Recent Posts
Clearing the Air: When to Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
10/23/2023 (Permalink)
Your home's HVAC system quietly works behind the scenes, providing clean, conditioned air throughout the year. But over time, the air ducts transporting this air can accumulate dust, debris, and mold.
Knowing when to have your air ducts professionally cleaned is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently. Here are some key indicators:
1. Visible Dust and Debris:
One of the most apparent signs that it's time for duct cleaning is when you can see dust and debris collecting around the vents or registers in your home. If you notice a buildup of particles, it's a clear signal that the same contaminants are likely present in your air ducts.
2. Allergy Symptoms and Respiratory Issues:
If you or your family members experience unexplained allergy symptoms or increased respiratory issues, it may be due to contaminants in the air ducts. Mold, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can circulate through your home, exacerbating these problems.
3. Lingering Odors:
Strange or unpleasant odors that persist, even after cleaning your home thoroughly, can indicate dirty air ducts. Mold, mildew, or other contaminants can emit foul odors when the HVAC system runs.
4. Reduced Airflow:
A noticeable reduction in airflow from your vents could indicate blockages or excessive debris in the ducts. This reduced airflow can make your HVAC system work harder to maintain your desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills.
5. Pests and Rodents:
If you've had issues with pests or rodents in your home, they may have left behind waste and debris in your air ducts. Professional cleaning can remove these contaminants and improve air quality.
6. Recent Home Renovations:
Home renovations generate substantial dust and debris that can find its way into your air ducts. If you've recently completed a renovation, having your ducts cleaned is a good idea to prevent the spread of these particles throughout your home.
7. New Home or New HVAC System:
If you've recently moved into a new home or had a new HVAC system installed, cleaning your air ducts is advisable. This removes any construction or manufacturing residue, providing you with clean, healthy air from the start.
8. Routine Maintenance:
In general, it's recommended to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Regular maintenance helps maintain good indoor air quality and prolong the life of your HVAC system.
Hiring Professionals for Air Duct Cleaning:
Professional air duct cleaning companies use specialized equipment to clean your ducts, removing contaminants and improving airflow. When considering a professional service, ensure they are reputable licensed, and employ experienced technicians to perform the work.
In conclusion, recognizing the signs that your air ducts need cleaning is vital for maintaining a healthy and efficient home environment. If you've noticed any of these indicators, it's time.
Sewage Cleanup Isn't a DIY Job
10/23/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with sewage cleanup is a challenging and potentially hazardous task. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind if you're faced with a sewage cleanup situation:
Safety First: Your safety should be the top priority. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious health issues. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. Avoid direct contact with sewage and any contaminated materials.
- Professional Help: In most cases, it's best to call a professional sewage cleanup service. They have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle the situation safely and effectively. They can also assess any structural damage and ensure thorough decontamination.
Turn Off the Water Supply: If the sewage is due to a plumbing problem, turn off the water supply to prevent further contamination.
Ventilation: Open windows and doors to provide ventilation, and use fans to help dissipate odors and airborne contaminants.
Stay Clear: Keep pets and children away from the affected area until the cleanup is complete and verified safe.
Avoid Using Household Cleaners: Do not use regular household cleaners for sewage cleanup. They may not be effective against sewage-related contaminants. Instead, use specialized cleaning agents designed for sewage or consult a professional cleanup service.
Dispose of Contaminated Materials: Properly dispose of contaminated materials, such as clothing, carpets, or personal items, in sealed plastic bags. Follow local regulations for waste disposal. Do not attempt to clean and reuse sewage-contaminated items.
Cleaning Protocol: Start by removing as much sewage as possible with a scoop or shovel. Then, disinfect the affected area with a bleach and water solution (1:10 bleach-to-water ratio). Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including walls, floors, and fixtures.
Inspect and Repair Plumbing: Address the underlying issue causing the sewage backup. Inspect and repair any plumbing or sewage system problems to prevent future incidents.
Protect Against Mold: After the cleanup, monitor the affected area for signs of mold growth. If you notice any, address it promptly with professional mold remediation.
Document the Cleanup: Keep records and photographs of the damage and the cleanup process. This can be helpful for insurance claims.
Insurance Claim: Contact your insurance company to discuss the sewage cleanup and damage. They can guide you through the claim process.
Remember that professionals best handle sewage cleanup when it involves a significant amount of sewage or poses health risks.
Your safety and the thorough decontamination of the affected area are of utmost importance in sewage cleanup situations.
Embrace Cozy Comfort Safely: 13 Tips for Fireplace Fire Safety
10/23/2023 (Permalink)
As the crisp autumn air sets in and winter's chill approaches, there's nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of an indoor fireplace.
However, enjoying your fireplace responsibly is essential, ensuring comfort and safety. Here's your comprehensive guide to fireplace fire safety this fall and winter:
1. Chimney Inspection: Before using your fireplace for the season, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional sweep. Creosote buildup in the chimney can pose a significant fire hazard.
2. Use a Spark Screen: Install a spark screen or glass doors to prevent sparks or embers from escaping the fireplace and potentially igniting flammable materials in your home.
3. Clear the Area: Keep flammable items, such as curtains, decorations, or furniture, safe from the fireplace. Maintain a clear zone of at least three feet around the hearth.
4. Burn Only Seasoned Wood: Use dry, seasoned firewood to minimize creosote buildup in the chimney. Avoid burning green wood, treated wood, or trash, as these can release harmful chemicals and create more creosote.
5. Inspect Your Fireplace Grate: Check the fireplace grate for any damage or wear and tear. A sturdy and functional grate helps contain burning logs and prevents rolling embers from escaping.
6. Properly Dispose of Ashes: Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container with a lid. Place the container away from your home or any flammable materials.
7. Keep Children and Pets Safe: Supervise children and pets around the fireplace. Use a safety gate to create a barrier if necessary. Teach kids about the dangers of an open flame and the importance of staying away from the fireplace.
8. Practice Safe Ignition: Use proper ignition methods like kindling and fire starters. Avoid using flammable liquids to start a fire, leading to dangerous flare-ups.
9. Monitor the Fire: Never leave a fire unattended. Be sure to extinguish it thoroughly before leaving the room or going to bed.
10. Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function correctly. Replace batteries as needed.
11. Have a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the fireplace. Familiarize yourself with how to use it.
12. Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your fireplace, hearth, and chimney for any signs of damage or deterioration. Address any issues promptly to maintain safety.
13. Professional Inspection: Consider an annual professional inspection of your fireplace and chimney to identify and address potential safety concerns.
By following these fireplace safety tips, you can fully enjoy the warmth and charm of your indoor fireplace this fall and winter while keeping your home and loved ones safe. Make safety a top priority to ensure a cozy and risk-free experience.
One Team for All: Why Hiring a Construction Team That Understands Water and Fire Restoration is a Game-Changer
10/23/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a water or fire disaster in your home or business can be a daunting experience. Restoring your property to its former glory is not just about repairing the damage but also ensuring that it's done correctly, efficiently, and with a deep understanding of the restoration process.
Hiring a construction team comprehending water and fire restoration can make all the difference. Here's why:
1. Seamless Restoration:
When a construction team has water and fire restoration expertise, you benefit from a seamless transition between the two processes. This eliminates the need for multiple contractors, streamlining the restoration project and saving time and hassle.
2. In-Depth Knowledge:
Understanding the unique challenges of water and fire damage is crucial. A construction team experienced in both areas can better assess the extent of the damage and create a comprehensive restoration plan that addresses all aspects of the project, from structural repairs to finishing touches.
3. Effective Communication:
Communication is vital during the restoration process. Working with a single team that comprehends water and fire restoration ensures all stakeholders are on the same page. This leads to fewer misunderstandings and a smoother, more coordinated project.
4. Cost Savings:
Combining water and fire restoration services with a single team can save costs. With a streamlined process and fewer contractors, you can expect a more efficient use of resources and potentially lower overall project costs.
5. Faster Turnaround:
Time is of the essence in restoration projects. A team well-versed in water and fire restoration can expedite the process, reducing the time it takes to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
6. Comprehensive Solutions:
A construction team that understands both types of restoration can offer more comprehensive solutions. Whether it's repairing structural damage, addressing smoke or soot damage, or preventing mold growth after water damage, they have the expertise to handle it all.
7. Quality Workmanship:
Consistency in workmanship is essential for a successful restoration. When you work with a team experienced in water and fire restoration, you can expect consistent quality throughout the project.
8. Accountability:
Having a single point of contact for your restoration project makes accountability clear. You know who to turn to if any issues arise, making problem resolution easier.
In conclusion, when it comes to restoring your property after water or fire damage, hiring a construction team that understands both aspects of restoration can be a game-changer.
It streamlines the process, improves communication, and ensures a more efficient, cost-effective, and comprehensive restoration experience. The result? Your property is back to its pre-damage condition with minimal stress and hassle.
3 Tips on Sewage Clean Up
10/12/2022 (Permalink)
What To Know About Cleaning Up a Sewage Backup
When a home in our servicing area experiences a sewer backup, it is suggested that you call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County immediately. This is highly recommended because specific standards should be met when cleaning sewage material. Here is what you may want to know about cleaning up a sewer backup in a home or business.
- Sewage is Called Black Water
One thing to remember about sewer backup from a flooded toilet is that it is categorized as black water. This category is used to classify any water that may have had to contact with harmful materials such as fecal matter. There are standards for dealing with this type of water designed to help avoid the spread of these contaminants and bacteria.
- Following Safety Procedures is Important
Following safety standards when performing cleanup from a sewage backup is essential. This includes wearing proper safety gear such as boots, coveralls, gloves, and masks. It is also vital to ensure that no sewage material is tracked to unaffected locations to avoid the spread of bacteria.
- Professionals Should Handle the Restoration
Any time sewage is involved, a professional must be called. A restoration business will have the tools, training, and standard knowledge to handle any cleaning and repair as quickly and safely as possible. A restoration team should also be able to decontaminate the space and check for any related damages resulting from sewage flooding.
When performing a sewer cleanup, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for help, as these professionals have the training and tools for safely performing a cleanup. Sewage is considered black water, and all safety precautions should be observed when dealing with this material to help avoid the spread of bacteria. If you have any questions, please contact us at 636-467-5444.
Are You Ready for Storm Damage?
10/12/2022 (Permalink)
Storms can catch homeowners by surprise.
As anyone here knows, the weather in Southern & Central Jefferson County brings intense rain, wind, and ice storms. With weather that can switch quickly, it’s essential to ensure your home is storm-ready, prepared to handle and withstand unpredictable conditions.
It’s always a good idea to conduct a home and ground inspection before weather conditions worsen. Things like leaky roofs or windows can be very problematic in the midst of heavy rainfall and strong winds, so checking them and ensuring they are all fitted correctly is a critical step.
Checking for loose shutters and trimming back any trees or shrubbery that may be surrounding your home is another good way to get it storm-ready. Shutters, tree limbs, and other loose debris can get picked up by the wind and thrown in any direction, including toward your house. Also, inspect any drainage areas near or around your home, clearing them of debris-creating blockage. This will help reduce the chances of flooding your property during a storm.
Another thing to consider when preparing your home for a storm is what kind of system to have that will allow you to communicate with your loved ones and receive weather updates. In some cases, storms can become strong enough to put your cell phone’s service signal at risk, so it’s good to be prepared and have an alternative form of communication in place.
And as always, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is here to help in the event of storm damage. We’re available 24/7 and ready when you need us. Give us a call at (636) 467-5444.
3 Things That Must Go After a Fire
9/15/2022 (Permalink)
After a fire, there are some items you may be able to salvage and restore. However, there are other items that you should throw away. If you’re not sure what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of, check out these three suggestions:
1. Makeup. After spending hundreds of dollars on the best foundations, concealers, and eyeshadow palettes, no one wants to trash some of their most valuable makeup. Unfortunately, the makeup you’d normally wear may no longer be in such good condition due to the high flame heat. Some of these products may have melted and are no longer usable.
2. Medication. If your medicine cabinet was slightly destroyed by the fire and smoke in the home, throw away the medication and talk to your physician about getting refills. Most physicians understand situations like this because it’s not safe to take medication that has been exposed to such heat in the first place.
3. Food. If food smells like smoke and soot is on it, toss it in the trash. You may not like wasting food you’ve purchased, but it’s simply not safe to eat any contaminated food due to the chemicals commonly used to put out fires. You never know if those chemicals are on certain products, such as your bread, crackers, and even your box of cereal, so don’t take any risks.
Water Damage is not a DIY Project
9/15/2022 (Permalink)
Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals.
SERVPRO of Rolla technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold. Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:
Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.
Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.
Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.
Preparing Your Home for Summer Vacations
4/22/2022 (Permalink)
Give us a call anytime!
When summer comes around, most of us enjoy going somewhere else every now and then on an extended vacation. But even during a time of relaxation, it’s important to remember that even while you’re gone, things can still go wrong in your home. And the bills of damage left unattended can wreak havoc both during and after your vacation. But fortunately, the TODAY Show has a list of helpful tips to prevent the unexpected damages while you’re away;
- If able, set your water heater on “vacation mode”
- Make sure storm drains are clean to prevent backups
- Turn down the house temperature
- Leave some of the lights on to make it appear that someone is home
- Consider turning off your water while you’re away to prevent water damage
- Mow your lawn before leaving to allow the freshly cut grass to absorb more rainwater
- Lock your doors and windows
- Consider investing in a monitor or camera to be able to check on your home while away
By remembering to take some simple steps, you can help ensure that your home is protected from a variety of damage. We all want to enjoy our vacations without stress, and it’s a simple task with the right preparation. With a bit of planning, you can make sure you come back to your home in the same condition you left it.
Source: https://www.today.com
As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is here to help! Call us 636-467-5444.
We give you a five star experience every time!
4/22/2022 (Permalink)
We strive to give our customers a 5 star experience!
Guess who’s one of the most highly recommended restoration company in the Jefferson County area? That’s right, it’s us! We don’t need to toot our own horn, because we’ve got over numerous reviews between our 2 franchises to do that for us. We are really proud of them, because we’ve worked really hard to make sure each and every one of those reviews is well earned. Our SERVPRO team strives hard to make sure every one of our customers has a five-star experience, no matter the size or type of job. Whether it’s a fire or a water loss, whether it’s a home or a commercial building. We want you to have the same experience no matter what, and if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.
Give our SERVPRO Team a call today at 636-467-5444!
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