How to help prevent mold growth in your home

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

A Moisture Meter is a handheld device designed to accurately measure the moisture content in the air and a variety of household materials.

Most hear the word "mold" and think ‘YUCK!’. It’s easy to forget that mold can ever be a good thing! We use it to make some cheeses and even penicillin.  It is one of nature’s beneficial decomposers.  Mold can, and does, grow anywhere – as anyone in Oregon knows only too well! But, it’s easy to forget any of the good reasons for mold when we find it in our homes.  Decomposing our carpets, or drywall, or floorboards…

To flip the old adage, a good defense against mold is a good offense. Its best to prevent mold growth before it becomes a problem.  And the best offense is: moisture control.  Easier said than done, here in Oregon, I know!  Mold can be costly to fix, but relatively easy to prevent. Here are a few ways you can help curb indoor moisture issues, and the mold that thrives on it.

• Identify potential problem areas in your house.

While you cannot ‘mold-proof’ your home, you can take measures to make it more ‘mold-resistant’.  Inspect your home for problem areas: does your basement flood? Do you experience condensation on windows? Invest a little time and money now to address such issues.

• Dry wet areas immediately.

Mold needs moisture to grow – taking a moment to wipe up any standing/pooling water can prevent mold growth.

• Proper Ventilation.

Every day household activities can encourage mold growth: cooking, showering, and doing laundry…making sure your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room are properly ventilated can help keep moisture down, and thus keep mold from taking root.

• Utilize ‘mold-resistant’ products in your home. 

Whether building a new home, or renovating an older home, consider using mold-resistant drywall or sheetrock in high-humidity rooms.

• Clean or repair gutters.

A mold problem may be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking due to a clogged or damaged gutter. Cleaning your gutters regularly and having them inspected for damage can help prevent water from invading home.

These are just a few of the often simple measures you can take, as a homeowner, to help protect your property, and your family against the potentially harmful effects of mold in your home.  If you do suspect or find mold in your home, call your Mold Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO® today at 541-745-2097.

Bathrooms are notorious for water damage

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Bathrooms, like kitchens, are prime locations for water damage in your home

3/14/2024 - Future Scheduled Date

Water damages can be caused by many different causes all throughout your home like a dishwasher leak in the kitchen, a washing machine overflow in the laundry room, or a toilet overflow in the bathroom. 

A musty clinging smell in your bathroom could be a sign of hidden water damage. There are many possibilities that could cause the smell but there common causes of bathroom water damages are: 

1. A cracked shower tile leading to water getting into the shower pan and not draining properly.
2. Leaky seals around the base of a toilet or a leaking wax ring
3. Damaged or old caulking and grout around sources of water that allow moisture to get into a material.

If you suspect that you have water damage in your bathroom, SERVPRO® is Here to Help. 

Water Damage after a storm?

2/28/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage due to a storm? We can help!

When it comes to water damage, SERVPRO® is the company to call! We take pride in restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. We take several steps to ensure no more damage occurs, and that the damage that has happened is taken care of as quickly as possible. 

• Initial Emergency Contact: We are available 24 hours a day, if you have an emergency, call us right away!
• Inspection and Damage Assessment: When we arrive on scene, we will do a detailed inspection of the damage 
• Moisture Extraction:  If necessary, we will bring in pumps to extract excess water, and reduce drying time 
• Dehumidifying and Drying: Once the excess water has been removed, equipment will be placed to speed up the drying time and help the moisture evaporate 
• Cleaning and Repair: Items that can be saved will be professionally cleaned, anything non salvageable will be replaced or repaired 
• Restoration: This is where we restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. This includes replacing flooring, drywall, trim, and painting. 

Count on the Professionals at your local SERVPRO® franchise if you have water damage occur! Call us at 541-745-2097

We can clean that!

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Not just Fire and Water Remediation - count on SERVPRO® for all your cleaning needs!

Did you know? Outside of Fire and Water Restoration Cleaning we offer an array of other cleaning services! 

Other Specialty Cleaning Services:

• Air Ducts, Dryer Vents & HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program
• Documentation Restoration
• Drapes & Blinds
• Odor Removal 
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow
• Trauma & Crime Scene 
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Commercial Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. Retirement homes need deep cleanings, apartment complexes have an array of cleaning needs from windows to garbage shoots to floors. Restaurants with commercial kitchens. Commercial buildings incur many different types of wear and tear damages that require professionals for cleaning. Have a cleaning need? We here at SERVPRO® have you covered. We specialize in the dirtiest of dirtiest jobs!

So call SERVPRO® today for your cleaning needs at 541-745-2097! 

Let's talk mold...

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO® today!

Let’s talk Mold.

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled.

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce health effects.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call SERVPRO® today if you feel you have a Mold problem at 541-745-2097

After the Storm

2/5/2024 (Permalink)

Helpful tips if you experience water damage after a storm

Emergency Water Damage Tips

After a storm passes, it is important to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some tips to help prevent further damage after a storm, especially if your property has some water damage:

Shut Off Water Source

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.  

Turn Off Circuit Breakers

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the business when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.   

Move Important Objects

Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.  

Don't Enter Affected Areas

Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!   

Stay Away From Structural Damage

Stay away from visible structural damage. Close and rope off the affected area if possible.  

Have Insurance Available

Have your insurance policy available and know the name of your insurance company and broker. Call SERVPRO® today at 541-745-2097! A professional will come out and assess damage and provide necessary mitigation services.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

Our Team is ready to help you in your time of need!

When things like broken pipes, dishwasher leaks, and sewage backups happen, you need to act fast! You need a restoration company who acts fast, as well. That is why our team at SERVPRO® has crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are here to respond to property damage and help make it “Like it never even happened.”

With 20 years of experience, there are not many situations we have not seen or restored. Our team of trained and empathetic professionals is here to walk through the disaster and damage with you. SERVPRO® also has an in house construction company, McGinnis Restoration and Construction, so we can work with you from start to finish. SERVPRO® Team McGinnis is proud to be a locally owned and operated team committed to our customers and our community. If property damage strikes, we are just a phone call away – 541/745-2097

Help keep your family safe during a storm

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors can help keep your family safe

When a winter storm hits, temperatures plummet. We feel the cold, even indoors as houses can be drafty, or a loss of power causes a loss of heat.  As many turn on portable heaters, the risk of fire is probably their primary safety concern.  Most people do not even consider the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!  But many common practices that come with a winter storm do come with an increased risk of accidental CO poisoning. To reduce your risk, and help keep your family safer during a winter storm, please be aware of the following:

• Proper use and ventilation of portable generators. Generators can be a life saver during a loss of power in a Winter Storm.  But they also create CO, so only use a generator per manufacturer’s instructions, and only in areas with proper ventilation. Never place one in an enclosed space, such as a basement, attic or attached garage. And make sure it is placed at least 15 feet away from a window or door into the home!
• Make sure chimneys are clean. Woodstoves, or wood burning fireplaces are a great source of heat in a cold snap. However, if the chimney is clogged, that CO filled smoke will feed back into the home, putting everyone at risk.
• Do not idle your car, or any vehicle, in a garage. Even with a garage door open, the colder air condenses the CO in the exhaust from the vehicle.
• Don’t use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• ANYTHING that burns fuel can create CO. Gas-Powered Generators, Furnaces, Wood stoves, Kerosene heaters, Gas-powered tools, Gas-Powered home appliances, Gas and Charcoal Grills, and, of course, vehicles.  Only use these items in well ventilated areas.
• Check exterior vents for ice or snow covering. During a storm, your furnace and appliance’s exhaust vents can become covered in ice or snow.  This can cause that exhaust to vent into the home, putting you and your family at great risk.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors. Have at least one on every floor of your home. Change out the batteries when you change clocks for Daylight Savings.

While we cannot ever be 100% prepared for a storm, making sure your home’s heating systems are in good shape BEFORE winter storms strike is your best defense.  If you need the name of a good Chimney Sweep, or Heating & Cooling Company, call us at SERVPRO® for a recommendation. We have worked with many wonderful Service Men and Women in our community and are happy to help you find someone to assist you.

With water damage, time is critical

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage? Don't delay, call the professionals at SERVPRO® today!

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

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO Corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.  Need Emergency Service? Call us today at 541-745-2097

SERVPRO® has the heart to help

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Our hardworking SERVPRO® Team is proud to give back to our Community!

SERVPRO® is a company that strongly believes in giving back to our Community.  We are involved in many charitable events during the year. Our Team goes above and beyond to give back. Even after assisting customers during the business week, our team still finds time to go above and beyond when the call arises. We have even participated in two fundraisers back to back in one day! These organizations that provide assistance to those in need mean so much to our SERVPRO® family.

Our Team has proudly participated in the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics in various communities, and most recently in both Salem and Corvallis for the past few years, which benefits our local Special Olympic athletes. The event in Corvallis also combines with Run Off Your Tutu for Furniture Share, a Walk/Run 5k which helps in-need families with beds and furniture. Both of these organizations impact our community in such a positive way.  SERVPRO® is proud to participate and assist these, and many other charitable groups, as our mission is to give back whenever we can. That’s why when you're looking for a company to work on your home or business for your restoration needs, SERVPRO® has the heart to help our community!