

Traveling
When going any place after a flash flood, it will require the utmost caution. Traveling should only be done with necessary. It would be best only to go when the flood water is no longer moving. If going across flooded areas, a stick should be used to determine depth and firmness before each step. Contaminated water is a danger as well as dangerous debris, unnoticed animals, weakened roads and walkways can make traveling very dangerous by both by foot or by car. Do not go into any building surrounded by flood water. Wait until authorities have declared it to be safe.

Get Help
SERVPRO of Spokane County can be contacted to restore items in a building or home that have been impacted by water damage.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Once the floodwater has lowered, it is time to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting all wet items in a home. This will protect homeowners from chemical contaminants as well as sewage and more. Wearing protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots is essential during this process. In many cases, to eliminate the damage caused by Spokane storm damage, it may require upholstery cleaning as well as carpet cleaning, mold remediation and more.

Throw Away
Any food in cans or jars that came in contact with flood water need to be thrown away. It's also a good idea to get rid of any plastic utensils, bottled water, baby bottles and more that were in flood water.

Scammers
After every flood, there are going to be fake contractors who will try and take advantage of the situation. This is the time to only work with reputable contractors who are professional. They will provide the best cleanup and repair service.

Drainage
When a building's basement get flooded, it is best to drain it slowly. Experts recommend approximately 1/3 each day. This is a safe drainage method and will prevent structure damage. If water is removed too quickly, it could cause a structure to collapse.

Insurance Claims
Once a flash flood has happened, it's time to contact the insurance company and start the claim recovery process. Many homeowner policies do not cover Spokane flood damage. Confirm flood coverage prior to a flood.

Help
When trying to figure out recovery steps from a flash flood, it's important to stay in touch with the local television and radio. They can provide important recovery information such as government and other organizations to contact. If your home is impacted by a flash flood. Contact us immediately, and the work will begin as soon as you need.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spokane County is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

How To Choose The Right Dehumidifier To Help Prevent Mold Damage In Spokane

8/9/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent Mold Damage

As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of the risk of mold. Mold is a fungus, and the spores eat into organic materials in your home and bring a real danger of damage to your home and belongings. A home that has mold might smell musty, and the patches themselves are unsightly. Fungus in the home can even cause health effects.

Humidity is a key factor when it comes to mold damage in your Spokane home. Humidity means the amount of moisture present in the air. As mold loves a moist environment, high humidity increases the risk of fungal growth.

One way to reduce moisture and help prevent mold damage is investing in a dehumidifier for your home. A dehumidifier is a straightforward and portable piece of equipment that lowers the humidity level of the air in your house. Dehumidifiers work by drawing in the damp air and forcing it over cooling coils, where the moisture in the air forms condensation which is collected by the machine. The unit pumps drier air back into your room and causes the humidity to go down.

SERVPRO® has a range of powerful dehumidifiers on hand to help you with any damp problems you have. However, if damp is an ongoing concern in your home we highly recommend investing in your dehumidifier, too.

You might wonder how best to choose your dehumidifier. Most manufacturers label dehumidifiers according to how many pints of moisture they remove per day. So, a 20-pint dehumidifier removes 20 pints of water from the air in a 24 hour period. Your choice of dehumidifier relies on two things: How big an area you need it for, and how damp the area is.

The Association Of Home Appliance Manufacturers states the following sizes as a starting guide:

500 square feet – 10 pints
1000 square feet – 14 pints
1500 square feet – 18 pints
2000 square feet – 22 pints
2500 square feet – 26 pints

These recommendations are accurate for a moderately damp home with some musty odor in humid weather. A higher capacity dehumidifier is better for damper homes.

If you are concerned about humidity, give SERVPRO a call. As well as a range of dehumidifiers, we have testing equipment such as moisture probes and thermal hygrometers on hand to assess the damp levels in your home and advise you on the best next steps to take. For help dealing with humidity, call SERVPRO of Spokane County at (509) 487-4700.

For more about Spokane click here.

Post-Vacation Water Damage Surprise From Your Spokane Garden Sitter

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Surprise

When homeowners take a week or two off during growing season, they often hire a local youngster to take care of watering chores. Watering done too enthusiastically, especially near a foundation, threatens basements and crawl spaces with damage. Call SERVPRO® if your welcome home gift is a wet basement.

A local teenager agreed to keep your flower and vegetable gardens maintained while you and your family traveled out of state. He accidentally ran a soaker hose next to your foundation overnight, causing water damage to your Spokane bungalow. Engaging a local restoration company with experience drying out a partially finished basement is the first thing you need to do. Our certified and licensed team fits the bill.

SERVPRO offers full-service restoration, able to manage the range of tasks necessary to dry out cinder block, drywall, paneling, and all types of flooring. Technicians measure moisture levels in all of the structures and components, assigning appropriate drying goals to each. Carpeting receives thorough water extraction, taking care not to stretch or pull fibers away from the backing. We assess tile, laminate or hardwood floors, using our powerful wet vacuums for surface water and drying mats if subfloor moisture is a concern. If necessary, we pull up portions of the floor coverings to expose the moisture we need to remove.

Cinderblock lines the entire foundation, and the crew scans for hidden water trapped in cells. A low impact, high result method to release water drills holes in the mortar joints, but we also search for openings at the top of the blocks to pull water out with flexible tubing. Sheetrock or paneling in the finished area add a layer or more and increases the number of recesses where water hides. SERVPRO uses advanced technology to locate pockets of moisture, removing portions of the wall covering if required to reach and extract the water.

Air movers and dehumidifiers continue decreasing the moisture level, aimed under the carpeting and between the foundation bricks and paneling or sheetrock via tubing or through slots we create by removing pieces of the material. Restoration is the goal, but if crumbling, saturated drywall or separating pressed wood is a problem, we suggest replacing some materials.

We also assess furnishings and personal belongings, taking them to a dry area in the basement or outside. Before you commit to off-site drying, we discuss what items you want to be selected for special drying treatments and keep a complete inventory of what we remove for further processing.

Rely on SERVPRO of Spokane County to develop a water damage restorations plan that returns your sense of home and peace of mind. Call (509) 487-4700 day or night to schedule an assessment.

Click here to learn more about the city of Spokane.

The Professionals at SERVPRO Spokane County Can Handle Your Storm Damage in Spokane

7/8/2017 (Permalink)

Let the Experts from SERVPRO of Spokane County handle Storm Cleanup and Recovery

Severe weather visits residents of the Inland Northwest several times a year. Some homeowners see flooded basements or trees toppled on homes or even wind damage to roofs and other property. SERVPRO of Spokane County has the experience and the specialized equipment to safely handle these weather-related issues--and more.

When damage does occur you need the structure secured, the damage assessed, and an action plan developed by experienced restoration specialists. Our local disaster recovery company is familiar with the process and procedures required to transform damaged elements to “Like it never even happened.”
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County provides emergency response services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our crew arrives quickly and has the tools, equipment, and materials to begin the process of assessment planning for your complete restoration. The first thing your crew will do is determine if your home is safe for you to occupy. If tarping or other temporary repairs are needed to reduce further damage, we are prepared for that too--no matter the time of day.
 
We'll also work closely with your insurance company, encouraging an expedited claim approval, so you can get back to your life as quickly as possible. Many insurance companies prefer to work with SERVPRO of Spokane County in the storm damage restoration process. 
 
Since we are a full-service restoration company, we are prepared to handle a comprehensive array of cleaning, repairing, and restoration tasks for any size disaster. 
 
Over the first hours and days, you'll get prompt and professional action from our team. Even if power is down our truck-mounted equipment can still handle water removal and extraction. Drying goals and cleaning targets are set by your experienced project manager. One phase of restoration follows another until SERVPRO of Spokane County completes all tasks and your refreshed and rehabbed home reemerges proudly from the post-storm chaos.
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County answers your call at (509) 487-4700 all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year. Let us to be your restoration specialists when weather damages your home.

Discovering Mold Damage in Your Spokane Home and What We Can Do to Help

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Utilizes Varying Methodologies for Mold Remediation in Your Spokane Property

Most people have heard about mold and how it can affect homes in damaging ways, but sometimes what has been circulated by social media or other sources is incorrect of exaggerated. One myth that has propagated online is that mold is only a problem if it is black in color. The fact is that all mold can cause damage to your home, regardless of the color, and many types of mold have the potential also to cause health effects in people.
 
Residents in Spokane who have mold damage in their home should not panic. Finding mold does not mean that you need to move. The professional technicians at SERVPRO are highly experienced and trained according to standards set by the IICRC, giving them the ability to remediate your mold situation effectively. This brings up another point that you may have heard. Mold cannot be eliminated from your home, only remediated. This is true.
 
Remediation puts mold back into a normal state. However, mold can never be entirely removed because the fungi have many pathways to re-enter your home and spores are present, even in minute amounts. Excess water and moisture need to be eliminated to mitigate the chances of reinfestations.
 
Water, one of mold's needs, must be eliminated from the environment in your home. Water should be in the tub, your sinks, and your pets' water bowls, and no other location. Even a small drip is enough to let mold grow and cause substantial damage to your residence. Another myth is that mold can be destroyed by using bleach.
 
Bleach that you buy at the grocery store is mostly water, the very thing needed by mold. The bleach can make it seem as if the mold is gone, but this is only because of the bleach's color-destroying properties. The bleach never penetrates into the material being cleaned of mold, remaining on the surface. The water, however, finds its way in, then slowly evaporates, giving the mold the nourishment needed to 'return' again. Mold is never actually removed with this method.
 
What SERVPRO can do to combat mold and any damage may seem complicated, but it is based on very sound science. There are many steps involved, and these measures begin with stopping any water from being where it should not exist. We use moisture meters and humidity detectors to locate areas that are higher in moisture than they should be by comparing readings from one area to another one inside your home. We trace these spaces back to the water's source and stop it from coming in anymore. Installing a dehumidifier when the source of water in your home includes the basement's floor is highly recommended, and we can assist you with this, also.
 
Then we begin to remove materials that are not salvageable, and quickly replace them. Locations in your home that are not damaged are cleaned. Both types of areas are treated with a mold inhibitor, a very strong preventative measure that is safe around both children and pets once dry. Fungicides, of industrial strength, when applied properly, do kill mold colonies.
 
Because mold travels by air, heavy duty commercial grade HEPA air filters called air scrubbers are used to filter the air, trapping any mold particles or spores that pass through. When mold damage has created a stagnant odor, we also perform deodorization techniques. These can fall into two groups – agents that change the dominant scent in a room, and neutralizing techniques that remove the minuscule particles that are the cause of the odor.
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County is your local source for mold damage restoration and remediation. We know you love your home and can help you restore it to the state it should be in, healthy and safe, so that your family can live there worry-free. Call us for answers to your questions. Our number, (509) 487-4700, is answered 24/7, so there is no reason to hesitate to call.

Service Directory for Spokane.

SERVPRO: Your Experts in Commercial Water Damage in Spokane, WA

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Loss

Handle Your Spokane Commercial Water Damage with SERVPRO

If you have recently become a victim of commercial water damage in Spokane WA, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages. There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible and to decrease any health risks when water damage has occurred in a commercial space.

 Preparing a Space for Water Damage Restoration

Before you enter your commercial space or any flooded building, you will need to make sure the electrical power to the structure is shut off. You should also be aware that during a flooding event, small animals or reptiles tend to seek shelter inside of buildings. Be prepared to deal with the discovery of wild animals in your space.

Protect yourself from entering any flooded building by wearing an organic vapor respirator. You can purchase these at any local paint and building supply stores. You also want to have rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The first thing you should do is ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and placing fans where possible.

Unfortunately, there likely will be items that you need to throw away. Any items that are porous and have absorbed contaminated floodwater cannot be restored. If your commercial space has drywall, mattresses, pillows, box springs, particle board, carpets or carpet pads, these will need to be discarded if they have become saturated. However, there is good news: If you have clothing or household fabrics that can be machine-washed, you may be able to salvage them. Use your washing machine to clean these items with a 10-minute soak at the minimum in hot water with detergent. The soap and normal wash should remove most of the contamination and any staining that is present.

Be aware that your commercial space will need a thorough professional inspection, cleaning and possibly restructuring. Water damaged walls and installations must be removed and repaired, and pockets of saturation should be exposed for drying and sanitizing. Always remember that mold growth could take a few days to appear as it thrives in a moist environment with organic-type materials such as paper or particle board and in temperatures that range between 60 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep good airflow throughout the interior environment, and maintain moderate temperatures to decrease the risk of any mold growth. It is also important that you let your space dry out before any rebuilding occurs.

Services You Can Count On in Spokane, WA

You can depend on SERVPRO to provide reasonable prices for commercial damages and other services in the Spokane area. Our restoration services include cleanup after water damage, fire damage, and storm damage. We also assist with mold remediation, and we're qualified to provide cleaning and building services. Our trained and certified IICRC technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin your restoration. Whether you require cleanup after a commercial water damage or simply need a carpet cleaning, call us at (509) 487-4700.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup in Spokane

1/2/2017 (Permalink)

Your Business Needs to Look and Smell Inviting after Fire Damage Restoration

Presentation is important for any business, and doubly so in the service sector. If you own or manage a store or restaurant, your customers will likely be discouraged or even scared off by obvious signs of damage and visual blemishes on your property. SERVPRO® knows first-hand that some of the most thorough visual damages to a building can come from fires, whether through the burn itself or any associated events and factors. These blemishes and issues are commonly cleaned up by our restoration teams, to ensure that once a company's doors get back open, they stay open. 
 
Burn Marks 
 
Burns and char easily rank among the most visible types of commercial fire damage in Spokane, immediately giving away to any observer the fact that a fire has burned in the area. Blackened or darkened materials, even if they have no other major damage beyond discoloration, can still be resource and time-intensive to cover up, often requiring a wide cleaning and repainting job to make sure colors blend well and no burn material remains. 
 
Smoke and Ash 
 
Smoke and ash leave a profound impact on a building, to both the sight and smell of anyone nearby. Smoke is a pervasive scent and easily noticeable in most cases, but can also leave behind a great deal of smearing and coat surfaces. Depending on the type of smoke and conditions of this fire, this may be a relatively easy cleanup job, or a more thorough repainting may be in order. 
 
Structural Damage 
 
SERVPRO can also help to restore mild structural damage caused by a fire, rebuilding walls, floors, supports, and other elements of a building if they have been burned through or collapsed on. We always aim to restore before replacing, and in this way can potentially save you thousands in reconstruction costs where they are not necessary. 
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County helps businesses to get back on track after a disaster. Give us a call at (509) 487-4700.

Help After A House Fire in Spokane

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

How To Handle A House Fire In Spokane WA

Having your residential property undergo extensive fire damage in Spokane can be a very traumatic occurrence. In addition to adversely impacting your emotional equilibrium, the fire can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your property. However, learning more about what fires entail and how to handle them effectively can help you remain calm if and when the natural disaster or accident strikes your home. Get the information and advice you need regarding this important matter by reviewing the short outline provided below:

Physical Damages. Because the fire's temperature exceeds 1,200 degrees F, the heat from the fire can cause more problems than the flames did. Additionally, the smoke from the fire can make its way through the structure and possessions on your property. In so doing, the smoke can leave unpleasant odors and unsightly stains from soot. This cleanup is very challenging and should only be performed by certified IICRC specialists from SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane.

Returning Home. After the flames are extinguished, and you can return to survey your home, the result can be a difficult experience. Seeing your property in fire damaged shape or utter ruin can leave you feeling heartbroken and helpless. If the damages are severe enough, the fire department may not allow you to enter your property. To minimize the current fire damage and to thwart extensive secondary water damage, you will need to get in contact with all the right people as quickly as possible.

Who To Call. The first individual you'll want to get in contact with is your insurance agent. If the fire damage is severe, they will dispatch out an insurance adjuster. This individual will walk through the structure taking pictures of damages, and listing fire damaged items and materials. Ask the adjuster, or previously your agent, for a referral to a fire damage restoration company -  chances are they will suggest SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. This local franchise is on the approved vendor list for over 315 insurance companies, property management companies and federal and state entities. Our inspectors will also create a list (CCIS) of damaged items and categorize them as salvageable, questionable, or candidates for tossing. By working in conjunction with you and your adjuster, we can assist in the claims process and save you time and money. Not to mention that we will relieve you of most of the stress from this unfortunate event.

Clean-Up Services. There is a specific protocol for fire damage control and restoration. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has heavy duty pumps and wet-vacs to extract water from the fire department's work. We will secure the grounds against vandalism and theft and use plywood, tarps, and all means available to protect your home from the weather. An arsenal of equipment can be utilized to dry out furnishings and building materials. We will dispose of unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring, and carpeting. We can also repair and have replaced structurally destroyed materials.

Let Us Help You Now. As a team of experienced fire damage restoration specialists, the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane respond immediately to your emergency in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington. We understand the trauma that results from a large-scale home inferno and will treat you and your family with empathy and understanding. Allow us to get you back home into your house like it never even happened.

Faster to Any Size Fire Emergency

When water and fire damage strike, a fast response is critical. We’re dedicated to responding immediately day or night to your Spokane, WA home. A faster response helps to prevent secondary damage and helps to reduce cost. Call us 24/7 for help. (509) 487-4700

How Do You Clean Up A Flooded Basement In Spokane, WA?

12/29/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Dries Out a Flooded Basement in Spokane, WA

A Flooded Basement In Spokane Requires A Professional Restoration Company

Torrential rains over a period of several days can saturate the ground so thoroughly that even a typically sound basement experiences flooding. Standing water in your lower level can be a real problem if you have no sump pump system in place, but SERVPRO of Spokane County has the equipment and the expertise to remove the water and dry the flooring and structure to prevent secondary damage. Whether you use your basement for living areas, storage or mechanical systems like your water heater and furnace, or some combination, excessive water and moisture must be managed swiftly. If the water has seeped in because of rain, it may not contain a lot of contaminants. Removing storm water fast avoids the risk of more aggressive contamination and often permits water logged flooring and possessions to be restored rather than removed and discarded.
 
A flooded basement causing water damage in Spokane can be dried out in a straightforward manner if our technicians are on the job within the first hours after the water began to collect inside. Depending on the amount of water in the basement, we will use submersible pumps or extractors to remove it. Our attention will then move to any residual moisture that may be trapped in flooring, floor coverings or the walls. As basements usually have concrete floors, we will use air movers and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out. Tiles or carpeting will be assessed as to whether they can be dried in place, off-site or need to be removed and replaced. 
 
SERVPRO of Spokane County professionals will also take care to evaluate the condition of any heating systems and appliances in the basement due to the risk of electrical shock and the potential leaking of fuel into the flood water. Technicians will also inspect the walls, particularly the cinder block that often comprises the outer dimensions of the basement. Using specialized moisture probes, our technicians will determine if extra actions are needed to release water trapped in the cinder blocks. Holes may be drilled in grout joints to move water out, and our team will also be looking for insulation or vapor barriers that may complicate the complete drying of cinder block construction. Establishing a free air flow over and through the wet areas of the basement is the key to safe restoration. 
 
SERVPRO is proud to be the water damage restoration company insurance companies and homeowners rely upon. If your home or vacation property suffers a flooded basement call (509) 487-4700 anytime - day or night - to schedule our water damage professionals to inspect and advise on how to get the water out and dry out your flooded basement.

Wood-Burning Stove and Fireplace Safety in Spokane and Eastern Washington

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

Not much compares to the warm pleasure of gathering around your fireplace or wood-burning stove on a cold winter’s night. Enjoy the warmth, but do be safe. Here are a few wood-burning stove and fireplace safety tips:

1. Have a professional annual inspection

If you’re planning to burn wood, make sure your stove (or fireplace) and chimney have been thoroughly checked by a professional chimney sweep. Stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year. Wood-burning stoves should be inspected annually for ash and creosote buildup, cracks, and animal or bird nests.

Concerned About Your Wood Stove or Fireplace? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

2. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Make sure you have enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Are they in good working order? Important in all homes, these detectors are especially essential in homes with wood-burning stoves.

3. Check your wood-burning stove’s ventilation

Venting the stove is the most important part of the wood-burning system. According to Nationwide Insurance, 90% of all stove-related fires originate within the venting system. A venting system is not a chimney – it consists of lengths of 24-gauge or heavier stovepipe which connects the stove to an approved chimney.

4. Consider a moisture meter

If you stack wood outside in the weather, the Environmental Protection Agency advises you to consider purchasing a moisture meter. You can use one to make sure your timber is dry and safe to burn. Meters can be purchased online for a little as $20. Hardwoods—such as maple, beech, ash, hickory, or oak—are the best fuel for a wood-burning stove. Your wood should be cut, split, and air dried for at least a year before burning.

5. Keep flammables away

Keep furniture, drapes, rugs, and anything flammable away from your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Sometimes people move furniture closer to the fireplace or stove during warmer months. If you do that, move the furniture and any home decorations back a safe distance before lighting up your fireplace or stove.

6. Always have the right flooring

Never have carpet installed directly in front of your fireplace or wood-burning stove. A spark could land on it and start a fire. Good flooring to have near your fireplace or stove is linoleum or brick. You want a floor that’s not as combustible as carpeting.

7. Keep your insurance company informed

Tell your insurer you have installed a fireplace or a wood-burning stove. If a spark from the fireplace or the wood stove pops out and burns your couch and a large portion of a neighboring wall, you could be stuck paying the entire bill if the insurance company doesn’t know about that particular heat source. 

8. Inspect the dampers

If your wood-burning stove has an automatic draft regulator controlled by a thermostat, carefully follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. A manually operated damper can be installed on the pipe near the stove. This damper should not obstruct more than 80 percent of the pipe area. A second damper higher up on the vertical section of the stovepipe is advisable to permit shutting down the stove in case of a chimney fire.
 
9. If you’re buying a wood stove, buy quality.

Be sure any stove you buy is made of sturdy, suitable material, such as cast iron or steel.  Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. If you purchase a used stove, check it carefully for cracks or other defects. The legs, hinges, grates, and draft louvers should also be checked carefully.

10. Never do these six things

Be careful with how you install, monitor, and maintain a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Five things you should never do are:
1.    Connect your wood stove to a fireplace chimney unless the fireplace has been sealed off
2.    Connect your wood stove to a chimney serving another appliance burning other fuels.
3.    Start a wood stove fire with flammable fluids, such as gasoline
4.    Extend the stovepipe through a wall or ceiling (unless there’s no alternative)
5.    Burn trash in a wood-burning stove. That may start a chimney fire.
6.    Let a wood fire burn unattended or overnight

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is here to help anytime, 24/7. At SERVPRO, we are trained in many restoration services & know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from damage to your home or business.  

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane
IICRC Certified Technicians

Call (509) 487-4700
24 Hour Emergency Service

Homeowner Insurance Tips for Water Damage Coverage in Spokane

9/23/2016 (Permalink)

Water damaged ceiling needs professional repair and restoration.

Water damage coverage in a homeowner’s insurance policy, and even renter insurance, has changed over the years. It is helpful to review your policy annually, to understand what is covered and what may have changed from previous years.

Normally, these conditions would be covered by an insurance policy.

• Burst water pipes and water heaters
• Sudden or accidental overflow of a toilet, tub, or sink
• Sewer backup from drains and sump pumps (there may be a relatively low policy limit)

Most existing homeowner policies probably don’t cover the following conditions:

• Ground flooding
• Slow, dripping leaks
• Overflowing streams or rivers 

Regular maintenance is required for a roof, such as replacing shingles or tiles and keeping the roof cleared from debris, and this regular upkeep is a determining factor in insurance claims. However, inside content damage from a roof leak might be covered by your policy.

Slow, dripping leaks, such as those from an incorrectly installed toilet, sink, shower or bathtub are usually not covered. Whenever something is considered maintenance-related, chances are the insurance expects that you properly maintain your dwelling.

Flood damage from an overflowing river or nearby body of water might be covered, depending on the area where you live. Homeowner policies have changed greatly over the years, especially if the property is located on or near a water table. An additional flood insurance policy is usually required, because a normal homeowner policy will not cover damages resulting from a flood of this type.

Usually, an insurance investigator will determine if the water damage is a result of negligence or lack of maintenance. After they ask you questions about the problem, they usually schedule an appointment at your home to physically inspect the damage and where it originated from.

If you have sudden water damage, call SERVPRO of Spokane County, we can assist with coordinating the insurance claim, and when the underlying cause is proven to be insurance-related, we will work with the adjuster for inspections, proper repairs, and restoring your home again. SERVPRO of Spokane County staff knows how to handle insurance claims and perform the repairs needed on your home.

Water Damage Cleanup or Storm Damage? Call the Professionals at SERVPRO in Spokane and Eastern Washington

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a home or business can cause major damage.

It Is Safer and More Efficient To Deal With Certified Professionals For Cleanup After a Storm

Storms and other disasters can cause catastrophic amounts of damages to your home. If you're dealing with storm damage, look no further than the professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County in Eastern Washington. Our technicians are skilled in cleaning up and restoring practically any disaster you can imagine. 
 
Spokane and Eastern Washington - area residents deal with all kinds of wind and water damages from storms. There are high winds that demolish your roof, destroy trees, and cause extensive amounts of water damages. Forecasts regularly bring dangerous storms, torrential downpours, and even tornado activity that can spell certain disaster for virtually any business. 
 
What Kinds of Damages Can Storms Bring? 
 
Storm damages can cause a lot more damages than you might expect. They destroy power lines, create fire hazards, blow over trees, and even cause deadly and ruinous flooding that quickly causes permanent damage to your home or commercial business. Furthermore, you might not even notice wind damage until much later; until massive leaks form or the roof collapses. Further ice and snow accumulation on the roof can be catastrophic, leading to thousands upon thousands of dollars, sometimes millions for big corporations. 
 
The potential problems associated with storm damage in Spokane and Eastern Washington can be numerous:

• Large branches broken off precariously near the roof of the house

• Limbs in contact (or nearly touching) power lines, which can be a serious fire hazard

• Dead, hollowed out limbs

• Flooding and standing water build-up

• Mold build up (due to excessive moisture)

   
  We Provide a Wide Range of Helpful services 
  
  SERVPRO of Spokane County are the ultimate professionals when it comes to storm damage repair and prevention. Wind damage can break skylights, bring down sidewalls, collapse roof structures, and even shatter your windows. Luckily, you won't have to contact a lot of different servicemen, because SERVPRO of Spokane County handles virtually any storm-related damage to a home or business, ranging from: 

• Weather resistant roof covers

• Board Clean-up or securing

• Tree removal from structures

• On-site cleanup of tree limbs or debris

• Complete water extraction and warped floor repair

• Damage repairs, reconstruction, and replacement of your property
   
  Don't Start Cleaning Up Storm Damage By Yourself 
   
  It can be overwhelming to deal with different types of storm damage, especially when it wrecks your home. You'd probably be tempted to try and clean it up yourself, but you'd risk injuring yourself. Touching low-hanging wires can cause electrocution while branches and other debris can be much heavier than you think. Instead, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County to ensure that your damages are handled as efficiently as possible. 
   
  Each SERVPRO franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spokane County knows how to take care of disasters and their customers. We're strategically located to deal with practically any emergency no matter how big or small.

  Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
  Call Us Today (509) 487-4700

Flood Damage Can Be Fixed By Professionals in Your House

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding Means Swift Water Removal to Salvage Your Property in Spokane & Eastern Washington.

SERVPRO® Can Restore Your Storm Damaged Property in the Spokane and Eastern Washington - Areas

Some areas of the U.S. are more prone to Flood Damage problems than others. Even though this is true, it also important to note that flood waters can affect any home since there are a number of causes for flooding. From an extended period of heavy rains caused by thunderstorms to broken pipes in the basement, any homeowner may need this kind of assistance. It does not matter where the flooding or water comes from because the aftermath can produce the same or similar problems. By hiring an experienced professional team from SERVPRO, we can assist you in returning your life to normalcy.

With this in mind, here are three essential Spokane and Eastern Washington Flood Damage Services that our professionals are known for providing to the homes that have been affected. 
 
#1 - Removes Excess Water 
The aftermath of any flood can be a very distressing time for everyone involved. In fact, it may take some people a little while to wrap their mind around the extensive damage that flooding actually causes. However, once the owner and their family begin to realize the adverse effects, they usually want to start the recovery process as quickly as possible by contacting one of our professional representatives. Therefore, one of the first things that our team will begin to do is remove all of the excess water to minimize the potential for secondary water damage. Our team can do this process swiftly because we are equipped with the expertise and advanced industry water removal equipment from truck-mounted power pumps to wet-vacs, and mops.
 
#2 – Dry Out the Home to Prevent Mold 
When the excess water had been removed, the next step or services that needed to be provided is to dry out all of the items in the home to prevent problems in the future with mold or other related issues. Fortunately, our IICRC certified and skilled crews have the equipment and tools to take care of these matters. This part of the process begins by drying the floors, furniture, clothing and other areas in the home that were impacted by the flood waters. 
 
#3- Provides a Final Inspection 
Before our crew leaves the site, we will also complete an inspection to see if the extensive flood damage has been restored. The flooding could have traveled into areas that cannot be easily seen without the appropriate detection devices like moisture meters and hygrometers. This inspection is to ensure a complete restoration of these issues, and you will receive documentation attesting to the return of your house to its preloss condition.
 
Call us 24/7 to respond to your flooding problems so that we can quickly restore your property. Call 509-487-4700 to contact SERVPRO of Spokane County.

Spokane Commercial Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

5/26/2016 (Permalink)

Spokane water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. Call 509-487-4700.

Commercial Buildings In Spokane Have Disasters

All properties can have an unforeseen disaster at any time. They can be small like a water leak, or large catastrophes like a complete fire that burns the building to the ground.

We at SERVPRO have seen all types of Spokane water and fire disasters to commercial properties and residential homes.

The first thing to do after you discover a problem is to call a fire and water restoration company in Spokane that can handle the job. We at SERVPRO have unlimited resources to take care of any size project. Our large loss team has yet to come upon a restoration job that they could not handle.

If you have questions about what to do or may just need a inspection we are here to help.

Have Questions? Call Today – (509) 487-4700

Spokane Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is available 24 hours a day to restore your Spokane property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events.

You may also visit our SERVPRO Facebook page for more information about us and what we do.

Spokane Biohazard and Sewage-What to Do?

5/26/2016 (Permalink)

Biohazard cleanup team is ready in Spokane.

SERVPRO Can Safely Remedy Biohazard and Sewage Cleanup in Spokane

Spokane biohazard and sewage cleanup can involve hidden dangers. It must only be handled by an expert team, with the right training, skills, and equipment to do the job safely. With the assistance of a professional biohazard service from SERVPRO, you can rest assured that your health and the security of your property is a top priority.

There are many reasons why biohazards develop. Several are crime scene residues, chemical spills, animal waste or carcasses, hoarding, and the most frequent, sewage backups. The main point to remember is that certain chemicals and pathogens can lead to unhealthy and dangerous consequences if left untreated in a home or business. If you suspect that this kind of problem has occurred in or around your property, you need to call in the SERVPRO experts quickly to assess the situation.

Once the experts carry out a thorough inspection of the site, they can give you a general assessment. You should not attempt to re-enter the property until you have received clearance from an authoritative source.

The reason eradication and elimination are the primary tactics for biohazard cleanup are because any materials that have come into contact with raw sewage could present a serious risk to health. Within areas deemed ‘unsafe,’ life-threatening organisms like E. coli, salmonella, tapeworm, HPV (human papilloma virus), chemicals, and even HIV and AIDs can lurk if blood is present.

If you experience any breakdown involving sewage in Spokane on a scale larger than a small toilet overflow, you absolutely must contact a biohazard removal team right away. In most cases, it is only sewer water that warrants such an immediate reaction, but it is important to be aware that other forms of water damage can become harmful if left untreated.

For example, water from drains and polluted rivers may flood a property and deposit contaminants. This water is not clean; it contains all kinds of bacteria, irritants, and harmful substances and is termed Black Water. This is why you should never wait before you get water damage of any type restored and repaired, even as the contaminated water is quickly removed from the premises.

For businesses, the urgency of biohazard cleanup is particularly pressing. You cannot afford to have your workers or clients exposed to contaminated water, pathogenic agents from a crime scene, or meth lab chemicals. Get in touch with an expert biohazard cleanup team from SERVPRO right away. These skilled professionals, wearing Hazmat safety clothing and gear, utilize special equipment for any biohazard clean up in Spokane. Immediate mitigation of health related issues and property preservation are the main, initial focal points. Safety always comes first.

 24 Hour Emergency Service for Biohazard and Sewage Clean Up

Need Spokane Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24 Hour Emergency Service

We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Commercial Water Damage in Spokane Due to Sewage Leaks

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Top rated commercial water damage restoration company is only a call away at 509-487-4700.

Water Damage Remediation Can Prevent Employee Health Issues

One of the more dangerous types of Spokane water damage which can occur in your commercial property is the leakage of sewage. Sewage contains bacteria, fungi, and viruses, many which can cause a lot of health concerns, including mold. Many people sadly do not realize the hazards that sewage can bring into your building, especially for those who are very old or young, and for anyone who already has an immune system which has been compromised or who have respiratory problems

As a business owner, there are some fundamental principles you should know about sewer backups and water damage:

Sewage hosts several different pathogenic and disease-causing bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Anyone who is working on losses of sewage has to have vaccinations which are up to date, including their Hepatitis B.

Exposure to sewage is dangerous, especially for anyone under the age of two or over the age of sixty, for people with weakened immune systems, anyone who is recovering from surgery, for women who are pregnant, anyone who has AIDS, or anyone on chemotherapy or prescription drugs.

It is unsafe to stay in a Spokane building which has been flooded by sewage unless the area that is contaminated can be totally sealed off and put under a controlled air flow, so there is not a danger of cross contamination to sectors that are not affected.

Materials that are highly absorbent and saturated with sewage material such as carpeting, carpet padding, upholstery, insulation, and drywall that cannot be laundered for at least ten minutes in hot water will need to be trashed.  It is too big of a health risk to only clean and dry these materials.

Only professionals who are highly trained should be performing your sewage and water damage remediation work near Spokane. Afterward, a third party environmental professional can do post-remediation verification to make sure your building is safe to re-occupy.

Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has the training, equipment, and experience to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies around Spokane. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building in Spokane, or a large store in Downtown Spokane, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (509) 487-4700

Disaster Recovery Teams are ready to help in Spokane.

Flood Damage In Spokane WA

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

We are ready for any size disaster in Spokane, WA

How To Deal With Flooding In Spokane, WA

Flood damage in Spokane is not to be taking lightly. Water is not just something that you drink. It has the potential to destroy your home in a slow and steady way. Among the things that water damage causes are mold and fungi. While it is possible to get rid of the fungi by yourself, you need the help of a professional. The reason behind this is that water and moisture can be in areas that can't be accessed. There are well-trained specialists that are certified and have the equipment needed to not only get rid of water but restore all of the damage that has been caused by floods. 
 
The usual causes of floods are storms, natural disasters or other issues. In many cases, all it takes is hard rain to flood the home. When a home is flooded, the best way to get rid of all of the moisture in the home is to call a professional. You need a professional that has a certification and a proven track record. Research is necessary when it comes to obtaining a company that is trustworthy to handle your flooding. 
 
There are different types of equipment that a company uses to get rid of all of the moisture in the home. Among the pieces of equipment used are sump pumps. They are very helpful for getting all of the water and hidden moisture out of the home. Moisture detectors and hygrometers are utilized to measure the amount of moisture saturation in a certain area. Another type of equipment used is infrared cameras. They are used to locate water that may be hidden behind ceilings and walls. Dehumidifiers and air movers help dry up any remaining moisture.
 
A Spokane flood damage professional company that is worth checking out is SERVPRO of Spokane County. SERVPRO of Spokane County has a staff of highly skilled and certified professionals that are experienced in water damage removal and restoration. They are also well equipped to handle every bit of water damage in the home. They can locate every bit and piece of moisture so that you can rest assured that your home remains safe.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Today (509) 487-4700

Each SERVPRO franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spokane County is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Spokane community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Sewage Backup Cleanup Company Is Ready To Help In Spokane

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

Spokane Sewage Cleanup

Sewage backup cleanup and removal in Spokane is always a messy job. All you have to say is the sewage word and people know exactly what you are talking about. When it comes in contact with your homes flooring or contents is when you have a problem on your hands.

If a sewage line gets clogged or you just have a random backup that is where SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane comes in. We have the tools and knowledge to help you get everything cleaned up and sanitized as quickly as possible. Our technicians have been trained on how to clean up contaminated water and use the proper protection from what may it may contain. Not only does the look of sewage water scare people but the odor will definitely make you think twice about cleaning it up yourself. Most Spokane homeowners do call for advice if it is a small problem, but if you feel you’re in over your head with the sewage overflow cleanup, we are ready to help.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow in Spokane? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business

The Benefits of Water/Flood Damage Cleanup in Spokane

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

Spokane and North Washington State water damage cleanup team.

Call SERVPRO for Help With Spokane Area Water/Flood Damage

Water damage will just get worse the longer it is left standing, so fast removal is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your property. Spokane water/flood damage cleanup should be done to make sure that your home is cleaned, sanitized and dried properly. Using the right equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water sources that could be ruining your subfloors, drywalls and more. Advanced drying techniques will aid in the cleanup process to make certain your property is returned to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Spokane Water/Flood Damage Cleanup 

Water and flood damage can occur without any warning. You may experience a leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or large rainfalls that could lead to water seeping into your property underneath your doors and damaging your carpets and flooring. If a hurricane, tornado or another type of natural disaster affects your area, severe water damage could occur through a broken window or roof. Sometimes, toilets overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water. A flooded dishwasher, a burst water pipe or many other problems could also lead to flooding in your home. 

Helpful tools that expedite the process of water removal and drying and restoration include a submersible pump (sump pump), truck mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Moisture detectors and hygrometers can also be used. They measure the amount of water and moisture in your property. Also, infrared cameras can help make sure that there are no hidden sources of water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Powerful truck-mounted or portable extraction machines can get rid of most of the water in your residence. When the bulk of the standing water has been dealt with, industrial grade dryers and dehumidifiers should be turned on to make ensure that your property is thoroughly dried. Your carpet or carpet padding might need to be removed so that the subfloor underneath does not get damaged. Unfortunately, other materials around the house may need to be replaced if the damage is too severe, or if the standing water is quickly removed.

The sooner you contact a Spokane area professional to get started on the water removal and recovery process, the more likely it is that your property and belongings can be restored.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Cleanup for Spokane & North Washington State

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

After hours emergency water damage service is available to you at 509-487-4700.

Spokane & Northern Washington State Emergency Water Damage Cleanup Company

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO in Spokane provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,650 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Within Minutes

Hours 1 - 24:

48 Hours to 1 Week:

More Than 1 Week:

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane & Northern Washington State residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Why should I not take care of water damage myself in Spokane?

3/21/2016 (Permalink)

If you have any water damage cleanup questions call SERVPRO of Spokane County today for answers.

What can happen if a water damage cleanup is not performed correctly

Even a small amount of water can cause a lot of damage to a Spokane property and if corrective action isn’t taken right away, the homeowner may bear the cost of the clean-up.  This is because most homeowner insurance policies will state that it is the homeowner’s responsibility to try to limit further damage to their home after a water loss.  If they don’t do anything, the insurance company could deny the claim.

On top of this, the longer there is water in a home, the greater the possibility of the home experiencing secondary damage.  This is when materials that are wet sustain additional damage that then becomes more expensive to fix.  A good example is when wet drywall is not properly dried and then becomes moldy.  Another one is when you have a wet room that is not addressed and the high humidity levels cause damage to another room that wasn’t originally affected.

Secondary damage is always more expensive to mitigate than the original water damage but can be avoided if corrective action is taken right away!

At SERVPRO in Spokane, we have successfully mitigated water damages in hundreds of homes in our many years of service to the Spokane area.

Once you see our green trucks pull into your driveway or parking lot, you can rest assured you’re in capable hands. We have the latest modern, commercial-grade drying equipment available-including, extractors, dehumidifiers, air movers, hardwood floor drying systems, and each of our trained technicians are certified in water restoration.

Need Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

Each SERVPRO Franchise is Locally Owned and Operated with National Resources

SERVPRO of Spokane County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

For Expert Spokane Water Damage Control, Call SERVPRO

3/21/2016 (Permalink)

Need a top rated water damage restoration company in Spokane? Call SERVPRO at 509-487-4700.

For Expert Spokane Water Damage Control, Call SERVPRO 

When you require Spokane water damage control and cleanup services, you want to have skilled professionals in the field that you can get a hold of immediately. Water damage doesn't necessarily end when the flood recedes. Water can remain in your property even without your knowing it's there and can lead to further deterioration. A reputable Spokane water damage specialist will make it a priority to discover all of the water that is left behind on your property and remove it safely and promptly.

Get Help for Flooding Damage as Soon as Possible

If your property has suffered from flooding damage, you should realize that this damage begins immediately and does not necessarily end when the flood waters have receded. It can be absorbed by your walls, floors, upholstery and personal belongings within a matter of minutes. Thousands of dollars' worth of damage can be done in a short time span. Even after most of the water has been vacuumed away, residual water can remain in every corner and crevice of your property. 

Waiting too long to call a qualified flood damage control service like SERVPRO can cause your property to allow the growth of mold and mildew. This fills your property with unsavory odors and can cause major health effects. Though extreme, uncontrolled mold and mildew growth can cause a property to be condemned and torn down just as surely as damage due to fire or earthquake. It is sound advice to obtain help for Spokane water damage as soon as possible.

24/7 Emergency Response Service Is a Must

The sooner you contact a flood damage service to receive expert assistance, the sooner they will be able to begin a plan of damage assessment, cleanup, and restoration. You should be able to contact them at any time of the day or night to inform them of your emergency. A reputable flood damage control service ought to be ready and able to dispatch a team of trained professionals to your location to assess the issue and begin the water removal and cleanup response. 

Call Today for Expert Spokane Water Damage Service

Depend on a locally owned and operated business that is dedicated to making sure that your emergency needs receive a prompt and effective response. We are located in the area so that we can arrive at your property rapidly when you are facing serious water damage to your property.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Water Damage To A Carpet In Spokane

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Need help cleaning up a water damage claim in Spokane? Call SERVPRO at 509-487-4700.

Spokane Water Damaged Carpeting Can Be Dried and Restored by SERVPRO

Water damage in your Spokane home can appear in many forms. When even a relatively small amount of water has seeped into your home from flooding, leaking or broken pipe, then you will want to pay close attention to these common questions that people ask about the water damage to their carpets. Material loss can be compounded by the growth of mold and mildew.

1. Does all water damage to carpet immediately cause mold or mildew?
If a relatively controllable amount of water is quickly cleaned up and steps are taken to dry the subfloor surface, padding, and carpet, then the prevention of mold and mildew growth is high. Without moisture, the organic debris within the carpeting can not sustain mold growth.

2. Now that we have dried the carpets and area, do we need to clean them and why?
Yes, even though you have taken all the right measures to correctly dry out your carpets after having experienced water damage, you still really should make the effort to clean your carpets. Cleaning can be completed by steam cleaning them and by cleaning the back of the carpet with a disinfectant to stymie the growth of mold. Area rugs and carpets should be lifted to ensure total drying. Wall-to-wall carpeting must first be released from the tack boards. SERVPRO technicians can work with the carpets and padding to ensure complete drying by utilizing special pumps, wet-vacs, and dehumidifiers. This drying out process may take from several days to several weeks depending on the amount of water intrusion and the speed of extraction. Evaporation can only go so fast though we expedite the process with state of the art dehumidifiers. 

3. Do we need to sanitize the carpets after we try to dry them? 
Of course, by having SERVPRO spray an antimicrobial product to the carpet and the padding (if it was rescued) will lessen the chance of infections and diseases. If the carpets were covered with contaminated sewage or ground rising water, called Black Water, there is only one option. Our technicians will safely wrap and dispose of the carpet and padding and then proceed to sanitize the subfloor. 

When the extent of water damage to a carpet is beyond a spilled glass of milk or a small water leak encompassing a small area, the best call is to SERVPRO. Our skilled IICRC trained technicians will utilize all the equipment and expertise required to restore your carpet "Like it never even happened."

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Common Questions Asked About Water Damage on Carpet in Spokane

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Need help with a water damage claim in Spokane? Call SERVPRO at 509-487-4700.

Your Spokane Home Gets SERVPRO's Water Damaged Carpet Cleaning and Sanitation

In my Spokane water damaged home, what are my Options for a Carpet Soaked from a Flood?
Have water extracted by a professional technician from SERVPRO. He will vacuum up the water using a truck-mounted, portable, or ridable machine as a first step. Strategic placement of dehumidifiers will work for several days to remove remaining moisture and quickly mitigate secondary water damage.

How can you Dry Carpets with Water Damage?
Assuming that this is a small area affected by spillage or a water leak from clean water, give it a try. Use paper towels to remove any water off of the carpet. Walk or jump on towels to force water from the carpet. When the cloth becomes wet, replace it repeatedly until it stays dry. Use air movement and heat to dry the carpet. If the carpet is still wet after two days, you will need to call a professional to help dry the carpet and prevent mold from occurring.

Does my Carpet Pad need Replacing after Water Damage?
Most often the carpet pad will need to be replaced after water damage. There are some newly developed procedures they may save the cushion. Under a flooding situation, SERVPRO technicians can discard the padding since the underlying concrete or wood flooring also requires thorough drying. All moisture must be removed from hardwood flooring under carpeting to prevent cupping. 

How Can I get rid of Mold on my Carpet?
Your carpet will require professional cleaning. Mold is not growing on the carpet, but growing on dirt and organic matter that is imbedded in the carpet. If you can determine the origin of moisture on the carpet, you can eliminate the mold. In this situation, it is desirable to contact a professional to ensure they have completely removed the mold from the carpet.

What Is the Problem with Carpets and Mold?
Whenever you have moisture and a food source, you can have mold growth. When a carpet gets wet and is not properly dried within a certain amount of time, usually 48 to 78 hours, it will begin to grow mold from the dormant spores that are ubiquitous, present in all homes. However, if your carpet remains clean and dry, you should not develop a mold problem.

Can I Save my Carpet that had Black Water Flooding?
No. It is not recommended to keep the carpet contaminated by sewage. The highly absorbent materials in carpets and pads cannot be washed in hot water for 10 minutes to clean and sterilize the contaminants. Therefore, this material should be safely disposed of by a SERVPRO technician wearing OSHA regulated safety gear. Do not attempt to dispose of this material yourself. It could be hazardous to your health.

You can probably easily determine if you need professional help in salvaging your carpeting from a water damaging event. The experts from SERVPRO can safely restore your carpets to pre-loss condition or discard them and dry out your home to prevent mold proliferation and water damage to your walls and furniture. Call us for an inspection and we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

5 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Spokane

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Need help with a water damage in Spokane? Call SERVPRO at 509-487-4700.

Most Spokane Homeowners insurance policies cover basic water damage claims up to the purchased limit.

But you know what’s a lot easier than going through the claims process? Preventing the water damage in the first place!

Check out these 5 suggestions for preventing water damage:

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

3.  Keep an eye on your water bill

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

4. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

5. Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

https://www.farmers.com/inner-circle/home-tool-kit/5-ways-to-prevent-water-damage/

What should I do if my Spokane home has water damage?

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Need help in Spokane from water damage? Call SERVPRO at 509-487-4700.

Spokane homes and water damage.

There are some simple steps you can take until help arrives:

• If the source of water is still leaking, identify the source and stop it if you can.
• If the water is coming from a burst or leaking pipe, turn off the water at its source.
• If the water is coming through the roof or broken windows, try to cover them to prevent further damage.
• Move wet items to dry areas.
• Place aluminum foil coasters or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Save damaged items and any parts you may need to replace-your claims representative may want to inspect them.
• Do not use electrical equipment or appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• To document the damage, make a list of the temporary repairs you make and take photographs.
• Make sure to save your receipts.

Spokane Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today - (509) 487-4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Water Damage: The Science of Drying In Spokane

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Drying A Home Or Building In Spokane After Water Damage.

When the expert water technicians from SERVPRO® of Spokane County enter your home after a water disaster, we have two very important questions that we must answer before drying equipment is installed.  The first question is “What is Wet?”  The question sounds simple enough but the answer is often more complicated.  Standing water is obvious but it almost always means that hidden cavities of water exist that must also be found.  These hidden areas can be found under cabinets or laminated flooring.  Water can also seep under tile floors or hardwoods.  Beyond the floors, water often rests inside walls and insulation and can move to adjoining rooms.  Determining “What is Wet” is one of the most important questions we must answer.

 The second question in our damage assessment is “How Wet Is It?”  Water found under cabinets or inside walls can cause extensive damage if left untreated.  Wood will warp, wet sheetrock will lose its strength and insulation can absorb large amounts of water.  To answer the question “How Wet Is It,” we use sophisticated metering equipment that can measure moisture levels in areas that are out of site.  We may also use a special camera capable of reading temperature variations within walls or ceilings or even in the foundation to answer this critical question.

Every Spokane water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. 

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today - (509) 487- 4700

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Water damage tips to reduce damage to your Spokane home

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage help now for Spokane. 509-487-4700

What to do if you have a water damage in Spokane.

Water damage can be devastatingly stressful to a homeowner. You can feel helpless and overwhelmed. Although calling a professional is the first step we always recommend, there are some things you can do to help reduce the damage while you wait for professionals to arrive.

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home or building

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels

• Remove lamps and other tabletop items and wipe wood furniture with a towel

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

• Place foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet flooring

• Remove any paintings, electronics or anything else that is sensitive to moisture and put in a dry area of the house

  Taking the above steps can really help decrease the amount of damage to your home after a water leak. There are also a few practices that you should avoid after a water damage, because they can cause more damage or harm to yourself or your family.

  DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electric shock hazard may exist, such as when electric outlets, switches or circuit breakers are exposed to water 

• Leave books, newspapers or other colored items on wet carpet or furniture

• Leave wet oriental rugs or other colored rugs on carpeting

• Use household vacuum cleaner to remove water because risk of electric shock

• Use TV’s or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floor

• Turn on ceiling fan in rooms where the ceiling is wet

• Enter a room where ceiling is wet and sagging

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily throughout the house

• Use personal fans if the water in the home is contaminated

  The most important “do” is to call a professional, trained water mitigation specialist such as SERVPRO of Spokane County at 509-487-4700.

  Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today - (509) 487-4700!

  24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

  Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Spokane residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

SERVPRO of Spokane County - Always Here to Help in Spokane

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Spokane County is available 24/7 to help with all kinds of property damage.

In November, a historical wind storm hit the Inland Northwest and Spokane-area homeowners were hit particularly hard.  SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane once again rose to the occasion and provided help to many Spokane-area homeowners - the news story below is just one example of how SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane is ALWAYS Here to Help and Faster to Any Size Disaster!

http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/Good-Samaritans-help-Spokane-resident-with-fallen-trees/36644632

10 Bathroom Water Damage Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

1/28/2016 (Permalink)

10 Bathroom Water Damage Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

by Brad Fries

Ever wonder what can be lurking in your toilet?  Or where all of that water went when your sink overflowed?  What could be growing behind the walls?  Keep reading to learn some interesting bathroom facts you probably didn't know.

1.       Did you know that the bathroom is THE most susceptible location for water damage in your entire house? There are so many little bits of information and facts you may not know that could possibly save your bathroom from potential water damage. Read on below for nine more bathroom water damage tidbits we bet you didn’t know, but would love to find out!

2.       Invisible plumbing problems such as clogged drains can stop your bathtub and shower from completely drying after usage, and can signal severe problems underneath the bathtub. To prevent further bathroom water damage, these inconspicuous plumbing troubles should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

3.       The toilet is one of the household fixtures that can cause the majority of bathroom water damage in the home. Never ignore any water found around the toilet. The toilet lines should constantly be check for leaks, and the toilet rims, seats, and the toilet tank should be regularly checked as well. Also inspect the seal of the toilet. If the seal does not work anymore, there will be leakage from the toilet, causing disastrous bathroom water damage. 

4.       If the bathroom floor is soft, damage may already be in the process of occurring.

5.       The exhaust fan is an essential bathroom asset for the maintenance of low humidity levels. Assisting to keep the area dry and ventilated, the exhaust fan is an added security against the destruction that bathroom water damage causes. Be sure to turn on the fan during and following a warm/hot shower or bath to prevent moisture accumulation.  Routine cleaning and inspection can ensure that your exhaust fan is always operating properly. It is suggested to wire the fan to automatically function when the bathroom is used.

6.       Hanging deodorants in the toilet bowl can increase the chances of a clog, especially in low-flow toilets. Skip the fancy deodorizers if you want to keep your bowl clog-free and lessen your chances of bathroom water damage.

7.       Blisters along caulked areas, or discolored floor stains can suggest water leakage. Although these blemishes may seem small to the naked eye, do not underestimate the extent of the water damage in your bathroom. Just a tiny leak can be a sign of a enormous problem on pipes and drains that are not exposed and cannot be seen.  Furthermore, the water that penetrates into the floor encourages growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms that feed on the wood, causing more bathroom water damage. 

8.       Did you know that these microorganisms flourish in temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees? That is the typical temperature of most bathrooms, making the overall damage horrendous.

9.       If the humidity in your bathroom is high, generally more than 55 percent, you have a possible mold problem. Check for water on pipes because it can also suggests a mold situation and water damage. A musty odor also signals mold, and should be followed up with an inspection. The presence of mold cannot only lead to damage to your bathroom, but health issues as well.

10.    Sinks and cabinets are constantly exposed to humidity and moisture, but are often ignored by homeowners searching for bathroom water damage. However, these are two fixtures that are known to conceal damage. You should regularly inspect under sinks and cabinets. A slow draining pipe underneath the sink suggests a clogged drain. If you see a loose or cracked drain seal, replace it immediately.

Spokane Flood Damage - Dealing with Flood Damage Repair and Cleanup

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

No one wants to have to deal with a flood.

Unfortunately, freezing pipes and heavy snowstorms lead to a lot of flooding this time of year. If you experience a flood, it is important to know exactly what to do. Repairing and cleaning up damages will not be easy no matter what, but there are some ways to simplify the process. Here are some steps to take after a flood.

 Turn Off Water and Electricity

The first thing you want to do is to turn off the water and electricity in your home. Make sure you know where the main switch and water valve are. Standing water is extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with an electric current, so before you touch it or do anything else, make sure these components in your home are turned off.

 Assess the Damage

Once the electricity and water are turned off and you have determined it is safe to work, you need to assess the damage. Take pictures and write everything down that is ruined or needs to be repaired or replaced. Call your insurance company immediately so you know what you need to do to file a claim. An agent may need to come out to assess the damage. You don't want to clean up before they do, or you may have trouble getting repairs covered.

Remove the Water

The next step is to remove the water from the space. This may be through a reverse pump or the old fashioned bucket line. Either way, as soon as you get the green light from the insurance company, you need to remove the water in Spokane as soon as possible. The longer it stands there the more damage it will do.

Dry Up the Space

Once the water is removed, you need to soak up and dry all the excess water from the floors, walls, furniture, and belongings. A professional flood recovery company in Spokane may need to be called in. Remove all the furniture, and place it outside or in the garage where it can air out. Throw away anything that is damaged and won?t dry. Pull up carpet if necessary and discard.

 Air it Out

 After you've removed and dried everything you can remove and dry, you need to use industrial fans to air the space out. Otherwise, Spokane mold and mildew can develop. Open windows and doors and let the fans run for a few days to clear everything out.

 Fix it Up

After the area is completely dry, you need to complete repairs. Don't do anything in which you are not professionally trained. Depending on how long the water stood, you may have some structural damage in your walls that will need to be fixed. Repaint, replace carpet and fix everything that needs repairs. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover most of the cost.

Dealing with a flood is never pleasant, but the important thing is to keep a cool head. Remain calm and go through these steps. Before you know it, the flood will be a distant memory and your home will be back to normal.

SERVPRO of Spokane County is locally owned and operated. Water comes from everywhere and our certified technicians can clean and dry any flood better than its original state. * 24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service * 24/7 Flood Damage & Water Damage Service * 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service * 24/7 Mold Remediation *24/7 Bio-hazard Suicide Clean *24/7 Fire Window Roof Board-up.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today!

Call us 24/7 at (509) 487-4700!

Protect Your Home From Water Damage In Spokane

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Here are a few strategies you can use to protect your house from water damage

Water damage can ruin the value of a Spokane home

To stop this, you need to take the proper precautions. To help, below are a few strategies you can use to protect your house from water damage.

Use Floor Pans
A floor pan is a pan that is placed underneath an appliance to catch water. For example, you could place one underneath the pipes of a sink. This may not seem very useful since a major leak will overflow the pan. However, this doesn’t take into account that many leaks that cause damage come in form of small drops over a long period of time. A floor pan could prevent this damage. Finding water in the pan could also alert you of a leak you weren’t aware of.


Purchase Water Damage Insurance
Another way to protect your home is by purchasing water damage insurance. This kind of insurance will help pay for the costs of repairs to a home after significant water damage. While it may not prevent the physical damage from occurring, it will help prevent the financial turmoil that can be caused by such an event. If your home is in a location that is susceptible to flooding, you should certainly purchase this kind of insurance.


Make Sure You Can Stop the Water
There may be instances where a major plumbing issue suddenly causes a significant leak inside your home. For example, a pipe may burst and begin flooding rooms with water. While it may be too late to stop to the pipe from bursting, you can still mitigate the damage by halting the water flow. You can do this using the main water shut off valve. Make sure you know where the shut off valve is located. You should also test it to make sure you can operate it properly in case of an emergency.

Overall, to protect your home from water damage, you need to be proactive. You can do this by routinely checking for leaks, purchasing insurance, installing safety guards and making sure you know what to do if a major leak does occur.

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. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane. 

SERVPRO of Spokane County is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood clean up repair service company. If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today 24/7 (509) 487-4700! 

Drywall Repair Water Damage in Spokane

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Drywall Repair Water Damage

Unfortunately, when you have a problem with a leaky plumbing fixture or roof, this can lead to drywall water damage or stains on the drywall. Fortunately, minor Spokane water damage and stains are relatively easy to repair if a person takes the time to learn about the process and then has the tools and materials that are needed to do the job. However, there are times when the Spokane water damage is so severe that the drywall needs to be completely removed and then replaced. Before any kind of repair work is done to the drywall, it would be important for the homeowner to fix the problem with the roof or the plumbing fixture. If they do not do this, they are just going to experience drywall water damage once again.

The first sign of drywall water damage in Spokane is stains that appear on the drywall. After fixing the water leak, a person may simply be able to apply a coat of paint that is designed to seal the drywall. This can be purchased at local hardware stores and applied very easily. You can apply this using a roller. A brush may be needed to get into hard to reach areas. Normally, two coats of this sealing paint are applied. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.

If the drywall is sagging or there is mold growth, further steps may need to be taken to replace the drywall that has already been damaged. Depending on the extent of the mold growth, a mold remediation company may need to be hired. 

If the home was completely flooded or the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to completely gut the area, getting rid of the drywall and allowing the framing to dry completely. There are instructional pages on the Internet that can help a person to do this job on their own. However, if a person has absolutely no experience hanging drywall or doing other construction projects, it may be better for them to hire a drywall contractor to do the job.

Most homeowners are unprepared for a flood in that is caused by a natural disaster or a broken pipe. One of the best ways that they can get prepared for a situation like this is by purchasing insurance that will cover Spokane flood damage. This is going to ensure they have the money to properly restore their home.

 Water Damage Restoration

Basement flooding or storm damage doesn't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We respond to your residential or commercial water removal and cleanup needs. Our fast response time and advanced drying methods help prevent secondary damage and mold. Common causes of water damage are:

• Flooding caused by severe weather

• Plumbing leaks

• Sink, bathtub or toilet overflow

• Sewage backup

  Mold Remediation

  Mold can present serious health concerns and can spread quickly through your home or business if left unchecked. SERVPRO of Spokane County Professionals utilize proven mold remediation techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to protect you and your property. SERVPRO Professionals can assist you with:

• Mold remediation

• Concerns about black mold

• Mold inspection and prevention

Why You Should Hire Water Damage Specialists for Your Spokane Home

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Spokane Home Needs Professional Assistance

When a flood or fire does substantive water damage to your residential property in Spokane, it's important for you to restore its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and safety as quickly as possible. In most cases, attaining professional services from a team of trained water damage specialists is the best way to realize these objectives. Water damage specialists from SERVPRO possess the level of expertise and experience necessary to clean and restore your home following a flood or fire. To determine why obtaining their professional services would be appropriate and ideal for you, consider the following information: 

Cleaning and Repair Services

Water damage specialists like SERVPRO are effective in offering clients cleaning, repairing and restoring services. To begin the process, the specialists will complete a water damage assessment. This assessment will help them discern the extent of damage done to your property. Once they attain this information, the remediation technicians will know which equipment to utilize for the restoration process. They will also know how many contractors will be required to work on the project to get the job done quickly and effectively. By working in teams, remediation specialists can prevent the onset of mold growth as a result of secondary water damage. Additionally, the remediation specialists can work quickly to ensure that you can move back into your home as soon as possible. 

Restoration Services

Part of the important service provided by SERVPRO is restoration. Restoration services are designed to expedite returning your living space to its original condition quickly. Regardless of the specific repairs made to your home, this full-service restoration company can handle them. Restoring rather than replacing when possible, will also lighten the financial burden of this water damage event.  You can focus on other matters such as working with your insurance company. SERVPRO can aid in the management of the insurance paperwork and process. 

Water damage restoration is a cornerstone of our business. Call us for an immediate response. (509) 487-4700

Save Money This Winter With These Simple Home Projects in Spokane

1/6/2016 (Permalink)

Save Money This Winter With These Simple Home Projects

Winter is the perfect time to save money with home projects such as installing insulation or a programmable thermostat, sealing drafts and changing bulbs.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2016/01/04/save-money-winter-home-projects/

5 Home Renovations You Shouldn't Do Yourself (And Ones You Can Tackle Instead)

12/31/2015 (Permalink)

5 Home Renovations You Shouldn't Do Yourself (And Ones You Can Tackle Instead)

Might want to re-think that extra bathroom.

Source:  Huffingtonpost.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/home-renovations-you-should-skip_56819c28e4b06fa68880da99?utm_hp_ref=huffpost-home&ir=HuffPost%2BHome&section=huffpost-home

Chimney Cleaning Tips In Spokane

12/30/2015 (Permalink)

Cleaning your chimney regularly will help prevent fires within your home. But like any other important task, it’s important for you to do the job as safely as possible. Here are two simple tips to help make cleaning your chimney easier:

1. Have the proper tools

Tools that you will need to clean your chimney include a chimney rod, chimney brush, buckets, tarps, and a flashlight. It also never hurts to have some extra duct tape around.

2. Use the correct technique

As with most things, using the appropriate process makes chimney cleaning much easier. The following website contains a step-by-step process for cleaning your chimney:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/clean-a-chimney.htm

Driving in Snow and Ice In Spokane

12/18/2015 (Permalink)

Driving in snow and Ice - if you must drive in winter weather, make sure your car is prepared with snow tires and that you know how to handle road conditions:

Money-Saving Upgrades for a Warm Winter Home

12/11/2015 (Permalink)

Money-Saving Upgrades for a Warm Winter Home

Hold onto your cash and prevent seasonal headaches with these how-to videos:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/info/0,,20972259,00.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThisOldHouseLatest+%28This+Old+House%3AToday+at+This+Old+House%29

December Maintenance Guide

12/7/2015 (Permalink)

December Maintenance Guide

Keep up with these home maintenance tips to ensure a safe and healthy home this season.

http://porch.com/advice/december-maintenance-guide-2015/

If the chill of December is making your home cold, you’ll want to make sure your winterizing tasks are being completed this month. This can include insulating the plumbing so that your pipes don’t freeze, sealing out drafts, and making sure your home is protected from the elements. Another great December focus is to prevent accidental fires by thoroughly cleaning out your dryer ducts, being smart about fireplace safety and keeping a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in the event of a grease fire. If you decorate your home for the holidays, remember to hang your lights safely and be cautious when climbing ladders, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Keeping your home safe and secure this month will ensure that you are able to enjoy the season!

Inside the home:

• Untangle and inspect holiday lights. Watch our videos for how to choose the right lights for your home, how to safely hang them, and how to store them without getting them tangled.
• Schedule a professional carpet cleaner to take care of post-party spills and stains after the holidays
• Inspect and clean humidifiers for better air indoor quality
• Schedule an attic insulation specialist to make sure your home is operating efficiently this winter. (Want to know if you could do this project yourself? Read this article here.)
• Check the fire extinguishers and make sure you have at least one in the kitchen and near the fireplace. Read this article to learn more about what types of extinguishers to buy and where they should go in your home.
• Test your GFCI outlets
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• House too cold? Try reversing the ceiling fans to push warm air down, stop drafts at doors and windows, and try laying down rugs over cold flooring to save money on heating costs.
• Call and schedule a professional home organizer to ensure a clutter-free 2016

Outside the home:

• Have de-icers and shovels ready to keep sidewalks and driveway clear of slippery ice and snow (see all of our snow-removal tips here)
• Check your gutters for ice dams or icicles
• Inspect the backup generators in the event of winter power outages

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold In Spokane

11/18/2015 (Permalink)

Source: EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency

http://www2.epa.gov/mold

Ten Things You Should Know about Mold

1.Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

2.There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3.If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4.Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5.Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:?Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside

• Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation
• Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

 6.Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7.Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

8.Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

9.In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

10.Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Emergency READY Profile's Available For Businesses In Spokane!

11/13/2015 (Permalink)

50% of businesses never reopen after a disaster. Don't let your business become a statistic. Prepare now.

#‎DidYouKnow? having SERVPRO of Spokane Countyset up an Emergency READY Profile® is free! Developing an ERP for your business minimizes business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.

Winter Storm Warning Terms To Know

11/13/2015 (Permalink)

 Know the winter storm warning terms, and keep your family safe this winter.

Prepare for Weather Challenges in Spokane

11/12/2015 (Permalink)

Source:
http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/feature/article/2015/09/help-clients-prepare-for-weather-challenges

This is a great article for our realtor and insurance agent friends as well as for all homeowners:

Prepare for Weather Challenges

http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/feature/article/2015/09/help-clients-prepare-for-weather-challenges

13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to Do it Yourself in Spokane

11/12/2015 (Permalink)

http://bit.ly/1idmsCv

Source:  bobvila.com

Sure, there are many home projects that can be relatively fun and are doable on your own, but did you know there are several projects that are illegal to do yourself? Take a look at the work you should leave to the professionals:

SERVPRO Of Spokane County Recommends All Spokane Renters Get Renters Insurance

11/6/2015 (Permalink)

We have responded to many apartment, duplex and house fires lately where the renters did not have Renters Insurance - if you are renting a house, duplex, apartment, etc. and do not yet have Renters Insurance, read this article about why Renters Insurance is one of the best investments you can make.

http://blog.esurance.com/5-reasons-to-be-thankful-for-renters-insurance-infographic/#.VjzwL17d6pC

"When It Rains It Molds" Part 2 of 2

11/6/2015 (Permalink)

Mold and moisture problems in the basement of an older school.

Source: The EPA

https://blog.epa.gov

When It Rains It Molds

Part 2 of 2

By Marcia Anderson

When I was in EPA Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) I visited several schools that had questions about mold. This prompted a follow-up discussion with Mark Berry, EPA’s Region 6 (Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribes) Indoor Air Quality Coordinator about common mold questions resulting from these visits. An earlier blog looked at general questions about mold and moisture. Here, we focus on these issues in schools.

What are the most impacted areas in school buildings?

Areas without adequate air flow by themselves are not, necessarily the issue – it is areas where it is damp or humid and the airflow isn’t adequate enough to help dry up the moisture. Problem areas may be in the walls behind restrooms, kitchens, gyms, facility manager closets, near air conditioners, compressors and in damp basements. Moisture problems in schools may also be associated with delayed or insufficient maintenance due to budget and other constraints. Temporary structures, such as trailers and portable classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold problems. Most respiratory issues are associated with poor ventilation or outdated HVAC units. Mold is often targeted as the cause for illness, but, in fact, the mold is an indicator of moisture.

One area that is often impacted by mold and moisture problems in schools are gym locker rooms. Do you have any advice for school facility managers?

It is common for mold to grow on and around areas that are continuously wet. The moisture has a tendency to increase the relative humidity levels in a building, providing the perfect environment for mold and mold spores to grow.

• Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
• Control humidity levels and dampness by using air conditioners and de-humidifiers to provide adequate ventilation.
• Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60 percent.
• Students should remove clothing from their gym lockers at least weekly, and damp laundry, such as towels, should be removed daily.

For existing mold, the first step is to eliminate the moisture source, then take appropriate steps to clean it up. The EPA does not encourage the use of harsh chemicals for mold clean-up. Soap and water will suffice. These measures, along with monitoring for adequate ventilation, locker checks and educating students about the importance of following these guidelines, will go a long way to decreasing mold in your school.

What do we do if we suspect hidden mold?

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when it involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

What can building facility managers do to decrease the incidence of mold in their buildings?

EPA’s guidance is solutions based – to focus on the source of the moisture that feeds the mold. The three principles of mold remediation are:

1. Fix and eliminate the moisture source.
2. Clean and remove mold and mold spores. In many cases detergent and water will be sufficient – there is no need to use harsh chemicals that may endanger your health. Follow all manufacturer’s directions when using cleaning products.
3. Dry out the area. If you continue to see mold growing, you have not eliminated the moisture source and should repeat step 1.

Does carpet cause mold or related allergy problems in schools?

Carpet use in schools provides a decrease in noise, falls and injuries. Mold problems can be encountered with carpet and many other materials if the school has any type of water intrusion or moisture problem, such as a leaky roof. If carpeting remains damp, it can become a primary source for microbial growth, which frequently results in adverse health effects. Carpet and other furnishings that become significantly water damaged should be removed and discarded. Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue accumulation and ensure that cleaned areas are dried quickly. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

How does mold affect asthma?

Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should limit contact with and exposure to areas contaminated with a mold presence. However, remember that molds are a natural part of the environment – and it is impossible to totally avoid mold for asthmatics. EPA provides very useful information on mold and asthma.

How does mold remediation compare to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

IPM and mold remediation are both based on the principle of limiting sources of the primary needs for life – but they are very different practices. Molds are microscopic fungi that grow best in damp places such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Mold has the same basic needs as any pest: 1. Mold needs a surface to grow on; 2. Food (paper, wood, carpet, food, insulation or other organic fibers); and 3. Water (moisture to germinate and grow). IPM is similar, in that it employs common sense strategies to reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests in your school buildings. If just one of the essential components that a pest needs to survive can be removed, then the pest cannot survive. In the case of mold, remove the moisture. Mold problem solved.

For more information on controlling mold and moisture, visit www.epa.gov/mold

About the Author: Marcia is with EPA’s Center of Expertise for School IPM in Dallas, Texas. She holds a PhD in Environmental Management from Montclair State University along with degrees in Biology, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, and Instruction and Curriculum. Marcia was formerly with the EPA Region 2 Pesticides Program and has been a professor of Earth and Environmental Studies, Geology, and Oceanography at several universities.

"When It Rains It Molds" Part 1 of 2

11/6/2015 (Permalink)

Source:  THE EPA

https://blog.epa.gov

When It Rains It Molds

Part 1 of 2

By Marcia Anderson

When I went back home recently to visit my family, I noticed a number of mold spots on the ceiling in multiple rooms. A result of roof water damage from the winter ice and snow the northeast experienced this year. This prompted me to have an interview with Mark Berry, EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Coordinator for Region 6 (serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribes). Here are his responses to some common questions about mold and moisture.

1. What is it that many people misunderstand about mold? It is important to view mold, not as a mold issue, but as a moisture issue. People think that mold is a hazardous material. Most people do not realize that mold and mold spores are all around us. Molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as some plants produce seeds. These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air, and settled on indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing. It is important not to provide the moist environment mold needs to grow.The solution to the problem is to find and eliminate the moisture source first, and not focus only on the mold. Removing the mold alone does not solve the problem. If the water remains, new mold will grow in the same area.

2. Should I use bleach to clean up my mold? In most cases using bleach isn’t necessary. Soap and water will often do the trick. Using bleach or some other harsh chemical cleaners can create a breathing hazard for you. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always follow manufacturer’s directions, ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

3. Can I just paint over the mold? Many people see mold, spray some chemical then paint over it, thinking that will solve the problem. Mold can grow between the paint and the wall in all directions. The paint merely acts as a temporary cover-up. The issue with the paint is that it traps moisture between the paint and the wall, further aiding and abetting the growth of mold. Fix the source of the moisture first, and then take the appropriate steps to clean the affected area or remove it altogether.

4. What are your most compelling mold calls? Landlord /tenant disputes over mold are our most frequent calls. We attempt to educate and make suggestions for remediation that may be used or not used by the caller’s choice. Callers need to consider the problem as both a building water issue as opposed to a mold issue. This strategy addresses the cause of the mold infestation and not the symptom. We try to get to the root cause of the problem and ease the caller’s concerns. Mold is essentially the result of water damage.

5. Is there more mold in different parts of the country? Yes, and No. We have more mold inquiries in humid areas because the mold continually gets fed more moisture which allows it to flourish. However, mold can grow everywhere and can exist in a broad range of temperatures and humidity levels. Although moisture is necessary for growth there are molds which prefer drier environments and would need much less than other types to survive.

6. What are your most frequent calls? “I’ve got mold problems can you do something to help me?” EPA Region 6’s Indoor Air Quality program (IAQ) is a voluntary program primarily responsible for conducting outreach and educating the public about indoor environmental issues, including health risks and the means by which human exposures can be reduced. IAQ educates the public about indoor environmental pollutants and sources of pollution, including mold. However, EPA does not have any regulatory authority to control mold in private residences nor do we have the resources to inspect individual homes.

   The EPA does not conduct mold cleanups, but we do provide the education necessary to give people the strategy and empowerment needed to solve the problem. We recognize the health danger to schools, homes and places of work. The EPA is the technical lead in mold research from which many states and local agencies borrow.

7. Is testing for mold necessary?
   In most cases, if visible mold is present, sampling is not necessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards. Remember that mold and mold spores are natural in the environment so any sampling will result in finding mold.

   For more information on controlling mold and moisture, visit www.epa.gov/mold

About the Author: Marcia is with EPA’s Center of Expertise for School IPM in Dallas, Texas. She holds a PhD in Environmental Management from Montclair State University along with degrees in Biology, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, and Instruction and Curriculum. Marcia was formerly with the EPA Region 2 Pesticides Program and has been a professor of Earth and Environmental Studies, Geology, and Oceanography at several universities.

Flood Cleanup To Protect Air Quality In Spokane

11/6/2015 (Permalink)

Source: The EPA

ww2.epa.gov

Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air Quality

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

• Publications
• Fact Sheets
• Additional Information about Floods

Have A Water Damage Emergency?
Call (509) 487-4700

For more information on water damage cleanup, restoration and other related cleaning services, please visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestspokane.com/water-damage-restoration

Mold and Health In Spokane, WA

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

Source: The EPA

ww2.epa.gov/mold

How do molds affect people?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold website.

Contact the Mold Professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County for all mold-related questions and/or to report a problem - We Are Here To Help!

SERVPRO Of Spokane County Shares Basic Mold Cleanup Info From The EPA

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

Basic Mold Cleanup

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture.
• Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
• Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

Contact the Mold Professionals at SERVPRO of Spokane County for all mold-related questions and/or to report a problem - We Are Here To Help! 

SERVPRO Of Spokane County Shares What You Need To Know About Mold In Spokane

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

Source: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

The CDC's Mold Web site provides information on mold and health, an inventory of state indoor air quality programs, advice on assessment, cleanup efforts, and prevention of mold growth, and links to resources.

Mold: Basic Facts

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould [PDF - 2.52 MB]. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages

I found mold growing in my home, how do I test the mold?

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established. 

A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results. Can CDC interpret these results?

Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.

What type of doctor should I see concerning mold exposure?

You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to molds in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician. CDC is not a clinical facility. CDC does not see patients, diagnose illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, or provide referrals to health care providers.

My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?

If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights. CDC does not have enforcement power in such matters, nor can we provide you with advice. You can contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state's Indoor Air Quality program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.

I'm sure that mold in my workplace is making me sick.

If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.

You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.

I am very concerned about mold in my children’s school and how it affects their health.

If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold and prevent future mold growth. If needed, you could also contact the local school board.

CDC is not a regulatory agency and does not have enforcement authority in local matters. Your local health department may also have information on mold, and you may want to get in touch with your state Indoor Air Quality office. Information on this office is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.

You can also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html. Also, see these Web sites for more indoor air quality tools for schools:

• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guidtoc.html
• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guideh.html
• http://www.healthyschools.org/index.html

Preparing Your Spokane Home For Winter

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

Source: esurance blog

blog.esurance.com

Preparing Your Home for Winter: 8 Fall Maintenance Hacks for Cold-Weather Comfort

SERVPRO Of Northwest Spokane Specializes In Crime Scene, Trauma Scene and Biohazard Cleanup

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane has technicians who are IICRC certified in Crime Scene, Trauma Scene and Biohazard Cleanup. SERVPRO of Spokane County has trained, certified and experienced technicians available to respond 24/7 to perform the following:

 - Blood Cleanup

 - Biohazard Cleanup

 - Crime Scene Cleanup

 - Hoarding Cleanup

 - Accident Scene Cleanup

 - Death Scene Cleanup

 - Trauma Scene Cleanup

Crime Scene, Trauma Scene and Biohazard Cleanup is NOT a job for everyone and beyond the necessary skills and precautions needed to perform the actual cleanup, this job  also requires extreme professionalism, discretion and sensitivity - SERVPRO of Spokane County are the only professionals you need to call.

Managing Autumn Lawn and Leaf Cleanup

10/28/2015 (Permalink)

Source: esurance blog

blog.esurance.com

Preparing Your Home for Winter: 8 Fall Maintenance Hacks for Cold-Weather Comfort

Avoid Winter Water Damage From Frozen Pipes With These Tips For The Spokane Area

10/8/2015 (Permalink)

Whether you have city or well water, all water coming into your home is processed through pipes that run to each faucet from outside of your home in the Spokane area. As the weather becomes colder, the pipes and water get colder as well, increasing the chances of water damage. Freezing temperatures can damage your pipes, causing water damage and can even make them freeze. Because water expands when it freezes, in can cause the pipes to expand or even burst. There are several ways to protect your home from expensive water damage due to frozen pipes.

Supplies Needed to Prepare Your Pipes

There are several items you will need to help prepare your pipes for freezing weather to prevent water damage. All of the supplies should be available at your local home improvement store in Spokane, Deer Park, or Colville. Depending on the water flow of your pipes, to prevent water damage, you may need a drain snake or liquid drain opener. There are several types of insulation available for pipes. This includes pipe sleeves and insulation tape to prevent water damage. For areas of your house that aren’t heated, small space heaters may be required. 

Prepare In Advance 

Although the winter cold does not arrive until mid-to-late November, it’s important to prepare your pipes, inside and out, in advance to prevent water damage. Early to mid-October is the best time to prepare your pipes from freezing. Any outside water source should be drained. Turn off the water supply to the exterior water sources to prevent water damage. After the water supply is off, drain all external faucets, hoses, pools and anything that uses the internal pipe supply to prevent water damage. After draining the external water supply, take all hoses indoors in a warmer environment. Insulate external water faucets and linesusing insulated tape or pipe sleeves. 

Internal Pipes and Preparation 

Before preparing for potential freezing temperatures that could cause water damage, ensure your internal pipes are free of clogs and debris. Slow drains can complicate problems that can occur with cold weather. You can use plumbing supplies such as a snake, drain cleaners or other products. You can also use baking soda and vinegar. After pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drains, allow it to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Boil water and flush each drain with the boiling water. For aggressive clogs that can quickly cause water damage, you may wish to call a plumber in Spokane, Deer Park, Colville or Kettle Falls. Cleaning your pipes will allow water to flow more freely and not add to the potential for pipes to freeze and water damage to occur.  

Inspect All of Your Internal Pipes

Carefully inspect all of your internal pipes to see if any are leaking and causing water damage. Also check for temperature differences around your home. In areas of the home in North and West Spokane that are cooler, such as basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces and sunrooms that are not insulated, invest in small, portable space heaters to ensure the pipes stay above freezing to lower the chance of water damage. You can also insulate visible pipes to help protect them from freezing temperatures. Although space heaters will increase your electric bill, frozen and damaged pipes leading to water damage can be much more costly. 

Water Damage When Temperatures Become Bitter Cold  

Because most water pipes run along or close to outside walls for visual aesthetics, when temperatures become bitterly cold, it’s important to allow heat to circulate to as many as those pipes as possible. To prevent water damage, you should open doors and cabinets where those pipes are to allow heat into those areas. Check cold areas of the home and ensure there is enough heat in those areas to keep it above freezing to avoid water damage.

SERVPRO of Spokane County Professionals provide fire and water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of Northwest Spokane proudly serves Spokane, Deer Park, Mead, Colbert, Nine Mile, Chatteroy, Colville, Kettle Falls and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore your house so that it feels like home again. You can depend on SERVPRO of Spokane County for these residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

SERVPRO of Spokane County's fully certified water damage removal staff can perform a complete water damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water damage removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day. 

SERVPRO of Spokane County is a 24/7 emergency water damage removal & flood clean up repair service company. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every water damage situation. 

Are you prepared? Take this Fire Prevention Quiz!

10/6/2015 (Permalink)

This Week, October 4th-10th, Is Fire Prevention Week

You can make sure you're ready by taking this online quiz here:

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/fire-prevention-week-quiz

If you do experience a fire related loss to your home, make sure you and your family are safe and after calling the fire department, give SERVPRO of Spokane County a call at 509-487-4700 - We Are Here To Help!  We will restore your home and belongings "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Emergency Tips - What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

9/28/2015 (Permalink)

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Have A Water Damage Emergency?
Call (509) 276-2548

For more information on water damage cleanup, restoration and other related cleaning services, please visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestspokane.com/water-damage-restoration

Air Duct Cleaning - Why It's Important

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

HVAC experts agree - there is REAL value in having your homes' air ducts cleaned.

"At the very least, performing some simple maintenance on the ducts in your home will help your HVAC system work at maximum efficiency," says Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. "In some cases, it may highlight a problem you need to address."

Steen offers the following guidelines based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for routine maintenance of the HVAC system in your home:

1. Maintain filters.
   Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system and change filters regularly. If your filters become clogged, change them more frequently. Also, be sure you do not have any missing filters and that air cannot bypass filters through gaps around the filter holder.
2. Minimize dust.
   Dust and vacuum your home regularly, using the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take – preferably HEPA bags. If you undertake dusty construction or renovation work in your home, seal off supply and return registers and do not turn your HVAC system on until you have cleaned up the dust.
3. Clean cooling coils and drain pans.
   Cooling coils, which are designed to remove water from the air, can be a major source of moisture contamination that can lead to mold growth in your HVAC system. Make sure that the drain pans under these coils drain properly and check any nearby insulation for wet spots. If you see substantial standing water and/or debris in these pans, contact a qualified service professional immediately. If your system includes an in-duct humidifier, be sure to follow manufacturer operating instructions.

For some homeowners, this routine maintenance may uncover evidence of a larger problem, like mold growth, rodent or insect infestation, or ducts so clogged with dust and debris that particles are being released into the home through air supply registers. Steen says this is the time to call in the professionals for an expert evaluation of the problem and, if necessary, a cleanup plan.

"Restoration and remediation specialists like the technicians at SERVPRO can help you determine how serious the problem is," says Steen. "In many cases, routine maintenance is all that is required. But if the problem could pose a health threat to people living in the house, you need to call in the professionals. SERVPRO technicians are trained to use specialized cleaning and disposal techniques to remove any contaminants from your ducts safely and completely, without releasing them into your home."

For more information on air duct cleaning and other related cleaning services, please visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestspokane.com/airduct-cleaning

PGA GOLF TOUR

4/20/2015 (Permalink)

We are proud to be the official Cleaning and Restoration comapny for the PGA Tour.  Watch for our commercials during the golf season.  

New: State of the art technology equipment

4/28/2014 (Permalink)

Dri-Eaz Dragon Mobile Furnace

Dri-Eaz Dragon f507 Portable Furnace

The clean dry heat from the Dragon helps reduce drying times while maintaining stable and comfortable temperatures.  Ideal for water damage.

New: State of the art technology equipment

4/28/2014 (Permalink)

Cool-Vac 16 Insulation Removal Vacuum

Cool-Vac 16 Insulation Removal Vacuum

Cool Machines introduces the industry’s highest rated heavy duty wet/dry Gas Vacuum with innovative cutting edge design features. This unit is designed to handle fire, water, and smoke damaged insulation, as well as damp wall cavity recycle with dependability and speed.