Everett Water Damage Restoration Companies, Cleanup and Repair

12/8/2024 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers from water damage contact SERVPRO 24/7. Our certified technicians are ready to help.

SERVPRO Provides Water Restoration, Repair, and Cleaning Services in Everett

The Snohomish people have occupied the area around Everett for thousands of years. Europeans began arriving around 1860, and the city was established around 1890. Everett became the county seat in 1897 and has grown to be a major area of employment and a bedroom community for Seattle. Colliding air currents produce heavier rains than the rest of the region, leading to damage from wind and rain, which is a common occurrence. 

SERVPRO® provides water restoration services to Everett and the surrounding region any time of day or night, 24/7. We can have a team of technicians onsite at your home or business within four hours of your call for assistance. 

Many of our customers are unaware of how important it is to remove water and moisture immediately. Porous materials soak up moisture, causing expansion and loss of structural integrity. Many products, such as drywall, sheetrock, pressed wood furniture, and hardwood floors, absorb moisture, which leads to significant deformation. Hardwood floors can buckle and warp if water and moisture are not quickly removed. Mold colonies can form within 24 hours of high moisture conditions being present. 

Our SERVPRO team assesses the situation and immediately deploys equipment to meet the situation's needs. We utilize the following based on the situation: 

• High-capacity pumps to remove standing water 
• High-capacity air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the space impacted by water 
• Specialized floor mats to remove water and moisture from hardwood floors 
• Weighted water extraction to remove water from carpeting 
• Crevices are no match for our specialized crevice water extraction tools 
• We monitor walls and floors with moisture meters to identify moisture hotspots 
• All surfaces are cleaned and sanitized, and odors are removed 
• Damaged structure and contents are restored as needed 

We also coordinate claims with our customers and their insurance companies. 

Call us for assistance with water restoration removal, damage repairs, and cleanup at SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe and nearby areas. Call us today!

Assured Water Damage Restoration in Everett

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

If your Everett home has water damage, call SERVPRO. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Have Confidence in your Water Damage Recovery Service

Booking a repair service can be an anxious experience. Property emergencies are rare, which means most homeowners do not have a pre-existing relationship with the service. Our team has extensive experience in home restoration but also prides ourselves on our trust, reliability, and professionalism.

Mitigating losses during water damage restoration in Everett means drying the property as quickly as possible. The faster a technician can dry the property, the less likely it is for water to be absorbed into surfaces or furnishings. It can also help technicians work faster on addressing the existing damage caused by the water intrusion and can help remove unpleasant odors. 

 The drying process

• Drying occurs when water molecules evaporate into the surrounding air. 
• Dry air absorbs water faster, while humid air can become saturated, resulting in slower evaporation.
• Replacing wet air with dry air quickly is essential for drying.

 One method of speeding up drying is to ventilate spaces, which replaces humid air with dry outdoor air. The core equipment SERVPRO® technicians use to achieve this is an air mover. Air movers are functionally similar to a fan heater. They work by blowing air that is heated by an element into the room using axial blades. Air movers operate the same way but with much more power. 

The differences between air movers and fan heaters

• Air movers typically use large outlets to provide more even, broad-path airflow.
• Can operate horizontally, vertically and sideways to face ceilings, walls, stairways and cabinets
• Much more powerful - with small portable units capable of moving 885 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
• Portable air movers also have low profiles that allow them to blast warm, dry air across wet floors, walls or surfaces. 
• Air movers that lack heating elements can be used.

 Drying a property quickly is essential to mitigating losses in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe for water damage restoration at (360) 243-8313.

Approaches Everett Professionals Use Against Severe Water Damage

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO Unravels Everett Water Restoration Challenges

Water damage can be classified as severe if the level of deterioration is high or if the affected section presents challenges that can interfere with standard restoration procedures. Characteristic conditions that result in such outcomes include extended moisture exposure when water is left stagnating in a building over an extended period. Another alternative is when the affected part of the structure is an assembly of different materials. A professional can help you easily overcome such challenges in your Everett home.

The most critical aspect of addressing Everett water damage is understanding the spread patterns and whether any barriers can interfere with water evacuation. Moisture barriers lengthen the time it takes to complete extraction or create hidden moisture pockets. Both outcomes are not ideal since wastage of resources and development of secondary damages are likely. With the evaluation done by SERVPRO, it is easy to find sound solutions for both issues.

When the wetness affects standard materials, controlling damage requires creating ideal drying conditions on the material's surface. That allows moisture to escape from the materials to the surrounding air, halting further deterioration or reversing the moisture's negative effects on the substance. For instance, swollen wood regains its usual form once the absorbed water is reduced.

Ideal drying conditions include:

• Sufficient airflow
• Warm temperature
• Humidity control

The Challenge of Structural Assemblies

Many sections of a home are made from combinations of different materials known as assemblies. In most cases, these materials have varying physical properties like varying levels of porousness and permeability. Porousness describes the material structure regarding the void spaces present, while permeability is the ease at which moisture passes through a material. In terms of physical properties, materials range from thick layers of solid materials with uniform properties to thin layered materials with varying properties. Typical assemblies include ceilings, staircases, and floors.

Restoring assemblies requires sufficient power to remove the water absorbed into materials, thus halting water damage. Our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified technicians are equipped with enough air movers and dehumidifiers to facilitate drying. The air movers ensure sufficient airflow around the wet areas. Dehumidifiers extract the moisture released into the air, thus sustaining constant drying speeds.

Other properties complicating the restoration of assemblies

• Vapor barriers
• Conditioned and unconditioned surfaces
• Moisture entrapment in concealed areas

The efforts to restore an assembly after water intrusion can fail if there is a vapor barrier that interferes with evaporation. Vapor barriers can be layers of gloss paint, wallpapers, or 4-mil plastic sheets installed behind drywall. If the barrier is not addressed, drying might not be successful regardless of the number of drying equipment used. You can address vapor barriers in different ways, including perforation or disassembling the affected areas.

When an area is conditioned and unconditioned, it is necessary to ensure that the drying processes can work for both. Our SERVPRO technicians incorporate additional steps apart from standard drying equipment when drying unconditioned areas. For instance, we can set up drying chambers to ensure airflow or dehumidification is contained within a specific site such as an attic. When drying walls, we drill vent holes at the base of the wall allowing circulation of warm, dry air in the wall's interior.

SERVPRO of North Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe works with diligence to counter any challenges related to water damage. Call us at (360) 243 8313. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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."

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!