SERVPRO's ERP: Your Secret Weapon Against Unexpected Disasters

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

With a proper SERVPRO ERP, you can protect your business in Maury and Giles Counties here in Tennessee from unexpected disasters.

Imagine being caught in an unexpected disaster and not knowing what to do or where to start. The panic, the chaos, the confusion - it can be overwhelming. But what if you had a secret weapon that could guide you through these challenging times? That's where SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties comes into play with our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) program.

What is SERVPRO's ERP?

ERP stands for Emergency Ready Profile. It's an innovative tool from SERVPRO designed to help both commercial and residential property owners prepare for unexpected disasters. The ERP serves as a quick reference guide for your property, containing crucial information that can save you time and money during an emergency.

Why You Need an ERP

When disaster strikes, every minute counts. The faster you can respond and start the restoration process, the less damage your property is likely to sustain. The ERP contains important details such as the location of shut-off valves, critical areas of the building, and key contact information. Having this information at your fingertips allows you to take immediate action, minimizing downtime and disruption.

How to Get Started with an ERP

Setting up an ERP with SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties is straightforward and free. Our expert team will guide you through the process, which includes:

1. Assessment: We'll conduct a no-cost assessment of your property to understand its unique aspects.
2. Profile Creation: We'll create a comprehensive profile document containing critical information needed in an emergency.
3. Planning: We'll help you establish a plan of action for various disaster scenarios to minimize business interruption.
4. Training: We'll ensure you and your team know how to access and use the ERP.
5. Access: Your ERP can be accessed online or through the SERVPRO Ready Plan mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices.

Peace of Mind with SERVPRO's ERP

With an ERP from SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties, you're not just prepared for a disaster; you're in control. You'll have peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, you have the tools and support to handle it effectively and efficiently.

Be Ready for Whatever Happens with SERVPRO's ERP

Don't let unexpected disasters catch you off guard. Equip your home or business with SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile and gain the upper hand against property damage. Contact SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties today at (931) 388-4248 to schedule your no-cost ERP consultation. Remember, when it comes to disaster, it's not just about being prepared; it's about being READY. Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Maury & Giles County is Your Premier Local Restoration Team

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Maury & Giles Team Hard at Work

Here at SERVPRO of Maury & Giles Counties we pride ourselves on getting and keeping quality, qualified team members that can be trusted with large loss jobs on the smallest scale to large-territory catastrophic loss in Waco, TN, Elkton, TN and more. Maintaining an average of 150 personnel over three divisions, and multiple states – here are the strategic ways that we maintain the talent that you need, when you need it so that we can always be….Here to Help.

Restoration Team Onboarding

One of the things that makes SERVPRO of Maury & Giles Counties an industry leader in commercial large loss restoration, starts with our extensive onboarding program. Every new employee goes through onboarding which includes the history of SERVPRO (did you know we have been around since 1967?) Our family-grounded roots, on-the-job training (OJT) with other divisions, from when you first call about property damage, until we walk the final job with you and make sure that you are happy, and all of the logistics that go on in between.

Quality Property Damage Repair Training

All our restoration professionals attend, complete, and pass IICRC training – the science behind drying. We also have in-house training bays, where new technicians can learn the proper way to test and remove drywall, learn how our equipment operates, and practice restoration skills before they are moved into live property damage events. 

Continued Restoration Certifications

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery is a career path for our industry professionals, as our certified experts continue with training throughout their SERVPRO careers. Here is a sampling of some of the many certifications that we offer to our staff to ensure that you have the highest level of adept professionals, restoring your business quickly and safely so that you can get back to doing, what you do best.

WRT – Water Damage Restoration Technicians

AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians

ASD – Applied Structural Drying

CDS – Commercial Drying Specialist

FSRT – Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician

ICRA – Infectious Control Risk Assessment

Our experts are trained in advanced restoration technology and techniques.

Property Restoration Team Coaching

We tend to attract lifetime learners because that is what we are! With every day and every job being completely different (from the pigeon that caught a building on fire with a lit cigarette – True Story! to the bride on her wedding day, who hung her wedding gown on a sprinkler head on the 17^th floor of her hotel – TRUE STORY!), we must stay on our toes!

Our technicians are coached daily in safety meetings (before entering your property) along with weekly, scheduled coaching sessions. We want our guys and gals to have the confidence and expertise to handle any mold, water, or fire damage situation, no matter how unique, so they are empowered to do whatever it takes to keep your business doors open, if possible, in the event of a disaster.

Commercial Restoration Management Expertise

Our management team is one of the best in the industry, don’t take our word for it either! Our employee reviews and quarterly SWOTs give us this information on an ongoing basis. Don’t be surprised if you see a Director, President, or CEO walking your affected area with one of our skilled Project Managers. Our management team’s willingness to get in the trenches with our crews is one of the many things that make us exceptional and set us apart.

Family Work Environment

While we may be a large-scale $40M Disaster Recovery Team uniquely qualified to handle any size loss, our strong beliefs and value systems are built on our grass-roots family environment. And we care for our customers with that same “family” heart.

Growth Opportunities for Restoration Professionals

Because we hold the lifetime learner in such high regard, there are growth opportunities available to every SERVPRO employee! Our current President and Vice President started with a SERVPRO in their teenage years as water technicians. We understand our industry unlike any other, we created the blueprint, and we have been recreating it ever since.

Here to Help for All of Your Property Damage Needs

Our team members have been built, like a machine with a heart to respond fast, to care, to do the right thing, and do it with excellence.

We are proud when our team is called to respond to one of your bad days. Because personally, we know you are in the best hands in the industry, and it is about to get better.

If you or someone you know wants to start an amazing career OR if you simply want to know more about protecting your facility from a disaster, contact me via email.

Heather Featherstone – Director of Sales and Marketing

7-year SERVPRO Lifetime Learner

Heather.Featherstone@here2help.com

What are the Types of Fire? Understanding Smoke & Soot

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Home

How does fire damage your home in Pulaski or Columbia? Depending on what kind of materials burn, the short-term and long-term effects of fire can change significantly. After a fire with incomplete combustion, soot is often left over. To get your home back to normal after a fire, you need to remove the soot from surfaces, especially from non-heat resistant surfaces, such as walls and windows, but also from other areas that have been contaminated by smoke or soot.

Knowing what kinds of soot are left over from a fire will help you clean more effectively. This is because protein residues, natural substance residues, and synthetic residues behave and are cleaned differently from each other. Understanding which type is present before a fire restoration, will help shed light on the cleaning process to follow.

The Science Behind Smoke & Soot

Smoke and soot particles occur when there is incomplete combustion in a fire. Combustion is a process where fuel, oxygen, and heat combine to rapidly oxidize substances. That oxidization process leaves soot particles. When you burn propane from a gas tank, there is usually enough oxygen around the fire to produce a perfectly clean burn with almost no soot residue. However, if you reduce the amount of oxygen available, more and more soot is left over due to this incomplete combustion. Besides soot particles, volatile organic compounds in the form of gasses are often left over, many of which have been shown to be carcinogenic.

Natural Substance Soot & Smoke

Natural Substance Residues are usually left over when paper or wood is burned. This kind of residue tends to be grey to black and has a dry, powder-like texture.  This type of residue, when pure, tends to be quick to clean with vacuums and a combination of wet and dry cleaning techniques. These are usually the easiest kinds of soot residues to clean when compared to the other 2 main types of soot particles after a fire. 

Synthetic Soot & Smoke

This kind of soot residue, sometimes described as oily soot or oily smoke, produces a thick, heavy black substance that tends to smear when touched. In some cases, it can even appear almost like a black spider web. When left undisturbed on a surface, it can sometimes be vacuumed away, but if touched, it will tend to smudge and become more difficult to clean. Plastics, and synthetic materials are the usual culprits for this kind of soot residue.

Protein Soot & Smoke

Protein residue occurs when meat, fish, beans, or other protein-containing substances are overcooked or burned. This kind of soot appears yellow to brown, and feels greasy and sticky. Water-based cleaning solutions work well with this kind of soot as long as the surface it is on can be wet cleaned.

How Do You Clean After a Fire?

Smoke and soot can cause secondary damage to materials when left there for long, and improper cleaning methods can cause more damage to affected materials. This is why when any fire has affected your home or property, it is usually best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Maury / Giles to make sure your property is restored back "Like it never even happened."

Call us today at (931) 388-4248 for all of your fire restoration and fire cleaning needs.

Get Your Home Mold Problem Under Control

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Lynnville, TN.

Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

Many think of mold as an outdoor problem, but in truth, there’s no such thing as a mold-free home. There’s only a home free of the conditions required to allow mold spores in the air to flourish and grow. That’s why you can take precautions to keep your Lynnville, TN, home from turning into a breeding ground for black mold.

Prevention First

You don’t want to have a mold problem and then figure out how to fix it. It’s better to never have a mold problem at all through dedicated mold prevention. Water damage is one of the major culprits in mold growth; if you have mold, odds are you have a leak or have recently suffered flood damage. Here are a few ways to check for water damage that can lead to mold.

• Watch for dark spots on walls and ceilings. Dark spots are usually water damage caused by leaking roofs and windows, sometimes by damaged or leaking pipes. Don’t forget to check for out-of-the-way places, such as under sinks.
• Listen for dripping pipes and inspect periodically. As mentioned, damaged and leaking pipes can create an environment ripe for mold growth.
• Eliminate standing water. You might not think much of getting out of the shower and leaving a dripping mess, but that water can seep under your bathroom floor tiles and start mold breeding underneath the linoleum. Look for other sources of standing water, such as splashed dishwater or leaks beneath appliances.
• Control humidity. Your bathroom fan is a great way to get rid of mold-causing steam and condensation; your stove should also have a fan for the same reason. If your environment is extremely humid, invest in a dehumidifier.

Remediation Next

When mold prevention isn’t enough, you need remediation next. Mold remediation involves professionals assessing the extent of your mold problem and taking steps to eliminate as much as possible from your environment. Mold remediation specialists can also offer advice on further prevention after a cleanup.

Understanding the Basics of Mold

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

When you understand what causes black mold to grow, it is easier to prevent it.

If you notice a dark, fuzzy substance growing in the corner of your living room, you likely have a black mold problem. Mold is a fungus that grows anywhere there is organic matter and water to feed it. When you own a home in Lynnville, TN, it is important to understand the basics of mold and how to get rid of it if you find it in your house.

The Mold Growth Trifecta

Anywhere there is a moisture problem, there is the possibility of mold growth. Mold needs three things to really thrive:

• A little extra moisture
• An organic surface to attach to and feed on
• A warm environment, roughly between 78 and 85 degrees

Mold is present everywhere. Patches of mold can form without a warm climate, but it won't multiply as rapidly. The closer the environment comes to matching mold's ideal home, the harder it is to keep black mold under control.

Your Mold Prevention Plan

While mitigation experts can perform mold cleanup, the best plan is prevention. The first strategy is robbing mold of one or more of its preferred environmental factors. Keeping your home cooler decreases humidity. The less humid your home is, the less likely it is to develop a mold problem. Even if you see a mold problem forming, a suddenly cooler, drier atmosphere can slow its growth. Another way to slow down the growth of mold is to keep the surfaces of your home clean. Mold attaches easily to dust, grease and other types of grime. Knowing prevention measures can be helpful if it takes a couple of days for the technicians to arrive to fix the problem or if their process gets delayed in the middle of remediation.

When you understand what causes black mold to grow, it is easier to prevent it. By controlling moisture, dirt, and temperature, you are less likely to see mold growing in your home.

How To Eliminate Mold Odor

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Columbia, TN home.

How to Get Rid of Mold Odors

While many people think of mold as having a musty odor, the truth is mold can release a wide variety of unpleasant odors, depending on the type mycotoxin it releases. If you notice a strange smell you can’t seem to get rid of, you may be dealing with mold.

What Causes the Smell?

Mold releases small molecules called mycotoxin that cause bad smells. Different species of mold have different odors. Some of the most common mold odors smell like:

• Cat urine
  
• Car exhaust
  
• Grease
  
• Earthy
  
• Musty
  
• Old cheese
  
  

If you smell mold in your home, it means you have a mold problem, even if you can’t see it. You’ll need to eliminate the mold in your house in order to get rid of the smell.

Get Rid of the Source

Perform a visual inspection of the room or area where the smell is strongest. Check in the back of closets, behind furniture, and under carpets. If you can’t locate any mold, you may need to call in mold remediation specialists in Columbia, TN, to help. They will know how to locate moist areas in your home and check inside walls to locate the mold.

Killing mold is not enough to get rid of odors. It must be removed completely, either by scrubbing it off building materials with a biocide or by removing affected materials and replacing them.

Prevent Reoccurrence

If you notice the odor returns, chances are good the mold has also returned. It’s critical to discover the cause of excess moisture in your home and eliminate it to prevent mold regrowth. Check for leaks and broken water pipes to discover where the moisture is coming from. Your mold remediation specialist in Columbia, TN, can help you do this.

You can also install a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA air filtration device, to help speed the process of musty odor elimination. These air filters are designed to remove very small molecules from the air, including mycotoxin. Just remember that an air filter can’t solve your mold problem. You still have to eliminate the mold to eliminate the odor.

Mold Prevention in Homes Begins With Preventing Water Incursions

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage

Mold Prevention In Homes

Black mold in your home almost always indicates an abnormal condition. It’s caused by excess moisture, and the only effective method of mold prevention is to stop water from entering your building envelope. Homeowners should get an annual inspection that will locate hidden water incursions before they can cause mold to grow.

Identifying the Cause of Dampness
Your building envelope is designed to control airflow and seal out water. Indoor construction material can’t handle excess moisture, and a hidden leak can cause significant unseen damage.
Indoor water leaks are usually caused by three problems:

• Roof leaks
  
• Water supply leaks
  
• Sewer leaks
  
  

In some cases, outdoor drainage may also be an issue, especially if landscaping is poorly planned. Water that seeps in can cause erosion under your foundation and, if it gets inside, cause mold growth.

Controlling Humidity for Mold Prevention
If an area of your home stays above 50% humidity for significant periods of time, you may get mold growth. Mold also needs a source of nutrients, such as cellulose, which is found in wood, fiberboard and gypsum. Wood studs and drywall that are continuously exposed to high humidity are likely to grow mold.

Knowing the Symptoms
Black mold has a distinctive musty odor. Simple mildew, such as you might find on bathroom tiles, generally has little odor. If an area of your home frequently smells moldy, it’s probably time for an inspection from a local mold remediation expert.

Fixing the Cause
The restoration experts also need to locate the cause of the mold growth. They’ll fix the leak and repair the water damage as part of the mold cleanup process. They can also inspect to find other hidden problems while they’re there.
Roofs are a frequent cause of black mold. Eventually, all roofs leak, and that needs to be addressed immediately upon discovery. You should also clean your gutters every year since water backs up and could eventually find a way inside.
Mold prevention always starts with controlling humidity, keeping a tight building envelope, and watching for signs of a leak. If you prevent water incursions, you’ve effectively stopped the problem at its roots.

Advantages of SERVPRO's Electronic Claims and Commitment To Quality

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s electronic customer files are troves of essential data.

Advantages of SERVPRO's Electronic Claims and Commitment To Quality

If your office suffers structural damage from a storm, fire, or another disaster, filing an insurance claim should be less stressful than executing repairs. Choose SERVPRO for a team of masterful rebuilding experts that can return your place of business in Lynnville, TN, back to normal. Besides their overall commitment to quality, these rebuilding geniuses possess a simple filing infrastructure that makes working with them as pleasurable as possible.

Quality Compliance
As one of the most trusted names in repair, SERVPRO is devoted to providing a professional experience from start to finish. You can expect:

• Safe and effective rebuilding and cleaning techniques
• Background checks on staff
• Properly registered and maintained vehicles
• Excellent insurance
  

Besides providing dependable service, their sophisticated electronic filing system makes processing any insurance claim a snap.

Electronic Claims
SERVPRO’s Electronic Claims Information System offers multiple advantages. Most critically, a breakdown of assignments is always available for viewing. New assignments, pending jobs, and completed tasks are easily identifiable, providing an instant-read on how repairs are progressing.
Cleaning and construction recommendations are broken down into digestible chunks. Estimates are provided for each item. This is extremely useful when figuring your total cost. Having this figure early on may assist with speeding up your insurance claim. Customer files can also be mailed in printed form. Alternatively, they can be emailed as an Excel spreadsheet.
SERVPRO’s electronic customer files are troves of essential data. Included is the initiating report, photographic evidence of damage and every piece of related paperwork. Having every scrap of information in one location is a strong advantage when dealing with an insurance agent. The quicker you can provide whatever data is requested, the faster your claim may be pushed through.
With everything involved in getting your office up and running after a calamity, filing an insurance claim should be easy. Let SERVPRO’s information gathering abilities make the ordeal as smooth as possible.

3 Tips for Dealing With Mold in Ducts

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold testing in Columbia, TN

Here Are Some Tips For Handling It

Mold is everywhere, including the very air you breathe, and impossible to completely wipe out. It may be found in all homes, though it is not always present to the extent where people can see it. It thrives in dark, moist areas and begins growing in wet spots within two days. One area black mold and other mold species can grow where their spread is less noticeable is air ducts. If you have found it in ducts in your home in Columbia, TN, here are some tips for handling it.

1. Have a Mold Test Performed
Sometimes dust and grime can look a lot like black mold. To determine if there is actually mold in your home, you should consult a certified industrial hygienist. At home DIY tests are questionable and not the best option due to many reasons:

• They give useless results
• They are often not certified
• They often do not use control samples
• They are rated as "not recommended" by
• Consumer Reports
• They are actually spoken against by legitimate organizations of the mold industry

2. Hire a Professional Service
Once actual mold has been identified in your ducts, you should hire a professional cleanup and restoration service to clean ducts. Though mold cannot be removed completely, professionals know how to produce the best results.

3. Take Certain Steps
You need to turn off the HVAC unit attached to the ducts as soon as you suspect the presence of mold. Having it running might cause the fungus to spread to other parts of your home. You should also figure out the material your ducts are composed of. The type of material affects how effective remediation can be as well as how high your bill will come out to be. Materials like insulated fiberglass actually cannot be thoroughly cleaned and may require replacement instead.
Black mold and other mold in your home is a pain to deal with. Acquiring professional help considerably eases the process.

Common Questions About Black Mold

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold

Read On To Have Your Most Common Questions Answered

If your home in Spring Hill, TN is experiencing unwanted fungal growth, black mold is most likely the culprit. If you're unsure which type of mold you're dealing with, then it's a good idea to have a professional mold inspection conducted, even if it only serves to confirm your suspicions. In the meantime, read on to have your most common questions answered.

1. What Does Black Mold Look Like?
Much like the name implies, this fungus appears black or dark green in color. When you find it, it looks like a dark stain spreading across the surface of the affected area. In some cases, it may even have a fuzzy or a slimy texture.

2. Where Does it Typically Grow?
This specific variety of mold needs water in order to thrive. As such, you can typically find it growing in areas of your home that come into contact with a lot of water, such as your kitchen, bathroom, basement, laundry room and garage. It's not uncommon to discover it growing in areas that have recently suffered from water damage as well.

3. How Do You Get Mold?
House mold is a result of excessive moisture. This can come in the form of especially high indoor humidity levels, excessive amounts of condensation or simply neglecting to clean spills and puddles for too long. Mold growth is also a form of secondary damage after a flood. If your home has recently suffered any type of water damage, then you should have a professional mold inspection conducted.

4. How Can You Get Rid of Mold?
The good news is that you should be able to solve the majority of mold problems by yourself, provided they haven't gone unnoticed for too long. You can use commercial mold cleaners to do the job, or create your own non-toxic cleaner using equal parts white vinegar and water.
Always make sure to call for a professional mold inspection if you're unsure of the situation. Likewise, you should contact mold remediation experts if you find that your home's mold issue is too large for you to handle by yourself.

Uncovering the Truth About Mold

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Bread mold is common

Facts On Mold

As soon as you see that patch of grey fuzz, you know your sandwich is ruined. Bread mold is easy to recognize, but aside from what it looks like, what do you know about it? Here are the facts on mold and how to get rid of it.

It Is a Fungus
Even though it might resemble moss, mold is a fungus, not a plant. Unlike plants, mold comes from spores that are in the air, and it gets energy from sources other than sunlight to grow. Fungus growth happens in places that have:

• Water
• Nutrients
• Oxygen
• Warm Temperatures
  
  

The foods we eat contain the water and nourishment fungi need. Fruits, grains and vegetables all feed mold spores and help them grow quickly.

How It Spreads and Where It Lurks
Mold is not only spread through the air but by contact, too. Spores land on food that is picked up and placed elsewhere, helping mold get into every nook and cranny. Bread mold is common because cabinets are warm and provide the perfect atmosphere for spores to settle and grow. The same can be said for your refrigerator if not kept cold enough. Exposed foods that have been left in the appliance for too long can cause fridge mold.

How to Clean It Out
Sometimes getting rid of mold is as simple as sealing ruined food in a plastic bag and putting it into a lidded trashcan. Other times, you might need to take everything out of your refrigerator and wipe it down with a baking soda and distilled vinegar mixture. Still, there are mold infestations that get out of control and spread to other parts of your home. These require the help of mold remediation specialists.
Whether you have bread mold, fridge mold or out-of-control mold, understanding how it spreads and knowing who to call in Lynnville, TN, will help you scrub out the problem.

Commercial Insurance Coverage for Mold Damage

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial mold remediation in Columbia, TN

Most commercial insurance policies provide limited coverage for mold damage. While the standard ISO form includes a broad fungus exclusion, your mold claim may be covered if it falls under one of the three exceptions to the fungus exclusion.

Fungus Exclusion Exceptions

The fungus exclusion in the standard commercial form eliminates coverage for loss or damage caused by the presence, growth, proliferation, or spread of the fungus, wet or dry rot, or bacteria. However, limited coverage is provided if one of the three exclusions applies:

• The mold damage resulted because of fire or lightning damage to the property
  
• A covered cause of loss results from the presence of mold
  
• The mold occurs because of a covered cause of loss other than fire or lightning
  
  

When Limited Fungus Coverage Applies
If mold damage results from a covered cause of loss other than fire or lightning, such as water from a burst pipe, your commercial insurance policy may provide limited fungus coverage. This coverage applies only if you took reasonable actions to prevent mold from occurring, such as employing professional water remediation services to remove standing water from your property.

What Limited Fungus Coverage Covers
If your mold insurance company determines that limited fungus coverage applies to your loss, this coverage should pay for the cost of removing the mold and repairing or replacing property damaged by the mold. This coverage also applies to the cost to remove any property, such as drywall, necessitated by the need to access areas with mold growth. Most policies also cover the cost of a professional mold test in Columbia, TN, performed to ensure no mold remains after cleanup and repair.
Not all commercial insurance policies are written on the standard ISO form, so it is advisable to consult with your insurance professional to determine which mold coverages apply to your policy. It may be possible to have your policy modified to provide additional coverages.

Eliminate the Mold From Your Washing Machine

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Baking soda and vinegar clean safely and effectively

Because soap is frequently added to your washing machine, you may think it's the cleanest appliance in your home in Mount Pleasant, TN. Unfortunately, the warm and humid environment provides the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Front-loading Machines Invite Mold

A front-loading washer is highly efficient. Because its drum rotates from an axis that is horizontal, it requires much less water to operate than a top-loading machine. Problems can occur, however, when improper detergents are used in the machine. Because less water is used, the machine can't properly rinse away all of the soap found in traditional softeners and detergents. The drum gets coated with a filmy layer of soap. When you factor in the heat and dampness inside the washer, it compounds the problem. A front-loading washing machine also comes equipped with a rubber gasket in the door to prevent leaking, which is an invitation for soap scum to build up.
If you own a front-loading machine, always purchase high efficiency detergent (marked with the "he" symbol), and stop using fabric softeners. Even if you use the correct soaps, mold can still grow to some extent, so it's important to clean the machine routinely.

Proper Ingredients Clean Safely and Effectively
The best cleaning ingredients don't contain harsh chemicals.

Baking soda - A quarter of a cup works well. Mix this with the same amount of water and add to the machine's detergent dispenser.
White vinegar - Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum of the unit.

Run the machine on the normal cycle with high heat, but without dirty laundry. Once the cycle is complete, clean any residue with a rough kitchen sponge that has been soaked in equal parts of vinegar and water. You should follow this routine about once a month if you detect a mold smell. If mold persists, call a mold remediation specialist right away.
Keep your washing machine free of mold and odors by following these simple steps.

How to Care for Waterlogged Items

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaking from ceiling in a home

How to Care for Waterlogged Items

Is there a way for owners in Spring Hill, TN, to assist in salvaging their favorite belonging even after those items have been drenched? Is a towel enough, or do they need to do more? Residents can feel rest assured that aid is possible, especially when working with content cleaning specialists such as SERVPRO; these crews have the knowledge and high tech equipment to only sanitize but save valuables. If you want to protect your assets, consider the following three steps.

1. Find Ways Reduce Moisture
Begin with using dry cleaning methods. If the electricity has been cleared as functioning, run fans, and the air conditioner. Furthermore, dehumidifiers can also help extract humidity from walls and flooring. Next, carefully take out rugs, furniture, and fixtures. Place them in open aired areas, preferably where the sun exposure can help. If they cannot be taken from the space, then place foil squares underneath, preventing staining on the floor. In addition, use care when picking up paintings and other papers. If they begin to fall apart, place them in a plastic container, with the lid off, and set them aside. In fact, you may wish to speak with a company like SERVPRO that specializes in cleaning services. Their high tech equipment may be able rescue some of your more delicate possessions.

2. Rinse Materials
Water in home furnishings and fixtures needs attention. Anything that is still covered with the contaminated water should be washed off with clean fluid. Using a hose or a wet rag, carefully wipe away any debris or grime.

3. Disinfect Items and Structures
Look around the broken pipe or flood entrance. Notice if anything has small discolorations which are indicators of fungus growth. If you suspect any trouble, apply a commercial disinfectant spray, working to reduce the infestation.
Don't allow water in-home possessions to sit as it could make it harder to recover them. Instead, concentrate on extricating water and sanitizing.

4 Things You Can Do To Handle Mold Damage

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Yes, you may have black mold, but you can get rid of it

Four Tips To Keep In Mind

You really thought it wouldn't happen. How could black mold really have bred in your establishment? As a business owner in Mount Pleasant, TN, you have taken great pride in maintaining a safe and secure building. Sometimes, though, despite the best efforts problems form. Fungus is one of those unfortunate and, often, unexpected things. If you're facing this travesty, here are four tips to keep in mind.

1. Disconnect Water Sources
Liquids act as a catalyst for spore development; therefore, during your mold cleanup, you should shut off the water flowing into the area. This essentially cuts off the food supply, reducing reproduction and the possibility for further destruction. This includes turning off the valves to sinks, showers, and toilets. If you can't pinpoint a section, then turn off the mainline. Then, work with a plumber to repair any leaks, breaks, or overflows.
2. Establish a Boundary
Your focus should be containment. Avoid spreading black mold to other rooms of the establishment. Thus, you want to prevent people from entering into space. Put up signs and, if possible, cut off the air supply and entrance to the zone. Microbes travel through the air, so the vent circulation can allow travel. Turning off the unit may make it hot, but it mitigates the reproduction.
3. Dry the Area
Reduce the amount of fluid, wiping up any puddles or dampness. Then, bring in dehumidifiers to run for days, soaking up the excess humidity. In addition, add absorbent products into corners or smaller surfaces, drawing out as much as possible.
4. Remove Heavily Affected Materials
It's tempting to spray on chemical cleaners, hoping that your trouble will go away. However, the moisture problem allowed fungus to dip deep into porous items. Your walls and carpeting could be much worse than you imagine. You'll want to have a water restoration company inspect the zone, determining the extent of contamination. With that information, you can then begin removing polluted belongings.
Yes, you may have black mold, but you can get rid of it. Prevent additional moisture from accumulating, and then gut the impacted matter.

Understanding Your Homeowner's Insurance When You Have Mold

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Protect yourself and your family by purchasing a homeowner's insurance

When you purchase a homeowner's insurance policy, you do so to protect yourself and your family in case of emergencies. You hope to never use it, but you're relieved that it's available when you're in need. Despite your best efforts to keep fungus growth out of your home, you may spot this issue at some point. This can damage materials and pose challenges to you and your loved ones. Plus, cleanup costs can be expensive. Make sure you review your insurance policy so you'll know what the company covers.

How Mold Gets Into Your Home

No one in Mount Pleasant, TN, wants to discover fungus growth in any part of their home. Mold brings an unbearable smell and may even diminish the value of your home. Here's how mold appears in your house:

Mold spores in the air get into your home through doors, windows or on the people or pets coming in.
Mold begins to grow in humid wet areas.
Mold continues to unspread if not identified, contained and cleaned.

When Your Policy Will Cover Mold

There are times when an insurance plan will have mold coverage. If mold grows due to some type of peril, you should be able to file to a claim. This means if something such as fire, lightning, theft, vandalism or frozen pipes causes mold to appear and grow, your insurance company should pay for the damage. The company will also coordinate with a professional mold cleanup organization to remove the mold and restore your house.

When Your Policy Won't Cover Mold

There is no mold insurance if mold grows in your home because you failed to properly maintain it. For example, if you don't have proper ventilation in the bathroom or put off fixing that broken pipe, you'll be on your own to pay for cleanup.
Make sure you have a good handle on what your policy cover. Take preventive measures to stop fungus growth.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We can sanitize commercial and residential properties.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need 

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

Specialized Training 

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

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

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

Specialized Products 

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. 

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning 

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties, (931) 388-4248

How Our Specialized Equipment Can Restore Your Home In Columbia

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you ever need moisture extracted from your home, call SERVPRO of Maury / Giles Counties at (931) 388-4248 any day of the week.

Water Cleanup Experts In Columbia Talk About Different Extraction Tools

If excessive moisture ever happens to find its way into your Columbia home, it is wise to call in the professionals. Our highly trained team at SERVPRO is experienced in working with water cleanup projects both big and small. During any moisture-related damage scenario, it is easier to remove moisture while it is in liquid form. We know that the more liquid H2O we can extract the quicker the drying process will be. We conduct water cleanup quickly by using advanced technology and industrial extraction equipment.

Whenever moisture gets inside your dwelling, the problems get worse the longer items inside your home stay wet. Conducting water cleanup in Columbia quickly can help prevent secondary damage like humidity and mold issues. Once materials inside a house get wet, the humidity levels rise which can cause problems with items that didn't come into direct contact with moisture. Humidity levels can also create an environment that is ideal for fungal growth. All mold needs is an organic food source like paper or wood, moisture, the correct temperature, and time.

Since problems can get much worse over time, our SERVPRO team provides fast 24/7 service. We are available all of the time to answer the phone and arrive at your residence promptly. As soon as our IICRC certified technicians arrive they set up equipment and begin extraction.

Depending on what inside your home gets wet our SERVPRO technicians can use different types of extraction tools and vacuums. The advanced technology our experts have at their disposal allows us to use a combination of specialized extractors and tools to pull out moisture. For example, we can use a portable extractor and a small handheld water claw tool to get into tight spots. If your carpet gets saturated, then we can utilize a truck-mounted extractor and a heavy-duty weighted extraction tool that compresses your carpet to pull out as much water as possible.

If you ever need moisture extracted from your home, call SERVPRO of Maury / Giles Counties at (931) 388-4248 any day of the week.

Click here for more about Columbia.