Everett Homeowners Benefit from Clear Information on Mold Damage

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians are ready with personal protective equipment and equipment to remediate mold damage in Everett.

SERVPRO Resources Simplify Everett Mold Restoration

It is common to feel apprehensive and even demand immediate answers when you notice signs of mold damage in your house. You may feel that the information you seek, such as whether the contamination is restricted to one area or widespread, is hard to come by, or the professionals you seek help from do not clearly understand the problems you face. SERVPRO can allay any fears regarding the infestation at your Everett home by listening to your concerns and exploring viable remediation procedures.

The approach used by the company handling Everett households with mold damage plays a critical role in determining the level of satisfaction for the affected parties. With any property loss, apportioning the blame or showing a superiority complex to the aggrieved party serves no purpose and only heightens the feeling of dissatisfaction. SERVPRO crews show empathy since we understand it is not your desire to stay in a contaminated house. Also, instead of coming across as superior and know-it-all, we choose to listen and take good notes that can elucidate the genesis of the problem.

Crucial information that helps:

• History of past water leaks
• History of structural repairs
• The state of appliances or fixtures

The primary trigger of any cases involving mold is moisture reaching unwanted house areas. Such moisture can accumulate for various reasons, including structural breaches such as roof leaks or plumbing leaks. Sometimes, negligence is to blame rather than the severity of the leak. For instance, when leaks occur, and no one bothers to check concealed areas such as wall and floor cavities, they can act as moisture reservoirs that sustain the mold colonies that sprout later. Improperly fixed structural areas can fail quickly, creating new moisture sources. Repairs can also interfere with other things, such as the ventilation systems leading the structure to retain humidity. Such background information helps SERVPRO develop the right strategy to fight mold over the long term rather than only resolve immediate contamination.

Feedback on Mold-related Issues

Sometimes you may doubt the solutions suggested by a restorer because of how the information is laid out. Our SERVPRO crews observe ultimate professionalism throughout the process. For instance, on arrival, we let the customer show us the damages and areas of concern while maintaining a neutral demeanor. We reserve opinions on whether materials are salvageable or unsalvageable until we can pretest the damage. 

Categories of mold damage:

• Visual changes and stains
• Physical deterioration
• Soiling
• Odors

Mold develops on almost all surface types. However, only organic materials deteriorate from such contamination. The only thing you can worry about for inorganic materials is soiling, which cleaning can readily address. Staining is another issue that we can readily handle. Stains primarily affect fabrics such as draperies, carpets, or even clothes and develop because of the different color shades of mold colonies.

Structural areas such as ceilings and walls bear the brunt of mold contamination because they are organic materials. They are assemblies made up of drywall panels, insulation, and structural framing. Mold readily colonizes all these materials leading to significant deterioration. Our SERVPRO technicians carry out controlled demolition removing unsalvageable porous materials. Then we can clean, dry, and seal structural supports to prevent a recurrence.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe considers all angles when addressing mold damage to ensure satisfactory outcomes. Call us at (360) 243-8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Restoration for Storm-Damaged Everett Homes

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mitigates storm damage by temporarily covering with a blue tarp. Then we can dry the interior of this Everett house.

Restoring Water-Damaged Structural Systems

Everett homes are constructed of multiple materials, many of which are at least partially porous. After a severe storm event, structural systems with sensitive components become impacted. Our experienced and licensed general contracting crew can repair and recover these areas of the house to make restoration efficient.

Where Is the Storm Damage?

Water restoration for Everett homes after storm losses can mean closely evaluating the house’s condition. No area can be missed when cleaning up the puddling, as persistent moisture can lead to hazardous conditions like mold development. Some of the structural assemblies and systems that can be damaged by storms, flooding, and water disasters include:

• Exterior Wall Systems – Gutter overflows, and poor drainage can see Everett homes get water in lower levels of the house. Extraction and drying are critical in these conditions.
  
• Roof Assemblies – Storms can impact the roof with water penetration vulnerabilities. Holes or compromise to the roof and its underlayment material give a clear path for water runoff and driven rain to find the attic. We can help with cleanup and repairs.
• Flooring – Losses, where water can pool on the flooring surfaces, can lead to carpeting or wood plank options absorbing the moisture. Effective cleanup involves special extractors and drying mats to preserve the floors.

Thorough Drying for Damaged Systems

While repairs can play an important part in the recovery process, we have many tools and focuses addressing the water effects. The saturation of structural components in wall and ceiling systems can be addressed with focused blasts from centrifugal air movers and effectively placed dehumidification units.

Restoration after storm damage can often mean repairs of the structural systems impacted. Our skilled professionals can assess the damage and return home to its expected structural integrity. Call SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Let Professionals Handle Your Mold Damage Concerns in Everett

3/19/2023 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home is never a welcome sight. Call the SERVPRO technicians to investigate the cause and remediate the mold damage in your home.

Why SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology During Mold Damage Cleanup in Everett

There are several reasons why SERVPRO is rated highly in the provision of mold damage remediation services. When you face a mold situation, you need to work with a team that guarantees peace of mind since mold remediation is subject to building codes and regulations. Our team is certified to work in the area and complies with the set standard.

When offering mold damage cleanup services in Everett, our SERVPRO technicians use several advanced technologies for greater success. We understand that the spores can spread quickly and are difficult to capture, especially when they hide behind walls and other places which are hard to reach. Using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems makes it possible to capture the spores and prevent further contamination.

Using negative air machines can also prevent the spread of mold spores to uncontaminated areas. When the machines run, they create a pressure difference between the surrounding regions and the contaminated area. Air gets drawn into the affected area, and before it enters the region, it gets HEPA filtered to remove mold particles, and then it is directed to the outside.

For mold to grow, moisture must exist in the area. So, one of the things our SERVPRO technicians do is to detect moisture using specialized equipment. Some equipment we use to detect and measure moisture levels accurately include moisture meters, infrared cameras, and thermo-hygrometers. After that, we use appropriate drying techniques to solve the moisture problem.

When mold has reached the air ducts, we may use UV-C light technology to neutralize the spores and reduce the exposure risk. The goal is to prevent possible health effects. Working with skilled professionals for effective and efficient mold removal and cleanup is always advisable.

Consider contacting SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 for a speedy and effective mold remediation process. We use the latest technology to control the situation safely and lower the chances of future contamination.

Some Fire Damage Restoration Methods Used in Local Everett Homes

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be quite overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services. Our technicians are standing by.

Fire Damage Restoration Reduces Replacement Costs

Fire is a complicated thing, used in Everett to heat our homes, cook, and warm up our water supply. It can also destroy the same aspects of our lives if it gets out of our control. A highly skilled fire restoration team with experience and training can turn this terrible event into a distant memory for your family.

To do this for your home in Everett, our fire damage restoration crew must utilize several different techniques. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all process we can use to restore the assorted elements affected by heat, soot, and direct contact with flames.

The restoration of higher-cost furnishings keeps total expenses low compared to the replacement costs of those items. Some of these items in your home include:

• Wood flooring, 
• Painted walls and ceilings, and
• Wooden surfaces.

Instead of removing slightly damaged flooring and replacing it with new, we can clean it. Because wood flooring is a very porous material, not only does it absorb soot, but it can also retain large amounts of water from putting out the fire. We use flushing-out with clean water, vacuuming, and deodorizing to clean and recondition your beautiful floors.

Swirling smoke contains sticky particles that easily adhere to surfaces everywhere, including painted walls and ceilings. Because smoke residues are so abrasive, they are difficult to remove and quickly bleed through regular paints, including primers. We use a shellac or other sealer to prevent bleeding through fire-related particles.

Many fine furniture items contain wooden accents and trims. We get these polished for you again, applying oils and finishes as needed. The upholstered portions, including leather and woven fabrics, require other approaches, including vacuuming, brushing, shampooing, and wiping down with dampened towels.

SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe performs restoration work under our General Contractor License (#SERVPES871RD. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for dependable professionals.

Water Damage and Utility Rooms in Everett

1/15/2023 (Permalink)

After a water damage situation, the key is knowing who to turn to. Contact SERVPRO as we are available 24/7 - 365 days a week.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Help with Water Cleanup

Water emergencies can occur in any part of the home, but the most common places are utility rooms. Washing machines and dishwashers are connected directly to the water mains in the house. A loose connection can cause significant quantities of water to leak onto the tiles beneath and can often go unnoticed overnight. While it can be tempting to mop up the excess water, a proper inspection can help to save expenses in the long run. In high quantities, liquids can seep through cracks in tile or grouting and penetrate the subfloor beneath. With exposure to moisture, a subfloor can warp, leading to further cracking in the tiles above and becoming at risk of microbial infestation.

SERVPRO can help with the following:

• Water damage restoration
• Water Cleanup
• Water mitigation

Confronting water damage early in your Everett home can make all the difference. Water intrusion decays, leading to more extensive damage if left alone. Most utility rooms are fitted with ceramic tiles installed on top of the plyboard due to their natural resistance to moisture and small spills. However, that same moisture resistance can make the plyboard backing difficult to dry without removing the tiles altogether. SERVPRO technicians may try to dry the plyboard from the other side by accessing the crawlspaces and deploying a box fan or air-mover. Sometimes, drilling holes in the board can aid air circulation allowing the backing material to dry correctly and reduce secondary damages.

Restoring wet utility rooms

• Drying the floor from underneath can help to reduce claims expenses by eliminating the need to remove and re-tile utility rooms.
• Drilling holes in the floor can help technicians to monitor the subfloor and prevent warping or buckling.
• Non-penetrating moisture meters are used to check for moisture migration behind tiled floor surfaces.

Professional assistance can prevent an accident from becoming a serious problem. Contact SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for water damage restoration at (360) 243-8313.

Resource for Water Cleanup in Everett Commercial Spaces

12/18/2022 (Permalink)

After a water damage event, quick cleanup and remediation is key. Contact us right away should your commercial space suffer from a water intrusion.

Water Removal in Everett with SERVPRO

There are various situations where your Everett commercial premises might suffer water damage. For example, a burst pipe might cause a sudden flood. The effects can devastate your business since you risk facing downtime while dealing with the menace. However, it can be more manageable than it sounds. A little preparation, a plan of action, and rapid response from professionals such as SERVPRO can significantly minimize property destruction and quickly get you back to business.

Proper moisture removal and drying during water cleanup in Everett commercial premises are critical as it helps prevent any long-term problems. Mold growth after moisture intrusion in a building is common and can begin 24-48 hours after the incident. Starting extraction and drying fast is the best defense against mold infestation. SERVPRO can provide timely intervention against the effects of indoor humidity, thus preventing large-scale losses.

Risk factors from moisture in commercial buildings

• Decay and corrosion in structural materials
• Damage to machinery
• Damage to stored goods                                                       

Regulating moisture problems in commercial spaces

Water molecules move freely; hence when in contact with materials, what matters is the unique properties of each material. For example, if moisture comes in contact with a surface with a strong affinity for water, such as wood, it spreads fast across the surface. Most building materials are porous to some degree and tend to accumulate moisture. Excess water can lead to costly repairs in extensively damaged materials if extracted after a while. SERVPRO has a wide variety of extraction equipment to facilitate timely and convenient moisture management.

Extraction and drying equipment

• Dry/wet vacuums
• Portable and truck-mounted extractors
• LGR and desiccant dehumidifiers
• Structural cavity-drying equipment

Get in touch with SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe to take care of the water cleanup in your commercial premises. You can reach us at (360) 243-8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Storm Flooding in Everett Causes Layers of Damage

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Floodwaters contain contaminants, SERVPRO can safely remove the water and damaged materials from your home.

SERVPRO Helps Everett Residents with Flood Damage Repair

Flooding during a storm can bring immense damage and costs for Everett businesses and homeowners. Whether you feel flooding is not expected with an upcoming storm or live in an area not tagged as a flood zone, remember that significant storm fronts can change everything. When you have flooding throughout your interior that involves category 3 floodwater with contamination, you need skilled technicians to tackle the cleanup and repair work. This is where SERVPRO comes in – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, including emergency response and disaster crews.

Homeowners in Everett with flood damage may need to realize how common it can be. If you are unsure of your risks for flooding, you can consult local flood zone maps to determine if you should take precautions should heavy storms be predicted.

How Does Flood Damage Impact the Home?

Whether you have a basement or crawlspace, floodwater can infiltrate and even wick up into your first floor. Contaminated waters are hazardous, so you must reduce risks by keeping people and pets away from them until SERVPRO arrives for water removal services.

• Contamination – Floodwaters harbor many contaminants, including chemicals, vermin, fecal matter, fuel, and more.
• Structural Hazards – Damage to structural elements like flooring or support beams can occur from water pressure during the flood.
• Odors – Musty, foul odors could develop from floodwaters or mildew growth. These odorous particulates must get addressed by skilled Odor Control Technicians (OCT).

SERVPRO arrives at your door within four hours or less with each emergency flooding or water damage call. We begin the assessment, containment, and water removals using pumps and extractors to handle all standing water and debris. Our crew also sets up drying equipment and dehumidifiers in tandem to help quickly restore relative humidity to bring down moisture levels. We repair or replace building materials and finishing touches as needed to make everything “Like it never even happened.” – General Contractor License #: SERVPES871RD

Request help online or call SERVPRO of Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at (360) 243-8313 whenever you require flood damage assistance.

Why Reputable Mold Remediation Companies Are Best in Everett

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says controlling RH relative humidity in your Everett home can help prevent mold damage

Trained SERVPRO Technicians Help Everett Residents Address Mold Damage

Nothing is worse than the foul, musty odor we all associate with mold and mildew. Even if you cannot spot visible patches of black mold in your Everett home, increased moisture and the damp must-like odor are two telltale signs of an issue developing. SERVPRO technicians are trained to address the root cause of your mold problem, helping you remedy the issue and clean all surfaces to ensure all people and pets within your home can breathe easily again.

Our multi-level process and proven methods

Did you know that water damage restoration and addressing mold damage in Everett often go hand-in-hand? Whenever microscopic mold spores begin to colonize, there is usually some underlying moisture problem, ceiling leaks, or a slow leak within your pipes. If you recently tried DIY water cleanup, you may have missed hidden moisture that created secondary damage.

How does SERVPRO handle mold damage?

Following safe standards set forth by the IICRC, our certified mold remediation technicians leave no stone unturned. Our methods generally follow the following steps:

• Containment with poly sheeting and negative air pressure
• Standing water removal and addressing hidden leaks
• Work on restoring relative humidity (RH) with dehumidification equipment
• Careful mold cleanup and removal/replacement of unsalvageable materials
• Increasing airflow and movement to facilitate drying
• Application of EPA-registered antibacterial and antimicrobial agents

Why is relative humidity an issue?

The RH in the air dictates moisture held at specific temperatures. When the RH is high, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Our crew has all the advanced technology and tools to address RH and achieve our drying goals faster than any DIY method could achieve, if at all.

Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe, and we can send out our Green Fleet as soon as possible to restore mold damage. Request help online or call us at (360) 243-8313.

Fire Damage Alters Homes in Everett in Unexpected Ways

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

What Can Fire Damage in Everett Be Like?

A house fire can happen any time of the year in Everett. Fire damage can leave your home unlivable and many of your items irreparably damaged. Some belongings, though, sit under layers of soot and oils that steadily harden as it becomes adhered to the exterior of your otherwise undamaged belongings. 

SERVPRO technicians use IICRC-approved methods to mitigate fire damage in Everett. These same techniques consistently provide property owners worldwide with the results needed to get their lives back to normal. The calculations, the equipment, and the terminology might all seem strange and complicated. Still, our workers are highly trained and understand how to make it all work for your benefit. 

Here are some facts about our fire damage techniques:

• We don’t point air movers directly at damp surfaces,
• Tools range from foamy brushes to sandblasting equipment, and
• Some methods require more than one attempt, and that’s normal.

It is crucial to the restoration work in your home that you not adjust any of our equipment, including our air movers. These devices should rarely, if ever, point directly at a wall. A direct blast of air would only drive moisture more profound into the material, not out of it. 

Tiny brushes poofed high with soap suds for detailing soot-covered antiques can do a lot of good in the hands of an experienced restorer. Sandblasting equipment removes charred areas on wood and reveals the fresh, undamaged wood underneath. We use ice pellets for this instead of sand, of course. It even removes the foul odor!

Soot continues to break down into smaller pieces that rise into the air on air currents. Odor control becomes an ongoing task, as does removing dusty soot layers from your home. We can use air scrubbers to help ease this task and thermal fogging.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe has excellent techniques for this and any other disaster that might affect your residence. Call us at (360) 243-8313.

What is the Right Approach to Fire Damage?

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust that your home is in good hands with the experienced technicians at SERVPRO. With the tools and skill to help restore your home.

Protect your Everett Home After a Fire by Calling a Professional Fire Restoration Team.

Fire can erupt in your Everett home for many reasons. Whether it was preventable or merely an accident due to aging wires, the resulting damage can be enough to make you worry. Rather than attempt to clean up smoke and soot damage on your own, invite a professional team to assess the accident's scope. Even the smallest fires can leave significant consequences in their wake, and the best way to avoid escalation is to inspect your whole home thoroughly.

Homeowners in Everett can face fire damage restoration with the help of our SERVPRO crew. Our team is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as fire restoration technicians. We apply our knowledge for your benefit. Simple solutions are not enough to erase fire damage. Instead, understanding the theory of fire and the suitability of cleaning techniques and solutions are a sound foundation for addressing your needs. Our team brings the most advanced methods and equipment to your home shortly after you place a call to our 24/7 hotline.

What Should People Look For in a Successful Fire Restoration?

Many variables affect the restoration process, and our SERVPRO team is ready to evaluate them. The relative humidity of your home, the cause for ignition, and the path of the smoke through your ventilation system help dictate our steps as we clean. Some other aspects we consider also include:

The finish of the surfaces we clean- untreated wood absorbs water and soot more readily, whereas varnish could protect surfaces like floors and furniture.

Permeability- water can settle into natural materials and make a suitable environment for mold to grow. Anti-microbial solutions can help clean now to avoid problems in the future.

Deodorizing- the smell of smoke may need to be counteracted with odor pellets, ozone, or foggers, depending on the level of severity and nature of the fuel that ignited.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Monroe/ Lake Stevens is at your service when disaster strikes. Contact us at (360) 243-8313 and let us leave your home "Like it never even happened."

My Insurer Recommends to Call a Water Restoration Expert in Everett, Whom Should I Call?

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

In an emergency, you need expert assistance to manage the process of returning your home to a preloss condition.

SERVPRO Has Flood Damage Technicians of Certifiable Expertise Available for Residents of Everett.

How do Qualified Water Technicians Deal with Flooding?

When your Everett home becomes saturated with a massive quantity of water, your insurer is likely to recommend professional assistance. Getting an accurate estimate for your claim's cost may be difficult until there is a reduction in water levels on the property. SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) can perform these vital mitigating steps in the immediate aftermath of a flooding incident. Using a combination of industrial pumping equipment and extractors, we can quickly mitigate against flood losses to structures or contents. We can also accurately assess the extent of water contamination in the property, which is essential to planning a secure restoration. Once standing water levels have gone, your property is at a reduced risk of structural collapse. We can then scope the park again for potential causes of concern at the start of the drying process.

What is the Drying Procedure for Property Flooding?

It can be beneficial to disinfect and clean flood damage in your Everett property before drying begins. By cleaning before drying, we can ensure that grime does not have time to settle into materials causing permanent harm. The drying procedure focuses on reducing the moisture content of documents and bringing down the relative humidity inside the building. The remaining moisture is essential to clean up the process because it prevents mold from building up through stages and reduces the risk of water stagnation. With a clean, dry property, our technicians can work toward cleaning, repainting, replacing, and restoring the material damage.

What risks are associated with flooding?

• Raw sewage, non-access to water mains, and sewer backup
• Structural collapse from added water weight
• Secondary mold, bacteria, and virus growth in the property

In an emergency, you need expert assistance to manage the process of returning your home to a pre-damaged condition. Contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Flooded Basement in Everett? Call SERVPRO for Water Removal and Restoration

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

When you are facing basement flooding, the situation can seem overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO to assess and start the water removal process.

Removing Standing Water from Everett Basements

Standing water can present multiple threats for construction materials and the occupants of your Everett home. When water heaters malfunction due to age or a faulty connection, they can continue to work to resupply the tank without reaching a point where it stops. If you do not quickly notice this problem, the result can be catastrophic in the basement of the house. 

Water removal for Everett homes, especially in subterranean levels, requires the use of premier extraction tools available to our SERVPRO team. While initial sopping can get done by the homeowner before our team arrives, removing the bulk of standing water falls to the capable functionality of our electric submersible pumps. These units can provide a consistent draw of the standing water until the level reaches a manageable 2 inches in depth. 

Electric pumps are the extractor of choice because they have one of the most extended lead hoses for discharging water of any of the water removal tools available to our SERVPRO professionals. On a lower floor like the basement, it can be critical to have this longer available discharge line to avoid compromising the prime of the suction. Additionally, utilizing these electric pumps limits the need for ventilation that would be necessary with the use of engine-driven options we might use in other situations. 

Because we have a team of licensed (#SERVPE871RD) general contractors on our team, we can patch up damaged portions of plumbing and install necessary fixtures to re-pressurize your lines. It is always a priority of our professionals to make losses. “Like it never even happened,” and our capable contractors can ensure that no structural damages require addressing while drying is underway with our centrifugal air movers and refrigerant dehumidification machines. 

Appliance failures can lead to substantial water loss incidents in a brief period. No matter when disasters strike, you can reach our staffed emergency line to get in contact with our experienced SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team. Contact us whenever you need us at (360) 243-8313.

Storm Damage Recovery In Your Lake Stevens Home

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

When storm damage affects your home, the situation can escalate fast. Call SERVPRO to quickly come out and start the water removal process.

Start to Finish Storm Damage Recovery in Lake Stevens

Residents of Lake Stevens, just east of Possession Sound, have or hear stories of severe storms in the area. Wind gusts and rains can wreak havoc with the roof and exterior structure of your home. Once the shell of your dwelling breaches because of shingles and decking ripping off the roof or a tree limb crashing into siding or a window, the inevitable happens. Copious quantities of precipitation pummel your damaged home, pouring in and causing water loss throughout.

Emergency Response

When our emergency crew arrives to scope the storm damage in your Lake Stevens home, the first concern is securing the structure, inside and out. Boarding and tarping up exterior damage ensures that additional rain does not enter your home. We address this as our project manager begins assessing safety concerns inside. Before our technicians can commence water extraction and structural drying, stabilizing floors and evaluating ceilings for hidden water is vital. Our build-back team has exceptional skills in this area. We might need to manage these risks without the help of your residence’s electricity for a time as electric shock hazards are non-negotiable.

Water Extraction

Once the structure stabilizes, the SERVPRO team begins removing the water. We choose among submersible pumps, ideal for water deeper than two inches, and truck-mounted or portable extractors to get the job done. The mounted equipment has a higher capacity and the benefit of an on-board power generator if the lights are still out. Portable extractors allow us to get into tight areas, and limit the aggressive nature of the bigger units where surfaces beneath the water need finesse. We aim to extract all the liquid water possible before moving to the drying phase. Throughout the extraction, our staff captures and contains contaminated floodwaters for lawful disposal.

Structural Drying

SERVPRO Applied Structural Drying (ASD) certified technicians complete a rigorous course of classroom and hands-on work from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We approach drying scientifically, balancing air movement and temperature to evaporate water trapped in structures so that our carefully curated fleet of dehumidifiers can capture it.

Rebuilding

Our general contracting division awaits the chance to repair and rebuild both interior and exterior structures. SERVPRO’s inclusion of a reconstruction option streamlines the restoration of your storm-damaged home, saving time, money, and stress.

Waste no time contacting SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe after a storm damages your home. Our phone at (360) 243-8313 is answered 24/7, and we pledge to respond fast and with the workforce and equipment to get the whole project completed promptly.

If Guests Leave Your Everett B&B with Fire Damage, SERVPRO is Nearby to Help

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke from a fire or even cigarettes can damage the rooms in your business. Call our technicians to assess the situation and formulate an action plan.

Fire Damage Residues in Your Everett Rental Can Affect Ratings

Fire damage, including someone smoking cigarettes, can leave rooms in your Everett B&B smelly and unappealing. Depending on the severity of the charring, soot, or other damage, our mitigation team works with our construction leader to make any restoration work happen as quickly as possible.

Some fire damage to your Everett lodging might only require light work, such as a round of thermal fogging. No matter how severe or minor, we can scale our services to any degree of damage sustained. Some services that your establishment might benefit from include:

• Soot removal from surfaces,
• Mitigation of burned materials, and
• Reconstruction of destroyed sections of your business.

Soot slowly settles on surfaces within a building after something burns or smolders. Because soot types can vary from one area to another in the same building, SERVPRO uses several different cleaning options. We have the experience to make quick and tidy work of the dirtiest messes.

Carpeting or curtains can range from slight discoloration due to soot staining or melting of synthetic fibers that leave sections ruined. We can work with you on mitigating such damage as economically as possible. Bedspreads and quilts can also show damage, so point these items out to us, and we can discuss possible solutions.

Charring of your B&B’s interior can leave wires or plumbing exposed. Our construction professionals can restore these so any returning guests see everything as “Like it never even happened.” Returning to a familiar place can create the sensation of being in a secure retreat. During this work, our mitigation crew ensures they do tear-outs and removals of materials uniformly and precisely. Making straight cuts and marking measurements saves our building crew immense amounts of time, meaning they can finish the entire project much sooner for you.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can be reached by calling us at (360) 243-8313. We help local businesses with fire damage mitigation and other services to keep your business going.

We Have The State Of The Art Equipment To Restore Your Everett Home After Water Damage Strikes

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the extent of the water damage in your home, team SERVPRO can help with water removal and drying. Contact us right away for best result.

How Controlled Demolition Assists with Water Removal in Everett

When a home receives water damage, finding the location of the water and fast extraction go hand in hand to lessen the loss. This involves a combination of using moisture detection devices, removal equipment, and specialized restoration methods for the best outcome. 

During water removal services in an Everett home, SERVPRO technicians may need to use controlled demolition applications to create areas of better airflow for complete drying. This is especially true in the case of a long-term leak causing the water loss incident in the home, and technicians need to check within wall cavities or under flooring for mold growth and ascertain if there is structural damage.

The opening of walls or cabinets may start with small weep holes drilled to allow the dual function of drainage within the area as well as maximizing airflow during drying. More concentrated controlled demolition actions include: 

• Water delaminates tiles from the floor, and they require removal for both water extraction and drying the subfloor with specialized equipment such as drying mats. 

• Cutting away water damaged sheetrock above the waterline to stop further wicking of water and allow high airflow within wall cavities. SERVPRO technicians leave the metal studs exposed to ensure thorough drying happens before reconstruction.

• Trim may be salvageable through proprietary cleaning and disinfection methods if it has less than 24-hours exposure to water and is solid hardwood without signs of weakening or warpage after drying.

• HVAC systems may require disassembly and cleaning if the unit has received water damage. 

After a home has undergone controlled demolition as a part of the restoration services, it may look like a step backward. It actually assists with returning the house to dry, sanitary standards more quickly. The easier it is for SERVPRO to use their equipment to deliver dry, warm air to wet areas, the faster they dry the property and guard it against mold infestations.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 is ready to perform any necessary water removal task needed and with their general contractor license #SERVPES871RD, they can repair and restore the home to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

What You Can Do For Your Everett Home When Flood Damage Strikes

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can often overtake your home and damage the structure and contents. Take control of the situation by contacting SERVPRO. Call us 24/7.

SERVPRO can help you smooth out the process for your Everett storm damage.

When you see a weather report of a severe thunderstorm coming during the night, most people would hardly expect it to lead to flood damage inside of their home. However, sometimes luck can fail, and an unfortunate accident can occur inside of your home. In these moments, it is essential to reach out for professional help as soon as possible. Quick reaction times mean a better chance for a smooth remediation process. 

Storms can bring intense winds, and those winds can cause damage to the outside of your Everett home and allow flood damage inside. Hypothetically, let's say that one of your windows is forced open by the storm's strong winds. Throughout the night, rainwater was able to get inside of your home and flooded your dining room floor. 

Reaching out for professional help as soon as you find the damage is the best thing you can do for your home. Quickly cleaning up the water can prevent future complications, such as mold damage. If mold damage is left unchecked, it can cause rot to the structure of your home, which is never a good thing. 

When you get in contact with SERVPRO, our technicians always respond swiftly. We can gather a team of talented water damage restoration technicians (WRT) and send them to your home as soon as possible. However, our arrival may be delayed depending on weather conditions. Even if flooded roads or fallen trees, our technicians are still dedicated to arriving at your home and helping you remediate the flood damage inside. 

Once we arrive, SERVPRO can investigate the flood damage inside of your dining room and create a water extraction, clean up, and drying plan. We can use wet/dry vacuum and rover-mounted extractors to clean up the standing water. From there, we can use antibacterial cleaning agents to wipe down your floor and walls. After searching for extra pockets of water with our thermal imaging cameras, we can set up a drying environment using devices like flood-drying mats and dehumidifiers. Here at SERVPRO, we're thorough and dedicated to leaving your home, "Like it never even happened." 

If sudden flood damage strikes your home, get help immediately. Reach out to SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe by dialing (360) 243-8313 on your phone. We can send techs right away and help you.

Steps to Remove Fire Damage Odors in Everett Offices

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage in your school or office has its own unique set of challenges. Contact SERVPRO for knowledgeable technicians and equipment.

Fire Damage Deodorization Involves Several Steps

Your office combines materials like carpeting, wood, drywall, and other structural elements. When a fire occurs, damaging effects like soot, smoke solids, and odors can spread rapidly through the structure. Our rapid response helps to mitigate and ultimately remove lingering fire malodors.

What Causes Harsh Odors?

Fire damage in Everett offices can often mean the offensive odors structure fires can leave behind in the building. Combustion of various material types can create unique and formidable malodors.

Reducing the Presence of Malodors

Early and direct actions can be taken to lessen the severity of smoke odors. By reducing the strength of these smells, they become more easily neutralized by later deodorization efforts. Initially, our SERVPRO team can work on:

• Surface Cleaning
• Debris Removal
• Masking Imaginary Smells

Fogging the Damaged Areas

One of the more effective counteractant measures to begin overcoming strong smoke malodors in the office is ULV or thermal fogging. This process superheats a concentrated odor neutralization compound to a vaporous state. Dispersing this vapor allows for penetration into porous materials and through the open areas of the office workspace in a fast and portable manner. The mobility of foggers makes them a preferred method of initial deodorization.

Deep Deodorization with Advanced Tools

Counteractant approaches are only good for lessening the severity of the smoke smell but rarely eradicate it. SERVPRO professionals rely on our effective deodorization equipment like hydroxyl machines and ozone generators. The chemical actions neutralize the offensive pungent odors.

One of the noticeable byproducts of combustion is the strong malodors it creates. Overcoming smells from a fire can be an intricate process suited for the advanced equipment and effective products of our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team. Give us a call when disasters threaten your business at (360) 243-8313. 

SERVPRO Provides Everett Properties Mold Remediation

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are "dressed to kill" mold in commercial and residential Everett properties

Remediating Commercial Mold Damage in an Everett Parking Garage

It can seem like the worst is over for Everett business owners after cleaning up water damage. However, mold can proliferate in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold only needs three things to thrive: moisture, adequate temperatures, and organic material. Without professional remediation, fungi can cause health effects and cost business owners even more in damage restoration.

If your business has a garage that has suffered from commercial mold damage in Everett, certified SERVPRO technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to restore your business to a preloss condition. Your local SERVPRO has a general contracting license (#SERVPES871ST), so if your company has suffered structural damage after a disaster, this team is happy to ensure that your facilities are back to normal whenever and as soon as possible.

Preventing Mold Damage in Garage Spaces

There are a variety of things that business owners can do to prevent mold in garages on their property, including:

• Immediately remove standing water with absorbent materials before drying the affected area.
• Installing a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity between 30% and 50%
• Safely maximizing ventilation and sunlight exposure.
• Use only waterproof or mildew-resistant paint in the garage area.
• Replacing cardboard and other organic storage materials with plastic totes and similar water-resistant packaging

Being mindful of storage and other practices in areas that endure frequent exposure to the elements can help save entrepreneurs time, money, and stress when cleaning and maintaining these spaces. Protecting customers' vehicles and contents are of paramount concern for maintaining excellent relationships with the public.

How SERVPRO Can Help

Because a garage space often contains plenty of porous concrete, technicians work quickly to extract water and prepare this surface for drying. Like fabrics and papers, other porous materials may be removed from the space.

Non-porous surfaces, such as soiled plastics and metals, can be scrubbed with OSHA-approved, EPA-registered antimicrobials. For high concentrations of mold on dry surfaces, technicians can use HEPA filter vacuums to break up these clusters before cleaning them up. A commercial-grade detergent solution may be necessary for mold removal on wet surfaces.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can leave your business looking "Like it never even happened." Call (360) 243-8313 today for cleanup that can begin within hours.

You Need Professional Help After Flood Damage in Everett

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO at (360) 243-8313 for storm damage cleanup and restoration for all Everett area properties

Is Floodwater in Everett Considered Contaminated?

Storms featuring "microbursts," short-term but torrential rain events, are unfortunately familiar to residents of Everett. If the storm sewer system near your home cannot handle the influx of water, you can be on the receiving end of significant amounts of liquid flooding and an alarming load of silt, mud, and other debris. Managing the incursion is an urgent matter, requiring a team approach. Homeowners are wise to reach out to us for assistance.

Contaminated Flood Waters Need Professional Management

When flood damage invades your Everett home, the water is by definition contaminated. Heavy rains exacerbated by a saltwater surge, collected overland drainage from elevated areas around the city, and a rise in the level of the Snohomish River can all contribute to dirty, dangerous water. The mix's substances and debris include sewage, deceased animals, landscaping and pavement treatment chemicals, vegetation, and soil.

Collection, containment, and disposal of the contaminated floodwater need the training, knowledge of local hazardous waste requirements, and experience our managers and technicians bring to the scene. Cleaning and treating affected surfaces with EPA-registered disinfectants guard your family against lingering pathogens or mold growth.

We Have the Training and the Equipment

SERVPRO invests in both state-of-the-art equipment and Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training. The investment ensures our crews respond to your flood crisis using the disaster recovery industry's best practices. We shovel solids like mud and silt to make water extraction easier. Our service vehicles stock the commercial-grade submersible pumps and water extractors necessary for flood water removal. The team selects and operates the equipment until visible water evacuates entirely.

Moisture Detection Is the Key to Thorough Drying

Sensitive probes and meters evaluate moisture levels in structural components to provide baseline data for drying. Thermal imaging locates the migration of water behind walls or in other recesses. SERVPRO might determine to make flood cuts to release water for removal and reduce drying times. Our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians design a configuration of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to restore normal moisture readings.

We Offer Rebuilding and Restoration Services

Our General Contractor License allows us to repair flood damage, offering you wrap-around services without hiring additional contractors. Any controlled demolition we used to mitigate and remediate can be rebuilt as well.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe stands ready to help with your flooding crisis from initial assessment through any needed reconstruction. Call our emergency line at (360) 243-8313 day or night.

What Obstacles Exist with Cleaning Fire-Damaged Finished Wood Surfaces in Everett?

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire incident, you want help from the experts. SERVPRO is Here to Help.

With Wood Flooring, Cabinets, and Other Elements in Everett Homes, Fire Damage Cleaning Can be an Intricate Process to Avoid Tear-out and Reconstruction.

When house fires occur in Everett communities, you can feel overwhelmed by the initial appearance of the property. The burning of fuels like wood can create soot and smoke residues that coat surfaces to appear like irreparable damages and total losses. In truth, there are often many ways to clean and restore these coated surfaces when it is cost-effective and beneficial to do so.

Fire restoration in Everett homes can be complicated by elements like finished wood, despite its advantages of being less porous than untreated options. A finish on the surface can protect these elements from quickly absorbing secondary concerns in the house after a fire, such as pooling water from extinguishment. This lower permeance also reduces how damaged these elements can become when directly exposed to smoke and soot residues coming to rest on the surface. The most commonly affected finished wood fixtures and materials within your house include:

• Cabinets
• Flooring
• Wall Materials
• Furniture

What Type of Finish?

Just having finished wood surfaces might seem like enough information for restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. However, there are often more answers needed to treat the affected materials and prevent tear-out and rebuilding. The types of finish vary considerably between furniture and fixtures of the property but often include several potential options:

• Varnish
• Polyurethane
• Shellac
• Paint
• Lacquer

Each of these finishes can react differently over varying exposure times to direct fire damage or lingering soot and smoke residues. Cleaning these elements is an essential component of property loss recovery, however, and should begin as soon as mitigation efforts get underway in the house.

What Is the Common Method of Cleaning Residues?

Based on the evaluation of the damages conducted by our competent project manager after the property is cleared to enter by first responders, we can determine the best approach for removing soot residues from finished wood. Wet and dry smoke concerns can often clean up differently than more stubborn grease-based protein residues that might impact finished wood cabinets in a kitchen area. Typically, the cleaning of light or moderately damaged wood surfaces involves:

• Wet Cleaning – The application of water-based solvents, detergents, and wet sponging in damaged areas can often be a practical choice for residue removal.
• Agitation – Light agitation like scrubbing on finished wood can be beneficial to ensure that any grain markings get cleaned. We can remove loose soils from the surface before wet cleaning with dry vacuuming.
• Soft Cleansers – General surface cleaners are often all that is necessary for removing soils from finished wood unless the concentration of these residues is severe.

What Steps Are Needed for Heavier Smoke Damages?

Ultimately, there are often always surfaces that become heavily impacted by circulating soot and smoke particles. Thick and challenging residues require focused attention and products to resolve. During the mitigation phases, where other surface cleaning actions are taking place, we can work on the multiple-phase cleaning of heavily soiled structural elements and contents. Individual items can benefit from restoration at our nearby SERVPRO facility under our experienced cleaning technicians' eye, while installed materials require on-site solutions, such as:

• Stronger Agitation – Beyond practices like removing heaped soils with vacuuming, more abrasive cleaning techniques might be necessary with steel wool to achieve the desired level of soil removal.
• Potent Cleaners – Wood créme cleaners can be a beneficial choice in products for heavier smoke damage.
• Stripping – Completely removing the finish on wood surfaces can often be an aggressive technique for removing smoke damage when it is cost-efficient.
• Controlled Demolition – In the most extreme cases, when even more direct cleaning methods are not sufficient, our contractors can remove the damaged material or fixture altogether and replace them later.

Does SERVPRO Do Reconstruction?

When controlled demolition occurs or structural compromise exists from the fire itself, our professionals and contractors can both work to achieve efficient results in repairing and restoring the property. Reconstruction is often a vital element in making fire losses “Like it never even happened.” Building trade professionals on our roster can complete initial temporary construction solutions based on the immediate needs of the property and full-scale build back upon mitigation phases completing.

Fire losses can feel overwhelming for homeowners, especially when you are unsure of what to expect with soot-covered surfaces and finished wood furniture. Our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help with a fast response 24/7 by calling (360) 243-8313.

Physical Signs for Mold Removal in Everett Homes

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly when the conditions are right. Contact SERVPRO to investigate the cause and remediate the damage in your home.

Mold Removal in Everett Properties Can Be Necessary After Identifying Colonies 

Removing mold from homes is a delicate process and one that is often far more involved and complicated because remediators are not made aware of the situation in earlier stages. Tracking potentially harmful conditions in your house might show where mold develops before it is costlier or lengtheir to repair and restore. 

Moist Conditions 

Wet surfaces provide the appropriate conditions for microbial development, so needed mold removal in Everett homes is not a far-reaching assumption. Prolonged damp conditions allow naturally occurring mold spores to seat and thrive on organic matter like drywall, baseboards, wood, carpeting, and similar materials. Without managing the moisture, mold can and often will develop after only a few days. 

Physical Spotting on Surfaces

One of the clearest indicators of mold growth and spread in a home or business is seeing the organism. Spotting is the earliest stage of mold development on the surface of materials like drywall, so you can easily tell something is amiss when multiple irregular spots and markings appear near where the water damage has impacted the materials the worst. Spotting should be a call to action for homeowners to pursue experienced remediation professionals. 

Harsh Malodors 

Another physical sign of mold development in a household is the growing musty smell throughout the impacted areas. In many cases, a strong odor can show where mold growth has started without other physical signs like spotting. Remediation processes can often help reduce the severity of malodors, but only deodorization equipment and products can remove it entirely. These include: 

• Foggers
• Ozone machines
• Hydroxyl generators 
• HEPA air scrubbers 

Mold is greatly under appreciated as a threat to households but should be urgently addressed by competent AMRT- Certified technicians like our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe roster. We have effective cleanup and mold removal strategies to help when you call (360) 243-8313.  

Water Restoration Everett Is Water Damage Reversible?

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians know all the steps to take after water damage strikes in your property.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) Are Experts at Assessing and Salvaging Water-Related Damages to Home and Contents 

What Are The Signs of Water Issues? 

Signs of water-related issues in your Everett home may present suddenly or steadily over several weeks and months. Typically, these concerns present themselves visually or in the form of wetness and unpleasant odors. Water issues can occur consistently over weeks or months and may present themselves at a late stage. These can often result from a slow leak or structural deficiency that can go unnoticed by a homeowner. Long-term water exposure does affect the shape, consistency, and integrity of your structure or your contents. Frequently, the appearance of water manifests as noticeable discoloration, warping, and mold or damp spots in some areas of the house. If you suspect that the issue is a symptom of a broader problem, you should reach out to a qualified professional as quickly as possible to limit potential expenses. 

What Strategies Do We Use to Assess Water Damage? 

When calling a water restoration technician to your Everett home, there may be a necessity to investigate behind walls or furniture. Sometimes we can complete this task using non-invasive measuring equipment or temperature-measuring equipment. However, in some situations, it may be necessary to remove sections of the wall and assess the inner cavities. A water leak that drips onto a lower level, for example, may need excavation of the upper floor to find the source of moisture. Our priority is to address the cause of humidity first so that any continuing leaks or heavy rainfall does not undermine restoration. In situations where there is leakage between floors, it is often likely that there is a mold or microbial growth issue within the recesses of your home's structure. Our roster of technicians includes microbial remediation technicians (AMRT) who can assess for potential secondary damages. 

What Are The Crucial Steps in the Investigation of Water Damage? 

• Locate the source of moisture and prevent it from causing further issues that could be located inside walls or with your general plumbing system
• Measurement and potential excavation of the affected structure or contents. Necessary in situations where there is evidence of water cavity damage
• Secondary damage assessment can include microbial growth- fungi, virus, bacteria 

Can Leaks Make a Home Structurally Unsound? 

In most scenarios, water issues in Everett present themselves as primarily cosmetic issues. However, in some cases, long-term exposure or massive volume of water intrusion, such as in flash flooding, can impact a home's structure. Engineers frequently build residential properties on wooden frames. These frames are often unvarnished and can absorb large amounts of moisture. Without proper ventilation, these frames can expand, causing pressure at jointing or warping and buckling. While it is unlikely that these issues occur in day-to-day water restoration, SERVPRO has close affiliations with the Master Builders Association (MBA) as well as in-house general contractors with demonstrable qualifications in general contracting (OSHA.) If there are structural issues, our team can assist as part of our water restoration services. By avoiding third parties, we ensure that you only deal with one company throughout the restoration procedure. 

How Does Drying Out a Property Reverse Long-term Water Exposure? 

While water exposure may appear to be irreversible, the reality is that, with many natural materials, it can be possible to return a home to its preloss condition. SERVPRO operates with a restore rather than replace mentality to help keep your claims expenses low. In situations where there is visible warping of floorboards, we can reduce the moisture content by using desiccant dehumidifiers. Establishing a smaller drying zone by putting in place a drying tent, then using air-movers and dehumidifiers, our technicians can return many wooden materials to a natural moisture content balance of twelve percent. These actions can take several months to complete effectively. However, once dry, there is a strong chance that we can restore the items by sanding and refinishing the affected boards. Often, we find that taking time to repair expensive fixtures can lower the cost of your claim. 

What Items Are Suitable For Restoration From Water Damage? 

• Natural materials like hardwoods, structural framing, or furniture generally respond well to drying procedures and dehumidification
• Expensive or high-value items which are not cost-efficient to replace and have the necessary material construction to respond well to advanced cleaning or drying methods
• High-value materials that are semi-porous and respond well to aggressive cleaning methods 

The impact of untreated water issues on your property can be expensive and time-consuming without proper repair. For expert assessment and qualified restoration, contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Expert Water Mitigation Services in Everett

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Advanced drying equipment is a crucial segment of water damage mitigation in Everett area homes.

SERVPRO Can Help Local Everett Homes Solve Water Damage Problems

There are endless ways your home may come to need water damage remediation solutions. Every room in your house that has access to a water supply line shares the potential for an accident. However, if an accident happens, nearby professional services can lend their aid no matter the problem.

What if your home in Everett needs water mitigation services urgently? As spring comes and the chilling cold begins to melt away, some homes can find themselves in trouble. Imagine a pipe bursts in yours due to the sudden weather change, and your basement quickly becomes flooded.

Once you shut off the water and look at the water in your basement, you may feel overwhelmed by the damage you see. However, fast action is essential for the smoothest remediation processes possible for water-related issues. Getting help right away can make a difference for your home.

Our SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians can

• Clean up the flooded water with advanced technology, such as wet/dry vacuums and extractors
• Set up drying equipment to remove excess moisture–air movers, axial fans, LGR-dehumidifiers
• Use antifungal agents to try and prevent the chances of mold growth in your basement

Our technicians are highly trained and have access to advanced equipment. We care about you, and we want to get the remediation done fast, so you can feel "Like it never even happened." No matter the time or the day of the week, we can help you 24/7.

Contact us today if you need Water Mitigation services! Call (360) 243-8313 to speak with SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. We can help!

For Lake Stevens Properties Odor Control is Essential Post Fire

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides air scrubbers to improve IAQ indoor air quality after a Lake Stevens house fire

Odor Management after a Fire in a Lake Stevens Home

Odors are a common effect that Lake Stevens homeowners must contend with after a fire – regardless of its size or severity. Our professionals have methods to manage these detrimental effects and help limit its migration. With the application of specific tools and products, we can eliminate these odors and help to continue the process of making a fire loss, “Like it never even happened.”

Though we have a fast response that dispatches qualified professionals 24/7 from our facility, the effects can be widespread through the house by the time our crew arrives at your Lake Stevens fire damage emergency. As premier specialists in fire loss scenarios, we have the training and expertise to assess the situation and set up the appropriate containment barriers to enclose the affected spaces to maximize our odor removal and cleaning efforts.

Managing the presence of smoke odors can come with risks and hazards, as many of these same situations have airborne threats such as soot particles. Soot is highly acidic in its composition, and because of its microscopic size, it can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause health effects for those exposed. Our SERVPRO team must address these concerns and the odor to keep the technicians on-site and the house's occupants safe.

While air scrubbers and negative air systems can help reduce the presence of these particulates and debris in the environment by running the air inside through HEPA filters, we can often utilize a tool like our hydroxyl generator. Using a UV spectrum that interacts with water vapors in the environment, these machines can clean and deodorize affected areas.

Containment strategies like plastic sheeting can help slow the progression of spreading odors throughout the home and any existing particulates or contaminants in the air. By focusing on filtration and deodorization, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can make your home safe to be in after a fire. Give our professionals a call anytime you need us at (360) 243-8313.

Mold Cleanup and Remediation in Everett

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO IICRC certified AMRT applied mold remediation technicians make your Everett home appear "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Mold Damage in Everett Residences 24/7

Mold damage is a common side effect of lingering water damage in Everett homes. It only takes 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure to begin in earnest for mold growth.

SERVPRO is ready to assist Everett homeowners with mold damage cleanup services. SERVPRO teams use two primary resources for meeting industry standards for mold remediation:

• The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Mold Remediation Standard

Why Does 24/7 Availability Matter for Mold Remediation?

• Lessening a disaster’s impact. The faster a professional mitigation team can resolve the damage on your property, the less likely it is to leave stains, structural damage, and microbial growth that can affect the comfort and indoor air quality of your home.
• Reducing property and structural loss. A fast-responding remediation crew has access to commercial-grade tools and solutions necessary for inhibiting further microbial growth while halting its spread throughout your property.
• Lower repair and replacement costs. SERVPRO professionals not only provide mitigation and remediation services, but they can also repair and rebuild parts of your home with the help of licensed contractors.

How Does SERVPRO Prevent the Spread of Mold Spores?

SERVPRO technicians rely on several different containment methods in tandem with sanitation, personal protection equipment, and structural drying to reduce mold populations to normal levels and prevent them from spreading throughout your property. Multiple tactics are typically used in unison to keep the rest of your home clean and safe during the cleanup process.

Containment methods can include covering doorways and vents, establishing negative pressure with HEPA filter air scrubbers in the affected area, and sanitation with EPA-registered biocides. The remediation process can take several rounds of removing spores before the affected area is cleaned to safe levels.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe has the tools necessary to keep your home looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (360) 243-8313 to start the cleanup process.

Why Is Water Mitigation in Your Everett Home Necessary?

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

For Rapid and Efficient Water Mitigation at Your Everett Home -call SERVPRO.

Water damage is a major concern for most homeowners. If left unchecked, it can rot out drywalls and studs, creating black mold, and might eventually weaken major structural elements like beams and joists. A burst pipe in your Everett home can have water spreading fast and get absorbed into the floor, walls, furniture, and other areas in your home.

Before restoring a property, further water damage needs to be mitigated. Failure to act fast renders the efforts to salvage the affected items useless. This calls for a team of experts, and SERVPRO provides the best water mitigation services at your Everett home.

Steps to mitigate water damage

• Inspecting and assessing the damage
• Water extraction
• Drying
• Cleaning and disinfecting

The Role of Inspection in Water Mitigation

Upon arrival, SERVPRO technicians inspect the damage and check the water to know its category. They formulate a plan to halt the spread of water and prevent it from expanding beyond its discovered state. Water can take its toll on laminate floors, carpets, hardwoods, drywall, and cabinets, and moving any wet items to a dry place is crucial as it prevents further damage. In addition, we move undamaged items to a dry and safe place to prevent them from becoming damaged.

We are well equipped with extraction equipment to ensure water is removed fast and completely. We extract water using different techniques, depending on the material or surface affected. Pulling the bulk of the water is vital as it decreases the time needed to dry the area.

Types of extractors used by our crew to remove water

• Truck-mounted vacuums
• Submersible pumps
• Portable dry/wet vacuums

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe has an entire team dedicated to water mitigation. You can contact us at (360) 243-8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Serious Flood Damage Challenges in Lake Stevens Senior Health Sector Facilities

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

If flood waters wreak havoc on your property, call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

SERVPRO Techs Work to Make Water Damaged Lake Stevens Environments Safe and Healthy

Water cleanup needs in Lake Stevens properties are never more crucial than when properties in the healthcare sector receive the effects. Facilities that cater towards the very young and elderly need assistance ensuring that the potential biohazards in floodwater get eradicated, and the building can be a safe environment for patients. 

During commercial flood damage cleanup in Lake Stevens eldercare properties, the technicians give detailed attention to factors that can be unsafe such as:

• Damaged building materials pose the threat of falling 
• Slip and fall hazards
• Contaminated water

Handling Water Damaged Building Materials

The technicians inspect and use equipment to determine where the water wicking begins and ends within the walls or ceilings. This allows the team to make smart choices to remove ruined sheetrock and only take out the minimum amount needed to open the walls and dry within the wall cavities. 

Avoiding Slip and Fall Issues During Water Mitigation Services

It is not practical for most care facilities to close during cleanup. The techs usually put up containment around the worksite along with safety tape to ensure that unauthorized persons do not enter the work area and incur an injury. 

Extraction of Contaminated Water

The potential of groundwater to contain many contaminants, including unhealthy chemicals, toxins, and pathogens. SERVPRO technicians perform testing on the water to determine if anything is in the water requiring treatment. If testing shows anything negative, the techs can treat it with several different types of biocide and fungicide solutions to render the threat inert. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 brings the right tools and years of experience to every commercial flood damage cleanup in the Lake Stevens area.

What are the Benefits of Everett Professional Fire Restoration?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in need of assistance with fire damage remediation, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

SERVPRO Techs Brings Both Training and Experience to Every Fire Damage Cleanup

Post-fire in an Everett property can look dismal. The layer of soot covering items in the area can easily show that nothing within the damaged site has restoration potential. That is why it makes sense to bring in a professional service rather than rely on DIY methods for fire cleanup that can increase the damage to the structure and contents. 

When SERVPRO handles fire restoration in an Everett residential property, the technicians approach the job with both compassion and professionalism. They know this is a stressful time for the homeowner, and if preferred, the techs can communicate with the insurance adjuster. In contrast, the homeowner handles other necessities after a fire, such as:

• Finding a safe location to live during the mitigation
• Making arrangements with creditors as needed
• Filing the necessary insurance claims and gathering information

The techs inspect and handle all aspects of the job, from the heavy cleanup of charred debris to the light touch needed gently removing soot from articles from the house. The techs inspect each object within the work area to determine the restoration potential through cleaning. 

Suppose an item is found to be beyond repair due to fire and sometimes water damage. In that case, the technicians document the thing for insurance purposes and get permission from the property owner or adjuster before discarding it. The documentation process involves a detailed report and photographs to prove that the decision not to restore was correct. This report can assist the homeowner in streamlining their claims process.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 helps local Everett residents with any size or type of fire restoration services needed, and the support is available 24/7.

Everett Commercial Properties Need Skilled Water Restoration Companies

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides a proactive program to prevent or mitigate water damage in Everett commercial properties--the ERP--Emergency READY Profile Plan

For Commercial Water Restoration Companies, SERVPRO Is There for Everett Customers

Once your business has a water damage situation, rapid response to restore your facility is crucial to limit downtime. SERVPRO strives to be on-site and ready to start water mitigation efforts within just hours of your initial call. This ensures your Everett business can lessen or eliminate downtime that can slow productivity or make it so that employees cannot enter. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster- commercial, residential, and storm-related!

Commercial water restoration companies in Everett should always work to restore versus replace whenever possible. This is where our SERVPRO team shines. Our team is:

• Ready to evaluate your water-damaged property with 24/7 emergency response
• Able to help you understand water damage severity so you can make critical decisions for your commercial property
• Trained to develop a detailed water restoration plan to clean, dry, and restore your commercial building to pre-damage condition

Do You Have Emergency Planning in Place?

Many Everett business owners are finding that preparation is critical for water and fire damage restorations. At SERVPRO, we feature the Emergency READY Profile Plan to put together a course of action before an emergency arises. This means that you will be ready whenever disaster strikes. Be proactive with our ERP.

No Job Too Big or Small

Whether you run a smaller bakery or a large production facility, we tailor our processes to achieve our goals as quickly as possible. We have Injectidry equipment to help us dry behind walls, and tight spaces, as well as truck-mounted extractors, to pull up immense amounts of water in a short time. All of this evolves with the use of industrial fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to get you the highest quality results as rapidly as possible.

There is a reason why so many commercial customers count on SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe when hiring water restoration companies. Give us a phone call at (360) 243-8313 to deploy a crew or inquire about our water removal services.

Why Do I Need Professional Mold Remediation for My Everett Property?

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech exits a box truck wearing PPE personal protective equipment and a sprayer to remediate mold damage in Everett

Mold Remediation from SERVPRO Leaves Your Everett Home Safe and Clean!

Not only is it risky to neglect black mold development, but it can be equally detrimental to begin DIY mold cleanup. When it comes to something like bathroom mold or colonization anywhere else in your Everett home, you need to address it carefully and with the help of skilled mold restoration technicians like we have at SERVPRO. Why? Because we have proven methods, detailed safety protocols, and all the right equipment to get the job done right the first time.

Why look to SERVPRO for mold remediation in Everett? Our mold assessment and cleanup efforts are all about results. We work in a manner that corrects your mold issues and helps you prevent them from sprouting up again in the future.

• Mold Testing –Not typically recommended with the visible presence of fungi. Common causes of mold tend to be humidity due to your heating/cooling system, a hidden leak, or improper ventilation. The source must get uncovered so that the mold can get cleaned up and all areas thoroughly sanitized and deodorized. The best way is to locate the root cause and address it with proper testing.
• Mold Cleanup – SERVPRO uses powerful air scrubber technology with onboard HEPA filtration to remove airborne particulates. Additionally, we carefully vacuum mold spores while containment barriers remain in place to inhibit migration into unaffected areas of your home.
• Sanitization and Deodorization – Leaving your home Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned gets achieved with the help of powerful cleaning agents and proven methods. We not only remove bacteria, but we also ensure no lingering musty odors get left behind.

Never leave mold remediation to chance! Call our trained team at SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe when you need cleanup and deodorizing after finding mold in your home. Mobilize a crew to begin the cleanup by dialing (360) 243-8313 or simply request help online.

Don’t Let Costly Storm Flood Damage Ruin Your Lake Stevens Property

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can provide temporary electrical power when mitigating flood-damaged properties in Lake Stevens. Be aware of electrical risks.

SERVPRO Helps Lake Stevens Residents Recover from Storm Flood Damage

When storm flooding comes through the Lake Stevens area, there are many things that may cause worry. What may have been in the forecast as light rain can turn into heavy rains and flash flooding, which leaves your property vulnerable to roof damage, groundwater intrusion, and possible flying debris. One thing that area residents can count on when they get dealt a blow with flooding is the team at SERVPRO. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, meaning we are ready to mobilize and arrive at your property within hours of your call so that we can begin flood mitigation.

When it comes to storm flood damage in Lake Stevens, homeowners may not realize the potential for damaged home electrical systems. It is essential to know that simply replacing your outlets may not solve the problem after a storm flood event. There could be hidden moisture and other issues that call for skilled technicians, both from the electrical and restoration field.

SERVPRO will:

• Arrive at your door and perform a thorough assessment
• Our crew chief puts a plan of action in place to begin water mitigation and drying
• Controlled demolition gets performed to remove unsalvageable building materials to replace them with new materials – General Contractor License #: SERVPES871RD
• When electrical issues are suspect, SERVPRO ensures the best local electrical contractors inspect to determine the proper remedy

Flood damage is often a concern with many people and whether everything is covered. SERVPRO will take the time to ensure all paperwork is for your claim and work directly with your insurance agency. It is all about cutting the stress and taking weight off your shoulders as we work to restore your property to pre-flood condition.

Contact SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe when you require flood damage assistance after a recent storm front. You can reach out to us any time, day, or night, by dialing (360) 243-8313.

Do Materials Affect Water Restoration at Lake Stevens Business Premises?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage significantly impacts books. Paper is hygroscopic and absorbs the humidity from the air as the water on the floors evaporates.

SERVPRO Prioritizes Material Identification While Planning the Restoration Process

Water damage at your Lake Stevens premises shows uncontrolled or unintended moisture exposure to materials. Restoration is taking control and resolving the different problems that develop. You need to identify and distinguish the issues, thus determining how to address them.

Many of the approaches used during water restoration processes in Lake Stevens properties involve some form of input into the affected area. We apply this information to choose products to help remove soils or decontaminate the areas. Alternatively, the input can call for a force provided by equipment such as water extractors. SERVPRO uses all these approaches and delves into other solutions that focus on the characteristics of the materials affected by the moisture exposure. 

For an experienced team used to handling moisture damage, the characteristics influencing restoration include:

• Permeance
• Porosity levels
• Hygroscopy 

The three factors are related and play a role in most of the damages you notice after water intrusion into your property. For instance, if water leaks and pools on the floors of your bookstore, you might see the books on the shelves exhibiting signs of wetness. If unaddressed, it might progress to a musty smell or mold growth. Paper is hygroscopic and therefore absorbs the humidity from the air as the water on the floors evaporates. 

A restoration approach that protects the books and other paper materials from the onset can deliver better outcomes. Our SERVPRO teams pack out items or try to limit the humidity levels in the air by setting up dehumidifiers around the property.

Porosity and permeance influence water damage. Permeance is the ability of water to move through a material. It is measured in terms of perms, a unit that measures the amount of vapor flow in grains per hour for a square foot of material at standard pressure. Porosity refers to the layout of a material in terms of voids within its structure. Higher porosity leads to higher vulnerability to water damage. A sponge is more porous than a concrete slab.

By studying the physical properties of materials at your premises, SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can manage water restoration better. Call us at (360) 243-8313. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is the Best Way to Handle Structural Materials When Addressing Fire Damage in Everett Homes?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Whether fire damage in your property is significant or minimal, SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop for fire restoration.

SERVPRO Performs Controlled Demolition Based on the Extent of Fire Devastation in a Property

Whether fire damage in your property is significant or minimal, charred or heavily soiled material remnants in the affected areas need removal before rebuilding and refinishing can commence. Removing contaminated materials also helps with odor management. The removal requires demolition, especially when opening enclosed spaces such as walls and cabinets.

The level of demolition needed to manage fire damage in your Everett home varies from very light such as removing trim and some drywall, to extensive processes involving all finished surfaces. Each case presents unique challenges. For instance, the challenge of light demolition is to remove the affected materials without causing unnecessary damage, especially to structural supports. Involving SERVPRO ensures the tear-down runs smoothly, delivering the desired results.

Various considerations are essential while doing the demolition, including:

• Safe removal of fixtures from the surface
• Containment to prevent cross-contamination of other areas
• Proper scheduling of the steps involved in the removal

Drywall and ceiling panels bear the brunt of fire effects since they readily combust or provide the best location for smoke residues to settle. Ceilings and walls offer a perfect anchor point for various accessories, including shelves, cabinets, and lighting fixtures. When our SERVPRO technicians remove these accessories, we start with the components on the walls, then the ceiling before focusing on finished floors. 

When fire affects a limited area, such as a single room in the entire house, our SERVPRO crew chiefs assess the best locations to erect containment barriers to keep debris such as drywall dust or ash from spreading to the rest of the house. We use plastic sheets to seal off openings such as doors or even create rooms-within-rooms, thus containing debris within the areas affected by the fire. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe understands the importance of good management in improving the outcomes of fire damage restoration. Call us at (360) 243 8313 to help make the incident at your premises “Like it never even happened.”

Extreme Winter Weather Creates a Need for Water Damage Restoration in Everett

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Situations like frozen pipes and ice damming can be some of the most destructive and threatening during the winter season.

There are Many Ways Severe Winter Conditions Can Cause Harmful Situations for Everett Homes

In the Pacific Northwest, heavy snow and low temperatures are hallmarks of the winter season. When combined with harsh winds during extreme weather events, structures like your home could become threatened. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with cleanup and water restoration after winter weather damages. 

Preventing Winter Damage Events

Situations like frozen pipes and ice damming to Everett homes can be some of the most destructive and threatening during the winter season. Understanding conditions that can cause this damage, and methods of preventing it, is essential. 

• Burst Pipes and How This Damage Can be Prevented -  Cold snaps can be particularly hard on exposed plumbing fixtures and pipes throughout a property. Poorly insulated service lines can freeze under these rapidly dropping temperatures, making preventative care critical to keep homes from experiencing a disaster like a burst pipe. It is possible to prevent these emergencies' impact on the exposed water line. In most cases, determining susceptible pipes shows where the situation calls for better insulation. We also encourage homeowners to circulate warm air through the property, especially around sensitive plumbing.

• Ice Damming and How This Damage Can Be Prevented -These threats can form rapidly, ultimately breaking the bonds of roof shingles and allowing snowmelt water to penetrate the attic. The worse the conditions result in, the more structural and flood damage. Like frozen pipes, ice damming can also be prevented with some initial actions. Evaluating the condition of insulation of the attic is an excellent place to begin, though direct measures might require installing heated cables on the eaves to inhibit ice formation. 

How Can SERVPRO Help?

Over the years, many have come to trust the reliable response of our SERVPRO team to help with emergencies. Pipe bursts and attic flooding have similar urgencies, so our professionals arrive fast with extraction and drying tools to protect the structure and restore the effects of the disaster. 

The winter months can add beauty to the area. Winter can also threaten homes and businesses when severe weather conditions set in. Our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help when you call (360) 243-8313. 

The Confidence of IICRC Accreditation for Everett Homeowners

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of water and fire damage remediation.

This affiliation means several positive things for homeowners in Everett needing restoration.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry standard for conveying experience and knowledge in needed restoration tasks. As an IICRC-accredited firm, we maintain required insurance and adhere to a stringent code of ethics.

Experience At Work

IICRC-Certified is a term that is synonymous with experience and professionalism. We have multiple technicians accredited by this standard-setting firm in their respective restoration industry niches of water, fire, storm, mold, and biohazard cleaning.

Compliance with High Standards

The IICRC sets a standard with the expected quality of work and the process of restoration for residences and commercial properties. Our SERVPRO team is recognized as a roster of professionals capable of upholding these guidelines and requirements to provide our customers with a positive and cost-efficient experience.

Call our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for all your restoration and recovery needs at (360) 243-8313

Removing Floodwater from Finished Basements of Lake Stevens Homes

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Flash flooding can happen at anytime. SERVPRO is always on call for storm damage restoration services.

Fast Action is Vital to Removing Threatening Water From Lake Stevens Properties

Lake Stevens homes and businesses can quickly fall victim to flooding damage, especially when flash floods rapidly form and spread in the neighborhood. Finished basements are an everyday staple of modern homes in the area, heavily impacted by infiltrating floodwater. Our SERVPRO team can help with rapid mitigation solutions.

Finding the Penetration Point

One of the key elements to restoring flood damage for Lake Stevens homes is finding where the water is getting into the house. As an experienced restoration team and licensed contractor, we can use this knowledge to focus on drying and mitigation actions and offer repairs and build-back services to vulnerable points.

Extracting Standing Water from the Basement 

Standing water can be among the most persistent threats to basement levels. When flooding occurs, pooling can fill the entire space through structural openings. Finished basements often have carpeted flooring, which can become oversaturated and still leave pooling on the surface. Water extraction and removal involves several devices from our inventory, including:

• Pumps
• Vacuums
• Weighted extractors

Clearing Trapped Water from Porous Materials 

Water can quickly become trapped within materials or structural cavities present in the basement. The longer this moisture stays within the materials affected, the more unlikely restoration becomes. Trapped water can quickly become ‘bound water,’ a term used when porous materials absorb moisture. When water becomes bound, it affects the composition of the hosting material and makes it unsalvageable.

Flooding is a fast-moving and threatening situation for area homes and businesses. As a leading restoration team in the area, we have a storm response team available 24/7 to help when disasters impact your property. Our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can make it “Like it never even happened,” when you call (360) 243-8313.

Mitigating Water Damage in Everett Homes with Fast Actions

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

The longer materials stay exposed to moisture, the greater the damage becomes. SERVPRO has effective mitigation strategies to help.

The First Steps Our Team Takes After Water Damage is Vital to Protect Everett Houses

When our team arrives at flood-damaged or water-damaged properties, the situation's urgency is the same. The longer materials and contents stay exposed to moisture, the greater the damage becomes. We have effective mitigation strategies to help.

Containment of the Damage Area 

The first primary step of water mitigation for Everett homes is to isolate the workspace. Water can spread far and fast, so physical barriers and perceived perimeters created with restoration equipment help to narrow the restoration area.

Initial Repairs Needed in the House

Sometimes the water damage that a property experiences is enough to require repairs and reconstruction. When this is the case, our SERVPRO team and our general contractor license come to the rescue. We can provide fast and experienced build-back services, starting with controlled demolition of unsafe structural elements and the repairs of compromised plumbing.

Relocating Impacted Contents

Mitigation services also protect the personal belongings, furniture, and keepsakes that matter most to our customers. Often there is an undamaged area of the house where we can temporarily relocate contents while restoration and mitigation services continue.

Monitoring the Needed Drying to Come 

Understanding the movement of moisture throughout the property is one of the ways to redirect drying tools and products. We have several devices capable of tracking water activity and choosing the most efficient approach to drying and restoring the damage your property has endured. Tracking and monitoring devices include:

• Thermal hygrometers
• Infrared cameras
• Moisture meters

Mitigating water damage can be a significant undertaking that must begin as soon as our team arrives. Every minute counts with water restoration, especially in the earliest stages where cleaning up standing water and preventing migration is of the utmost importance. Our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help when you call (360) 243-8313.

Containment and Cleaning of Fire Damage in Your Everett Restaurant

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Don't add fire damage to the menu. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

Fast Action is Critical to Protecting Your Everett Business from Greater Harm After a Fire

Fires are urgent emergencies that leave your restaurant or business vulnerable to increasingly worse conditions until mitigation and restoration services begin. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can show that when these disasters threaten your livelihood.

Initial Containment Solutions

Starting fire restoration in Everett businesses means isolating the damaged portions of the restaurant to allow mitigation and recovery to be streamlined and more productive. Plastic sheeting over structural openings, boarding, tarping, and air filtration equipment can often work together to designate the workspace, keeping unaffected areas operational. 

Dislodging Soils Before Surface Cleaning

Removing soils from fire damaged surfaces involves several steps. The first, and arguably most important, is releasing the bulk of the debris and particles resting on the material. Depending on the degree of the damage, this might take several different types of mechanical actions, which include:

• Mild Agitation – the actions needed for gentle agitation are safe for most surfaces. These actions are necessary to remove light damage, where devices like vacuums and feather dusters can be effective.
  

• Medium Agitation – Medium agitation involves more complex cleaning implements such as crumbly cleaner, which self-destructs as it pulls harsh soils from sensitive substrates. These cleaners can help with protein residues common after kitchen fires in restaurants. 
  

• Heavy Agitation – heavy agitation practices are for extreme or overwhelming soot presences. These types of abrasive cleaning involve blasting, standing, steel wool, or the application of abrasive powders.

Is Demolition Always Needed? 

Fire damage does not always require management to seek build-back services, but when it is needed, our general contractor license can be a considerable aid. By completing repairs and reinstallation in-house, we save customers time and money. Employees can get back to regular operation more quickly.

After a fire, cleaning and restoring a damaged restaurant involves many of the SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe professionals and several tools, devices, and products. We understand how fast fires can consume a building, even after the flames are extinguished. We offer prompt and thorough mitigation and restoration when you call (360) 243-8313.

Three Soot and Smoke Removal Techniques for Lake Stevens Homes

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration team uses biocides for all fire damage remediation services. Call now!

Post-fire cleanup involves several steps and stages, like these soot removal options for Lake Stevens properties. 

Recovering fire-damaged homes after these emergencies requires a range of valuable services intended to overcome smoke and soot threats that exist throughout the house. Partial combustion can be among the most threatening situations for these structures, as it leaves surfaces vulnerable to become hosts for threatening carcinogenic particles.

Surface Cleaning with Powerful Products

Fire damage cleanup in Lake Stevens homes can often focus most on our professionals' steps to overcome surface smoke residues. Solids coming to rest on horizontal shelves or adhered to vertical surfaces require a range of dry and wet cleaning approaches to overcome. We can often more easily provide surface cleaning solutions using products like solvents and alkaline cleaners to balance pH content.

Aggressive Cleaning and Abrasive Removal Efforts

Sometimes, surface cleaning options are not effective for what the underlying hosting material requires. In some situations, aggressive cleaning might be necessary. Determining when more abrasive techniques might be needed often comes from the data collected during job scoping and damage assessment. Some of the aggressive methods to protect underlying substrates includes:

• Soda blasting
• Dry ice pellet blasting
• Sponge pressure cleaning

Controlled Demolition for Severe Damage

While structural demolition is often the last resort, we do have a general contractor license to help when this process is needed. In many structure fire situations, some degree of demolition is necessary, along with repairs and reconstruction. When soot overwhelms flooring and wall systems, it can often be more cost-effective to remove these elements and replace them rather than take a much longer time attempting to clean them with no guarantees.

Fires can be traumatic and fast-moving in your home. When soot damage exists on the property, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help. Call us at (360) 243-8313. 

What Mitigation Steps Benefit Water-Damaged Everett Homes Most?

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for your home is an easy choice. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases needed.

Emergency services are critical to preventing greater water damage to Everett properties. 

In many ways, the mitigation actions that our professionals take when water damage situations occur can be among the most critical to protecting the property and its contents. As leading restoration technicians, our SERVPRO team has multiple emergency services we can begin after the first notice of loss. Our fast response to area homes ensures that these processes start as soon as possible.

Controlled Demolition and Repair Services 

Among the first steps for water damage mitigation in Everett, homes are controlled demolition of damaged structural elements in the house. Often, some degree of removal will be necessary when situations like ceiling leaks and burst pipes occur. Our technicians must access the damaged plumbing portions to restore these elements and ultimately the utility service they provide.

Water Removal Approaches Throughout the House 

Standing water is an immediate threat to your property, especially once absorption begins into vulnerable and poorest materials nearby. We must utilize a range of extraction equipment to manage surface water concerns and bring the property to the point where thorough drying is possible.

Content Cleaning and Recovery

Taking care of your most valued possessions and personal belongings is also a focus of our responding team when substantial water damage occurs. Standing water and migrating moisture can threaten what matters most to families, including keepsakes and treasures. Through relocation and on-site cleaning, we can manage most of these concerns. When greater risks exist, we also have off-site recovery options, including:

• Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Drying
• Climate-controlled storage

Mitigation after water damage incidents can be a valuable phase to begin as soon as possible. As experienced and reputable water restoration technicians, we quickly arrive to begin vital emergency services to help. Give our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team a call today at (360) 243-8313. 

Objectives of Housefire Cleanup for Everett Homes

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration is a must. We have a contractor license for all build-backs. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Fires can move quickly through residences, so effective restoration practices are vital for Everett properties. 

With the uncertainties and destruction of fire loss events in local homes, having a team of professionals act quickly can make the difference in what areas of the house are salvageable and which are not. We have multiple objectives to house fire cleaning when our SERVPRO team first arrives.

Emergency Services Needed for Homes

Before much of the fire restoration in Everett homes can begin, specific emergency services must occur. These initial actions are taken to overcome pressing concerns that could pose a danger to responding technicians or the occupants of the house. With our general contractor license, we can help with elements like controlled demolition and boarding up damage to the home, but we must also focus on actions like:

• Water removal
• Content relocation
• Air filtration
• Debris removal

Cleaning Up Smoke Damage 

Smoke can be among the most formidable obstacles for fire restoration technicians, mainly due to the range of ways it can impact the property. To bring a residence to its original condition, we must overcome residues, odors, and other smoke-related concerns.

Repairing a Fire-Damaged Everett Residence

Repairs are often necessary after a fire, and this is something that our team can provide with our contractor license as well. Reconstructing damaged areas of the house and reinstalling removed structural elements is vital to making fire losses “Like it never even happened.” Having this ability saves customers time and money on choosing a second contractor to help with build-back services.

Fires can be a rapidly developing and spreading threat to your property, so our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team must act fast to mitigate loss and contain the damaged areas. We are ready to respond 24/7 to help when you call (360) 243-8313.

What Should I Do if I Find Black Mold in My Everett Restaurant?

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for immediate assistance with mold damage in your commercial building.

SERVPRO Provides Black Mold Damage Repairs in Everett

Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows that cleanliness is very important. Both restaurant owners and workers have to follow guidelines set by the state to have a license to sell food. Therefore, if you find black mold somewhere in the building, it could become a serious issue since mold can cause health effects. Once a fungus forms, it can easily spread to other areas with water and an organic food source such as wood.

During commercial mold remediation in Everett, our SERVPRO technicians first work towards finding the source. Slow water leaks or areas in your restaurant where water sits could be the moisture source of mold growth. Once we figure out where the moisture is coming from, we can then inspect your entire building to find all of the restaurant sections that got contaminated. Even if the affected area is small, we can conduct the following operations to make your eatery safe for food serving:

• Mold Inspections and Remediations
• Basement Mold Remediation
• Bathroom Mold Remediation
• Black Mold Damage Repairs
• Attic Mold Remediation

Once a fungus develops, it begins to release microscopic spores into the air. These spores then float around your building and find other places that have moisture and a food source. 

When remediating black mold, our number one goal is to contain the spores and keep the fungus from spreading to previously unaffected areas. We can set up a containment chamber that is hooked up to an air scrubber to do this. The air scrubber creates negative pressure within the contained area, so any spores knocked loose during the work procedures get sucked into a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. 

Even if you only notice a small area in your restaurant that got contaminated by black mold, it is wise to call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Flood Restoration in Lake Stevens Can Be a Minor Job

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can get the best of you if you're not careful. Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe today.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services in Lake Stevens

Sliding glass doors can be a very nice addition to your home. Having an extra-large window in your house can allow you to enjoy the outdoors sites while you are in your living room. However, the upper and lower seals on the glass doors can get worn as time goes by. If you happen to experience a heavy rainstorm, there is a chance water can leak into your house via the sliding glass door seals.

Anytime water gets into your dwelling from the outside, it could cause flood damage in your Lake Stevens home. Moisture coming from the outdoors can be contaminated by harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Therefore, even if it doesn't seem like a lot of water leaked in from your sliding glass doors, it is wise to call in a professional company such as SERVPRO. We are available 24/7, and we can assist with the following services:

• Emergency Services for Water Damage
• Water Damage Repairs
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Fix a Leaking Roof from Storms
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Flood Restoration

Since water will follow gravity, the first place it will go when it gets in through old glass door seals is your flooring. If you have hard-surfaced floors, there is a good chance that the cleanup will be minor. But, if any of your carpets got wet from the leak, they will have to be replaced due to the possibility of water contamination.

If enough rainwater made its way into your house, sections of your drywall could have also gotten wet. To find out, we can use a penetrating meter to test moisture content and see if it is higher than other unaffected sections of your drywall.

If you ever step in a puddle near your sliding glass door after a storm, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Water Damage Remediation in Everett is Possible Even for Large Projects

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Waking up to water damage is never how you want to start your morning. Grab the phone and some coffee, give us a call. We will be in rout.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe Assists Homeowners with Water Damage Repairs

One day you could wake up in the morning and start your normal routine, and then notice you have a disaster at your hands. Sometimes sewage backups can happen overnight and cause contaminated water to flood your house. Since sewage water contains waste, any damage created is classified as category three, meaning that different procedures must be taken to remediate your structure.

Like most water restoration companies in Everett, SERVPRO is trained to handle even the worst sewage backup situations. We have all of the proper equipment to restore your house to its preloss state while ensuring unaffected parts of the building do not get contaminated. If you notice a lot of water present after a disaster like this happens, we can help you with the following services:

• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Water Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Up after a Sewer Backup
• Sewage Cleanup
• Water Removal Services

Whenever we deal with category three or "black" water, our number one goal is to keep you and our crew safe from the contaminated water. We start by suiting up and putting on the proper personal protective equipment. We then can build a containment chamber so that the affected area of your house gets sealed with plastic. Next, we can set up an air scrubber that can remove harmful particles from the air.

After a sewage backup, many of your building materials such as your carpet and pad that contacted the contaminated water will have to be removed. Once we remove all affected building materials and contents, we can then spray the affected area with a specialized disinfectant.

Any time a sewer backs up, the results can be devastating. If it ever happens to you, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

What Can Everett Homeowners Expect from Flood Damage in their Home?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

You want experienced hands working on your property after a flood occurs. Call SERVPRO for assistance with flood remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Training to Handle All Types of Water and Structural Damage to Everett Properties

Intense weather can deliver a host of water damage and other problems to Everett homes. Another common occurrence that property owners deal with such as fires from lightning strikes and damage from tree limbs hitting roofs or flood water entering a home.

When flood damage occurs in an Everett property, cleanup needs to begin as rapidly as possible to minimize the damage to the property. Homeowners often notice that the water recedes as rapidly as it enters and assumes all they need to do is set up fans to dry the walls and floors. However, this can be a huge mistake for a few reasons:

• Water trapped in floor joists can create foul odors
• It can set up an environment favorable for mold growth
• Water wicked into sheetrock can destroy floors and ceilings on lower levels

SERVPRO technicians plot the course of the flood water within the structure and take action to halt the migration and seepage into walls and floors. This lessens the amount of damage done and saves the homeowner the cost of replacement for building materials. In cases where portions of walls or ceilings require removal due to water damage, SERVPRO techs can repair them post-mitigation with ease. 

Drying the property involves using different types of drying equipment, including the use of industrial dehumidifiers. These are some of the most important aspects of the water damage mitigation drying phase as it lowers the interior humidity levels to below sustainable levels for mold growth. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 is available 24/7 to clean up and restore homes affected by flood damage in Everett.

Why Do Kitchen Cabinets Need Removal for Drying During Everett Water Mitigation?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water can wreak havoc in your kitchen. Let the experts take care of your water damage, we will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tech Use Advanced Methods for Water Damage Remediation

After water damage occurs in an Everett kitchen, it may seem like it would work to leave cabinet doors open to dry the walls. Due to the potential for water to migrate throughout a room within sheetrock and under flooring, removal of the building materials is the best practice to ensure the area dries completely.

Extraction and Drying of Water Damage in an Everett Kitchen

When SERVPRO technicians take on water mitigation in an Everett kitchen, they use their advanced equipment to determine which areas of the property the water has infiltrated. The techs have access to various meters and probes to locate collections of moisture. It is not uncommon for laminate flooring to get installed around cabinets rather than under, creating an ideal environment for water to seep under the boards as it leaves the toe kick at the bottom of the cabinet. 

Controlled Demo and Repairs in Everett Properties

Water damage can destroy building materials, particularly laminate floorboards and sheetrock. Cabinet interiors can deteriorate after exposure to moisture. SERVPRO technicians have the training to remove damaged portions of the structure while leaving the entire area, saving the property owners the expense of full replacement. 

How Can Using SERVPRO for Water Damage Repairs Help Lessen Stress?

This SERVPRO location has a general contractor license #SERVPES871RD. The techs have the training to handle all aspects of the rebuilding necessary, such as: 

• Major structural rebuilds, including framing
• Fine touches such as priming, painting, and installation of carpet or tile
• Repairs to walls and the rest of the home as needed 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 brings professional water mitigation services to local properties and are available 24/7. 

How Can a Lake Stevens Office Remove Fire Odors Before Reopening?

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO immediately following a fire in your home. We will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Fire Damage Cleanup in a Lake Stevens Business

One of the biggest concerns post-fire cleanup Lake Stevens property owners have is regarding the time frame needed for restoration before reopening. SERVPRO technicians can estimate the downtime necessary to enable a safe reopening for the business.

The odors left behind after fire damage in a Lake Stevens business can be significant. Because soot can be caustic to surfaces and airborne particles can cause issues, it is crucial to get them removed before reopening.  SERVPRO technicians have a multi-layered approach to fire clean up, which includes:

• The use of professional cleaning agents on surfaces
• Controlled demolition techniques as needed
• Odor control applications to remove fire scents from the structure and contents

SERVPRO Has a Large Tool Box of Equipment and Products

SERVPRO techs have different types of fire odor removal processes depending on the part of the business getting treated. Hydroxyl generators are beneficial for eradicating airborne particulates that cause pungent odors. This method of odor control is safe for use around people and plants. When the technicians use thermal fogging to neutralize odors, the building needs to be cleared of people, and the technician wears protective clothing. The heated solutions permeate porous items such as reception area furnishings and carpet, where it latches onto smoke molecules and eradicates them. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 has the training and experience to handle any size fire damage mitigation in Lake Stevens commercial properties. The technicians work fast and efficiently to get your business back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

What Immediate Mitigation Actions are Universal to All Lake Stevens Flooding Events?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Floods impact property to a point of no recovery. SERVPRO has you covered from start to finish for all storm damage restoration.

Certain Restoration Practices Are Needed for Nearly All Flood-Damaged Lake Stevens Homes. 

While the causes and the potential damage to homes and businesses after flooding might vary, specific cleaning and restoration actions are necessary for each of these impacted properties. Our experienced SERVPRO professionals mobilize quickly after floods to get these efforts started.

What Are the First Steps SERVPRO Takes After Flooding?

Addressing flood damage in Lake Stevens homes begins with mitigation actions. Our responding SERVPRO team can get multiple processes started quickly to reduce the cost and time of restoration:

• Extraction – Extraction must come first in much of the restoration and mitigation process, as standing water can devastate affected building materials. 
• Establishing Power – Flooding situations can often leave structures without suitable power to supply the machines and devices necessary for extraction, cleaning, and deodorization. Trailered generators and portable power provide temporary electricity when required. 
• Protecting Belongings – Flooding can often target the personal belongings and contents of your home that have no replacement. With rising waters and spreading moisture concerns, we can focus on relocating affected items and cleaning when necessary. 

Flooding can be one of the most devastating situations that many area homes and businesses face in their lifetimes. Because these situations develop rapidly, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team is available 24/7. Give us a call today at (360) 243-8313.

How Can SERVPRO Remediate Mold-Damaged Drywall in Everett Homes?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage remediation by SERVPRO is second to none. Call now for the professional and experienced team needed for your property.

Treating Mold-Damaged Surfaces Quickly Can Prevent a Greater Obstacle in Restoring Everett Homes.

Drywall is one of the most commonly used wall system materials for modern homes and thereby one of the most heavily impacted by developing mold colonies. Our SERVPRO team has multiple solutions to resolve these situations when they occur and threaten your home. 

How Can Remediation Vary with Drywall?

When mold remediation for Everett homes focuses on building materials like drywall, multiple remediation practices are possible. Ideally, the process would require surface treatments like antimicrobial products, though controlled demolition is still necessary.  

Rebuilding Removed Drywall

If drywall removal is needed, our general contractor license ensures that you do not require a subcontractor to complete this work. We can replace and repair these areas as soon as the house is dry and controlled demolition practices finish. 

Eliminating Harsh Odors After Mold Events 

Deodorization is a vital effort of responding technicians, as developing mold colonies produce harsh, musty odors. In both the open areas of the structure and porous materials like the discussed drywall, neutralizing practices overcome these smells. When treating odors caught in drywall, certain products and equipment are required, such as:

• Odor sealing primers
• Counteractant products
• Deodorizers

Mold can often be a hazard for occupants of area homes and businesses. For porous materials like drywall, several strategies exist for removing odors and active colonies. Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe to help at (360) 243-8313.

What Can You Expect First from Fire Restorers in Your Everett Home?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke damage by fire is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate fire damage mitigation.

SERVPRO Professionals Provide Immediate Mitigation Services to Help Everett Properties. 

Fires can happen from multiple sources and range in severity. With the quickly spreading effects like soot and smoke, our rapid response team can help with direct mitigative action.

What Initial Actions Do SERVPRO Professionals Take? 

Because fire damage restoration in Everett homes must happen quickly, it is important to know what to expect when our SERVPRO team first arrives. 

• Inspections – Careful evaluations of the property determine where content damage and structural concerns exist. This process gets coordinated with insurance providers to expedite a claims process.
• Drying – Removing standing water and oversaturation of exposed materials often follows extinguishment. 
• Emergency Electricity – Damage to structures can often leave the property without sufficient power to operate tools and equipment for restoration. We have portable generators and spider boxes to get several units going at once.
• Deodorization/Cleaning – Especially in scenarios where relocation of house occupants is not required, surface cleaning and deodorization can be vital initial services to make families comfortable.
• Content Management – Protecting what matters most is critical after a fire. We can relocate or surface clean individual items and belongings to prevent irreparable harm.

Our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team is available 24/7 to help with fire loss effects that threaten your home. Give us a call at (360) 243-8313.

Does SERVPRO Handle Fire Damage Mess in Lake Stevens Properties Conveniently?

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be very stressful. Let our skilled fire remediation specialists help get your house back to feeling like a home again.

Appropriate Waste Management Policies Help Ensure House Fire Cleanup in Lake Stevens Runs Smoothly

In the aftermath of a fire loss, sorting the mess left can prove challenging than even catering to repair costs. Involving a professional restorer like SERVPRO immediately after the flames die down can help cut back the inconvenience caused by the fire damage. 

One thing you might not realize about the fire damage in your Lake Stevens home is how easy it is to spread it beyond the initially affected areas. For instance, constant foot traffic around the property inspecting the damage spreads soot and ash, soiling initially unaffected items. Tearing down structural materials such as drywall to fix damages without taking protective measures can also leave a mess. The extensive experience SERVPRO has handling fire-related losses helps us formulate an appropriate response plan. 

We regularly handle fire loss situations involving:

• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Smoke Damage
• House Fire Clean Up

Taking a protective approach helps ensure fire restoration efforts do not create additional problems. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians place protective sheets over vulnerable surfaces unaffected by the fire, such as carpeted floor surfaces, to prevent unnecessary soiling from foot traffic or during teardown of wall assemblies. 

Our SERVPRO teams also help pack items to move them out of the way or offsite cleaning, easing restoration work. Our technicians sort the items based on the level of damage and type of material, ensuring safe movement from your property and back.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe crafts a response that matches the type of fire damage in your property. Call us at (360) 243-8313. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Resources Should Water Restoration Companies Serving Everett Homes Need?

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can ruin your Everett home, call SERVPRO we will help.

SERVPRO is Equipped to Handle Any Type of Water Damage Repairs Necessary in Everett Homes

Water intrusion from ceiling leaks or other sources may seem like an isolated problem that can be resolved when the moisture dries. However, it takes a combination of actions for water restoration companies to restore the preloss conditions. 

Having the correct number and type of equipment is essential for water restoration companies in Everett to deliver the expected outcomes. For instance, drying the wet surfaces and items requires manipulation of air currents which takes several air moving units. Our SERVPRO teams have access to enough air movers, so they only have to worry about proper placement to finish drying in time. 

Drying Needs Vary Depending on Whether you are Handling:

• Emergency Services Water Damage
• Water Damage Remediation
• Basement Flooding

Water restoration involves other things apart from moisture management in the stricken building. Identifying and removing unsalvageable materials is essential to ensure structural soundness, maintain the visual appeal and prevent irritating issues such as foul odor. Removing the said materials and performing water damage repairs takes a properly equipped restoration team. Our SERVPRO technicians are equipped with various building tools, including cutting, drilling, and demolition tools. 

Some Common Tools Necessary for Removing Materials During Water Damage Remediation Include:

• Pry Bars
• Rubber Hammers
• Keyhole Saws
• Snips

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is one of the water restoration companies equipped to handle any type of water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (360) 243-8313.

How Well Does SERVPRO Handle Flood Damage Incidents in Everett properties?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

If you find water damage in your Everett home, Call in the experts at SERVPRO right away.

A Comprehensive Plan for Water Damage Repairs Is Necessary To Restore Flooded Everett Homes

In the aftermath of a flooding incident, when the debris is strewn all over or finishes stripped off in your Everett home, you need to respond correctly. SERVPRO can provide the expertise and also ensure a speedier resolution of the problem.

Having a sound action plan makes a significant impact in restoring flood damage in Everett properties rather than taking a haphazard approach. With a plan, it is possible to identify which issues require speedy action and what can be held back without worsening the outcome. SERVPRO has extensive experience handling flooding, which eases decision-making and implementation.

Typical Issues That Require High Priority During Flooding Include Addressing:

• Water Clean Up
• Leaking Roof From Storms
• Sewage Cleanup

Dedicating enough resources is also essential in a case involving flooding since the water intrusion, soiling, and contamination create a wide range of problems. SERVPRO uses various types of equipment to handle everything, including cleanup, deodorization, decontamination, and drying. 

Our Typical Flood Restoration Kit Includes Equipment Like:

• High-speed Air Movers 
• Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums
• Submersible Pumps
• Dehumidifiers 

Using state-of-the-art equipment cuts down the time taken to resolve problems. For instance, powerful extractors reduce the time taken to dry property since extraction removes moisture 1200 times faster than evaporation.

When you need help restoring a property affected by flood damage, SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can help you. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for solutions that resolve your problem, “Like it never even happened.”

Lake Stevens Fire Professionals Give Tips on How to Clean Fire Damaged Belongings

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can leave many stains and odors in your home. Team SERVPRO has the equipment and the know-how to remediate the fire damage.

Steps that Guarantee Good Outcomes When Cleaning after Fire Damage in Your Lake Stevens Home

Cleaning is one of the regular tasks after fire damage. The combustion process releases various residues, gases, and aerosols, necessitating thorough cleaning efforts to restore the property to its preloss state. The level of cleaning needed depends on the types of materials burnt and the intensity of the fire. Therefore, even a minor incident can leave you with a significant cleaning task.

Finding All Soils

For minor incidents of fire damage in your Lake Stevens home, most of the soiling is likely to be from smoke residues which you can remove by cleaning. Unfortunately, smoke spreads readily through convectional currents, so it is likely to reach every section of your property. Apart from the effort you put into cleaning, you also need the right cleaning agent to remove the residues from carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics. If possible, choose a cleaning agent that bio-degrades rapidly. You can also look for an agent that resists re-soiling.

Using the Right Cleaning Agents

Cleaning should remove soils such as soot, stains and even deal with odors.  However, it is possible to cause the same problems during the cleaning exercise. For example, using a cleaning agent with dyes or strong fragrances can leave stains on your fabrics or a pungent smell. Our SERVPRO technicians use professional cleaning agents such as Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean solution.  This product has no fragrance or dyes and is pH neutral – it is one product that does all.

Giving Enough Dwell Time

Most cleaning agents need time to react with soils for the perfect outcome. Therefore, even though you need your property back to its preloss state fast, failure to give products enough dwell time can prolong the process. You should check product labels for this information.  Our SERVPRO technicians undergo regular training equipping them with sufficient knowledge on the best ways to use various cleaning agents. We also check other issues such as whether upholstery is water stable and whether the cleaning agent is safe to use with natural fibers such as wool before cleaning.

Your home should look and smell good after restoring fire damage. Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 to help you clean up all soiling, "Like it never even happened."

We Have Cutting Edge Equipment To Restore Your Everett Home After Flood Damage

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can literally leave you and your home under water. Contact our experienced SERVPRO team for water removal and cleaning services.

Sometimes the Best Restoration Outcome for Flood Damage is Prepping the Everett Property for Reconstruction

When flood damage happens, the race is on to limit the damage by beginning the cleanup. The more water there is or if too much time passes before mitigation starts are factors that affect the outcome.

Basements, especially finished basements in Everett that receive flood damage, have several cleanup challenges for technicians to tackle, beginning with the extraction of standing water and removal of water damaged items.

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians hold certifications in the restoration sciences and do not rely on consumer-grade fans and wet/dry vacuums for water removal and drying tasks. SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art moisture detection, extraction, and drying equipment. For example, the design of the centrifugal air movers does more than deliver air on a wet surface to dry it. The air velocity is so strong; it forces embedded moisture to rise, where it is then ported off-site by the dehumidification equipment. This is just one way using a professional restoration company benefits homeowners.

Deep Water Does Not Have to Wait

When water runs into a basement, if it is more than the sump pump can handle, SERVPRO technicians have submersible pumps that work in standing water of over two inches with ease. Due to the contaminated nature of groundwater as a class three biohazard, very little of the structure or the affected contents may prove restorable. Still, the technicians inspect as they clean to look for items that have recovery potential.

Restoration and Reconstruction Services

There is often a considerable amount of flood damage left behind after water damage of this type in a home. After the completion of restoration efforts, rather than go through the stress of finding, vetting, and qualifying a contractor to repair and rebuild, SERVPRO has a general contractor license: #SERVPES871RD and offers this service after the fact if a homeowner chooses to make the cleanup and reconstruction into a seamless service.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 removes, restores, and rebuilds any size flood damage in local properties. The technicians are on standby 24/7 and make the damage to your home, "Like it never even happened."

Professional Mitigation of Water Damage in Lake Stevens Means Incredible Restoration Results

5/16/2021 (Permalink)

Recent excess water situation in your home? Call SERVPRO regardless of which direction the water came from for effective water restoration services.

Lake Stevens Residents Needing Skilled Water Restoration Can Count on SERVPRO to be Available 24/7!

Not only will there be several short-term goals to achieve when your Lake Stevens residence gets hit with water damage, but you also need to think about long-term effects. Basement flooding or burst pipes not only put hundreds of gallons of water to saturate your interior, but you also have to worry about where the moisture migrates. SERVPRO features skilled technicians to achieve extraction and drying so that you can limit costly secondary damage and unnecessary loss.

Water restoration in Lake Stevens has many working parts. Not only do you need rapid extraction, but drying is imperative to restore relative humidity. No matter the source of water intrusion, certain factors will come into play that impact the outcome.

• Water mitigation plays a role that can impact the overall process.
• Rapid water extraction and thoroughly drying all wet materials help to stop deterioration.
• SERVPRO features top-of-the-line water removal and drying equipment to execute professional mitigation. 

We have proven processes in place for emergency services water damage assistance, including:

• Assessment and source of water intrusion
• Setting and adjusting drying goals throughout the project
• Monitoring all saturated materials to achieve drying goals
• Constantly checking and moving equipment to ensure optimum performance

Whether you need ceiling repairs from water damages or other water restoration measures, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is the team to call at (360) 243-8313.

What Is Necessary To Know After Flood Damage at My Lake Stevens Gym?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

You want experienced hands working on your business property. Call SERVPRO for assistance with flood remediation.

SERVPRO Informs and Reassures Lake Stevens Proprietors When Performing Water Clean Up

Flooding is a disruptive emergency that can lead to costly repairs before a property regains its preloss state. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the uncertainty of whether items can be saved, sanitary conditions restored, and the likely timelines, especially for a business like a gym that serves people with unique goals.

When SERVPRO receives the call about flood damage at your Lake Stevens gym, our initial goal is to reassure you by informing you of the steps we can take to protect your valuables halting damages. For instance, doing partial or complete move-outs as well as regulating humidity in the air. We also inform you about all the solutions that we can offer to restore your business. SERVPRO is conversant with handling different flood-related issues, including:

• Biohazard remediation
• Sewage cleanup 
• Water damage remediation 

SERVPRO professionals prioritize certain procedures like extracting water fast from your facility since standing water accelerates material deterioration. We also seek ways to minimize disruptions to you and your customers. For instance, if some property sections are not affected, we can set up barriers with a medium like plastic sheets separating affected areas from the rest of the property. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe considers the customer's needs first when managing flood damage. Call us at (360)243-8313. 

Is It Advisable To Wet-Clean Walls During Fire Restoration In My Everett Home?

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO immediately following a fire in your Everett home. We will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tackles All Delicate Processes during Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Everett 

After the fire is out, it is best to avoid escalating problems in the fire-damaged homes. A noble process such as cleaning soiled areas can cause unintended problems. Wet cleaning poses more risks than dry cleaning because the moisture can set residues, weaken the wall materials or cause mold development.

When cleaning walls as part of fire restoration in Everett properties, SERVPRO technicians wash, rinse and dry the affected areas without causing other problems. Preparation of equipment and the work area is necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Our technicians prepare a couple of resources, including:

• Vacuum cleaners and ceiling brushes to remove heavy soils
• Plastic drop clothes to protect contents like furniture
• Towels for wiping surfaces
• Cleaning solutions

Knocking or brushing the soiled surface loosens the residues. Our technicians then vacuum the surrounding area before starting to wipe with towels soaked in the cleaning solution. Squeezing excess water from the towel and wiping the wall from the bottom removes the soiling without over wetting the surface. Our skillful approach is necessary when addressing:

• Smoke damage
• Fire restoration
• House fire clean up

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can help you whenever you need fire restoration services. Call us at (360) 243-8313.

Who Do You Call For Water Cleanup At Your Everett Business Place?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for any type of water removal and remediation efforts you need. We can get you back to work in no time.

SERVPRO Delivers Commendable Water Damage Remediation in Everett

Most people only know Everett as the home of Boeing’s massive manufacturing plant that produces larger aircraft, such as the 747 and 777. However, there are diverse, exciting aspects of this city that serve as the seat of Snohomish County. There is a historic vibe in the area, considering most of the old homes built in the 1890s still stand, offering you a chance to live in homes over 100 years old. Fourteen properties in the city are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Where to Unwind in Everett

The Port of Everett Marina is distinguished as the largest on the West Coast. It offers the public 2300 permanent boat slips. An additional 5000 lineal feet is available for guest moorage. The waterfront is an excellent place to spend quality time with loved ones or unwind. The main attractions include:

• The Boxcar Park 

It is a 2-acre regional park that transforms into a hive of activities during the summer months. It stretches right into the water and offers a perfect location for lazy picnics, watching sunsets, or throwing frisbees.  

• Hiking trail

The waterfront has a paved, 4-mile trail perfect for those who love hiking, biking, or walking. The landscape along the trail is lovely, and so you can take memorable photos. 

• Open Air Dance Floor

During summer nights, the Port of Everett Marina docks transforms into an outdoor entertainment area where you can enjoy beer and wine or put your best foot forward. 

• Jetty island

The Everett Sandy Island has over a mile of sandy beach and shallow warm water. It is perfect for activities such as Kiteboarding. However, it is only accessible on personal watercraft such as a boat, canoe, or kayak.  

Everett is primarily a blue-collar city. People are friendly in the area, so you are likely to get many offers for help if your business is damaged by water intrusion. Common reasons for water damage in the area include the usual plumbing problems such as burst pipes. However, since the weather is mostly rainy, ceiling leaks and other weather-related intrusions also affect properties. Before accepting assistance, it is necessary to evaluate whether the provider can deal with challenging issues like:

• Water clean up
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water damage repairs

How Does SERVPRO Manage Water Cleanup Differently in Everett Business Premises?

Water intrusion into a commercial establishment presents many challenges apart from leaving materials and surfaces wet. Cleanup processes must address all the issues that arise, including identifying and removing deteriorated materials. 

Before starting the cleaning process, our SERVPRO technicians evaluate the property thoroughly to establish issues like:

• The extent of moisture migration
• The level of material deterioration such as staining, rusting, or chipping of finishes
• Whether there is mold or other microbial development

Apart from the general evaluation, we also note the specific areas affected, ensuring we know where to apply or avoid specific processes. Our SERVPRO technicians take photos and videos during evaluation for proper record keeping. When cleaning, we use various methods, including hot water extraction, pressure washing, and chemical agents, to guarantee the right outcome. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is a seasoned provider offering water cleanup services. Call us at (360) 243-8313.

Why SERVPRO’s Mold Removal Services Protect Your Everett Home.

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

From Mold Inspection to Remediation--SERVPRO Provides Everett Property Owners with Great Results

Everett Home Owners Hire a Proven Mold Remediation Company--SERVPRO

There are many myths regarding mold and its removal. When SERVPRO performs mold removal inside an Everett residence or business, we ensure that the property owner understands the facts about our services. We want our customers to understand the truth about these microbes and this includes what mold remediation can and cannot do.

SERVPRO knows that damp areas are hardest hit by mold in your Everett house, so we ensure that we get these areas dry and stop the moisture from migrating further. Other things we can do to remove mold from your home and give you a fresh start include:

• Spray-application of a mold inhibitor/encapsulater,
• Remove and replace mold-infested materials instead of treating them, and
• Filter the air to capture any airborne spores with HEPA fitted air scrubbers

Some mold removal businesses promise complete mold removal, and this, scientifically, cannot happen. The only exception is a “clean room,” which scientists use to perform special lab tests. Mold and spores also continually enter a house, mainly through windows, and without continual negative pressure air exchanges, mold can easily colonize damp areas of your home.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe helps area families and businesses with mold removal year-round. Call (360) 243-8313 and we can help with removal and remediation, making it “Like it never even happened.”

Storms can Bring Flooding and High Winds to Everett

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

When a winter freeze and storm visit your Everett, Call SERVPRO, our trucks are standing by.

SERVPRO provides flood remediation after snow or freezing events in Everett

Storms that pour rain and snow down onto Everett can create dangerous situations to quickly arise. Rain can cause flooding, and snow, if dense enough, can cause a white-out along with structural damage. While at home, white-outs are only interesting, but if you are out driving, it is best to pull as far over to the right on the roadway and leave your hazard lights flashing.

How to Protect Your Everett Home from Freezing Storms and Roof Leaks

Everett storm damage needs professional restoration and cleanup

Dense, heavy snow can create serious problems for your roof, and the best defense is to ensure that your attic’s insulation is correctly installed. This can control the temperature transferences and reduce the risk of ice dams. This insulation does not make the roof stronger but it makes water, ice, and snow less capable of forcing their way into your home.

After a severe storm passes, concerned homeowners might want to check the following:

• The interior of their attic for leaks, particularly between sections of underlay,
• Frozen pipes, especially for those that have sections running along exterior walls, and
• Exterior areas that might have suffered wind damage.

These checks should not take long and doing so can prevent costly future problems.

If your home needs services related to flood or storm damage, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313. We can help with water cleanup, also, making it stress-free for you and your family.

Some Homes in Everett Need SERVPRO’s Water Mitigation Services

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Everett Customers are always happy to see the SERVPRO Green Fleet on the scene for water damage cleanup

Water Damage Repairs Are a Cornerstone of SERVPRO Services for Our Everett Customers

Everett’s Sister-Cities are across the globe.

Many cities in America have a sister-city in another country. Everett has three! These cities are located in Japan, Russia, and Ireland. Each Sister-City is very close to an ocean or sea, allowing fish to become a significant resource.

What are the names of Everett’s Sister-Cities?

Here are the three Sister-Cities, and details about each one’s name:

Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. One possible meaning, “in other words,” might have its basis in the political situation of Hiroie Kikkawa-sama, the city’s founder.

Sovetskaya Gavan in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It is often referred to as simply Sovetskaya, which means “Soviet harbor.”

Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland. Its name reminds the people of its bountiful seashells.

Iwakuni -

Iwakuni was re-founded in 1940 but kept the same name. The original founding occurred in 1587. All major cities were governed by daimyos, which were military leaders of samurai armies. In the early 1940s, the Japanese used it as a military base and as the Etajima Naval Academy. After World War II ended, Japan's feudal system was disbanded, and the British Royal Air Force used the area. This continued until 1952, when the US Marines established an air station there.

The city’s industries range from fishing in the Seto Inland Sea to petroleum extraction. Textiles and paper manufacturing are also strong businesses, with lotus root cultivation playing a role in the city’s economy. Tourism occurs year-round, as well.

Sovetskaya -

Situated on the Strait of Tartary (connected to the Sea of Okhotsk in the north), Sovetskaya is very close to Japan’s northern island. While it began as a military outpost, it is now a harbor city. Instead of relying mainly on fishing and other food production solely, boat and ship repair is also a thriving industry. Wood products, including those using raw materials from other countries, also takes place here.

Sligo -

Founded across the Wild Atlantic Way, connected to the North Atlantic Ocean, Sligo is nestled back a bit from the sea. Shells of many types have been found, often deep under the soil. The city was founded in 1245 by a knight with roots in Normandy when he constructed Castle Sligo. Trade began almost immediately with other countries and continues today. The principal industries have changed from sea products to tool manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

All three Sister-Cities have people from their country living in Everett.

You might be lucky enough to have someone from Russia, Ireland, or Japan as your neighbor, coworker, or friend. Each country has a significant number of people now living in Everett.

Our climate is closer to that of Russia during the winter. During the summer, our Japanese residents might feel it is similar. Ireland’s weather is actually very mild compared to our own, with spring and autumn probably very much like those they remember before moving here.

Everett has people living here from many other countries, as well. We only have three Sister-Cities now, but there is no limit on how many American cities can have.

Why SERVPRO’s water mitigation methods are a good way to protect your Everett residence

Even though our weather does not include bitter cold wind like in Russia, and we have no hurricanes like those in Japan, we have an occasional blizzard, just like in Ireland. Houses there can still experience plumbing failures, and bad weather events also cause problems. SERVPRO uses universal methods that protect homes in the Everett area. Water damage can worsen until mitigation measures begin, making a fast response crucial.

Some of the mitigation methods we use provide basic protection, while others address specific materials. Our machines give us crucial information so our water mitigation professionals can provide thorough services to protect your property.

• Carpeting – age, condition, padding, color all need considering when determining restoration or removal/replacement, and
• Source of the intrusive water – may require repairs to plumbing, roofing, or appliances, while
• Infrared cameras – baseline compared to later images after repairs and mitigation, and
• Desiccant machines – provide us with an ongoing reading of decreasing water vapor levels in the air

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe wants to help our customers protect their property from water damage through effective mitigation techniques. Call (360) 243-8313 for a thorough job performed by our professionally trained water mitigation specialists.

Can Debris Be Removed from a Lake Stevens Home After a Flood?

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding often results in water in basements. SERVPRO is equipped to dry your basement!

SERVPRO Professionals are Experts in Mitigating Storm Damage

Floodwaters in Lake Stevens can bring contaminated water, silt, and debris into your basement. You not only have the contents of the basement floating around, but all sorts of things are swept in the rising water. It is a cesspool of health hazards with everything from:

• Dirt
• Dead animals
• Chemicals
• Medical waste. 

Dealing with Black Water and Debris Removal in Lake Stevens

Our IICRC certified technicians can clean up the muck in your basement. We have the proper PPE and experience to handle what may look like a lost cause. There are some of the things they do:

• Removing debris and mucking out with rakes and shovels
• Using truck mounted trash pumps that can handle debris
• Submersible pumps help with water extraction
• Use EPA approved antimicrobial and disinfectants on impacted areas

Restoring Your Basement to Pre-Loss Condition

Once everything is removed from your basement, we begin more in-depth cleaning and restoration. Some things cannot be salvaged in a flood situation, such as carpet and padding. We restore as much as we possibly can and always strive to return your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For flood damage help in Lake Stevens, contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Can Everett Hotel Carpets Be Restored After a Burst Pipe?

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let commercial water damage in your hotel cause vacancies.Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO Provides Professional Water Cleanup to Everett Businesses

A burst pipe can bring your hotel business to a halt unless you get professional help fast. A water intrusion event in Everett impacts more than your carpets. Moisture can travel and staircases, hallways, and wooden structures such as the service desk. 

Restoring Carpeting After Water Damage

The correct extraction equipment can remove moisture faster than drying alone. We have trained water restoration technicians (WRT) who know what is required to restore your carpets. Certain types of materials do well with moving extraction tools, but that is not always the best option for plush carpets. Stationary extraction techniques use the technician’s weight to create downward pressure, pushing the water to the surface, making it easier to extract. Our large stationary units can cover 200 square inches all at once. Other extraction methods we use on carpets include:

• Carpet wands
• Portable or truck mount pumps
• Self-propelled extraction tools

Once we remove as much moisture as possible from your carpet and padding, we begin the drying process. Our technicians determine the ratio of air movers and dehumidifiers to provide optimum drying efficiency. Our crew works quickly to get the job done so you can get back to meeting the needs of your clients. For commercial water cleanup in Everett, contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

Can Ductwork Damage by Soot in Everett Homes Get Clean?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that ductwork needs cleaning after fires? Smoke and soot travel from even small fires into the ductwork.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Restoration Services that Clean and Restore Impacted Ductwork

Many indigenous people settled near coastline areas due to the abundance of available food. The Port Gardner Peninsula drew tribal people thousands of years before modern man arrived. The first to inhabit Everett and the surrounding area we know of were the Coast Salish tribes, roughly 2,000 years ago. Later the Snohomish tribes thrived around local waterways.

Coast Salish People

This ethnic group is connected by language. It consists of many tribes with slightly different Coast Salish languages. These people groups dominated the Northwest Coast region, living in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington and Oregon. The list of tribes is quite extensive and included the Tillamook tribes. Here are early observances we know about:

• Settlements dating back to 2000 BCE exist, and the remains can be seen today.
• Prominent villages were established along the Duwamish River estuary in the 6th century. 
• Natives were living in that settlement until the latter 18th century. 
• Jose Mari Narvaez and Juan Carrasco came into contact with the Coast Salish tribes while exploring the Strait of Georgia in 1791. 
• The natives raided much of the Puget Sound region between 1810 through the 1850s. 

Smallpox and other diseases ended up killing off much of the tribes over time.

The Snohomish Tribe

The Snohomish people, often known as the Lowland tribe, reside near the Puget Sound area. They are part of the Lushootseed Native American tribe and speak the Lushootseed language. Historians have extensively debated the meaning of their name. Possible meanings include:

• A style of union among those of the brave
• Sleeping Waters
• Many people
• Warrior tribe

The Snohomish are hunters, gatherers, and fishermen. In 1844, we know there were 322 members of the tribe, and in 1854 the tribe had increased to 350. During this period, smallpox was devastating many Native American tribes, and their increase indicated they were not impacted as severely as others in the same area. 

Encountering the Hudson Bay Company

In 1824 John Work, a trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company, encountered the Snohomish. They were afraid his group had come to attack them as hostile tribes were often a problem. But to their delight, they discovered the traders were friendly. They became one of the tribes trading with the Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Nisqually. 

Snohomish County - Traditional Homeland

Today Snohomish County is considered the traditional homeland of the Snohomish tribe. Since they were the first residents of the area, the county is named in their honor. Tommy Yarr, a Notre Dame Fighting Irish football captain and former NFL player, is from the Snohomish tribe.

Can Soot Get in My Ductwork During a Fire?

Even in small, contained fires, soot can travel into the tiniest spots. If your HVAC system is running when the fire occurs, shut it down immediately to prevent smoke residue from spreading to other areas. When our technicians arrive and scoping is completed, they can clean the ductwork.

Getting Rid of Soot Smells

Soot and smoke residue leave foul odors that linger, which is why immediate mitigation is needed. Our techs first determine the type of soot they are dealing with and then use the proper cleaning method. The following steps remove the odors:

• Matching the cleaning agent to the kind of soot
• Using advanced deodorization equipment and methods
• Locking in mild aromas left behind with sealants

For professional fire restoration services in Everett, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

In the Lake Stevens Area, Treat Yourself to an Evening Dedicated to Local Art.

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Storms may cause a lot of havoc to your property. Call the professionals of SERVPRO for the storm mitigation services needed.

Visit the Everett Art Walk Near Lake Stevens.

If you are interested in checking out what local Lake Stevens area artists have to offer, visit the nearby Everett Art Walk.  The event is routinely held the third Thursday of every month, from 5 to 9 PM, and includes offerings from various art centers, galleries, and studios along Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett.  Before visiting the art walk, you should consider the following:

• The event is free and open to the general public
• The art walk’s website has important updated details concerning the activity
• Vendor participation may change and, on certain days, the activity might be canceled

With all this in mind, area residents can properly plan their evening of local culture and avoid potential disappointment.

As fellow supporters of northwestern Washington’s art and culture, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is honored to inform you of this exciting offering.  Also, as your neighbors, we would like to remind you that we are always here to help you recover from flood damage.  Contact us whenever you need us at (360) 243-8313.

Challenge Yourself with a Half Marathon or 10K Race in Everett.

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is no easy or DIY task. SERVPRO has the technicians and latest equipment for any size disaster.

Participate in Everett’s 2021 Half Marathon & 10K Race Event.

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to exercise more and get into better shape?  Well, then, the Snohomish Running Company in Everett has just the activity for you.  The company is hosting its half marathon & 10K race event on Sunday, March 28th, from 6:30 AM to 12 PM.  The race, which begins and ends in Everett’s Marina Park, follows a scenic route via SR-529 to Marysville.  Along the way, participants can enjoy vistas of the local shoreline, the Snohomish River, and the natural areas through which historic SR-529 passes.  When planning your participation in the activity, remember the following information:

Register online at the event’s website up until Wednesday, March 24th; in-person, day of race registration is available only if the race has not sold out.   

Event registration fee:  Half Marathon - $50; 10K - $40; military members receive a $5 discount

The registration fee also pays for doughnuts and pizza, a full zip hooded sweatshirt, and a finisher medal.  

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe, your local water mitigation experts, proudly announces this challenging race.  We also remind you to call us at (360) 243-8313 whenever you need help overcoming water-related issues.

The Catastrophic Fires of Everett.

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration is no easy task. Leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO. Their certified technicians, and the latest technology and equipment.

Severe Blazes Have Significantly Impacted Everett on More Than One Occasion.

Although Everett is a relatively new city, having been established only in 1890, it has experienced more than a few severe fires. These blazes have mostly impacted industrial sites since the area has largely been dedicated to industry but has also destroyed numerous commercial establishments and at least one large residential development. The first of Everett’s major fires was the Great Courthouse Fire of 1909, which was so catastrophic that it actually threatened the city’s survival. After this event, and into the present day, the community has suffered a long series of industrial and commercial fires. The city’s most recent significant fire-related incident, the apartment complex blaze near the marina on July 16th, 2020, could prove to be one of its worst.

Snohomish County Courthouse Fire of 1909

The Snohomish County Courthouse Fire of 1909 is certainly one of Everett’s most infamous calamities. It started on August 2nd in a downtown blacksmith shop and quickly spread to the nearby courthouse. Windblown embers from the inferno started various fires around the city, while arsonists ignited others. In the disaster’s wake, a total of twelve buildings had been destroyed, and several other structures had been damaged. The most significant destroyed buildings included:

• 
  The Snohomish County Courthouse
• 
  Buildings of the Everett Livery and Transfer Company
• 
  Iles and Newman Carriage Works
• 
  J.K. Healy Blacksmith Shop
• 
  The Northern Transfer Company

As you can imagine, these losses devastated the fledgling city’s downtown governmental and commercial center.

The Lasting Effects of the 1909 Fire

The true significance of the 1909 fire was that it struck at the heart of the newly established mill town, highlighted its vulnerabilities, and evoked lasting fear in the minds of its business owners and residents. The panic generated by the disaster largely resulted from how:

Quickly the fire spread through the town’s mostly wooden structures.
Ineffectively the local fire department fought the blaze due to its lack of water and manpower.
Severely the event affected the governmental and commercial heart of the city, nearly destroying the county’s records and eradicating the community’s business district.
Insurance companies refused to cover about half of the overall damages incurred by business owners and other residents.

In response to these concerns, Everett’s fire department was given more funding, which allowed it to hire more men and buy better equipment. Also, local builders and business owners became more mindful of the potential dangers of wooden construction and began incorporating other materials into their structures.

A Long Series of Industrial and Commercial Blazes

After the catastrophe of 1909, as the community rapidly expanded into a thriving industrial city, fires became a relatively regular occurrence at the local mills. The community’s newspaper, the Everett Herald, even suffered one in the ensuing years. Some of the more notable of these fires were the:

Jamison Lumber and Shingle Company fires of 1928 and 1967
Clough-Hartley Shingle Mill Blaze of 1937
Everett Herald Fire of 1956
Hulbert Mill Fire of 1956
Pilchuck Lumber and Shingle Company Fire of 1967

Of these mill blazes, the Hulbert Mill Fire of 1956 was particularly severe. It caused approximately $500,000 worth of damage to the company’s property, buckled nearby railroad tracks, threatened homes and businesses on Grand Avenue, and took four hours to extinguish.

The Notorious Tire Fire of 1984

One of the more unusual disasters to befall Everett was the Tire Fire of 1984, which started on September 24th of that year and continued burning until May of 1985. It occurred at a used tire collection site, located over an old capped municipal landfill, and involved the burning of a mound of approximately four million tires. The suspected arson produced a billowing black mushroom cloud of smoke filled with waste zinc, methane gas, and other toxins. At the same time, built up gases in the flaming mound shot fiery tires hundreds of feet into the air. Eventually, the cloud blotted out the sun across the city, rained down harmful black soot onto businesses, homes, and sidewalks, and caused area residents to experience health effects.

More Recent Fire-Related Events

In recent years, stores and residential areas have more often been the sites of fires in Everett. Two noteworthy blazes of the past few years are the Judd & Black Appliance incident in 2018 and a large apartment complex fire that demolished a large apartment complex down by the marina in 2020. Both resulted in total losses, but the latter event caused nearly $30 million in damages.

As you can easily understand, fire is a serious threat to your Everett area business. However, rest assured that if you ever need assistance remediating fire damage, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is always here to help. Call us anytime at (360) 243-8313.

How Do We Clean Up Your Fire Damage?

When handling your fire damage cleanup and restoration job, SERVPRO employs all of the latest industry training, techniques, and equipment to do it right the first time. Once our highly-skilled technicians are onsite, they effectively remediate your business by:

Forcing smoke-filled air from your home with state-of-the-art air movers and high-velocity box fans
Extracting smoke particles from interior surfaces and air with cutting edge air scrubbers
Using HVAC cleaning systems to remove soot residues from and sanitize ventilation networks
Employing Vaportek systems and ozone generators to neutralize odorous airborne particles
Cleaning acidic residues off affected surfaces with wet, dry, or abrasive methods
Treating upholstery and carpeting with deodorant injection devices
Using cutting edge foggers to deodorize impacted spaces and materials

Once all of these measures have been taken, your home and its contents are often back to their pre-fire condition.

With all that said, if you ever experience a fire-related incident and need fire damage remediation, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is always here and ready to help. If contacted soon enough, we can often successfully clean up and restore even the worst fire-related issues. So, whenever you need us, call (360) 243-8313.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Everett with a Virtual Concert

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Start the New Year with a fire-damaged home in Everett cleaned up by SERVPRO while you enjoy the virtual concert

Nectar Lounge Invites all of Everett to Join their NYE Event for a Fun and Safe Way to Ring in the New Year!

Whether you live in Everett or a nearby town, you may be making plans to celebrate the arrival of 2021.  In such an odd year, a big party with your friends may be questionable, but the idea of it being like any other day is also discouraging. In Seattle, Nectar Lounge invites attendees 21 and over to join NITE WAVE, a virtual 80s live stream concert you can join starting December 31st at 10:00 p.m. You can celebrate with a crowd and good music from the safety of your own home!

• The theme of the party is the 80s!
• You must reserve your tickets online to attend
• There is no charge to join, but contributions are encouraged.
• You may contribute via Venmo or PayPal and are invited to subscribe to Nectar’s YouTube Channel.
• This event is part of the Nectar Virtual Concert Series, and contributions help Nectar musicians during this challenging year.

At SERVPRO, we are also committed to our community by providing the best fire cleanup services in the area. As we ring in a new year, we stand at your service whenever restoration services are in order. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is a phone call away. Call us at (360) 243-8313 whenever you need us and let us focus on leaving your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Lake Stevens Families are Invited for Some Holiday Fun

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Lake Stevens House caught fire? No worries, SERVPRO can clean up the damage, "Like it never even happened," while you enjoy the Holiday Light Show

Enjoy a Festival of Lights Just a Few Miles from Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens children and their parents are eagerly awaiting the holiday season and taking part in celebrations. Now that gathering in large groups may prove challenging; we need to think of other ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. Not too far from Lake Stevens, in Stanwood, you can enjoy a drive-thru experience to celebrate. “The Lights of Christmas 2020” will take place on selected dates throughout December, making it an easy to plan adventurous outing.

You can purchase your admission online by visiting the event website; no onsite admission is available.

• Drive-thru hours are from 5:00-10:00 p.m. and takes about 20 minutes.
• More than one million lights and accompanying music through LOC Radio 101.9 will provide entertainment to the whole family.
• If you go before December 23rd, you’ll catch a glimpse of Santa before he heads to the North Pole.
• Santa and lights are an essential part of this time of year, and at SERVPRO, we celebrate their arrival. 

Just as we wish you the best now and for the new year, we hope you never need our fire and smoke restoration services. But, if you do, we are here to help and mitigate your loss after an incident. 

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is at your service. Call us at (360) 243-8313 and let our expert staff work for you until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

Everett Showcases the Beauty of the Seattle Metropolitan Area

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crew arrives to mitigate water damage from Everett properties, both residential and commercial.

Arts and Culture, Nature and Industry in Everett Make it a Great Place to Live.

Just a few miles from Seattle, Everett is among the main cities in the greater metropolitan area. 

It is the seat for Snohomish county and the seventh-largest city in Washington State by population. Most of it lies on the Port Gardner Peninsula, which was historically under the Snohomish people's purview. Compared to other areas of the country, the city is relatively young, as it wasn’t formally settled until the 1890s when plans to develop a town were conceived. Before that, loggers had settled down near the mouth of the Snohomish River with no clear plan.

Much more about Everett

Everett owes its name to Everett Colby, whose father, Charles L. Colby, was a significant investor. The city’s buildout came from a group of investors on the East Coast coming together to develop an industrial area. Once the Great Northern Railway arrived, the city was incorporated in 1893. The Great Northern Railway allowed easy transport from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, and it was the northernmost transcontinental route at the time. At the time, sawmills and lumber were among the top industries for the city.

In the 1910s, the young city experienced civil unrest, and in 1916 the Everett Massacre took place. Also known as Bloody Sunday, local authorities and members of the Industrial Workers of the World Union (IWW) engaged in armed conflict on November 5, 1916. It is said that the root of the conflict is in the economic depression being felt in the city and the rising tension between workers and business owners.

Organized protests and demonstrations had been met with resistance from local law enforcement, and the IWW had organized to support shingle workers in Everett. Upon arrival, business owners hired men to beat the protesters and make them leave town. The Seattle IWW got involved in the conflict to show support for fellow laborers. The confrontation erupted in gunfire, and more than a dozen people were reported dead, with many more injured.

Transporation Transformation with Highways and Railroads

In the years that followed, a transformation happened in Everett due partially to the highways and railroad routes that catapulted it as a commercial hub. In 1936 an airport opened in Paine Field, and the end of World War II welcomed the construction of Boeing’s assembly plant in 1967. The Boeing Everett Factory includes the largest building globally in terms of volume and serves as a factory for new airliners and ancillary programs. Today, the factory welcomes more than 150,000 visitors in a typical year and employs more than 30,000 employees. The facility houses its own fire department, coffee shops, daycare center, among others.

Thanks to Boeing’s contribution to the local economy, Everett remains the major employment hub for Snohomish County. It has also become a dormitory community for nearby Seattle, making it easy for commuters to travel back and forth. The Interstate 5, the Sounder commuter train, and commuter buses all run at convenient times and intervals. Growth in retail space, residential neighborhoods, and commercial real estate has been deliberate and inclusive of private and public funding. Providence Regional Medical Center, established in 1994 following the merger of two Everett hospitals, was the first health center to identify a case of coronavirus in the U.S.

In 1983 the Strategic Homeport initiative identified Everett as a possible site for a naval station. The following year, conflict arose between those who approved of the station's construction and those who opposed the project. When voters expressed their approval, Congress procured the funding. In 1994 the project was completed, and a dedication ceremony celebrated the start of operations at the Naval Station Everett.

Arts and Culture in Everett

Everett celebrates diversity now more than ever, and its arts scene exemplifies this town value. Some of the places where art and culture come together for your enjoyment include-

• Everett Art Walk- The third Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., this free event downtown invites residents and visitors to explore what the artistic community has to offer. Just park your car and walk from venue to venue for a lovely evening out.
• Schack Art Center- this visual art center is free to the public and exhibits works by known artists and emerging talent. During your visit, you may be able to see a professional glassblower or other artists working on their crafts. Whether you like to draw, paint or work with glass, you are sure to enjoy your visit. The Schack Art Center is ideal for a family visit and budding artists.
• Historic Everett Theatre- Although its show schedule is somewhat fluid in 2020, it provides opportunities for artists to explore, educate and promote the arts and entertainment in the Everett community. Due to occupancy restrictions, the Theatre is offering mainly virtual presentations at this time.

Protecting Your Everett Home

Just as the town has grown in an organized fashion through careful planning and consideration, so does SERVPRO tackle water restoration issues in Everett. Our team is ready to help whenever homes are victims or vulnerable to weather-related water events or mundane home accidents. Our training with industry experts prepares us for the most challenging situations, and we are just a phone call away.

Water restoration services are best performed by a competent team such as ours. Failure to extract water and dry thoroughly can have unpleasant consequences, such as mold growth. To avoid undesirable effects, let us bring our state-of-the-art equipment to identify problem spots and restore your home to mint condition. Whether you need a submersible pump, a wand extractor, or drying mats, we have access to the latest equipment in the industry.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is a leader in its field. Our knowledge and expertise are evident in every step we take, starting the minute you call our 24/7 hotline at (360) 243-8313. As we walk through your home, we focus on mitigating your loss and strive to leave it, looking “Like it never even happened.”

Show Your Support for Medical Research and Advancements for Lake Stevens

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at The Festival of Trees Celebration!

The Festival of Trees Celebration Held in the Lake Stevens Area Features Several Fundraising Events Designed to Help the Providence Medical Group.

Much like the resounding successes of last year’s Festival of Trees celebration near Lake Stevens and Tulalip, the week of events was able to generate a staggering 1.3 million dollars – including 580,000.00 just for pediatric behavioral health. This year, the festivities begin the same way with a silent auction and other opening night events held in the Tulalip Casino.

Opening night for the 2020 run of the Festival of Trees for Providence General is December 1st. A series of events will follow, including other auctions, presentations, family-oriented demonstrations, and other fundraising activities. Securing your seat on the opening night is just the start of the great help individuals can be to fundraising goals for the medical group.

From the Providence General medical facilities to your small shop on the main strip, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help with efficient and thorough fire cleanup for Lake Stevens businesses when you call (360) 243-8313.

Show Your Support for Everett Small Businesses This Weekend

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to showing our support for Everett Small Businesses!

After the Bustle of Mainly Online Black Friday Shopping, You Have the Opportunity to Partake in a Vital Small Business Saturday here in Everett.

More than ever before, small businesses are trying to stay afloat in the country's pandemic landscape, and events like Small Business Saturday can help keep these businesses in the black. In the Vertical Gardens Northwest, representatives from the Everett Makers Market will conduct an outdoor pop up to promote their wares and products.

If you have not seen many of the retailers and craftworkers of the Everett Makers Market, you can help to support these trades and small businesses with price specials and unique offerings you will not find anywhere else. The pop up will occur on Saturday, November 28th, 2020, at 12 noon to 5:00 PM.

While local artisans might not have the answer for flooding in basements of Everett homes, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help with fast extraction, cleaning, and drying. Give us a call today at (360) 243-8313.

The Creative Blue-Collar City of Everett

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO when your property is damaged!

A Focus on the Arts has Helped to Diversify the Everett Area from its Industrious Past.

As a hub on the railway, Everett has always held its own as one of the industrious cities in Washington and respective territories. Being positioned on the Snohomish River against the Possession Sound, the trade and maritime industry was always booming as ports would bring travelers, workers, and new cultures. In modern times, the once prominent lumber industry has taken a backseat to the advancements of flight, and eventually, commercial space travel with one of the primary Boeing aircraft assembly facilities in Everett. In the last decades, Everett has worked to become accommodating for artists and performers as well, providing space and a welcoming atmosphere to hone these crafts.

Attractive to Artists from Bigger Cities
One of the distinct advantages that artists and creative industrialists would discover about Everett is its position against larger cities in the state. Developing your craft in areas like Seattle can be challenging when competing against so many others with the same dreams. Everett provides a fraction of the size of larger municipalities like Spokane and Seattle without compromising on the potential for reaching the right potential customer base.

Even for those looking to continue to present their craft, performing arts, or creations to the more significant stage in the larger cities, Everett is beneficial for its proximity. The cost of living in the state's major cities is a vastly higher number than the same properties in regions a fraction of the size. With the lower cost of living rate, artists and entrepreneurs can put more of their earned money back into their dreams rather than scraping by with excessive rent and utility costs. There are even incentives to attract artists to the city through the local government.

Schack Art Center
There are two main facilities in Everett that have helped performers and artists to find their place in the city and expose their gifts to a broader audience. One of these locations is the Schack Art Center that has been operating since 2011 as an exhibition space and workshop that can accommodate multiple mediums. During this first year of operation, the center would showcase the works of more than 250 artists and host more than 33,000 visitors.

The building sits among other art and science structures in downtown Everett on Hoyt Avenue. The presence of this art center alone has been a great draw for creative minds to find their way to Everett permanently but also allowed for the Cultural Arts Commission of the city to set aside funding for more programs to help budding artists to take their work to the next level and reach a greater potential audience. Part of this project is any of the 16 street pianos throughout the downtown area that artists can use for free in a public setting during the month of August.

Historic Everett Theater
One of the most iconic structures in the city is the Historic Everett Theatre, located on Colby Avenue. Since the place first opened in 1901, it has hosted many live and pre-recorded performances for thousands of patrons. With a large stage and more than 800 seats, it has been the ideal venue for theater troops of the community, musical groups on tour, improv comedy nights, and even the screenings of films.

While the arts have seen a rapid increase in popularity and positioning in the city in recent years, the decline of Everett's performing arts took its toll on the downtown skyline in the middle of the 1900s. In the 50s, the once-prominent theater district would feature multiple locations, including:

    •    Everett Theater
    •    Granada Theater
    •    Balboa Theater
    •    Roxy Theater

The Everett Theater is the last remaining of these, having been fully restored to its original appearance in 2000 after a fire forced repairs in 1923 and age forced a closure in 1989.

Fairs and Festivals of the City
Along with the influx of the arts and respective programs to promote it throughout the city, Everett's annual fairs and festivals have also become a focal point for officials. Not only does this serve to generate tourism and travel, but it inspires a sense of community with long-standing residents. Apart from traditional city celebrations and festivities for events like Independence Day, there are many events exclusive to Everett. Some of the attractions that you can only experience here include:

    •    A film festival in February
    •    Salty Sea Days in the summer
    •    Hydroplane races
    •    Fresh Paint Art Show
    •    Cruzin' to Colby classic car show
    •    Sorticulture garden festival

Water Removal Solutions for Everett Homes
Extraction has always been one of the vital elements of water restoration, so water extraction from Everett homes must happen as soon as possible when disasters strike. Standing water presents a disadvantage to exposed materials and contents, allowing absorption to begin almost immediately with porous surfaces. Once water and moisture have been absorbed, the saturation can quickly alter these materials' composition and deteriorate their structural integrity.

While many homeowners likely consider extraction efforts to focus most on pooling above the surface, this is only part of the equation. With industry-leading equipment, our SERVPRO professionals can address standing water above threatened flooring and against wall systems and release trapped moisture within these materials. Surface water removal falls to a series of powerful extractors, including submersible pumps, wet vacuums, and light wands.

The removal of trapped water from flooring and wall systems is a combination of extraction tools and intricate drying equipment. Lingering moisture in any of these areas can allow for the continued degradation of the material, but also secondary threats like mold and fungal growth. Some of the tools used in the removal of water from inside materials and contents include:

    •    Positive pressure systems
    •    Floor mat drying systems
    •    Air movers
    •    Plastic sheeting for tents
    •    Weighted extractors

Removing water is critical after a disaster, and our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team can help 24/7 when you call (360) 243-8313.

Is it Possible to Dry Wood Floors after Flood Damage in Everett?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Everett Homeowners do not Want to Pay for Replacement Floors after Flood Damage

Everett enjoys a charming location near Possession Sound, and thankfully the weather is a little less extreme than in inland areas. However, the area can still suffer from heavy rain, wind, and storms, causing damage to homes.

If you happen to have a wood floor in your Everett home, flood damage is bad news. Wood floors look fantastic, but they can be costly, and replacing them is more complicated than laying new carpet. Thankfully, a storm does not have to be a death knell for your hardwood floors. SERVPRO is on hand to help restore them.

What does floodwater do to wood floors?
Floodwater is not kind to wood floors. It can:
    •    Soak into the boards and cause them to buckle (curve up) or cup (bend down)
    •    Make the boards warp totally out of shape
    •    Leave boards damp and at risk of fungal growth – mold needs moisture to grow, and it can feed on the wood
    •    Leave behind bacteria or other unsanitary nasties

What can SERVPRO do to save your floor?
Fast action is essential if you want to save your floor. The longer water sits, the more damage it can do. Call us as soon as you can after flood damage – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Once we arrive, we can:
    •    Use pumps to suction away standing water
    •    Use drying mats for quick and gentle drying
    •    Position air movers and fans to evaporate water from the boards
    •    Place dehumidifiers to reduce humidity

Why are the drying conditions vital?
Wood floors are delicate, and it is essential to dry them carefully. If we dry too slowly or not thoroughly, that increases the risk of rotten wood or fungal growth. If we dry too quickly, the boards might dry out and splinter.

We train our technicians to calculate the ideal drying conditions for your floor and set up equipment accordingly. We also monitor moisture and humidity levels in and around the floor as we work to ensure readings stay stable.

Do not let floodwater ruin your wooden floors. Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

What Is Included in the Restoration Process in a Home?

10/24/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help with the mishaps, so you can return your attention to the more precious items in life.

SERVPRO's Professional Water Damage Restoration Techniques Benefit Homeowners in Everett

Any home is susceptible to water loss and the damage that can result, even the homes in Everett. Structural damage and the obvious destruction of personal property that occurs can seem both overwhelming and irreversible. The only solution is to turn to service professionals with the skills, experience, and resources to clean things up properly and take care of the damage that has been done through the variety of restoration techniques at their disposal.

SERVPRO is your Everett water damage and restoration solution, and we're Faster to Any Size Disaster. Our professional technicians have access to state-of-the-art equipment, and specialized techniques that can bring life back into the damaged property, which you may think is beyond repair. But how is such impressive restoration work done? Here are a few examples of the things covered by technicians during restoration:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Identification and Elimination of Resulting Mold
• Determination of the Extent of Damage to Sheetrock and Floorboards, as Well as Sub-Flooring
• Water Elimination and Drying of Affected Areas

If demolition on any level is needed, our techs will explain such a need and what needs to take place to get things back to normal for you as quickly as possible.

We Use Restoration Methods That Are Safe and Effective

Throughout the entire process, we will be with you, taking care of things in a manner that shows real results. You can also count on the methods used being safe for both your family and your pets, with no risk to your health. The restoration process is essential, but so are you and those you love.

The bottom line is that we can help. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at (360) 243-8313 to get the professional water damage restoration help you need to make the issue seem "Like it never even happened."

What Can Be Done About a Possible Mold Infestation in an Everett Local Studio?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly become an infestation that spreads through your studio. Contact our certified technicians to inspect and remediate.

SERVPRO Are Experts in Mold Remediation and Provide Fast Assistance in Everett

Everett is home to many different types of artistic ventures. From recording studios to local portrait artists, it is a diverse community. In this situation, a local artist found mold in his studio. He was wise to call in SERVPRO for professional mold remediation help immediately to contain the spread. Not only were his blank canvases and other art supplies at risk from mold damage, but his finished pictures on display as well. 

Can SERVPRO Remove All the Mold in the Studio?

If you believe your business needs a mold inspection in Everett, you are probably seeing or smelling signs indicating a problem. Understanding how mold grows and develops is vital to understand mold remediation. 

• Mold spores are everywhere. These microscopic particles travel through the air and get transported on anything that moves.
• Mold colonies develop and grow when they have a food source and moisture. 
• High humidity levels create a perfect growing environment. Buildings should be kept at a humidity level of less than 45%.
• Water causes mold spores to swell. As they grow, the hyphae attach to the materials. Some grow downward like a root, and others spread across the surface. 
• Mold and mildew produce a strong, musty odor that is unmistakable.
• Standing water and moisture must be removed from the impacted area, or the mold can return.

Because of the nature of mold spores, no restoration or cleaning company can remove all mold from a building. The spores are out there, and there is nothing that can be done about it. What can be removed, in many situations, is the mold that has produced on walls, cabinets, and other materials. The environment in which it thrives can also be controlled. 

What Can Cause Mold in Businesses?

Anytime there is moisture, spores can germinate into mold colonies. If you think you have hidden mold consider the following:

• Have you had HVAC problems?
• Has there been recent flooding or water damage?
• Do you notice musty odors?
• Are there water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings?
• Do you have leaky pipes or machinery?

If you have dealt with any of the above, then you may have hidden issues that need dealing with quickly. SERVPRO’s technicians are certified in mold remediation. They can provide a mold inspection and verify whether you have colonies behind walls or other cavities that are not easily visible.

What Type of Material is Impacted?

When mold spreads throughout an Everett building, structural elements and the content can be affected. In this case, an artist’s studio had an outbreak. In a studio such as this, there are hygroscopic materials that mold loves. These porous items absorb water readily, making them fodder for colonies as both a water and food source. Mold can grow on and damage materials such as:

• Artist materials – canvas, brushes, wood frames, and finished paintings.
• Drywall
• Foundations
• Roofing & gutters
• Furnishings
• Linen, clothing such as artist smocks

How Does SERVPRO Perform a Mold Inspection?

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians understand the impact mold can have on a business. It can shut you down and also influence your customer base negatively. SERVPRO techs use advanced technology and equipment for mold inspection and remediation. We use infrared cameras to find hidden pockets of moisture that can lead to mold. Digital moisture meters provide the moisture percentage on the material involved. Indoor air quality (IAQ) meters help record air quality metrics that allow technicians to ascertain indoor conditions.

If you have a problem with mold in your commercial space, SERVPRO puts together a mold remediation plan suited to your needs. You might need an Industrial Hygienist (IH) to assist in the process if your business requires it. 

Mold Remediation Process

The process begins with containment using physical barriers, air scrubbers, and HEPA filters to prevent the spores' spread while mitigation is taking place. When it comes to mold removal, either the mold is removed or the contaminated materials get disposed of properly. If the hyphae are deeply embedded, technicians may not be able to clean the surface. Agitative action such as scraping and techniques like soda blasting get used to remove mold.

Dust is a byproduct of mold cleanup as well as settled mold spores. SERVPRO uses vacuums with HEPA filters to clear the dust. Surfaces are wiped down as well. Once the mold is removed, and the studio is clean, the area then is dried. EPA-registered antifungals and antimicrobials get applied to all affected surfaces. In some situations, sealants are applied to surfaces to prevent water absorption and the return of the problem. 

Do not let your creativity and income become stifled because mold takes over your studio. Contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 and let us provide mold inspection and remediation.

Why Does Sheetrock Warp and Buckle After Water Damage in Monroe?

9/26/2020 (Permalink)

Begin the cleanup of flood damage as fast as possible by calling SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

SERVPRO techs have advanced water restoration equipment to assist with cleaning up after storm damage in your Monroe home

Water is always trying to enter your home. If there is a damaged seal, a threshold that needs repair, poor drainage, or other potential hazards around your Monroe home, eventually heavy rains can bring a significant amount of damage. Once inside, the water tends to recede rapidly; however, sheetrock in particular fares poorly when exposed to excessive moisture that gets wicked; signs of distress from absorption include:
    •    Buckling or tearing
    •    Visible water spots  
    •    Swelling or warping

Can Sheetrock Get Restored After Flood Damage?
Even a small amount of flood damage in your Monroe home can result in substantial deterioration of your walls and flooring. When water wicks into the sheetrock, there is a short window of time to get dried and remain in place.

Damaged sheetrock has no restoration potential and requires removal. However, to minimize the number of walls or ceilings that need replacement, SERVPRO techs utilize controlled demolition actions known as flood cuts to halt any further damage from the water. The techs use their moisture detection equipment to locate the highest watermark on the building materials and then cut the wall portion off using straight cuts.

When it is time for repairs, rather than undergo the expense for replacing entire walls, carefully measured and cut pieces of sheetrock get installed, and then the seams get covered in a joint compound which gets sanded after drying. After priming and painting, the result is a wall with zero signs of the previous flood damage.

This SERVPRO carries a general contractor license #SERVPES871RD and can provide a myriad of rebuilding services to repair the property post-water damage mitigation. This service saves homeowners from the stress of finding someone to do the repairs after the water damage restoration completes.

Begin the cleanup of flood damage as fast as possible by calling SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313. The techs are available 24/7 to return your home to its pre-flood condition.

How Fast Does the Water Damage Cleanup Need to Start?

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO show you "WHY" when it comes to your Everett water damage.

SERVPRO techs can tell you, the longer you wait, the more you stand to lose in your Everett home

From the moment water damage happens in your Everett home, from a pipe, from a roof leak or snowmelt, bacteria begins to grow. This situation gets compounded, and the need to start quickly becomes even more significant when the water is from a toilet overflow or gray-water source such as a washing machine malfunctioning. Anything porous this latter type of water seeps or wicks into requires removal even if the deterioration is not too bad as it cannot get returned to a sanitary state and is unhealthy to leave in the home. Signs the water cleanup waited too long include:   

• Buckled or bent sheetrock  
• Severely Cupped or crowned hardwood floorboards  
• Visible mold growth
• Delamination of tile flooring
• Warped subfloor

If I am Getting Reconstruction Done After Water Removal, Does the Room Have to Be Rebuilt The Exact Same Way?

After an event that involved water removal in your Everett home, controlled demolition actions may need to happen to dry and spare the property further damage. It is not uncommon for portions of sheetrock to get cut away, carpet, or tile removed to dry the subfloor underneath. Once the work-site is dried and cleaned, it is ready for the needed repairs.  

SERVPRO techs have a general contractor license #SERVPES871RD and can do any of the structural or cosmetic renovations necessary to bring the room to a like-new condition. If it is within the scope of coverage, many homeowners use this as an opportunity to change the color palette in the place and give the entire space a facelift with new paint on the walls and new flooring. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe in (360) 243-8313 knows water removal needs to begin in your home as soon as possible for the best outcome. The trained, certified technicians are available 24/7 and arrive quickly with their advanced extraction and drying equipment.

Do Hardwood Floors in My Everett House Need to Be Torn Out and Replaced After Water Damage?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water can quickly damage hardwood floors. SERVPRO has the equipment to restore your home today!

Open Patio Doors and an Overactive Sprinkler Put Your Beautiful Floors at Risk -- Trust SERVPRO to Take All the Steps Necessary to Save Water Damaged Hardwood in Everett 

You were running errands while your automatic sprinkler system worked overtime and caused the hardwood floor in your Everett attached garden room to endure a sustained shower. Work with the vendor who sold you the sprinklers to re-time and position the spray but reach out to us to manage the water damage. 

What Is the "Anatomy" of a Hardwood Floor? 

The good news is that authentic hardwood floors are relatively durable, even when forced to endure water damage. Everett residents need to involve professional restorers when evaluating the degree of harm suffered by the materials. The state of the surface area tells only a small part of the story. Visible hardwood strips or planks are made of a dense variety of wood, necessary to stand up to foot traffic, and provide substantial water durability. A protective finish usually adds to the ability of hardwood to shed wet tracking and spills.  

Hardwood typically installs over at least one subfloor layer composed of plywood or particleboard sheets. This underlayment is unfinished, and thus quickly absorbs moisture. 

Why Does the Underlying Unfinished Layer Matter?  

When we arrive to assess the water damage to your hardwood floor, we note the subfloor's condition. Engineers do not construct hardwood floors to be waterproof, just water-resistant, and there is no vapor barrier between the top boards and the subfloor. As the sprinkler spray spreads across the floor, a portion of the water percolates down to saturate the porous underlayer. This migration causes problems for more than the wet plywood or other material. The hardwood top layer usually is unfinished on the bottom and sides, much more susceptible to absorbing water wicked up from below. 

What Kinds of Hardwood Floor Damage Can You Expect from Subfloor Saturation? 

As the hardwood strips or planks take on water, the material's fibrous makeup leads to expansion as the cells swell. The expansion can result in: 

• Cupping -- when water absorbed from the subfloor causes the edges of each strip or plank to raise as it expands, creating a concave surface along with the material that resembles a cup if seen in cross-section
• Buckling -- where the hardwood absorbs so much water that it raises at the edges and joints in a continuous strip or plank line, dislodging entire pieces from the floor
• Crowning -- usually a post-drying complication, occurring when the hardwood becomes overdried on the bottom, but the top of the strips or planks contain more water and thus bulge  

How Do Professionals Remove Water from Hardwood Floors? 

A rapid removal of the water on all hardwood levels and its underlayers can minimize the effects of the water damage in Everett, often avoiding the need for repairs or refinishing. When we talk about removing the water, it is essential to note that we never intend to lower the hardwood's moisture content below its average level. The "normal" level for your floor will vary slightly from that in another home, but it averages about 10 percent in the United States. When we scope out your hardwood water damage, careful testing with moisture detectors and meters reveals moisture content. Sampling the moisture levels of another hardwood floor in your home provides data permitting us to complete appropriate drying. To remove the liquid water and then dry wood in all the layers we: 

• Use squeegees and wanded extractors to corral and suction the remaining surface water 
• Install sealable floor mats on areas tested and found wet on several levels, and attach via hoses to negative air pressure generators to extract the fluids
• Consider removing one or more strips or planks to gain access to the subfloor and facilitate drying
• Consider removing the hardwood finish or pricking the surface with pinholes to encourage evaporation
• Position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to complete drying to the appropriate moisture measurements 

Can the Hardwood Be Restored if Warping of Some Kind Exists? 

After the water and moisture removal completes waiting for a brief time to decide if reworking or refinishing is necessary is best practice. If the remediation efforts do not return the hardwood to its preloss condition, sanding and refinishing can bring about the desired results. Cupping responds well to sanding and refinishing. Buckling indicates more severe water damage that might require sections being removed and replaced. Crowning, which is usually the result of over-drying as explained above, is nearly impossible to sand out. Unfortunately, all or part of your floor could need replacement if crowning is widespread. 

If your hardwood floors have taken an unscheduled shower, SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe will consult and help with water and moisture removal. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for an evaluation of your circumstances.

How do I Handle Water Leaked by a Broken Pipe in Everett?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of how long ago the leak occurred, reaching out to SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is your best option in a time of need.

Extracting Water Leaked into your Everett Home Requires a Specialized Team

A small pipe can cause more damage to your Everett home than you think. A leaky kitchen sink or dishwasher can release enough water to damage your cabinets and floors, not to mention the possibility of it seeping into your walls. Restoring your home is as important as repairing the pipe, as standing water left to its own devices can create a cadre of problems for you in the future.

When you want to restore water damage in Everett, your best option is to call our professional crew at SERVPRO. We are available around the clock to help determine how widespread the damage is and take appropriate action. Our technicians arrive at your home ready to extract water and restore humidity levels, all with the assistance of industry tools such as infrared moisture meters and wand extractors.

How do I avoid mold after a leak?

Mold is a common occurrence after a water leak, but it is not inevitable. When you call our SERVPRO crew, we take action to prevent the reproduction of bacteria in your home. Avoiding standing water by pumping it out with a submersible pump or evaporating it with air movers and dehumidifiers is crucial to our success. However, we also rely on cleaning solutions specific to disinfecting your home. Other action we may take if mold has already taken your home by surprise may include:

    •    Application of antimicrobial spray
    •    Vacuuming of your ventilation system to avoid dissemination of mold spores
    •    Use of air scrubbers to purify the environment in your home

Regardless of how long ago the leak occurred, reaching out to SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is your best option in a time of need. Call our 24/7 hotline at (360) 243-8313 as soon as you need us and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Should I Call a Team That Specializes in Fire Restoration After Our Everett Kitchen Fire?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

Take the time to call a certified restoration team after a fire in your kitchen. SERVPRO is on call 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Handles Fire Restoration and Debris Removal at Your Everett Home in a Reliable, Responsible Manner

The aftermath of any house fire, big or small, is mentally and emotionally draining. You have to think about the cleanup, and you might have to relocate your family temporarily during the cleanup and restoration phase. Regardless of the severity of the fire damage, we are Faster To Any Size Disaster at SERVPRO, and we are available to bring your Everett interior back to preloss condition.

Do You Take Away All Debris?

A significant part of the process of fire restoration in Everett is carefully and safely disposing of all charred materials and unsalvageable belongings. Our restorers take the time necessary to determine what requires replacement and any areas that must get addressed to remove charring or fully restore with brand-new materials. Any solid waste that is not salvageable has to get disposed of according to local guidelines. To make it easier on you, our crew can transport the following to local landfills on your behalf:

•   Demolition debris
•   Charred building materials
•   Bricks and concrete
•   Damaged electronics or appliances, and more

With most fire damage projects, controlled demolition helps us to remove all materials burned in the fire so that they can be replaced with brand-new materials. Throughout your interior, we also use sand and soda blasting methods that allow us to remove charring so that we can restore areas where possible.

Depending on the soot and smoke residue, and level of damage throughout the home, we have skilled restoration technicians to help with things like:

•   Salvaging electronics
•   Furniture restoration
•   Document recovery, and more

We leave no stone unturned and take the extra time necessary to ensure everything gets fully documented. This allows us and you to have a detailed inventory of all items in the home, both for your peace of mind and our records while giving you the paperwork you need for your insurance claim.

Call us at SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe when you need help with fire restoration. You can reach us 24/7 at (360) 243-8313.

Click here for more information about Everett.

Are There Water Mitigation Steps I Can Take Before the Professionals Arrive at My Everett Business?

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Think you know it all when it comes to water mitigation steps? Better call the pros in SERVPRO in your local Everett area for more information.

Teamwork Is Always Encouraged When SERVPRO Partners with Everett Businesses Seeking Water Mitigation--Let’s Work Together!

Everett business owners typically are persons of action, so we understand why you seek guidance for safe water mitigation strategies. When wading in while we are on the way take care to respond within your capacity, considering the following:

• Be certain the electricity is shut off in the affected area
• Shut off the water supply
• Do not send anyone into the area solo--submerged debris and unseen wire, pipe, and fixtures can trip
• Focus on tasks you and your employees can complete without the professional equipment coming, such as:

• Carefully raising furniture and equipment on blocks
• Removing documents to a dry, secure place elsewhere in your building
• Collecting loose items on the floor and storing them out of the area for evaluation
• Taping off or setting up signage to keep others out of affected areas

Is There a Checklist or Tool Businesses Can Use for Water Mitigation?

Water mitigation at your Everett commercial building always proceeds more smoothly after the cooperative creation of an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Far in advance of any disaster, we visit your space and talk about your needs and concerns. The result of this collaboration is a concise, digitally available disaster plan individualized to your company. Space layouts, equipment and operations information, and even a list of individuals who can act on your behalf are part of the plan.

Whom Do I Call to Set Up an ERP?

Contact us through our main office number, and an experienced project manager will schedule a walkthrough. Expect transparent communication. We listen to your priorities and ideas, explaining how we typically respond to water mitigation and other disaster response tasks, so we are all on the same page.

We are eager at SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe to build solid partnerships with other businesses in our communities. Work with us through the development of an ERP and by our side as we complete water mitigation at your site after a loss.  Call (360) 243-8313 24/7.

How Effective Are Professional Water Removal Methods for Large Commercial Losses in Everett?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let a burst pipe stop your business from opening up. Call the professionals from SERVPRO to mitigate your water problem, work around your time.

SERVPRO Offers Scalable Water Removal Strategies When Your Everett Furniture Showroom Is Swimming After a Main Supply Line Is Cut

Workers remodeling the warehouse space adjacent to your Everett furniture distribution center inadvertently cut through a large supply pipe, flooding your commercial space with fresh water. Fortunately, the crisis happened while you were on-site, so you and your staff were able to move stock and place floor models up on blocks to minimize swelling of wooden frames and rusting of metal legs.

How Do I Get the Water Out of My Furniture Store’s Carpeting?

Your Everett showroom needs water removal immediately, before your investment of thousands of square feet of carpeting is ruined. The carpeting makes it easier for customers to imagine your furnishings in their homes, but that same carpet might need removal and disposal if professional extraction is not completed in time to avoid secondary damage like mold growth. Our technicians have considerable experience and skill in carpet water extraction, so your choice of our team is a wise one.

What Is In-Place Drying?

It is impractical to try to remove wall to wall carpeting under most circumstances, even in smaller spaces. The vast expanse of carpet in your furniture store would create a severe disruption of your business if the carpet were removed for cleaning and drying after a water loss. SERVPRO might recommend a version of in-place drying of carpeting saturated with relatively clean water for the following reasons:

• The wet carpeting is incredibly heavy when wet
• Detaching and moving carpeting can cause stretching and tearing
• Handling of wet carpeting can encourage delamination (separation of fibers from the backing)
• Your inventory would need to be removed entirely from the space

How Do Technicians Proceed When Doing In-Place Drying?

First, we make sure that your floor models are raised or rest on foil to prevent the transfer of paint, stain, or rust to the carpet. Technicians then use truck-mounted wanded extractors to control the migration of water if there are areas still dry in your store.

Extraction During In-Place Drying

Because the timeframes for avoiding secondary damage remain short, extraction has to be fast and aggressive. Specially weighted extractors exert tremendous pressure with each pass to force as much water out of the carpet fabric as possible. Technicians often add their own weight to the extractors, riding on them to remove water quickly and efficiently.

Pattern During In-Place Drying of Large Expanses

We divide the space into areas of about 10 feet square and extract the fluid out of these smaller areas. Periodically we stop to check the pad, rolling and squeezing a section to see if water still flows. Only when no water squeezes out of the pad is that section considered dried. Multiple weighted extractors might be required as it takes about 1 hour to extract 300 square feet.

Final Drying

Our drying specialists calculate how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to reduce the moisture to normal levels. In general, one air mover can dry 50 to 60 square feet effectively, so we position as many as indicated as well as adequate numbers of dehumidifiers.

Is There an Alternative to In-Place Drying?

We might determine that rolling back the carpet and removing the pad is more appropriate. Padding is relatively inexpensive to replace, and it holds a lot of water. Instead of moving the carpet out, tenting or venting it with extenders attached to air movers can speed drying. Sometimes we refer to “floating” a carpet, where we raise portions, and direct warm air underneath to dry the wet fibers before mold or other secondary damage takes hold.

How Does SERVPRO Manage Other Types of Flooring?

Some spaces in your showroom may feature laminate flooring over concrete or resilient tiles. Laminate materials are inexpensive and not particularly durable after water saturation. Usually, they must be removed and replaced after water damage. Solid flooring stands up well to water, removable by squeegees and wanded extractors. 

Can Hardwood Floors Survive Commercial Water Damage?

If some areas of your furniture store have strip or plank hardwood, we recommend negative pressure drying mats to suction water above and below the surface. We also consider loosening sections, propping them up, and directing warm air under and over so they dry evenly.

Investigate all the recovery options we offer business owners. SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is eager to develop business partnerships in our community, ready to assist when water or other disaster strikes. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for a consultation after a plumbing mishap or other water loss.

Contractor Licenses:

General: SERVPES871RD

How do I rebuild after a flood in Everett?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Rebuilding a property can be a time-consuming process.

Flood Damage recovery and restoration are available to residents in Everett within four hours of notification of loss with SERVPRO

Can floods cause structural damage?

In the US, floods cause billions of dollars worth in damages every year. As little as two inches of rushing water has the strength to uproot trees, flip vehicles, and burst through doors. A flash flood can harm an Everett property by damaging doorways and windows and sending debris against the mortar. Once inside a property, external and internal standing water can exert significant pound for pound pressure against jointing, walls, and floors. In a worst-case scenario, floods can cause some or part of your home to collapse. Equally, performing restoration without the experience of structural risks in a flooded property can be dangerous for both the structure and yourself.

How do I repair structural damage in a flooded property?

    •    Scope the property for any safety issues and shutoff mains electricity as well as gas
    •    Extract water from the property using submersible pumps and water extraction equipment
    •    Clean and disinfect the property thoroughly, then remove any non-salvageable materials
    •    Create a sound drying strategy to eliminate residual moisture
    •    Perform structural repair and reinstallation of any non-salvageable material

Do I need to use a general contractor as well as a restorer for flood recovery?

Restorers mitigate loss after a flood, preparing your property for repair by making it safe, secure, and sanitary. Depending on your restorer, you may need to enlist a general contractor separately to perform rebuilding and remodeling work. Third-parties are also useful if you need specialist repair to plumbing or electricity. SERVPRO has in-house technicians with qualifications in general construction (OSHA), so you only have to deal with one point of contact from start to finish.

Rebuilding a property can be a time-consuming process. Contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

For more about Everett click here.

SERVPRO Supports for Everett Stores and Businesses

5/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleans and disinfects following the guidance of the CDC.

Commercial-level cleaning services can support essential businesses by helping to protect employees and customers. SERVPRO of North Everett, Lake Stevens, and Monroe technicians stand ready to assist.

Considering Professional Cleaning?

SERVPRO can help business owners develop a plan for SERVPRO to help train and even work with in-house employees. SERVPRO is able to perform contract cleaning at locations, usually after-hours.  Our technicians use hospital-grade cleaning products in Everett to help ensure that your location can maintain a high standard of sanitation with minimal disruptions for your business.

Tips to Keep Shoppers Safe:

• Set aside time in the mornings for seniors to shop. The most vulnerable members of the community may have more difficulty getting the groceries they need. 
• Practice social distancing. Consider limiting the number of shoppers in stores at one time to make it easier to stink to social distancing guidelines. 
• Encourage shoppers to sanitize. Consider implementing additional hand sanitizing stations around the store for customers and keep touchpoints at these stations clean. 

For more ideas, or to discuss your needs, contact us, we’re SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe and we can maximize your property's safety. Our phone number is (360) 243-8313.

DISCLAIMER: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Everett, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe today at (360) 243-8313 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

How Did My Roof Get Damaged During the Storm?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Does your Everett building have mold growth from after the storm? Call SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.

Real-Time Solutions to Damaged Everett Structures is a Cornerstone of SERVPRO Services

With the level of destructive storms that can reach this area of Everett and Greater Seattle, our restoration team must remain diligent in responding to these emergencies as they happen. The sooner that our professionals can reach a storm/flood-damaged home, the less likely irreparable damages are overwhelming. Structural damages are among the most consistent concerns after a fierce weather event, and the roof is often the most vulnerable of these areas.

Identifying and resolving storm flood damage in Everett homes is more than just extracting water and drying up saturated materials. In many cases, the solution to flood losses involves the repair of many compromised structural elements that lost the battle to nature’s forces. Roof damage is a common threat, as many scenarios can lead to a damaged roof, including trees falling, hailstorms, gale-force winds, and even prolonged torrential rains.

How Destructive Are Roof Damages to a Home? 

Roof damages provide direct access for water damage and other threats to penetrate the house. A structural compromise of this nature can lead to multiple challenging obstacles for our responding restoration professionals. Understanding how problematic structural breaches are can encourage securing skilled and experienced restorers like our SERVPRO team to help. Penetrating water or vulnerable points in the roof can lead to:

• Flooding – Flooding and water penetration are among the most direct and threatening circumstances that can exist when parts of a roof collapse or vulnerabilities exist. Direct runoff, wind-driven rain, and other circumstances can all leave the living space beneath the roof worse for wear. 

• Structural Openings – Physical openings and breaches in the defenses of your home are not just problematic for allowing precipitation into the property. Animals and insects can find their way easily into your house in search of food after a hard storm, primarily if you have not adequately addressed substantial openings in the property.

• Spreading Damages - Once the water begins to penetrate openings in the roof, the saturation of these materials can continue to spread. Within a short time, the joists and underlayment of the roof around the penetration point have weakened and allowed a more substantial flow of intruding water. 

Who Can Take Care of Fallen Trees that Damage My Roof? 

Falling trees are more of an everyday staple to fierce storms than many area residents might have initially believed. With so many trees on the properties throughout the area, a single instance of lightning striking or a tree becoming overwhelmed by fierce rain and wind can be enough to cripple the roof of your home if it falls towards the house.

• Removing a Tree – Our professionals can cut up and remove entire trees that are still laying in the remnants of a structure. This service allows our contractors room to work on other necessary emergency services.

• Boarding up Structural Openings – When siding gets removed, or holes get made in the sides of your home from a falling tree, this can welcome several threatening conditions. We can take plywood and other materials and seal off these breaches until it can get adequately repaired.

• Roof Tarping – With holes or collapsed portions of a roof due to trees or limbs, tarping can keep the attic and lower levels drier. While some exposure might have already taken place, tarping prevents continual flooding scenarios.

Is My Attic Space Flooded? 

If you are not using the attic as living space, it is feasible that you might not ever go up in this storage space. This lack of traffic can make identifying flood damage and roof leaks a challenge. Here are some of the signs that your attic might have substantial water damages:

• Spotting – Spotting is the earliest stage of microbial and mold growth, meaning that colonization has occurred. Spotting is often a sign that more substantial mold and moisture damage has already occurred in the areas above the ceiling.

• Staining – Water staining is a good indicator of a persistent roof leak that has inevitably affected the living space beneath the attic. Often this presents as yellowing on tiles.

• Sagging – When materials like insulation and drywall get saturated by migrating floodwater, they begin to bloat and sag. 

Can SERVPRO Repair My Damaged Roof Completely? 

With a team of in-house licensed contractors, we can offer full reconstruction options for your home. Our technicians can work to prepare the area for repairs with efficient controlled demolition. We can transition from mitigation right to build back to complete jobs in a timely fashion. General Contractor License #: SERVPES871RD

After a storm loss, it can be challenging for homeowners to get the processes started to restore and recover their damaged homes. From falling trees to flash flooding, our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team offers a full-service approach to meet your needs and to strive to exceed your expectations. Give us a call today at (360) 243-8313.

How Can I Dry Out My Warehouse After a Flood in Everett?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

When warehouse flood damage occurs, make sure to contact SERVPRO to mitigate the sustained damage.

SERVPRO Can Implement Specialized Extraction and Drying Techniques to Remove Moisture from your Warehouse in Everett

One day you might walk into your warehouse to begin work after a thunderstorm struck the area the night before and find a large amount of standing water on your concrete floors. To help you get back to business right away, our SERVPRO team can use a sump pump to remove liquids that are deeper than two inches. We can then use a squeegee to push any other water that is on your warehouse's hard surface floors into a drain or mop it up.

 What is the next step after you extract and remove all of the water?

The next step in flood damage restoration in Everett is to set up drying equipment that can remove moisture from your atmosphere and wet building materials and contents. We can place a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to help speed up the natural drying and evaporation process. Air movers push air in a counterclockwise motion that allows moisture to evaporate from your wet structural components and warehouse inventory. Dehumidifiers then remove water from the air.

How do dehumidifiers work?

• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers: This type of machine contains a cold metal coil that causes condensation when it touches wet air and pulls the moisture out of it while exhausting warm dry air that gets used in the air circulation created by the fans.
• Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers: An LGR works the same way as a refrigerant system, but an LGR cools the air before it hits the evaporator coil.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These machines pull wet air past a rotor with silica gel that attracts H2O molecules.

Which system will work best for my warehouse?

• We use refrigerant dehumidifiers as a first step when humidity levels are high.
• We can then use desiccant dehumidifiers when your structural components, such as your warehouse's concrete floors are still wet.

When a flood devastates your business's warehouse in Cavalero or Machias, call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroes at (360) 243-8313.

Click here for more information about Everett.

Is There a Science Behind Everett Fire Damage Odors and Their Elimination?

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include fire damage and pesky odors left behind. Contact SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Teams Understand The Many Ways Fire Can Cause Damages, Helping You Mount an Appropriate Response

Superficially, odor elimination following fire damage appears to be a simple process without much science behind it. In actuality, removing unwanted fire-related smells from your home is a more complicated process.   

There is a science behind Everett fire damage smells. The strength and persistence of an odor depend on various factors. The temperature of the fire, its duration, the concentration of the residues it produces, and the porousness of materials in your home all contribute to how strong and persistent an associated smell is. 

The hotter a blaze burns, the more the space between materials’ particles expands. A longer, hotter fire allows more odor particles into materials, especially those that are more porous, and enables them to penetrate these objects more deeply. Once the flames die out, and the air cools, these odor atoms become trapped in household items and structural elements. Later, weeks or even months after a fire, high temperatures and humidity can vaporize these bits and make unwanted smells reappear.

Effectively dealing with these bad smells in your Everett home requires a scientific plan of action. Such a plan often involves both odor removal and odor control. First, when following such a plan, SERVPRO removes malodorous structural elements and debris. Their technicians then work to clean away odor-producing residues from ceilings, walls, and household objects. After workers have removed smell-causing items and fire remnants, they move on to controlling odors emanating from things they cannot easily remove.

SERVPRO professionals in Everett use many different methods to control odors. One is they try to counteract smelly particles on surfaces. They do this by trying to recreate the technique of odor penetration and eliminating, or masking smells via the same medium particles were initially deposited. So, if these atoms were originally deposited by way of smoke, SERVPRO technicians use foggers to “smoke” them out. Another way workers try to control bad smells is by sealing them into affected materials. This is done either by painting the objects in question or via another means.

Whenever fire damage and related odor issues affect your home, you need professional assistance. Doing the job right takes the right expertise and tools. If ever faced with such a situation, contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.            

Learn more about Everett.

How Do I Limit Reconstruction After Flooding in Everett? 

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team a call 24/7 at (360) 243-8313.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Work with Efficient Tools and Practices to Protect Your Everett Home and Its Contents from Irreparable Damage

While we might have the skilled professionals on our roster to help with full-scale reconstruction and remodeling as necessary, this is a situation that we seek to avoid as much as possible. Our SERVPRO technicians focus our efforts first and foremost on reducing the need for tear-out and reconstruction whenever possible. After flood losses, this can be a challenge.

Despite how widespread and severe flood damage in Everett homes might initially appear, we can manage these scenarios by breaking the conditions into various mitigation tasks. Each of the processes that encompass the mitigation phase involves a different approach to save customers time and money on the recovery effort their home needs. Much like every other kind of loss, the restoration of a flood involves a blend of our cutting-edge equipment and experienced professionals.

Who Does Flood Debris Removal?
Flood debris can be a substantial threat in your home, especially if contamination is a concern. Getting our team started on clearing out debris and sediment from the affected areas of your house can reduce the concentration of harmful contaminants when applicable, but also set the stage for more efficient cleaning, drying, and resurfacing. The earliest stages in the recovery of your home typically fall into three specific categories:

Muck Out
Flood debris often consists of mud, silt, and many other solids. While this might make efforts like extraction potentially challenging on their own, it also amplifies a need for muck-out debris removal. The presence of potentially contaminated mud and debris can be a hazard to those exposed, making it one of the priorities of our responding SERVPRO technicians.

Controlled Demolition
Minimizing the reconstruction that your home might need after a flood does not mean that no materials might need discarding. Choices about the conditions of exposed materials is a vital service that can showcase the portions of a structural surface damaged and requiring reinstallation. By leaving unaffected materials where they have gotten installed, we can minimize the time for reconstruction later.

Damage Assessment
Before much of the work begins in your home, our project manager and crew chief work with the customer to determine the extent of the damage in the property. Proper evaluations can help to identify problem areas quickly to make better immediate choices about controlled demolition or drying to reduce a later need for reconstruction.

When Does Extraction Begin?
Extraction is often one of the emergency services that our team provides. Standing water, especially after a flood, can be a significant hazard to the occupants of a house. From electric shock hazards to structural degradation, removing surface water can do more to protect your property and help other mitigation activities begin as soon as possible. Extraction can use any of several removal tools in our inventory but often fall into one of three primary categories.

Submersible Pumps
Electric and gas-powered submersible pumps can be vital tools in flood recovery for your house. Clean water flood scenarios can benefit from electric pumps, as they have a longer discharge line and provide a continuously quiet operation. Gas-powered trash pumps must get used when solids are present in the standing water because these units typically have an intake and discharge hose that is at least twice as large as their electric counterparts.

Wet Vacuums
Submersible pumps can only address surface water to a certain extent. Once standing water drops to two inches in depth or less, these pumps lose prime, and wet vacuums are a suitable replacement. A continual suction can remove any lingering water on the surface quickly.

Wands
Attachments for pumps and vacuums can allow for greater versatility in water removal after a flood, especially with clean water flooding that might result from roof breaches. With attachments like carpet wands or squeegee wands, we can remove surface water and much of the saturated water in hard and soft flooring materials.

Can Decontamination and Cleaning Prevent Reconstruction?
After drying has occurred following an extraction, it is necessary to look at what surfaces can get cleaned. Much of the controlled demolition choices have already gotten made at this point, so much of the decontamination and disinfection that might occur in these stages prevents further reconstruction needs.

Allowing the excessive spread and presence of bacteria, viral pathogens, or hazardous microbes can be a threat to the occupants of your home. Properly addressing these concerns is part of the restoration process and recovery effort for your property after a flood loss. Our SERVPRO professionals can utilize potent cleaning products like chlorines and antibacterial chemicals on now-exposed surfaces like wood framing or subflooring.

Flooding can be a destructive force that can often lead to a need for demolition and build back. Reducing a need for widespread replacement involves extraction, drying, and cleaning happening quickly after flooding occurs. Give our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team a call 24/7 at (360) 243-8313.

For more about Everett click here.

Water Cleanup Inside Your Everett Home

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Conducting Water Cleanup Inside Your Everett House's Utility Closet

The utility closet inside your Everett home is a place where appliances such as your water heater and your furnace are often stored. These appliances contain plumbing that runs in and out of the closet. If one of the pipes develops a leak or a tank breaks on your heater, conducting water cleanup could become essential when liquid starts accumulating.

Water cleanup in your Everett house can also involve dealing with wet contents and building materials away from the source. Since liquid follows the least resistant path, it will first head down due to gravity and then flow to other rooms outside your utility closet. The moisture can also flow into the cavity beneath your floors.

Stopping The Flow From Its Source
Before our SERVPRO technicians begin any remediation efforts, we must stop water from flowing into your closet and the rest of your building. First, we can shut off the water flowing into your utility closet if there is a valve nearby or shut off the main valve to your house. Once the flow is discontinued, we can then further assess the situation and determine how far away from the source the moisture traveled.

Inspecting For Moisture
When you suffer from an appliance malfunction or a plumbing failure, some of the items affected can be obvious. For example, wet linoleum floors or tiles can start to peel up or delaminate,e and tiles can become dislodged. Other damage, however, can be less noticeable, but may still cause you problems if mitigation does not occur promptly.

The following instruments can help our SERVPRO crew determine how wet items inside your utility closet got and how far outside the source the H2O traveled.

    •    Handheld carpet sensors can tell us whether your carpets near your closet got wet or not.
    •    Non-penetrating moisture meters can detect moisture without having to hammer a probe into the material, and they can be used to figure out how far away from the source issues are present.
    •    Penetrating moisture sensors can be used to test the drywall in your utility closet, the wooden studs, and your subfloors.

A leak inside your utility closet can quickly become catastrophic, and it is an incident that can be handled professionally by calling SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 24/7. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Everett click here.

How Fast Can an Everett Business with Commercial Water Damage Reopen?

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO’s Swift Action Will Get Your Business Back Up And Running In No Time

For a business that relies on seasonal business as the majority of its income, a commercial water damage event that closes the doors for the cleanup can be devastating. One of the most common questions business owners have when they need restoration services is, "How fast can we reopen?"

A great example of a company needing fast mitigation happened when commercial water damage hit an Everett accounting office that provided tax preparation services, and it was tax season. The owner counted on this time of year as a large part of the revenue for the business and wanted as little downtime as possible.

Rapid Response Restoration Services

SERVPRO techs arrive quickly on-site and begin the removal of items from the loss area, whenever possible they place larger furnishings such as conference tables and desks up on blocks for drying and limit the disruption to the office. Tax forms and other essential papers get moved to another location in the office outside the loss area, so the exposure to excessive moisture did not damage them. Fortunately, the cleanup efforts began rapidly enough that water did not wick into the sheetrock, and there was no other loss to the business other than the carpet.

Water Extraction Issues 

During the water extraction, SERVPRO techs detected evidence of the delamination of the glue-down carpeting, which required removal. Due to the age and condition of the carpet, it needed disposal with the approval of the business owner. While the techs finished water removal, the owner made arrangements with the techs for the installation of a new carpet as soon as the cleanup efforts completed.

Restoration and Rebuilding All in One

With their general contractor license #SERVPES871RD, the techs can move straight into repairs and reconstruction as needed once the property dries and gets prepped through thorough hand-cleaning. Whenever there is a water loss that occurs in a property, during rebuilding, the techs take special care to ensure proactive mold preventatives happen as well as any odor treatments to be sure there are no musty water odors left behind. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 works hard to limit downtime for restoration from commercial water damage and make the loss, "Like it never even happened."

Find out more about Everett.

Fire Damage Incidents In Everett

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 to help.

Professional Assistance Eases the Consequences of Fire Damage Incidents in Everett

Dealing with fire incidents is not something to look forward to. When it happens, the best actions to take after calling the fire department is to seek help from a professional restoration team because such a team has the skills and equipment to address all problems that are collectively referred to as fire damage.

Each fire damage incident in Everett is unique. However, some aspects are common in almost all loss situations. That they are common does not mean they are easy to address. They include:

    •    Aggregated Debris
    •    Moisture issues
    •    Noxious fumes and aerosols in the air
    •    Discolored surfaces

Fire affects all types of materials, including organic ones such as wood. It also affects inorganic materials such as plastic, glass, and even metals. In the aftermath of the fire, all the affected materials create piles of debris, which need removal from the property during restoration. Handling the debris can be dangerous because of the physical or chemical composition of the materials. For example, handling debris with shattered pieces of glass can lead to cuts. Our SERVPRO technicians use PPE, Personal Protection Equipment, including heavy-duty gloves and rubber boots, which ensure safe handling of debris after fire damage.

Although flames cause most of the damage when there is a fire incident, moisture issues also develop since the fire is doused with large quantities of water. At the initial stages, the water that reaches the fire is instantly heated, forming steam, which spreads moisture-related issues further from the source point. There is a need to extract any standing water, dry wet materials, and regulate humidity levels to prevent permanent damages. Our SERVPRO teams have a variety of equipment, including dehumidifiers and water extractors, to facilitate drying, saving materials.

Noxious fumes, particulate matter, and aerosols remain in the air after a fire. Such materials present problems if inhaled. It is also possible to absorb aerosols and vapors through skin contact. Our crews can deal with such materials safely because we have safety equipment such as full-body suits and respirators. We also use axial fans to push the particulate-filled air from the building.

Restoring fire damage can be a lengthy or tiresome process. Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Everett click here.

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Lake Stevens After A Fire

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

We worked hard to rebuild the structure and to get the family back in their home as quickly as possible after a fire disaster struck their property.

Mitigating Chimney Fire Damage in Lake Stevens

Fire damage costs hundreds of millions in property damages to homes each year, and even with adequate coverage, the stresses of cleanup, repairs, and replacement can be overwhelming for homeowners. After a fire occurs, it can take time to feel safe and comfortable in your home again. Fortunately, there is a team that can help restore confidence in the safety of your home.

If your Lake Stevens residence has suffered fire damage, certified restoration technicians from SERVPRO are ready to serve you with high-quality disaster cleanup services. Whether your home has suffered minor damage or you have experienced significant property damage and losses from fire, this team is well-equipped to preserve contents and preserve structures so that homeowners and their families can enjoy their beloved living spaces once more. 

Signs of a Chimney Fire

While a large fire is hard to miss, the small fires may go unnoticed, which can create the conditions necessary for large fires to damage your home. Keep an eye out for these signs: 

• Puffy creosote deposits in the chimney or on the roof
• A fire damaged or warped damper or chimney cap
• Signs of smoke or heat damage to the roof, as well as cracks or exterior damage to the chimney
• Smoke residues in mortar joints or tile liners
• Collapsed, cracked, or damaged flue tiles

Small fires can often be prevented by having a chimney sweep remove creosote deposits or repair minor damages to your chimney. If you have experienced a large fire, your chimney may require rebuilding. 

SERVPRO's Residue Removal Tools

When taking care of the aftermath of a chimney fire, SERVPRO technicians have a variety of tools available to remove residues and preserve the safety of your home. Agitating tools like augers and brushes may be used to dislodge large deposits so they can be vacuumed and removed from the property. Because brick and masonry are porous surfaces, a variety of cleaning methods may be employed after dry cleaning, depending on whether there is a sealer on the stonework. 

The first step in wet cleaning is testing the effectiveness of an alkaline cleaner with mild agitation. If that does not prove useful for all stains and residues, a stronger acidic cleaner may be utilized. For hard-to-remove charring on the masonry, gentle blast media like soda ash, ground corn cobs, or dry ice may be effective for removing these stains without changing the surface of the stone.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe wants to provide you with service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (360) 243-8313 when you need disaster cleanup fast.

See more about Lake Stevens.

Our Experts Can Save Your Water Damaged Documents In Everett

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew is ready to do its best to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Threatens Your Priceless Documents In Everett

As temperatures change, our homes need to readjust to the changing environment. Pipes may freeze and thaw as the temperature fluctuates, making them vulnerable to a break or leak. Even some structural aspects of your home can sport a leak or two as it welcomes the new season. The size of the leak is not always predictive of the impact it has on your home, so take action as soon as you detect water coming into your home. If you are late in detecting the leak, however, and need water cleanup services, you must be mindful of who your partner can be in this process.

If you need a water cleanup crew in Everett, SERVPRO is at your disposal around the clock. Our Green Fleet works diligently to arrive at your home as soon as possible and jump-start the restoration process. As much as homeowners attempt to tackle water extraction and drying themselves, it is best to rely on the knowledge and expertise of our crew to remediate the excessive moisture and anticipate future problems that may stem from water entering into your home. The techniques and tools available to our team are specialized and specific to your needs.  

For example, if the water made its way inside your home office, you may find yourself with a significant amount of documents and books wet and humid, and you are at risk of losing them all. Some people take a simple approach to the problem and think dehumidifiers and hot air are sufficient to save their belongings. In reality, uncontrolled heat can further damage the paper and force you to discard them forever. When our SERVPRO team arrives, we generally apply techniques centered around sublimation, which involves solidifying the water by freezing it and directly evaporating it without going through a liquid state. We recommend this time-intensive process to preserve those irreplaceable paper items in your home.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is your first line of defense for water damage. Call us at (360) 243-8313 for all your drying needs, including vacuum freeze and thermal drying. Our crew is ready to do its best to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Everett click here.

Our Certified Experts Are Committed To Restoring Your Everett Home After A Flood

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

A windstorm knocked a tree over onto the roof of this home. The tree caused considerable damage to the home and we were able to restore the damage.

Using Axial and Centrifugal Air Movers to Speed up Drying Times after Flood Damage in Everett

Flood Damage Everett

One of the challenges facing flood recovery specialists is creating conditions for improving evaporation. Property flooding tends to go beyond a single room or area and can affect your garage, lower stories as well as exterior parts of your property. Subterranean areas of the home, such as crawlspaces or subfloor, can also become adversely affected by floodwaters. Most pumping equipment is only practical to two inches of standing water. Once standing water reduction reaches below two inches, restorers must use different methods to restore the property.

Our professional restorers can assist you with flood damage in your Everett property. Using our industry-leading training, SERVPRO technicians are experts at assessing the property and tailoring our restoration solution. One common issue we face is that not all areas of the home offer natural light and ventilation. Light and ventilation are essential to natural evaporation. Consequently, staircases and hallways can often be a challenge to dry without professional equipment.

When dealing with an area of the home that lacks natural ventilation, SERVPRO technicians rely on closed-system drying equipment. Closed-systems require equipment that is capable of heating, removing, and circulating air. When materials dry, they reduce the temperature of the air directly above them as well as saturating the air with moisture. Since cold, humid air can slow down the drying process, these layers of air directly above a wet surface can become a barrier that significantly limits the drying process. We combat this effect by using air moving equipment to remove flood damage.

Air moving equipment usually uses either centrifugal or axial impellers to move the surrounding air in a closed-system. Axial air-movers tend to be larger and suitable for removing larger bodies of air throughout a home. SERVPRO technicians can daisy-chain air-moving equipment to create a harmonious circulation of air throughout the property. Centrifugal air-movers are often more direct and are useful should a technician need to direct air to a specific area of the home such as beneath a carpet or cabinet.

Creating a strategic set up of air-movers throughout your home can significantly speed up the drying process and allow you to get back to your everyday life sooner rather than later. Contact SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313.

See more about Everett.

Fast Action for Commercial Water Damage In Everett

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 is ready to handle any size commercial water damage.

Everett Companies That Use the Ready Plan App Get Fast Action for Commercial Water Damage

A monitored security system can do more than watch for break-ins and fires in a business. A local office used a service that alerted the business owner when a pipe burst in the wall in the early morning hours, dumping a large amount of water on the floor.

The property owner alerted SERVPRO about the commercial water damage in Everett. Because the business used the exclusive Ready Plan app, the techs received the necessary information to begin the restoration service on the premises even more quickly.

What Information Goes Into the Ready Plan App?
The app allows property owners to create a unique profile for each property they want to protect. The information includes actions you want the techs to do first, such as secure the property, move essential items, and designate priority areas. Also, water shutoff points and establish a chain of command for the individuals that need contacting in the event of an emergency. The app allows account owners to file a claim with SERVPRO with the tap on the app. If you are not sure what elements to include, a representative is happy to give a free assessment of the property and determine areas that are likely to require mitigation.

Water Restoration Services
The techs began water extraction upon arrival and scoped the property to determine areas of water loss with their advanced moisture detection equipment. Water migrates and can wind up away from the original loss area. When building materials have exposure to excessive moisture, if it gets missed during the cleanup, the potential for additional issues such as mold, buckling of sheetrock, and mold can occur.

Repairs and Rebuilding Needs
Post mitigation, SERVPRO offers a host of reconstruction services with their general contractor license #SERVPES871RD that allows the commercial property to transition from needing restoration to ready to reopen with a single company handling the job.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 is ready to handle any size commercial water damage. The techs arrive quickly with the training and knowledge to make the water loss, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Everett click here.

Moisture and Water Removal Are Cornerstones to SERVPRO's Restoration Services for our Everett Neighbors

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

To Remove and then Avoid Mold, Water Damage and Efflorescence in Everett Area Crawl Spaces--Call SERVPRO

Water Cleanup Everett – Cleaning Confined Space

In crawl spaces and small bathrooms, it is essential to remove all of the excess water and moisture to avoid mold and mildew infestations. Leaking water can penetrate the space under cupboards, vanities, and walls behind sinks and toilets. Crawl spaces in the Seattle area are often dark and humid at the best of times, promoting the growth of mold once water leaks in and dampens food sources.

SERVPRO has operated in the Everett area, providing water cleanup services for the past five years. We have helped many of our clients with almost every type of water leak imaginable. One of the most critical points to consider is always to remove unwanted water and lower the humidity to normal levels as quickly as possible to avoid the potential growth of microorganisms.

How to Detect Moisture Hotspots?

Our SERVPRO technicians have much experience in this area. We know where to look, and we have the tools to measure the humidity and moisture content of various materials and spaces. Once it is determined that there is a moisture hotspot, we can apply a variety of solutions to dry the area and avoid additional damage.

Specialized air movers can blow dry air into these hard to reach cavities and spaces. The dry air absorbs moisture, which can be removed by strategically placing dehumidifiers in the area or close by.

Crawl spaces are dark, damp, and warm, perfect conditions for mold to grow. There can also be contamination from previous leaks, rodents, and material left over from construction. SERVPRO can evaluate the situation and take the appropriate precautions to protect your family from any issues. We take the necessary steps to avoid contaminating other areas of your home if some material must be evacuated from the crawl space.

We also have a Washington state general contractor license. License #: SERVPES871RD. SERVPRO can clean up after water damages your home and make repairs to return it to preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 for 24/hour service. We proudly serve Port Gardner, Riverside, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Technicians Bring You Fast Water Removal in Everett

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how bad water can damage your home, let us help.

We can support you through your Everett home water damage.

In the United States alone, nearly 40 percent of homeowners claim to have experienced losses related to water damage. Water can infiltrate homes through a variety of means, all of which can pose a risk to homeowners and their possessions. Even a leak through a door frame can cause water damage that threatens the structural integrity of your home over time.

If your Everett home requires rapid water removal, SERVPRO technicians can be at your home within hours of your call. These IICRC-certified professionals receive extensive education on mitigating fire and water-related disasters. This team can preserve homeowners' possessions and structures with state-of-the-art tools and techniques in tandem with their accumulated knowledge and skills. 

SERVPRO's Top-Notch Equipment

SERVPRO makes use of both tried-and-true methods for damage mitigation as well as cutting-edge technologies that provide modern solutions to the age-old problems for homeowners. EPA-registered antimicrobials and modern moisture measurement technologies, including sensors and infrared imaging, work to remove water-related damage while protecting structures from mold and other contaminants.

SERVPRO Restores Structures

SERVPRO technicians have the tools to get water out of even narrow, hard-to-reach spaces. With handheld extraction wands and back-mounted equipment, professionals can get 140 inches of water lift at a time in ideal conditions. Extractors have three main components: a vacuum, a heating system, and a pump. For removing water, technicians only need the vacuum, but they can extract water from carpet underneath a leaking door frame with all three of these systems. The heater component of a portable extractor can warm to temperatures between 180 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which can kill bacteria and other contaminants that unwanted water can bring to the home. 

If your door frame requires repairs or restoration after cleanup, your local SERVPRO has a general contracting license (#SERVPES871RD) and can coordinate with you and your insurance adjuster to ensure that you get repairs done to code as well as per your insurance policy. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe can give you service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.  Call (360) 243-8313 any time of the day or night for high-quality cleanup. 

To see more about Everett, click here

Could This be the Reason You Are NOT Having Success With Fire Damage Remediation in Everett?

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless of how the fire in your home started, SERVPRO can help with the remediation process. Call right away for best results.

Special Care For Items Affected by Fire Damage In Your Everett Area Home

There are a variety of items that require special attention while performing fire restoration services in your Everett area home. Clothing, jewelry, toys, and even food all fall into a unique category that your technician must know how to handle to get it right. 

Having fire damage on your Everett property takes a little finesse to overcome. Never settle for a restoration company lacking experience, equipment, or resources that you need to clean and restore your personal belongings to a quality preloss condition. 

An apparent element of urgency remains present when dealing with smoke-damaged clothing. Since many items of clothing contain synthetic fibers, smoke particles, and smoke odor molecules can bond with fabrics quickly. Therefore, SERVPRO technicians ask for your help, splitting your garment restoration into three groups:

1. Articles of clothing you need now.
2. Any clothing you may need before restoration is complete.
3. Seasonal clothing. 

SERVPRO uses a combination of cleaning and deodorization techniques with multiple steps to achieve quality results when dealing with garment restoration. Technicians always remove clothing from metal hangers immediately to avoid oxidation. We also remove dry, loose residues from fabrics using compressed air; it helps evaporate odor molecules and blow-off smoke particles.

Your SERVPRO technicians spray garments with a blend of solvent-based odor counteractants and fragrances – such as Dry Mist Air Fresheners in the following scents: Linen (#284), Ocean Breeze (#285), Red Apple (#283), and Cinnamon (#341). All of which can counteract the effects of smoke odor and are also useful for deodorization of garment bags, carpet, and upholstery.

We also utilize fogging equipment, such as the Ultra Low Volume Fogger (ULV), or the Thermal Fogger, should cleaning or laundering prove insufficient. For more substantial residues and odors, technicians use fogging before, during, and after performing various cleaning procedures. There are both wet and dry fogging procedures. Fogging is a simple deodorization process that produces deodorizer particles small enough to penetrate surfaces, where odor particles emit odors. 

Stop by or call SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for answers to any questions you may have or to schedule your home’s initial inspection today. We are here to provide quality cleanup and restoration services 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, year-round for your convenience. (360) 243-8313

Click here for more information about Everett.

Water Damage to Your Everett Home? Here's the First Steps You Can Take Before Help Arrives

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

We keep each vehicle in our Green Fleet stocked and ready to go to meet and water damage emergency you might have.

Water Removal in Everett-What to Do Before Help Arrives 

There are some actions homeowners can undertake to limit loss against water damage in their residence before SERVPRO arrives. First and foremost, if the damage is emanating from the plumbing such as a broken supply line or burst pipe, turn off the water to the home. 

There are other actions homeowners can take before water removal in their Everett homes to help save items from water loss. These steps include picking up small items from the floor, such as decorative baskets, small accent tables, and rolling up rugs to get them out of the way of any moisture. Things that can transfer ink onto carpeting such as newspapers or magazines need removal. Laying down towels or rags to halt the flow of water also helps limit the spread. If possible, move small pieces of furniture out of the room, especially composite wood as water often renders these types of items unrestorable.  

Safety First

Never lift anything weighty or possibly unsafe, wait for SERVPRO to arrive. If home electronics received or you suspect water damage, to avoid the risk of shock, do not test these items. Talk to the SERVPRO team coordinator about any concerns regarding these items, and they can arrange for a professional to inspect them.  

Why SERVPRO 

The technicians undergo extensive hands-on training to learn the best practices for every residential or commercial property disaster cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO technicians always attempt to save homeowners the cost of replacement through their proprietary methods.  

Rebuilding After Water Damage 

Due to the nature of sheetrock wicking water quickly, removal and repair of damaged walls is a common after-effect. SERVPRO has a general contractor license #SERVPES871RD. Once the water cleanup efforts complete, they can offer homeowners a direct transition into any needed repairs to restore the water loss area to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is ready to assist local property owners with any size water removal needed. Contact the emergency response team at (360) 243-8313 and get the water loss in your home turned around fast, "Like it never even happened." 

More about Everett.

Avoid the Mistakes Made Surrounding Water Damage in the Everett Area

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

To act fast to remediate any water damage done to your home, call SERVPRO immediately.

SERVPRO Technicians Specialize in Water Damage & Removal in Everett

No matter where you live, water damage and removal can become necessary due to something as simple as a cracked pipe or poorly-implemented waterproofing. All it takes is a small leak behind a wall or ceiling to allow gallons of water into your home every day. This can make your home vulnerable to mold growth and structural damage that can be difficult to rectify. Bathrooms are especially susceptible to damage without fast response and adequate care.

If your bathroom needs water damage and removal in Everett fast, SERVPRO technicians can get to work within hours on mitigating damage and restoring your home to a preloss condition. Not only does this team clean up after disaster strikes in your home, but it is also able to repair structures with general contracting services (license number SERVPES871RD). 

Signs of Bathroom Water Damage

If you notice any of these, your bathroom may need professional cleanup:

• A musty, damp odor that persists after cleaning. Ventilation can help reduce this, but the culprit is likely moisture accumulation behind walls or flooring.
• Warped, crumbling, or bubbling drywall is another sign of water damage affecting your bathroom.
• Gaps in caulk, fixture installations, and grout can make your bathroom vulnerable to water damage by merely allowing shower water to accumulate behind structures.
• Soft, spongy floors are another sign of damage to your subflooring. Without proper care, your flooring can eventually collapse. 
• Recurring mold or mildew is another sign of damage. Look out for broken tiles, decaying grout, and loose seals on fixtures. 

SERVPRO is Here to Help

When your local SERVPRO's water technicians come to you, they can assess the extent of damage with state-of-the-art measurement technologies, including infrared cameras, to examine moisture on and behind surfaces. Professionals can then extract water with wet-dry vacuums and extractor wands that can get into hard-to-reach areas affected by water. After the water has been removed, industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers can be set up in your bathroom. If needed, a polyethylene tent can be constructed to accelerate drying. In cases where flooring is affected by moisture, the team can dry it from underneath the subfloor where feasible.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is Faster to Any Size Disaster, no matter what time of day or night it occurs. If you need fast cleanup at your residence, call (360) 243-8313 today.

Click here to learn more about the county of Everett.

SERVPRO Wants to Show Everett Why We Are The Best for your Community Damages.

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

We can show you why we are the best for your Everett home or business, choose us.

Let SERVPRO help you through your remediations in Everett today!

As a team of qualified restoration specialists that have been proudly serving Everett and the surrounding areas for many years, we have developed a successful strategy based on a fast response and fixated on customer satisfaction. We know that loss incidents can bring your life to a grinding halt, and that is why We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. In addition to providing high-caliber restoration services, we also have a team of contractors capable of performing emergency construction efforts and completing full-scale build back and reconstruction once mitigation completes. 

Water

Water restoration involves the most significant volume of our roster of technicians. We have become accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which ensures that all field technicians and even our administrators have certifications in water restoration and recovery. Our professionals fixate on the immediate threats to an Everett home first, including both extraction and drying efforts. We have hundreds of air movers and dozens of dehumidifiers which can offer the precise amount of moisture reduction that any size property needs. 

As a full-service contractor that can be available after water damage to Everett homes, we can identify the source of water losses and repair these areas. As plumbing is a frequent contributor to substantial water emergencies, we can use sophisticated moisture detection equipment to identify dampness pockets to indicate the presence of plumbing breaches. Our licensed (SERVPES871RD) contractors can replace fittings, pipe, and other fixtures to reduce continued leaks and damage. 

As challenging as removing moisture from the drywall and other construction materials might be, controlled demolition is a critical approach to ensure that drying efforts are as effective as possible. Drywall can become irreparably damaged in as little as 24 hours with direct exposure, so flood cuts can make drying more successful and maximize the efficiency of reconstruction efforts for your Everett property. 

Storm

The Everett area houses many lower-lying areas ideal for flooding conditions under the right circumstances. With heavy rainfall that persists over several days, natural flooding becomes a hazardous possibility. As a community in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, we are also susceptible to adverse weather conditions and extreme storms that occur in every season of the year. The destructive force of these weather events can be costly, but our SERVPRO professionals can help. 

As we are part of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, we have a bead on the full measure of these damaging storms and what Everett homeowners need to restore and repair these effects. Part of our success in this large-scale venture stems from our comprehensive recovery approach, including both biohazard restoration/cleaning and reconstruction through our division of licensed contractors in house. While our national involvement has seen us help out those far from our service area in need, we also have the resources and personnel to accommodate large loss situations here in our region as well. From massive commercial structures to sprawling residential properties, we have the experience and equipment to handle it. 

Storm damage in Everett can vary based on the season, and our professionals work to accommodate the changing conditions as needed. From heavy snowfall that can collapse roofs or force water into attics to flash flooding in the fierce downpours of the summer months, we have a full team of professionals accredited through the IICRC to help. 

Fire

We know that fire loss incidents can be disastrous and stressful for a homeowner. Even with a fast extinguishment, effects can spread rapidly through your home that makes comfortable living impossible. Our SERVPRO professionals have honed their skills and continually pursue new educational ventures to be among the most knowledgeable and confident fire recovery experts in the field. This experience can help you to get back to preloss condition, no matter what that means for your Everett home. 

Soot and smoke residues can be common threats to the Everett area, especially during the seasons where excessive humidity and moisture content is high. Wet smoke conditions can result from fires becoming unable to achieve a faster burn rate, and smoldering can leave a thick and challenging residue on nearby surfaces. Our team has effective strategies to address these conditions, including our premier line of cleaning and deodorization products. 

Because of the hazards that fire losses present to those exposed, you want to utilize our highly trained professionals to overcome hurdles like air quality, odors, and airborne toxins like soot. We have extensive education through the IICRC to obtain multiple endorsements for fire recovery, helping us to approach every loss incident safely and with a mindset to save our Everett customers time and money. 

Mold

Mold is a threat that many Everett homeowners must face at some point in their house’s lifespan. With many homes featuring subterranean levels or moisture that can leak into attics, the likelihood of dampness that persists longer than a few days is better than many property owners believe. In truth, mold spores can seat and thrive into organic materials and colonize in as little as 48 hours, which can become a persistent threat until the situation gets resolved by remediation specialists like our SERVPRO team. 

Part of this service that we can offer our customers starts with a thorough inspection that covers every affected area of an Everett home. We want to ensure that no stone goes unturned so that our clients do not have to contend with the health hazards linked to exposure to mold colonization. We have developed sound remediation strategies that can help your home without requiring excessive tear-out and reconstruction, such as dry ice and soda blasting. 

Our training and certifications through the IICRC have provided education in the appropriate assignment of personal protective equipment and the safest practices for removing colonies from Everett homes with minimal disruption. Mold growth can displace families for a short time while remediation takes place, so it is our priority to provide lasting results in the most efficient manner possible. 

No matter what situation you and your property face, you need an assurance that competent and qualified restoration specialists are on the way to help. With our SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe team, you have local talent available 24/7 to help you through every loss incident “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (360) 243-8313.

To learn more about Everett, click here.

Four Reasons to Choose SERVPRO to Restore Water Damage in Everett

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss events happen. You can trust the SERVPRO Brand to quickly adn thoroughly restore your home.

Why SERVPRO Checks All the Boxes for Residential Water Damage Recovery in Everett 

When your Everett home suffers harm from a water loss, you have neither the time nor inclination to be the general contractor. Lining up various providers to manage the myriad tasks is a poor use of time when you can find one restoration company that handles all of the aspects. Full-service provision of a wide range of jobs by highly-qualified technicians is why homeowners seek an assessment from our experienced project managers. 

Skilled and Trained Workforce 

We prioritize water damage training for Everett emergencies. The team completes the coursework provided by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our supervisors, managers, office team, and production technicians all master disaster recovery-related. Following the formal training, our technicians gain experience working with more seasoned employees. This hands-on environment explains why our solutions are often flexible, creative, yet always reflective of industry best practices. 

Efficient and Heavy-Duty Equipment 

Results are typically only as good as the quality of both the workers and the equipment. The enhanced outcome when specialized tools, products, and equipment are employed is why SERVPRO invests in cutting-edge yet field-proven commercial grade equipment. The faster a water loss project completes the mitigation and remediation tasks, the more likely we deliver on our “Like it never even happened” pledge.  

Working On Your Behalf with Insurance Companies 

We make sure we gather the evidence needed to support claims made with your insurer. We document all water removal tasks, structural drying, and any pack-out or other specialized approaches we implement. Also documented are the furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions harmed by the water loss. The balance struck between structural and contents restoration is why SERVPRO avoid the need for more than one restorer. 

Build Back and Construction Services 

If controlled demolition helps with mitigation, our general contractor’s license allows us to provide a genuine “wrap-around restoration” service. This start to finish approach is why SERVPRO is attractive to homeowners already overwhelmed by the initial damage. 

Complete A to Z service highlights our versatility, why SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe gets top billing from satisfied customers. Call us at (360) 243-8313 to begin the journey from a soggy mess to professionally restored.

More about Everett. 

Contractor Licenses:

General: SERVPES871RD

Why SERVPRO is the Trusted Choice for Fire Damage Restoration in Lake Stevens

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

After the fire is extinguished, cleanup begins. SERVPRO's knowledge, experience, and equipment can remediate the damage to get you back in your home.

Well-Matched Methods: Why SERVPRO Delivers Outstanding Fire Damage Cleanup Results in Lake Stevens 

Cleaning up after a residential fire is a complicated process in Lake Stevens. Residue management starts with planning for and remediation of a massive influx of dirty, debris-filled water the firefighters used to extinguish the flames. Safety requires that trained workers skilled in contaminated water removal and complete disposal extraction, disinfection, and this is why our well-qualified and equipped team push this phase of fire recovery to the top of the agenda. 

Skilled Technicians Determine Appropriate Cleanup Protocols 

The second phase of Lake Stevens residential fire damage cleanup begins with an evaluation of the soot-covered surfaces. Cleaning requirements vary throughout your home depending on how hot the fire burned, the type of materials consumed, and the features of surfaces coated. During the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training courses, our managers and technicians develop the expertise to match appropriate tools, products, and techniques to the soot challenges presented by residential fires. The critical thinking skills our employees possess are why fire cleanup progresses efficiently on our watch. 

Controlling Pressure Clears Airborne Fire Residues  

Nearly invisible incompletely combusted bits of burned materials and the gases and chemicals created during fire float long after the flames extinguish. Cleaning efforts stir them up, increasing the spread and damage caused by the corrosive and toxic residues. Our use of negative pressure air scrubbing equipment permits us to contain and trap the abrasive solids in HEPA filters and vent them outdoors. Taking the time to create negative pressure sectors is another reason why SERVPRO delivers consistent positive results during residue remediation.   

Advanced Technology Offers Deodorization Options 

Odors frequently linger in your fire-damaged home. The tiny particles of incompletely combusted floating building materials also settle on surfaces, become buried in fibers, and hide in cracks and crevices. They carry the stench. Often odors survive the thorough cleanup of burned debris and removal of all visible soot. Persistent smells are why SERVPRO offers advanced technology like thermal foggers, hydroxyl generators, and ozone machines. These innovative tools create minute particles that pair with the odor-bearing bits to neutralize the smells, changing the chemical composition of the residues to negate the odor. 

High-level skills and a robust inventory of efficient equipment, tools, and products are why SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe is the area’s go-to fire damage recovery company. Call (360) 243-8313 as the firefighters leave to set up an assessment. 

More about Lake Stevens.

Contractor Licenses:

General: SERVPES871RD

SERVPRO Handles Commercial Fire Damage in Lake Stevens Office Breakroom

8/31/2019 (Permalink)

Fire can put a halt on your day at the office, SERVPRO can help always!

We can break down the fire damage in your Lake Stevens office.

An interesting statistic from the National Fire Protection Association reports just over 22% of fires in office properties began in the kitchen, breakroom or cooking area. One of the biggest mistakes made when there is a fire in a pan is throwing water on it which results in the fire becoming larger or in the case of a fire in a microwave, opening the oven door and allowing oxygen to feed the flames. 

Handling commercial fire damage in a Lake Stevens office break room has extra stressors that residential fire loss mitigation does not carry. When a business must close for restoration efforts, it affects the revenue of the company and often livelihood of the employees who cannot come to work. Another curveball when dealing with commercial fire loss is that often water damage from either extinguishing efforts of the fire department or an overhead sprinkler system increase the restoration challenges.

Whenever we work on a property that needs our restoration services, we attempt to do the job with as little disruption as possible. In the case of a commercial fire loss, that is not always possible. Pack outs allow us to: 

• Work on cleaning away water and smoke residues on furnishings and items
• Take items that are not smoke damaged out of the work area to avoid soot contamination
• Since we do not have to work around furnishings, this expedites the restoration process, especially when there is a combination of water and fire damage to clean up

During mitigation, charred building materials are cut away as they contribute only odor and have zero restoration potential. Because we hold General Contractor License #SERVPES871RD any necessary repairs or reconstruction to return the property to its preloss condition are completed after the fire debris cleanup and removal of soot and odors. This negates the need to source out a contractor for rebuilding and making it even longer until the business reopens.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe handles commercial fire damage of any size for local properties. Contact us at (360) 243-8313, we are available 24/7 and arrive within an hour because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Lake Stevens, click here.

Snohomish Shop and an Unwanted Gift of Water Damage? SERVPRO Keeps Your Doors Open During Mitigation

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Gift Shop Water Damage in Snohomish? Be a Winner and Call SERVPRO for Restoration and Open Doors for Business!

SERVPRO Stands Ready When Water Damage Soaks Your Snohomish Business

Charming and eclectic, your gift shop in the Historic Downtown Snohomish district is a favorite of residents and visitors. The allure of its century-old atmosphere adds to the shopping experience, but also risks damage from aging plumbing and hidden long term seepage. If pipes rupture or a slow leak finally breaks through a wall or ceiling, your inventory and structures are in severe harm’s way. Call immediately for our expert assistance.

Remediation Experience and Top-Notch Training
Our team of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians are ready for any water damage in your Snohomish retail space. We prepare our employees by educating them on industry best practices. Team members also bring previous experience in mitigation and remediation or related services to strengthen our company’s response.

Round the Clock Response
There is no right time for water damage. As a retailer, you fear that for every moment you leave the “closed” sign hanging in your doorway, a disappointed customer walks past to purchase from another vendor. SERVPRO understands the disruption a water loss brings to our fellow business owners. Our emergency number answers 24/7. When we draft your individualized commercial recovery plan, strategies to permit unaffected spaces to remain open are a priority. Containing the damaged area with portable plastic barriers, sealed by the use of negative pressure air scrubbers that also filter and vent airborne debris during our work, is an excellent compromise. Your staff and customers are comfortable and safe while the crucial tasks continue.

Cutting-Edge Equipment
Water removal and structural and contents drying completes seamlessly when SERVPRO’s highly-qualified managers and technicians have the support of efficient and state-of-the-art equipment. When we pull up in our signature green service vehicles, each stocks pumps, extractors, drying equipment, tools, and products vital to water mitigation and remediation. Delay avoided, our technicians implement the plan developed by the crew chief.

Research-Based Approach
Our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) are well-versed in the science of water removal and thorough drying. SERVPRO crews accomplish speedy yet comprehensive drying by achieving a balance of dry, warm, moving air that facilitates the vaporization of water from structures. Evaporative or desiccant dehumidifiers then capture the vapor for disposal.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe awaits your call to (360) 243-8313 any time of the day or night. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, ready to get your business back on track after a water loss.

Downtown Snohomish right here.

Hurricane Safety

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do if you are traveling somewhere when a hurricane hits?

Here in Washington state we don't have a lot of experience with hurricanes. But it is still wise to be informed in case you are traveling in hurricane prone areas during hurricane season. Hurricane season has already begun and storms have been common the Atlantic, Carribean or Gulf of Mexico. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. On average, there are 12 tropical storms that develop, with an average of six becoming hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage. The National Weather Service lists the following as potential “hurricane hazards.”

• Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers and estuaries.
• Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
• Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
  • Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
• Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. When traveling or on vacation during hurricane season be aware of developing storms. Pay attention to weather reports and the news and have an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.

Source: noaa.gov

Use Technology to Prepare for Emergencies

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets.

Technology can be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare, the following will help you be ready in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Store Information Online

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer free ways to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets, if necessary.

Follow the News

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.

Mark Yourself Safe

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish.

Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you’re located in the affected area at that time.

Get in Touch

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your phone and e-mail for communication with family, friends, business contacts, and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster.

Charge Up

Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well.

Get an Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is proud to offer Emergency READY Profiles (ERP) for free at ready.SERVPRO.com to help prepare you, your property, or your business for an emergency.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your property or 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 property or business.

Put help in the palm of your hand with the Ready Plan App. Get in touch with SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe today for more information on developing an ERP for your property or business, and we will be there to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 360-243-8313

Summer Lightning Safety Tips

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service "lightning kills an average of 47 people in the United States each year."

We get a lot of rain here in the Pacific Northwest, but lightning storms occur less often. When lightning does strike, do you know what to do to stay safe? Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months. According to the National Weather Service "lightning kills an average of 47 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured." Stay safe with these basic tips.

• Have a lightning safety plan so you are prepared and ready if a thunderstorm does hit.
• Cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects including electric wires, fences, etc. Seek shelter in a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle.
• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Consider unplugging computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric/phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.

Most lightning-related deaths occur when people are having fun outside. If you hear thunder or see lightning, immediately seek shelter in an enclosed building or vehicle. Remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! weather.gov/lightning

Source: the National Weather Service

Helping Insurance Agents and Their Policyholders with Water Damage

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

We understand your priority is helping restore the property and the insured’s or owner’s peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim.

When they have water damage, your policyholder or property owner looks to you to handle the situation. You collect information and provide reassurance everything will be returned to normal. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe understands your priority is helping restore the property and the insured’s or owner’s peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim.

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps.

Inspection

Our technicians will inspect affected areas of the property to determine the extent of damage. We will also review the inspection with you, your insured, or property manager and answer any questions before beginning work.

Emergency Services

Next, we will take immediate steps to protect the home or property and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing for drying. We will explain in detail the needed emergency services step-by-step.

Monitoring

To help ensure your insured’s or owners home and personal belongings, or property are dried to appropriate industry standards, our technicians will monitor the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the monitoring process.

Restoration Services

We will replace structural materials such as drywall and baseboards, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of the property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you, your insured, or owner to help ensure their property was returned to preloss condition when possible.

You can trust SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to take care of your policyholder. We have the training and experience to take care of any water loss and to make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 360-243-8313.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Businesses

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

If your business experiences water damage call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe.

It is usually easy to see when your business is flooding, but some causes of water damage are not so obvious. Determining the origin of the problem may require a bit of detective work, and simply cleaning up the signs of damage often won’t fix the root cause. Be sure to keep an eye out for these common causes of water damage in commercial properties.

Roof Leaks

Small leaks in your roof can lead to large amounts of damage. Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to water damage. Even though most flat roofs do have a slight incline, natural debris, like leaves and branches, can create areas where water can easily build up. Standing water can create cracks and leaks in your roof, which can result in water damage throughout your property.

Even if your roof has a steep incline, debris and freezing temperatures in the winter can create natural dams on your roof. Moss can also cause similar issues as it absorbs water and holds it in place on your roof. Regularly clear moss and debris off your roof to prevent damage.

Ice Dams

Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season, especially for commercial buildings with flat roofs. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.

Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, “check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your property. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.”

Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or a calcium chloride ice melter.

Gutter Buildup

Ideally, gutters direct water off your roof and away from your building. However, it’s easy for leaves, branches, and other debris to clog your gutters. Over time, water will build up and start to overflow onto your walls. Small holes can form as well. Instead of guiding water away from your building, water will constantly leak down its walls. This creates an ideal situation for water damage to occur.

Multi-level properties should have the gutters regularly inspected on all roof levels. If gutters start to overflow from a higher level, water can impact lower roofs with greater volume and velocity and cause damage.

Frequently clear out your gutters, especially in the fall or after a windy day.

Broken Pipes

Depending on the location and severity of a broken or leaking pipe, this can be one of the most obvious causes of damage or one of the most subtle.

Winter is a common season for burst pipes. Insufficient insulation can cause pipes to freeze, expand and burst. Commercial buildings may be closed over weekends and frozen pipes can go unnoticed. Rust and age can also damage your pipes.

Unfortunately, it can take a while to notice a leaking pipe, which can give water plenty of time to damage your property. Watch for telltale signs such as lower water pressure, discolored water, or staining on your walls.

Sewage Backup

While you might prefer to avoid sewage in your day-to-day life, tree roots enjoy easy access to sources of water and fertilizer. Tree roots will often grow into and clog drain lines, which causes the sewage to back up and results in water damage in and around your building.

These clogs will often affect multiple drains. If you flush your toilet and hear gurgling coming from the shower drain, you may have a sewer clog. To prevent tree roots from finding their way into your sewage lines, you can install metal or wood barriers running vertically by the lines. Make sure they are buried 6-12” deeper than the pipe.

Toilets and sewer lines can also clog after someone flushes inappropriate items down the toilet. Make sure everyone in your building knows to avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, rags, cotton balls, paper towels, baby wipes, diapers, etc. If it’s not toilet paper, don’t send it down the toilet.

Broken or Malfunctioning Appliances

As water heaters and other appliances age, they can develop rust, leaks, and cracks. Even a small trickle of water can cause damage over time. Keep an eye on your machines as they get older. Watch for any decreases in performance, and inspect the appliances regularly.

Sprinkler Malfunction

Many businesses and apartment facilities have extensive sprinkler systems. Though these systems are meant to help reduce potential damage to these properties, they can often be the cause of major water damage. Many commercial water losses we see come from broken or faulty sprinkler heads or because the sprinklers were set off by a small fire. If left running, these sprinkler heads can flood a building with hundreds of gallons of water very quickly. Be sure to not hang items from sprinkler heads and to avoid setting off alarms with smoke.

HVAC Malfunctions

A leaky or malfunctioning HVAC system can also cause major water damage to a property. Small leaks can go unnoticed for some time and can cause unseen water damage. If not caught early, the damage can become a lot bigger and harder to clean up and restore. Be sure to have your HVAC systems checked regularly. If you are seeing signs of water damage, such as sagging or bulging drywall, or if things are smelling musty and mildew, have us come check it out. We have the equipment to check for hidden water damage. We can let you know if you have water damage.

These are a few of the more common causes of water damage. The truth is, wherever there is water in your commercial building, there is a potential for damage if something goes wrong. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe, we know how to fix water damage at the source of the problem. Using our experience and training, we offer long-term solutions to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

We know that water problems can occur at any time, which is why we offer 24-hour emergency service. If you find signs of water damage in your building, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at 360-243-8313.

FAQs: When Your Home Has Fire Damage

6/15/2019 (Permalink)

Does your home have fire or smoke damage?

What can I do to help prevent fire in my home

There are many safety precautions you can take to help prevent fire and smoke damage in your home. First, be sure to use caution when cooking in the kitchen. Be sure to stay alert and to be watchful while using the stove or oven. Be sure to have working smoke alarms in your home and to check them regularly. Be careful when using heating devices like space heaters and keep flammable objects several feet away. If you are a smoker, be mindful when smoking and disposing of cigarettes. When using candles don't leave them unattended and keep them away from flammable materials. Check your appliances and electronics for damaged or exposed wiring. It's a good idea to clean your dryer vents regularly. Also, be extra vigilant around the holidays for additional fire risks. And lastly, make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher to help stop further fire damage if a fire does break out.

My home just had a fire, now what do I do?

Once the flames have abated, it's hard to know what to do next. Here are a few Dos and Don'ts to keep in mind after a fire:

• DO limit movement in the home.
• DO place towels on carpet traffic areas. Use dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit damage.
• DO change HVAC filters. Change your filters, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• DO cover HVAC intakes. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of your HVAC system.
• DO call in professionals to clean walls, carpet, upholstery and electronics.
  • DON'T consume food and beverages that may have been stored near the fire. They may be contaminated.
• DON'T turn on ceiling fixtures. If the ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
• DON'T dry clean clothing. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors. Make sure you use a service that knows how to remove soot and smoke from clothing.

My home has smoke damage, do I have to replace everything I own?

Not necessarily. The first 48 hours after fire damage occurs can make the difference between restoring versus replacing damaged property and personal belongings. Rapid response and timely mitigation can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems to your belongings and home. Our team is trained in caring for both you, your property and your belongings. Our full line of fire cleanup and restoration services can help get your home back up and running quickly and help protect your property and belongings. We provide a variety of content restoration, electronic cleaning and document drying services. We will work hard to restore as much of your home and belongings as we can.

Can you get the smell of smoke out of my home?

Yes we can. After smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Our experienced technicians will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean the different types of surfaces found in your structure. We provide deodorization services that rid your home of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

Can I clean up smoke damage myself?

It can be hard to clean up fire and smoke damage and to get rid of the smoke smell without the proper knowledge about different types of smoke and soot and how to clean each one. Dry smoke, wet smoke and protein residue all need to be treated differently and can be hard to remove fully. It helps to understand the way in which smoke behaves. At SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe we have the training and equipment to clean and restore your fire and smoke damage to its preloss condition.

Summer Fire Safety

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Sparklers account for about a fourth of emergency room firework injuries.

Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. To enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

Avoiding Injury and Home Damage

According to a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 11,900 Americans were injured by fireworks in 2015, with the majority happening in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Another 8,700 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

Grills also cause an average of 8,900 home structure or outdoor fires. “These fires caused an annual average of 50 civilian injuries and $2 million in direct property damage,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t become a statistic. Take precautions to prevent these events from putting a damper on your summer months!

Staying Safe from Fire

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• When camping, always use a flame-retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
  • Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

Firework Safety

It’s firework season! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 18,500 fires are started every year by fireworks. This includes 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. “These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage,” says the NFPA.

Do you think sparklers are the safe way to go? Nope: they account for about a fourth of emergency room fireworks injuries.

Stay safe this summer by paying close attention to children at fireworks events, and avoiding the use of consumer fireworks.

Be sure to be safe with fire this summer, and to use caution. If fire does damage your home or business this summer, give us a call at 360-243-8313. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe will make it "Like it never even happened."

The Way Smoke Behaves

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Damage following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke.

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

At SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe our technicians are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, we will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items.

Our technicians know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke: Wet smoke is created from burning plastic and rubber. These materials smolder and burn at a low heat and create a sticky smeary smoke that has a pungent odor. Smoke webs created from this smoke are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke: Dry smoke occurs when paper and wood are burning. They are fast-burning and they burn at a high temperature. Dry smoke residue is usually powdery and dry and a little easier to wipe off materials, though it can settle into porous materials and leave a lasting odor of not cleaned properly.

Protein Fire Residue: Protein residue is left behind after the evaporation of organic material, like food. The residue is almost invisible. However, it discolors varnishes, paints, and finishes. It also gives off a strong, offensive odor.

Fuel Oil Soot: Fuel oil soot is caused by furnace puff backs. While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, our technicians can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types: Other types of damage, such as damage caused by tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue, require special care. We have the tools and knowledge to clean these special loss situations.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe technicians are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us at 360-243-8313 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
 

FAQs: When Your Home Has Water Damage

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Does your home have water damage?

How do I locate potential water damage in my home?

Water damage after a large storm or flood is often easy to spot, but small leaks from a leaky roof, appliance or a broken pipe can sometimes go unseen for some time. Common causes of water damage include roof leaks, gutter buildup, broken pipes, sewage back up and malfunctioning appliances. When trying to spot potential water damage be sure to look for warping or signs of condensation or discoloring. Mold and mildew can also be a sign of a water leak somewhere.

If you come across any water damage, or suspect you might have water damage, don’t panic. Call us for help! At SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe we have the experience, training and equipment to locate and treat any water damage in your home.

My basement is flooded, what should I do?

1. Stop the Water: If water is still rushing into your home you need to stop the source of flooding. Cut off water to the area or to your house entirely.
2. Call a Plumber: Bring in a plumber to fix the source of the water leak.
3. Collect Water: If water is still leaking in, collect as much as you can into buckets and remove when full.
4. Extract Water: If significant amounts of water have flooded your property, use buckets, mops, towels or wet vacuums to remove the water. If the standing water is too much for you to handle, call in SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to help. We have the pumps and equipment to remove water quickly.
5. Dry the damaged area: Ensure the area gets dried completely to prevent further damage and potential mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of wet materials and contents and make sure the area has good air flow.
6. Sanitize areas touched by contaminated water: Contaminated water should be dealt with caution and needs to be dried, cleaned and sanitized properly before the area is used. If you suspect water may be contaminated, be sure to give us a call. We know how to best identify contaminated water and we have the equipment and training to take care of it for you.

How do I know if the water is contaminated?

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated (for about 48 hours), allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

The water damage seems small, do I need to take care of it now?

If the visible signs of water damage don’t interfere with your everyday life, it might be tempting to put off fixing the problem until a more convenient time. But there are several reason you should fix the water damage now. First, water spreads, and if you don't take care of it now is can cause a much bigger problem. Also, water left untreated can become contaminated over time and can also lead to mold growth. Lastly, water damage can lead to wood rot and potentially cause structural and electrical damage if left unchecked.

Do I need a restoration company or can I just buy equipment and dry it myself?

We have the equipment and training to get your home dried out and restored to its preloss state. There is a science behind the process of drying. Having this knowledge is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage. We have the tools to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Our technicians also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

What should I expect when I call SERVPRO?

When you call, you’ll work with a representative to start planning the next step. Be prepared for questions to help us make decisions about what equipment to bring and how many of our highly trained technicians we may need. Then our technicians will come out to your home to inspect and assess the scope of the water damage. Depending on the urgency of the damage, our technicians might then begin the water extraction and drying process. We'll continue to dry and monitor your home until all affected areas and materials are dry. Once things are dry we will sanitize and clean the affected areas. We can even take care of the restoration of your home after the water damage is taken care of.

If your home has water damage, give us a call today at 360-243-8313! SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is Here to Help make it "Like it never even happened."

Preparing for Extreme Summer Heat

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for extreme summer heat?

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for potential extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick, and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.

According to the EPA, “the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50–90°F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces—often in more rural surroundings—remain close to air temperatures.” These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset “due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure.”

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

In order to prepare your home for extreme heat, follow these safety tips:

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.

When it is humid, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter.

Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov.

Source: ready.gov

The Dos and Don'ts After Your Business Floods

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

When a flood emergency arises in your business, give SERVPRO a call.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call at 360-243-8313 and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. But until help arrives, keep these tips in mind as you move about your flooded building.

Safety Tips: Keep these questions in mind as you assess the damage to your business property.

• Is it safe to stay in the building?
• 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 desktop 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 vacuums to remove water.
• Don't use electrical appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or a big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Give us a call today at 360-243-8313 and we'll help make your flooding damage "Like it never even happened."

Taking Care of a Broken Pipe

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding from a broken kitchen sink pipe can cause significant damage to your floors and cabinetry.

There are many potential sources of water damage in your home, from flooding during heavy rains to faulty plumbing. One common cause of water damage is a broken pipe. A broken pipe, especially if it goes unnoticed, can cause extensive damage. Water travels fast and can get everywhere, which means you will want to take action immediately. If your home has a broken pipe, follow these steps to resolve the problem and reduce potential damage.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

Water from a broken pipe can flood your home with gallons of water in a fairly short amount of time. Turning off the source of water as quickly as possible can help reduce the spread water. Shut off the water in your home and leave it off until repairs can be made to the broken pipe.

Step 2: Call In a Plumber

Before using water you want to make sure the cause of the leak is fixed. Call a plumber as soon as possible to come and fix the broken pipe.

Step 3: Collect Water

If you are present when the broken pipe begins to leak water, try to catch and collect as much of the water as you can to minimize potential water damage. Use sturdy buckets or containers to collect water until the water can be shut off. Keep an eye on your buckets and switch them out when they become full.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water

If significant amounts of water have flooded your property, use buckets, mops, towels or wet vacuums to remove the water. If the standing water is too much for you to handle, call in SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to help. We have the pumps and equipment to remove water quickly.

Step 5: Dry the Damaged Area

After removing the water, you want to ensure the space is dried completely. Wet or damp areas are great environments for mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of wet materials and contents and make sure the area has good air flow.

If the water damage has extended into your walls and floors you might want to call in the professionals to make sure all areas are getting dried properly. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the equipment and training to dry and restore your property properly. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the drying process, and we have monitoring equipment to see the full extent of the damage and to track drying progress.

Step 6: Sanitize Areas with Contaminated Water

Water from a broken pipe is classified as clean water. This water is safe to touch and clean and doesn't require any special sanitizing techniques. However if left untreated, clean water can become contaminated after 48 hours. If your broken pipe has gone unnoticed for a few days, you may be dealing with contaminated water.

Contaminated water should be dealt with caution and needs to be dried, cleaned and sanitized properly before the area is used. Proper treatment, cleaning, and drying of properties damaged by contaminated water requires special knowledge and equipment. If you suspect water may be contaminated, be sure to give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call. We know how to best identify contaminated water and we have the equipment and training to take care of it for you.

If your business experiences extensive water damage from a broken pipe, be sure to give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call. We have the experience necessary to determine the source and extent of the damage. We identify and fix the root of the problem as well as the resulting damage. We work hard to restore your property as efficiently as possible.

No matter the time of day or night, we offer you the services you need. Call us 24/7 at 360-243-8313 for professional, timely service.

An Overview of our Drying Equipment

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture Meters (like the one above) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss.

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform properly. Our team will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our highly-trained technicians.

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, we can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent- based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor- causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach.

The bottom line? SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 360-243-8313.

Generator Safety

4/6/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know how to safely use your generator this winter?

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below from the American Red Cross:

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
• Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

Be sure to use caution when using generators. And if your home receives damage from fire or storm, give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call at 360-243-8313.

6 Steps to Take Care of a Broken Pipe in Your Business

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Water travels fast and can get everywhere, which means you will want to take action immediately when a pipe breaks.

There are many potential sources of water damage in your business, from flooding during heavy rains to a faulty sprinkler head. One common cause of water damage is a broken pipe. A broken pipe, especially if it goes unnoticed, can cause water to flood into your business and cause extensive damage. Water travels fast and can get everywhere, which means you will want to take action immediately. If your commercial property has a broken pipe, follow these steps to resolve the problem and reduce potential damage.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

Water from a broken pipe can flood your business with gallons of water in a fairly short amount of time. Turning off the source of water as quickly as possible can help reduce water damage in your business. Shut off the water in your building and leave it off until repairs can be made to the broken pipe.

Step 2: Call In a Plumber

Before using water in your business you want to make sure the cause of the leak is fixed. Call a plumber as soon as possible to come and fix the broken pipe.

Step 3: Collect Water

If you are present when the broken pipe begins to leak water, try to catch and collect as much of the water as you can to minimize potential water damage. Use sturdy buckets or containers to collect water until the water can be shut off. Keep an eye on your buckets and switch them out when they become full.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water

If significant amounts of water have flooded your business space, use buckets, mops, towels or wet vacuums to remove the water. If the standing water is too much for you to handle, call in SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to help. We have the pumps and equipment to remove water quickly.

Step 5: Dry the Damaged Area

After removing the water, you want to ensure the space is dried completely. Wet or damp areas are great environments for mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of wet materials and contents and make sure the area has good air flow.

If the water damage has extended into your walls and floors you might want to call in the professionals to make sure all areas are getting dried properly. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the equipment and training to dry and restore your business properly. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the drying process, and we have monitoring equipment to see the full extent of the damage and to track drying progress.

Step 6: Sanitize Areas with Contaminated Water

Water from a broken pipe is classified as clean water. This water is safe to touch and clean, and doesn't require any special sanitizing techniques. But if left untreated, clean water can become grey water after 48 hours, and gray water becomes black water after 48 hours. If your broken pipe happened over the weekend, or has gone unnoticed for a few days, you may be dealing with contaminated water.

Contaminated water should be dealt with caution and needs to be dried, cleaned and sanitized properly before the area is used. Proper treatment, cleaning, and drying of properties damaged by contaminated water require special knowledge and equipment. If you suspect water may be contaminated, be sure to give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call. We know how to best identify contaminated water and we have the equipment and training to take care of it for you.

If your business experiences extensive water damage from a broken pipe, be sure to give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call. We have the experience necessary to determine the source and extent of the damage. We identify and fix the root of the problem as well as the resulting damage. We work hard to restore your property as efficiently as possible.

No matter the time of day or night, we offer you the services you need. Call us 24/7 at 360-243-8313 for professional, timely service.

If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

3/2/2019 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area.

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts (see below for suggestions).
• Develop and test emergency communication plans.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents.
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g., AMBER Alerts). Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service. WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.

The FEMA App

This app allows you to get National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations to keep you informed on-the-go. It also has information on what to do before, during, and after different disasters. In the midst of an emergency, the app can give you directions to open shelters nearby, help you locate someone to talk to at a Disaster Recovery Center, and let you share images of damage and recovery efforts to help first responders and emergency managers.

This app is available to download for free for iOS and Android at the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Make sure to take action now to protect yourself, your family and your property. If disaster does strike your property, make sure to give SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a call at 360-243-8313. We can help make the damage "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is Faster to Any Size Disaster

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster". This is our commitment, to be there when you need us most.

Across North America, SERVPRO Franchises are gearing up for 2019 to serve you as a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry. Are you READY for what the year may bring your way? While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage— that is always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster.

Here at SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened” if one of those disasters comes your way. With over 1,700 independently owned and operated Franchises, you can trust the team in green to get your property— and life—back to normal. We’re only a call away!

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need us most.

Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has the resources needed to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is just the tip of the iceberg. Should a major disaster such as a flood or wildfire occur, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is always poised and ready to go where they are needed.

If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at 360-243-8313. Backed by a system of more than 1,700 Franchises strong, we’ll help make your property disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Taking Care of Your Belongings After a Disaster

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

We have four warehouses dedicated to in-house storage where we can keep your items safe and secure.

Water and fire damage affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe understands that your home is more than a structure. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are important to you. Your belongings are important to us, which is why we provide the following to help restore and protect your belongings while we are restoring your home.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

On-Site Storage

We have in-house storage where we can keep your belongings safe from further damage, and can provide cleaning and restoration services for your belongings. We have four warehouses dedicated to storage where we can keep your items safe and secure. Your items will be placed in clearly identified and secured containers. You can rest assured that your items are being taken care of.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Preloss list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with burden of proof for claims

If your home and belongings need restoration services, rest assured that SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has you covered. We can pack out, store and restore your belongings. Give us a call today at 360-243-8313.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

High levels of carbon monoxide (an invisible, odorless, colorless gas) can kill a person in minutes.

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas, created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups— including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems— being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.
• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

The following are signs that you might be experiencing CO poisoning. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

Take precautions to prevent CO poisoning in your home.

Source: mayoclinic.org and SERVPRO Industries Inc.

My Home Has Water Damage, What Should I Do?

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do if your home suffers from water damage?

Sometimes we discover water damage in our home or business. Whether from a hot water tank or a washing machine supply line breaking, there are a few crucial steps you can take right away to mitigate the damage.

1. Locate and stop the source of water flow. Shut off the valves to the source of leaking water. If needed, call a plumber or SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe. We work with plumbers and can get you the right help quickly.
2. Do not turn on electrical items that may be wet. Avoid using electrical items that may have gotten wet until they have been checked and it is safe. Seeing water come through an light in your ceiling is not a good sign. You and your family's safety should come first.
3. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to help determine how far the damage has spread. Water travels quickly and extensively through any vertical or horizontal surface. It can spread out on floors, go behind the baseboards and start wicking up the drywall. Damages and overall cost could increase with delayed response. The sooner you can extract water and get those surfaces drying the more you can help prevent secondary damage.
4. Look at your homeowner's insurance policy and call your agent. Your insurance agent can guide you on what coverage you have, and sometimes in the case of pipe breakage or other sudden water issues, may be able to provide you with some immediate information to help you determine whether you should open a claim.

At SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe we work to provide timely care to your property to help get you back into your home as soon as possible. Our highly-trained technicians can help make the damage "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 360-243-8313.

Preventing Kitchen Fires During the Holidays

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Follow our tips to help reduce the risk of fire in your kitchen this holiday season.

During the holidays, families gather together to celebrate various holidays, most of which involve delicious food and goodies. If you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of fire in your kitchen this holiday season.

• Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stovetop.

If a cooking fire does occur, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. If your home does experience fire or smoke damage, give us call at 360-243-8313. We can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Source: National Fire Protection Association and SERVPRO Industries Inc.

Are You Ready for Winter Weather?

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

While you cannot control the weather, you can prepare for colder winter weather.

Are you prepared for the coming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

• Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, 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.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
• Ask us about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment to your facility and provides you with a plan to get back to business fast following a disaster.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe to strike back. With our 24/7 emergency service, we’re there when you need us most. Call us at 360-243-8313.

Eight Things You Need to Know About Mold

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

How much do you really know about mold?

Mold can be found almost anywhere within your home, but how much do you know about mold? The EPA has gathered these “Need to Know” facts about mold.

1. There isn’t an effective way to eliminate all mold and spores in your home. The way you can control indoor mold growth is by controlling moisture in your home.
2. Fix sources of water problems or leaks to help prevent mold growth.
3. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   1. Ventilating bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating areas
   2. Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   3. Increasing air flow in your home
   4. Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
4. Clean and dry damp or wet surfaces and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
5. 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.
6. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces like windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors by adding insulation.
7. In areas where there is continual moisture, such as bathrooms, do not install carpeting.
8. Mold spores can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance if moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

For more facts about mold, check out the EPA’s mold page or our blog.

If you do have problems with mold, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can help. We can find and fix sources of moisture that may have contributed to the mold problem and mitigate any mold damage. Call us at 360-243-8313 today.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov/mold)

A Look Back on the Last Five Years

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Join us in celebrating 5 years in business with an interview with our owner, Paul Leavens!

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe has been in business now for just over five years! We were able to serve our first customer just five years ago on October 31, 2013. So, to celebrate we are looking back with our owner Paul Leavens and getting his thoughts on why he got started in the restoration business and what we have learned over these last five years.

Why did you decide to get into the Restoration Business?

"There is a side of me that likes helping people. This was an opportunity to combine business and help people at the same time. When individuals are in the situation where they’ve got water damage or fire damage they are in a position where they are having a rotten day and they don’t know what to do. We have the opportunity to come in and have the know-how and the ability to help them recover and get to the point where they are getting back to normal. We basically get to help when they are in a desperate situation. SERVPRO had a system in place nationally that did this well."

What makes us different from other restoration companies?

"We take on the opportunity to help people in all situations. Whether it's a large loss, a commercial loss, residential, we take it all on, to help them. The other thing that I think makes us stand out a bit is we try to do everything needed. We try to take care of them from A to Z with every need that they have. So, any of the services they are in need of in those types of situations we cover. We try to be a one stop shop."

"A big part of that, but not the only part, is the reconstruction business. When individuals have these situations there are some mitigation companies that will mitigate, get them cleaned up or dried up, and then they will have to go find a way to rebuild, they'll have to find the reconstruction. But we take care of the reconstruction as well. So that is something that differentiates us."

"We do the mitigation needed and then put it back together "Like it never even happened.""

Tell us about your team!

"We have a very dedicated team. They are at the ready to take care of customers at any time of any day. They are very dedicated and focused on doing a good job for the customers. Customer service is key. Our core leadership team has been with us pretty much since the beginning. Some of our first hires are still with us."

What have you learned over the last 5 years?

"We have learned how to take care of any type of situation for any type of customer. We know the ins and outs of working with the insurance industry and working in a way that satisfies their requirements and their needs. We know how to partner with our insurance clients to take care of our customers."

"Working with insurance with claims like this can be intimidating for customers. We take that all out of the mix because we know what to do and how to do it. Partnering with agents and adjusters to take care of customers is a big part of what we do. It's not just the production of the work."

Looking back 5 years, what stands out most?

"By year three, we were within the top 100 SERVPRO franchises in the nation. We are designated as a Large Loss Response Team, so we handle jobs in the area that are large loss. We take on things of any size, so there really is no job too big."

"What also stands out is building a great team; lots of memories of jobs well done. We've been through a lot together as a team in terms of taking care of customers. We’ve had lots of jobs, lots of stories. The growth for our business in terms of vehicles, equipment and people has increased our capacity and know how. We have a lot of experience now. This positions us better to be able to take care of any type of customer in any type of situation or circumstance. We are ready for whatever comes."

We just want to say thank you to all of the customers and agents we have had the chance to serve and work with over the last five years. We are so glad we get to be a part of this great community and that we get to serve it every day.

How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

10/27/2018 (Permalink)

If temperatures sink below freezing level, your home may be at risk for frozen pipes, which can cause major property damage.

As winter quickly approaches, it is time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and icy sidewalks. If temperatures sink below freezing level, your home may be at risk for frozen pipes, which can cause major property damage.

When water freezes it expands, which can result in burst pipes, flooding, and major water damage. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To help prevent pipes from freezing in your home this winter, follow these tips and suggestions.

Tip 1: Check Pipes for Leaks

Make sure all leaky pipes are repaired before the winter season begins. Leaky pipes can lead to expensive problems if they’re left untreated when winter comes. Watch for telltale signs of leaky pipes such as unexplained high-water use or water damage. If you suspect you might have a leak, get your home inspected.

Tip 2: Insulate Pipes

If you have any pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas of your home, make sure to wrap the pipes with heat tape or pipe insulation. This can help reduce the risk of water freezing in these pipes when temperatures drop.

Tip 3: Let Water Drip

When temperatures dip below freezing, simply turn your faucets on and let them drip. Allowing water to flow in your pipes helps reduce the risk of freezing.

Tip 4: Keep It Warm

Keep the temperature in your home consistently above 55 degrees, even when you are away. Let warm air circulate to cold areas and pipes. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Tip 5: Shut Off Exterior Faucets

Don’t forget your exterior water systems. If you don’t properly drain water from your exterior faucets and pipes, they may freeze, expand, and cause damage. Disconnect garden hoses and sprinkler systems and drain the water out of faucets. Unless you have frost-proof faucets, you’ll need to use the shut-off valve located inside your house.

Tip 6: Turn Off the Water

If you plan on going out of town for an extended period of time, you may want to consider shutting off the water completely and hiring a service to drain your pipes. With the water turned off you remove the risk of a pipe freezing, bursting and flooding your home while you are gone for a prolonged period of time.

If your home does experience water damage this winter, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is here to help.

We offer 24/7 emergency service, and we can help prepare your home or restore water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 360-243-8313.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl 2018 at Cotton Bowl Stadium

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Tune into the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on December 26 at 12:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. ET) televised on ESPN.

In a joint effort to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s First Responders, the annual college football bowl game played at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas has been renamed the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. Kickoff for the newly christened SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is set for December 26 at 12:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. ET) and will be televised by ESPN. The agreement between ESPN Events and SERVPRO was brokered by Denver-based Impression Sports & Entertainment.

"We are truly grateful for all first responders’ sacrifice and service,” said Brant Ringler, Executive Director of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. “It is a tremendous privilege to honor these brave men and women who protect our communities 24/7/365. As this game continues to grow, so do our ties with first responders. Additionally, having a sponsor like SERVPRO who works along-side and supports these community heroes reinforces our goals of recognizing our first responders.”

"We are proud to present the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl dedicated to honoring some of the hardest working men and women in our country" said Sue Steen, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. "We recognize the dedication and selfless acts of our First Responders and are honored to help highlight and celebrate the commitment of these everyday heroes."

The 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is the ninth edition of the bowl game, formerly known as the Heart of Dallas Bowl, and part of the 89-year history of games being played at Cotton Bowl Stadium on the grounds of Dallas’ Fair Park, which features 227 acres of museums, attractions, history, art and performances located in the heart of the ninth largest city in the United States.

First responders to be honored include police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents and military personnel who have specialized training and are the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency.

“This is an exciting change, and we are humbled by the fact that an actual bowl game has been named exclusively for the first responders of this country,” Dallas Fire-Rescue Fire Chief David Coatney said.

“We are truly honored to have a bowl game here in Dallas named after the hard working men and women serving and protecting communities across this country. It always feels great to be recognized, and I know our officers and firefighters are touched by this overwhelming show of support,” said Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall.

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl tickets started selling in September. Tickets for First Responders will continue to be underwritten by our corporate sponsors. Anyone wanting more information on the bowl game can visit www.firstresponderbowl.com.

Restoration Services for the Insurance Industry

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe to help with your customer's restoration needs.

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe offers your insurance company an array of competitive advantages. Our goal is to restore both your customer’s property and their peace of mind through timely mitigation and adherence to IICRC standards. The result? Lower claims costs and satisfied customers – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is uniquely qualified to help. Our results create a measurable difference, giving you many competitive advantages. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claims costs down while still providing the best services possible for your customers.

Emergency Response to Claims

Restoring property is our first priority. Your customer will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Claims Professionals know the rule is, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." Our highly-trained professionals make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

Claims Inventory Service

At SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe we can provide an itemized loss inventory. You will receive a link to an inventory site that will provide pictures of important items and the status of the contents in the cleaning process.

Electronic Claims Information

Our Claims Information Center provides fast, accurate information you need to make sound decisions, including:

• A Complete Electronic Job File
  • First Notice of Loss
  • Detailed Estimate
  • Digital Loss Photos
  • Scanned Forms and Paperwork
  • All delivered by email or hard copy
• On-line Access to All Files
  • New Assignments
  • Pending Jobs
  • Completed Jobs
• Informative Reports to Improve Results
  • Job Cost Data
• Performance Comparison to Industry Standard

Superior, Time-Tested Training

Effective training is the best way to help ensure your customers receive the service they deserve. Our staff is trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, continuing education classes are available to all SERVPRO Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO Industries, Inc.'s state of the art IICRC Approved Training Facility.

Vendor Qualification Compliance and Professionalism

If you call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe, we will use only qualified vendors to service your customer. That commitment resulted in:

• A National Call Center to achieve prompt handling of the claim
• Implementation of best practices and job process programs
• National Accounts qualification criteria and annual compliance checks
• Crew and vehicle standards
• Insurance requirements
• File documentation requirements
• Quality assurance program

Serving Adjusters and Their Clients

Our job is to reassure the customer, perform quality service and to report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim and not to deal with problems from vendors. Working together we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you are assigned. 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file are available to you within hours. Our documented, measured performance increases value to you and your shareholders, managers and customers.

Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. The SERVPRO System is geared to achieve customer satisfaction and mitigation results, adding to your company’s competitive advantage.

Call SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe today at 360-243-8313!

Hoarding Cleanup Services

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, and SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging. Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe encounters hoarding situations several different ways. We may be called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. We will communicate with the insurance company regarding the customer's contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored in our temporary storage in our warehouse so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe encounters hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call us today at 360-243-8313.

Restoring Versus Replacing - Taking Care of Your Belongings After Fire

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing damaged property and personal belongings.

The first 48 hours after fire damage occurs can make the difference between restoring versus replacing damaged property and personal belongings. Rapid response and timely mitigation can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe understands that returning to normal is your primary concern. Our team is trained in caring for both you, your property and your belongings. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, we can help you get your home or business back up and running quickly and help protect your property and belongings. We provide the following content restoration services to help reduce the number of items that need to be replaced after a fire affects your home.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and restore versus replace mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe - Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Electronic Cleaning

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD/Blu-Ray players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage.

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore, the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

If your home or business suffers a fire damage, contact SERVPRO of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe at 360-243-8313 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

10/20/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know we offer biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services for residential and commercial properties.

Along as being a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe also offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

Our technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. We can help with a variety of biohazard, crime scene or vandalism issues.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Our technicians remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. We thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, we can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe helps property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

No matter what type of damage you have, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can help clean and restore your property.

When you run a business, you know that time is money. We offer 24/7 service; so don’t hesitate to call us day or night to start the restoration process. If your business experiences damage of any kind, call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313, and we’ll make sure your property is cleaned up and ready for business.

Reduce Your Risk of Mold By Repairing Leaky Appliances

9/29/2018 (Permalink)

Leaky appliances in your home can lead to extensive water damage and even mold growth if not taken care of quickly.

Leaky appliances in your home can lead to extensive water damage and even mold growth if not taken care of quickly. If the conditions are right, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. By keeping an eye on your appliances, you can help catch leaks early and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of leaky appliances and pipes in your home and reduce your risk of mold growth.

• Regularly check your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, sinks and toilets for signs of leaks.
• Routinely check for leaky pipes, appliance hoses and faucets.
• If you see signs of leaks, such as condensation or water collecting anywhere, dry it quickly and find the source of the leak and fix it.
• Fix plumbing problems immediately.
• Monitor your utility bills each month. An unusually high water bill can be a sign of an unseen leak.

By keeping an eye out for leaks from appliances and other water sources in your home, you can catch leaks early and reduce the risk of water damage and mold growth. If you do encounter mold growth or other water damage, give us a call at 360-243-8313. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Keep Fall Fire Free

9/22/2018 (Permalink)

The fall season can bring many fire risks. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. But the season also brings many fire risks. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

Decorations

Fall decorations, like dried flowers, leaves and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Since these items are dry, they can ignite very easily and spread flames quickly.

Have A Plan

Be sure you have a fire preparedness plan and your family knows what to do if a fire breaks out in your home. Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Protect your family by teaching your children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Ensure your smoke alarms are in working order and that you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher.

Make Halloween Safe

Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabrics. If you are making your costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.

It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn, and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Be Careful in the Kitchen

With the holidays quickly approaching, your kitchen may be working on overdrive. While cooking, it can be easy to get distracted, especially if you have children. However, kitchens are a high-risk area for household fires, so it’s important to remain watchful.

Never leave food unattended while cooking, especially working with oil. Hot grease can splash and ignite. Keep flammable objects, like washcloths, potholders, and paper towels, away from the stovetop.

If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed. Turn it off and wait for the fire to extinguish.

Safely Use Your Fireplace

As the weather turns cold and brisk, fireplaces can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home. However, if fireplaces are not properly cared for, they can lead to an increased fire and smoke risk. Make sure your fireplace is clean and well maintained and never left unattended when lit.

While you can take precautions to prevent fires this fall, sometimes accidents happen. If your home suffers any fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

After smoke or fire damages a home, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Call us at 360-243-8313, and we’ll assess the damage and make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Facts and information provided by National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org and SERVPRO Industries Inc.

Commercial Fire Services

9/15/2018 (Permalink)

After fire damage, all of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.

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.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a typical fire damage restoration job.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

At SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we provide a large variety of fire and smoke restoration services. We can handle any sized fire disaster from start to finish. Here are some of the specific services we provide during the fire restoration process.

Structural Cleaning

After smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Our technicians will pretest to determine the type of smoke damage, extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, we may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, we will clean to “prepare for painting”. This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. We begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. Our technicians can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, fabrics, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items if requested.

Deodorization

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe performs specialized services that rid your place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. Our technicians can explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Board-ups

In some cases it may be important to secure openings to your structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can perform necessary board-ups to help protect your building from further damage.

Inventory

Utilizing Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) technology, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can generate comprehensive room-by-room inventories. Contents are categorized as salvageable, non-salvageable and questionable - allowing for easier contents settlement.

Electronics Cleaning

Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces when moisture is also present. If the residues are not removed, corrosion can eat away at the metal casing and can ultimately cause electronic failure in the device. Our technicians can clean the outside casing correctly, as well as refer your equipment to a qualified electronics vendor. We also have Ultrasonic Cleaners that we can use to clean electrical items such as cables, rods, and wires. 

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts at 360-243-8313 and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can take care of boarding up your property.

Whether after a fire, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through— especially if it's your property that has been damaged.

Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can board up your damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

We have the skills and knowledge to board up broken windows, damaged roofs, burned drywall or any other damaged entrance to your property. Whether the damage is from fire, flooding, or debris during windstorms, we have the experience to board up your home and secure it from further damage. And we are available 24/7, so we can get there before the damage gets even worse.

If your property is in need of any board-up services, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313.

Is Your Business Prepared for Emergencies?

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

40% of businesses never reopen after suffering a disaster. To avoid being one of these businesses, make sure you have a plan in place for emergencies.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a 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.

According to FEMA, 40% of businesses never reopen after suffering a disaster. To avoid being one of these businesses, make sure you have a plan in place for emergencies.

The following are common sense measures business owners and managers can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers and the community. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival. Review the following questions to learn if your company is prepared.

Be Informed

• Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your company?
• Do you know what you will do in an emergency situation?

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

• Do you know which staff, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating?
• Do you have backup plans for those operations?
• Do you know what you will do if your building or plant is not accessible?
• Do you know what you will do if your suppliers are impacted by a disaster?
• Are you ready for utility disruptions?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

• Do you have an evacuation plan?
• Do you have a plan to communicate with employees before, during, and after an incident?
• Do you have copies of building and site maps with utilities and emergency routes marked?
• Are your employees trained for medical emergencies?

Practice the Emergency Plan

• Have you practiced your plan recently?
• Do you practice and coordinate with other businesses in your building or industrial complex?
• Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

• Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

• Have you secured all the ways people, products, and supplies get into your building?
• Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what can be strapped down

Improve Cybersecurity

• Do you regularly install patches to your software?
• Have you installed a firewall on your computer?
• Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness

• Do you encourage employees to have a personal emergency supply kit and a family communication plan?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your business.

Also, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313 and we can help you set up an Emergency READY Profile so you’ll be ready in case of an emergency. And if disaster does hit your business, we can help make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today!

Be Ready for Whatever Happens

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Are you ready for emergencies? Make sure you have an emergency kit for you and your family.

National Preparedness Month is just around the corner and it’s a great time to make sure you and your family is prepared for potential disasters. National Preparedness Month, which takes place in September, strives to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home and work.

Join in the effort to get your home ready for potential disasters. Only 51.5% of U.S. homes have an emergency kit ready. By creating an Emergency Kit you can be “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready.gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below is a quick list of suggested items to include in your kit:

• 3-day supply of nonperishable foods
• Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medication
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Fire extinguisher
• Hygiene products
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Matches in waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Pet supplies
• Infant formula and diapers
• Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

Also, keeping a small emergency kit in your vehicle can be useful during an emergency. For more detailed instructions on creating an emergency kit check out our other blog post here and check out Ready.gov for a more extensive list.

How to Prevent Water Leaks In Your Home

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Learn how to prevent water leaks in your home. Be sure to keep your gutters cleared.

Some water damage is easy to spot and receives attention immediately. But unnoticed leaks that are left unattended can lead to extensive damage in your home. So how can you reduce the risk of these leaks in your home? Follow these tips to help prevent water leaks in these common areas.

Tip 1: Inspect and Repair Your Roof and Chimney

Let's start at the top with your roof. Your roof is there to protect your home from the elements. But over time debris build up and natural wear and tear may lead to weak areas in your roof and potentially to leaks. These leaks can start causing unseen damage in your attic and elsewhere in your home.

Be sure to inspect your roof regularly. Check for broken shingles and clear your roof of debris. Also be sure to check your chimney for damage as well as the flashing. For more detailed information on what to keep an eye out with your roof, check out our other blog post.

Tip 2: Clear Your Gutters

Similar to your roof, your gutters often get filled with debris such as leaves and twigs. The debris can clog and dam up your gutters. This may cause excess water to flow onto your roof or walls of your home, weathering them quicker.

Over time, the water can start to leak through and cause mold to grow on the roof. Make sure to clear out your rain gutters regularly to prevent these dams from happening.

Tip 3: Seal Your Doors and Windows

Over time your home may shift and windows and doors may not fit as snuggly as they did when installed. If your exterior doors and windows aren’t fitting properly, small gaps may allow water leaks into your home.

Be sure to install weather stripping around doors and windows and apply caulk along edges to both sides of windows. This will help prevent water leaks around your windows and doors.

Tip 4: Check Your Plumbing

Broken and leaky pipes are one of the more obvious causes of water damage in a home. If a leaky pipe is hidden away or the leak is small, it may go unnoticed for quite some time.

Be sure to inspect your pipes regularly and fix any small leaks before they become bigger. Making sure your plumbing is functioning properly can help prevent future damage. Also make sure you know how to prepare your pipes for the colder winter months. Frozen pipes can lead to extensive damage.

Tip 5: Protect Your Foundation

Protecting the foundation of your home from water damage is important. Cracks in your foundation can lead to water leaks in your basement and can go unnoticed for great lengths of time, causing significant damage.

Be sure to inspect your foundation regularly for cracks and get them repaired. Make sure the ground surrounding your foundation is sloped away from your home to help avoid water building up around your foundation. Also, be sure to remove any trees that are too close to your home to avoid roots growing into and damaging your foundation.

Even small leaks can spread water throughout your home, causing both apparent and hidden damage. However, leaks don’t just cause water damage, they can also lead to mold growth.

At, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the training and experience to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Our technicians can help locate and fix the leak as well as handle the mold remediation process.

If you think you have a water leak in your home, or if you’ve seen signs of mold in your home, give us a call at 360-243-8313.

Dos and Don'ts After Mold

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. Give us a call at 360-243-8313 to start the Mold Mitigation Process.

A Business Plan For Fire Emergencies

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have a fire emergency plan for your business?

You may have taken measures to help prevent fire in your office, but are you prepared in case fire does break out? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties each year. Make sure your business is prepared for fire.

Check Fire Alarms

The first key is to have functioning fire alarms in your property. Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the NFPA.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Create and Implement an Office Evacuation Plan

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses; however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan.

• Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your company’s emergency plans. You may wish to select an individual or team of individuals to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.
• Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.
• Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover, and conduct a head count. Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed.

Create a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we can create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. When disaster strikes, you don’t want to spend time trying to figure out whom you should contact for what. Our ERPs include a detailed assessment of your facility along with a profile document and guide to getting you back to business faster after an incident. We even offer a mobile app for convenience. If you want to set up an Emergency READY Profile, call us today at 360-243-8313.

It is important to be prepared before a disaster like a fire hits your property. For the sake of your employees and your property, make sure your office is safe and prepared. If disaster does strike, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is Here To Help. Give us a call at 360-243-8313.

When You Have Fire Damage, Call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

The faster our technicians arrive on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results.

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster our technicians arrive on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results— including lower claim costs. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe will be on-site to help ensure your fire damage is handled by utilizing the following services.

Structural Cleaning

After smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Our experienced technicians will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, our technicians can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insurance claim.

Deodorization

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe provides specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is dedicated to restoring your property and getting your life back to normal. Contact us at 360-243-8313 before any further damage occurs to your property and belongings.

How to Use Your Fire Extinguisher

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know how to properly use your fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

P: Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A: Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S: Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

You can also check out this video to see how to best use your fire extinguisher.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Keep your fire extinguisher somewhere you will remember and be able to access easily. Make sure your extinguisher is up to date and charged.

Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at nfpa.org.

It’s important to be prepared before disaster strikes. If ever you do need to use your fire extinguisher, have SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe take care of the cleanup. We can clean up any fire or smoke damage as well as the mess created from the fire extinguisher. Give us a call at 360-243-8313 and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Be sure to clean your dryer vents to reduce the risk of dryer fires in your home.

According to FEMA, failure to clean dryers and dryer vents causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, clean dryer vents regularly. Every few months be sure to wash the lint filter with detergent to get rid of residue buildup that might be impeding airflow. Also clean the whole exhaust duct line yearly to reduce clogs and risk of fire.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.

If you have a high efficiency dryer, look for easy-access panels and check inside for any additional lint buildup.

For more fire prevention tips, check out our other fire blog posts here.

Protect Your Home While You Are Out

5/28/2018 (Permalink)

Are you headed out of time any time soon? Be sure you know how to prepare your home before you leave.

Do you have exciting plans to head out of town this summer? Do you know how to prepare your home before you head out of town? Follow these tips to help prevent possible damage while you are gone.

Water Damage

The last thing you want to find on your return from a relaxing vacation is flooding and water damage in your home. There are a variety of potential causes of water damage. Plumbing and appliances in your home can malfunction and leak while you are away. When you leave consider turning off your water, or have someone come check your home regularly and have them flush your toilets and run several faucets to ensure they are working.

Make sure windows are closed and sealed, and check to make sure there are no small leaks before you leave the home. A small leak can lead to significant water damage and potential mold growth.

Mold Damage

To help reduce the risk of mold growth while you are gone, make sure to clean your kitchen and bathrooms before leaving. Clean out your refrigerator before you leave and get rid of any food that might spoil while you are gone, such as milk, meats and produce. Spoiled food can cause bad smells and even lead to mold growth in your refrigerator and freezer. Also, clear out any perishable foods in your pantries, and don’t leave any food open. Be sure to take out your trash, especially if it contains spoiled food or other smelly items. Clean your sink drain and disposer to get rid of food buildup.

Along with cleaning before you leave, check for any water leaks or wet spots. Wet, damp areas create a perfect environment for mold growth.

Fire Damage

Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order before you leave. Also unplug appliances like computers and TVs to reduce power usage, the risk of power surges damaging your devices and of cords shorting out and starting a fire. Finally, make sure your oven and grill are off before you leave.

Burglary/ Vandalism

This is one of the big concerns when leaving town. One of the biggest keys is to make your home look like it’s still occupied. Set lights on a timer in your home and have your mail and newspapers put on hold while you are out. Don’t say you are out of town on your answering machine or on social media. This tells the world that you are gone and that your home is unoccupied. Have a friend come check in on your home regularly. Make sure your doors are locked and windows closed and locked before you leave.

We all want our homes to be safe while out of town. These tips can help prevent potential damage to your home. If things do happen while you are out, give us a call and we can get your home back to normal in no time. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can clean and restore most damage, from broken windows and other vandalism to water and smoke damage. Give us a call at 360-243-8313 to start the restoration process. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tsunamis and How to Prepare

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Tsunamis are most likely to hit the Pacific coastline or in the Caribbean, so it is good to know what to do if one occurs.

Did you know tsunamis could hit any U.S. coast? Though the risk for tsunamis is low, they are more likely to hit states on the Pacific coastline or in the Caribbean, so it is good to know what to do if a tsunami does strike here, or where you may vacation.

Ready.gov says, “Tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”), are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite.” Areas within a mile of the coast and less than 25 feet above sea level have a greater risk of being hit.

As with any emergency, be sure you have a plan. Create a 72-hour kit ahead of time so you can be ready to leave quickly. Know the evacuation plan and move inland or to higher ground and avoid the beach. “The first wave may not be the last or the largest,” according to the National Weather Service.

After a tsunami, do not return to the affected area until officials deem it safe. While drowning is the most common hazard, there are many aftereffects such as flooding and contaminated drinking water.

For more information on preparing for a tsunami, visit ready.gov/tsunamis.
 

Be Prepared with an Emergency READY Profile

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Get prepared with an Emergency READY Profile.

Will you be ready when disaster strikes? The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are “Ready for whatever happens.”

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO’s free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP establishes SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to 50 years experience and a system more than 1,700 Franchises strong. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever expects a disaster, but now is the time to plan for it.

In review, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save a lot of time in the future. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313 to start your Emergency READY Profile today.

4 Tips for Spotting Mold in a Potential Home Buy

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth before buying a new home.

Mold spores can exist just about anywhere inside or out. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to develop a mold growth problem wherever moisture and a food source are present.

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth before buying a new home. Follow these four tips to help identify possible mold risks in a new home.

Tip 1: Use Your Nose

Of course, some mold is hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a strange odor in the home, particularly if the smell is stronger in certain areas of the home, this may indicate there is mold.

Mold has a musty, distinct odor. The smell could also be described as stale, wet, and earthy. Use your nose as the first sign that there may be mold in the home.

Tip 2: Look Around

While touring a potential home buy, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential mold growth. Mold tends to accumulate in moist, dark areas, so be sure to take a look in these areas. Common places you should check include:

• Window sills
• Beneath counters and under sinks
• Bathtub grout
• Inside toilets
• Attics and crawlspaces

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. Look out for water stains on ceilings or walls. Look for leaking pipes and faucets as well.

Tip 3: Ask Questions

Be sure to ask the current homeowners about past water damage and flooding. Also look into whether the home is in a flood zone. If there has been water damage in the past, pay extra attention to whether there is mold currently present in the home. Also inquire about how they remediated past water damage. Also ask as if water damage has been reoccurring or not. This can be a sign of future water and mold problems.

Tip 4: Have the Home Inspected

Home inspectors are trained to spot water damage and signs of mold in a home. Look to see if any signs of mold were noted in the inspection report. Also see if they provide any kind of mold guarantee.

If after buying a new home you find mold, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call. We can start the mold remediation process immediately and fix any other water damage the structure may have. Give us a call today at 360-243-8313. 

Cleaning Contaminated Water Vs. Clean Water

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

When your home has flooded, it is important to know the difference between clean and contaminated water.

When your home or business suffers from water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water.

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated, allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
• Start drying the affected area and keep in mind that clean water becomes contaminated after about 48 hours.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; airflow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313. We will properly clean and dry your property and ensure it is safe.

What to Do and Not Do After Your Basement Floods

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Here's an example of a flooded basement we took care of in Monroe a while back.

A flooded basement can be an overwhelming experience. It’s hard to know where to even start! But you don’t need to worry. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is Here To Help. While you wait for help to arrive, here are some Dos and Don’ts to follow.

What to Do After Flooding:

• Stop the source of flooding.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions to dry.
• 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 enter your basement if water is high enough to cover outlets or other appliances.
• 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 in the flooded area.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

When your home’s basement has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Trust SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe to return your property to its preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened”. Give us a call at 360-243-8313.

Flooding Can Happen Anywhere

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Just because your property hasn’t experienced a flood in the past does not mean it won’t in the future.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. And we’ve had our fair share here in Snohomish County. Whether your home or business is near the coastline, along city streets, in the mountains or near a river—there is always potential for flood damage. Fema.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because your property hasn’t experienced a flood in the past does not mean it won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000*. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers the following flood safety tips.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

For more flood safety tips check out this great article from The Everett Herald. Also, take a look at Snohomish Country’s Real-Time Flood Information System to see what the current river level and rainfall depth data is in our area.

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get your property back to normal as soon as possible.

At SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe we are ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at 360-243-8313.

*Facts and figures provided by fema.gov and the National Weather Service (NOAA)

Post-Construction Cleaning Services

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

After rebuilding your property, there is still more work to be done. We can help in the Post-Construction Cleanup of your property.

Along with our restoration and rebuild services, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe provides a variety of cleaning services. One of the cleaning services we provide is Post-Construction Cleanup.

After restoring and rebuilding your property, there is still more work to be done. It is important to get your property clean and ready to use. Let SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe get your property clean and ready to go!

Both interior and exterior cleaning is needed after rebuild and construction services. When cleaning, the following areas are usually dusted and cleaned:

Interior Cleanup

• Walls (removing dust, dirt, scuff marks, and smudges)
• Ceilings and light fixtures/fans
• All trim (including baseboards and door and window frames)
• Door faces, sides, and tops
• Floors
• Ducts, vents, and baseboard heaters
• Windows (including tracks and frames)
• Cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, and countertops
• All trash and plastic coverings removed

Exterior Cleaning

• Exterior windows and doors
• Entry doorways
• Driveway and paved surfaces swept and power washed
• Exterior lights dusted
• All trash on property (including lumber and debris) removed

If your property is in need of Post-Construction Cleaning, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313. No matter the size, we are Here To Help.

Keeping It Clean: An Overview of Our Cleaning Services

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can handle any cleaning job you may have.

At SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe we offer a large variety of cleaning services. We can handle the simple cleaning that comes from general day-to-day wear and tear as well as major cleanups after sewage spills, biohazard contamination and crime scene messes. This article showcases the range of cleaning services we provide.

Standard Cleaning Services

Life is busy, and you don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your property. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt and debris or other contaminants. Keeping your HVAC system clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by cleaning and maintaining your carpet and upholstery. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe offers a range of specialized cleaning methods and products to treat a variety of carpet and upholstery types.

Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floor Cleaning

Ceiling, wall and floor cleaning should be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. These surfaces are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Our proprietary cleaning system allows our Professionals to properly clean and restore your ceilings, walls and floors.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources, both inside and outside a structure. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors.

Contents Cleaning

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their preloss condition. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, depending on the extent of the damage. We also specialize in restoring your damaged electronics. We have the training and equipment to restore many of your electronic devices.

Other Cleaning Services

When cleaning goes beyond the normal everyday cleaning needs, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call. We offer a wide array of services to help you get back to business after your property experiences a crime, death or other disaster.

Biohazard Removal and Cleaning

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Sewage Cleaning

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized, making it “Like it never even happened.”

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

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

Vandalism Cleanup

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from your home or commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.

Our large range of restoration and cleaning services allows us to restore your property, no matter what is needed. If your property has cleaning needs, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313.

Our Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a typical mold removal process.

1. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

2. Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water, which can be hidden from plain view.

3. Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. Our technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

5. Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents & Belongings

We then clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe understands mold and mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. If you see mold, give us a call at 360-243-8313. 

When Disaster Strikes, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is Here to Help

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

As a member of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is “Ready for whatever happens.”

Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans experience an average of*:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 tornadoes
• 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes

As a member of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is “Ready for whatever happens.” When a storm or disaster strikes, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is poised for any storm that may happen. With a network of more than 1,700 Franchises, the SERVPRO System strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and highest flood waters. Providing experience, manpower, equipment, and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team is there when large storms hit our area. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to hundreds of disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective: to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams included:

• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 East Tennessee Wildfires
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew  
• 2016 Louisiana Flooding
• 2016 Houston, TX Flooding 
• 2015 Siberian Express
• 2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding 
• 2014 Polar Vortex  
• 2013 Colorado Floods
• 2012 Hurricane Sandy

No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is Here to Help. With the help of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, we can handle any size weather event. If disaster strikes your home or business, give us a call at 360-243-8313.

*Facts and figures provided by noaa.gov

Deodorization – Getting Rid of Unpleasant Odors

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Our training, specialty cleaning products, techniques and equipment help us to treat your unwanted odors.

Life is full of unpleasant smells. Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold or other sources. Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products we use various techniques and equipment to treat odors. These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly. Some of the tools we use include:

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator (shown above) is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke and more without the use of chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors.

Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process; though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke, as well as biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations and animal odors.

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors.

Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at 360-243-8313.

The Science of Drying After Water Damage

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Our training in the science of drying helps us restore your home or business after water damage.

Did you know there is a science behind the process of drying? Having this knowledge is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage. If your home or business suffers from water damage, our team will:

1. Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
2. Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
3. Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material–but only if the air is, indeed, drier.

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Our technicians also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened.” If your home or business has water damage, give us a call today at 360-243-8313.

The Dos and Don'ts After Fire Hits

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

After fire ravages your home, it's hard to know what to do next.

After fire ravages your home, fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property can be overwhelming. Once the flames have abated, it's hard to know what to do next.

Keep these Dos and Don'ts in mind if fire affects your home.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets throughout your home.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place towels on carpet traffic areas. Use dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit damage.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator. If electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome. Clean soot from chrome kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then apply a light coating of petroleum jelly to protect surfaces.
• Wash houseplants. Wipe down both sides of leaves on your houseplants.
• Change HVAC filters. Change your filters, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Cover HVAC intakes. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of your HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Wash any walls or painted surfaces. First contact SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture. Before cleaning carpets by yourself, call us at 360-243-8313.
• Clean any electrical appliances. TV sets, computers and other electronics that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water need to be looked at by an authorized repair service.
• Consume food and beverages. Food and beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water, may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures. If the ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
• Dry clean clothing. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors. Make sure you use a service that knows how to remove soot and smoke from clothing.

Fires are stressful, and you shouldn't have to clean up the mess yourself. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is here to help you restore your home. With our industry approved training, rapid response, professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only your home, but your peace of mind.

Call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at 360-243-8313. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the technology and experience to make your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

Protect Your Family From Fire and Burns

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Be sure to place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove.

Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in our county. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries, and almost one-third of all burn injuries occur in children. In 2014, there were over 3,000 deaths from fires and over 50,000 people were treated in hospitals for burn related injuries.

Though treatment for burn injuries has improved over the years, prevention is still the bets way to protect your home and family. Follow the tips below, provided by the American Burn Association, to help protect your family.

General Home Tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire in half.
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
• Stir and test food cooked in the microwave before serving. Open lids away from your face, to prevent burns from hot steam.

Tips for Homes with Children

• Set water heater temperature to no higher than 120°F or just below the medium setting.
• Create a "no kid zone" in the kitchen around stoves, ovens and hot items.
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters.
• Place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove.
• Never hold an infant or child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid or carrying hot items.
• Keep matches and lighters high out of the reach and sight of children, in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise older children when using microwaves, or have them prepare non-hot food. Many burn injuries occur from children pulling hot foods and soups out of microwaves.
• Teach children to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Test the water before placing a child in the tub. Fill the tub or sink by running cool water first and then adding hot water. Seat the child facing away from the faucets.

If you or someone else sustains a burn injury be sure to:

• Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water to stop the burning process.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area.
• Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandage.
• Seek medical attention.

If you would like to read more tips like these check out the American Burn Associations page here and the ABA National Scald Prevention Campaign page here.

*Statistics and tips provided by the American Burn Association

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Windstorms

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

There’s not always a lot of warning before a large windstorm hits, so it’s important to prepare your home well beforehand.

Windstorms cause millions of dollars of damage across the Pacific Northwest every year. There’s not always a lot of warning before a large windstorm hits, so it’s important to prepare your home well beforehand. Small fixes now can prevent more costly repairs after a storm.

Trim Your Trees

Check your property for any tree branches that hang over your roof, cars, power lines, or shed. Overhanging branches can cause significant damage to your property if they fall, which you can easily prevent by cutting them down before a storm hits.

If you have dead trees or branches on your property, get them professionally removed.

Inspect the Roof and Garage

Any loose roofing material will be particularly susceptible during a windstorm. Further damage can occur when a windstorm rips loose material off the roof. Before the windstorm hits, check your roof for loose shingles, flashing, gutters, edging strips, etc. Make sure any problems you find are fixed ASAP.

Your garage door, if it is not in top shape, can be a liability as well. If you haven’t had it professionally inspected in a while, consider doing so.

Protect Your Windows

Strong winds and flying debris can damage windows, so make sure they are prepared before the storm comes in. If you don’t have stormproof windows installed, you can use aluminum or steel shutters or plywood to protect your windows from damage.

Secure Items Around Your Property

While wind can cause a lot of damage on its own, loose items around the yard can severely increase the damage potential. If you received a report of an impending windstorm, secure or safely store items like:

• Grills
• Patio Furniture
• ATVs
• Garbage and recycling bins
• Container plants
• Wind chimes and other decor
• Trampolines
• Swing sets and toys
• Bicycles

Make sure to store cleaning chemicals, motor fuels, and pesticides in safe places as well. You don’t want chemicals to mix together or spread throughout your yard or home

Put Together an Emergency Kit

If the windstorm takes out the power, in some cases you may have to go without electricity for a few days until it gets fixed. Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and anything else your family might need to get through three days without power.

Even the most prepared home can sustain damage during a bad windstorm. Fortunately, at SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we’re prepared to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

We offer a wide range of services (like board-ups, water damage restoration, tree removal, tarp-ups, and other roofing services) to help repair your property after a storm. We’re there when you need us with our 24/7 emergency service, so give us a call at 360-243-8313.

8 Ways to Help Prevent Mold Growth in Your Kitchen

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchens can contain spoiling food, water splashes, and crumbs, which can create an ideal environment for mold growth.

Cooking and eating both require a lot of food and moisture, which makes your kitchen a top-notch room for mold growth. Food spoils, water splashes, and crumbs can get everywhere. Implement the following 8 tips to prevent mold from growing in your kitchen.

1. Keep surfaces dry: Mold loves moisture, so it’s important to keep kitchen surfaces dry. Immediately wipe up spills on the floor, countertops, or table. Rinse and wipe out the sink after doing dishes. Make sure your dishes and cutlery are dry before putting them into cabinets.
2. Take out the trash: Leftover food, packaging, and other garbage makes your trash can a perfect place for mold to grow. Make sure to take out your kitchen garbage bin regularly to prevent mold growth.
3. Use the exhaust fans: Humid environments are ideal for mold. When you cook on your stove, moisture can flood the air and condensate around the area. To cut down on humidity, use the exhaust fans when you use the stovetop.
4. Clean the fridge: Old, spoiled food containers are one of the most common places to find mold in a kitchen. Clean out your fridge once a week to prevent food from spoiling and growing mold.
5. Watch your fruit and potatoes: It doesn’t take long for fruit or potatoes to start growing mold, so it’s important to examine all fruit and potatoes on a daily basis, especially if you don’t keep them in the refrigerator.
6. Clear the garbage disposal: Food can gather out of site within your garbage disposal. Even if your sink drains well, you should clean the disposal regularly. Remember to run it daily to clear out the debris. You should also pour vinegar down it weekly.
7. Wash your cutting boards: Food particles and moisture can settle into your cutting boards, which gives mold everything it needs to grow. Use vinegar to wash your cutting boards at least once a week.
8. Sweep and mop regularly: It’s easy for crumbs and other food particles to build up on your floor over just a few days. Sweep the floor every day, and mop it weekly.

If you find (or suspect you have) mold in your kitchen or any other room of your home, don’t hesitate to give SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call.

Our technicians have the experience, knowledge, and training necessary to restore your home through our mold remediation process. We inspect your home to discover the full extent of the mold growth, work to contain the problem, and clean your home and belongings. Call us today at 360-243-8313 to start the mold remediation process.

7 Tips for Safe Fireplace Use

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

If fireplaces are not properly cared for they can increase the risk of fire and smoke in your home.

Fireplaces can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home. However, if fireplaces are not properly cared for, they can lead to an increased fire and smoke risk. Use these tips to keep your home safe and warm through the cold months of the year.

1. Keep it clean: Before starting a fire, clear out ash from previous fires. Make sure there is no debris in the fireplace or flammable items, like newspaper, in the surrounding area.
2. Cover it up: Glass panes may block the fire, but they also get hot. Install a safety screen to protect your family, particularly children and pets, from accidental burns.
3. Inspect the chimney: Look at both the interior and exterior of your chimney. Watch for bird nests or other natural debris, like leaves, branches, etc. Make sure there are no tree branches that are above or close to the chimney. Examine the bricks and mortar to ensure they are in good repair. Inspect the chimney cap for damage.
4. Stick to checkups: Have a professional check out your fireplace annually. They can identify problems you might not notice on your own.
5. Use the right wood and starters: Use dry, aged wood. Green and wet wood don’t burn as well and cause more smoke. Never use wood that is painted or shows signs of rotting, mold, or disease. Don’t use particle board, cardboard, garbage, plastics, or foam either. Only start fires using newspaper or dry kindling. Don’t try to jumpstart a fire using gasoline.
6. Stay by the fire: Don’t leave fires unattended, and do not leave children alone with a lit fireplace. Make sure all fires are completely out and cooled before sleeping or leaving home.
7. Check and open the flue and/or damper: Examine the flue for debris like bird nests or leaves around the same time you check your chimney. Make sure the flue or the damper, which are used to let out gases such as smoke, is open before starting a fire in the fireplace. 

While you can take precautions to prevent problems, sometimes accidents happen. If your home suffers any fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

After smoke or fire damages a home, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Call us at 360-243-8313, and we’ll assess the damage and make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Learn how to keep your family and home safe from fire during the holidays.

The holidays offer many opportunities for family and friends to gather, but they also come with an increased fire risk. With a little extra attention and care, you can help your family have a happy and safe holiday season.

Cooking

The holidays don’t feel like the holidays without delicious food. While cooking always presents potential fire hazards, home cooking fires always spike up around the holiday season.

When you have lots of cooks in the kitchen, it’s easy for things to get messy and confusing. However, a cluttered, chaotic kitchen is a hazardous kitchen. Make sure to keep flammable objects, like towels, packaging, and potholders, away from the stove. Communicate with everyone in the kitchen so you don’t leave the stovetop or oven on when it’s not in use. Wipe up spills quickly, and don’t let grease pile up around a burner.

If a deep-fried turkey is on the menu, make sure you fry it on a flat surface outside at least 10 feet away from the house.

Holiday Lights

While holiday lights can add a fun ambience to your home, it’s important to decorate safely. When you first open a package of new lights or crack open a box of previously-loved strands, take time to inspect each strand. If you find frayed or cracked wires or any broken sockets, return them or throw them away.

Don’t put more strands of lights on your tree than the packaging recommends. Overloading trees (and outlets) are a common cause of holiday fires. Unplug your holiday lights (and tree, if applicable) before you go to bed or leave the house.

If you want to hang lights outside, don’t use nails or staples as they can damage the wiring. Invest in quality hooks or hangers. Once the holidays are over, take down all outside lights. Small animals, like squirrels, may start chewing on the wires if you leave them up all year.

Menorahs

If your family uses menorahs for Hanukkah, you could consider using an electric one to cut down on fire hazards. If you prefer traditional candles, just be careful.

Keep the menorah at least three feet away from flammable items, and make sure you place a non-flammable surface, like an aluminum foil-lined tray, underneath the menorah to catch the melting wax.

Christmas Trees

Setting up the Christmas tree can mark the beginning of the Christmas holiday for many families. Unfortunately, if they are not properly set up and taken care of, they pose a large fire risk.

Keep the Christmas tree at least three feet away from fireplaces or heating elements in your home.

If you prefer a live Christmas tree, make sure to care for it properly. A dry tree can start to engulf a room in flames within a minute of ignition. Help reduce fire risks with the following guidelines:

• Buy a fresh tree. When you first choose the tree, the pine needles should be green and not easily broken.
• Cut off the bottom. When you get the tree home, cut two inches of the bottom to create a raw cut so the tree can soak in water.
• Water the tree daily. Well-watered trees are less likely to catch fire.
• Throw it out promptly. No matter how much you water it, your tree will dry out over time. Once the pine needles start to fall off and the tree starts to dry, it’s time to throw it out.

If you choose an artificial tree, consider flame-resistant or flame-retardant options.

Taking steps to prevent holiday fires can help reduce the risk, but there’s always a possibility of a fire. If your home suffers fire damage, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can help.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly treat fire and smoke damage to make your home “Like it never even happened.” We offer 24/7 emergency service; call us anytime at 360-243-8313.

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

It’s time to prepare your home for colder winter months. Preparing for the change in season can help save energy and prevent costly damage.

As winter fast approaches, it’s time to start preparing your home for the colder months of the year. Problems you may not have noticed during the rest of the year can become a bigger issue as the weather starts to shift. Properly preparing for the change in season can help you save energy and prevent costly damage.

Prepare Your Pipes

The last thing you want during the winter months is a frozen pipe. Water expands when it freezes, which can result in burst pipes, flooding, and major water damage.

Leaky pipes can lead to expensive problems if they’re left untreated when winter comes. Watch for telltale signs of leaky pipes such as unexplained high water use or water damage. If you suspect you might have a leak, get your home inspected.

If you have any pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas of your home, make sure to wrap the pipes with heat tape or pipe insulation.

If you plan to head south for the winter or go out of town for an extended period of time, you may want to consider shutting off the water completely and hiring a service to drain your pipes.

Shut Off Exterior Faucets

Don’t forget your exterior water systems. If you don’t properly drain water from your exterior faucets/pipes, they may freeze, expand, and cause damage. Disconnect garden hoses, and drain the water out of the faucets. Unless you have frost-proof faucets, you’ll need to use the shut-off valve located inside your house.

Inspect Your Heating Systems

Before the first frost, have your HVAC system inspected. This will allow you to identify potential problems early and enjoy energy savings throughout the winter months. Make sure to vacuum out the vents, replace furnace filters if needed, and check for issues like leaks, cracks, or an underperforming system.

Inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney as well. You’ll want both in top shape for those cozy nights next to the fire.

Reverse Your Fan

During the summer months, most fans turn counter clockwise, which allows the slightly angled blades to push air down. This creates a wind-chill effect, which cools down the occupants of the room.

Warm air rises, which unfortunately means the warmest part of a room is well above you. If you can force the cooler air upward, you can push the warmer air down to your level and not have to turn the heat on quite as high. If you reverse the fan to rotate clockwise, it will pull up the cooler air from the bottom of the room toward the ceiling, which will force the warmer air in the upper part of the room down.

Clear Your Gutters

It’s always a good idea to clean out the gutters, but it’s especially important right before winter. The fall months, while beautiful, come with a lot of natural debris. Unfortunately, fallen leaves, twigs, and pine needles can clog up gutters and cause ice dams and icicles in the winter. Regularly clear out the debris to prepare for winter.

Examine Your Roof

Even small leaks in your roof can cost you in both utilities and greater damage to your roof. Clear the debris off your roof, and take a look at its current condition. Watch for damaged or missing shingles, any pooled water, or other signs of potential roof damage.

Seal Your Doors and Windows

Check your weather stripping and re-caulk around doorways or windows as necessary. If gaps between siding and a window or doorframe are bigger than the width of a nickel, it’s time to re-caulk. Make sure you use caulk that’s recommended for home exterior use.

Whether you find problems while preparing your home or it sustains winter-related water damage, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is here to help.

We offer 24/7 emergency service, and we can help prepare your home or restore water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 360-243-8313.

What to Do When Your Business is a Victim of Burglary, Vandalism, or Arson

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Do you know what you'll do if your business is a victim of a crime?

If your business is a victim of a crime, it can be costly both financially and emotionally. After law enforcement comes and goes, you might find yourself wondering what to do next to get your business up and running again. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we offer a wide array of services to help you get back to business in no time.

Burglary

After a break-in, you might expect to feel uneasy or angry. You might not expect the mess or damage that can come along with a crime scene.

First, there’s the damage the actual break-in may have caused, such as broken windows, damaged entryways, etc. There may even be blood and other bodily fluids or pepper spray residue. However, crime-solving can leave a mess behind, too. Your property might have substances like fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals as well.

After you file the paperwork and report what’s missing to the police, we can fix your property so you can get back to running your business. Whether you need someone to clean and disinfect or someone to handle larger repairs, we have the knowledge and training needed to restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

Vandalism

Vandalism can range in severity from graffiti on a wall to destruction of property. You’ll want to take quick action to restore your business for both office morale and safety.

Graffiti may create an unprofessional atmosphere that could potentially drive away clients. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe we can remove graffiti from most surfaces including, but not limited to:

• Glass
• Masonry
• Wood
• Plastic
• Asphalt

More severe vandalism, like a broken window or entryway, can leave employees feeling unsafe, and it can leave your business open to weather problems and, potentially, more crime.

We have the tools and expertise necessary to get your business up and running in no time. We offer commercial cleaning services above and beyond what a maid service might provide. We can take care of everything from debris removal to board-up services to water damage restoration.

Arson

Even a small fire can cause significant fire and smoke damage to your property. Firefighting efforts may even cause water damage. While police can perform the important work of finding out who committed the crime, you’ll still need to get your business ready to open again.

Our trained professionals understand the urgency of restoring your workplace to professional standards. We work hard to efficiently restore your building and belongings to pre-fire condition. We even help manage the insurance claims process.

When you run a business, you know that time is money. We offer 24/7 service, so don’t hesitate to call us day or night to start the restoration process. If your business is the victim of a crime, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313, and we’ll make sure your property is cleaned up and ready for business.

Using Your 3 Senses to Find Mold in Your Home

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth in your home; luckily, three of your senses can help you find the common signs of mold.

Mold spores can exist just about anywhere inside or out. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to develop a mold growth problem wherever moisture and a food source are present. However, there are many things you can do to control mold growth in your home.

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth in your home; luckily, three of your senses—sight, smell, and touch—can help you find some of the more common signs of mold.

Sight

The most obvious indication you have mold is seeing the mold itself. Mold tends to accumulate in moist, dark areas. Common places you might see mold include:

• Window sills
• Spoiled food
• Beneath counters
• Bathtub grout
• Inside toilet
• Shower curtains
• Attics and crawlspaces

Unfortunately, if the mold growth amount is small, many people assume it’s something else like dirt. If the mold is an unexpected color, some homeowners ignore it as well. Mold can come in a variety of colors like:

• White
• Green
• Black
• Yellow
• Gray-brown
• Pink
• Orange
• Purple

Pink, orange, and purple molds are less common, but they can show up behind wallpaper.

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. Watch for water stains on your ceilings or walls. Look for leaking pipes and faucets as well.

Smell

Of course, some mold is hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a strange odor in your home, particularly if the smell is stronger in certain areas of your home, this may indicate you have mold.

Mold has a musty, distinct odor. The smell could also be described as stale, wet, and earthy. Moldy food may give off a more rotten smell.

Touch

Your sense of touch can help you identify mold risks. As mentioned before, mold flourishes in damp environments.

Pay attention to wet spots on your carpet. If your carpet feels soggy, do a little detective work and find out if anyone has spilled liquid in the area recently. If not, or if the spot consistently remains wet, you may have a leak, which can lead to mold.

Watch any wet, or warped, spots you feel on your walls as well, as they can also be a sign of water damage and mold.

Essentially, any time a surface in your home feels consistently wet without an immediate explanation, you might have a leak somewhere. Unfortunately, damp surfaces with food sources are perfect for growing mold.

Black Mold

Perhaps the most infamous of all mold is black mold. It’s important to note that not all mold that is black in color refers to the specific toxigenic variety that people worry about.

Stachybotrys Atra (or Stachybotrys chartarum) is commonly referred to as “black mold”. It has been linked by the Institute of Medicine to respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing, in otherwise healthy people. It has also been linked with more severe symptoms in people susceptible to specific respiratory conditions.

It is often a dark green-black or gray color, and it may look slimy. It may also seem dry and powdery if it loses its water source. It gives off the typical musty, mildew smell common to other types of mold.

It is very easy to mistake black mold for other types of mold and vice versa. If you find signs of mold in your home, you should call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe to start the identification and remediation process.

We can help you locate both apparent and hidden mold in your home. We can also help find and fix sources of moisture that may have contributed to the mold problem in the first place. Call us at 360-243-8313 today.

How to Prevent Fires in Your Home

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

Seven people die every day from home fire. Read our tips to help prevent fires in your home.

According to the American Red Cross, seven people die every day from a home fire. While the causes of these fires vary, there are steps you can take to make your home safer. Apply these tips to help prevent fires in your home.

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

While smoke alarms will not prevent a fire from starting, they can save lives and potentially minimize property damage. You should install a fire alarm inside and outside of each sleeping area as well as on every level, including the basement.

Test the alarms monthly, and replace the batteries every 6 months. Replace the entire alarm every 10 years.

Space Out Your Heating Devices

It might be tempting to sit right next to a space heater while curled up in a blanket on a cold day, but it’s important to keep all devices with a heating element at least three feet away from flammable objects.

When your space heaters, curling irons, or other devices are not in use, make sure to shut them off and unplug them.

Be a Watchful Cook

It’s easy to get distracted while cooking, especially if you have children. However, kitchens are a high-risk area for household fires, so it’s important to remain diligent.

• Never leave food unattended while cooking, especially working with oil. Hot grease can splash and ignite.
• Keep flammable objects, like washcloths, pot holders, and paper towels, away from the stovetop.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
• Don’t splash water on a grease fire—smother it with a lid.
• Keep the door closed if a fire starts in the oven. Turn it off and wait for the fire to extinguish.

Smoke Responsibly

Smoking, if you aren’t careful, can create significant fire hazards in your home. To avoid fire hazards, it is best to smoke outside. When smoking, make sure the lit butts don’t fall beneath or near flammable materials such as furniture, debris, etc. Use a wide, sturdy ashtray and dispose of all butts and ashes properly.

While you always run a greater fire risk when you smoke indoors than out, it is particularly dangerous to smoke in bed. It’s too easy to fall asleep while lying in bed and start a fire.

Watch Your Candles

Candles can add a great ambience to your home, but if they aren’t watched carefully, they are a significant fire hazard. According to the NFPA, between 2009 and 2013 an average of 25 home candle fires were reported per day.

Minimize the fire risk with the following tips:

• Never leave a lit candle unattended.
• Blow out all candles before going to sleep, even for naps.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable items.
• Make sure your candles are secure in their holders.
• Don’t place candles on furniture that can easily tip over.

Check Your Wiring and Appliances

Electrical fires can cause damage before you realize there is a problem. Regularly inspect your electrical appliances. Check to make sure they are still functioning smoothly and that the cords are in good repair.

The electrical wiring within your walls, if damaged, can also cause a fire. If your electricity shuts off regularly or trips fuses or breakers, you likely have a problem. Faulty or old wiring and outlets can be hazardous. If you aren’t an electrician, it’s best to call in a professional to work on the wiring.

These methods will help minimize potential fire risks in your home; however, accidents still happen. If fire damages your home, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

We offer 24/7 emergency service, and we can restore your home “Like it never even happened.” To start the restoration process, call us at 360-243-8313.

How to Prevent Fires in the Office

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

Office fires lead to millions of dollars of damage every year. Simple changes in your office can prevent damage like this.

Have you reviewed your office’s fire prevention and safety procedures recently? Office fires lead to millions of dollars of property damage every year as well as employee injuries and deaths. Simple changes in your office can both prevent fires and prepare your employees for emergencies.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Outlets were only designed to handle so much. You may be tempted to use power strips to plug in as many devices into each outlet as possible, but overloading your circuits can lead to fires.

Talk to your electrician to set rules for the outlets in your building, and communicate these rules to each of your employees.

Clear the Clutter

It’s easy to let paper, boxes, and the like clutter desks and other work areas. However, clutter provides easy fuel for fires to grow and spread faster. Boxes of papers near a stairwell or door can easily catch fire and block potential exits during an emergency.

Most accidental office fires start in the kitchen. It’s important to keep flammable materials away from kitchen equipment such as coffee machines and hot plates. Clean these appliances regularly so they can function properly.

Make sure all heat-producing equipment has room for air to circulate around it, especially copy machines, computers, space heaters, and coffee machines.

Shut Down Appliances & Equipment

While most office fires happen during the day, the most damaging fires happen while everyone is gone for the night. Choose a designated person to sweep through the office and turn off electrical appliances at the end of each work day.

Examine all electrical equipment employees bring in, such as space heaters and lamps, to make sure they are in good condition. Require employees to unplug these devices when they leave as well.

Establish a No-Flame Rule

Don’t allow employees to use lighted birthday candles or burn scented candles at their desk or in break rooms. Remember, accidents with small flames can lead to big problems.

Watch the Wiring

If any of your office’s electrical cords show signs of damage such as fraying or tears in the plastic covering, replace them immediately. Encourage your employees to report any defective wiring as well. Exposed wiring can encounter moisture, which may cause short circuiting and fires.

Don’t run cords across the floor where people may step on them or roll over them with carts or chairs. This leads to damaged cords, which can, in turn, lead to a fire hazard.

Secure the Building

Arson accounts for a significant portion of office fires. Lock up your building securely every night. Make sure any parking lots or alleyways near your building are well lit. You may want to invest in a security system as well.

Create and Implement an Office Evacuation Plan

Consider talking with your local fire department to create an office fire safety and evacuation plan. Identify all possible exits in your office, and establish an evacuation protocol including office safety officers and meeting places. Print out copies of the plan that highlight exits, escape routes, and meeting places.

Display your office evacuation plan in high employee traffic areas, like break rooms. Go over the plan with all new employees, and schedule fire drills every few months to practice.

Equip your office with fire safety items such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Your fire department should know the exact requirements for your building.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we can create an Emergency READY Profile for your business. When disaster strikes, you don’t want to spend time trying to figure out who to contact for what. Our ERPs include a detailed assessment of your facility along with a profile document and guide to getting you back to business faster after an incident. We even offer a mobile app for convenience.

Even small fires can leave significant property damage; smoke can enter your ventilation system and spread soot and debris throughout your building. We can accurately assess fire and smoke damage and help make your office “Like it never even happened.”

If you’ve had a fire in your office, or if you want to set up an Emergency READY Profile, call us today at 360-243-8313.

Be Prepared: Gear Up with a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

If disaster occurs, it is important to be able to take care of yourself and your family. Be prepared to meet your family’s needs for at least 3 days.

Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters don’t wait until we’re ready before they strike—they’re on their own timetable. Earthquakes, windstorms, and floods, if severe enough, can even prevent emergency services from reaching all affected areas for days. Until they arrive, you’ll need to be able to take care of yourself. Don’t delay preparing an emergency preparedness kit for your family.

Picking a Pack

You should be prepared to meet your family’s needs for at least three days. Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for each member of your family.

If a storm or other disaster is destructive enough, you may have to leave your home. These kits should be packed in something portable, like a suitcase or backpack. Back-to-school sales are a perfect opportunity to buy backpacks for your kits.

Make sure to store your kits somewhere easily accessible in an emergency, like a coat closet near the front door.

Food & Water

The first rule of food in an emergency kit is packing nonperishable items your family will actually eat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Crackers
• Trail mix
• Granola Bars
• Jerky
• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Canned stews and other meals
• Candy
• Tuna
• Baby formula (in at least two kits in case your family gets separated) if needed
• Pet food and supplies if needed

Remember—you must be able to open your food. If you pack cans, make sure you have a can opener. Scissors are great for opening plastic packaging. It’s a good idea to bring along a set of dishes as well.

Plan for about a gallon of water per person per day. Water bottles are an easy way to store and carry water. You can also consider buying portable water filtration systems. Filtration systems should not be considered a substitution for bottled water because you can’t depend on water, contaminated or not, being available everywhere.

Take note of expiration dates. As a general rule, check your emergency food storage every six months. A good trick is to check your storage when daylight savings begins and ends. You should check on your water every 6-12 months.

Medicine & Hygiene

All 72-hour kits should include a first aid kit. You can either buy one or put one together yourself. You can start to build a first aid kit with the following items:

• Various sizes of bandages and gauze
• Antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments
• Antiseptic wipes
• Oral thermometers
• Antacid
• Scissors and tweezers
• Gloves
• Aspirin
• Cold compress
• Matches in a waterproof container

Don’t forget to include your personal medication as well along with children’s versions of medication if necessary. If your medication needs to be refrigerated, buy an insulated container to carry in your kit. Make sure you rotate medication according to expiration dates.

You’ll also want to pack hygienic and personal items. This will vary family to family. You can start with items on this list, if applicable:

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Glasses, contacts, contact cases and solution
• Baby wipes and diapers
• Soap bars
• Toilet paper

Clothing & Comfort

While it’s possible to wear the same clothes for three days, your family will be a lot more comfortable if they have a fresh pair of clothes to change into each day. If your clothing gets wet, it can even be a safety hazard if it’s cold out.

Along with clothes, bring along a sleeping bag or blanket (foil blankets can easily fit in these packs and sleeping bags can attach to bags with straps).

Tools & Electronics

A small tool kit can be very useful in an emergency. At least in adult kits, include a wrench, screwdriver, and Swiss Army knife.

Make sure every member of the family has a flashlight (with extra batteries), along with a battery or crank-powered radio. Include extra cell phone chargers in your packs as well, in case you end up somewhere with electricity.

Personal Documents & Cash

In an emergency, you may not have the chance to gather your personal items. Keep copies of important documents in your emergency kit. Include items such as:

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Social security cards
• Drivers Licenses or State IDs
• Pictures of your family members

You’ll also want to have cash in each kit because credit/debit cards may not work if electricity is out. It’s important to carry both bills and coins. Add money to your kits weekly to build up your reserve.

Personal Entertainment

Three days is a long time without any kind of entertainment, especially if you are used to using electronics. Pack a few items to help the time pass for both you and any children. Some ideas include:

• Coloring and activity books
• Small puzzles
• Books to read
• Decks of cards

Anything small and easily portable that doesn’t require electricity will do.

If a disaster hits your home, it’s important to be prepared to act quickly. Preparing now can help keep you and your family safe in the future.

If your home sustains damage from a storm or natural disaster, we can help restore it “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313 for 24-hour service.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: How to Prepare for Power Outages

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Be prepared for when the power goes out so you don't have to be afraid of the dark.

Power outages can range from mildly inconvenient to a crisis depending on the severity of the cause and the amount of time an area goes without power. However, when it comes to preparation, you are anything but powerless.

Keep Alternative Sources of Light

Invest in flashlights for every major room in the house, and keep them in accessible areas such as:

• Nightstands
• Kitchen drawers
• Bathroom cabinets
• Entertainment centers

Make sure you have the appropriate back-up batteries for each flashlight. For rooms where you’ll want to be more hands-free, like the bathroom, choose flashlights with a hook.

If you choose to use candles, keep a supply of matches in a cool, dry place. Place candles away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture. Keep all candles and matches out of reach of young children and pets.

Protect Your Electronics

After a power outage is fixed, your home may experience a surge of electricity, which can harm your electrical appliances. If the power goes out, unplug all your valuable electronics—especially TVs, laptops, phones, microwaves, etc.

Check your devices and outlets for scorch marks before turning them on after a power outage.

Store Food and Water

You’ll need at least two quarts of water stored for each person every day. However, it’s better to have a gallon. Remember to rotate your water storage as needed.

Include a couple of buckets in your emergency supply. You can fill your bathtubs full of water from the tap immediately as the power goes out and use buckets to flush toilets, depending on your type of pump, without using your drinking water supply.

Maintain a supply of non-perishable foods that don’t require a lot of cooking. Try to have at least a three-to-five-day supply of food your family will actually want to eat. Make sure you have manual can and bottle openers.

Avoid eating any potentially spoiled food. Your refrigerator, if full, should stay cool for around 24 hours if you keep it closed. A full freezer may last up to 48 hours.

Keep your pets in mind while gathering supplies. Make sure you have food and water for them as well.

Prepare First Aid Kits and Medicine

If you have any medications you need to keep cool, invest in an ice cooler. Make sure you have ice on hand to keep it cold. You can use coolers to keep some of your perishable food cold as well.

Either buy or put together first aid kits. The Red Cross provides a good guide on what to include. Don’t forget any medications specific to your family’s needs.

Charge Your Communication Devices

Your cell phone can be your connection to valuable information during an outage, but it’s useless if it runs out of battery. Invest in a car charger as well as a solar or crank-powered charger. You won’t regret having a few options.

You may also want to invest in a battery-, solar-, or crank-powered radio in case you don’t have cell service during an emergency. Don’t forget to keep extra batteries around.

Follow Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) for up-to-date information on power outages. Their website provides information on how to report power outages as well as more tips for what to do to stay safe. Keep a list of utility numbers to contact during an emergency.

Power outages can be stressful, but proper preparation can help keep you safer and more comfortable. If your home or property is damaged during a storm or outage, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

With our 24/7 emergency service, we’re there when you need us most. Call us at 360-243-8313.

Common Causes of Home Water Damage

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Most causes of water damage are not as obvious as a leaking toilet. Finding the cause of the problem may take some detective work.

It might seem easy to find the source of the water damage if your basement floods, but most causes are not so obvious. Determining the origin of the problem may require a bit of detective work, and simply cleaning up the signs of damage often won’t fix the root cause.

Roof Leaks

Small leaks in your roof can lead to large amounts of damage. Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to water damage. Even though most flat roofs do have a slight incline, natural debris, like leaves and branches, can create areas where water can easily build up. Standing water can create cracks and leaks in your roof, which can result in water damage throughout your home.

Even if your roof has a steep incline, debris and freezing temperatures in the winter can create natural dams on your roof. Moss can also cause similar issues as it absorbs water and holds it in place on your roof. Regularly clear moss and debris off your roof to prevent damage.

Gutter Buildup

Ideally, gutters direct water off your roof and away from your home. However, it’s easy for leaves, branches, and other debris to clog your gutters. Over time, water will build up and start to overflow onto your walls. Small holes can form as well. Instead of guiding water away from your home, water will constantly leak down its walls. This creates an ideal situation for water damage to occur.

Multi-level homes should regularly inspect the gutters on all roof levels. If gutters start to overflow from a higher level, water can impact lower roofs with greater volume and velocity than rain and cause damage.

Frequently clear out your gutters, especially in the fall or after a windy day.

Broken Pipes

Depending on the location and severity of a broken or leaking pipe, this can be one of the most obvious causes of damage or one of the most subtle.

Winter is a common season for burst pipes. Insufficient insulation can cause pipes to freeze, expand and burst. People might leave on vacation and forget to keep the heat on while they’re gone, and the pipes freeze. Rust and age can also damage your pipes.

Unfortunately, it can take a while to notice a leaking pipe, which can give water plenty of time to damage your property. Watch for telltale signs such as lower water pressure, discolored water, or staining on your walls.

Sewage Backup

While you might prefer to avoid sewage in your day-to-day life, tree roots enjoy easy access to sources of water and fertilizer. Tree roots will often grow into and clog drain lines, which causes the sewage to back up and results in water damage in and around your home.

These clogs will often affect multiple drains. If you flush your toilet and hear gurgling coming from the shower drain, you may have a sewer clog. To prevent tree roots from finding their way into your sewage lines, you can install metal or wood barriers running vertically by the lines. Make sure they are buried 6-12” deeper than the pipe.

Toilets and sewer lines can also clog after someone flushes inappropriate items down the toilet. Make sure everyone in your home knows to avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, rags, cotton balls, paper towels, baby wipes, diapers, etc. If it’s not toilet paper, don’t send it down the toilet.

Broken or Malfunctioning Appliances

As water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers age, they can develop rust, leaks, and cracks. Even a small trickle of water can cause damage over time. Keep an eye on your machines as they get older. Watch for any decreases in performance, and inspect the appliances regularly.

These are a few of the more common causes of water damage. The truth is, wherever there is water in your home, there is a potential for damage if something goes wrong. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we know how to fix water damage at the source of the problem. Using our experience and training, we offer long-term solutions to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

We know that water problems can occur at any time, which is why we offer 24-hour emergency service. If you find signs of water damage in your home, don’t hesitate to call us at 360-243-8313.

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Business

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your business clean to help prevent mold growth.

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Additionally, if left unchecked, some types of mold have strong odors and may trigger allergic reactions or irritate existing respiratory conditions in some people.

Mold can grow anywhere with enough moisture and organic material. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

Tip #1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator.

Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

Tip #2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem.

Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

Tip #3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well.

Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

Tip #4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

Tip #5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow.

Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

Tip #6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts.

Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

Tip #7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage.

Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.”

Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put—it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently.

If you find mold in your place of business, don’t hesitate to call us at 360-243-8313.

Choose SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe for Your Cleaning and Restoration

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Why should you choose SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe?

When your business suffers damage from something like a flood, fire, or other disaster, the recovery process may be more extensive than you first realize. In many cases, the damage may exceed what your normal cleaning staff can handle.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we’re prepared to handle almost any disaster with a focus on safety, efficient service, and a dedication to restoring your business’s aesthetic.

Focus on Safety

No matter whether your building has been damaged by fire, water, or mold, at SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, our number one priority is making your building safe for you and your employees again.

Our technicians have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to comprehensively treat your place of business after it’s been damaged. We offer a variety of services, including, but not limited to:

• Fire and Smoke Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Odor Control
• Sewage Cleanup
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Vandalism Removal

Our dedication to safety includes the training and certification of our technicians. Our technicians are prepared to execute the best practices for a variety of restoration and cleaning services.

Efficient Service

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up and recovering from damage to your property is a lost hour of productivity for your business. Lost time is lost money.

When it comes to water and fire damage as well as mold, time is of the essence. Delayed treatment can lead to greater, more stubborn damage. We offer 24/7 service, which means we’re faster to any size disaster. We can even work with your insurance company to further streamline the process.

We offer long-term solutions, not short-term cover-ups. Often, the visible signs of water damage, like water-stained ceilings, wet carpet, mold, etc., are merely symptoms of a larger problem, like a leak in your roof, a burst pipe, etc. We don’t simply slap on a coat of paint or clean your carpet and leave. We help find the root cause of the problem to both treat the current issues and prevent future damage.

We focus on a “restore first” mentality to get you up and running faster with lower costs. We’ll prioritize restoring your building and property instead of replacement whenever possible.

Restoring Aesthetic

We understand the importance of putting your best foot forward for your clients and customers. After a storm, fire, or flood, your building might be less than presentable. Our comprehensive services allow us to restore your building to its pre-damage condition. Our cleaning and restoration services include, but are not limited to:

• Carpet and Tile Repair and Installation
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning
• Drapes and Blinds Cleaning
• Drywall Removal and Installation
• Painting

By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to open your doors to your clients with pride. We work hard to make your building “Like it never even happened.”

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we’re dedicated to making your building safe, providing you with efficient service, and restoring the aesthetic of your place of business. If your business suffers fire, water, mold, or any other type of damage, give us a call at 360-243-8313.

Four Tips for Finding and Preventing Roof Leaks

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

If left untreated, leaky roofs can lead to mold, structural damage, and electrical damage throughout your home.

Your roof is one of the largest exposed surfaces of your home, which also makes it one of the most susceptible to leaks. If left untreated, leaky roofs can lead to mold, structural damage, and electrical damage throughout your home.

It’s easy to forget that your roof, like most of your home, needs regular care to stay in top shape. While nothing can guarantee you’ll never have a leaky roof, the following tips can help you identify and prevent leaks.

Watch Your Shingles

The state of your shingles can tell you a lot about the status of your roof. Familiarize yourself with the shingles on your roof so you can notice when something changes. Buckling, curling, or cracked shingles could either cause or be a sign of a leaky roof.

Clear the Debris

It’s easy for debris to build up on your roof, particularly when you have a lot of trees on your property. Leaves and branches pile up and can cause mold and collect water, which can lead to shingle damage. Make sure to regularly clear debris off your roof.

Check the Flashing and Chimney

Both the flashing and chimney are particularly susceptible to leaks. Flashing covers the most vulnerable areas of your roof, so it’s a great place to start your search when looking for leaks.

Because a chimney penetrates the roof, it’s important to pay attention to its condition. Watch for cracks in the chimney crown as well as any damage in the step flashing.

Clean Your Rain Gutters

Leaves, branches, and other natural debris tend to clog up rain gutters over time. As the debris builds up, it creates dams in the gutter. Eventually, water will start to run out of the gutters and onto your home’s roof and walls. The dams can even cause the water to build up on the roof.

Over time, the water can start to leak through and cause mold to grow on the roof. Make sure to clear out your rain gutters regularly to prevent these dams from happening.

Even small leaks can distribute water throughout your home, causing both apparent and hidden damage. However, leaks don’t just cause water damage. Unfortunately, they can also lead to mold growth.

At, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the training and experience to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Our technicians can help locate and fix the leak as well as handle the mold remediation process.

If you think you have a leaky roof, or if you’ve seen signs of mold in your home, give us a call at 360-243-8313.

Smoke Alarm FAQs

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Properly installed and regularly tested smoke alarms can save your family in the event of an emergency.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) claims that three out of every five fire deaths occur in a home without working smoke alarms. Properly installed and regularly tested smoke alarms can save your family in the event of an emergency. Have you ever wondered how often you need to replace and test your alarms? Use this guide to help keep your home and family safe.

Where Should I Place Smoke Alarms?

Because homes are filled with more manmade materials than in years past, fires can move more quickly through homes. It’s important to install enough alarms to give your family as much time as possible to get to safety in the event of a fire.

At a minimum, you should install smoke alarms on every level of your home (including attics, basements, and garages), in every sleeping area, and outside every sleeping area. Other important locations include the top and bottom of stairways and utility rooms.

How Often Should I Test Smoke Alarms?

Test all your smoke alarms monthly. Alarms are loud, and the noise will be less likely to scare children if they know when it’s going to happen. Make it a family event so your children will understand the importance of testing smoke alarms.

Make sure to dust or vacuum the alarm when you test it to keep it in top-working condition.

When you’re ready to test the alarm, strategically place a family member at the furthest point in the house away from the alarm you are testing. You want to make sure people can hear the alarm from anywhere.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the alarm, but most detectors have a button you can use for testing. Simply press and hold the alarm until you hear it go off. If you don’t hear an alarm, or if it sounds muted and weak, it’s time to replace the batteries.

How Often Should I Replace Batteries in Smoke Alarms?

You should replace batteries every six months even if the alarm passes the test. However, some circumstances warrant more frequent replacements.

• If your alarm frequently goes off because of smoke while cooking, the batteries will drain faster.
• If the detector gives out frequent false alarms or short beeps without being touched, the batteries likely need to be replaced.

After replacing the batteries, don’t forget to test the alarm to make sure it’s working.

Remember—under no circumstances should you take out and use the batteries for other devices in the home, like remote controls. Even if you’re sure you’ll remember to replace the batteries later, you run the risk of forgetting and putting your home in danger.

When Should I Replace Smoke Alarms?

The NFPA recommends replacing smoke alarms 10 years after the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm even if the alarm is still working. However, if an alarm does not respond to a test after installing fresh batteries, replace it sooner.

Per the American Red Cross, if all homes had working smoke alarms, around 890 lives could be saved every year. Smoke alarms can also help limit the damage done to homes by fires. If your home experiences a fire, please reach out to SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

We have the knowledge and experience necessary to determine the extent of fire and smoke damage and repair your home so it is “Like it never even happened.” It’s important to start mitigating the damage as soon as possible after a fire, so we offer 24/7 emergency service. Give us a call anytime at 360-243-8313.

Identifying Different Types of Smoke & Soot Damage

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can cause both visible and hidden damage beyond the original fire damage.

Fire damage is not limited to damage done by the actual flames. Smoke and soot can cause both visible and hidden damage far beyond the area of the original fire.

Different types of smoke damage require different cleaning approaches. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the experience and equipment necessary to identify and remove each soot residue type.

Dry Smoke

Dry smoke residue is usually powdery and dry. High-heat, fast-burning fires fueled by wood and paper typically produce dry smoke. The fine powder is often simpler to clean since it is easy to wipe off. However, it can fall into cracks and porous surfaces, and while the soot may be hidden from view, the smell will remain.

Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage typically comes from low-heat, slow-burning fires. This thick, black smoke leaves behind an often thick and sticky residue with a strong odor. Wet smoke residue smears easily, which often makes cleanup more difficult. Both burning plastic and rubber produce wet smoke.

Protein Residue

Protein residue is left behind after the evaporation of organic material, like food. The residue is almost invisible. However, it discolors varnishes, paints, and finishes. It also gives off a strong, offensive odor.

Because, unlike wet and dry smoke damage, this residue is virtually invisible, an untrained eye might underestimate the efforts needed for restoration. Homeowners might get frustrated with the pungent smell since they can’t see the source.

Smoke damage can be difficult and extensive. Smoke and soot can permeate any porous surface like fabric, brick, wood, and drywall. HVAC systems can also carry smoke throughout your house.

Depending on the type of smoke damage and the surface that is affected, various cleaning techniques can be used to restore surfaces to their preloss condition. These techniques include:

• Dry Sponging
• Wet Cleaning
• High Efficiency Particulate Air-filtration (HEPA) Vacuuming
• Thermal Fogging

Fortunately, at SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe our technicians are prepared to find and treat smoke damage with our comprehensive inspections and services. We can make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Call us 24/7 at 360-243-8313.

Keep Your Family Safe with a Fire Preparedness Plan

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Does your family have a Fire Preparedness Plan? Be sure to set aside some time to create a plan with your family.

Would your family be prepared if a fire broke out in your home? If not, now is the best time to plan. Family fire preparedness plans save lives every year. Set aside time to gather as a household and create a plan unique to your home.

Identify Exits

Identify two different ways to safely exit each room if a fire broke out, such as doors and windows. Teach each member of your household how to safely exit through windows, especially on non-ground level floors.

If you have members of the family who are unable to move themselves—such as babies, elderly relatives, or any individuals with disabilities—make sure to go over who can help them escape as well.

Choose a Meeting Place

Pick a spot outside of your home that’s a safe distance away to serve as your family’s emergency meeting place. Familiar locations like a mailbox, lamppost, nearby park, or a neighbor’s house are great. Walk out with your family to establish it as your official meeting place.

Make sure every family member knows that once they exit the house, they should go straight to the meeting place and not go back inside for any reason.

Teach family members to call the fire department only after they’ve safely arrived at the meeting place.

Draw it Out

Draw the layout of your home on a piece of paper. Mark the different exits and exit paths from every room. Don’t forget to include the family meeting place. Keep your plan somewhere accessible. When you have overnight guests, let them know about your safety plan.

Practice Safety

Once everyone knows the different paths they can take to exit the home and where to go, it’s important to know how to navigate through a burning house as safely as possible.

Teach family members the following safety tips:

1. Choose the escape route with the least amount of heat and smoke, but be prepared for less than ideal circumstances.
2. Before opening a door, lightly touch the doorknob. If it’s hot, the fire is close, and it’s likely better to choose another exit if possible.
3. If it’s necessary to travel through a room or hallway with a lot of smoke, stay low and crawl as necessary! Smoke rises.

In addition to these tips, make sure your house number is easily seen from the road. Firefighters need to be able to quickly find your home.

Plan Realistic Drills

Schedule practice drills at least two times a year. This is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms, which should be switched twice annually and tested monthly.

If you have young children, warn them about nighttime drills. The point of the drill is to prepare them, not to scare them. If the fire alarm fails to wake up members of your family, assign someone to wake them up in a real emergency.

Practice the safety tips from above as part of the drill.

Nothing is more important than your family’s safety. Things, and even homes, can be fixed or replaced, but your family is irreplaceable. Your family fire preparedness plan can save lives.

If fire or smoke damages your home, give SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313. With our restoration knowledge and training, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Preparing for Wildfires

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Learn how to protect and prepare your home, family and business for wildfires.

Though this spring has been pretty wet, fires can still pose a risk. Wildfires in particular can cause vast amounts of damage. Wildfires are more common in drier areas, like Eastern Washington, but it is still important to be prepared in case wildfires do occur in our area, especially as we reach the hotter summer months.

Prepare Yourself

It's important to be prepared for any disaster that might occur. Read through these tips from FEMA to learn how to prepare your family, home and business for wildfires.

• Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
• Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Ask your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional about starting a Disaster Recovery Plan for your business.

If Wildfires Do Threaten

If wildfires do occur near you, follow these tips from FEMA:

• Wear protective clothing.
• Take your Emergency Supply Kit.
• Lock your home or business.
• Tell someone when you leave and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards.
• Close windows, vents, doors, blinds or noncombustible window coverings.
• Shut off all utilities, if possible.
• Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home.
• Seal attic and ground vents with precut noncombustible coverings.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Set up a portable gasoline-powered pump.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above ground fuel tanks.
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home or business.
• Gather fire tools.

Wildfires can strike almost anywhere and can cause more than just the damage that you see. If fire or smoke damages your property, it can throw your life into chaos. SERVPRO® of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe is dedicated to restoring your damaged property back to its preloss condition and helping your life get back to normal.

If fire or smoke damages your home or business, give us a call at 360-243-8313. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by FEMA and SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

5 Reasons to Fix Water Damage Now

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, putting off the problem can lead to costly, dangerous consequences. Learn why you should fix water damage now.

If the visible signs of water damage don’t interfere with your everyday life, it might be tempting to put off fixing the problem until a more convenient time. If the damage starts to bother you, you might simply fix the symptoms and feel like you’ve solved the problem.

However, without fixing both the water damage and the source of the issue, you may be putting off bigger problems that may lead to more costly damage in the future.

Reason #1: Water Spreads

Unfortunately, the signs of water damage don’t always tell the whole story. You might see a small water stain on your bathroom wall; you might not see water leaking down from the roof, through the attic, and into your bathroom.

Water flows into any open space available, fills that space, and continues to spread wherever it can. If you ignore the problem or even just treat the symptoms, water will continue to leak and damage your home until the original source of the problem is treated.

Reason #2: Mold Growth

Once there is moisture, it doesn’t take long for mold to grow. If leaks are not quickly fixed, or if water damage is simply painted over, mold may start to grow on any wet surface with enough organic material to feed it.

Leaks can lead to mold almost anywhere both inside and outside your home. Once you notice mold, or any sign of water damage, call us immediately so we can treat the damage and start the mold remediation process.

Reason #3: Water Contamination Worsens Over Time

Clean water damage can be frustrating enough on its own. Unfortunately, contamination levels rise over time. A small leak from a clean water pipe can escalate into a large, bacteria-filled problem if it’s not taken care of quickly. Not only will water pick up contamination from sources like dirt or dust, standing water breeds bacteria.

The sooner you start the water damage treatment process, the better. It’s a lot easier to clean and restore property and items exposed to clean water than contaminated water.

Reason #4: Rotten Wood

A wet floor or water spot on your ceiling might first seem like a simple eye sore or minor nuisance, but if left untreated, it can result in serious wood damage.

The combination of moisture and organic material, like dust or dirt, found on wood creates a perfect situation for fungi to grow and create wood rot in your home.

Prolonged exposure to water can cause wood to weaken over time. Water-damaged wood may even be more susceptible to dry rot once it dries out.

Damp wood can also attract termites along with other pests. If they go unnoticed, the damage from these pests can lead to costly repairs down the road.

If wood is continuously kept wet by a leak, it may begin to rot, which can cause significant problems in your home’s structural integrity.

Reason #5: Electrical and Structural Damage

A small leak might initially feel harmless, but over time, it can threaten the structure and electrical systems of your home.

Drywall may initially absorb a little moisture, but over time, it will begin to lose its cohesion and deteriorate. It may even crumble, or if it is used for ceilings, collapse if it is exposed to too much water.

Water, over an extended period of time, can even cause damage to your home’s foundation. A simple clogged gutter can cause water to run down the exterior walls and pool around your foundation. This creates pressure against your foundation, which can lead to cracks in the future.

As the water flows away from the foundation, it can cause soil erosion. Your house’s foundation can, in turn, start to settle. Over time, this can lead to cracked walls, uneven floors, and more.
When it comes to water damage, putting it off or painting over the problem can lead to costly, dangerous consequences.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we won’t simply cover over the symptoms, we’ll help locate the source of the problem to prevent long-term consequences as well as short-term aesthetic problems.

Using our training, experience, and equipment, we can make your home “Like it never even happened.” If you notice any signs of water damage in your home, call us at 360-243-8313.

What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your House

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

If a tree falls on your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call any time, day or night—we offer 24/7 services.

Many things can cause a tree to fall on your home—windstorms, tree decay, soil erosion, rain, and more. Unfortunately, fallen trees can cause a lot of damage and lead to dangerous situations. It’s important to act quickly in order to be safe and prevent as much damage as possible.

Preventative Care

Powerful storms can blow down even well-rooted trees; however, there are steps you can take to help prevent trees and branches from falling on your house during a storm.

• Watch for and remove dead branches/trees
• Keep an eye out for tree diseases and decay
• Prune stray or weak branches properly
• Strengthen forked trunks with cables or braces
• Look out for leaning trees
• Examine trees for cracks
• Check out the roots for signs of fungi or decay

Evacuate the House

Until a professional can fully assess the situation, it’s important to leave the home. The tree could have fallen on a powerline, damaged wiring with the house, or caused structural damage to your home. Even if you don’t suspect the damage was too significant, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Do not attempt to remove fallen branches or trees from your property—especially during a storm. You could easily slip and fall off your roof, get blown off by a strong gust of wind, or even get hit by lightning.

Check Your Property for Electrocution Risks

When you leave the house, take a look at your property. Examine the fallen tree from a safe distance. Did it take a powerline down with it? Are there trees that have fallen against powerline poles? Have any powerlines fallen on your property? If the answer to any of these questions is yes—call 911.

Do not approach any fallen trees, poles, or wires.

Call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe

Once you’re safely out of the house, and (if necessary) have called 911, give us a call.

Safety and weather permitting, we’ll get the tree removed, assess the damage, and tarp up the roof to prevent further damage. If the storm is still going on, we’ll patch up the problem as much as we can and more fully assess the damage as soon as it is safe for our technicians to do so.

We offer a variety of services including water extraction and drying, small construction, window board up, and more. We work with homeowners to determine precisely what you want done. If you’d like, we’ll even call your insurance company on your behalf.

If a tree falls on your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call any time day or night—we offer 24/7 services. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe we can make your home “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 360-243-8313.

Recovering Your Business After Storm Damage

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Storms and natural disasters can cause sizable damage to your business. We have the training, experience, and equipment to tackle your storm damage.

Traditional cleaning and janitorial services typically cover day-to-day cleaning. However, they often lack the resources to handle more substantial damage that a storm or disaster might cause. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the training, experience, and equipment necessary to tackle anything from deep cleaning your flooring to significant reconstruction projects.

Property Damage

Storms and other natural disasters can cause considerable damage to your business. Windstorms, for example, can result in anything from a littered parking lot to missing shingles to a tree falling through your building’s roof.

We understand that every hour you spend working on recovery is an hour of lost productivity. Let us help you get your business back to full speed in no time.

We offer a wide variety of services to handle storm damage. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Board Up
• Electrical
• Roof Tarping and Repair
• Flooring Repair
• Painting
• Temporary Fencing
• General Contracting
• Tree Removal

Water and Mold

No matter whether a flood hits your building or rain leaks in through a broken window, water doesn’t take long to damage your property. Your janitorial staff likely won’t have the equipment and training necessary to help your business recover after a large storm hits.

We aim to get your building back at full productivity as quickly and safely as we can. We offer comprehensive services to make your business “Like it never even happened.” Our services include, but are not limited to the following:

• Water Removal and Drying
• Mold Remediation
• Odor Removal
• Carpet Treatment and Installation
• Commercial Cleaning

Our highly trained technicians can help locate and fix the source of the problem, remove the water, and treat the affected area. 

The longer water spreads through your building, the more damage it causes—especially as it becomes more contaminated over time. Prolonged periods of moisture in your business can also lead to mold problems. That’s why we’re committed to being faster to any sized disaster.

With our 24/7 service, we’re able to contain and treat water damage quickly, which allows us to save and restore as much of your building and property as possible.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we commit to a “restore first” mentality that prioritizes restoration above replacement to save you money and get you back into your building faster.

Fire and Smoke

While fire damage might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of storms, they do bring an increased fire risk. Flooding, downed electrical lines, and lightning all can lead to fires.

After a fire, significant restoration may be necessary to make your building safe to enter and work in again. Fortunately, we have the training, experience, and equipment necessary to restore your building to pre-fire condition.

Fire and smoke damage can have lasting, dangerous effects if not properly resolved. Smoke and soot can seep into fabric, carpeting, and more. Additionally, your HVAC system can spread smoke and soot into areas not otherwise affected by the fire.

Our technicians are trained in the following services and more:

• Fire and Smoke Restoration
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning
• Odor Control
• HVAC Services

From windstorms, to floods, to fire, natural disasters can cause significant damage to your business. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we understand that time spent recovering from such a disaster leads to lost productivity and lost revenue. We’re dedicated to providing you with fast, quality service. We even work with your insurance companies, so you can focus on running your business. 

If your business has sustained damage from a storm or other disaster, give us a call at 360-243-8313, and we’ll get your business on the road to recovery today.

9 Common Hiding Places for Mold

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Check your attic frequently to catch small leaks and mold before they become large problems.

Given food, moisture, and a dark space, mold can thrive in a variety of spaces. Unfortunately, that includes spaces that are hidden from your day-to-day view. Here are nine of mold’s favorite household-hiding spots.

Washing Machines

Damp dark places, like detergent chambers, are perfect for mold. Gaskets around doors of front-loading washing machines provide an equally appealing location.

To prevent mold growth, leave both the washing machine door and the detergent chamber open to allow airflow in between loads of laundry.

Behind Wallpaper

Unless you regularly change up the décor of a room, you probably don’t look behind your wallpaper too often. However, especially if it was not sealed properly, it can hide mold for quite some time. If you notice peeling edges, or if your wallpaper is getting old and in a moisture-heavy room, you may want to check for mold.

When applying wallpaper, make sure to remove all air bubbles and to use a high-quality adhesive paste. You may want to skip wallpaper altogether in rooms with a lot of moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

Chimneys

Chimneys provide lots of crevices where moisture and organic debris can gather, which creates a happy home for mold.

Brick and mortar are already porous, but rusted or insufficient chimney caps are often the biggest culprits when it comes to chimney mold growth. Annual inspections along with well-functioning chimney caps should help to prevent mold.

Refrigerator Drip Pans

When it comes to refrigerator drip pans, out of sight is often out of mind. However, moisture, food spills, and the dark space underneath your refrigerator makes the drip pans a perfect place for mold to grow unnoticed.

Make sure to clean your drip pans at least once annually. Increase the cleanings if you notice mold more frequently.

Kitchenware

Obviously stacks of dirty dishes left in the sink for a long time can cause mold issues, but clean kitchenware can cause issues as well.

After you wash dishes, either the sink or the dishwasher, make sure they are completely dry before placing them in cupboards. Remember—dark, damp environments are perfect for mold growth.

If you are guilty of putting away dishes and silverware before they’re 100% dry, examine your dishes for mildew and check the shelves in your cabinets as well for mold.

If old leftovers leave mold in your plastic storage containers, a quick wash may not be enough to get rid of the mold. Make sure to rinse your containers well before throwing them into the dishwasher. After the load is done, make sure they are clear of mold before putting them away.

Roof and Attic

Unless you make frequent trips to the attic, you probably won’t notice mold growth up there. Attics typically have a lot of dust and not as much airflow. Small leaks in the roof or from pipes can lead to mold problems quickly.

Periodically examine your attic for mold and leaks. Frequent checkups can prevent small problems from escalating.

Underneath Carpet

Carpets collect much of the dirt and grime in your home, which provides perfect food for mold spores if the carpet or carpet pad gets wet. Moisture from concrete floors or crawl spaces can seep into the carpet pad, providing the perfect circumstances. If you have pets that frequently have accidents on your carpet, your chances for mold increase.

Unfortunately, if your carpet smells musty or feels wet, there’s a good chance you already have mold. To help prevent mold growth, regularly vacuum your carpets and get them deep cleaned periodically.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system can easily hide mold and distribute mold spores throughout your home. The air used to cool homes contains a lot of moisture. Over time, this moisture often condenses in duct lining materials. Mold spores feed off the moisture and dust particles. If there are leaks in your ductwork, moisture can also accumulate on the outside of the ducts.

If you smell a musty or mildew odor coming through your vents, your ductwork may have mold inside it.

Inside Your Walls

Leaks from outer walls, broken pipes, and roofs can all provide the moisture needed for mold growth. Because you likely don’t open up your walls very often, mold can easily grow unnoticed for quite some time.

Watch for signs of discoloration on your walls and ceilings as well as any musty odors, as both of these signs can indicate mold.

Our highly trained mold remediation specialists can help locate hard-to-find mold and begin the remediation and restoration process. We understand that mold problems can worsen over time, so we provide you with quick, effective service. We’re available 24/7 to better serve you.

If you find mold in your home, or suspect you have mold you can’t see, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

Step 2 of our water damage restoration process is the inspection and assessment that allows us to create a comprehensive plan of action.

Treating water damage is more than simply cleaning up the water, drying out your home, and hoping for the best. You need comprehensive services from assessment to restoration to bring your home back to pre-water damage condition.

We don’t just clean up a mess or paint over a problem, we help to identify the source to prevent damage along the road. We don’t just mop up the water, we sanitize, deodorize, and restore your damaged belongings.

If you have water damage, trust the training, experience, and knowledge of our water damage restoration process.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

When it comes to water damage, delays can be costly. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we offer 24/7 service to ensure you get the help you need any time day or night. Start the restoration process by calling (360) 243-8313.

When you call, you’ll work with a representative to start planning the next step. Be prepared for questions concerning:

• Your name and address as well as contact and insurance information
• The cause (if known) of the water damage and when the damage occurred
• Availability of electricity onsite.

These questions will help us make decisions about what equipment to bring and how many of our highly trained technicians we may need.

Step 2: Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Our first priority will be to help find the source and stop further damage from occurring.

Next we will work to determine the type of water (clean, gray, or black) because different levels of water contamination require different restoration processes.

We’ll establish the extent of the damage so we can make sure to put together a comprehensive plan of action. At this point, we’ll also move and block furniture to prevent further damage.

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Once we’ve determined the level of damage and fixed the source of the problem, we remove the water using powerful equipment such as industrial strength, truck-mounted wet/dry vacuums and submersible pumps. Our equipment allows us to quickly remove the water in efforts to prevent secondary water damage as well as mold growth.

To ensure we remove all hidden water from the property, we use technology such as (though not limited to):

• Infrared cameras
• Hygrometers
• Moisture detectors

We’ll also inspect your carpet pad and carpet to find out whether they need to be removed to protect the subfloor from greater water damage.

If needed, we can move out your belongings to protect them from further damage.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidifying

After we’ve removed excess water, the job is not quite done. We’ll dry the property to prevent porous materials like wood, drywall, and flooring from warping, breaking down, or developing mold.

Our industrial-grade drying and dehumidifying equipment paired with our knowledge and experience ensures the job is done well and quickly.

Our specialists use the following considerations to determine the optimal amount and types of equipment to use for your property:

• Relative humidity
• Temperature
• Room measurements

We’ll monitor the moisture levels throughout the process to make sure the process is done correctly.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Once the room is dry, our specialists will begin the cleaning and sanitation process. We offer comprehensive, professional cleaning services for your home and belongings.

After your home is soaked in water, especially if the water was contaminated, there is a good chance that your property will need to be cleaned and sanitized to eliminate odors.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we take on a restore versus replace mentality. Our goal is to restore your home and belongings to pre-damage condition if at all possible.

Step 6: Restoration

Depending on your preferences and insurance, we can also handle the restoration of your home after water damage. No matter whether your home needs minor repairs, like paint touchups or carpet installation, or significant reconstruction of rooms or areas in your home, we have the training and experience necessary to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

We also take care of your home during the restoration process. If you need temporary protective measures, like a roof tarp, board up, or temporary fencing, we offer various building services.

When it comes to water damage in your home, trust the company that makes it faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe offers comprehensive services, which makes the process simpler for you.

While others might just mop up the mess, our wide-ranging services allow us to help you through the entire process from inspection to restoration. If your home sustains water damage, call us at 360-243-8313.

Clean, Gray, and Black: Understanding Water Classifications

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Do you know the differences between clean, gray and black water?

When it comes to damage, all water is not created equal. From a burst pipe or a flood, it’s important to understand how each type of water must be treated differently.

Classifications of Water

Water is typically classified into three groups—clean, gray, and black.

• Clean Water: Clean water includes rainwater and water from broken pipes. You may also hear clean water referred to as white water. This water is safe to touch. Clean water can become gray water after around 48 hours.
• Gray Water: Gray water refers to slightly contaminated water that needs to be thoroughly treated before it is safe to consume. Sources of gray water include dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. It does not contain bacteria that are as harmful as those found in black water. Gray water usually progresses into black water after about 48 hours if it is not treated.
• Black Water: Black water is highly contaminated and contains harmful chemicals and biological matter. Sewage waters are considered black water. When it comes to floods, it should be assumed that all water is black water since a flood picks up contaminants along its path. Contact with black water can lead to serious illness.

Differences in Cleaning

Each classification of water requires different steps, tools, and knowledge to properly clean and dry. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we can help locate the source of the water, determine what type of water you’re dealing with, fix the cause of the problem, and properly treat the damage.

Clean Water

If your house sustains damage from clean water, cleanup and damage control mostly consists of:

• Turning off circuit breakers to minimize shock risks. (Never touch water that may be connected to an electrical outlet or other electronics.)
• Clearing out as much water from the premises as possible and drying out the affected area.
• Removing items that could be further damaged by exposure to water such as electronics, art, important papers, etc.

Watch for signs of significant water damage, such as sagging ceilings, bubbling paint, and warping floors. If you see such signs, avoid those areas to avoid personal injury, and give us a call—we can help!

Remember, even with clean water, you face a time crunch, as clean water can progress into gray water within 48 hours. Mold can also become an issue if your home isn’t promptly and properly dried.

Gray Water

While gray water doesn’t contain the same level of harmful material as black water, it is still considered contaminated, and it may require certain tools and knowledge to correctly remove the water, dry the property, and, if needed, treat the area.

As a rule, don’t walk through or allow your skin to touch water you suspect is contaminated. Because of both the contamination and the timeliness of the problem (remember—gray water becomes black water in about 48 hours), you’ll likely need help from professionals to restore your home.

Black Water

Black water usually contains, or has encountered, fecal matter, urine, and/or other bodily fluids and wastes, all of which are considered biohazards. Because of these contaminants, black water is rife with bacteria and fungi—even the air around the water can be affected.

Contact with black water, or even extended exposure to the air around it, can lead to infections and serious diseases. Proper treatment, cleaning, and drying of homes damaged by black water requires special knowledge and equipment.

When dealing with such heavily contaminated water, it’s important to exercise caution.

• If you don’t know how long water has been in the area, you must assume it is now black water.
• Remember—all flood water is considered black water. As a flood progresses, it picks up all the contaminants that come across its path—including contaminants from sewers, chemicals, animal waste, etc. Do not touch or enter flood waters without proper protection.
• Your HVAC system can spread contaminated air throughout the house. Do not turn on your HVAC system if your house contains contaminated water. Avoid turning on household fans as well, since they can also spread the contamination.
• If you touch black water, thoroughly wash the exposed area of skin as soon as possible. Be careful to not touch and contaminate any objects before washing yourself.

Simply clearing out water and drying the affected rooms will not be enough to make your home safe again after black water. Call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe—we have the knowledge, skills, and tools to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

We have the experience necessary to determine the source and extent of the damage. We identify and fix the root of the problem as well as the resulting damage. We work hard to restore your home as efficiently as possible.

No matter the time of day or night, we offer you the services you need. Call us 24/7 at 360-243-8313 for professional, timely service.

Understanding Weather and Flood Reports

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

Learn how to understand weather and flood warnings so you can be prepared before storms hit.

How many times have you watched the weather and expected a huge storm and ended up with a slight drizzle? Have you ever wondered when you should be worried about flooding in your area? Weather reports can be confusing if you don’t understand the terms used to describe storms and floods.

Learning the Weather Lingo

Meteorologists use different terms to represent the severity and imminence of a weather event. Once you crack the code, it’s easy to know generally what to expect. These terms are used to describe the status of anything from a wind storm to a blizzard.

• Advisory: Advisories mean a weather condition is expected, but it’s often used for less severe kinds of weather. Advisories often indicate a weather condition that will happen within the next 24 hours or so. Meteorologists might refer to a wind advisory for relatively low-magnitude winds. Extreme winds, because of their potential for danger, would be indicated with a warning, not an advisory.
• Outlook: Outlooks mean that a hazardous weather condition is possible in a few days. This is often your first notice that the potential for bad weather is on the horizon. You may hear a meteorologist refer to a weekend storm outlook.
• Watch: Watches mean that a hazardous weather condition is possible or likely. This term is often used for weather conditions that could happen over the next few days across a large area. You might hear terms like “winter storm watch” while watching the news.
• Warning: Warnings mean a hazardous weather condition is expected to happen or is already happening. This term is used for imminent weather conditions. Warnings are used for weather events that will likely be significant enough to cause damage to property or physical harm. Meteorologists might issue a heavy snow warning to indicate significant and imminent snowfall.

The terms watch and warning also apply to floods. If you hear about a flood watch, conditions are such that a flood could be possible, and you can start planning and paying more attention to weather reports. If you hear about a flood warning, a flood is either imminent or already occurring; you’ll want to watch for details about what areas the flood will likely impact and make the necessary preparations.

If you have questions about terms used for specific weather conditions, the National Weather Service provides a comprehensive glossary online.

Understanding Flood Phases

A large storm or consistent, heavy rain can cause a flood at any point in the year, but the winter months, November through February, bear the greatest flood risk.

Snohomish County breaks down floods into four phases, which each indicate a rising level of risk.

• Phase 1: Phase 1 warnings are brought to the county staff’s attention. Although actual flooding is rare at this level, the county will prepare to open the Emergency Operations Center if necessary.
• Phase 2: In Phase 2 and above, the Emergency Operations Center opens, and warnings will go out to emergency personnel such as the police and fire department. The news and schools will be alerted as well. The area may experience minor flooding with some road closures. Staff will monitor and report river gauge/level information hourly.
• Phase 3: Levees, also known as dikes, are at risk of breaches/overtopping at Phase 3. Investigation crews will monitor levees and other flood control facilities. You can anticipate several road closures because of moderate to severe flooding.
• Phase 4: This is the highest phase used to describe flooding conditions. Phase 4 warnings indicate major flooding and the potential for significant damage to occur.

Understanding weather and flood warnings can help you prepare before a storm or disaster hits. However, even the most prepared home can sustain significant damage during a severe weather event. If your home is damaged during a flood or storm, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

Flood waters can be toxic, and water damage can create unseen damage within your home. We have the experience and training to safely handle any disaster. Call us anytime at 360-243-8313, and we’ll fix your home so it’s “Like it never even happened.”

Improving Indoor Air Quality at Your Business

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

We can help you improve the indoor air quality of your office.

Most people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. Much of that time, for adults, is spent in an office, or warehouse, environment. Indoor air quality can contribute to the health and comfort of your employees, customers, and all who visit your place of business.

Why Does Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Matter?

Many studies suggest that the level of pollutants indoors often surpasses the pollutants outdoors. Poor IAQ can potentially impact the health and wellbeing of your employees.

According to OSHA, the following symptoms have been linked to poor IAQ:

• Nose, lung, throat, and eye irritation
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Concentration difficulty

OSHA also claims that specific air contaminants have been linked with varying ailments. Irritants and damp indoor environments may worsen or lead to various conditions.

After examining the potential symptoms of poor indoor air quality, it’s no surprise that good IAQ has been linked to higher productivity and fewer lost work days according to an EPA Report to Congress from 1989. Happy, healthy workers tend to take fewer days off and accomplish more in the workplace.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

Fixing indoor air quality is not as simple of a fix as changing a pipe or washing a window. Several independent factors, both indoors and out, can contribute to poor IAQ.

Potential factors include, but are not limited to:

• Outdoor pollutants such as smoke, smog, etc.
• Poor ventilation and/or insulation
• Inadequate moisture and humidity control
• Untreated smoke damage
• Spilt chemicals and leaking gases
• Dust, dirt, and animal dander
• Fungi, pollen, and other biological matter
• Tobacco 

What Can SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe Do?

As mentioned before, many factors can impact IAQ. Fortunately, we offer comprehensive services that tackle many of these factors. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we offer inspections with recommendations for the best course of action to leave your office with cleaner air.

HVAC Systems

Without regular attention, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can spread contaminants around your office. We offer regular inspections and cleanings so your office enjoys cleaner air and longer-lasting HVAC systems.

Mold Remediation

Mold, especially if left untreated long term, may pose health risks to your employees according to the EPA. Mold spores can travel through the air, impacting the IAQ and spreading the mold throughout the building. We have the training, equipment, and experience necessary to contain the mold, restore your property, and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Damage

Walls, carpets, and even furniture can carry smoke and soot long after the fire is put out, which can impact your IAQ. If your property experiences a fire, we can handle the damage both big and small. We can also make sure your building, and its contents, are properly cleaned.

Water Damage

No matter whether the water damage was caused by a leaky roof, a broken pipe, or a flooded basement, moisture and humidity may lead to poor IAQ, along with other significant problems. We can help to identify the source of the problem and fix any damage that may have occurred.

We also offer commercial cleaning services that go above and beyond typical janitorial or maid services. Regular cleaning can help combat potential air pollutants like dust, dirt, pollen, etc.

Cleaner air can lead to a healthier and more productive workforce. It also can improve your clients’ and visitors’ experiences with your company. If your company could benefit from any of our services, please call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313.

Breathe Easy This Spring: Why You Should Clean Your HVAC System

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Get your HVAC system cleaned this spring and breathe easy.

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to open up those windows and let in some fresh air. As you embark on cleaning your home this spring, don’t forget about your HVAC system.

According to the EPA, pollutant levels inside can be two to five times higher than outdoors. The ventilation system is often the largest contributor to poor indoor air quality. Many systems go a long time before being inspected and cleaned. Your dirty vents might be circulating odors, mold and irritating dust throughout your home.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that contaminants or foreign objects such as rodents, insects, dust, dirt, debris, bacteria, mold and pollen can enter and collect in your air ducts. These may harm the indoor air quality of your home or cause other damages to your HVAC system.

Cleaning your HVAC system is no easy task, and we can help. SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe offers heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning. Especially after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning is essential to improve the air quality in your home.

Why Pick SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe?

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and sweep clean years of dust and grime.

This system allows us to:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates

Our Duct Cleaning Process works like this:

• First, we use patented equipment, such as the roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean is key in ensuring good air quality in your home. Protect your family from polluted air this spring and set up an inspection today.

If you have other cleaning needs, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe provides a variety of cleaning services. Click here to learn more about our cleaning services, or give us a call at 360-243-8313.

The Chore Schedule: Preventing Mold with Regular Cleaning

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Do you know how often you should clean everything in our house? Follow this chore schedule to reduce the risk of mold growth in your home.

Mold spores need moisture and food to flourish—but it can survive, dormant, without moisture, for a long time. In the meantime, dirt and grime can build up large reservoirs of food to feed the mold. Regular cleaning removes dust, dirt, grease, grime, and other potential feeding sources for mold.

Of course, you don’t need to deep clean your house every day. Use this basic guide to determine how often you should perform household chores.

Daily

Some molds can start growing on moist surfaces in as little as 48 hours. It’s important to clean wet surfaces often so mold spores won’t have any food. Performing these daily chores helps prevent small messes from becoming larger, stubborn problems.

• Wash all dishes
• Wipe down sinks, counter tops, and stoves
• Clear any clutter
• Collect dirty clothes left on bedroom or bathroom floors
• Hang up bath towels after use
• Wipe up any spills
• Hang up and/or wash wet clothing
• Sweep the kitchen floor
• Take out any full or nearly full trash cans

Twice a Week

The difference between whether a chore should be done weekly or twice a week is often determined by the size of your living space and the number of occupants. Most of these chores can be done weekly if you live alone. If any surface starts to be visibly dirty adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.

• Vacuum high-traffic areas
• Do the laundry
• Sweep any hard-floor entryways

Weekly

Over the course of a week, even with regular daily chores, dirt, dust, and grime build up throughout your home. Luckily, if done every week, these simple chores can help cut down on potential food sources for mold.

• Vacuum low-traffic areas and rugs
• Scrub toilets (spot-clean as necessary)
• Clean the shower/tub
• Dust surfaces throughout the house
• Throw out expired food in refrigerator/freezer
• Clean sinks and mirrors
• Sweep and mop bathrooms and all hard-floor surfaces
• Wipe down the oven door
• Wash bed sheets and towels

Monthly

As mentioned previously, different households will require different cleaning schedules. Homes with kids, pets, or several occupants will likely need some chores done more regularly than homes with just one or two people.

• Wash the windows
• Wipe the baseboards and doors
• Wash mattress covers
• Wipe down the inside of your refrigerator
• Clean your dishwasher

Seasonally

Even if you stay on top of your daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning, dirt and grime will still build up in some spaces. Help avoid mold growth by tackling some of these less common chores.

• Scrub the oven (do so every 3-6 months)
• Remove all food from your refrigerator and freezer (keep the food in coolers), and thoroughly scrub the inside of the appliances
• Vacuum and flip your mattress
• Wash your blankets/duvets and pillows
• Replace or clean filters
• Wash rugs per the instructions on their tags
• Vacuum window screens
• Move and clean under furniture

Changing seasons often means changing clothes. If you store clothes seasonally, make sure all items of clothing are laundered, dry, and neatly put away. Damp, dirty clothing is an ideal growing place for mold.

Annually

Even with regular care your home will likely suffer some signs of wear and tear that can’t be solved with a daily quick sweep or wipe down. These annual chores will help your home and belongings last longer and can help take out some of mold’s most stubborn food sources.

• Shampoo your carpets/Get them professionally cleaned
• Clean furniture/upholstery
• Soak your shower heads
• Clear and dust your bookshelves and books

Regular cleaning and home maintenance can help deny mold the food it needs. However, mold is tenacious in its efforts to find somewhere to grow. If you find mold in your home, or suspect it is growing in areas you can’t see, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

We will assess your home and start our mold remediation process. You can trust our training and experience to make your house “Like it never even happened.” Call us anytime, we offer 24/7 emergency service at 360-243-8313.

What to Do When Walking Through Your Home After a Disaster

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Be cautious when walking through your home after a disaster. It may not be safe to enter.

Walking through your home after a large-scale disaster such as a flood, fire, or storm can be a difficult experience. Unfortunately, if your home was significantly damaged, it can also be dangerous.

General Safety Tips

• Floods can uproot a lot of wildlife. When sorting through debris, make sure to use a stick to move things around. Snakes and other animals might be stuck beneath piles of debris.
• Do not attempt to touch or remove wild animals that may have taken residence in your home during a storm or flood. Do not try to remove any dead animal carcasses, as they can carry diseases. When possible, contact animal control for removal.
• Don’t allow small children to accompany you as you first walk through your home.
• If negative conditions are widespread, use a battery-operated radio to listen for emergency updates and instructions.
• Do not touch any exposed or fallen wiring.
• Never use fire as a source of light until you are certain there are no gas leaks.

For information on how to prepare for and recover from specific disasters, visit the Red Cross Emergency Resource Library.

Before Entering Your Home

If you had to evacuate your home, or if you were simply gone when disaster struck, it’s important to determine if it is safe to enter the building. First, you’ll want to carefully walk around your home while it is still bright outside and look for signs of danger. Do not enter your home if:

• You find fallen or loose powerlines
• Authorities have not declared it safe after a fire (even if you think the fire is out)
• You see or smell any evidence of gas leaks
• There are indications of structural damage in your foundation, stairs, roof, chimney, etc.
• Trees have fallen and damaged structurally important areas of your home

If you find any of these signs of danger, wait for the appropriate authorities to inspect your home first.

Inspecting Your Home

Once you decide it is safe to enter your home to examine the damage, make sure to dress appropriately. Wear heavy, waterproof boots as well as gloves, especially after a flood. Walk through the home carefully. If anything you see, hear, or smell violates the previous signs of danger list, leave immediately.

As you walk through your home, exercise the following cautions to ensure safety:

• If you can reach the fuse box safely, turn off the electricity at the main fuse if you find wet or damaged appliances. Do not attempt to use any electricity until you know it is safe.
• Watch for loose or frayed wiring as well as sparks or other signs of electrical danger.
• Do not walk through any flood water, even if it blocks you from inspecting part of your house. Flood water often contains toxins that can harm you. Additionally, water conducts electricity. If you touch any flood waters that cover outlets, you could get electrocuted.
• Watch for any broken boards, holes in the floor, chemical spills, exposed nails, wet or falling plaster/sheetrock, or compromised foundations.
• If there was a flood, throw away food, water, cosmetics, or medicine that may have been exposed to the flood water. Do not drink water from the tap until a professional has verified its safety. If your home went without electricity for more than 24 hours, do not eat any of your perishable food.

As you walk through your home, you may want to take pictures for your insurance company if it is safe to do so.

If your home was damaged in a storm, fire, flood, or another natural disaster, you may find several safety roadblocks along your road to recovery. Fortunately, we have the necessary knowledge and training to take care of it for you. At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we know how to safely assess the damage, work with insurance companies, and repair your home so it’s “Like it never even happened.”

We offer 24/7 emergency service, so give us a call at 360-243-8313, and we can start making your house feel like a home again.

Nine Tips to Reduce Mold Growth in Your Bathroom

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

Want to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom? Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of mold growing in your bathroom.

Mold loves dark, damp areas, which makes bathrooms an ideal environment for it to grow. Regular showers and baths keep the room moist, and various crevices provide perfect spaces for mold to flourish. However, you can help prevent mold growth in your bathroom with these nine tips.

1. Regularly Wash Your Rugs and Shower Curtain. These items retain water longer than other surfaces in the bathroom, so they are perfect targets for mold. Most rugs and fabric curtains can go in the washing machine, but read their tags for specific instructions. To clean plastic liners, simply soak them in your tub in either a mix of water and all-purpose cleaner or water and bleach for a half an hour. Replace these items as necessary.
2. Turn on the Ventilation Fan. Whenever you bathe or shower, make sure to turn on the bathroom ventilation fan. Keep it on until your bathroom is dry. The bathroom will, weather permitting, dry even faster if you open windows and doors.
3. Air Out the Curtain and Towels. After showering, make sure to extend your shower curtain. If it’s scrunched up, it will take longer to dry, and mold may start to grow in the folds. Hang up your towels and pick up any clothes off the floor so they will dry faster as well.
4. Check for Leaks. Regularly examine all bathroom fixtures. Don’t forget the pipes under the sink. Water from small leaks can provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
5. Wipe Down Bathroom Surfaces. If you have a glass shower, make sure to squeegee the excess water off the glass panes before you hop out of the shower. Wipe any moisture accumulation off the bathroom walls and flooring as well.
6. Manage Household Humidity Levels. If your house is already humid, it will be more difficult for your bathroom to dry out after a shower. If your house feels humid you can use the AC or a dehumidifier to help.
7. Keep the Clutter Out of the Shower/Tub. Avoid storing toys, shampoo bottles, loofahs, and washcloths in the shower. These items often help retain moisture in the bathroom and all give mold an ideal location to grow and hide. Try storing bottles, washcloths, toys, etc. in wire hanging baskets, in mesh nets, or on hooks that will allow everything to drip dry.
8. Clean the Bathroom Weekly. Mold spores can remain dormant for quite some time while waiting for the right circumstances to grow. It’s important to regularly clean your bathroom even if there are no visible signs of a problem. Scrub your toilets, counters, sinks, tub, and walls. Don’t forget to dust as well. Clear out your drains as needed so water remains in sinks and bathtubs for less time.
9. Seal Grout Lines. If you have tile, it’s important to seal grout lines once a year. This will prevent mold from growing in between your tiles. You can usually use standard grout sealer.

While implementing these tips can help prevent mold growth, mold is persistent and, with the right conditions, can grow almost anywhere. If you find mold on your property, call us so we can start the mold remediation process.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we understand mold growth. We have the training and experience necessary to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 360-243-8313 or request service online.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Spotting Water Damage

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

Do you know how to spot water damage in your home?

Water damage can potentially cause significant damage to your home, but sometimes the early warning signs seem like regular wear and tear. While you might think to look for water damage after a large storm or flood, leaky roofs, broken pipes, and the like can cause issues at any time. Use this guide to locate water damage in your home.

Examine the Flooring

Depending on the type of flooring you have in each room of your home, you’ll want to look for different warning signs of water damage.

In rooms with tile, laminate, or wood, look for warning signs such as:

• Cracks
• Warped, soft, or squishy areas along the surface
• Bulges in the material (particularly with wood and laminate)

Look for white or dark stains on wood floors as well.

Carpet can mask problems that lie beneath the surface. Watch for more obvious signs like wet spots in your carpeting, but also pay attention to any gradual rises underneath the floor. Damp, moldy smells can also be a sign of water damage.

Check the Walls and Ceilings

Walls can easily hide small leaks, but the water buildup will usually reveal itself in time. Regularly examine your walls and ceilings for the following signs of water damage:

• Soft spots, potentially with a swollen appearance
• Cracks in the drywall
• Staining or any off-color areas
• Wet spots

If you’re not the original owner of the home, you may want to look for areas on the ceilings and walls with a lot of localized paint buildup. Make sure the previous owner did not simply paint over water damage.

Inspect the Bathroom and Kitchen

It’s easy to neglect the cabinets beneath your sinks—especially if you don’t keep anything you regularly use down there. Check the area for the following signs of a problem:

• Standing water
• Condensation
• Leaking pipes
• Water stains

In addition to looking under the sink, you should inspect all fixtures for signs of wear including missing grout, leaks, rust, or mold. Examine your laundry room and water heater for similar potential signs of water damage.

Survey the Attic and Roof

You can often find signs of roof damage in your attic; however, these signs may go unnoticed since attics tend to be a low-traffic area. Examine your attic regularly to look for key indicators of potential problems.

The insulation should be dry and in good condition. Pay attention to points where two roof planes come together and the flashing where the roof meets the walls. Watch for signs of damage such as:

• Mold
• Staining
• Warped/cracked wood or drywall

Your roof is one of the largest surfaces of your home that is exposed to the outside elements. As such, even small problems, if unnoticed or ignored, can lead to potential home damage.

After clearing debris that could hide potential problems, search your roof for signs of damage including:

• Broken or damaged flashing
• Missing shingles
• Curled or cracked shingles

While you are outside, pay attention to the foundation of your home as well. Make note of any standing water along the foundation, as this can also indicate otherwise unseen issues.

If you come across any water damage, don’t panic. Call us for help! At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe we have the experience and training to treat any water damage in your home. We don’t simply dry your home and slap on a fresh coat of paint—we identify the source, discover the extent of the problem, and then take the appropriate action to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us today at 360-243-8313 to fix any water damage in your home.

Green Means Clean

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, green means clean.

As a SERVPRO® Franchise, we have access to SERVPRO Industries, Inc. resources and technology. Part of this includes the large range of cleaning products SERVPRO has developed. Over the years SERVPRO Industries has strived to develop green chemicals that are safe for your home and family as well as the environment. We have been members of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative for a longtime. This allows us access to resources that help in formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products, known as “Green” chemistry. Our most notable green cleaning products are highlighted below.
 
Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251: This product is designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a “one product does all” in that it can be used as a spotter, pre-spray and in-line cleaner for use with a variety of equipment.
 
All Surface Green Clean #250: This is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. The product is designed as a one product cleans all for surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.
 
Window Green Clean #249: This cleaner is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaners. The product is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.
 
All three products listed are pH neutral and contain no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant and biodegradable. Your home is our highest priority, which is why we strive to use green products, like these, when possible.
 
Despite our goal to use green products, many of our products cannot be classified as such. Our goal is to still use the safest products we can. Two areas the EPA/DFE does not address that are common in our restoration tasks are disinfectants and deodorizers.
 
Disinfectants are “kill” agents and are not considered green per the EPA/DFE. The EPA does classify disinfectants by the overall toxicity. The lowest toxicity disinfectants get a rating of category 3. We use a product called Sporicidin® as a low toxicity disinfectant and it carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating of category 3.
 
Deodorizers can be a problem because the fragrances used in these products can cause reactions with certain individuals. The EPA/DFE does not currently have green fragrances listed. We use air scrubbers with activated charcoal to serve as a green method of deodorization. This method scrubs the odor particles from the air and traps them in the activated charcoal filter.
 
If you have any cleaning needs for your home or business, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe. We don't just specialize in fire and water restoration and cleanup; we also specialize in the cleaning and deodorization of carpets, upholstery, draperies, hard floors, walls, ceilings, air ducts, and more. Give us a call at 360-243-8313 and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Winter Heating Hazards

1/23/2017 (Permalink)

50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

Did you know 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February? During the winter, days are short and temperatures are low. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Did you know heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires cause an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually.

Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or a portable space heater. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Statistics and tips provided by the National Fire Prevention Association and SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

Halloween 2016 Events in Snohomish

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

Fun Halloween events in Snohomish County this weekend.

It is the last weekend of October, and Halloween is here! Do you know what you are doing with your family to celebrate? Here is a list of what's going on in the area.

 Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

This is your last weekend to make it out to your favorite corn maze and pumpkin patch. If you don’t know which to check out, here is a list of your many options in and near Snohomish.

Bailey Vegetable Farm

Address: 12711 Springhetti Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296

Attractions Include: pumpkin patch, play barn (with rope swings, hay bales to climb, tractor trikes and more), wagon rides, food, vegetable stand and u-pick vegetables.

Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm Fall Harvest Festival

Address: 10917 Elliott Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296

Attractions Include: pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, fire pits, country store and treats.

Carleton Farms

Address: 630 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Attractions Include: corn maze, Zombie Paintball, Haunted Swamp, zip line, pumpkin cannon, pumpkin patch, play area, kids barn, bucket train, non-haunted night maze, hayrides, animals, market and food.

Craven Farm’s Fall Festival and Corn Maze

Address: 13817 Shorts School Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290

Attractions Include: Alice-in-Pumpkinland Corn Maze, Hayride through Minionville, barnyard animals, pumpkin patch, harvest market, food, s'mores and fire pits.

Stocker Farms

Address: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish WA 98296

Attractions Include: 50th Anniversary inspired Peanuts’ Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, giant jumping pillow, campfires, food vendors and several haunted attractions including the Field of Screams and the clown infested Last Laugh.

The Farm at Swan's Trail

Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290

Attractions Include: Washington State Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, apple picking, flash-light maze, nine-hole putting course, wagon rides, duck races, pig races, kids area (with slides, hay jump, peddle carts, cow train) and a three-story high barn maze.

Thomas Family Farm

Address: 9010 Marsh Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296

Attractions Include: Zombie Paintball, haunted house, pumpkin patch, flashlight corn maze, fire pits, monster truck rides, duck races, putt-putt golf, hay maze, cow train, kid’s paintball blast and food.

Halloween Celebrations

Are you looking for a safe place to trick-or-treat with your family, or just looking for something new to do on Halloween? Check out these fun local community events.

Mukilteo-Boo-Bash

Address: 304 LIncoln Ave, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Boo-Bash is an annual event hosted by the City of Mukilteo. The event will be held on Sunday, October 30th from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Rosehill Community Center. Be sure to wear your costumes and enjoy Trick-or-Treating, games, crafts, a haunted house and other fun activities.

Downtown Snohomish Trick-or-Treat

Address: 1101 First Avenue, Snohomish, WA 98290

Historic Downtown Snohomish will be hosting this Trick-or-Treating event on Halloween from 3:00-5:00 PM. Participating downtown shops will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Family Safe Halloween Festival

Address: Downtown Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

The Lake Stevens Halloween Festival will be held on Monday, October 31st from 5:00-7:00 PM. There will be safe trick-or-treating with participating downtown businesses, fun games and crafts for kids with a Dia de los Muertos theme!

Have a great Halloween weekend, and stay safe! If you have any cleanup needs after the festivities, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call at 360-243-8313. We’ll make it “like it never even happened.”

Ethics Continuing Education Class for Insurance Professionals

10/3/2016 (Permalink)

Join us for a Continuing Education Class in Ethics.

Do you need to earn additional CE Credits for your professional license?

SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe will be hosting a Continuing Education class on Ethics for Insurance Professionals. Lunch will be provided.

Class Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Registration: 9:30 AM 

Location: Everett Transit Station in the Mt. Baker Room. 3201 Smith Ave. Everett, WA 98201.

What You Will Learn:

The premise for this ethics course is that although we may have solid ethical foundations and usually make rational ethical decisions, ethical lapses are likely to come when we are stressed, angry, upset, worried, or otherwise disengaged.

Each and every day we are faced with decisions that could cause harm to others or ourselves. Facing ethical decisions can be very difficult, especially when we make decisions that may seem correct at first, but we later find out were not so great. As we explore what “Ethics” is, you will be challenged to become involved in hourly group activities. The group activities will help reinforce what has been learned, as well as the ability to better deal with ethical decision-making in our own lives.

To reserve your spot please contact Stephanie at 360-243-8313 or send an email to shouse@SERVPROeverettwa.com.

National Night Out 2016

7/22/2016 (Permalink)

Come join us for National Night Out in Monroe. August 2, 2016 in Lake Tye Park.

National Night Out is tonight! 16,000 communities across the country will be gathering together to increase awareness for crime in their communities.

 About National Night Out

National Night Out, or NNO, is a community-building event that has been around for over 30 years. NNO’s goal is to bring communities and their police together to raise awareness for crime and drug prevention, foster support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirits and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. In short, the goal is to create safer, better places to live.

Monroe Event

We will be hosting a booth at the National Night Out event in Monroe. Come visit with us and enjoy a fun night with your family. Monroe’s event details are as follows:

Monroe National Night Out

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

5:30pm – 8:30pm

Lake Tye Park

Monroe, Washington

The Monroe Police Department and the Monroe Rotary Club will be sponsoring this event. There will be refreshments and family activities, including:

• Police K9 Demonstrations
• Fire Rescue Demonstrations
• Bouncy Houses
• SWAT Demonstrations
• Community Resources
• Child Identification

Stop by our booth and be sure to take some fun pictures with our photo booth and props.

Other Events Near You

There will be community and neighborhood gatherings in most cities in our area. Below are some links to help you find events near you.

For National Night Out events in Everett, click here.

For National Night Out events in Snohomish, click here.

For National Night Out events in Mukilteo, click here.

For National Night Out events in Lake Stevens, click here. 

We hope to see you there!

SERVPRO hosting Continuing Education Class and Luncheon for Real Estate and Insurance Professionals

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

Needing to earn addition CE Credits for your professional license?

SERVPRO® of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe will be hosting a Continuing Education class and luncheon for Real Estate and Insurance Professionals on Tuesday June 21, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Downtown - Everett located at 3105 Pine St. in Everett.

 
*Real Estate Agents should plan to attend the first class at 9am on Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry. This will award 3 CE Credit Hours towards real estate licensing.  

*Insurance Agents should plan to attend the second class at 1pm on Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry.  This will award 2 CE Credit Hours towards insurance licensing.

 We will be having a Business Networking Luncheon between the two classes from 12-1 and be providing an opportunity for new connections and friendships to form.  

**Bring your licensing number, plenty of business cards and a smile!  We will be having some giveaways and some great discussion!** 

To reserve your seat, please contact Stephanie at 360-243-8313 or send an email to shouse@SERVPROeverettwa.com .

Mother Nature Making Messes - SERVPRO® of North Everett/Lake Stevens/Monroe Making It Better!

3/11/2016 (Permalink)

Mother Nature Making Messes - SERVPRO® of North Everett Making It Better!

We recently had some rainy days & high winds here in the Northwest.  This home is situated quite near the beach on Camano Island; their view is spectacular.  Rough seas made the waters come up, run through and swirl debris around the house. Check out the logs and driftwood strewn about. The floors are full of mud and muck, and you can see the water damage line on the walls and doors. 6" high!

SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe was there to help clear out the water and start the drying process. Now we are getting ready to clean the house of the mud & debris the water brought in.

If you have any water damage issues, give us a call. We'd be happy to help you get back to the comfort of your home, without all the water. We are here 24/7, 365 days a year. Give us a call at 360-243-8313!

We Can Handle Your Commercial Loss

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

Local high school stadium suffering from fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO's here to help.

We are currently handling a large loss fire job at a local high school. The fire began in the first aid room under the stadium and smoke and soot was carried throughout the building through the HVAC system. The smoke and soot affected every room in the stadium. We’ve brought in the big guns: a lift to reach the ceiling and a dry ice blaster to clean the small crevices in the cement to properly remove all the smoke particles. We have had crews working around the clock on getting it all cleaned up and ready for the upcoming sports seasons!

If your home or business has fire or smoke damage, give us a call! We can handle jobs of all sizes. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened”.

Help out Edward Jones, Seattle Seahawks, and the U.S. Marines collect toys for Toys for Tots!

11/18/2015 (Permalink)

Edward Jones and Seattle Seahawks are helping the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve collect new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots toy drive! The toys can be dropped off on November 29th at Century Link Field, or at any time at any of the Edward Jones locations in Washington! 

Snohomish Locations

602 2nd St Suite C

Snohomish, WA 98290

1101 Avenue D Ste D-104

Snohomish, WA 98290

Lake Stevens Locations

9623 32nd St SE Bldg B Ste 101

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

1905 Main St

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

9327 4th Street NE Suite 9

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Monroe Locations

101 East Main Street Suite 103

Monroe, WA 98272

Everett Locations

Silver Firs Plaza 5714 134th Place SE Suite A12

Everett, WA 98208

2905 Hewitt Ave

Everett, WA 98201

8115 Broadway Ste 201

Everett, WA 98203

2927 Colby Avenue Suite 200

Everett, WA 98201

2511 Colby Avenue

Everett, WA 98201

10101 19th Avenue S E Suite A-1

Everett, WA 98208