6 Ways to Reduce Your Home’s Flood Risk

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Air mover on laundry room floor after suffering storm damage in Bountiful, UT.

Floods are often unavoidable. Although you may not be able to fully flood-proof your home, every homeowner in Bountiful, UT, can take proactive prevention and flood safety measures to protect their properties against extensive flood damage.

Flood Safety 

1. Prepare Sandbags

If you receive adequate warning of an approaching storm capable of producing significant rainfall, such as a hurricane, create an external barrier with sandbags, which can divert water from your residence.

2. Install a Sewage Water Backstop and a Sump Pump

A sewage water backstop is an efficient flood safety device that prevents backwater from flowing into your basement. A sump pump is another beneficial machine that can drain water out of your home.

3. Assess Basement Windows and Your Foundation

A cracked foundation may enable water to flow inside your basement. Water can also seep through basement windows. To secure these areas, ensure that windows are properly caulked and sealed and repair any existing foundation issues.

4. Maintain Gutters

Routinely clean your gutters to prevent blockages that may restrict water flow. In addition, install downspout extensions to direct water farther away from your home’s foundation.

5. Plant Grass and Use Mulch

Both mulch and grass absorb water. So planting grass around your home and placing mulch around external foliage provides an additional flood safeguard. However, to ensure retained moisture does not damage siding, keep mulch at least six inches away from your home’s exterior.

6. Properly Grade Soil

Grading the ground away from your home is another efficient safety tip that also helps divert water away from your foundation.

Peace of Mind

Following these seven flood safety tips helps reduce your home’s flood risk. However, it is impossible to fully eliminate the threats of extreme weather and bursting pipes. For this reason, the best flood safety measure is a flood insurance policy, which provides financial security and ensures that you have funds available to cover cleanup and restoration costs and replace destroyed property.

If Your Commercial Roof Is Damaged in a Fire, Follow These Steps Before and After the Roof Repair

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Bountiful, UT.

A fire can cause plenty of damage to your Bountiful, UT, building on its own. You do not want any additional harm to occur once the blaze has been extinguished. Yet a broken roof leaves your property vulnerable to further damage. That is why you should take extra steps to protect the premises while you wait for the completion of the roof repair. You should also fortify the roof once it has been fixed. If a fire does harm your commercial roof, follow the below tips.

What To Do Before and After the Fire Cleanup

1. Have a Tarp Placed on the Roof

Flames can easily burn through a roof and create a giant hole. Firefighters also often create holes in roofs to eliminate the dark smoke that hinders their visibility.

Leaves and other debris could fall through the holes and into your property. If it rains before the roof is fixed, water could flood your building, as well. Unwanted animals such as raccoons and squirrels could even jump through the hole.
That is why you should hire fire remediation professionals who provide tarp services after a blaze. A tarp will keep the elements and critters outside of your property.

2. Contact Your Insurer

Before the restoration experts perform any significant repairs, you need to contact your insurance company. The insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage before the restoration begins. The adjuster may also request photos and videos of destroyed items. Ideally, the insurer will then work with the remediation company to expedite the claims process.

3. Get the Shingles Replaced

The fire likely destroyed or damaged shingles on your roof. Even if some of the shingles just have missing parts, you should replace them entirely to be safe. The builder who constructed your roof may have left behind some shingles that the restoration company can use. Otherwise, you can find them at your local home shop.

4. Clean the Attic

The fire cleanup experts may need to access your roof through the attic. If the attic is cluttered with debris, this may be more difficult for them. If it is safe to do so, sweep the attic floor and removed any damaged items from the room. Be sure to wear protective clothing with a face mask.

5. Prevent Future Fire Damage With a Steel Roof and Sprinklers

If you need to replace your entire roof, you may want to opt for a steel one instead of a traditional shingle roof. Steel roofs improve your building’s appearance and are energy efficient. They are also more fire-resistant, so they are a great option for companies that often deal with combustible materials.
Installing roof sprinklers is another great way to prevent future fire damage to your building. These sprinklers are particularly useful if your property is in a wildfire-prone area.

Fire cleanup and roof repair can take a long time. Yet if you leave your commercial roof exposed to the elements for an extended period, debris, water or animals could enter the premises and cause further harm. By following the above steps, you should mitigate additional damage.

Steps of the Roof Repair Process After a Storm

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Storm causes roof damage.

When a strong storm blows through Bountiful, UT, your roof and other areas of your home may get damaged. The exterior problems you see are probably not the only ones that the downpour and gusts left behind. It is in your best interest to make sure your home and roof repair get started right away.

The Roof Damage Repair Process

You may notice missing shingles or holes in your roof after a particularly heinous storm. Before you fix this problem, however, you should call storm damage mitigation experts to repair the issues that it caused inside your attic. The technicians board up the holes in your roof so that no further rain or wind damage occurs. Then they begin the interior remediation process.

1. Remove

Any portion of your attic that was touched by rain or debris may have damage. In addition to pumping out any standing water that is left behind, the mitigation specialists start cleanup by removing all materials that cannot be salvaged:

• Insulation
  
• Drywall
  
• Warped wood
  
• Carpet
  
• Floor pads
  

It is important to remove waterlogged materials promptly. Failure to do so can result in secondary damage such as rot or mold growth.

2. Clean

Your attic must be cleared of any dirt or debris that blew in with the storm. In most cases, technicians will also disinfect remaining surfaces to ensure that any bacteria from the rain are gone before roof repair gets started. This step also helps the team verify that no more ruined materials are present.

3. Dry

The way storms cause so much damage is by letting excess moisture into your home. Even if there is no standing water, the roof leak likely left things damp and increased the humidity. Prevention of further damage depends on the remediation team making sure all remaining surfaces are dry. Additionally, dehumidifiers can be used to bring the interior humidity back to an acceptable level.

4. Rebuild

Anything that was removed from your attic is probably something you want to replace. The rebuilding process involves not only installing new insulation, drywall and flooring but also making sure that the new materials match the remaining ones. By the time the restoration team is finished, you shouldn't be able to tell where the storm damage was.

5. Repair

After all the interior issues have been resolved, it's finally time to repair the roof damage caused by the storm. The roofing expert you hire starts by inspecting the roof to identify all the problems. If your insurance provider covers the cost of the damage, be sure to get an estimate before the work is started so that you can use it to document your claim. Fully repairing the roof is necessary to avoid further damage to your home.

Cleaning up after a storm is usually a multi-tiered process. If your house needs roof repair, you probably need to begin by fixing all the damage from the rain and wind that entered your home through its vulnerable spots. Once the mitigation inside your house is complete, then the roof can be fixed so that your attic is protected.

3 Rules To Limit Lint Fire Risks

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

A lint fire is often avoidable.

One of the leading causes of burned down homes is a lint fire. People underestimate the importance of routinely cleaning out their lint traps and dryer vents. If you want to avoid the risk of a dryer fire, then consider the advice of many fire restoration professionals in Bountiful, UT, and adhere to the following three rules.

3 Rules to Avoid the Risk of a Dryer Fire

1. Clean Lint Filter After Every Load

How often do you check the lint trap in your dryer? All dryers have a lint trap, and it is typically installed near the front of the drum. If you are not in the habit of cleaning the trap out, you might want to start. The trap should be cleaned before and after every load, reducing the risk of a fire in the appliance.

2. Clean Vent Pipe Every 3 Months

The dryer vent is often the leading cause of a lint fire. People neglect the vent because it is behind the appliance and can be cumbersome to get to. Thankfully, there are cleaning kits you can purchase, making the job somewhat more manageable. The vent pipe needs to be cleaned at least once every three months, but you might want to clean it more often, depending on the number of people living in the home.

3. Contact a Professional for Annual Inspections

Like all appliances, the dryer needs maintenance to ensure it operates as expected. To keep your dryer running at peak performance, consider hiring a professional technician to inspect the mechanics at least once per year.

A lint fire can be devastating, and it is often avoidable. Checking the trap before and after every load ensures that there are no combustible materials remaining in the system. Cleaning out the vent pipe once every three months ensures that lint does not build up in the line. Most households use dryers, it is up to those homeowners to ensure the proper upkeep to minimize the risks of fire.

How To Flush Your Water Heater in 5 Easy Steps

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

It’s essential to perform regular maintenance on your water heater.

Regular maintenance is crucial for your water heater’s longevity. By performing a water heater flush every six months, most water damage restoration professionals agree that you can avoid expensive repairs and even a failed appliance. Here’s how to flush your water heater in five simple steps.

5 Steps To Flush Your Water Heater

1. Turn It Off

Before you flush the unit, you should shut if off completely. If it’s gas-powered, snuff the pilot light. If it uses electricity, turn off the power supply line at the circuit breaker.

2. Hook Up a Hose

The garden hose tangled in your backyard will do. Attach one end to the drain valve, and place the other end somewhere that you’re comfortable receiving warm, sediment-filled water.

3. Drain the Water Heater's Tank

Open the valve and allow the water to flow freely for five minutes. Next, turn the hot water on in the kitchen, which will aid in the draining process.

After two minutes, turn off the water supply valve on the water heater. The water will slow down gradually and then stop. Turn the water supply valve on one more time for a final flush. When the water and sediment subside, close the water supply valve once more, then close the drain valve, too.

4. Restart the Water Supply

Once the valves are closed, turn the water supply on again and head for the kitchen. The faucet should still be on, but nothing will be flowing at first. When the water supply resumes, it’ll sputter a bit due to trapped air but will eventually return to a regular stream. This signifies that your tank is full, and you can turn the tap off.

5. Turn the Unit Back On

After the tank fills completely, you’re safe to turn the unit back on.

To keep the showers in your Bountiful, UT, home comfortably warm, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance on your tank. Follow these five steps, and you’ll likely see that flushing your water heater is easier than you thought.

Finding the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Follow our Tips and Find the Right Fire Extinguisher for you.

Responsible homeowners usually carry insurance to protect their homes and personal belongings from disasters such as theft and fire. While insurance can cover repairing and replacing losses, responsible homeowners also know that a plan for fire safety is also important.

A complete plan includes knowing how to evacuate the home and having smoke detectors and alarms to warn of a fire. Your fire safety plan is incomplete without a fire extinguisher on each floor. Here’s what you should know about buying extinguishers for your home in Bountiful, UT.

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

While the National Fire Protection Association recommends an extinguisher for each floor, it’s important to understand the types of extinguishers that are out there first. Household extinguishers are categorized according to their rating, which indicates the types of fires they’re effective against:

• A - Effective on trash, wood, paper, and other normally combustible items
• B - Effective on grease and other flammable liquids
• C - Rated for electric fires

An extinguisher will indicate its rating. It will also include a number in front of the rating that indicates the degree of effectiveness. For example, a 4-A device will be more effective on combustible items than a 2-A device. Fire extinguishers that bear a C rating don’t include a number. This rating just indicates that the materials used to quench fires don’t conduct electricity. 

When contemplating a home fire plan, consider the types of fires that are likely to occur in parts of your home. An extinguisher for use in a kitchen, for example, should include a B rating for grease fires. 

Picking the Right Size

Fire extinguishers come in various sizes and weights. This should be another factor when choosing where to put them in your home. These are the standard sizes and recommended applications:

• 10-pound: Recommended for parts of the home where a fire can go unnoticed for a period of time, such as a garage or workshop
• 5-pound: Suggested for rooms like a kitchen where you need an extinguisher that’s easy to grab
• 2-pound: Recommended for cars
• Stovetop: Can be mounted on a range hood and is usually automatically triggered by flames

Recharging Your Extinguisher

When buying extinguishers, make note of whether it’s rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Non-rechargeable options can only be used once. This is why you can’t even test a non-rechargeable extinguisher, which gradually loses its charge once used. Rechargeable extinguishers can be serviced by an authorized fire equipment dealer. Even if you only used a small amount of the contents, your fire extinguisher will need to be serviced and refilled. Ideally, the extinguishers in your home should be rechargeable.

No fire preparedness plan is complete without a fire prevention system that includes fire extinguishers. While basic coverage involves at least one extinguisher per floor, you should consider the rating and the size of a fire based on its location in your home. Strategic placement of these fire prevention devices can reduce the damage you experience at your home in Bountiful, UT.

Less fire damage minimizes the time and cost required for a residential restoration services company to return your home to preloss conditions. 

How To Respond to a Leaking Toilet

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Trust the Professionals. They can help you with your Leaking Toilet.

Most of the time toilets work regularly and dependably without many issues, so it's easy to neglect them. When you notice that you have a leaking toilet, it's important to take quick action. There are two options: complete the toilet repair or replacement on your own or hire a professional in Bountiful, UT.

Identify the Cause of Your Leaking Toilet

Before you get started, you need to know why your toilet is leaking. Naturally, your first steps should include inspecting the toilet to find out where the leak originates. After you've identified the problem, turn off the water and complete the necessary repairs or contact an expert.

There are several possible issues to look out for:

Check the flapper for one of two common problems. First, the rubber or plastic flapper may break or crack because of wear and tear. Second, the flapper may get stuck in an open position, causing the toilet to flow continuously.

A faulty float could be cracked, or the float chain may be loose. In either case, repairing the float is pretty easy and can usually be accomplished within a few minutes.

There are several pieces of the fill valve that could cause trouble when damaged. If you haven't worked with this type of repair before, contacting a professional for help could be your best bet.

Anywhere the toilet is connected to the floor, to the supply line, and to other components of the plumbing system could be a problem. Look for worn seals or damaged connections.

A crack along the supply line can cause pools of water on the floor, leading to severe damage that requires the services of water damage recovery professionals. Damage along the supply line generally calls for the services of a plumber.

A broken tank requires a complete toilet replacement. Cracks or breaks can be temporarily sealed with putty, but this step only provides a short-term solution. However, it may be possible for you to replace the toilet yourself.

As always, if you aren't confident in your ability to complete repairs or replacements, contact professionals. The costs related to making mistakes are often much higher than the initial cost of hiring an expert would have been.

Replace the Toilet

Replacing a toilet requires several pieces of equipment, including a putty knife, hacksaw blade, adjustable wrench, and some pliers. You'll also need the new toilet, a wax ring, and silicone caulk. Carefully read the installation instructions for any other supplies you might need and then follow these steps:

• After turning off the water, drain the water from the tank by flushing.
• The next step is disconnecting all of the places where the toilet is connected to the supply line and plumbing system.
• Remove mounting nuts, the tank, and the toilet.
• Remove and replace the old wax ring and flange with a new ring and flange.
• Test the toilet to be sure everything is in the correct position. This is often a two-person job to ensure a proper fit and seal. When tightening the bolts and nuts, don't use too much pressure, and work from side to side to keep equal amounts of pressure on each side.

An old toilet can lead to a lot of problems. Don't wait for a leaking toilet to cause significant water damage before you take action to correct the situation.

Ways To Repair and Prevent a Basement Flood

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our tips will help you if you experience a Basement Flood.

Whether used for storage or another living area, a basement flood in a client’s Bountiful, UT, home is a frustrating situation. Luckily, there are professionals available 24/7 who are trained and ready to get the home back to normal. Choosing a certified water damage restoration company provides peace of mind that whatever mitigation and restoration needed will be done fast and right with a focus on restoring and not replacing.

Steps To Fix a Flooded Basement

Whenever there is an excess amount of unwanted water, insurance companies are typically the first to be called. If the insurance coverage includes flooding, the next call should be to a company dedicated to minimizing secondary damage and ensuring the property is returned to preloss condition.

Basement Flood Restoration

Once a restoration team arrives, the first step will be an assessment to develop a plan of action. Although every situation is unique, fixing the basement often includes the following steps:

• Protective clothing and gear will be worn before entering the affected area.
• Saturated belongings are removed from the premises and taken off-site to be dried out, pre-tested for salvageability and cleaned.
• The water extraction process begins. This typically involves industrial-grade pumps to speed up the process.
• High-grade fans, air movers and dehumidifiers are brought in to begin drying the property. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may take several days.
• The walls, floor, ceiling and any other affected areas are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized. Technicians will also inspect for any signs of mold or other hidden damage.
• Once the basement is dried and cleaned, restoration repairs will be made.

Floodproofing Tips

Once a home has water in the basement, it’s vital that homeowners take steps to keep it from happening again. While natural flooding may be out of everyone’s control, there are ways to beef up the home to be resistant to other water issues. Four easy ways to help make that happen include:

Regularly clean downspouts and gutters

Any debris that builds up affects the water flow. Instead of moving away from the home, it will start coming down the sides and pooling against the foundation. The downspouts should be positioned so that water is directed a minimum of three feet from the foundation.

Rethink landscaping

An improper slope may be the cause of water issues. Bringing in some extra dirt and rock may be needed to ensure it flows away from the home. Flower beds, French drains and swales are other ways to direct the flow of water to greenery instead of the basement.

Inspect the foundation

One tiny crack opens the door to a slow leak that may turn into bigger problems. The exterior foundation and interior basement should be regularly checked for signs of a leak.

Install covers over window wells

Designed for easy installation and relatively inexpensive, these covers help seal out moisture from building up.

Homeowners dealing with a basement flood have a lot on their plates. Choosing a professional to handle the mess and taking steps to prevent flooding is essential to getting the home back to "Like it never even happened."

How Can You Get Your Business Ready for a Storm?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Get Your Business Ready for a Storm following our Tips.

When it's storm season in Bountiful, UT, you want to make sure your business can withstand any of the weather that comes its way. Whether you own the building or rent, you can do a few things to prepare your company for the potential flood water, hail damage and wind damage caused by storms. You can get your business ready by protecting operations and preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Protect Your Operations

A storm can affect day-to-day operations of your business. You can do a few things to make sure you can get back up and running even if you lose power or have damage to your building.

• Back up your data. Keeping your billing and customer records intact can help you transition smoothly.
• Set up business interruption insurance. This type of insurance can help cover lost time caused by the storm.
• Store extra equipment safely. If you have any extra equipment, it should be kept in a safe area to avoid flood damage.

If a storm causes water damage, you may have to close your business to make repairs. When you stop operations, you could lose business unless you have a backup plan in place. Many company owners try to rent a temporary workspace if theirs is too damaged to use after bad weather leaves flood water in the space.

Know Who To Call.

One of your first steps in preparation is knowing what you would do when disaster strikes. If you ever come in, in the morning to find a flooded building, what would you do? Your first step should be to call in a commercial restoration team. This band of experts can help you remove the water and remediate the damage.

A big storm can bring flood water into your commercial building. If you take a few precautionary steps prior to storm season, you may have an easier time bouncing back no matter how much damage your building sustains.

Share the Work: Content Cleaning After a Fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Content Cleaning After a Fire is a complex task. Let the Specialists help you.

Smoke and soot contain many chemicals and substances that could be harmful. After your building has been affected by fire, it's important to begin content cleaning efforts as soon as possible. While you can tackle some chores, including wiping items down, other tasks should be handled by professionals, such as dry-cleaning textiles.

Get to Work As Quickly As Possible

The longer you wait to address fire and smoke damage, the harder it will be to get rid of odors and related problems. Don't give smells and substances time to soak into carpets and furniture.

• As soon as it's safe to enter your property, open doors and windows to provide ventilation.
• Wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection to avoid coming into contact with smoke particles.
• Turn off air conditioning or heating systems that might circulate air from affected area to isolated parts of the building.
• Position fans toward open doors and windows.

Identify Tasks You Can Handle

There are several tasks you can complete without the help of content cleaning professionals. These include vacuuming soot and wiping down hard surfaces. You can throw out items that have been too damaged to salvage. Deliver items, such as window furnishings, to a dry-cleaning professional.

Contact Professionals for Deep Cleaning

Other tasks should be completed by experienced fire damage remediation professionals. These technicians often have specialized tools and cleansers to ensure that deep cleaning reaches under carpeting and behind walls. Ultrasonic treatments deodorize and disinfect non-porous materials. Powerful cleansers leave your building and possessions looking and smelling as good as (or better than) their pre-fire conditions.

Ask About Storage

Professionals often provide content storage for those items that require further attention and will hang onto them until your property is ready to be put back together. This service can protect your goods from being re-affected by smoke and soot.

Knowing that smoke-affected goods can be cleaned and repaired provides peace of mind for many property owners. From dry-cleaning to ultrasonic treatments, take advantage of Bountiful, UT, smoke damage remediation services for thorough restoration of your business.

How To Make a Flood Claim After a Storm

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

We help you to Make a Flood Claim After a Storm. Just follow Our Tips.

If a storm damages your Bountiful, UT, home, you likely will not be able to afford the repairs yourself. Luckily, your flood insurance policy should help you pay for emergency restoration services. To ensure that your flood claim is approved, follow the below steps:

4 Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim

1. Call Your Insurer

First, you must tell your insurance provider about the flood in your home. You can easily find the insurer’s phone number online. You will also likely have to notify your provider about the loss in writing. Before you contact the insurer, be sure to have your policy number handy.

The insurance representative will ask you for this information over the phone. You will also need to provide contact information and your mortgage company, if applicable.

2. Prepare for the Adjuster and Other Visitors

The insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to examine the damage. Before he or she arrives, take videos and photos of the affected areas. Be sure it is safe to re-enter your home first. The images should show the height of the floodwater, the structural damage to the house, and any personal items that were harmed.For larger appliances and devices, such as computers, televisions and washers/dryers, take a picture of the serial numbers, makes and models.

After the flood, you will likely need to throw away some items immediately. In particular, perishable foods, pillows and clothes may have to be discarded. Document those things before tossing them in the trash. Keep in mind that you may receive visits from multiple adjusters after the storm. That is because different adjusters specialize in various types of damage.

If the weather disaster caused both water and wind damage, for instance, you may have one adjuster who handles your flood claim and another who handles the wind claim. The adjusters may also bring an engineer or other specialists to your home. These experts can help analyze the extent and cause of more complex damages.

3. Work With the Adjuster

Once the adjuster arrives, let him or her walk through your home. He or she will likely take additional photos and measurements for the insurance company. Get the adjuster’s contact information so you can ask him or her questions that you have.

The adjuster should also have your current contact information, particularly if you are temporarily staying in another home or a hotel during the restoration process. You may also want to ask the adjuster about receiving an advanced payment to help you get back on your feet more quickly.

4. Submit Your Claim

The adjuster should additionally help you send in your insurance claim. The claim should include an estimate of your loss that is based on the videos and photos you took after the storm. Talk to your agent about the specific details of your policy. This way, there will not be any surprises during the claims process. Be sure to also understand and meet any deadlines for submitting the required paperwork.

If a storm damages your home, you should quickly make a flood claim with your insurance provider. By working with your adjuster and a restoration company, you can start the recovery process.

How SERVPRO Helps With Claims

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to Help you with your Claims.

SERVPRO claims service is dedicated to restoring customers' property and getting them back to business as usual as quickly as possible. Our team can help you settle claims fast, resulting in satisfied customers, lower costs and increased policyholder retention.

SERVPRO Claim Services

There are several reasons to choose our restoration professionals to assist you with your emergency response:

1. Customer Focus

Our priority is restoring your customer's property. Our professionals in Bountiful, UT, work hard to limit your customer's damage.

2. Quick Response

We have over 1,900 locations in the United States and Canada. This allows us to respond quickly at any time of the day or night.

3. Highly Trained Team

All our professionals are trained on Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification standards for fire and water cleanup and restoration. We also provide continuing education for our professionals and insurance clients at our state-of-the-art IICRC-approved training facility. Our training facility offers employee certification training, new franchisee training, continuing education, e-learning and an IICRC training program.

4. Guaranteed Work

All of our work comes with a two-year labor and one-year materials warranty. We will re-service your customer at no additional charge for up to two years if our service fails to meet commercially reasonable expectations.

5. Cost Savings

Restoring property is usually less expensive than replacing it. We are committed to restoring all of the property that can be restored which saves you money.

6. Documentation Provided

Our team provides all customers with photos of important items and an itemized loss inventory so that your customers can have peace of mind that all of their property is being included in the claim. This also saves you time.

7. Only Qualified Vendors Used

We hold vendors to the same high standards we do our professionals. You never have to worry that we will subcontract work to substandard vendors. Because we handle working with vendors for you, that is one less task you need to complete to close your claim.

8. Dedicated National Accounts Team

We have a dedicated team focused on establishing and maintaining relationships with insurance companies. The goal of this team is to make sure both insurance companies and their customers are highly satisfied with our service.

9. Quality Assurance Guidelines

To ensure our work meets your expectations, we have established guidelines that include internal audits. Local professionals must meet 21 different requirements to get insurance client referrals. All of our employees must pass background checks. We keep communication with insurance agents and adjusters transparent and provide completed job files as proof of work.

10. Many Types of Restoration Services Offered

Our professionals are trained to restore property damaged by water, fire, mold and storms. We also provide specialty cleaning, biohazard services, tarp service, storage, document restoration and crime scene cleanup. Because many disasters involve multiple types of restoration, working with our team can save you time.

Our team works hard to ensure we provide the best claim services in the industry. When you use our restoration services you can rest assured that your customers will receive, fast, professional service that saves time, effort and money.

How To Administer Burn First Aid

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Know more about Burn First Aid by Following Our Tips.

When a fire occurs in your building in Bountiful, UT, you must start your emergency protocol quickly and efficiently. In addition to the fire damage that flames and smoke are likely to cause to your building, you also need to make sure that everyone gets out safely with little to no injury. Sometimes burns do happen, though. It's crucial to know how to respond.

Determining the Type of First Aid Needed

The first thing you need to do before administering burn first aid is to determine how severe the injury is. A minor burn doesn't usually require medical attention. You will need assistance from the emergency response team if the problem shows signs of being severe:

• Charred patches of skin
• Deep wounds that go through multiple layers of skin
• Large burn that is over three inches in diameter
• Abrasion located on a sensitive part of the body such as the face or extremities
• Intense or sudden swelling

Protecting the Injured Person

People with both major and minor burns need to be protected from further injury before anyone begins to administer aid. Follow the evacuation procedures you have practiced to help them get clear of the building that has fire damage. Then make sure they are comfortable and that all their vital signs such as breathing and body temperature remain as close to normal as possible.

If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not attempt to remove it, but you can help the victims take off constricting jewelry or other items that may get in the way of treatment.

Treating a Minor Burn

A small, minor burn that shows only red skin or a few blisters doesn't necessarily need medical intervention. Keep it cool, clean and covered. Run it under cool water or lightly pat with a damp rag to reduce the heat. Use a first-aid ointment to clean the area gently. Cover it loosely, careful not to pop the blisters, so that it is protected from the air and anything it may carry.

Finally, the burn victim can take an over-the-counter medication designed to reduce pain, fever and swelling to help relieve discomfort.

Dealing With a Major Burn

Fire restoration experts know how quickly flames can destroy a building. A raging fire can also injure anyone caught in its path. When people show signs of a major burn, there is not much a person without medical training can do for them. You should loosely cover the burn with a clean cloth to protect them from further injury until the emergency team arrives.

Don't leave them unattended, just in case they go into shock or need your assistance. Wait for them until the ambulance arrives and then let the EMTs take over.

Knowing the right evacuation routes to get out of a building with fire damage is important. Understanding how to administer aid for burns is crucial, too. The more people there are in your building who know the basics, the better chance everyone has of getting out of the fire mostly unscathed.

Understanding Water Damage Categories and Cleanup

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Know more about Water Damage Categories and avoid Damage in your Property.

Water damage refers to the destruction caused by the presence of water in places that it shouldn’t be for a period of time. It can range from minor water spots that affect the appearance of a surface to major destruction such as burst pipes and flooding, resulting in the rot of materials, mold growth, and property loss. Water damage falls under one of three categories, ranging from clean water to black water. Let’s take a closer look at these categories.

Exploring Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3

The three major categories for damage are as follows:

Category 1:

Water in this category usually comes from a source such as a broken water supply line or overflow of a tub or sink. Also known as clean water damage, category 1 water damage is the least severe as the water is free of toxins and sewage. It’s also implied that the places impacted by this damage are also clean.

Category 2:

Known as grey water, this water likely contains some contaminants and should be cleaned immediately. Sources of grey water include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and sump pump backups. Clean water that has not been cleaned or dried in 48 hours can become Category 2 water.

Category 3:

The most severe of damage, this category of water is also known as black water. This water contains bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. Sources include toilets containing feces, sewage backup, seawater, groundwater, and flooding. Grey water that has not been removed in 48 hours should be treated as the most severe water damage.

Cleanup of water damage differs significantly between the various categories, but each category can lead to more serious problems, including mold growth and spread. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals in Bountiful, UT, are equipped and ready to fully clean and restore water damage in any category.

Handling Water Damage Cleanup

Severe water problems require approaches that are more advanced and beyond the ability of a DIY solution, such as sewage cleanup. Disinfection and sophisticated drying techniques are necessary for the most severe of damage. Restoration professionals assess the damage, determining the class of damage accordingly:

Class 1: This applies when less than 5% of a space is impacted, evaporation is slow, and little moisture has been absorbed.

Class 2: A faster rate of evaporation is noted for this class, and between 5 and 40% of the space is affected, especially the entire carpet and upholstery.

Class 3: This class is used for the fastest rate of evaporation in a room with over 40% of the area affected. Typically water damage comes from overhead.

Class 4: This applies specialty drying for surfaces such as wood, concrete, plaster, and other materials.

Involving the pros is not just about the level of water damage, but also the best approaches for cleanup and drying.

Water can be a destructive force on your property based on different factors, primarily the source, the level of contamination, and whether it’s been left to sit. Black water represents the most severe category of damage. Cleanup is best left to damage restoration professionals not only to return your place to pre-damage conditions but also to determine the best way to accomplish this.

Answering Common Questions About Partial Fire Losses

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

If you have Questions About Partial Fire Losses, take a look at These Tips.

Not every commercial blaze results in the total destruction of a property. You could end up with a partial fire loss, instead.

A partial loss can also occur if there is damage to an adjacent building. The smoke or extreme heat could migrate toward your property. The fire retardant used by first responders could harm your premises, as well. Whether the partial loss results from a fire in your building or a nearby one, there are some things you should know about making an insurance claim.

Common Questions About Partial Fire Losses

Should You Get the Property Inspected for Fire and Smoke Damage?

Sometimes, the damage caused by a fire is obvious. However, this is not always the case. If there has been any kind of blame in or near your Bountiful, UT, property, you should get it inspected by a qualified professional.

Your insurance provider will likely send an adjuster to survey the area. Yet this is not sufficient. You should also hire a structural engineer or contractor to evaluate the structural integrity of the building. You may also want to bring in an industrial hygienist to check the air quality. This is particularly important if you or any of your employees have asthma or severe allergies. Ideally, the inspection should cover:

• Windows
• Roofing
• Interior Walls
• Heating and Plumbing Systems
• Concrete and Siding

The inspector should also estimate the cost of fixing your premises. You will likely need to hire fire restoration professionals to clean the property and repair any damaged assets.

Will Your Insurance Pay for Mold, Smoke and Ash Cleanup?

A fire loss does not only include the harm caused by the blaze itself. There could also be ash or smoke damage. Rugs, curtains and fabrics could develop lingering odors. The ash could also stain tile or marble.

If the flames caused your building's sprinkler system to activate, the water from those sprinklers could encourage mold growth, as well. Mold can be particularly prevalent on wet drywall. Any fire-related holes in your walls or roof could additionally allow rain to enter the property, potentially sparking a mold infestation.

Will your insurance pay for these damages?

It depends on your policy, but ash and smoke are typically covered. Any porous materials should be given to a restoration professional. The expert can then help you decide whether the items can be salvaged or should be replaced.

Mold damage, however, is not always covered by insurance. Many companies have mold exclusions, so you will have to talk to your adjuster or read over your policy to find out if you have any coverage.

Will Insurance Cover Landscaping Damage?

The smoke and heat from the fire could also destroy any plants outside your property. Your policy should have some coverage, but it may be limited. For instance, most policies only pay $500 for each damaged tree, yet a mature tree can be worth several thousand dollars. Some plants may appear fine after the fire yet die over time. You should thus keep open your insurance claim for several months in case you have to make any additions to it.

A partial fire loss can still be quite expensive. Thankfully, a decent commercial insurance policy should cover at least some of the costs.

How To Handle Frozen Pipes

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

Be Ready To Handle Frozen Pipes by Following our Tips.

Running water is a necessity in every home, but a busted pipe can easily become a nuisance rather than a convenience. Every homeowner in Bountiful, UT, should know how to handle a frozen pipe and some basic pipe freeze prevention tips.

Important tips to consider as regards Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipe Assessment

If the water from a faucet only comes out in a slow drip when it's turned on, this is a common sign that you have frozen pipes. To locate the source of the problem without exacerbating it, you need to follow several steps:

• Turn off water flow to the pipe that feeds the faucet.
• Open the faucet.
• Trace the path of the pipes leading from the faucet.
• Look for ice, bulges or breaks.

The location of the freeze determines your next move. If the pipe itself is already damaged, you will need a plumber to repair it before you turn the water back on. A layer of frost or ice on intact pipes can usually be melted to save them. Use a hair dryer or portable heater to warm the area around the pipe.

If the pipe is inside the wall, you can turn up the heat in your home, but unless the wall is open, you don't really know what's going on behind it. It's best to hire a professional to find out before you let it fill with water again.

Pipe Freeze Prevention

It's good to know how to handle a frozen pipe. The best solution, however, is to keep it from frosting over in the first place. A few pipe freeze prevention strategies can go a long way toward protecting your home from water damage.

When the weather dips below the freezing point, let your faucets drip to keep water flowing through the pipes. Keep cabinets that enclose the pipes open, and insulate all the pipes you can see.

Make sure your thermostat is set to a warm temperature, and consider installing extra heaters in colder areas of your home. Protect outside pipes and those along exterior walls or in the garage by turning off the water source and draining them.

Water Damage Remediation

If you already have a burst pipe in your house, you probably also have some water damage to the area surrounding it. Fast action is necessary to prevent the problem from becoming worse. First, turn off the water supply to the pipe to prevent more moisture from leaking out. Then, call water damage mitigation experts to get the cleanup process started quickly.

Basic remediation starts by tearing out ruined materials. Drenched drywall and insulation will need to be replaced, but textiles such as carpets can usually be salvaged as long as the water that touches them comes directly from a clean source (e.g., a supply line or pipe). Then the technicians will dry and clean the area. Finally, they rebuild the structure to make your home look as good as new.

Frozen pipes are a warning sign that fissures may be forming in your plumbing. Once they burst, you have a mess on your hands. A solid understanding of pipe freeze prevention helps you protect your home from water damage.

How To Assess Mold Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Learn More about Mold Damage and receive the Best Assessment by Following These Tips.

Whether you just smell the distinctive musty odor of mold or see visible spots in your Bountiful, UT home, determining the extent of the damage isn’t always easily apparent. Mold and mildew may easily spread to other areas of the home, as well as be lurking behind walls, under flooring and in other areas that are hard to reach or see. To ensure the best air quality and to protect the home, it is recommended to get a mold assessment from a professional mold damage company.

Why Get an Inspection?

If you think you have a lurking fungi issue, do you know what kind it is? While some are fairly harmless, black mold is not a type you want to spread in your home. A professional inspection not only helps determine the mold species but also helps with the following:

• Pinpoints the location of the mold growth, as well as how big the problem may be.
• Determines the number of spores that are airborne and circulating in the home.
• After remediation, it provides peace of mind that the problem has been properly eradicated.

What Does an Environmental Hygienist Test?

A mold assessment should always be done by a certified specialist. This will ensure that they have the proper training and tools to help you solve your mold issue. As part of the inspection, they will conduct tests to find the moisture source, estimate the size of the impacted area and identify the type of molds found.

To assist in the process, environmental hygienists have an array of industrial tools to ensure the best results. This includes a laser particle counter to check air quality; moisture meters to locate areas with high moisture levels; hygrometers to test humidity, dew point and temperature; and infrared cameras to identify areas with high temperatures or elevated moisture levels. A professional will conduct the following tests:

Air:

This determines how concentrated the spores are. This is an especially important test when there are no visible signs of growth.

Surface:

Swabs, tape and other tools are used to take samples throughout the home. Since mold forms where it has the right conditions, it could be growing in different parts of the home. These tests help determine how many spores and how much mold may be growing.

Bulk:

Although not always necessary, this involves removing materials from the home to be tested in the lab to determine how concentrated mold particles are in the home.

Culture:

In the lab, the samples taken from the home are purposely nourished to create a colony. This enables the professional to verify which mold species is in your home.

Once the assessment is completed, a specialist will provide an overall plan of action for remediation and restoration. During and after all the work is done, inspections are completed to ensure the cleanup is taking care of the problem and that the home is free of mold.

The home should be a safe, welcoming environment. When water damage is sustained, it means that mold may be hiding. A mold assessment helps determine how big of a problem you have and makes it easier to get a plan of action in place to remediate it.

How To Make and Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Make and Practice Your own Home Fire Escape Plan, and Avoid Fire Damage in your Bountiful, UT House.

If a fire ever breaks out in your Bountiful, UT, home, you do not have as much time to flee as you think you do. The National Fire Protection Association recently found that one-third of American households thought a fire does not become life-threatening until six minutes after it starts. However, a fire can quickly spread to dangerous levels in even less time. That is why creating a fire escape plan is so important.

Unfortunately, only about one-third of American households have actually made and practiced an escape strategy. If you are one of the homeowners who has not properly prepared your family for a fire, follow the below steps.

How To Create a Fire Preparation Plan

1. Discuss All Possible Entrances and Exits

Start by bringing everyone in your family together. Then go throughout the house and note two escape routes out of each room. Make sure that each window and door can be easily accessed and opened.

2. Choose a Meeting Place

Next, pick a meeting place where everyone can gather after escaping the fire. The location you choose should be a safe distance away from the home.

3. Memorize Important Numbers

Once the plan is in place, have everyone in your home memorize the phone number for your local fire department. This way, anyone can call for help from a cell or a neighbor's landline. You may want to store and remember the contact information for your local fire restoration company, as well.

4. Check and Install Smoke Alarms

While you are discussing your fire escape plan, you should also check to see that your smoke detectors are functioning properly. Put a smoke alarm on each level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping location. Look for detectors that are interconnected. If one of those alarms goes off, the other ones in the home will beep, as well.

How To Practice Your Escape Plan

Just creating a fire preparation plan is not sufficient. You also need to practice the strategy at least twice per year. This way, you can discover and fix any weaknesses in the plan.

Your children need to understand how to respond if the smoke alarm goes off while they are sleeping. You should thus regularly hold these home fire drills at night. You do not want to frighten the kids, however. You can thus warn them ahead of time that the drill will occur.

Another benefit of practicing the escape plan at night is it allows you to see which members of your family sleep through the smoke alarm. If anyone in your household stays asleep throughout the drill, give someone in your home the job of waking up the sleeping person during a real fire.

In some situations, the smoke or fire may be too intense for you to escape. Plan for this scenario, as well. Each person should practice sealing himself in a room and covering door cracks with towels or tape.

It is easy to panic if you see flames or smoke in your house. Yet if you make and practice a fire escape plan ahead of time, you and your loved ones will know what to do during this emergency.

Is Your Commercial Property Impacted by Storm or Flood Damage?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience Storm or Flood Damage in your Commercial Property, do not heasitate and Contact us.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, flood damage remains a prominent issue within the United States, noting that the cost of water repair has quadrupled since the 1980s. Some of this harm stems from water breaks and sewer overflows. However, business owners also face devastation from other external sources such as weather events. These cases can result in a damp, potentially expensive mess.

The source of the dampness matters, though. Is it really from a flood or the storm? Owners may think it doesn't matter, requesting a dry out and cleaning. However, circumstances vary for each situation and in working with restoration and claim procedures; therefore, it's critical that proprietors in Bountiful, UT, know the difference, seeking appropriate remediation for the harm. The following are distinctions between the two events.

What Qualifies as Flood Damage?

Flood water is considered a rise in a body of water such as a river, ocean or lake. It comes from the outside to the inside of the building. The overflow may occur during a storm, but the harm itself comes from the external body of water.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, recognizes a flood as any of the following circumstances:

• A runoff or fast spread of water
• The breakdown or erosion of land that leads to excess water
• Mudslides
• Spilling over of tidal waters

For instance, rains might fill up a nearby retention pond during a hurricane. As a result, the water leaves its location, entering a nearby property and causing heavy saturation to the walls and floor. It could even ruin structures and products. The storm led to the overflow, but the damage was from flooding, not the weather. Insurance, therefore, would classify this event under flood coverage.

What Damage Occurs From a Storm?

Storm destruction results from weather-related occurrences, creating water or other physical complications. It's usually from above and, unlike floodwater, not from the ground. For instance, a storm might affect the roof, windows, electrical or plumbing. Moisture or other complications happen from that event. Common problems would include any of the following:

• Shingle damage
• Moisture entering from exterior exposure
• Fallen trees breaking windows, roofs or walls
• Lightning strikes that ruin electrical wires or business systems

Why Know the Difference Between the Two?

Water isn't always the same, and your insurance policy notes that. Commercial property insurance often includes storm damage but not flood coverage. Floodwater falls under an add-on policy, purchased separately. Business owners, therefore, need to know when they can file a claim with their agent.

A water restoration company may evaluate the wetness, determining the underlying cause. This overview proves helpful in learning how to manage the mess, sanitize the property and rebuild the location. In addition, business owners may use the assessment to collaborate with their insurance firms, concluding how to file and seek compensation appropriately.

Tend to storm and flood damage as soon as possible to mitigate potential issues and get back to business. Be sure to learn the underlying cause of the problems and work with professionals to remediate the issues.

The Secret to Disaster Response Is Teamwork

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our local Cleaning and Restoration Professionals can help you if you experience Damage in your property.

Cleaning and Restoration Business

There is a small cleaning and restoration business located in the Bountiful, UT, area. You see their green trucks at businesses and residences around town. Their advertisements talk about disaster recovery, but how can that be? There are so few of them. They seem to be good at drying buildings and always have the right equipment.

It’s easy to predict where to find them. They will show up at commercial and residential locations after:

• Fires
• Floods
• Winter storms
• Spring thaws
• Mold outbreaks

They seem to be pillars of the community and are nice to have around. They look good doing the small jobs but how effective could they be in a regional emergency? Looks can be misleading.

That Cleaning and Restoration Business Has a Secret Weapon

That small company is one of many similar businesses around the country. At last count, there were more than 1,700 of them. Every one of them works locally, just like the one near you. When disaster is imminent, their corporate office activates the Disaster Recovery Team. In a flash, that team turns those local hometown experts into a regional task force.

The recovery team is the communications center. It coordinates the activities of the task force and temporary labor brought in to assist with the storm damage.

Smaller Local Disasters Also Require a Team Approach

Not all emergencies require a regional response. They also have smaller storm response teams positioned at strategic locations around the country. Those teams provide the same support as the corporate team, but on a smaller scale. These storm teams also play a role in larger regional disasters. They provide an intermediate level of control and operate as mobile command centers.

The Secret Is Out

You now understand what makes that small cleaning and restoration business so special. They really are disaster recovery specialists. When fire, water or weather damages your home, you now know who to call. Those local cleaning and restoration professionals are ready to handle your problem. When they finish with the damage, your home will look “Like it never even happened."

Tips for Salvaging Sentimental Items After Fire Damage

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Tips for Salvaging Sentimental Items After Fire Damage in your Bountiful, UT property.

House fires can be particularly difficult to recover from because, in addition to the fire damage, there is often damage from smoke, ash, chemicals and water. These tips can help you save some of your irreplaceable sentimental items.

How To Salvage Sentimental Items After Fire or Water Damage

Your priorities when attempting to salvage items after a fire are to stay safe and to get the insurance process started:

• Call your insurance company to file a claim as soon as you can
• Check for structural damage before entering your home
• Do not attempt to salvage items from an unsafe building
• Wear protective gloves, eyewear and face masks
• Do not touch or breath in hazardous materials
• Take pictures of damaged items for your insurance claim

Tips for Handling Damaged Items

Items that have been damaged by flames, smoke, ash or water may be fragile. Improper handling may damage these items further. Handle items as little as possible. Fine particles of soot may be ground into the objects without you realizing it. Ash and soot are abrasive materials that can scratch fragile items.

Pick up items carefully and avoid touching the most damaged areas. Wear latex gloves to prevent the oils in your skin from permanently binding soot residue to absorbent surfaces. Do not apply pressure to surfaces that are blistered or lifting. Store items in supportive plastic containers or boxes until they are ready to be cleaned. Clean objects as soon as possible. The longer soot remains on objects, the more difficult it is to remove.

Cleaning Tips

Do not use water or cleaning solutions to clean items with fire damage. The water will force ash and soot further into the surface of the item. Vacuum ash and soot off your item as soon as you can. However, if a fire hose was used to put out your fire, avoid vacuuming any items that are still damp. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on its lowest setting.

Do not brush items or touch them with the vacuum nozzle. Vacuum the surfaces of folded items before unfolding them. If the item is not fragile, you may be able to use a soot sponge to remove additional soot.

Additional Tips

If you have shelved books that you want to save, they may be burnt on the outside, but undamaged on the inside. Vacuum the edges before you open the books to avoid spreading soot onto the pages. If you find a photo album that is stuck together, do not try to pry it open. Instead, contact a restoration company in Bountiful, UT, to find out if they can restore the item for you.

Heat may cause metal, ceramic and glass items to become brittle. Be careful when handling these items. Fabric items may appear to be intact but may fall apart if not handled gently. Before you give up on items that seem too damaged to restore, consult with a restoration company.

Not every family heirloom that has fire damage is restorable. However, it may surprise you how many of your sentimental items can be saved with careful handling and appropriate cleaning techniques.

What's That Smell? Treating Odors From Mold Growth and Water Damage

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

These Tips will make Treating Odors From Mold Growth and Water Damage much Easier.

Long after the flood is over, the water has been removed, and the contents of your home have been thoroughly dried out, an unpleasant odor may linger. There are a few reasons you can't just focus on the drying step of water damage recovery:

• Flood water carries contaminants from multiple sources.

• Water picks up chemicals and organic material as it flows through your home and property.

• Mold growth occurs within just a day or two.

• There could be hidden pockets of unresolved moisture.

A thorough response to water damage, especially when sewage loss is involved, requires some attention to flood-related odors.

Responses to Mold Growth and Other Flood-Related Odors

Water damage remediation teams use a variety of strategies and tools to tackle existing odors and prevent new smells from developing:

Increased Ventilation, Heaters, and Dehumidifiers

When professionals dry out your home and contents, they pull out as many tools as possible to ensure that water is pulled out from areas underneath carpets, behind the walls, and deep within out-of-the-way corners. Opening the windows and installing fans is the first step in this part of the recovery process. Heaters and dehumidifiers are used to decrease humidity in the air and to target moisture below the surface.

Masking Agents

These products are used to cover up unpleasant smells. They act quickly and are easy to set up around your home. While these products don't get rid of the odors, they do make your home temporarily more comfortable and are a good choice while you wait for stronger methods to work.

Deodorizing Agents

Odor counteractants use enzymes to break down odor-causing compounds, such as body fluids, smoke, mold, other organic matter. When water damage cleanup professionals spray deodorizing agents onto the surfaces of your home, you may notice a clean, natural scent that remains for several days. These sprays are safe for use on the surfaces that you and your family come into contact with each day.

Air Scrubbers

These machines work by pulling air through several HEPA filters. Particles in the air, as small as 0.3 microns, are trapped and killed by the filters. The devices also release ionized oxidizers into the air. The oxidizers have a negative charge and attract the positive ions that cause unwanted smells, such as musty odors. Air scrubbers are 99.97 percent effective at trapping those odor-causing particles.

Ozone Generators

These devices are often used as a last resort because of their powerful ability to affect the environment. Ozone differs from oxygen because it has one more oxygen molecule. When ozone generators are used, the third molecule detaches and attaches to other chemicals, such as the spores from mold growth. Too much ozone can lead to hazardous living conditions, and when professionals use this type of equipment to kill bacteria, they must follow strict procedural guidelines. If machines are used in your home, technicians will wait until people and pets have moved out before running the generators.

You don't need to wait for mold growth or flood water to treat your home for unpleasant odors. Bountiful, UT, Professionals can provide a remedial response for odor problems due to backed-up toilets, clogged pipelines, and hidden causes.

How To Perform Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to ensure your Fire Sprinkler Maintenance. If you have any doubt, just contact us.

As a building and property manager, you have many responsibilities. Tenants expect you to maintain the property to ensure all safety features and utilities work correctly. Fire sprinkler maintenance should be chief among safety checks, according to fire remediation specialists in Bountiful, UT. These checks should include:

• Control valves
• Sprinkler heads
• Water pressure

Additionally, management needs to ensure that tenants know how to work around fire prevention systems. If you are in building management, there are at least five steps you need to take to ensure sprinkler systems remain functional and effective.

The 5 Steps of Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

All systems of fire sprinklers are similar but different. Before you delve into the five steps and self-assessments, check with the manufacturer or manual for your respective system. The following list is meant as a general overview of essential sprinkler maintenance and inspection.

1. Check Control Valves

Non-electric control valves essentially have two positions: open and closed. If the valves are closed, no water can get to the sprinklers, meaning the system is worthless if a fire breaks out. The valves should always remain open. Unfortunately, you never know when someone might mistakenly close the valves with tenants. Therefore, you should get in the habit of checking the valves weekly.

2. Clean Sprinkler Heads

As sprinklers are stationary and open to the environment, they tend to collect dust and debris. In kitchens, the heads can become coated with grease. As management, your job is to ensure the heads remain clean to avoid any impedance if a fire occurs. Additionally, it would be best if you never painted over a sprinkler.

3. Check Water Pressure Quarterly

For a sprinkler system to do its job, it requires adequate water pressure. Unfortunately, checking water pressure is not something most building managers or owners are trained to do. Therefore, you will probably need to bring in a plumbing or fire professional to check the pressure. This is a job that should be performed at least four times per year.

4. Clear Space Directly Under Sprinklers

Tenants will not always know how to work around sprinkler systems, so it is up to the property manager to inform them of what is and is not Ok. One common mistake tenants make is positioning shelving or tall furniture directly underneath the heads or the system. While the location of the furniture might suit the tenant, it obstructs the effectiveness of the sprinkler. Sprinklers are designed to cover a specific area with water. When a piece of furniture is blocking its head, the water will not cover as much of the site as it is supposed to.

5. Call Professionals for Annual Inspections

DIY inspections have their place, but since you are not a professional, hiring a company to assess the system at least once per year is best. The professionals will perform all the routine inspections above and more to ensure your system is operating as it should.

Commercial fire sprinkler maintenance is essential to a functioning and safe facility. When was the last time you had a professional inspection at your building?

How To Keep Mold From Returning

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

The humidity in your building should range between 30-60% to decrease mold growth

Mold spores in the air tend to settle on surfaces that have lingering water. You may have the mold growth removed, however, only to find that it returns to the exact same spot. There are several reasons why this might occur in your commercial property in Bountiful, UT, and identifying the cause is essential to preventing repeat growth from occurring.

Consider these causes to avoid Mold Damage

Humidity

There are four things mold needs to grow:

• Moisture
• Food
• Oxygen
• Warmth

High humidity levels in your building can create the ideal environment for fungus. You can place several dehumidifiers in various locations around the building to bring the level down. By maintaining 40 to 50 percent humidity in your building at all times, you can lower your risk of mold growth.

Hyphae

The growth pattern of mold can make it hard to get rid of for good. Not only does it grow across a surface, but it also tends to grow down into the item on which it thrives. Hyphae are the tendrils that branch into the pores of the affected item. Even if you clean the surface with detergent and a clean cloth, mold may return. Only thorough professional mold remediation is able to extract hyphae out of the crevices into which they grow.

Damage

Water damage that has not been properly remediated is another likely cause of the return of mold patches to a previously affected area. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours after the damage has occurred. The best way to prevent secondary damage is to repair the structures quickly. As soon as you know that a leak has saturated your floors, ceiling, or walls, you should call professionals to have the problem remedied.

Just because you can't see mold, that doesn't mean it won't return. Once you eliminate causes such as humidity, incomplete remediation, and water damage, you are more likely to be able to prevent future mold growth in your building.

Steps To Take After a Pipe Breaks

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can make a real mess. If any problem related to this occurs, do not hesitate to contact us.

Bursting pipes in your commercial building can cause a lot of damage before you even know there's a problem. When this happens, you need to act quickly to minimize damage to the building and keep repair costs as low as possible.

Here are a few steps you need to take as soon as you are aware of a busted pipe.

Turn Off Water Main

The first thing you need to do when you discover any major leak is to shut down the water source. For most buildings, this is going to be the water main. This action accomplishes several things:

• Halts the flow of water to the broken pipe
• Relieves pressure on other pipes to keep them intact
• Gets the building ready for repair

Call Repair Professionals

The next step is to get repairs started as soon as possible. Call a local plumber who can come out and fix the broken pipe. After all, it doesn't do any good to repair the damage around it if the pipe spews water again after it's turned back on! You also need to call water damage restoration specialists to mitigate any problems with the building that are caused by the leak. When they arrive on site, they assess the damage and make a plan to address it. If you hire a company that takes care of both mitigation and restoration, you don't have to worry about making sure both teams keep each other informed.

Drain Pipes

While you are waiting on the plumber and the mitigation team to arrive, you can take an extra step to prevent additional problems with bursting pipes, especially if temperatures outside are below freezing. Turn on the faucets and flush the toilets to remove all the water that remains in them. That way, even if other pipes freeze overnight, there's no water in them to cause a break.

Document Damage

Your mitigation team will give you an itemized list of what needs to be done to fix the water damage in Bountiful, UT, but it doesn't hurt to have your own documentation. Take pictures and videos of the affected area so that you have proof to back up the things you list on your insurance claim. If you can safely do so, it's a good idea to accompany the adjuster and the mitigation assessor when they survey the building to gain a better understanding of all the repairs that are needed.

Upgrade Prevention Measures

The best solution to busted pipes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. While you are waiting on repairs to be finished, buy supplies to insulate the rest of your pipes, particularly the ones that are located along external walls. Make sure your thermostat remains no lower than 55 degrees overnight to help keep pipes warm. While the plumber is there, ask him or her to inspect pipes for small pinhole leaks and repair them before they get larger and cause a lot of damage.

Water damage from bursting pipes can make a big mess. With swift action and the right professional help, you should be able to get your building back in order in no time.

Dealing With Floods in a Low Risk Flood Zone

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

if you experience flooding outside high-risk areas, do not hesitate to contact us.

Many homeowners are not located in high-risk areas, meaning flood insurance is not a requirement of ownership. However, being outside of a flood zone or plane does not mean flooding is impossible.

Advices to consider if you experience flooding outside high-risk areas

Many people experience flooding outside of high-risk areas every year. Unfortunately, these homeowners typically have to foot the bill for a restoration service in Bountiful, UT. Water damage is not cheap, and it can include costs for several tasks:

• Mitigation
• Cleanup
• Disinfection
• Restoration

What To Do When You Don't Have Flood Insurance

Homeowners who experience flooding without the appropriate insurance policies may not have the funds to restore the house correctly. They might feel like the only option is to move or slowly work to make repairs.

The slower people react to water loss, the more damage can occur, including mold infestations. Water can also compromise the house structure, making it dangerous to inhabit.

If you experience flood loss without insurance, you are not out of luck or without possible help. Federal and state programs exist for natural disaster relief. Additionally, there are nonprofit organizations that are willing to help qualified individuals. You only need to know where to look and who to ask for help.

Check for Federal Disaster Relief

After a major disaster, the first place you should look for relief is FEMA or the federal government. Depending on the event and its rarity, the federal government might declare your area a disaster zone.

As a disaster zone, you and your neighbors might be eligible for some financial relief through FEMA. The relief can come in the form of grants or loans. Your specific situation will likely play a role in the type of relief you qualify for.

If your area is deemed a federal disaster zone, you can contact your local city manager or county clerk to determine the best way to apply for assistance.

Look To the State or Other Nonprofits

Even if the federal government does not offer assistance, you can look to your state. The state and local government might provide disaster relief to qualifying individuals.

It might be best to contact city officials to determine the type and amount of aid you qualify for. In most disaster situations, the city will designate specific contacts and officials that can help dispatch aid.

Beyond city and state government, you can also look to local nonprofit organizations. While nonprofits might not offer financial assistance, they might provide food or labor assistance. Essentially, when a disaster occurs, it is best to call city managers to find out the best path forward.

While flood insurance is not a requirement for every homeowner, it might be a worthwhile investment. However, even if you do not have insurance, there might be other opportunities for financial assistance and other forms of help. City managers are often the best people to talk to about disaster relief.

How To Mitigate Water Damage

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water loss in Bountiful, UT

Mitigation should begin as soon as a property owner or manager notices signs of water damage. Whether you discover a supply line leaking or you need a pipe burst cleanup, these water cleanup measures can limit the severity of the damage.

Steps To Mitigate Water Damage

Address the Cause

Damage is likely to worsen until the cause is fixed. Take the following mitigation measures:

• Turn off the water supply
• Collect water in containers
• Contact a plumber

These steps can limit the severity of water damage. Once the problem is fixed, cleanup can proceed.

Remove Standing Water

Water left standing will damage contents. Depending on how much water is present, you may need to use towels and a mop, a wet vac, or a pump. If you do not have equipment capable of handling a pipe burst cleanup, contact a water damage cleanup service. Mitigation professionals can quickly address primary and secondary damage.

Clean and Disinfect

It may be necessary to clean or disinfect the damaged area. The treatment required depends on the conditions where the leak occurred and the category of water damage. You will need to

• Dry Category One damage
• Clean and disinfect Category Two damage
• Clean and disinfect Category Three damage

Category One water is clean and treated. Category Two gray water is contaminated but does not contain solid waste. Category Three black water is highly contaminated and may contain sewage.

Dry the Area

It is necessary to dry the affected area regardless of the category of water damage. You may use air movers, dehumidifiers, or fans. This equipment will promote faster drying and draw moisture out of porous surfaces. Drying can limit the severity of water damage.

The owner or manager of a commercial property should fix the cause of water damage as soon as possible. If pipe burst cleanup or other major mitigation measures are necessary, hire a water cleanup service located in Bountiful, UT.

6 Ways To Prevent a Dryer Fire

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Consider these suggestions and if any problem of this type occurs, do not hesitate to contact us.

Most homeowners also own a clothes dryer and often use it several times a week. If not operated and maintained correctly, these appliances can be a significant fire hazard. In fact, they're one of the United States' leading causes of house fires. It's imperative to learn how to prevent a dryer or lint fire at your Bountiful, Utah, home.

Important Steps to avoid Fire Hazard

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed

You can practice safety right from the beginning by getting a professional to install your dryer. A certified electrician is familiar with and experienced in these appliances and safely installs them according to the manufacturer's requirements. It can be dangerous for someone inexperienced to install a major appliance that uses electricity or gas.

2. Keep Watch on Your Running Dryer

Always be close by and aware when your dryer is running. Even the best-maintained dryer can cause a dryer fire, so you should never leave a dryer unattended by leaving your home or leaving it running after you go to bed.

3. Keep Your Laundry Area Clean

Whether you have a small laundry area or a laundry room, many of the things you typically find around washers and dryers are flammable. Keep the area around your dryer clear of clothes and other fabrics (e.g., curtains on a nearby window), flammable washing products, combustible materials (e.g., cigarette lighters), dust, and lint. Keeping your dryer and its surroundings free of lint can significantly reduce the risk of a lint fire.

4. Don't Overload the Dryer

Avoid overloading your dryer. While it may seem like you can get your laundry finished faster by doing one drying load rather than two, it can potentially cause a problem. When a dryer is packed with wet items, it limits the amount of room for air circulation and puts a lot of unnecessary stress on the appliance's components (e.g., pulleys, bearings, and belts). When your dryer has to work harder, it can result in an increase in friction and heat.

5. Keep the Lint Trap Clear

One of the best ways to prevent a dryer fire is by cleaning the lint filter after every load of laundry and checking it before every load. Lint is highly flammable. Research has found that over a third of dryer fires begin due to a filter full of lint. The dryer's heating element can reach 550 degrees during a cycle. This, combined with lint, can start a fire that spreads quickly and is difficult to put out. This devastation will most likely require the assistance of fire damage restoration experts. A clear lint trap can also make for more efficient drying.

6. Routinely Clean the Dryer's Exhaust Vent and Hose

Lint can accumulate at different dryer areas; the exhaust vent is one of those areas. Developing a blockage in the hoses can put you at much more risk for a fire because it restricts airflow. You can disconnect the vent from the hose to see if lint has accumulated. If you find lint, you can use a snake to clear it.

It pays to be proactive concerning your family's protection. Learn how to safely operate and maintain your dryer to avoid a lint fire.

Taking Care of Clogged Drains

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

If you have clogged drains in your Bountiful, UT home, call a remediation specialist to have an effective solution.

A clogged pipe or drain in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room can result in many problems, but primarily flooding. It is essential to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In most situations, you will not need to contact a remediation specialist in Bountiful, UT, because a simple plumbing snake will do the trick. However, to use a snake or auger effectively, you need to know how to use it:

• Slightly uncoil the auger
• Gently insert the head into the drain
• Rotate the auger at trap and push
• Extend auger to reach the clog
• Rotate and use a push-pull motion to free the blockage
• Withdraw the auger
  

While it is easy to use a snake or plumbing auger, sometimes, the auger will not be enough to resolve the issue. If you cannot reach the clog or free the blockage, you need to call a professional.

Why Calling SERVPRO Is Your Best Option for Clogged Pipes

With any plumbing crisis, time is of the essence. Waiting too long to call for help can mean the difference between releasing a basic clog or repairing a full-blown pipe break.

If using an auger did not help to resolve the stopped sink, then calling a professional is likely your next best option. Experts working with SERVPRO have the tools necessary for reaching dip and set-in clogs.

Additionally, calling in the experts can ensure that no damage comes to your system from potential mistakes. For instance, sometimes, drain snakes can get tangled in the system. If a homeowner attempts to force the snake out, they can potentially damage the pipe or the tool, making matters worse.

A Snake Might Not Be Enough To Resolve Every Issue

A snake is a limited tool. Most manual augers are limited to 25 feet, which should be sufficient for reaching minor clogs. However, your home’s plumbing is a complex system with internal and external components that might be well outside the reach and scope of a basic auger.

Additionally, not every blockage is the result of a clog. Sometimes, there are more significant issues at play, like a pipe collapse or supply line failure. In these instances, an auger is not the right tool for the job.

The experts working with SERVPRO have access to video equipment, allowing them to snake a camera into your home’s plumbing to locate the issue and determine the best mitigative response.

Chemicals Are Not the Solution for Pipe Blockages

Too often, homeowners will turn to chemical drain cleaners to resolve their issues. Chemical cleaners are not worth the hassle. Not only are these cleaners less effective than traditional cleaning options, but if you use the wrong type of cleaner, you can damage your plumbing. Using multiple cleaners can also result in explosions within the system or other unwanted chemical reactions.

If you want to try using a snake on your clogged drain, go ahead. However, suppose the auger does not resolve the issue. In that case, it is best to call in mitigation professionals, like those working for SERVPRO, to assess the system and develop a more effective solution.

Understanding Your Flood Coverage

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Understanding your homeowners policy helps you to protect wisely your Bountiful, UT home.

Navigating the details of your homeowners policy can be confusing, especially when you are going through the stressful experience of enduring a basement flood in your home in Bountiful, UT. Understanding the general rules behind standard property coverage can help you know the right questions to ask your provider and assist with filing your claim. You can plan more easily for repairs when you know what is and is not covered.

Flood Coverage: What Does and Doesn't Cover

What Standard Insurance Doesn't Cover

There are many types of policies you can purchase beyond a standard homeowners policy. It may be fruitful to do so, particularly if your area is prone to flooding. While some water damage is covered, there are several types of problems that you probably have to pay for out of pocket:

• Remediation of water damage that occurs due to unresolved maintenance issues
• Repairs of the source of the water damage
• Storm flooding
• Water backup from a clogged municipal drain
• Sewer backup
  

You may be able to purchase supplemental insurance coverage for some of these issues. For example, a flood policy is a smart idea if you live in a flood plain, because you are likely to experience the occasional basement flood even if you are vigilant about protecting your home. A water backup policy protects you from having to pay the cost of city plumbing issues that are outside your control. Your insurance agent can assess your individual case and recommend policies that cover your specific needs.

What Your Homeowners Policy Does Cover

A flooded basement can be caused by many different situations. There are two key factors that typically determine whether your homeowners policy will cover the cost of water damage mitigation services. Did the problem occur suddenly? For example, if a pipe bursts, it can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Second, was the inciting incident an accident? If, despite your best efforts, a flood still occurs, your policy is likely to cover the cost of repairing the damage.

If the incident is a covered peril, you may be entitled to two types of coverage. Dwelling coverage takes care of the cost of repairing the structure itself. You may have to replace walls, insulation, carpet, or ceiling materials. Then the affected parts of your home must be rebuilt. This process is probably covered by your policy. Additionally, if any of your personal belongings were damaged by the covered peril, it is likely that you can be compensated for the cost of repairing or replacing them. Documenting the damage with pictures or video and providing the estimate from the mitigation company can support your claim and increase the chances that it will be approved.

It's never too early to learn exactly what your insurance coverage entails. Don't wait until a basement flood occurs to figure out whether your homeowners policy will pay for the damage. Go over the details with your insurance agent, and purchase any additional coverage you need. Understanding your policy helps you make an informed decision so that you can protect your home and everything in it.

How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Clean the mold in the air conditioner ducts to avoid the spread in your Bountiful, UT building.

Molds, such as black mold, are always present in the environment. When molds encounter areas with the right conditions, they may multiply to the point where they become an issue for building owners. Dust and moisture in the vents of an HVAC system can provide a fertile breeding ground for mold. If not removed promptly, the forced air from an HVAC system may spread mold to the rest of your building.

Removing Black Mold From HVAC Systems

Eliminating mold from an HVAC system is a multi-step process.

1. Confirm You Have a Mold Problem

Before you spend time and money attempting to eliminate a mold problem, it is a good idea to confirm that you have one. Inspect your HVAC system for signs of mold and moisture. Additionally, you may notice mold signs throughout your building. A musty odor is often one of the first signs of a problem. You may also notice stains or dark spots on walls, ceiling tiles, or carpets. Pay particular attention to any areas with high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms, or water damage.

2. Remove Moisture

Shut down your HVAC system. Make sure anyone working on the HVAC system is equipped with an N-95 respirator. Remove and replace filters or insulation that is wet. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water in the air ducts. Repair anything that is leaking or any drainage systems that are clogged.

3. Clean the System

Thoroughly cleaning your HVAC system will help remove mold and dirt that provides food for mold growth. Use a disinfectant that is registered with the EPA and labeled for HVAC use. Use a mechanical coil cleaning system to remove debris from the evaporator coils. As you clean ducts, separate them with bladders so that spores from the ducts you are cleaning don't spread to the ducts you already cleaned.

4. Prevent Mold From Returning

Prevent mold from coming back by applying a mold and mildew inhibitor to all parts of your HVAC system. Choose a product that is EPA registered and labeled for HVAC use.

5. Vacuum the Ducts

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any debris left behind from cleaning.

Prevent Future Mold Problems

Controlling moisture is the key to preventing future mold problems in your HVAC system. Contact an HVAC repair company in Bountiful, UT, to diagnose and repair the issues that caused your system to accumulate moisture. Make sure your drain pans are properly sloped and regularly cleaned. Replace your air filters regularly. Keep areas below air intake clean and free of moisture. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected at least once per year.

When To Call a Professional

Mold can be difficult to remove completely. If your mold problem keeps coming back, you may need to contact a professional mold remediation company to perform a thorough cleaning.

Molds, such as black mold, are a normal part of the environment. However, mold that grows rapidly can create problems for property owners. Removing mold and addressing moisture issues promptly is the key to avoiding additional damage to your building.

What Happens After Water Damage?

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

A severe storm can damage your home in Bountiful, UT.

Severe storms can transpire at any time of the year in Bountiful, UT. It's important to know what to do beforehand in case your home is subjected to a powerful storm, especially one that carries an influx of water into the house. Several serious issues can arise just from the excess moisture, such as:

• Soaked, stained drywall
• Destroyed insulation
• Ruined carpet and padding
• Rotting wood
• Mold growth
• Pungent odors
  

These problems will require quick action involving tear out of ruined materials and thorough drying to mitigate the loss.

What Are the Storm Restoration Procedures?

Post-storm, it's critical to put safety first. Before beginning any of the following steps, make sure you can safely navigate the area and take care of any emergency restoration that you can safely handle yourself.

1. Contact Your Homeowners Insurance

Call your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. An adjuster may need to come out and assess the damage before restoration can begin. In the meantime, take photos of all of the damage to give to your agent.

2. Check Electrical

Before going into the area, the safest option is to turn off electricity to the house. Electrical currents can flow through standing water, seriously injuring anyone who steps into it. If you can't safely navigate to the breaker box to turn it off, call your power company or an electrician before proceeding. Once the power is turned off, unplug water-exposed electronics and appliances from their outlets.

3. Deal With Flooding

Standing water indoors is best left to water damage remediation professionals. They have the expertise and industrial equipment to complete the restoration thoroughly and as quickly as possible. While you're waiting for the technicians to arrive, you can mitigate damage by beginning the water removal process. A wet/dry vacuum will be the safest and most efficient method, but mops and towels will do if you don't have access to one. You can also begin the tear-out process by removing materials from the area, such as soaked carpet, padding, and drywall. Also, you must remove as many of the contents as possible to make room for the technicians to complete the restoration process. After removing them from the area, you can determine if each item is salvageable or not.

4. Check the Roof

Check your roof to see if you notice any holes or missing shingles. Unless you have experience, it's best to let a professional contractor get on the roof to inspect the damage and make any repairs. They may have to tarp it temporarily to protect the home from further damage until they can permanently repair it.

If your home is affected by a major storm, you're likely to have a significant loss that will take time, expertise, and the proper restoration tools. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as extracting the water; it'll probably involve tear out, sanitizing, and extensive drying. It could involve much more if mold has begun to grow. It's vital to be proactive and learn the basic steps should you endure one of these disasters in the future.

Protecting Your Pets in a Fire Emergency

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

It is crucial to maintain pets safe in a fire emergency in your Bountiful, UT home.

There are countless articles on the web about keeping your family safe during a fire emergency, but few address what family entails. Family is more than moms and dads, brothers and sisters. The family also includes all the furry, feathery, and scaly friends that people call pets.

Pets are integral components of nearly every family unit, and as such, it is crucial that you make a plan to keep them safe. The local fire department or a fire disaster company in Bountiful, UT, can help you come up with a plan to keep your animals safe.

Fire Emergency Preparation for Furry Friends

Pet preparation is all about knowing the potential threats and hazards a fire presents and designing escapes and notifications accordingly. Your animals will not understand fire escape routes, and they cannot make rational decisions to get to safety in a real emergency.

While some animals can be trained to obey commands in some situations, it is best to design your home and your pets' routine around basic fire safety protocols. There are at least three ways to keep your pets safe when a fire occurs.

1. Keep Pets Near Entrances

The number one rule for pet safety involving house fires is always to keep your pets near entrances when you are away from home. Suppose you crate your dog while at work; put the crate near the front or back door. If your cat has a favorite cat tree, put it in the front room and close all bedroom doors, keeping its interest in the front of the house. The same goes with birds or other caged animals; keep them safe by placing their habitats near an entrance.

2. Keep Leashes Near Doors

A firefighter cannot be expected to keep a panicked animal under control while removing them from your house, especially to carry them from the premises without any guide or assistance. When you own dogs or cats, place leashes near the entrances of the home. Having leashes or even a kennel near the house entrance will make it easier for a firefighter to remove your pet safely, limiting the risk of injury to the animal or themselves.

3. Affix Pet Alert Stickers on Windows

It has become commonplace to have stickers indicating how many pets or family members you have in your home in recent years. If you feel comfortable doing so, it is helpful to emergency services if you affix an animal alert sticker on your windows.

Pet alert stickers tell firefighters the number of pets you have and what kind they are. Having all the information they need about the number of people and pets helps firefighters ensure they get everyone to safety. It also means that they do not prematurely call off a search and rescue.

A fire emergency is a time of panic and confusion. Do not wait until a disaster strikes to formulate a plan for the safety and rescue of your pets. When there is no chaos, take the time to make appropriate, straightforward plans, including kennel and cage placement and notification stickers.

4 Reasons To Replace Polybutylene Pipes

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Polybutylene pipes can cause water damage in your Bountiful, UT commercial.

Many property owners build structures from the ground up. If, however, you own an older commercial building, particularly one built between the 1970s and the 1990s, you should have the plumbing inspected for polybutylene pipes. While at that time these pipes were popular because of their relatively low cost, they ultimately cause many issues that lead to expensive repairs and other potential problems. 

Why replace polybutylene pipes?

1. Prevent Disastrous Leaks Caused by Faulty Polybutylene Pipes

One reason to get a new plumbing system in your building is that older pipes don't stand up well to chemicals from the water treatment plant. Eventually, these chemicals will wear down the pipes, causing many issues:

• Brittle surface
• Weakened pipe walls
• Pinhole leaks
  

These small flaws can turn into large problems over time. This is particularly true of pipes made from outdated and insufficient materials. The leaks can damage your building's foundation and any materials the water comes into contact with. While a good plumber and water restoration experts can fix the damage as it happens, ultimately they are only addressing the symptoms of the real problem. Faulty pipes will keep getting leaks. Rather than patching the small leaks as they occur, it's better to just replace the whole failing system at once.

2. Protect Water Quality With Replacement

Water loss and the subsequent damage it causes aren't the only potential problems that faulty pipes can bring. Additionally, the degradation in polybutylene pipes often leads to lower water quality. As particles flake off and disintegrate, they deposit chemicals into the water that likely would not meet safety standards. If your commercial building in Bountiful, UT, has older pipes, replacing the whole system is the right step toward keeping the water quality level high.

3. Keep Your Building Up to Code

Because of the known issues with these outdated materials, your city's building codes no longer allow for their use. Therefore, as long as your plumbing system includes them, your building is unlikely to pass municipal inspection. This can lead to costly fines or even larger consequences if you do not replace them.

4. Appease Insurance Provider

You have an obligation as the building owner to keep it in reasonably good shape and make necessary repairs and upgrades in a timely manner. This is part of the agreement you make with the insurance company that agrees to protect your property. One of the potential consequences of not meeting building codes due to faulty pipes is that your insurance provider is unlikely to cover any water damage that occurs as a result. You may lose your coverage, and then you are stuck not only with the cost of replacing a failing plumbing system but also the full set of expenses associated with repairing subsequent damage.

This necessary upgrade not only prevents damage and protects your water quality but also ensures that your plumbing system meets the standards outlined in municipal codes and expected by your insurance provider. If you own a commercial building that still has polybutylene pipes, it's important to replace them as soon as possible.

Flood Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Following these tips will make it easier to face a flooded home.

You read and hear about disasters on the news, but you may never think they’ll happen to you. However, disastrous incidents such as flooding can occur anywhere in Bountiful, UT, and beyond. Though it’s impossible in all circumstances to control when a flood will affect you, there are ways you can prepare for flood safety. If you practice a few simple tips, you could save yourself a significant of time, money, and grief.

Flood safety tips

Before a Flood.

Flooding can be an issue due to several factors, including intense weather, poor plumbing, sewage backup, and others. No matter what you do, you can’t keep the weather away, but you can do some things to minimize damage.

• Clean your rain gutters
• Seal basement vents
• Examine windows and make sure they don’t have gaps
• Have a trained professional examine your plumbing and sewage systems
• Secure valuables in waterproof containers or safe deposit boxes

During a Flood.

If water starts making its way into your home, it’s essential that you avoid contact with it. Of all the safety tips, one of the most critical is that you stay away from black water, which contains sewage and other potentially fatal materials. You should also turn off your home’s power and water mains. Also, never use an appliance that has come into contact with floodwater. It’s important to pay attention to instructions from local authorities on how to safely react to flooding.

After a Flood.

Flood safety is just as important following the incident as it is during. Once the water is under control, you need to clear it out as soon as possible. You should do this with a wet vacuum. Make sure you dry the area and sanitize thoroughly as well. A restoration specialist will determine whether you need to replace the flooring, walls, or other areas.

If you practice good flood safety, you can avoid damage to your home and injury to yourself and your loved ones. Keep these guidelines handy and implement them today.

Why Do Insurance Agents Choose SERVPRO's Restoration Services?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a service of professionals and certificated teams giving the customers quality work.

When a disaster affects your home in Bountiful, UT, an insurance company will surely get a call. The insurance agent handling the claim wants to feel confident that the homeowners are performing every reasonable measure possible to prevent further damage to the property. The central part of this process involves getting a reliable team of experts on the scene to begin the mitigation and restoration work as soon as possible. To ensure a better customer experience, major insurance companies developed the Preferred Vendor program. SERVPRO not only meets or exceeds the stringent requirements of this program, but the company has rigorous specifications its own franchisees must meet.

SERVPRO's Requirements as a Preferred Vendor

1. Each Franchisee Must Meet the Insurance Companies' Requirements for the Program

To be a Preferred Vendor, the restoration company must first meet the requirements set forth by the insurance companies that utilize this program.

Customers will never be surprised by hidden restoration fees. They will receive a set price before the work begins.

Repairs are always performed by professionals who have met all the insurance company's requirements for its vendors. Before getting on the vendor list, the technicians must apply to the central Quality Assurance Department with their credentials and be approved.

Customers can be confident they're getting quality work. There are precise standards and specifications under which the qualified professionals must complete each repair.

2. Each Franchisee Must Complete the Proper Training

All of SERVPRO's employees must go through a 15-day training program that the local business holds. Then, the technicians advance by participating in certification classes for water and fire damage. Employees are also required to attend continuing education programs regularly.

3. Each Franchisee Must Adhere to SERVPRO's Guidelines

SERVPRO has 21 distinct performance guidelines that each franchisee must meet before receiving client referrals from an insurance agent. These guidelines are some of the most extensive in the restoration industry. They include each technician earning the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and each employee passing a background check. Additionally, the franchisee must maintain the required insurance coverage, submit to routine internal quality assurance audits, and prove that the business possesses the proper equipment to handle any job.

4. Each Franchisee Must Apply for Preferred Vendor Approval

Each of SERVPRO's franchisees must apply for approval as a Preferred Vendor. The application process is simple for most because most have already reached SERVPRO's rigorous corporate guidelines.

5. Each Franchisee Must Practice Full Transparency

From the initial contact with the restoration hotline and throughout every step of the project, SERVPRO's professionals document their work. Clients can have peace of mind knowing that the damage restoration company is helpful, reliable and that they're performing their work to the highest industry standards.

Next time you need to file a claim for a loss on your homeowners insurance, your insurance agent will give you a list of restoration companies in their Preferred Vendor program. You're highly likely to see SERVPRO on the list, and for good reason; their technicians guarantee superior service to each client every step of the way, from your initial contact to the job's completion. Whether your home has sustained damage from a flood, fire, or mold infestation, you can be confident you're hiring the best company in the industry.

Water Heaters and Noise: Quieting the Hobgoblins of Residential Plumbing

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

If you hear some unusual noises from your water heater in your Bountiful, UT, home, call a professional for assistance

Every home needs a water heater, but not every heater is created equal. For those at the forefront of environmentally friendly products, a tankless heater will not have many of the noise problems as a traditional or conventional tank. However, for people who still prefer the more affordable — in the short term — options, a tank heater can lead to odd noises. Some sounds are normal, like the ignition or heating components kicking on, but other sounds are not, like:

• Knocking
• Banging
• Clanging
• Scratching

If you hear any of these odd noises, you should contact a plumbing or remediation professional in Bountiful, UT, to assess your tank. In many cases, the tank can be fixed with a simple flush, but a new tank is sometimes required. The outcome typically involves the age and damage to the appliance.

Water Heater Flush

Flushing a water heater is not a complex task, but some homeowners might feel uncomfortable performing such a task without prior experience. Again, you can hire a professional to take care of the flushing.

If you want to give it a go, you will need a hose and a space to drain the water from the tank. Before you begin, you will need to shut off the gas or electricity to the tank. If you have a gas tank, there should be a valve somewhere near the tank's base. If the heater is electric, shut off the circuit breaker to the heater.

With the power turned off and the tank no longer heating, you can turn off the water to the tank. Connect the drainage hose to the drainage tap. You can then stretch the hose to the predetermined drainage area. Once the hose is in place, you can open the drainage valve. Allow the tank to empty completely.

Once the tank is empty, turn the water back on. Leave the drainage hose attached to the drain valve open. Let the water run for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing any sediment to wash away. Turn off the water again. Detach the drainage hose and close the drainage valve. Turn the water back on, allowing the tank to fill. Once the tank is full, turn the power or gas supply back on.

Resolving Other Issues

In most situations, flushing the tank will resolve any unwanted noises because most tank noises stem from sediment. However, there are occasions where a flush will not take care of the problem. In these instances, it is best to hire a professional plumber to assess the tank and the plumbing surrounding the tank to ensure everything is working as it should.

If the plumber suspects the tank is the problem, they will probably suggest replacing the tank. When replacing a tank, you can opt for newer, more efficient models, but remember that many energy-efficient appliances will initially cost more.

A noisy water heater does not necessarily indicate a need for replacement; it could result from sediment requiring a flush. However, if you are not sure of the problem causing the noise, contact a professional to assess the tank and plumbing.

Mold Prevention Tips for Humid Climates

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your Bountiful, UT, building from moisture to prevent mold damage.

It's hard enough to keep your commercial building free of the effects of high humidity, but is located in a particularly humid climate poses extra challenges. It's not an impossible task, though. The following tips can help you protect your building in Bountiful, UT, against all the moisture in the air outside.

How to protect your building from moisture

Ensure Proper Airflow Throughout Building

The simplest way to prevent mold damage is to keep the air flowing throughout the whole building. Your air conditioner plays a huge role in this step. There are several ways to ensure your AC works consistently well:

• Make sure the system you install is the right size for your building
• Keep doors and windows closed while it runs
• Set the unit to automatic and the temperature to 70 degrees
• Inspect and maintain the system regularly

Make sure that your air conditioner vents are not blocked by furniture or storage, particularly the intake vents. Install exhaust fans in areas, such as bathrooms, where moisture tends to build up. An environmental hygienist can also complete an air quality test to find areas where better ventilation is needed.

Implement a Regular Inspection and Cleaning Schedule

Spores in the air are attracted to both moisture and dirt. While mold can grow on any organic material, keeping your building clean and dry is a strong line of defense. During walkthroughs, look for condensation on windows, pipes, and concrete walls. The presence of excess moisture in these areas may indicate that you need better insulation. Have all the surfaces in your building cleaned and dried on a daily basis. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is the best choice for ensuring that dust and other particles that can exacerbate mold growth are removed from the carpet.

Keep Humidity Level Low

No matter how clean or cool your building is, high humidity can lead to mold damage. You want to aim for a humidity level of 50% or below. Start by looking for items in your building that could contribute to excess moisture in the air. For example, potted plants are a common culprit, but that doesn't mean you need to get rid of all your live greenery. You just need to add anti-mold ingredients to the water you add to the soil. In addition to ensuring proper ventilation and airflow, you can also purchase dehumidifiers for each room to lower humidity levels.

Use Mold-Resistant Materials

Even if you take every precaution, you could still end up needing mold cleanup from certified mitigation experts in a humid climate. That's because furniture, curtains, carpet, and other textiles are particularly prone to fungus growth. Consider trading in some of the items in your building with similar pieces that are made of mold-resistant materials. Plastic, glass, and metal all have non-porous surfaces that make it more difficult for mold to grow. Laminate flooring does not have the same spore-catching qualities that carpet does. The furnishings you use can aid in your battle against mold.

If your area is prone to high humidity, you must be extra vigilant to prevent mold in your commercial building. By following these tips, you may be able to avoid major problems.

Understanding the Sewer Cleanup Process

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

It is fundamental to understand the sewer cleanup process in your Bountiful, UT, building.

When your commercial building in Bountiful, UT, has sewer damage, the thought of cleaning it up may seem overwhelming at first. Once you understand the different steps of the sewer cleanup process, though, it is likely to seem much more manageable.

Identify Cause

Before the cleanup process can begin, technicians need to know how the problem started. There are many potential causes of sewer problems:

• Flooded toilet
• Broken sewer lines or pipes
• Invasive tree roots
• Blocked or flooded municipal sewers

Knowing the cause of the damage helps the plumber or other repair personnel decide how to fix it so that it doesn't cause more damage to your building.

Assess Damage

When sewer damage cleanup experts arrive at your building, the first thing they do is complete a walkthrough of the space. They document all the damage so that they can create an action plan for efficient mitigation. Then they can create an itemized list of tasks that must be completed and give you an estimate of the cost.

Extract Moisture

Sewer backup typically leaves a lot of contaminated water behind. The results are standing puddles or a high humidity level in the building. The water must be removed with industrial pumps, and the humidity levels must be lowered to prevent secondary damage.

Remove Debris

Sometimes sewer water leaves sludge and other debris behind. Once the water is removed, it's easier to see what else needs to be taken out. If there is a lot of debris, technicians often use pumps or vacuum hoses for quick removal. They also tear out saturated drywall, carpet, and other materials that are ruined by sewage.

Disinfect Area

One of the most important parts of the sewer cleanup process is disinfection. Water that backs up or seeps in from the sewer is considered Category 3 Water, which means it likely contains all kinds of bacteria and other microbes. The mitigation team not only cleans but deodorizes every inch of your building that is affected by the backup.

Dry Surfaces

The surfaces that remain after ruined materials have been torn out and not only have to be sanitized but also dried. Failure to do so can lead to ongoing issues such as mold growth or further water damage. Removing as much excess moisture as possible is the key to complete remediation.

Rebuild Structure

The last step of the cleanup process is restoration. The remediation team doesn't just leave your building gutted and clean. Certified builders put up new walls and install new ceiling tiles. They match the wallpaper, paint, and flooring with the parts that are able to be salvaged so that no one can tell where the damaged area and preexisting structure meet. The job isn't finished until you are able to set up your office and start using the space again.

If you need sewer cleanup in your commercial building, choosing mitigation experts who know what they're doing shouldn't add stress to the situation. Qualified specialists can walk you through the entire process so that you know what is happening at every step to get your building back to normal.

The 6 Steps of Fire Cleanup

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Hire a professional team to clean after fire damage in your Bountiful, UT, home.

Home fires can be devastating, but you don’t have to face the cleanup process alone. Hiring fire damage professional in Bountiful, UT, can help return your home to its pre-fire state quickly and efficiently. In addition to restoring the areas most directly affected by the fire, the professionals can also handle smoke damage and soot damage throughout your house. Here is what to expect when you bring in a professional service to restore your home after a fire.

1. Assessment

Before anything happens, experienced fire restoration specialists need to inspect your home. This allows them to determine the best way to proceed. Once they’ve assessed the situation, they should share their cleanup plan with you.

2. Boarding and Tarping

Fire can burn holes in your roof and walls, blow out windows and compromise the structural integrity of your home. To protect your home from further damage by the elements, openings can be covered with waterproof tarps. Boarding over doors and windows protects your home from intruders and prevents entry into unsafe areas.

3. Water Removal

If the fire was put out by the fire department, chances are good your home’s interior has been doused with water. The water is removed using powerful wet vacs or submersible pumps in extreme cases. The affected areas are dried completely with industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers. This prevents further water damage and inhibits the growth of mold.

4. Soot Removal

Smoke damage often means a layer of oily, black soot staining walls, furniture, and carpets. This can be removed using powerful, specialized vacuums and other techniques.

5. Cleaning and Deodorizing

To eliminate the odor left behind by smoke, surfaces need to be cleaned and deodorized. Smoke cleaning is even carried out on the air inside your home using air scrubbers and foggers.

6. Restoration

While smoke damage can usually be dealt with by cleaning, if floors, walls, or cabinets have been destroyed by the fire, they need to be repaired or replaced. A comprehensive fire damage service in Bountiful, UT, should be able to handle everything from the assessment to the restoration.

For more information, please visit us at SERVPRObountiful.com.

IICRC Certified Firm

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is professional and ready to help you.

SERVPRO of Bountiful is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Bountiful

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Davis County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Damaged Property in Bountiful Utah

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bountiful, UT, will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 801-298-4272

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning a flooded home will depend on the category of the contaminated water.

Water damage, including black water, is classified into one of three categories based on the level of contamination in the water. It is important to know which category of water you are dealing with before attempting to clean a flooded building because each class comes with different risks and requirements.

Water Damage Categories

You may see water damage referred to as either clean water, grey water, or black water. These phrases refer to the three categories of water damage:

• Category 1 Water is water that does not contain any harmful contaminants.
• Category 2 Water may contain significant amounts of chemicals, physical or biological contaminants.
• Category 3 Water contains unsanitary agents, such as fungus and bacteria.

Examples of Category 3 Water

Examples of this type of water include sewage cleanup, water from streams and rivers, ground surface water, seawater, storm surge, and standing water. Category 2 water that has become stagnant or has remained standing for too long can be reclassified into this category. Toilet overflows that contain feces or originate from beyond the toilet trap are another example.

Category 3 Water Removal

The removal of this category of water requires protective gear and safety training. For this reason, it is not recommended that property owners attempt to remove the water themselves. A professional water remediation company in Bountiful, UT, has the training and equipment to safely remove the water and decontaminate the affected area. Additionally, they can evaluate affected contents to determine which items can be safely cleaned and sanitized and which should be discarded and replaced.

Some types of water can be removed safely by property owners. Other types are best left to professionals with the correct safety gear and training. If you are dealing with a black water situation, it is usually best to avoid the risk of coming into contact with contaminated water and potentially spreading contamination around your property by attempting to clean it yourself.

My Basement Has Flooded! What Next?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

If a flooded home in Bountiful, UT, is not cleaning well, mold can grow in the affected surfaces.

Discovering standing water in your Bountiful, UT, basement is a disaster no one wants to experience. A basement flood can not only be hazardous to your and your family, but it can also cause severe damage to your home and its contents. It's essential to know the steps to take during this situation to minimize the negative impact.

1. Shut Off the Electricity

First and foremost, it's vital to turn off the home's electricity before you step into the basement. An electrical current can be flowing through the water if electrical components (including outlets) are exposed to the water. If you can't navigate to the power box safely, call a professional electrician to shut it off before anyone enters the basement.

2. Investigate the Origin of the Flooding

Next, inspect the area to find the origin of the flooding. Once you find it, stop it by shutting off the source, if possible.

3. Extract the Water

Remove the standing water by using a wet/dry vacuum, if available. It's typically the most efficient and effective method of extracting water and floating debris from a basement flood. Otherwise, you'll need a mop and towels. Flood restoration specialists can use their commercial-grade equipment to remove all of the water.

4. Clean and Sanitize the Area and Contents

Next, you must clean and sanitize the entire affected area and all salvageable contents. This washing is vital if it's water from a sewer backup or an outdoor flood.

5. Thoroughly Dry the Area and Contents

One of the most important parts of cleaning after a flooded basement is ensuring the thorough drying of the whole area and everything in it within 48 hours of water exposure. Mold can quickly begin growing on most surfaces.

Water from a basement flood can wreak havoc on a home's structure and contents. Remediation needs to begin immediately. Be proactive and check your insurance coverage beforehand so you'll know what is and isn't included in your homeowner's policy.

What To Do When You Have Storm Damage

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Residential roof replacement for storm damage in Bountiful, Utah.

A common cause of roof damage in homes in Bountiful, Utah, is fallout from storms. Problems with your roof can easily lead to issues inside your home as well. After the storm passes, there are several things that must happen during mitigation to ensure that your home is protected.

Find Weak Spots

Even if your roof is in great shape before a strong thunderstorm, you should always have it checked by a professional afterward. There are several elements that can cause damage to your roof during a storm:

• Hail
• Rain
• Wind
• Debris

Experienced professionals know where to look for the common signs of wind damage to shingles. They make note of the cracks or chips caused by hail and other abrasive elements. A thorough inspection reveals all the areas that need mitigation.

Clean Gutters

Storms are likely to leave a lot of debris lying around. Some of the twigs, dirt, and leaves that get redistributed may end up clogging your gutters. While cleaning out gutters and downspouts should be a regular part of your home maintenance routine, cleaning them out after a heavy storm, particularly one that involves high wind gusts, helps prevent further roof damage.

Board Up Holes

If your home has extensive damage, it may take a few weeks for the roofers to fix it. In the meantime, storm mitigation experts typically put tarps or boards over the most vulnerable areas while they are working on the water damage and other structural issues caused by the storm. This keeps out additional rain and debris, and it keeps animals or other invaders from entering your house through the damaged areas.

Getting your home back to normal after a storm may take time and a team of specialists, but it's possible. Hiring professionals to help find all the roof damage, clear out debris and protect your home from further issues is the key to quick mitigation.

The Dos and Don'ts of Business Fire Cleanup

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Follow any instructions you receive from the firefighters and other local officials in Centerville, UT

Once the smoke clears after a fire in your Centerville, UT, workplace, there's still plenty to do, accompanied by a lingering sense of vulnerability. You may not be sure what you should or shouldn't do in this new situation. Fortunately, much of the cleanup and repair work will be handled by fire restoration professionals. In the meantime, there are plenty of dos and don'ts you should follow.

A Short List of Dos

Some of the steps you take right after the fire can have long-term, positive consequences.

• Do contact the insurance company. Your fire insurance policy may affect who you contact to complete smoke cleaning and damage restoration services.
• Do schedule an assessment from fire remediation professionals.
• Do follow any instructions you received from the firefighters and other local officials. Anything you do may affect your insurance coverage.

A Quick List of Don'ts

There are some steps you might take that could cause a lot of harm to your property. It's just as important to understand what not to do as to understand what you must do for comprehensive fire restoration.

• Don't begin cleaning furnishings, such as chairs and upholstery. Without specialized tools and cleansers, you may cause permanent damage.
• Don't handle wet papers or equipment. Water from the firefighters' hoses could have soaked into many of your possessions. Picking up wet papers or moving electronics around could increase the level of damage to these items.
• Don't use any of your electrical appliances. At the very least, you may cause irreparable damage to that equipment. You could also spark new fires.

When your Centerville, UT, business has been affected by an emergency, knowing there are professional fire restoration experts in the area may help. When you know what to do after the fire and what you should not do can help you take the quick action necessary to prevent further damages. Taking the right action can help you get back to your normal schedule in less time.

How Flood Water Becomes Black Water

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy storms can lead to severe flooding damage.

In the confusion after a flood, deciding what type of water is contaminating your business is difficult. To keep your customers and employees safe, you need to consider any flood water as dangerous. There are three basic types that you need to worry about.

1. White water - clean water flooding
   
2. Grey water - contaminated water without fecal or other dangerous matter
   
3. Black water - highly contaminated water with fecal matter or other harsh bacteria-producing chemicals. This is the most common type of commercial storm damage.
   
   

Each type of water requires different a different type of cleaning. Floodwaters usually are classified as black. This is the most dangerous type and needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. In this case, it is best to hire a professional remediation company in Bountiful, UT, to avoid the risks associated with flooding.

Black Water Is The Most Dangerous

It Contains Outside Materials

Flood water from a storm almost always contains things that make it hazardous. This is particularly true if your business is on septic or there are septic fields in your area.
Flooding occurs when a body of water inundates the ground and surface to the point of peak saturation. Once this point is reached, the water seeps above the ground, causing the flood.
When the ground is saturated, it also pushes contaminates up from the soil. This means fecal matter, bacteria, and other contaminants come up from the ground, regardless of whether your business is on septic or city water. These can enter your location and damage porous surfaces causing mold, mildew and infections.

It Can Cause Sewer Failure

Even if you do not have a septic system, your city sewers can fail when it suffers storm damage. This often causes pipes to break and sewage to come to the surface. Sewage can cause mold and bacterial contamination.
When a sewer system fails, you may be required to boil your water. This is because it may contain the dangerous bacteria associated with black water.

It May Sit For Long Periods

Any water that sits for any length of time can go from clean water to contaminated water very quickly, particularly if you live in a warm climate.

Any time you have flood water, you should automatically consider it contaminated. This means treating it like it is hazardous.

My Flight Was Canceled Because of Weather. Now What?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Canceled flights require patience

Everything that comes with traveling by air can cause stress and anxiety but even more so when your flight is unexpectedly canceled due to inclement weather. A canceled flight can test your patience and leave you wondering what's next. Follow these tips if you get stuck on the ground in Bountiful, UT.

4 Tips For a Canceled Flight Due to a Storm

1. Call Before You Leave Home

If you discover that your flight has been canceled before you leave home, you may be able to save some time and handle it without going to the airport. Check the airline's website or for their rescheduling policy. If it's less than 24 hours before the original departure time, you can ask about rescheduling without the typical fees for changing flights.

2. Keep Airline Phone Numbers Available

If your flight gets canceled after you're at the airport, you may be able to book a later flight. Depending on the type of inclement weather, it may pass so that flights will resume relatively soon. Call different airlines while you're at the airport in case the original canceled flight isn't rescheduled soon enough. Some airlines will handle this for you.

3. Practice Patience

If the bad weather is around a while, you could have to wait days until the next available flight. If it's going to be at least one night and you're stranded at the airport, sometimes airlines will issue vouchers for meals and even local hotel stays.

4. Check With Customer Service Regularly

As you're waiting on the next phase of your journey, it's beneficial to make yourself comfortable close to customer service. Here, you'll be able to check with agents regularly to see when they begin booking again.

Being stuck at the airport due to a canceled flight can cause significant problems for you and ruin your plans. Besides, incurring storm damage at your home requiring you to contact water damage restoration experts before your trip could cause additional stress. Unfortunately, sometimes the unavoidable happens, but hopefully, these storm tips will help keep you moving.

Tips for Handling Water Damage

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

Having a regular inspection and maintenance schedule for your building in Bountiful, UT, is an important part of property ownership. Despite your best efforts, however, sometimes water damage still occurs. When that happens, there are several things you need to do as soon as possible.

2 Things You Need To Do To Handle Water Damage

Make Important Calls

The first thing to do when your building has damage from broken pipes or storm overflow is to call for help. Depending on the source and the severity of the problem, there may be several professionals you need to contact:

• Insurance provider
  
• Water restoration specialists
  
• Plumber
  
• City officials
  

Get restoration started as quickly as possible, and make sure you are not causing more damage or violating any regulations in the process. Calling for backup help is the best way to confirm that you are handling the problem properly.

Enact Contingency Plans

It's smart to have a plan for business continuity during emergency events. If the water damage in your building is widespread, you may have to relocate temporarily in order to keep your business going. The more detailed your plan is, the more readily your employees are able to adjust to their new work alternatives.
Leave Cleanup to the Professionals

The water cleanup process involves removing excess water, drying and cleaning the affected area and replacing anything that has to be discarded. While you may have the urge to help out, the most beneficial thing you can do is step aside and let the people with the proper training and equipment handle it. Focus on keeping your business afloat, and leave the restoration process to them.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed when your building sustains a lot of water damage, but there are a lot of people who can help you navigate the cleanup process. Knowing the first steps to take can help you get the mess cleaned up and get back to business as usual as soon as possible.

How To Keep My Pets Safe During a Fire Emergency

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during a fire emergency.

During a fire emergency, keeping your family safe is important. That family includes your pets. There are a few simple ways that you can do this before, during and after a fire.

Simple Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe

Pet Fire Prevention

Furry friends cause almost 1,000 fires per year. You can help prevent this from happening by:

• Using flameless candles
  
• Keeping stove knobs out of reach
  
• Securing young or unruly pets when not supervised
  
• Douse open flames
  

These precautions help keep your family safe from accidental fires.

Pets Before a Fire

A bit of pet preparation is also helpful. Although fires come without warning, you can make sure that you are prepared. Make sure you put "pet inside" stickers up to alert workers to the presence of your pet. You should always keep a leash by your door in case a fireman or other rescue worker needs to get your pet out. These two simple acts can save your pet's life.

Pets During a Fire

You probably already know what to do during a fire emergency. You may have even practiced fire drills. It is important to include your pets when practicing. This way, you will know what each family member needs to do when there is a fire.
Pack a "go bag" before a fire. This is a bag that contains all of the first aid, pet and other supplies you need as well as the numbers for your insurance company and a fire cleanup company in Bountiful, UT.

Pets After a Fire

Pet safety is as important after a fire as during one. Make sure that you are staying in a pet-friendly place while you wait for the fire department and cleanup company to clear your house. Since you are staying away from home, make sure your pet's vaccinations and tags are up-to-date as well.

You should know how to keep everyone safe in the event of a fire emergency. These tips can help you do this.

What To Do When Your Basement Floods

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Basement floods may involve significant property damage

One of the most annoying things that can happen is a basement flood. It is time-consuming and problematic to clean and may involve significant property damage. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the damage.

5 Things You Can Do To Mitigate Flooding 

1. Call the Professionals

When you are unsure what to do, it is always best to call a professional cleanup company in Bountiful, UT. In most cases, they can:

• Work with your insurance company
  
• Clear out the water
  
• Dry your belongings
  
• Prevent mold and mildew from growing
  

A good cleanup company will help you with any insurance coverage claims that you need to file.

2. Do Not Enter

Never for any reason enter a basement that is covered in water before checking a few things. You need to turn off the electricity and make sure that it is safe before you even consider entering. You should also make sure the water is fresh and not contaminated with chemicals or sewage. Once you are certain it is safe, you can consider entering.

3. Remove the Water

Once you are certain there is no harm from electricity or contamination, pump the water out. If you have a sump pump and it is not broken, you can use it to clear the water.
If not, you might have to rent or buy pumps to take care of the basement flood. This will clear most of the water out. Once the pumping is done, mop up the remaining water.

4. Dry Your Basement

Be sure to thoroughly dry your flooded basement. Concrete takes a long time to dry and often requires fans or commercial drying equipment. This is an extremely important step because mold and mildew can cause hazardous conditions and seriously devalue your home.

5. Remove and Dry Damp Items

Remove and dry everything you can thoroughly. Be very careful to get everything that has water on or under it. If you do not thoroughly dry everything, you could wind up with mold and mildew.

A basement flood can seem like a serious problem, but with the right equipment and some time, you can get your basement back into shape again. Just take it slow and make sure to follow these steps.

How Much Does Flood Remediation Cost?

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause a lot of damage.

There are many ways that a house can sustain water damage. A flood in your home in Bountiful, UT, is never good news, but damage repair may not cost as much as you expect. Depending on how widespread the damage is and a few other factors, the cleanup process may be fairly simple and affordable.

Flood Remediaton Costs

Cost Factors

A puddle on the floor from a small appliance overflow may be easy to mop and disinfect if you catch it quickly. For bigger issues, however, you are going to need to call flood remediation specialists. The average flood costs about $3000 in repairs, but your specific estimate depends on several factors:

• Size of area affected
  
• Number of floors affected
  
• Contamination level of water
  
• Amount of time since incident
  

As each factor increases, so does the cost of damage repair. Therefore, it's important to arrange for remediation as soon as you know there is a problem.

Low Range

A pipe break that floods your basement with clean water will probably cost around $1000 to mitigate. If you catch it quickly enough, technicians simply have to remove the basement water and make sure everything is dry.

Mid-Range

Water damage that results from a significant shower leak on the second floor or an appliance leak that floods a large area is likely to cost $3000-$4000 to repair. In addition to drying and cleaning the area, technicians will need to remove and replace walls, ceilings, flooring and insulation during this process.

High Range

A major incident such as a sewer backup or widespread damage from a heavy storm is going to cost the most to repair. This is especially true if secondary damage such as mold growth occurs. The cost of these repairs is usually around $8000.

If your home floods, you probably need professional damage repair. The good news is that most damage doesn't cost as much as you may expect. A qualified cleanup team can assess the problem and provide a reliable estimate.

What's Causing the Sewage Odor in My Building?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged drains can cause sewage odor.

Do you have a mysterious rotten egg odor wafting around your Bountiful, UT, building? It could be sewer gas from the sewage system. Decomposing waste materials produce a fusion of putrid chemicals, including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and methane. There are several reasons this sewer smell could be released into a building. 

5 Reasons For Sewage Odor 

1. Faulty Toilet Ring

One of the most straightforward explanations for this problem could be a faulty or worn wax ring under the toilet. If you notice the toilet rocking or small leaks at its base, there's a good chance the wax ring isn't fitting correctly and needs to be replaced.

2. Leaky Sewer or Septic Line

You might notice a foul odor, along with your toilet and/or drains making gurgling sounds or draining slowly. These are reasonable indications of a sewer or septic line leak.

3. Backed Up Sewer or Septic Line

Sewer and septic lines can become obstructed, which can cause a sewage backup into your building. This can cause a foul sewer smell in the building and damage to your flooring and other materials. If the building sustains damage, you should hire water cleanup experts to clear, clean and sanitize the affected area.

4. Dry Water Traps

Water traps (aka P-traps or S-traps) are typically located near floor drains and underneath sinks. They're designed in a curved shape to trap water in the arch. This design is supposed to block sewer gas from entering the building. However, if there's no water in the trap, the gas has a free path to inside of the building.

5. Clogged Air Vent or Drain

Air vents can become clogged with debris and other blockages. These obstructions can prevent sewer gases from escaping from the vents outside. As a result, the gases travel into the building.

If you notice a sewer smell in your building, it's probably time to call a plumber to assess the issue. A sewer leak or backup could turn into a significant and expensive disaster if it's not controlled immediately.

Avoid Exposure to Category 3 Black Water

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilets are considered category 2 water.

When your house is flooding, designations such as "gray" or "black" water may not be in your first thoughts. However, before anyone begins addressing cleanup and repairs, you need to understand the hazards that accompany the categories of water:

• Category 1 Water is clean (or drinkable) water. Water dripping from the bathroom faucet or splashing out of the tub doesn't pose a serious risk to you or your home as you dry and repair the area.
  
• Category 2 Water is often called gray water. This water may contain soap residue or similar substances. It often comes from overflowing toilets or a damaged dishwasher.
  
• Category 3 Water poses the greatest risk and is called black water. This type of water may carry sewage, hazardous chemicals, and other contaminants. The dangers of exposure to category 3 water are significant. This contamination may happen when the sewer backs up or when rising rivers and other bodies of water flood into your home.
  

Other factors, such as the duration of exposure and the temperature, may affect the category of water in your home. For example, clean water absorbed by a sofa and left for several days will become gray water as it picks up chemicals from the furniture.

Sources of Hazardous Water

Any flooding and water damage from broken pipes, backed sewage systems, and natural flooding must be addressed by trained professionals. The contaminated water may carry pathogens related to the Norovirus, Hepatitis B, and tuberculosis. These pathogens and other bacteria may be transferred to you through direct exposure to the water and some may be airborne.

A Safe Response to Contamination

Professionals use protective gear when performing sewage cleanup and flood repairs, often including gloves, masks, and disposable coveralls. Technicians are trained in industry standards for cleaning and sanitizing the property to limit further contamination and mold growth.
The health risks that accompany black water are serious. The better you understand the potential risks, the better you can make decisions about repairs and cleanup in your Bountiful, UT, home.

Prevent Mold for a Clean, Fresh Bathroom

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold thrives on moisture

You can completely scrub down your bathroom every day, and it would still be a haven for mold. This is because mold is highly adaptable, and bathrooms are full of humidity. Additionally, water damage often occurs in Bountiful, UT, bathrooms before you're even aware of it.

Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew in The Bathroom

Reduce Humidity and Moisture

The first step in reducing mold is controlling the level of humidity:

• Ventilation is the best way to reduce humidity. Install a bathroom that is easily switched on and off. Open windows when appropriate and leave doors and windows open.
• Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the shower, tub, and mirrors.
• Hang up towels and shower mats to dry, exposing them to ventilation.
• Install a dehumidifier in the bathroom.

These simple steps reduce moisture and protect bathroom surfaces from water damage. Don't forget to use a rag to wipe the floor dry.

Identify High-Risk Areas

The second mold prevention step is to identify the places where colonies are most likely to take root:

• Around the windows
• At the base of the toilet
• Under the sink cabinet
• On the ceiling and walls
• On shower curtains
• Under mats and rugs
• On caulking and grout
• Behind tiles, wallpaper, and other furnishings

Unfortunately, when spores have grown into colonies behind the walls or inside cabinets, you may not recognize damage until it has spread. You can, however, hire professionals once or twice a year to test for mold. If there's already damage, reach out to mold damage cleanup technicians to complete any reconstruction necessary.

Frequently Wash and Dry Fabrics

Finally, launder curtains, rugs, towels, and other bathroom linens frequently. Any absorbent materials can quickly become home to mold. (It only takes spores a couple of days to establish a new colony.) Adequate ventilation can aid in keeping the room dry, but it's best to wash items after multiple showers.

Water damage often leads to mold growth that must be treated in addition to other repairs. Take preventative steps to enjoy a clean, fresh room and to prevent unsightly mold and mildew.

Routine Maintenance for Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler Systems need routine maintenance

The fire sprinkler system has several components, such as a source of water, pipes that carry the water, and several sprinkler heads. When heat or smoke triggers the system, water is automatically discharged over a specific area. Thus, the system acts as both a detector and a suppressor. This only happens, however, when the sprinkler has been maintained properly and is ready to go.

Maintenance Routine for Fire Sprinkler Systems

Inspection and Maintenance Standards

The National Fire Protection Association provides guidelines to guide the maintenance and care of fire sprinkler systems. These are grouped under the heading HFPA 25 and cover the following areas:

• Inspections
  
• Maintenance
  
• Testing
  

Facility management teams should look these standards up and become familiar with them. With knowledge of the maintenance steps, it is possible to avoid damage and malfunctions.

Weekly Visual Inspections

The weekly inspections shouldn't take long, and they don't often require any tools:

• Inspect the gauges by reading the water pressure and air indicators. These should be within the normal range as suggested by the NFPA standards and system manufacturer.
  
• Start your visual inspection of control valves by reading the signage and then checking for leaks.
  
• Verify that the valves are locked, sealed, and set in the open position.
  

Monthly Inspections and Tasks

Monthly inspections for your fire suppression system may vary a bit depending on which types of system is installed in your Bountiful, UT, facility:

• The gauges on wet pipe systems must be checked for proper levels of water pressure.
  
• Alarm valves must be inspected for damage.
  
• Review the fire safety plan for the facility and ensure that signs are posted and easily seen.
  

Quarterly Maintenance and Inspections

On a quarterly basis, in addition to completing weekly and monthly tasks, it's important to complete the following checks:

• Make sure alarm devices aren't damaged.
  
• Test alarm devices to be sure they function properly.
  
• Make sure the hydraulic nameplate is secure, and the information is legible.
  

Damage Prevention

Fire sprinkler systems are effective at detecting fires and putting them out before your Bountiful, UT, buildings suffer expensive damage. When damage does occur, reach out to fire sprinkler cleanup professionals.

The Importance of Quick Storm Services After a Disaster

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy storms can lead to flood damage.

A storm in Bountiful, UT, can be devastating to a home, and working with a company that is experienced in restoring homes affected by storms is important, though some companies work more quickly than others. Starting the storm restoration process quickly is often wise for a variety of reasons.

3 Reasons Why Starting The Restoration Process Quickly Is Important

1. Quicken the Claims Process

After a storm occurs, one of the first steps homeowners need to take is to begin making a claim to their insurance. After a claim has been filed, homeowners will be able to begin the restoration process. However, the longer it takes to file a claim, the longer the process of restoring the home will likely take. When a restoration company is able to respond in a timely manner, this can help to speed up both the claims and restoration process.

2. Mitigating the Damage

Storms with heavy winds and rain can affect the overall structure of a home. Often, ceilings, roofs, drywall and even the foundation of a home may need to be replaced or restored, and the longer these areas are left alone, the more likely it becomes that the areas will need major fixes. However, if storm restoration begins quickly, this can decrease the likelihood of major structural damage occurring.

3. Restoring Items

While storms are capable of damaging the overall structure of a home, flood damage can also impact personal belongings within a home. When items are left in wet or damp environments, mold growth often occurs, and it’s not always possible to restore items that have mold growth. However, if there is a quick response to a storm, items within the home are more likely to have sustained less damage, therefore making it more likely that they can be restored.

When storm restoration occurs quickly, the claims process is likely to be fast, damage can be prevented and items will more likely be able to be restored. When homeowners need a reliable storm response, contacting storm damage and restoration professionals is often helpful.

3 Things Not To Do After a Flood

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Deal with flood water properly.

Floods can pose serious risks to people and property. When dealing with flood water, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can put your safety at risk or lead to unnecessary damage to your property. These are three things you should not do after a flood.

3 Things to Avoid After a Flood

1. Try To Be a Hero

If you know a flood is imminent, or you have been ordered to evacuate by authorities, do not try to save your flooded home. While some actions, such as placing sandbags, may protect your home from minor flooding, there isn't much you can do to save your home from a major flood. Staying in your home puts you and anyone who has to come to rescue it at risk. It is better to evacuate to a shelter, or rent a hotel room or stay with friends or family in an area not affected by the flood.

2. Walk or Drive Through Standing Water

It is best to avoid walking or driving into flood water. As little as six inches of water can create problems for drivers. Additionally, standing water from floods may contain contaminants from sewage or be electrically charged due to downed power lines. If you do need to walk through water, wear rubber boots to protect yourself from shocks.

3. Allow Your Property To Stay Wet

You shouldn't attempt to return to your home before you've been told that it is safe, but as soon as you get the go-ahead you should begin efforts to dry out your property. You may want to contact a water damage remediation company in Bountiful, UT, to dry out your home quickly. The longer your property remains wet, the higher the chance of problems such as mold, mildew and rot is to occur.

Flooding can create havoc in your home. Dealing with flood water properly can help ensure your family stays safe and your home sustains as little damage as possible.

How Is Category 3 Water Damage Remediated?

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Category 3 water damage.

Although some materials will be damaged by water no matter how clean, all floods are not alike. Flood water damage is broken down into category 1, category 2 and category 3, with category 3 damage being the most serious. Categories 1 and 2 can, however, escalate to category 3 if it sits for a time.

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

Category 1 water (aka clean water) poses no harm to you or your property. Category 2 water (aka gray water) has some biological or chemical contamination. Category 3 water (aka black water) is exceptionally unsanitary, containing known toxic contaminants like bacteria and viruses. Common examples of black water are:

• Sewage water (e.g., from a toilet overflow)
  
• Rising water (e.g., from groundwater after a heavy downpour)
  
• Flood water (e.g., river water, stream water, seawater)
  

Water damage remediation professionals must manage category 3 damage to ensure safe and proper cleanup.

What Does the Remediation Process Involve?

When the professionals arrive on the scene, they'll be wearing the proper personal protective equipment to preserve their well-being and prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas of the building. The first part of the cleaning process is removing the standing water. This is usually accomplished with an industrial wet/dry vacuum. Next, it's time to remove all damaged materials. In category 3 disasters, typically, nearly everything will have to be disposed of due to the contaminants. Thorough cleaning and sanitizing the entire affected area is essential, including tiny cracks and crevices where water can get trapped. The site must then be dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. The professionals will use industrial-grade equipment such as fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area as efficiently as possible.

After any kind of flood water damage occurs at your Bountiful, UT, building, it's critical to have the area and its contents thoroughly cleaned and dried. The quicker the response, the less damage you can expect.

Why You Need Roof Damage Mitigation After a Storm

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

You may need roof damage mitigation after a storm.

Although many people are well aware of what a powerful storm can do to their roof, they are not aware of the additional damage that can happen after a storm. Roof damage does not stop just because the storm has ended. Even a gentle rain can add thousands in water damage, and a light wind can pull loose roofing materials down. Fortunately, there are damage mitigation companies that can help you prevent this from happening.

3 Reasons to Mitigate Roof Damage After a Storm

What a Damage Mitigation Company Does

What storm and wind damage mitigation company does is simple. They:

• Document the damage
  
• Remove debris
  
• Cover holes and breaks
  
• Help you plan on how to correct the damage
  

They understand the individual dangers of Bountiful, UT and best know how to keep more roof damage from occurring.

Your Insurance Might Require It

Although it depends on your individual company, you may not be able to file a claim if you do not hire a mitigation company. The insurance company will want to minimize how much they have to pay for the repairs. They can only do this by making sure more problems don't happen while they are assessing the initial storm damage.

It Gives You Time

Immediately patching the problem can give you more time to decide exactly how you want to handle the repairs. If the damage is minor, you might just want to hire a company on your own to have it fixed. If it is major, you might want some more time to select the best options for you and your home. In either case, it allows you a bit more time to assess the wind damage and make a plan to correct it properly.

Roof damage is devastating to a home's exterior and interior surfaces. Not only do you have problems with the actual roof, but each additional day can also cause more problems for the interior of your home. The very next rainstorm can cause serious and costly issues. Mitigation prevents this from happening.

Do You Need a Certified Mold Remediation Company?

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can cause serious damage.

Because mold can cause serious damage to your home, it is important to hire a mold remediation professional with the proper experience and training to remove it. Mold remediation professionals are not required by law to hold any mold certification. However, hiring a certified professional provides you with the reassurance that the person you are working with has at least met the qualifications necessary to obtain the certification.

Types of Certifications

It is important to know which organization certified the contractor you plan to work with because the requirements for certifications vary. Several organizations offer certification:

• The Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization
  
• The Professional Mold Inspection Institute
  
• The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors
  
• RespirNet
  
• IICRC
  

What Certification Means

Mold certification means different things depending on which organization did the certifying because the different organizations set their own criteria. Some organizations require a college degree in a related field, such as engineering. Some require professionals to attend classes but do not require a degree, while others offer certification on the internet. When considering certified mold remediation in Bountiful, UT, ask which certifications your contractor holds, who issued them and what the criteria were.

Benefits of Choosing a Certified Contractor

Choosing a certified professional doesn't guarantee that the contractor will meet your expectations, but it does provide you with the reassurance that the technician has met the minimum qualifications to receive certification. Ask to see proof of certification and check references. If a contractor has both a valid certification and good references, there is a better chance you will be satisfied with the service you receive than if you hire contractors who can't prove their qualifications.

Mold certification isn't a guarantee, but it is a good way to verify that the mold remediation professional you are considering hiring has met minimum standards. Certification shouldn't be your only criteria, but it can help you make your decision.

3 Reasons a Security Fence Is Necessary After a Commercial Fire

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage.

There are many things to consider after a commercial fire: inventory loss, property damage, employee safety, etc. When contacting an insurer to report damage, a business owner might receive advice to contact a fire restoration specialist in Bountiful, UT, to assess and suggest ways forward. Most of these companies will suggest the installation of a security fence, especially when damage is severe, and they will suggest it for at least three reasons.

3 Reasons To Install a Security Fence After a Commercial Fire

1. Insurance

Most insurers will require policyholders to mitigate further damage to the property after the initial commercial fire report. If a business owner fails to prevent or attempt to reduce other losses, their insurer may deny the claim. The installation of a temporary fence and other mitigation measures shows your insurer that you take the recovery process seriously and do not take your policy for granted.

2. Vagrants

Without a security fence, your property can become a home or playground to vagrants and other people curious to inspect the damage. While there might be few elements of value left in your facility for theft, having a stranger roaming an unsafe property puts your business at risk. If one of these people become injured, your company could be liable for their injuries, primarily if no effort is taken to secure the property. A fence and other mitigation tactics demonstrate your commitment to safety.

3. Wildlife

Fire damaged buildings are susceptible to damage from weather, vagrants, and wildlife. While concern over animal safety might not be at the top of your list, the destructive risk and danger wildlife present to your facility and restoration workers should. A fence of appropriate height and strength can prevent animals from entering your property and attempting to nest or hunt, keeping the building and workers safe.

While a security fence might not be the primary concern for a business owner after a commercial fire, it is an essential mitigation tool. After the safety of their workforce, a property owner’s primary concern must be on protecting and rebuilding their enterprise, including the securing of insurance funds.

The 4 Types of Fire Extinguishers

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Be prepared to avoid further damage during a fire.

No one wants to even think about a tragedy like a home fire happening to them. Unfortunately, the chance of fire is always a possibility, no matter how safe you are. The key is to fire preparedness is to be equipped as possible for whatever might occur. All fires are different, so part of fire safety is understanding the types of fires and what to do and not do when something is ablaze. Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home. If you shop for one, you'll probably notice several different types available. What are their differences?

4 Differences of Fire Extinguishers

1. Class A

Class A extinguishers are designed to put out ordinary materials such as paper, plastic, cloth and firewood. You should keep this type of extinguisher close to a fireplace.

2. Class B

Class B extinguishers are used for a combustible gas or liquid (e.g., gasoline, ethanol, propane) fuel source. Keep this type of fire extinguisher in garages, workshops and similar areas. These types of fires can spread very quickly, but they can also be put out fast if you get to it before it gets out of control. Know when it's time to call fire damage restoration professionals.

3. Class C

Class C extinguishers are intended for electrical fires. NEVER try putting out an electrical fire with water; it can electrocute you. These fires can keep burning until the electrical source is turned off.

4. Class K

Class K extinguishers are designed for home use. They turn the fuel into soap. Keep these extinguishers in an easily accessible area in your kitchen. NEVER use water to try to extinguish a grease fire; water can quickly cause grease fires to spread.

Fire preparedness in your home in Bountiful, UT, could mean the difference between saving most of the property and enduring a total loss. Keep a fire extinguisher in any areas that are most likely to catch fire.

4 Reasons To Recommend SERVPRO Teams Who Are "Here to Help"

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Property owners, both commercial and residential, often face heavy property damage as a result of natural disasters, such as major storms. These property owners generally reach out to their Bountiful, UT, insurance companies for advice about how to proceed, and there are several reasons to recommend a SERVPRO disaster recovery team who can arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster:

4 Reasons to Recommend a SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team

1. The Ability To Handle Large Jobs

When SERVPRO tackles large-scale storm damage, a commercial operations manager is put in charge to oversee restoration and mitigation efforts, ensuring that damage looks "Like It Never Even Happened." Large loss situations are handled by specialists with exceptional qualifications to coordinate communications and restoration.
Some examples of the jobs handled by the Commercial Large Loss program include:

• Hospitals
  
• Large commercial properties
  
• Universities
  
• Government buildings
  

2. Willingness To Bring That Same Professionalism to Small Jobs

SERVPRO has disaster recovery teams Here to Help and situated throughout the country with the equipment and training required to respond to fires, hurricanes, floods, extreme winter weather, and many other types of damage. Corporate facilities provide equipment to local franchises, so the same professional storm response is provided to homeowners and similar jobs.

3. A Timely Response

With highly trained teams located all over the country, SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and will respond quickly to storm damage, flooding, and wildfire destruction. This type of damage can have terrible and long-lasting effects, but a quick response by highly qualified technicians is the best way to limit further damage and keep recovery costs down.

4. Compliance With IICRC Regulations

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification establishes industry standards regarding cleaning, maintenance, restoration, infection control, mold remediation, environmental assessments, and many other areas. Disaster recovery teams who comply with these standards are among the best in the nation. When the time comes to recommend cleanup, restoration, and recovery professionals, be sure to look for these qualities.

Protecting Wood Floors After a Flood

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Wood floors can lead to expensive repairs if not dealt with right away after flooding.

Wood flooring is a nice look for your commercial building in Bountiful, UT. It creates an ambiance of both luxury and welcome. A pipe burst can damage the wood, however, leading to potentially expensive repairs if you don't deal with it right away. Cleaning up everything you can and arranging for fast remediation are the keys to saving your floors.

Steps To Save Your Wood Floors After a Flood

Dry Surface

If your wood floor is wet from a recent leak or broken pipe, your first response should be to stop possible damage in its tracks. There are a few vital steps for doing this:

• Turn off water main to stop water flow.
  
• Extract standing water.
  
• Mop surface to remove moisture.
  
• Increase air circulation to start drying process.
  
  

Your custodial staff likely has the tools to get the drying process started after a pipe burst, but you don't want to leave any damage unmitigated. Just because you can't see a problem, that doesn't mean it's not there, lurking under the surface. That's why it's important to call water restoration experts to finish the job.

Call Professionals

When technicians arrive at your building, they start by assessing the scope of the problem. They can advise you about the work that needs to be done and give you a time frame for completing it as well as a rough estimate for what it will cost to fix the damage beneath the wet floor. If you are able to dry the floor and call for help quickly, you can probably keep the floorboards and the pad beneath it from getting too saturated to salvage. Fast remediation also helps prevent secondary damage such as mold growth or rot, thus helping you avoid extra repairs.

A pipe burst can wreak havoc on your building's beautiful wood floors if you don't get it fixed in a hurry. By calling mitigation experts quickly, you are more likely to be able to save them.

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Severe mold damage in Bountiful, UT home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Bountiful for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

IICRC: Cleaning and Restoration Standards

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians undergo extensive water restoration and certification through an IICRC- approved school

When natural disasters hit or water pipes burst, property owners are often desperate to get things back to normal. Unfortunately, in the rush to get services, these people are often scammed. It can be difficult to distinguish between a scammer and a legitimate business. However, the Institute of inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (or IICRC) is a non-profit organization that sets the standards for cleaning and restoration companies. An appropriate designation from the Institute sets reliable professionals apart from unsavory individuals.

The organization provides certification for those companies that adhere to specific health and safety industry standards. The Institute is accredited through the American National Standards Institute (or ANSI) and works with international associations to ensure consensus-based standards.

What Does It Mean for a Company To Be Certified?

If a company has earned a cleanup and mitigation certificate, it means that the company's technicians have been trained in specialized areas.

• Cleaning certifications include specialties in carpets, floors, leather, stone, ceramic, upholstery, and wood.
• Inspection certifications cover carpeting, ceramic tile, subflooring, stone, marble, and wood laminate inspections.
• Restoration certifications may cover measurement of humidity levels, health and safety compliance, mold remediation, smoke and soot treatments, and many other options.
  
  

For each certification, technicians participate in classes and pass standardized exams. Once the training is completed, technicians must continue to participate in courses to maintain their certifications.

Why Is It Important for Companies To Earn These Designations?

When cleaning, restoration, and mitigation professionals complete classes and become certified with the IICRC, clients know they can trust the quality of work they'll receive. Technicians with this training use up-to-date methods and equipment, understand the best restoration methods, and work to stay current with industry standards.

Some cleanup companies don't seek a mitigation certificate. The professionals hired by those companies may do great work. However, when a remediation and restoration company earned the designation, there's a certain amount of confidence that clients value. An IICRC certification can go a long way toward helping Bountiful, UT, clients feel comfortable with cleanup professionals.

Preventing Water Damage While You Are Away

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Bursting pipe

Who doesn't love a vacation? Taking a respite from work or the typical day-to-day is often a revitalizing way to rest and recuperate before you head back to the daily grind. However, as a homeowner, it is crucial to plan for the worst to ensure the best, especially when it comes to your home plumbing. After all, you don't want any surprise bills for a water pipe repair. There are at least three ways to reduce your water damage risk before heading out for a vacation.

• Inspect and repair
  
• Install a sump pump and battery backup
  
• Insulate the Pipes
  
  

3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage While Out For a Vacation

1. Inspect and Repair

Sometimes, homeowners have a broken pipe and do not realize it. Plumbing is often behind walls and ceilings, making early detection of leaks difficult. Before you go on vacation, call a water mitigation company in Bountiful, UT, to inspect the plumbing system. If the company finds any problem, resolve it before you leave.

2. Install a Sump Pump and Battery Backup

Beyond the potential need for a water pipe repair, homeowners might want to consider threatening weather. Some areas of the country experience significant flooding. To prevent the risk of a flood, install a sump pump with a battery backup. The system will keep your basement dry even through the loss of power.

3. Insulate of the Pipes

While a sump pump can help limit the risk of a flooded basement, it will not perform as well against frozen and burst pipes. If you are taking a winter vacation to a warmer climate, consider insulating any vulnerable pipes. For example, if your home has exposed pipes in the basement or garage, wrap them with special insulation.

No one wants to deal with a water pipe repair when they are on vacation. The best way to avoid such emergencies is to plan and utilize precautionary measures, each of which reduces the risk of a water issue.

Does Rental Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Contact professionals for mold removal and cleanup

When you live in a rental property in Bountiful, UT, problems such as mold damage become a little more complicated to address. The good news is that the more correct information you have, the easier it is to work through mold issues.

What Should You Expect From Your Insurance?

Start by determining whether your rental insurance covers mold removal and cleanup. The best way to get accurate facts is to speak directly with your insurance provider. However, there tend to be similarities in most cases:

• You'll probably have coverage if the cause was a peril named in your policy.
• If the cause was outside of your personal property, such as external flooding, you probably won't have coverage.
• If the insurance agency can show that damage was the result of negligence, the damage probably won't be covered.
  

The good news is that insurance companies would rather that you didn't have to worry about risks, such as mold, and are a good source of tips for maintaining property, even when you're renting.

How Much Coverage Should You Expect?

You should also ask your rental insurance agent about limits that might apply to mold claims. Most of the time, policies lay out a cap that probably won't cover a serious amount of damage. With this in mind, it's always best to address mold problems as soon as you suspect they exist. This is because it is much less expensive to recover from a small area of mold than it is to recover from widespread mold that has caused the deterioration of your furnishings.

What If the Property Is Already Insured?

You can usually expect property owners to carry insurance for the building where you're renting. However, it's vitally important that you have rental insurance that covers damage to your own belongings. It's also a very good idea to find out whether your insurance will cover the work of mold damage cleanup and recovery professionals.

How Do Engineers Prevent Flooding?

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Dams help suppress floods.

If you’ve recently experienced high water that required cleanup from your local flood damage restoration company, it may be hard to believe that engineers work non-stop to prevent flooding in and around Bountiful, UT. The thing is, without the flood prevention efforts of these innovative men and women, flooding at your commercial property would be far more recurrent. Here’s a brief introduction to two types of engineer working hard to keep your business dry.

2 Ways Engineers Prevent Flooding

Environmental Engineers

Environmental and agricultural engineers take a natural approach to prevent floods. In addition to studying how water works its way through a given region — which aids them in making useful predictions the next time a storm is on the horizon — environmental engineers also implement flood prevention strategies such as the following:

• Planting trees and other plants in areas prone to high water, which catch rainfall and slow the flow of water on the ground,
• Retention ponds, ditches and other buffer/containment zones that store excess water,
• Infiltration zones that direct water toward the neediest spots of soil, such as those around trees,
• Greenways, which are heavily planted recreation trails that reduce flood damage and preserve the existing vegetation and animal habitats.
  

Civil Engineers

While environmental engineers work with the land, civil engineers build entirely new structures to channel or collect water. In Japan, for example, where the risk of flood is perpetually high, engineers have created an ingenious network of water gates, sluice gates and canals to handle high water. In addition to dams and other barriers, civil engineers also design bridges and buildings so that they stay operational during a flood, often by elevating them.

As the owner of a commercial property, flood damage may not be your worst nightmare, but it’s likely near the top of the list. Fortunately, the ongoing efforts of engineers mean the likelihood of unwanted water threatening your building gets lower and lower with each passing year.

Cleaning Up Sewage Damage

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Bountiful, UT.

If your commercial property in Bountiful, UT, experiences a sewer backup due to blockage or flooding in a city main or lines or a flooded toilet on site, you should immediately arrange for plumbing work to resolve the underlying issue and sewer cleanup to restore the damage. Sewage can pose an infection risk and may quickly lead to secondary damage. There are three steps involved in cleaning up this type of damage and restoring the affected area to sanitary condition.

3 Steps To Clean Up Sewage Damage

1. Get Rid of Water and Solid Waste

The first step toward mitigating primary damage and preventing more extensive secondary damage is to eliminate all water and solid waste. Commercial restoration professionals may pump out water or use other equipment to quickly rid the area of backed up water and any detritus. Once the area is clear, it is ready to be completely cleaned.

2. Clean and Disinfect

Sewer cleanup involves a complete cleaning and disinfection of the affected area. This sanitization step is necessary to restore the portion of the property exposed to a sewage backup to working order.

3. Thoroughly Dry the Area

Getting rid of water and cleaning up waste is not the end of the restoration process. Experts may recommend using fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the area quickly to prevent mold from starting to form. Damaged building materials should only be replaced after completely drying.

Whether the source of sewage damage in your property is a flooded toilet or a more extensive sewer backup, it is important to quickly pursue sewer cleanup. You can follow these steps on your own, but the job may be completed more quickly and thoroughly by professionals. If you want to make sure that the affected area is safe to reopen and will not run the risk of developing mold, contact commercial sewage damage restoration professionals in Bountiful, UT.

Behavior To Avoid After a Flood

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Your home can recover if flood water invades your house.

Storm season in Bountiful, UT, can bring refreshing rain, but too much of it can do a lot of damage to your home. If flood water invades your house, there are many things you need to do before it is inhabitable again. There are also many things you should avoid doing.

3 Things You Should Avoid Doing After a Flood 

Don't Touch Contaminated Water

Water from storm flooding is contaminated. It picks up debris, bacteria and chemicals anywhere it goes, and all those particles flow right into your flooded home along with it. You should never enter standing water in your home without donning the appropriate personal protective gear:

• Goggles
  
• Impermeable coveralls
  
• Rubber boots
  
• Face mask
  
• Gloves
  

It's best to stay out of the water altogether. If you must enter it, though, take the necessary precautions to ensure it doesn't touch your skin.

Don't Delay Calling Professionals

There are two important calls you need to make right after you discover flood water in your house. Contact your insurance provider so that the company can send an adjuster out as soon as possible. This assessment will be necessary when filing your claim. You also need to contact water mitigation experts to start the restoration process. If you delay cleanup, the water damage to your home can quickly become worse, leading to secondary problems such as further saturation and mold growth.

Don't Return Before Home Is Ready

As anxious as you may be to return to your home and normal life, the mitigation process can take a while. It's important to delay your return until your home is completely restored. That way, you know it's safe to move your belongings and your family back into the house.

Your home can recover from the damage caused by flood water with the proper expertise from certified professionals. Your prompt action and avoidance of any behavior that may complicate or delay the process is vital to getting your home back to the way it was before the flood.

2 Types of Fire That Probably Aren’t Covered by Your Insurance

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

A home fire is a stressful situation.

The typical homeowners insurance policy covers your residence against most types of damage resulting from a home fire. More specifically, if you experience a fire at your Bountiful, UT, home, your policy should help pay for the restoration, replacement or repair of your home itself, as well as any other buildings on your property (such as a detached garage or shed) and your belongings. There are two instances, however, where most homeowners insurance policies will not cover you in the event of a fire.

Types of Fire Most Insurance Policies Will Not Cover

1. Arson

This type of fire is one that is set intentionally. It may be set by a criminal. It could be set by a homeowner looking to cash in on his or her insurance policy. No matter who starts the fire, if it’s set on purpose with the intention to do damage to the home, it’s almost certainly not covered by insurance. In cases where the fire was set by a person who lives in the home, or even someone who visits often, it will definitely not be covered by insurance.
If a fire starts on your property by accident — let’s say a fire pit gone wrong, for example — that’s not arson. Ultimately, the distinction between an intentional fire and an accidental fire will be determined by your local fire department.

2. A Vacant Home

If a home fire occurs at a property that’s vacant, it’s typically not covered by insurance. Such residences pose a greater risk of fire than other homes, as well as a higher likelihood of a break-in or vandalism. Because of this, as well as slower emergency response times on average, a vacant home fire is typically excluded from homeowners insurance protection.
Precisely how long of an absence constitutes vacancy may vary by region. If you own a seasonal property that’s only inhabited part of the year, you might consider unoccupied home insurance.

No matter the cause, a home fire is a stressful situation. After the flames subside and you enlist the help of your local fire damage restoration company, your next step should be to determine the cause and contact your insurance provider.

Tips for Avoiding Burst Pipes in Cold Weather

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid pipe bursts in cold weather.

Very few people, if any, enjoy the experience of cleaning up after pipe bursts, especially as many of these disasters happen during the winter or early spring when the pipe burst cleanup is often a cold and uncomfortable task. Happily, it's often possible to avoid this cold water cleanup project by avoiding leaking supply lines and bursting pipes.

Protect Your Commercial Property Supply Lines

There are several things you can do to prevent any supply line leaking and eventually causing your pipes to burst:

• Open the cabinet doors to allow heated inside air to warm your pipes.
  
• Keep the water running in a couple of faucets. This keeps water moving, so it's less likely to freeze and expand.
  
• Check for exposed pipes in colder areas of your building, such as the basement.
• Provide warm air or improved insulation in those areas.
  
• Disconnect all hoses from outside spigots, drain the water from sprinkler systems, and provide insulation around hose bibs and similar fixtures.
  
• Contact water damage professionals in Bountiful, UT, to learn about the most common sources of trouble in your area.
  
  

The more information you have about winterizing your pipes and avoiding pipe burst cleanup situations, the better off you'll be.

Understand Why Pipes Burst

Another important aspect of avoiding a burst pipe is understanding why your pipes burst. The simple answer is that the water running through your pipes is much colder during the winter than it is during the fall, summer, and spring. As cold temperatures affect the pipes, they contract, often to the point that the pipes can't handle the amount of water pressure inside. When water freezes, it expands. As the pipes contract and the water expands, any weak areas of the pipes may crack (causing a leak) or burst (causing flooding.)

Don't Wait To Prevent Bursting Pipes

If any of the water supply lines running throughout your commercial property are exposed to low temperatures, you run the risk of facing a pipe burst cleanup experience at least once. Take steps now to avoid this messy, unpleasant situation.

Prepare Your Home for Safety During Floods

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen just about anywhere during any season.

A calm, but heavy rainstorm that lasts for several hours or days can quietly lead to serious flooding. There are some areas across the country that are more susceptible to flooding than other areas, including:

• Areas with high water tables
  
• Old neighborhoods with aging plumbing systems
  
• Communities next to rivers and coastal areas
  
• Urban areas without sufficient runoff ground
  

However, flooding can happen just about anywhere during any season. This means that you need to have a flood safety plan in place to protect your Bountiful, UT, home and family.

Prepare a Safety Plan To Flood Proof Your Home

Determine Your Level of Risk

When you know what types of flooding are most common in your area, you can plan for that type of event. Check out Floodsmart.gov or check with your insurance provider to learn more about the specifics in your neighborhood. It's also a good idea to ask people who live in the community about past flooding experiences.

Invest in a Sewage Water Backstop

If flooding is a common occurrence in your neighborhood, backflow prevention valves and similar devices relieve overwhelmed sewer mains and protect basements from overflow. Contact a licensed plumber for this task and to ask about other safety tips.

Move Appliances Upstairs

There are many household appliances that end up installed on the lowest levels of homes, including air conditioners, heaters, washing machines, and dryers. Learn more about the best ways to elevate appliances by discussing your options with water damage and recovery professionals.

Adjust Your Landscaping

Your landscaping plan has a lot to do with the flood safety of your home. You need outdoor surfaces that absorb water, so it doesn't flow down into your basement. Make sure your gutters, downspouts, and rain gardens are clear and ready to accept water runoff.

What other steps have you taken to flood proof your home? After making sure your home is secure, find out what you can do to ensure flood safety for your family if you are caught away from your Bountiful, UT, home.

Understanding the Importance of Business Interruption Insurance

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Business Interruption Insurance is important

It is easy to overestimate the security of a business. As with individuals, business owners can tend to place their businesses in a bubble, believing them to be free of risks. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a no-risk business. Every company needs to plan for the possibility of disaster, like fire, which is why business interruption insurance exists to protect your profitability during recovery. While commercial coverage can help fund a restoration specialist in Bountiful, UT, interruption insurance protects against financial losses in several ways.

3 Ways Interruption Insurance Protects Against Financial Losses

1. Income Loss

The primary reason to purchase interruption insurance is to limit financial losses during the fire cleaning and restoration process. The insurance takes the average profit from previous years to determine the correct value to fund the company after the business fire.

2. Operating Expenses

A company has many financial responsibilities. Business interruption insurance can help cover the expenses of payroll, taxes, moving and loan payments during the recovery process. The purpose of the policy is to ensure the continued operation of the business, which is why securing a policy is well worth the potential expense.

3. Civil Authority Shutdown

Sometimes, your business may be affected by the disaster of a nearby business. For example, if a local company had a fire, the city authority may close your business temporarily so that they can regain control over the area.

While many business owners are interested in interruption policies, especially with the current pandemic, most policies will not cover losses from viruses or bacteria.

The primary aim of business interruption insurance is to protect the company from losses due to disaster. While the COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster, it is not something most policies will protect against. If you would like more information about interruption protection, consider reaching out to your insurance agent or a disaster remediation specialist. Either party can help you understand the standard policy terms.

Four Landscape Changes You Can Make To Avoid Water Damage

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Many homes are susceptible to outside flooding.

Many homes in Bountiful, UT, are susceptible to outside flooding just because of the way the yards have been landscaped (or haven't been landscaped.) With a few helpful tips, you can protect your home from water damage that takes place after a particularly heavy rain storm, as well as from the cost of the professionals who repair and rebuild after that damage.

4 Helpful Tips To Protect Your Home From Water Damage After A Storm

Reduce Stormwater Runoff

One of the most common causes of residential flooding is stormwater runoff. This is what happens when there isn't enough vegetation to absorb the rain; instead, water runs across yards and into the street or sewer system. In some communities, homeowners with runoff issues are charged fees because of the potential damage to city infrastructures. Take steps to include rain drainage in your landscaping to avoid this type of risk.

Divert Water From Your Foundation

Another common source of flooding is water that pools near the foundation. When your lawn or gardens slope toward your home, you may see water pooling near the walls. This outside flooding is almost certain to get into your basement. Correct this situation by sloping the landscape away from the walls, installing rain gutters along your roof, and using rain spouts to divert water.

Plant a Rain Garden

As water rushes along those gutters and rain spouts, it needs somewhere to go. You don't want to exchange a pool of water near the home for a pool of water in your lawn. Instead, divert that water into a rain garden. The center of the garden should be the lowest spot with plants that have a high wet-soil tolerance. These plants will draw water away from the others. For the best results, focus on native plants, so they can thrive in between rain storms.

Update Your Driveway

The rest of your yard may be successfully absorbing high levels of rain runoff while your driveway isn't absorbing anything. Some suggestions for improving the situation and avoiding outside flooding include drainage on either side of the cement, a gravel drive, and spaced paving with groundcover or grass between stones.

Understanding the PASS Technique When Using a Fire Extinguisher

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is one of the essential pieces of safety equipment every homeowner should have.

Too many people, despite having a fire extinguisher in their homes, do not know how to use it. While preparation is an excellent start to disaster preparedness, education is crucial to successful implementation. Most fire remediation services in Bountiful, UT, will tell clients to use the PASS technique, and for those unfamiliar, the method includes a four-step process.

• Pull
  
• Aim
  
• Squeeze
  
• Sweep
  

4 Steps For The PASS Technique

Pull

Avoiding extensive fire damage is all about rapid response. While a kitchen fire may start small, if you are not quick to extinguish it, your house can quickly burn to rubble. Therefore, at the first sign of a controllable fire, grab the extinguisher, and pull the release tab, which will allow you to use the device.

Aim

Next, you need to aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher. It is essential to take a moment to ensure that you are pointing in the right direction and area. The extinguish only has so much extinguishing agent, and it is crucial to expel all of it on the flames. You want to aim for the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Once you know you are aiming in the right direction, squeeze the handle. You can start by squeezing gently to reassure your aim, but then tightly press the handle together for the maximum expulsion of the extinguishing agent.

Sweep

With the extinguishing agent dosing the flames, you want to move the nozzle in a sweeping motion covering the fire base and controlling it. With any luck, the fire will extinguish before emergency services arrive. However, if the flames, at any point, become too overwhelming, immediately exit your home, retreating to safety.

A fire extinguisher is one of the essential pieces of safety equipment every homeowner should have, but it is crucial that you understand how to use it. Contact a local fire remediation service to discuss the PASS technique further and about other ways to protect your home.

How Proper Emergency Response Helps With Your Claim

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Insurance Claim Form

If your business is damaged in a fire, storm or other disaster, the first call you are likely to make is to your insurance provider. The second call, however, should be to certified remediation specialists in Bountiful, UT, who offer great claim services. It takes several factors to help you get the money you need to cover the damage to your building.

Factors That Help With Your Claim

Timely Response

A crucial part of keeping your claim as low as possible is a fast emergency response time. This gives you a quick start to the restoration process. The longer your building remains damaged, the more vulnerable it becomes to elevated risks:

• Compromised structural integrity
  
• Secondary damage
  
• Thieves or vandals
  

Once technicians arrive, they can assess and record the extent of the damage. They use this information to create an itemized list of the tasks that will be necessary to complete the restoration as well as the projected estimate of how much it will cost. You can then use this information to get the claim process started.

Claims Information Center

Another vital aspect of quality claim services is continuous communication. SERVPRO keeps both clients and insurance providers in the loop with its Claims Information Center. Everything you or your insurance agent needs to know about the job can be found in the CIC record. As tasks are updated to include new information or if your estimate has to be altered, you are kept informed. All the details you need to file your claim correctly are found in one place, and both you and your provider can access it any time you need it.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, you need a remediation company you can trust to handle the problem swiftly and transparently. Good claim services help you get the money you need to cover the cost of restoring your building back to its former state.

How To Resolve a Flood In Your Basement

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

You come home from your vacation to find a pool of water slowly flooding your basement.

You come home from your vacation to find a pool of water slowly flooding your basement. It turns out that while you were away, a pipe fractured and has been leaking steadily, causing the basement flood. While it is vital to shut off the water supply and perform a pipe repair, it is also necessary to contact a water mitigation and remediation company in Bountiful, UT, to help resolve your current dilemma. The company will correct the problem by following a standard water removal and restoration model.

4 Steps To Resolve a Flood In Your Basement

1. Excavate Excess Water

After assessing the damage to your property and providing an estimate for the remediation and restoration, the company you hire will begin removing the excess water from your basement. Depending on the water level, the crew will likely use a combination of pumps and shop vacs. For deep floods, the remediation company may even use pump trucks to help move the process along.

2. Remove Debris

After all the water is removed, the company will start removing any debris and damaged building materials from the property. The objective is to remove any water-damaged contents that may lead to mold development. The crew will probably remove the drywall and insulation, if it exists, to above the flooding line.

3. Dry the Space

Once the debris is gone and the walls opened up, the team will start trying to accelerate the drying of the space. They will use dehumidifiers, fans and air movers to speed up the process.

4. Restoration

Once everything is thoroughly dry, the team will clean the space and disinfect it. Then, they will determine what structural elements need to be addressed before finally restoring your property to pre-disaster conditions.

No one wants to come home to a flooding basement, but if you do, know that time is of the essence. The faster you act, the quicker a remediation company can clean and repair any existing damage, allowing you to return to normal.

How To Maintain Your Commercial Roof

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Some maintenance steps include repairing small punctures and holes, responding to material deterioration, clearing roof drains and strainers.

When it comes to maintaining your commercial property, it can often feel like you're handling one problem after another and never quite catching up. Unfortunately, as day to day demands are met, roof maintenance is often overlooked. This can lead to expensive and problematic roof damage.

Common Types of Roofing Damage

When roofs don't get the attention they need, several forms of damage begin to occur:

• Missing or damaged shingles
  
• Stains and leaks from moisture buildup or rainwater
  
• Clogged roofing ventilation
  
• Mold, mildew, and moss buildup
  
• Corroded, damaged flashing
  
• Animal and pest infestations
  

Any one of these issues can lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, most roof damage can be avoided with appropriate commercial roof maintenance.

Biannual Inspections

Twice a year, roofing experts should complete a walkover assessment of the roof. Most of the time, these are completed during the spring and fall because of the potential for wind damage and other weather-related issues.

Preventative Maintenance Schedules

Sometimes, roof manufacturers offer incentives, such as warranties, to property owners who practice proper maintenance. Some maintenance steps include repairing small punctures and holes, responding to material deterioration, clearing roof drains and strainers, and installing fans or ventilators to protect the roof membrane.

Limited Traffic

Many building owners don't realize that too much traffic on the roof can lead to unintentional damage. Roofs aren't built for traffic, so it's important to lay out an established path where workers can safely travel during servicing and inspections.

Roof Replacement

Eventually, roofs are beyond the stage where repairs are adequate. When the time comes to schedule a roof rebuild, reach out to repair and reconstruction professionals with roof-specific experience. If you can't afford to completely replace the roof immediately, you may want to focus on repairs that will temporarily stabilize the roof until you can pay for a replacement.

The roof is one of the first sources of protection for the rest of your property. Preventative care and an immediate response to roof damage are some of the best ways to be sure your Bountiful, UT, property is safe, comfortable, and protected.

How To Help Prevent a Fire During a Gas Leak

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your gas stove is turned off.

While the building materials of a home provide plenty of kindling when a blaze breaks out, a gas fire can be another matter altogether. In both scenarios, hungry flames devour all in their path, but in a fire caused by an ignition of natural gas, explosive forces can blow out the structure of a home and cause greater demolition and even spread to neighbors more quickly. You can help prevent a disaster from occurring in your home in  Centerville, UT, during a gas leak by learning and remembering this checklist.

What To Do if You Smell Natural Gas

• Ventilate the area as quickly as possible to reduce the gas concentration by opening windows and doors.
• Make sure that your gas stove or oven is turned off.
• Do not plug in, unplug or turn on anything electrical including light switches.
• Learn where the gas line is located and how to shut it off. Turn it to the off position using a wrench.
• Get everyone out of the house and safely away from a potential gas fire explosion, then call 911 immediately.

How To Implement These Safety Steps

Using electricity during a leak can send out invisible sparks that can ignite gas fumes and start a fire, as can static electricity, and even your cell phone. Your best bet is to get everyone out and then investigate the odor’s cause or get help. You should learn where your gas meter is and how the shut-off operates. Keep a wrench to use for that purpose in a set location near the meter in case you need to use it. Get your family out with as little fuss and movement as possible to avoid building up static.

Should you experience a gas fire, or gas explosion, call on fire damage assessment technicians in Centerville, UT, for help with salvage and restoration. The experience is traumatic enough without trying to deal with those things on your own. Learning what to do proactively if you do smell gas can save your home and even your life.

Is Your Mold Damage Covered?

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can start growing anywhere.

A pipe bursts in your home in Bountiful, UT, so you call a plumber and water restoration experts to fix the damage. Before they arrive, however, you start to notice a musty odor near the affected area and you see mold growth on a nearby wall. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours after water damage has occurred. One question you probably have is whether or not your homeowner's insurance will cover the cost of the remediation. The answer depends on a couple of factors.

Covered Peril

The first thing your insurance provider may want to determine is the cause of the mold damage. Many basic policies cover the cost of mold mitigation if the issue is related to a covered peril:

• Recent pipe break or leak
  
• Overflowing toilet
  
• Broken appliance
  
• Roof leak
  

With most homeowner's coverage, there are two elements that determine whether an event constitutes a covered peril. Did it happen suddenly, and was it an accident? If those two conditions exist, it is likely that not only the initial water damage but also any related secondary damage such as mold growth will be covered by your provider. If, however, the damage occurs as a result of an ongoing problem or your negligence, you will probably have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Policy Additions

Some policies spell out limited coverage for mold damage explicitly. Many insurance providers offer separate mold insurance to supplement the general homeowner's policy. This coverage is called an endorsement, and there is an additional fee to add this particular protection. Your agent can advise you on the best coverage for your home and let you know what options are available to you.

Having the right insurance coverage for any potential damage that could befall your home is smart. Check to see if your homeowner's policy covers mold growth repair before a flood happens.

How Does SERVPRO Clean Up COVID-19?

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Leave COVID-19 cleanup to the professionals.

Coronavirus exposure at your Bountiful, UT, workplace can raise more questions than it answers. Leave the ins and outs of coronavirus cleanup to a trained bioremediation team from SERVPRO. Here’s what to expect when they visit your office, warehouse or other commercial building.

1. An Initial Assessment

Before cleaning, SERVPRO professionals will inspect your building and assess the situation in order to use the most appropriate and effective cleaning methods. You can expect them to observe the most up-to-date CDC recommendations and any local or state directives.

2. Thorough, Surface-Specific Cleaning

Different sources require different cleaning methods. After all, you wouldn’t clean your windows with the same materials and substances you use to clean your floors. What’s more, some contaminants require more stringent cleaning methods than others. There are three main types of cleanup:

General cleaning: This is the initial step in virtually every cleaning process, no matter how deep the cleanup will eventually be. Fungi, bacteria and viruses are removed, as is any dirt or debris that are present.

Disinfecting: Cleaners employ chemicals to kill germs instead of simply removing them as they would during general cleaning. The type of disinfectant(s) used determines how many pathogens are eliminated. This is the form of cleaning you can expect after coronavirus exposure.

Sanitizing: If bacteria is the problem, sanitizing is the answer. This form of cleanup won’t get rid of viruses or fungi, but it will kill 99.9% of potentially harmful bacteria in your building.

3. Tested, Hospital-Grade Cleaning Agents

Your SERVPRO team will likely use SERVPROXIDE, its proprietary, hospital-grade disinfectant to safely and thoroughly cleanse your commercial property. While there is no magic cleaning product that’s tailored specifically to COVID-19, SERVPROXIDE demonstrably and effectively fights viruses similar to COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces. It is also EPA-certified and FDA-approved.

Leave COVID-19 cleanup to the professionals. Your local SERVPRO technicians have the training, cleaning agents and equipment to restore your building to business as usual quickly and securely after coronavirus exposure.

How Does Water Become Contaminated?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Shower leak in a Wood Cross, UT home.

Clean water can become contaminated in a variety of ways. Chemicals, microorganisms, soil or solid waste can cause clean, treated Category One water to degrade to Category Two gray water or highly contaminated Category Three black water. Learn how to mitigate damage caused by any category of contaminated water.

Clean Water Left Standing

Category One water often originates from a broken supply line. Clean water can degrade over time and become contaminated through exposure to building materials, systems and contents. Homeowners should act quickly to extract standing water:

• Clean Category One water can degrade to Category Two within 72 hours
• Category Two gray water can degrade to Category Three within 48 hours
• Clean water may become highly contaminated black water in only five days
  
  

The sooner that clean water is removed, the more likely it is that only drying will be necessary. Damage that involves contaminated water will require disinfection.

Microorganisms and Chemicals

Category Two water damage may result from an appliance leak, a backed up or leaky shower, a broken toilet or a malfunctioning sump pump. Any materials or contents exposed to gray water should be disinfected.

Solid Waste

Category Three water damage is usually caused by a sewer backup or flood. This water is highly contaminated and contains solid waste and other contaminants. This is the most severe category of water damage. It may not be possible to completely clean materials and contents saturated with Category Three water. It is safer to dispose of and replace these materials to limit contagion and mold risks.

Regardless of the category of water damage, it is important to act quickly to remove water from a residence in Woods Cross, UT. Timely mitigation can limit primary damage and help to prevent secondary damage. Homeowners should rely on a mitigation and restoration service with the experience and equipment needed to clean up contaminated water.

What To Do After a Storm

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Your home may be damaged after a recent storm.

When a storm hits your area, your first concern is probably keeping your family and yourself out of harm's way. After the storm passes, however, you focus may shift to taking care of the damage it caused to your home. Here is a checklist of storm tips you can complete when your home in Bountiful, UT has flood, wind or hail damage.

3 Tips You Can Follow After a Storm

1. Call for Repairs

You will likely need outside assistance if your home was damaged by a recent storm. In fact, if the storm damage is extensive, it may be safer to wait for storm mitigation experts to assess your home rather than trying to document the need for repairs by yourself. Specialists can walk through your house and give you an estimate of the time and expense it will take to repair your home. They can document the damage with pictures and video to assist with your insurance claim and keep both you and your provider informed about any changes that need to be made.

2. File a Claim

Many insurance providers list storm tips on their websites to help homeowners prevent damage, but not every problem is preventable. Because home repair can be expensive, it is important to file an accurate insurance claim. Check with your insurance agent to understand what your policy covers so that you can file a successful claim.

3. Cover Vulnerable Spots

Holes in your roof or broken windows can lead to more damage. Many disaster mitigation companies offer board up services during storm cleanup to keep more wind, rain or debris from getting into your home. Covering these vulnerable areas can also serve as a deterrent for would-be thieves, vandals and wild creatures.

After a storm ravages your home, you may not know the first steps to take. These storm tips can help you protect your home and get repairs started quickly.

3 Reasons To Make SERVPRO Your Preferred Vendor

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has professional certification, the specialists are all certified by the IICRC.

Storm season increases the risk to insurance companies who provide coverage to homeowners in Bountiful, UT. As an insurance agent, it's important to have a preferred vendor in mind for remediation and restoration. Partnering with a company such as SERVPRO has several benefits for those who insure residential properties.

Benefits of Partnering with SERVPRO 

1. Professional Certification

When you participate in SERVPRO's vendor program, you can rest assured that you are getting high quality service. These storm restoration specialists are all certified by the IICRC. This certification verifies that the technicians have the proper training and experience to handle the mitigation tasks that are necessary to restore your client's home to its former glory.

2. High Standards

In addition to the rigors of the certification program, SERVPRO commits to a high standard of service for any franchise it vouches for. In order to receive 1-800-SERVPRO referrals from the corporate office, each location has to demonstrate compliance with 21 guidelines to achieve the level of excellence the company requires. When an insurance agent calls the hotline, he or she can expect to be referred to a team that meets these guidelines.

3. Transparent Reporting

Every step of the mitigation process from the initial assessment to the date of completion is recorded electronically. The Claims Information Center is your link to the most up-to-date information on the job. If additional damage is discovered or impending weather delays the timeline for repairs, it will be noted on the report. Both the homeowner and the insurance provider are kept informed through the whole cleanup process with this transparent system.

As an insurance agent, you want to make sure your clients get the quick remediation their homes need for the lowest cost possible. A referral to a trusted local mitigation company can make your job easier. SERVPRO helps you stay connected and informed with the expert level of service it provides to your client.

How To Clean Your Dryer and Reduce the Risk of a Fire

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing Lint Fires in a Clothes Dryer

Many residential home fires start in the laundry room in the dryer. A lint fire can cause extensive damage and is a significant risk to homeowners. Before you need to call for fire damage restoration in North Salt Lake, Utah, consider learning how to clean your dryer and reduce your risks. All appliances have routine maintenance schedules.

Every dryer has three areas to clean

1. Lint trap
2. Vents
3. Interior

Lint Trap

The first area to focus on is the lint trap. You can prevent fire damage by cleaning this trap after every dryer use. The process is simple. First, you remove the trap from the drum or the top of the dryer. Second, use your hand to pull excess lint from the surface. Finally, rinse the trap under the faucet and let it dry before returning it.

Vents

A common place for a lint fire occurrence is within the dryer vents. The dryer forces excess through these ducts to the outside of your home, but lint does buildup over time. Experts suggest cleaning these vents annually or more frequently, depending on your dryer use. Larger families should clean the vents more than an individual. To clean the vents, move your dryer away from the wall and detach it from the vent. Use a shop vac with a longer hose to vacuum out the duct. You can also purchase kits with drill attachments for brushing lint free of the sides.

Interior

Once a month, clean the interior of your appliance to prevent a dryer fire. Remove the back panel and clean out all the crevices and vents. If you are not comfortable performing this task, contact an appliance technician, and schedule a cleaning.

A lint fire is a common residential disaster. Be sure to perform necessary maintenance and cleaning to reduce your risks of such a fire. Contact a professional to discuss cleaning routines and maintenance.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Storm Restoration Services?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

This wood suffered water damage and SERVPRO placed drying equipment to speep up the drying equipment.

Heavy storms and even long-lasting rainstorms can cause a lot of damage for Bountiful, UT, insurance clients. When faced with storm restoration, these property owners may reach out to insurance providers for recommendations of water and flood damage repair professionals. SERVPRO offers a quick response and strong corporate support to speed up the claims and restoration processes for the benefit of the property owner and the insurance company.

SERVPRO's Commitment to Quality

Of course, there are other options when it comes to storm restoration and cleanup. What services and standards set SERVPRO apart from other restoration companies?

• Adherence to IICRC standards
• Lower claims costs
• Emergency response times
• Highly trained property damage restoration technicians
• Ongoing training for technicians and for insurance professionals

Specialists from SERVPRO abide by extensive performance guidelines established by industry leaders and corporate supervisors.

Adherence to the Highest Cleanup and Restoration Standards

As a leader among nationwide storm response and restoration professionals, SERVPRO technicians agree to 21 guidelines, including carrying appropriate insurance and submitting to background checks. Franchise owners make sure those requirements are consistently maintained. The IICRC, or Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, has established strict standard validation requirements, including the proper use of equipment and how to determine whether drying is complete. SERVPRO abides by all of these certification requirements.

Cooperation With Insurance Companies

SERVPRO's Claims Information Center is another way that the company works closely with insurance companies. This claims center offers a wide array of services to reduce response times and simplify the paperwork required. This information center is an easily accessible source of mitigation reporting data.

Your Best Choice for Restoration Services

It's easy to see why SERVPRO is a preferred vendor among insurance providers. When the time comes for insurance companies to recommend a cleanup and restoration company to clients, SERVPRO offers fast completion, high-quality results, and cooperation with insurance agents. SERVPRO's storm restoration efforts set the standard for other service providers in Bountiful, UT. 

Signs You Have a Leaking Pipe

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipes can cause severe water damage to your commercial property in Bountiful, UT.

A water leak from a broken or damaged pipe can cause a lot of damage to your commercial property in Bountiful, UT. Most of the pipes in the building, however, are hidden behind walls or under cabinets, so it may be hard to tell that there is a problem. There are signs to look out for to determine if you have a water loss.

Signs to Look Out For 

Visible Signs

There are many signs of possible water damage to watch for:

• Dark spots on ceiling tiles
  
• Water trapped in light fixtures
  
• Wet patches on drywall
  
• Buckling walls
  
• Swollen floorboards or cabinets
  

During your regular building inspection, look for anything out of the ordinary. You may not be able to see signs of a water leak immediately, but you'll start to notice them within a few hours of the pipe break.

Sensory Signs

Running water has a telltale sound. If you hear water constantly running somewhere even when no faucet has been turned on, you may have a problem that can cause significant damage to your building. A musty odor is another indication that you have water damage somewhere in the building. When this happens, you need to call water restoration specialists to find and fix the damage to your building.

Financial Signs

A sudden spike in your water bill is a clear sign that you have at least one leak somewhere. You do not want to wait until your statement arrives to find out you have a problem, though. Check the water meter once a week to make sure that your usage is remaining somewhat constant. Keeping an eye on how much water your building is using is a good way to detect water damage early and save yourself the needless expense of a water loss.

When you have a water leak, it is imperative that you take care of the problem as soon as possible. Early detection is the key to protecting your building and saving money.

Cleaning Up After Virus Exposure

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help

It's nearly impossible to prevent some exposure to COVID-19, the coronavirus, in Bountiful, UT. Unsuspecting individuals could be carrying the virus, and when they touch doorknobs, elevator buttons, computers, and drinking fountains, traces of the virus are left behind to be picked up by the next person. Business owners, however, can take steps to reduce the risk of further coronavirus exposure. The Centers for Disease Control, commonly referred to as the CDC, has the following recommendations:

• Reduce physical contact by using noncontact greetings and holding virtual meetings, for example
  
• Encourage employees to improve handwashing and other hygiene habits
  
• Increase ventilation in the workplace
  
• Promote good habits, such as covering sneezes and staying home when sick
  
  

Of course, frequently handled surfaces around the building should be disinfected frequently. Even with all of these precautions, however, cases of the virus are still likely to show up. When this happens, it may be necessary to schedule professional covid-19 cleanup services.

Closing the Doors for Professional Cleanup

Some businesses have the ability to close their doors for thorough coronavirus cleanup. During this time, professionals use FDA-approved disinfectants and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, gloves, zipper suits, and safety glasses or full-face shields. While the business is closed, trained cleanup professionals work methodically through the building to clean and disinfect all surfaces.

Disinfecting While Businesses Stay Open

Of course, closing business doors isn't possible for every employer even in the face of coronavirus exposure. When a commercial organization has to remain open, professionals may move discreetly through the property, sealing off contaminated areas and increasing the frequency of cleaning surfaces. If possible, it's important to track the path of the infected person to specifically target those surfaces while disinfecting.

Professional Compliance With Federal Guidelines

Finally, professionals follow recommendations from the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to comply with federal guidelines post-coronavirus exposure. For example, once an infected person has exposed an area, the CDC recommends isolating the area and waiting at least 24 hours before moving in for cleaning efforts. Ultimately, it will take the efforts of everyone in Bountiful, UT, working together to slow the spread of the virus.

Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Natural Disaster

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared

Across the country, there are community efforts to share information about disaster preparedness. These events involve a variety of activities and preparedness topics:

• How to put together emergency supply kits
• Establishing family evacuation plans
  
• Keeping communication lines open
  

SERVPRO regularly participates in Bountiful, UT, and nationwide events, sharing materials and claim services resources. As cleanup and repair professionals share their experiences, community members learn which preparedness techniques work better than others.

Emergency Supply Kits

Your family's emergency kit should include enough supplies for three days, such as a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable foods and a can opener, basic repair tools such as hammers, pliers, and matches, and a first aid kit. Don't forget to have copies of your important documents stored safely with these supplies.

Family Evacuation Plans

Make sure each family member knows how to evacuate your home during an emergency. Establish a central meeting place in the community where you can gather if disaster strikes in the middle of the day. Be sure to practice evacuation plans with a variety of scenarios in mind. Your sheltering and evacuation efforts will look very different if you're affected by wildfires versus experiencing earthquakes. Check with community leaders; some cities and towns have emergency response and evacuation procedures already in place.

Open Communication Lines

Gather emergency numbers and make sure that each family member has all the necessary contact information stored in their phones. Homeowners should also store numbers of emergency response professionals for quick responses to life-threatening situations and insurance companies for quick claims services. Sometimes, texting may be available even if phone calls aren't going through.

SERVPRO technicians have witnessed the differences in homes following a disaster when the families were prepared and when they were not. When appropriate disaster prep steps have been taken, homeowners and their loved ones have better chances of staying safe and recovering once the storm has died down. Don't wait until you require help with claim services to discover what a natural disaster can do. Take preparedness steps right away.

4 Steps of Formulating a Fire Safety Plan

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Having a fire escape plan is a big part of fire safety.

No matter how careful you are in your home in Bountiful, UT, a fire can still break out. If that happens, you want to know that your family is prepared to respond and get out safely. To do this, you need a good fire escape plan. Follow these steps to make sure the whole family understands their role in the event that your home catches fire.

1. Install a Reliable Alert System

You likely have smoke detectors throughout your home in various locations:

• On every level
• Outside every sleeping area
• Inside each bedroom

Test each detector monthly. Make sure every family member recognizes the sound that the detectors would make if they sensed a home fire.

2. Map Your Escape Route

Make a map of your house, and call a family meeting. Fire restoration experts recommend that you walk through your home together, identifying at least two ways you can get out of each room. Mark potential exits on your map so that you have a visual representation of your fire escape routes.

3. Talk About an After Plan

Once you leave your house, where do you want your family to go? Pick a meeting place that both a safe distance away and easy to get to on foot. Make sure everyone knows where this spot is, and talk about whom you should contact if you can't get to the meeting place. All family members should also understand how to contact emergency services.

4. Practice the Plan

Your fire preparation plan is not complete until you have run through it a couple of times. Conducting a fire drill gives family members a chance to see how quickly they can escape your home. Try to beat your best time every time you practice. A few seconds can make a big difference.

A big part of fire safety is having a fire escape plan for your home. Decide what your plan looks like and talk to your family about it. Planning ahead can keep your family safe if there's a fire.

Thunderstorm Safety for Your Business

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Hail can lead to property damage after a severe storm.

Rain storms are vital to the well-being of environments around the country, but severe thunderstorms produce dangerously heavy winds and lightning strikes. Sometimes, flash flooding, power outages, and property damage result from the severe weather. Tragically, every people are injured or killed during this type of storm. Protect yourself and the occupants of your Bountiful, UT, properties with the following safety tips:

Prepare During Severe Storm Watches

When a watch is issued, it means that conditions are just right for severe storms to develop. Tune into your radio frequently for up-to-date information, and use this time to prepare for a storm:

• Review the community's emergency warning system and protocols.
  Reiterate company policy for severe weather safety.
• Secure loose equipment or furnishings around your buildings.
• Reschedule outdoor events for better weather.
  

Once a warning is in effect, your preparations will improve safety throughout your properties.

Stay Inside Until the Storm Passes

Most rain storms move on within an hour, so even if you're stuck in a shelter you wouldn't have chosen, plan to stay put until the high winds, lightning, and hail are over. While waiting for the danger to pass, take appropriate safety precautions:

• Shutter doors and windows and stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights.
• Avoid standing near electrical equipment, including electrical telephones.
• Move away from plumbing systems.

Listen to official weather updates.

Experts recommend waiting about 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.

When the Storm Is Over, Review Areas of Improvement

Once the storm-related danger is over, you can improve your preparations for the next storm. For example, you could post the contact information for emergency personnel or a commercial storm damage cleanup company. Take the time to inspect your first aid kit. Consider the benefits of installing lightning rods and discuss their installation with your Bountiful, UT, fire department. Take advantage of the calm weather between rain storms to prepare for the future.

Nobody Weathers Storms Like Property Managers

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storms in Bountiful, UT come in all shapes and sizes

Storm Preparedness

Property management jobs come with a great deal of responsibility. Nothing happens without their approval. Everything that does happen follows the manager’s plan. One important procedure in any manager’s playbook involves storm preparedness. Storms come in all shapes and sizes:

• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes
• Tropical storms
• Blizzards
• Hurricanes

The Emergency Procedures Handbook Is at the Center of the Storm Plan

All property managers should have a storm preparedness plan. Any who don’t should publish one quickly. What should be in this book? Imagine the following situation after the storm:

• There is no office
• There are no files or computers
• There is no phone service
• There is no electricity

The recovery needs to start immediately. The book has all the information required. It has all the contact information. Keep a printed copy in the vehicle along with a satellite phone. Keep another copy in a smartphone. Senior staff members should also have copies. What’s in the book? The following steps will help set it up:

1. Write down everything imaginable. Then write down everything else.
2. Meet with the staff. The employees will have plenty to add. Perhaps some teams, like maintenance, will their own section in the book.
3. Meet with the owners. Address their concerns. Also, make sure the owners get the complete picture in writing. Don’t ever give them the opportunity to say that they didn’t know about something important.

Keep the Handbook Current

Periodically, the manager and senior staff should review and republish the handbook. One good time to do this would be when a slow-moving hurricane threatens the community.

Storm preparedness planning is essential for any managed community. So is storm recovery. Don’t forget an important contact entry in the

Emergency Procedures Handbook. Reach out to the storm damage restoration experts who are Faster to Any Size Disaster. They are nearby in the Bountiful, UT, area and are only a phone call away.

Planning for Emergencies and Major Disasters

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipe in Bountiful, UT.

SERVPRO is a commercial and residential cleanup and restoration service provider. When your Bountiful, UT, home is affected by an emergency, company professionals may help you work through the claims process with your insurance company. The cleanup and claims services aren't the only resources the company provides. You may also have access to emergency preparedness resources, and you can certainly use the company as a resource when you need an emergency response.

Preparing for Emergencies

The disasters and emergencies that could affect your Bountiful, UT, home come in many varieties. The better you prepare, the easier it will be to survive the emergency. Here are a few things you can do to plan ahead of natural and man-made disasters:

• Put together a three-day supply kit including a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable foods, basic tools, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, hygiene items, and copies of family documents, such as insurance policies and ID.
• Create a plan for reuniting with your family. Appoint a location where all family members should meet when possible. Ask a friend or family member in another town to serve as a communication facilitator. If you can't reach each other, you may be able to reach someone in another town.
• Store extra batteries for your radio and keep a local map on hand. Find out whether your community as an emergency response plan and plan to work within those arrangements.

If your emergency is limited to your household, a supply kit of basic necessities will get you through a few rough days, giving you time to contact disaster remediation and claim services providers. On the other hand, your emergency preparation can also help you and your family survive a major natural disaster.

Disasters Could Happen to You

Most people believe they are safe from natural and other major disasters. Unfortunately, communities just like Bountiful, UT, are often affected by storms, flooding, damaged properties, fires, and other disasters. Make sure you know how to access resources within your neighborhood, as well as claim services through insurance providers and emergency restoration specialists, such as SERVPRO.

Understanding Mold Coverage for Renters

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in residential home in Bountiful, UT.

When you live in a house or apartment you don't own, it is advisable to purchase a good rental insurance policy. That way, if your belongings are harmed or destroyed, you can get help paying for them to be replaced. Does your policy cover mold damage, though? The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors.

Mold Coverage 

What Does a Rental Policy Cover?

Just because you are not responsible for the building itself does not mean that you don't suffer loss if someone breaks in or something damages the building. Renters insurance covers losses that result from a few different scenarios:

• Fire Damage
• Storm Damage
• Theft
• Vandalism

If your clothing, furniture or other belongings have mold patches as the result of one of these issues, most rental insurance policies will also cover the mold remediation. There are a few notable exceptions to this coverage, though.

What Does Your Rental Policy Say About Mold?

Mold can grow anywhere there is excess moisture and organic matter for it to feed on. It can start to grow as soon as 24 hours after water damage has occurred. That's not a lot of time, so a fungus infestation may be inevitable. Your policy may cover mold removal in this instance.
If you have an ongoing mold issue or you have delayed reporting the problem to your landlord, however, the damage to your belongings may not be covered. Document every instance where you had mold growth cleaned or reported it to the office. You must be able to prove that you have done everything in your power to stop the problem to reasonably expect your insurance provider to pay for repair or replacement.

Your rental insurance is designed to protect you from significant financial loss when your belongings are damaged in a disaster. Mold is covered in some instances but not in others. Review your policy with your insurance agent to understand if your provider accepts mold claims under your current coverage.

Top 5 Reasons a Security Fence is Necessary After a Commercial Property Fire

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in your Bountiful, UT commercial building, can be devastating.

When you talk to fire remediation experts in Bountiful, UT, after a commercial property fire, they will probably bring up a variety of services, including putting up a security fence. Unfortunately, many property owners do not realize the importance of such an addition. True, board-up and tarp services will secure a property to some extent, but a fence protects against at least five specific property threats.

• Liability
• Trespass
• Theft and Looting
• Vandalism
• Animals

5 Specific Property Threats that Fences Protect

1. Liability

First, a fence helps to protect against any potential liability issues that may interfere with your insurance claim. After any disaster, your insurer expects you to take the necessary precautions to protect your property and other people from potential injury, a fence is a natural part of those precautions.

2. Trespass

Unfortunately, people are drawn to disaster sites. Some find them interesting, and others are merely curious about the aftermath. However, their curiosity often leads to trespassing, but by having a necessary and established perimeter, you can avoid nosey bystanders.

3. Theft and Looting

Next, a security fence helps to prevent theft and looting. Damaged properties are always vulnerable to thieves and looters, especially when a disaster occurs at a business that may have valuable merchandise and equipment still on the premises.

4. Vandalism

Sometimes, disasters can bring out the worst in people, and sites can lead to vandalism. While there is no satisfying explanation for the further degrading of damaged property, a fence can reduce the risks associated with vagrants and vandals.

5. Animals

Last, fencing helps to limit site access to some wildlife. For example, large animals, such as deer, will not be able to scale the fence. While a secure perimeter will not eliminate all animal risks, when combined with board-up services, your property should remain animal-free.

While a security fence may seem like overkill initially, there are plenty of reasons to use one after a fire disaster. Therefore, protect your insurance claim and your property and use a fence when recommended.

Getting Ready for Bad Weather

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe bursts are common with low temperatures and can lead to water damage.

When Old Man Winter rises from his slumber and wreaks havoc on your business in Bountiful, UT, there may be little to no warning. That’s why preparation is the key to protecting your business from inclement weather, such as a snow storm.

3 Ways To Prepare For Bad Weather

1. Know the Area’s Winter Storm History

Nobody can predict the severity of a winter season, but it doesn’t hurt to know what the past winters have brought to your area. If you have just opened a business in an unfamiliar city, look online for storms and temperatures from previous winters.

2. Prepare Your Business for Winter Weather

Getting ready for a snow storm should begin before the mercury in the thermometer begins to dip. When the weather is still warm, you should start doing an assessment of your business in preparation for the winter. Do a close examination of the windows and doors to see if any air is getting inside the building. Caulking and weather stripping are great tools for insulating your business. Inspect your pipes and do what is necessary to prevent a pipe burst.

3. Create a Storm Plan for Your Employees

Encourage your employees to sign up for your area’s storm warning system and to pay attention to local forecasts when there is a chance of a winter storm. If possible, allow your employees the option of working from home. Have an alert system in place to let your employees know if the office will close due to inclement weather.

Unless you live in a tropical area, there’s a good chance Old Man Winter will punish your city with a snow storm at some point during the season. Good winter preparation is the best line of defense against a fierce wintery storm. Sometimes a storm could be so severe that some damage is unavoidable. If your business is affected, be sure to have a good contact for a company that handles storm damage restoration.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to know the different types of fire extinguishers available for your home in Bountiful, UT.

Many people are unaware that there are different kinds of fire extinguishers for home use in Bountiful, UT. Different kinds are designed to fight certain types and sizes of fire. For the safety of your home and family, it’s imperative to have the correct fire extinguisher on hand for the most common fire hazards.

Fire Extinguishers

Classes

A home extinguisher will be labeled by class based on the type of fire it is meant to fight.

• Class A varieties are designed for solid objects such as wood, fabric and paper.
• Class B extinguishers are for fighting flammable liquid fires from sources like gasoline, grease and oil.
• Class C versions are designed for electrical fires.

Most popular kinds found in home improvement stores will be combination types, labeled to indicate the use. For example, an ABC extinguisher will work on solid material, liquid and electrical fires.

Sizes

In addition to class, the size of fire extinguisher is an important factor. As a general rule, the larger the better. The weight listed on the label indicates the amount of fire retardant in the canister. Add a few more pounds to account for the canister’s weight. Consider an extinguisher that is not too heavy to be easily lifted and maneuvered.

Coverage

There are often numbers found before the letters on the label. The number signifies extinguishing power. Each number found before an A is equivalent to 1 ¼ gallons of water. For example, an extinguisher classified as 3-A is equipped with the equivalent of 3 ¾ gallons of water.

A number found before B and C equates to coverage in square feet. A 40-B:C classification, for example, indicates the ability to put out a fire of up to 40 square feet.

Fire preparedness is essential in minimizing home fire damage should a blaze start. With so many options available when purchasing an extinguisher, it is helpful to know how to interpret the information found on the label. Having an understanding of classes, sizes and fire-fighting power will help you choose the appropriate fire extinguisher to protect your home, family and property.

A Few Facts About Floodwater

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded home after storm in Layton, UT.

Storm season in Layton, UT, can wreak havoc on your home. One of the most common problems that occurs is water damage from floodwater. Homeowners often are tempted to clean up this type of mess themselves, but that is a mistake. Contact with the water should be avoided. To protect yourself and your family, there are some things you need to know about floodwater.

Contamination Category

Water from a storm is considered black water, or Category 3 water, which is highly contaminated. Removing it and repairing its damage requires professional help from water remediation specialists. Storm water can pick up contaminants from multiple sources:

• Backed up sewer system
• Agricultural or industrial runoff
• Toxic waste site overflow
• Oil or gasoline from driveways or streets

You never know where the water flooding your home has been. It's better to be on the safe side and avoid contact with it.

Contamination Levels

One of the first things that remediation experts are going to do when they come to your home is to determine the extent of the water damage. To do this, they discern the level of the Category 3 water. At Level 1, the water comes from an interior source. The amount of water is miniscule and hasn't soaked into anything yet. The damage caused at this level is relatively easy to fix. At Level 2, the water also comes from an interior overflow, but it affects a much larger area and may show signs of seeping into floors or walls. During a flood, however, the water comes from an outside source and causes quite a bit of damage. These factors make it Level 3 water. Not only must the water be removed, the area must also be disinfected before contractors can begin to make repairs.

Category 3 water damage necessitates drying, cleaning and repairing. If your home has been flooded by storm overflow, it is important to have the problem assessed and remedied by certified experts.

The Cost Difference Between Mitigation and Restoration During a Flood

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be devastating in Bountiful, UT.

Floods continue to be the most prevalent and expensive natural disaster in America. While preventative measures provide quicker and less expensive alternatives to the cost of hiring a flood cleanup company, many property owners do not mitigate against flood damage. This results in high costs and a lengthy restoration process.

Flood Prevention

One of the best preventative recommendations for flood damage is flood insurance, which property owners may purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program, managed by the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), for an average of $700 per year.

Some other preventative methods include the following:

• Sealing basement walls with compounds that are waterproof
• Installing reflux valves to prevent drains from backing up
• Moving heat and electrical sources to higher levels
• Backing up data to the cloud
• Making a flood plan, including work-from-home opportunities

Once in place, these measures offer protection, year after year. Even better, property owners can usually have the cost partially or fully covered by FIMA.

Flood Cleanup

In contrast, property owners who did not take preventative measures must hire a flood cleanup company out of pocket. Every day the business is closed is a day of income lost, while the company may have salaried staff to pay.

Drying out the business may take the restoration company a few days, and this can only begin after the flood waters recede. Restoration to pre-flood conditions may only require an additional few days, but in worst case scenarios, it may take a business a while to completely rebuild. Not surprisingly, FEMA estimates that 40 percent of small businesses, many of which do not invest in preventative measures, fail to recover from natural disasters.

When it comes to flood damage, prevention is always better than a cure. Sure, a reputable flood cleanup company may restore your place of business in a matter of days, but investing in proactive measures is the best approach to natural disasters in Bountiful, Utah.

Understanding Secondary Damage

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe damage can be a leading cause of water damage and mold growth if not treated correctly.

When you have a flood in your commercial building in Bountiful, Utah, it's hard to know what the extent of the damage will be until you get a remediation team in there for an inspection. This crew can help you do the following:

• Assess the damage.
• Create a repair plan.
• Initiate cleanup.

As the professionals are assessing your damage, you may hear them talk about primary and secondary damage. Here's what you need to know about damage that's caused indirectly by the waters.

Damage caused indirectly by the water

What It Doesn't Include

This secondary form of destruction can include a wide range of damage, but it doesn't include everything done to your building. The primary damage is anything done when the pipe burst or the roof leaked. For example, black mold growth wasn't caused directly by the flooding, but damaged walls and ceilings may have been.

How It's Formed

Because this type of damage only includes the harm done after the flooding has ceased, how is the damage done? Often slow reaction time, improper cleanup and hidden problems cause what the professionals consider to be nonprimary damage. For example, black mold growth does not happen the instant a flood starts. Instead, it takes 24 to 48 hours to begin. High humidity may also be a secondary type of damage because it takes place when the water is allowed to sit for too long or is not completely removed from the building.

What It Does Include

Because it's caused by slow reactions, this damage can include mold growth, unsalvageable furnishings, water contamination and the spread of the flood. If a pipe bursts on the second floor, the water may start to travel to lower levels if it is not caught soon enough. The path of the water may be considered secondary or primary damage depending on what caused the travel.

Mold growth, including black mold, is often considered a type of secondary damage. However, your commercial space could by affected by other types of secondary destruction if you don't properly address water issues right away.

How To Inspect for a Shower Leak

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Shower leaks can be a leading cause to water damage.

When buying or renting a home in Bountiful, Utah, don’t forget to inspect for a bathtub leak. Spending the time to do a thorough check of the home for water damage can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. From tiled showers to enclosed shower bathtub units, many of the ways to check for leaks are similar. Here are four simple steps home inspectors take to look for bathtub and shower leaks.

4 Steps to look for bathtub and shower leaks

1. Check surrounding areas for water damage. Stained baseboards or ceilings, rusted tacks holding down carpet or loose bathroom floor tiles are all indicators of a shower pan leak. Another quick trick is to push a finger into the baseboards or surrounding grout to feel for any give. Ideally, they should be hard, nonporous surfaces and provide no movement.

2. Examine crawl spaces beneath bathrooms. If your house has a crawl space or basement, be sure to look for black wood dripping with water, as that is a sure sign of a bathtub leak.

3. Let your suspicious nature run free. An old pan, a fresh coat of paint, or an unused shower could all be signs of a leak that may not have been properly sealed. Note the age of the home and consult with the owner to find out the last time the shower pan was replaced.

4. Inspect a tiled shower stall. A loose threshold into the shower can be a sign of a shower pan leak. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the tiled wall or tile separating from the wall can lead to leaks due to water spraying from the showerhead directly into the cracks.

Water damage in your home can be frustrating and costly. Your local water damage repair and restoration specialist can help you get your home back to normal. Discovering a bathtub leak early can save you time, money, and hassle.

Why Does Mold Always Come Back?

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growing where water was present in a Woods Cross,UT ceiling.

As a business owner, you understand the importance of keeping your facilities free from mold. After all, mold can ruin inventory, equipment and furnishings. If you have battled mold in your Woods Cross, UT, warehouse, you may have noticed that it always seems to return. To keep mold growth in check, you must understand why it comes back.

Water Gets Everywhere

If your warehouse has a roof leak, you have probably realized that water can infiltrate even hidden parts of your facility. In fact, you may find wet spots far from the leak source. While any leak can cause water damage, it may also allow mold to grow. As such, you must inspect all parts of your warehouse for leaks. Specifically, be certain to check the following for signs of damage:

• Gutters
• Roofing systems
• Walls
• Foundations

Humidity Allows Mold To Spread

If mold returns to the same area after you repair leaks, high humidity may be the culprit. As you probably know, mold needs humidity to thrive. Therefore, you may want to consider investing in a hygrometer. These devices measure relative humidity. If you have too much inside your warehouse, a dehumidifier may limit mold growth. Moreover, rethinking your warehouse’s ventilation system may help to keep the space dry.

Mold Has Serious Staying Power

When you are fighting mold, you have to worry about what you cannot see. Simply removing the visible signs of mold probably won’t take care of the problem. Because mold spreads through microscopic spores, you may want to think about contracting with a mold remediation service. Restoration technicians have the equipment and expertise to locate and remove mold spores.

To make money in business, you must meet customer demands. Of course, if you have a mold problem in your warehouse, you may have trouble moving inventory. While identifying the source of water damage is essential, you also must understand mold growth.

This Is a Drill: How To Teach Your Escape Plan to Your Employees

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency kit for your commercial building in Bountiful, UT.

An unexpected disaster can cause fear and panic in your employees. A solid emergency plan for escaping that disaster, however, can increase their confidence and thus the likelihood that they will conduct themselves calmly and rationally when a problem arises. If a situation that requires evacuation comes up during the workday, you will be glad you made a plan and trained employees to carry it out through the use of practice sessions such as a fire drill.

Making the Plan

As the business owner, you are the best equipped to devise the escape plan for your business in Bountiful, Utah, that will work the best for your employees. Each plan should contain the following elements:

• Alarm procedures
• Evacuation routes and meeting areas
• Chain of command and division of responsibilities
• Emergency kit containing water, flashlights and first aid items
• Contact list of employees for confirming their safety
• Clear reporting structure
• Contact information for insurance company and restoration specialists

The time to plan for a natural disaster or fire is before it happens. After you have the plan, it's time to train your employees.

Training the Staff

Whether you are staging a fire drill or testing storm procedures, the information should always proceed the practice. Include evacuation plans in your yearly training. Impress upon your employees the importance of understanding the plan and encourage questions and concerns during the discussion. At some point, you can test the plan with a drill. Only a handful of personnel who will be assisting with key elements of the procedures need to know when the drill is planned. That way, employees can actually experience the surprise they may feel if the real situation should ever arise. During the drill, take note of what goes right and what needs improvement so that you can tweak the plan or training as needed.

Planning how you want your employees to respond in a disastrous situation and training them to implement the plan can keep them safe. Each fire drill brings you closer to a calm, smooth resolution.

Estimating Damage After a Commercial Fire

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup in Bountiful, UT.

After a fire at your Bountiful, Utah, business, the cost of cleanup and repair can run anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity. The particulars of your insurance policy will also determine the price, depending on your deductible and what out-of-pocket costs you may incur. By working with the insurance adjuster and a professional fire restoration company, you should be able to get a good idea of the cost involved.

Below are the main things to consider when creating an estimate.

1. Emergency Cleanup

The emergency cleanup makes sure no further damage is caused to the property through exposure to the elements or vandalism. Any holes in the walls or roof will be boarded up or covered with tarps, and any standing water will be removed from the building. There may be further cost if security fencing is installed.

2. Water Damage

Depending on the severity of the fire, and whether or not sprinklers were installed, the fire company may have used a great deal of water to subdue the blaze. Carpets and upholstery may be soaked, the structure itself may be waterlogged, and there may be mold and bacteria that need to be mitigated. Also, firefighters may have used chemical extinguishers that leave residues and contaminate the air. Special equipment must be employed to dry, dehumidify, clean and sterilize.

3. Smoke Removal

The cost of cleaning up damage and odor from smoke and soot must be figured in to the estimate as well. The methods and equipment used will depend upon the type of combustible substances. Smoke and soot from wood, protein or synthetic material will each create a different kind of cleanup problem.

4. Restoration Costs

After the cleaning and disinfecting are completed, the actual replacements and repairs can take place. Depending on how bad the actual fire damage was, repairs may involve only replacing carpeting and repainting, or it may entail rebuilding entire rooms.

While the cost of repairing damage from a commercial fire can vary greatly. However, it should not be difficult to estimate once all of the factors are taken into consideration, and the damage has been assessed by a qualified professional.

What Color Is Your Water? 3 Types That Can Affect Your Health

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO performed flood cuts to this Bountiful, UT home to remove all water damaged materials.

You know you’ve got a leak, but do you know what type of water you are dealing with? If your Bountiful, Utah, home needs wastewater cleanup, it is important to determine the category type so you can minimize exposure to contaminated water. There are three water types: category one (clean water), category two (gray water) and category three (black water).

All three can affect your health differently.

1. Clean Water

Category one is considered clean water because it is free of contaminants. White water poses no health risk because it has not come into contact with potentially harmful substances. Rainwater and water from a faucet, broken pipe, supply line or a refrigerator are all common examples. While category one may sound innocuous, it is important to know that in a short 48 hours, water can turn from white to gray.

2. Gray Water

Category two is called gray water, and it is considered contaminated water. It is harmful for humans to ingest because chemicals, soaps or similar contaminants are present. Examples are water from a dishwasher, washing machine, shower/sink drain or fish tank. If gray water is left stagnant, then it can transition to category three within two days or less.

3. Black Water

Category three is the most dangerous water. It contains bacteria and pathogens that are extremely harmful to humans. Black water can come from sewage lines, RV holding tanks or toilets. Effectively managing category three water requires professional restoration services. All affected surfaces must be cleaned, sanitized and dried completely before humans can come in contact with those areas.

Understanding the difference between black, gray and white water will help keep your Bountiful, Utah, home free from unsafe contaminants. If you aren’t certain what type of water you have, it is wise to consider it category three until a professional can confirm that you don’t have contaminated water. Be smart! Keep yourself healthy by treating the three water types accordingly.

Davis County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Home in Bountiful, UT with a flooded basement due to heavy rainfall.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Davis County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

• Storm sewer backup

• Sanitary sewer backup

• Foundation drainage failure

• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 801-298-4272

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Bountiful and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

The Cost Difference Between Mitigation and Restoration During a Flood

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Damage can be prevented in Bountiful, UT.

Floods continue to be the most prevalent and expensive natural disaster in America. While preventative measures provide quicker and less expensive alternatives to the cost of hiring a flood cleanup company, many property owners do not mitigate against flood damage. This results in high costs and a lengthy restoration process.

Flood Prevention in Bountiful, UT

One of the best preventative recommendations for flood damage is flood insurance, which property owners may purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program, managed by the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), for an average of $700 per year.

Some other preventative methods include the following:

• Sealing basement walls with compounds that are waterproof
• Installing reflux valves to prevent drains from backing up
• Moving heat and electrical sources to higher levels
• Backing up data to the cloud
• Making a flood plan, including work-from-home opportunities

Once in place, these measures offer protection, year after year. Even better, property owners can usually have the cost partially or fully covered by FIMA.

Flood Cleanup

In contrast, property owners who did not take preventative measures must hire a flood cleanup company out of pocket. Every day the business is closed is a day of income lost, while the company may have salaried staff to pay.

Drying out the business may take the restoration company a few days, and this can only begin after the flood waters recede. Restoration to pre-flood conditions may only require an additional few days, but in worst case scenarios, it may take a business a while to completely rebuild. Not surprisingly, FEMA estimates that 40 percent of small businesses, many of which do not invest in preventative measures, fail to recover from natural disasters.

When it comes to flood damage, prevention is always better than a cure. Sure, a reputable flood cleanup company may restore your place of business in a matter of days, but investing in proactive measures is the best approach to natural disasters in Bountiful, UT.

How To Inspect for a Shower Leak

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Black mold found under tiles in shower stall in Bountiful, UT.

When buying or renting a home in Bountiful, UT, don’t forget to inspect for a bathtub leak. Spending the time to do a thorough check of the home for water damage can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. From tiled showers to enclosed shower bathtub units, many of the ways to check for leaks are similar. Here are four simple steps home inspectors take to look for bathtub and shower leaks.

Four Steps to Find Shower and Bathtub Leaks

1. Check surrounding areas for water damage. Stained baseboards or ceilings, rusted tacks holding down carpet or loose bathroom floor tiles are all indicators of a shower pan leak. Another quick trick is to push a finger into the baseboards or surrounding grout to feel for any give. Ideally, they should be hard, nonporous surfaces and provide no movement.

2. Examine crawl spaces beneath bathrooms. If your house has a crawl space or basement, be sure to look for black wood dripping with water, as that is a sure sign of a bathtub leak.

3. Let your suspicious nature run free. An old pan, a fresh coat of paint, or an unused shower could all be signs of a leak that may not have been properly sealed. Note the age of the home and consult with the owner to find out the last time the shower pan was replaced.

4. Inspect a tiled shower stall. A loose threshold into the shower can be a sign of a shower pan leak. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the tiled wall or tile separating from the wall can lead to leaks due to water spraying from the showerhead directly into the cracks.

Water damage in your home can be frustrating and costly. Your local water damage repair and restoration specialist can help you get your home back to normal. Discovering a bathtub leak early can save you time, money, and hassle.

How To Handle Wet Items in Your Home

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

This drywall has mold due to recent water damage in Bountiful, UT.

If you’ve experienced problems with water in Bountiful, UT, from flooding or a broken pipe, you may be wondering how to handle all of your belongings that have been left soaked. By following a few guidelines, you can take the first steps to handling wet items and restoring your home to normal conditions.

Wet Items You Can Save

When looking through possessions that have gotten wet, determine which ones are nonporous. These objects do not soak up water and can therefore be cleaned up easily. Plastic or wooden furniture that is not upholstered should be entirely salvageable. Most types of flooring that are not carpet should also be able to be restored to pre-flood conditions. While you can save these items, it is important that you clean and disinfect them thoroughly to avoid mold growth or other problems that can result from contaminated water.

Items You Should Replace

Fabrics, carpet, upholstered furniture, and other items that water can soak into may have to be more carefully evaluated. Depending on what type of water has invaded your home, you may or may not be able to save these objects. If the water was black or gray water, then it can be best to simply discard and replace porous items. Black water is highly contaminated water that comes from sewage leaks or outside floods. Gray water may be less contaminated than black water but can still contain harmful microorganisms.

If the water was from a clean source, then porous items may be saved through drying and dry-cleaning processes. You can hire a professional damage restoration company to help you sort through affected items and determine the extent of damage and contamination.

Figuring out what to do with waterlogged objects can be the first step to returning life to normal after dealing with water in your home. Sorting through items can help you determine what to keep and what to replace.

What You Need To Know About Black Water Floods

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

This commercial building in Bountiful, UT suffered flooding due to a storm.

If a flood comes to your home in Bountiful, UT, you may wonder how safe it is to wade into the water. Many people believe that because rain caused the water damage, it is completely safe to touch. However, this is a dangerous assumption, because it could be black water.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Remediation Certification classifies water into these three categories:

• Clean
• Gray
• Black

Each of these types of water carries different risks. Clean water is typically safe for human consumption. Gray water has been used since its last filtering but has not encountered contaminates.

The third categorization is more dangerous to people and animals. Unless and until an authority declares the flood water as clean, you should assume it is black water. Learn precisely what that means below:

What Is It?

The classification of water as “black” means that it has come into contact with harmful elements such as raw sewage. This rating means the water may contain all kinds of dangerous microbes, including bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses. It may even include the norovirus, parasites, and other infectious material.

Why Is Flood Water Classified This Way?

When water enters your home after heavy rains, it’s not just water from the sky. Water damage also comes from overflowing sewage. That sewage can mix with the rainwater and contaminate everything it touches.

What Should Homeowners Do?

If you have water in your home after a storm, do not wade into it unless doing so is necessary. It is also important to dry out the area as soon as possible. That water can spread disease and cause mold growth.

It’s essential to call an experienced restoration company in Bountiful, UT, as quickly as possible after water damage or flooding occurs. Be sure to rid your home of the black water as soon as you can to keep you and your family safe.

Commercial Building Water Damage Cleanup Tips

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

This business suffered water damage due to a broken pipe in Bountiful, UT.

A flooded company is bad news. A broken pipe can cause a lot of damage and may even require you close up shop. Freezing is one of the main causes of bursting pipes and flood damage to commercial facilities. But water damage can be caused by fires as well.

Firehose and Firefighter Damage

A fire is a devastating experience that is often surrounded by frustration, concern and uncertainty. After a fire, your business may be damaged not only by flames and soot, but by water as well. Many times, extensive firehose use by firefighters results in a flooded company with wet floors and drenched walls.

Damage From Sprinkler System

Many commercial buildings are equipped with fire sprinkler systems. They consist of a sprinkler head and a small glass bulb in the middle. The glass bulb is heat sensitive. If the temperature rises high enough to shatter the glass, the sprinklers drench an area with consistent water. Fire damage can be overwhelming in itself, but sprinklers may also lead to water damage. Although this added level of damage is frustrating, these sprinklers can save a building from being consumed by fire.

Cleanup

The most efficient way to deal with a flooded company after a fire is to hire a professional in Bountiful, UT. If you choose to attempt a cleanup on your own, here are the necessary steps.

• Extract the water.
• Remove any damaged contents.
• Dry out the building.
• Use dry cleaning for any smoke damaged fabric.
• Use preventative measures to ensure mold doesn’t grow in the damaged area.

When dealing with water damage after a fire, it is common to feel overwhelmed. Make sure to dry out any areas affected by water damage as soon as possible. Water restoration companies can help reduce the stress associated with the disaster and get your business’s doors open sooner.

What Is an Emergency Board Up?

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls and roofs

Experiencing a home emergency such as a fire, lightning strike, tornado, or flooding, can be devastating, but to mitigate further damage it’s important to take as many steps as possible to protect your property while you determine your next steps for home repair and remediation. Especially when there has been severe damage, doing a board up will make a big difference. The "board up" process itself involves securely placing plywood over the vulnerable, damaged areas of the home such as wind damaged, broken, cracked windows and doors, while the roof can be tarped.

Benefits of an Emergency Board Up

Avoid More Damage: if there are holes in the walls and ceiling, rain and wind can cause more damage, not to mention animals and other possible invaders finding their way in.
Avoid Further Property Loss: with holes in the walls can come thieves and vandals. Even if you aren’t concerned about your belongings, they can steal appliances and even parts of the HVAC system or pipes.
Ensure Insurance Coverage: some insurance carriers require tarping and board up services to be done after an emergency to qualify for fire damage coverage. Insurance companies understand how quickly damages can continue when a home is left in a vulnerable state.

Safety First

While you might be tempted to complete your board up yourself, it’s important of course to put your safety, and those who are helping you, first. A property in Woods Cross, UT, with severe damage, is questionable as to how sound the structure is until you get the OK from an inspector or professional remediation company.
It’s also generally recommended that when dealing with important large assets such as a primary residence, that the job be done quickly and in the best way possible. This helps to ensure that no further damage is done such as leaks or future safety issues and that your insurance company accepts your claim for damage coverage.

What To Expect With Storm Damage Remediation

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage in North Salt Lake, UT

Storm Damage Remediation

Storm season in North Salt Lake, UT, can cause flood water to invade your home, leaving a lot of damage in its wake. When storm damage cleanup experts arrive at your home, they can assess the extent of the damage and explain the steps the process is going to involve. At minimum, they must remove the water, tear out damaged materials, dry the area and restore your home to its previous state.

1. Water Extraction

Getting rid of the flood is the first step of dealing with water damage. Through the use of industrial pumps, technicians siphon off the standing water in your home. Until this is done, they may not have a complete picture of how extensive the work is going to be. Removing the water clears the way for the rest of the work to begin.

2. Material Removal

Water can damage flooring, saturate drywall, dampen insulation and ruin your belongings in a very short amount of time. The specialists tear out all drywall beneath the flood cut to make sure they remove every inch that could have been affected. They can remove carpets and floorboards as well as any underlying materials that have water damage.

3. Surface Drying

Even if there is no standing water left, secondary damage can occur if wet patches are allowed to remain. Every surface must be dried to prevent additional problems. Technicians may accomplish this by increasing air flow to the area or using dehumidifiers to reduce the overall moisture in the area.

4. Final Restoration

After everything is dry, there is still more work to be done. Walls must be rebuilt and flooring must be replaced. Storm restoration is not complete until your home looks as good as it did before the flood.
It can be overwhelming to think about how much technicians have to tear out and replace to mitigate storm damage. Your flooded home may take some work to restore, but certified restoration professionals are up to the task.

Keep Your Building Secure After a Fire

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Secure the property as soon as possible by boarding up openings

If a fire strikes your place of business in Bountiful, UT, you will have a lot to manage all at once. Your biggest concern will likely be about how much fire damage your building and its contents have sustained. You may wonder how quickly your business can be up and running again, how much will your insurance cover, and how to repair any damaged property and electronics. Since bad things have a way of escalating, it’s important to make sure after a fire that your premises are safe and secure from vandals and other troublemakers.

Security Tips After a Fire

As hard as it is to believe, a fire can often leave a company susceptible to looting. This certainly happened in the recent California wildfires, where looters came into the area to steal items from the damaged houses. Fortunately, there are a few things to do to limit your chances of being robbed after a fire. The following steps could prove helpful:

• Secure the property as soon as possible by boarding up openings
  
• Keep a security presence if possible
  
• Contact local authorities to perform regular checkups on the building
  
• Put up signs to keep out criminals
  
• Install an alarm system
  
  

Fire damage is bad enough. The prospect of being robbed afterward is something that can be prevented with a little forethought.

Fire Cleanup Tips

Cleaning up after a fire can be a complicated process, as there may be soot, water, smoke and electrical damage to contend with. It’s a smart decision to call in a professional fire cleanup team located in Bountiful, UT. Having the right equipment on hand, as well as the necessary knowledge in place, can speed up the process. It’s also a great way to make sure all the damage has been cleaned up.

Fire damage to your business need not be worsened by vandals. Secure your building after a fire to protect your assets.

3 Things You Should Know About Secondary Damage

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Peeling paint from your walls is considered secondary damage

3 Things You Should Know About Secondary Damage

Water damage to your West Bountiful, UT, building can come from many sources, from broken pipes or appliances to severe weather. No matter where it comes from, it is important to have it removed as soon as you can. If it is allowed to sit, you could end up dealing with a myriad of problems including black mold, rotting wood and contamination. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

1. What is Secondary Damage

Damage that is not caused immediately by the water is secondary. This type of damage often comes later. It can include a wide variety of problems and is often worse than the primary damage. Black mold growth, peeling paint or wallpaper and buckling or warping walls and floors are all part of this category.

2. What Causes It

The biggest cause of this kind of damage is not removing the water quickly enough. The longer the water is allowed to sit, the worse the damage becomes and the more work it will require to return the building to its previous condition. Along with the problems that the water itself brings, it can cause high humidity in your building that can make it easy for mold to grow.

3. How to Prevent It

In order to reduce the amount of secondary damage in your building, you should contact an emergency restoration service right away. Once they have completely removed the excess water, the building can begin to dry which will result in less damage. This will allow the repairs process to go more quickly and will save money as the problems will be less severe.

Because black mold and other issues can be more difficult to take care of than the primary water damage, it is important to begin work to remove moisture from your building as quickly as possible. A professional service can do this for you and can complete any necessary cleanup and repairs as well.

Professional Cleanup for Water Damage

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Water extraction in a Centerville,UT home

No one wants to discover flooding in his or her home. Even the most minor water issues can cause problems and result in heavy expenses and a lot of time and effort on your part. One of the most important aspects of this type of disaster is how you clean up after water damage. A quick response and the right help can make this task a lot easier.

Get the Pros Involved

There are certainly things you can and should do to initiate water cleanup. Unplugging electronics and moving materials out of harm's way is crucial. However, when you call a professional flood cleanup team, you get expert service.

• The pros have experience.
  
• The pros have high-powered equipment.
  
• The pros are licensed, insured, and thorough.
  
  

Water Removal

When a technician arrives at your Centerville, UT, home, he or she and fellow crew members will begin by surveying the scene to assess the extent of the water cleanup needs. The team will then extract all water from the floor, furniture, walls, and ceiling.

Drying

Whether the flooding comes from broken pipes, a sewer backup, cracks in the foundation, or anything else, the water could easily introduce the growth of mold and other materials. The water damage specialists will dry every square inch of the affected parts of your home with industrial-strength blowers. The techs will ensure everything is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Sanitizing

Removing water and drying everything isn't sufficient. In order for you to return to your home with peace of mind, you need the area to be clean. The experts will use powerful agents to sanitize every part of your home where the water touched. You can rest assured that with expert work, your home can be back to its pre-flood state.
Water damage doesn't have to be long-lasting. Call the industry leaders in flood remediation today.

Discovered Mold in the Apartment: Will Rental Insurance Cover the Damages?

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Bathroom mold damage due to leaking pipe

Will Rental Insurance Cover the Damages?

Mold can be an unnerving sight, especially when you find it in your apartment, and it has affected some of your belongings. Your mind is likely racing wondering if your rental insurance policy will cover the costs that are probably piling up in your brain. Fortunately, you might be covered depending on your peril coverage, and as far as those other costs racing through your head, you may not be responsible for anything else.

1. Peril Coverage

Most issues with mold damage coverage depend on the portion of your policy listed as peril coverage. For instance, a pipe burst may be a considered peril while a flood is not. Therefore, if the damage to your property occurred because of a leak or pipe break, then you may be covered under your policy.

2. Personal Property

Additionally, rental insurance will likely cover personal property damage as long as the damage was sustained during a covered peril. However, there are instances where the mold damage is the fault of a negligent owner, in which case your policy may not include the losses, but the owner's policy might.

3. Landlord’s Responsibility

Perhaps your mold problem has not affected your belongings but instead appears to be a plumbing issue. If there is a mold problem in your apartment, it still may be the responsibility of the owner. As a renter, you are not liable for plumbing inspections and structural issues. Therefore, the property owner's insurance should cover the cost of remediation or repair.

If you have a mold problem in your rental unit and don’t know who is responsible, you can call your insurer or a mold removal specialist in the North Salt Lake, UT, area. These professionals may be able to help you understand your responsibilities as a renter.

While finding mold in your apartment can be disheartening, your rental insurance may cover any damages to your personal property. However, if the mold growth and loss is a result of a more significant property issue, your landlord's policy may be liable.

3 Reasons You Need To Protect Your Home After Fire Damage

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Board up is important after a fire

Seeing the damage that a fire does to your home can be disheartening. It may be hard to imagine how the problem could get any worse. You still need to protect what remains of your home while it's being repaired, though. Board up services help protect you from extra damage, lawsuits and rejected insurance claims.

Avoid Further Damage

Fire damage cleanup experts recommend emergency board up to keep your building from sustaining further damage. Extra losses that occur can include:

• Debris from high winds
  
• Animal markings
  
• Vandalism
  
• Theft
  
  

Your home is vulnerable enough with the damage caused by the fire. Protect it from more problems by boarding up the open areas.

Avoid Liability

If people do enter your home when it is compromised by fire damage, they could get injured. As the property owner, you could be liable for these injuries, particularly if you did nothing to keep others out of your property. Board up services help deter other people from entering, thus lowering their risk of injury and your risk of a subsequent lawsuit.

Avoid Lost Coverage

Because protection helps you limit damages, your insurance company probably requires that you tarp over your home while fire cleanup is in progress. If you fail to do so, the company may reject your claim for any further damage. In fact, your policy may have a stipulation that nullifies your claim for all the damages if you do not handle the cleanup in the way the policy dictates. Talk to your agent about the rules outlined in your claim, and protect your home with emergency board up services.

Board up is important after a fire. No matter how bad the damage to your home may be, it may get worse if you do not take the appropriate steps to protect it, and that can cause you even more problems down the road.

What Are the Differences Between Mitigation and Restoration After a Storm?

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Your building may require board-up services to protect it from wind and rain and to prevent further damage.

Understanding The Differences in Mitigation and Restoration

After your business in Bountiful, UT, has been flooded, you may not know how to find the best flood cleanup company for your needs. By understanding the differences in mitigation and restoration, you may find it easier to choose a company with which to work.

1. Mitigation Efforts Begin Immediately

As soon as a storm ends and it is safe for professionals to enter your building, mitigation efforts will begin. In order to lessen the amount of damage that occurs, professionals may remove damaged building materials and items that have been affected by water or mold. Additionally, your building may require board-up services to protect it from wind and rain and to prevent further damage.

2. Mitigating and Restoration Have Different Purposes

The overall goal of mitigation and restoration are generally quite different. While mitigation efforts concentrate on minimizing the amount of damage that could occur after a disaster, restoration focuses on fixing the damage that has occurred. Though a flood cleanup company can assist with mitigation efforts, it may be preferable to contact a water damage restoration company that can assist with various aspects of storm cleanup and restoration.

3. Restoration Is a Long-Term Process

Although restoration can begin shortly after a storm occurs, mitigation generally occurs first. The process of restoration is normally longer than the process of mitigation. Unlike mitigation, restoration efforts can take months and often must be done in parts. Professionals often will try to restore damaged items before considering replacement, which can be time-consuming, and though replacing items is sometimes necessary, anything that is replaced must fit in seamlessly with the rest of the building.

Understanding the differences between mitigation and restoration can help you choose the right flood cleanup company for your business. It can be useful to know when mitigation and restoration will occur as well and the purposes of mitigation and restoration.

Understand Your Commercial Fire Damage Estimate

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage at a local facility in Bountiful, Utah.

You take decisive, quick action when a fire threatens your business in Bountiful, UT. Now that the fire is out it is equally important to act with urgency. The longer you wait to get an estimate on the fire damage, the longer it takes for the restoration process to begin and the more business income you stand to lose.

What Is Included in the Estimate?

• An emergency fire restoration professional typically arrives within four hours of receiving your call to perform the initial assessment. When a commercial fire occurs, you need to worry about more than fire damage. Water damage from firefighting efforts is also present. The assessment includes evaluating safety issues as well as inspecting water, soot, smoke and other damages related to the fire.
• The cost of emergency services, mitigation and reconstruction are included in the projected cost. Make sure the total estimation that you receive includes all aspects of the work and firm, detailed pricing with a guarantee.

When Does the Restoration Work Begin?

• Talk with your commercial insurance agent as soon as possible after the fire occurs. Usually restoration specialists send the estimated costs to the insurance company for approval before work begins.
• After approval the restoration company generally begins work on emergency services right away. This may include extraction of excess water, tarping the roof or boarding up doors and windows to prevent further damage.
• You are provided an approximate timeline for the remaining work including cleaning, deodorizing, sanitizing and restoring the building structure and contents to pre-fire condition.

When a commercial fire spreads throughout your business in Bountiful, Utah, you don’t have time to waste. Make sure everyone is safely out and call firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Immediately call your insurance agent and have a fire restoration company provide you with an estimate to begin the process of putting your business back in working order.

Why Do Fires Often Lead To Floods?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

If wildfire damage has recently affected areas in or near North Salt Lake, UT, you may want to investigate flood insurance coverage.

Fire damage often leads to or coincides with flood damage. If you reside in a region that has recently experienced wildfire damage, you may want to obtain flood insurance coverage. The Federal Emergency Management Association is partnered with the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more about the connections between fire and flooding damage and the coverage offered by FEMA NFIP to offset mitigation and restoration expenses.

Exterior Fires and Floods

Wildfires char the ground and eliminate vegetation. A fire near a residence can have several effects that combine to increase flooding risks:

• Charred becomes resistant to absorbing rainfall
  
• Runoff increases and may result in mudflows
  
• Flash flooding risks increase
  
  

Flood risks may remain elevated for up to five years following a wildfire. Nearby homeowners should consider obtaining insurance coverage through FEMA NFIP or a private flood insurance provider.

Interior Combined Damage

Localized fires that affect a single residence or a limited area can also result in a combination of fire and water damage. This type of flooding usually results from suppression attempts and can exacerbate fire damage in a few ways:

• Thousands of gallons of water may be present in a structure
  
• Water damage must be mitigated before fire damage
  
• Combined damage increases risks of superficial and structural damage
  
  

If a fire has caused damage at your residence, you should document and report damage to a homeowners insurance provider. Standard policies usually cover fire damage and water damage due to fire suppression efforts. Flood insurance is only necessary for external water damage caused by heavy rains or rising bodies of water.

If wildfire damage has recently affected areas in or near North Salt Lake, UT, you may want to investigate flood insurance coverage through FEMA NFIP. For combined fire and flooding damage resulting from fire suppression, notify your homeowners insurance provider and arrange to have damage assessed by mitigation and restoration professionals.

Helpful Fire Extinguisher Tips for Your Home

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Having the correct Fire Extinguisher can Prevent Kitchen Fire Damage in your home.

When you take steps to prevent a fire from occurring in your home, it’s often important to have the appropriate tools, including a fire extinguisher. However, knowing what extinguisher to purchase can seem confusing.

There are several pieces of information that can help you pick the right extinguisher(s) for your home.

Tips to consider when purchasing a Fire Extinguisher

What Type of Extinguisher Should You Purchase?

There are various types of extinguishers, all of which are used to put out different types of fires. It’s often important to make sure you are using the right type of extinguisher on a fire.

Some of the most common types of extinguishers include:

• Type A, which puts out fires started with items such as wood or paper
• Type B, which extinguishes fires started with oil or grease
• Type C, which should only be used to put out electrical fires
• Combination, which may be labeled as AB, BC, ABC, etc.

Where Should You Place Extinguishers?

Often, it’s helpful to strategically place a fire extinguisher in locations in your home where a fire is most likely to occur. The following are places that could be useful places to put an extinguisher:

• In kitchens, as a kitchen fire is a common type of fire to occur in homes
• In the garage, where a grease or electrical fire could occur
• Near your laundry machine, where an electrical fire could occur

How Do You Use an Extinguisher?

• Pull the pin on the top of the extinguisher back
• From a safe distance, aim toward the fire
• Tightly squeeze the handle
• Use a sweeping motion to ensure the fire is fully extinguished

A fire extinguisher can prevent a fire from becoming uncontrollable and can protect you and your home. Knowing the difference between types of extinguishers and understanding how to use an extinguisher can help you be more prepared for a fire. If your home has been affected by fire damage, it could help to contact fire restoration experts.

Is Category 2 Water Contaminated?

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Category two damage can be caused by an overflow of water from a dishwasher

A Category Two water or gray water leak involves water that is more contaminated than a clean Category One leak which calls for water pipe repair and drying. Category Two water may contain chemicals or microbes and will require disinfection. Find out more about Category Two water and how damage restoration experts clean up this type of damage.

Category Two Contaminants

Category Two damage can be caused by an overflow of water from a dishwasher, washing machine, shower, aquarium, waterbed or by a sewer backup that does not contain solid waste. Depending on the source of the leak, any of the following contaminants may be present in gray water:

• Chemicals
  
• Cooking fats or oils
  
• Microbes
  
• Shower residues
  
• Soap
  
  

Category One water from a broken pipe that is left standing for more than 48 hours before water pipe repair and damage cleanup can degrade to Category Two. Gray water is not as contaminated as black water, but disinfection will still be necessary to limit contamination and mold growth risks.

Category Two Cleanup

Water damage mitigation and restoration experts recommend quickly cleaning up any type of water damage. The faster that water is extracted, the lower the risk of secondary damage. Specialists remove water with a pump or wet vac and tear out any damaged building materials. The flooded area can then be cleaned, disinfected and dried. Air movers or fans can increase ventilation and a dehumidifier can lower moisture levels.

Determining Damage Categories

Leaks caused by appliance or shower overflows typically involve Category Two water. Gray water does not pose as much of a risk as Category Three black water, but still requires disinfection. As soon as a plumber provides water pipe repair or fixes the cause of a backup or leak, a property owner or manager should arrange for water damage mitigation and restoration at a building in Bountiful, UT.

Tips To Help Your Business Prevent Storm Damage

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

Whether you live in Bountiful, UT or Bangor, Maine, you have probably experienced winter storm damage to your business at some point in the past decade. As excessive extreme weather assaults become more commonplace, preparation for property damage becomes even more important.

Tips to help you prevent harsh weather destruction to your property.

Ascertain Risks

While checking weather conditions may help you prepare for an approaching storm, it is often too late to prevent potential storm damage such as a pipe break or water in the basement. Here are some property areas to check to avoid problems prior to bad weather arrival.

• Gutters – Make sure clogs are removed so water can flow freely, and check that connections are secure with no corner leaks.
• Landscaping – Trim trees away from roofing and clear parking lot of objects that can become airborne and break windows.
• Roofing and windows – Leaking sealants around windows, skylights, doors, and siding can allow water damage during a storm.
• Utilities – Surge protectors and portable generators help keep data safe and employees warm during even the worst storm.

Mitigate Damage

Power outages often come with huge winter storms. When that happens, your business may be without heat for days. As snow and ice build up on roof tops and frozen pipes burst, the potential for damage can become catastrophic. For this reason, consider calling a professional at the first sign trouble. A restoration team may know just how to handle even the worst winter conditions before severe damage occurs to your building’s structure.

Prevent Destruction

By being aware of the condition of your building and considering repairs to areas of concern before storms occur you can help prevent property destruction. Sometimes Mother Nature can win in Bountiful, UT, but by being aware of weather conditions and preparing for possible damage, you and your employees can stay safe and warm during even the worst winter storm.

SERVPRO of Bountiful responds quickly, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. 

What Your Adjuster Needs From You

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage can be devastating for the homes in Bountiful, UT.

As a homeowner, you do not plan for your home in Bountiful, UT, to flood, but if it does, it is important to know the critical first steps to take. Your home adjuster is tasked with assessing the damage.

A few key things you can document to assist with the analysis:

• Written list of all that is damaged or destroyed
• Cost to repair or replace damaged items
• Pictures of the damage
• Estimate from restoration specialists

Structural Damage

If there is visible damage to the house itself, you need to make note of it. Make a list of every wall that has signs of water damage. Check your floor for warping or missing tiles. If there are cracks in your walls or in your foundation, put that on the list as well. Take pictures of everything you write down to back up your statements. It is advisable to contact professional water damage restoration technicians to get an estimate in writing of how much the repairs to your home are going to cost to give to your home adjuster.

Destroyed Possessions

The insurance claim you file is likely to include damaged items in your home. Make an inventory of everything that needs to be replaced as a result of the flooding. Beside each item, list when you purchased it and approximately how much it would cost to replace it. Keep the damaged items and take digital pictures so you can print them out or email them.

Once you have compiled an inventory of the damage to your home for your insurance claim, make a copy for your records before you hand it off to the home adjuster. That way, if there is a discrepancy between what the adjuster finds and what your records show, you have your own proof. Ensuring that you and the adjuster have the same information may help your insurance company settle your claim and get your home back to normal more quickly.

IF you have any questions, please give us a call at (801) 298-4272. SERVPRO of Bountiful has a 24 Hour Emergency Service to answer any questions and help you. 

Avoiding Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Schedule regular pipe maintenance to keep plumbing systems in good working order and avoid damage to your commercial buildings.

Commercial buildings often have large plumbing systems that are under incredible pressure almost every day. Because of the extensive network of pipes, plumbing problems can cause much more damage than pipes in smaller residential home systems. Commercial problems can also be costlier since repair costs may be exacerbated by lost business expenses. Being proactive by scheduling regular pipe maintenance in Bountiful, UT, can keep plumbing systems in good working order.

Precautions to take to help protect your building.

Recurrent Clogs

Toilets and drains can become clogged in a busy building because they are in constant use. The obstruction doesn’t generally occur all at once and can be anywhere between the water main and smaller indoor pipes. For that reason, watch for slow draining or an area in constant need of plunging. Since a dirty water backup or spillover could contaminate the area with category three flood water, prevention is essential. Have a maintenance worker or a building employee check restrooms and kitchens regularly to catch clogged drains or slow tank emptying issues. Being proactive about plumbing problems can save time and money.

SERVPRO of Bountiful has a 24 Hour Emergency Service and we can answer any questions you may have regarding Commercial Plumbing Problems.  

What To Know About Mold in Your Home

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in North Salt Lake, UT

If your North Salt Lake, UT, home has faced water damage, then you may be worried about black mold. Understanding what mold is and how to deal with it can help you take proper prevention steps. Here are a few things you may want to know.

Where Mold Grows

There are a number of locations mold may grow. These include:

• Crawl spaces
  
• Attics
  
• Between walls
  
• Bathroom areas
  
• Locations of water damage
  
• Basements
  
• Air conditioning units
  
• Duct-work
  
• Window draperies
  
  

In most cases, mold grows best in areas of high moisture. Any place that has experienced water accumulation or damage can become a habitat for mold. Fortunately, there are many ways for professionals to deal with the problem.

What Mold Is

All mold, including black mold, is considered to be a fungus. This means it is spread by spores and grows best in dark and damp locations. This can include inside walls and other unseen locations that can accumulate moisture. Fortunately, there are several tests that can be performed by your local remediation professional to determine if mold is in your home in the event it cannot be seen.

What To Do About Mold in Your Home

If you find mold in your home, then you may want to contact a mold remediation professional. They can remove the mold and take preventive measures against future problems. In many cases, a mold remediation service can also clean your items as well. These professionals can also teach you what to look for and how to keep mold from returning.

When dealing with black mold, proper mold cleanup and remediation steps are important. Knowing that locations where mold is likely to grow, understanding what it is, and having an idea of what to do when you find it in your home, can help you take care of this problem. Remember, if you have any trouble, a professional can help.

4 Facts You Should Know About Black Mold

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys Atra, also known as black mold

4 Facts You Should Know About Black Mold

While you may have heard quite a bit about black mold, you might not know as much about it as you think. It can be a difficult problem to solve, but having the right knowledge can help. Here are some things that you should know if you have found mold growing in your Woods Cross, UT, home.

1. It Isn’t Always the Same Thing
What you think of when you hear mold is most likely a species of mold called Stachybotrys Atra or Stachybotrys chartarum. However, this is not the only mold that grows black in color. There are several types of mold that look similar to this one.

2. It Has a Distinctive Odor
Even if you can’t see the black mold, there is another way that you can identify it in your home. Mold has a musty scent that you should be able to smell even if the mold is not visible. Sometimes mold can hide in places like the air conditioner or the carpet, so the odor might be the only indication that mold growth has occurred.

3. It Grows Quickly
Because mold thrives in warm and moist places, it can grow quite rapidly in the right environment. This can make mold cleanup difficult. If you have spotted mold, you should try to get it removed as soon as possible before it spreads and causes damage to your home.

4. It Spreads Via Spores
Black mold spores are so small that you can’t see them, making it easy for them to enter your home without your knowledge. Their microscopic size allows them to grow just about anywhere, creating a potentially frustrating situation for homeowners.
In many cases, mold is a repetitive problem. It can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to remove completely. If you believe that you have found it in your house, then hiring a mold remediation expert is the best course of action.

How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Call an emergency water damage service in North Salt Lake, UT to get your home back to normal

Imagine waking in the night to go get a glass of water and feeling soaking wet carpet squishing between your toes. If you think frozen pipes can’t happen in your house, you could be very wrong. For people living in cold climates, such as in North Salt Lake, UT, it could be just a matter of time until the cold becomes too much and your pipes freeze or even burst. Luckily, there are some pipe freeze prevention guidelines you can follow.

Tips for Pipe Freeze Prevention

• Keep home warm and open cabinet doors so that room air can circulate to pipes
  
• Allow a faucet to run at a slow trickle to help keep pipes open
  
• Wrap pipes in cold areas, especially those on outside walls or under the home with heating tape
  
• Disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets and drain the exterior section
  
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, but try to provide some heat as the insulation only slows, but may not prevent pipes from freezing
  

If you ever hear a hum in your walls when water is not (or should not) be running, investigate the source of the water immediately and get help as soon as possible. While having frozen pipes is not something anyone wants to have happen, calling an emergency water damage service in North Salt Lake, UT, to help bail you out of the mess can offer peace of mind and help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. They can assess the extent of the damage and help save as much as possible. They may even be able to dry out and save any affected carpeting if it got wet with clean water from a burst pipe.

It is important to follow these pipe freeze prevention pointers to ensure that you don’t have to deal with home content or structural damage. Taking care of these things is relatively quick and simple compared to the stress and grief that can come from having a pipe break in your home.

Microwave Maintenance for Fire Prevention

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

A fire damage restoration company can help

If you have a microwave in your North Salt Lake, UT, home, then you may be wondering how you can get rid of that pesky smoke smell that comes with frequent use. Fortunately, some routine maintenance may solve this problem. Here are a few things you can do to prevent both odors and potential fire danger.

Maintenance Steps You Can Take

Maintaining a clean appliance is as important for fire prevention as it is for a properly functioning unit. Here are some steps you can take:

• If applicable, replace any filters regularly. Filters are most commonly seen on models located over the vent grill.
  
• Clean your appliance often to avoid grease and food particle buildup. These can burn and even cause a fire if allowed to remain.
  
• Only use microwaveable materials in the unit when heating food. Dishes should be marked as microwave-safe.
  
• Never put metal material of any kind inside the appliance.
  

Cleaning Options

In many cases a regular cleaning can solve smoke smell problems. There are many cleaners on the market for use on kitchen appliances, but vinegar, soap and water are also good cleaning options. You can put a microwaveable bowl with vinegar and water into the unit and heat it until it begins to steam. The steaming process will help loosen any built-up food, allowing you to clean it off.

What To Do After a Fire

In the event a fire does occur, the first step should be to get it out as quickly as possible. You may have a fire extinguisher on hand or need to call emergency personnel. Afterward, cleaning up the fire damage is often the next task. A fire damage restoration service may be able to help. The professionals can make repairs to your home and remove smoke odors. In some cases they can salvage damaged appliances.

Regular maintenance can not only help keep your appliance free of that awful smoke smell, but it can also help prevent a potential fire. Remember, in the event a fire does occur, a professional can help make any repairs necessary to your home.

3 Categories of Water Contamination

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Bountiful,UT home

All floods are not equal. Floodwater in your home in Bountiful, UT, may be clean and require nothing more than extraction and thorough drying. Other flooding may involve contaminated water that, in addition to drying, requires disinfection, preferably performed by water mitigation specialists. To determine what your remediation process should involve, you need to know which category the floodwater in your home falls under.

Contamination Factors

The water contamination level is typically determined by certain factors:

• Source of floodwater
• Materials water touches
• Time and temperature of area

Any of these factors can affect how contaminated the water flooding your home may be. Even water that is clean can become black water if certain things happen.

Category 1

Category 1 water is clean water. If a supply line breaks, the leak is most likely releasing clean water. As long as it only floods a clean floor and is taken care of in a swift manner, it will likely remain clean.

Category 2

Leaks from appliances contain contaminated water that falls within Category 2. It may be infested with contaminants, particularly if it permeates walls or flooring or has been sitting for a while in a warm area. You should avoid direct contact or ingestion of Category 2 water.

Category 3

Water in this category likely contains microbes and bacteria. Any water that comes from storm flooding, sewer water, toilet overflows or groundwater falls within Category 3. This type of flood requires professional remediation from certified experts, because you want to make sure that the area not only is dried but sanitized. You should completely avoid contact with this water.

If you have contaminated water in your home, it is best to call professionals who are trained to handle that type of remediation. Regardless of how harmless the problem may seem at first, it is better to know that the flooded area is entirely clean rather than having to guess.

How Vinegar Can Help You Salvage Moldy Belongings

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold floor damage after a water loss in a Bountiful, UT home

A flood or burst pipe can cause significant destruction inside your Bountiful, UT, home, including mold damage. Some items inside your home may not respond well to mold cleaning and may need to be discarded. However, you can increase your chances of salvaging many of your possessions, if you act quickly. A variety of chemicals can aid your mold remediation efforts including one that may surprise you, vinegar.

Vinegar’s Mold-fighting Power

The white vinegar inside your pantry is a mild acid that can efficiently kill most mold types. Unlike bleach, which can damage colored cloth, vinegar is safe to use on numerous objects.

1. Non-Porous Materials

Glass and tile are examples of non-porous materials that you can easily clear of mold. To clean these items, spray or wipe the affected area with vinegar, and allow it to sit for approximately one hour. Then, rinse with warm water. To prevent regrowth, spray the area again and allow it to air dry.

2. Wooden Items

Vinegar can also help you clean and salvage moldy wooden items, if you address the problem quickly. To accomplish this task, mix white vinegar, soap and water and wipe the contaminated wood. You can also scrub the solution into the wood with a brush.

3. Clothing and Upholstery

Fabric is porous and offers many potential hiding places for mold spores. Hidden spores that are not properly removed during mold cleaning may re-contaminate your home. For this reason, you may need to dispose of heavily contaminated clothing and upholstered furniture.

You may, however, be able to salvage lightly soiled items. You can add a cup of vinegar into your washing machine, along with detergent. Once the clothing is clean, allow it to dry in the sun, if possible.

Additional Assistance

White vinegar is an efficient mold cleaning product, but it is not an ideal solution for every item in your home. Mold-damaged books and other paper objects are not usually salvageable. Leather products and electronic equipment are other items potentially susceptible to mold damage. Because these belongings are delicate, you should consult a mold remediation expert to help you properly clean them and assure they are mold-free.

Breakdown of the Fire Estimation Process

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a West Bountiful, UT home

A fire in your commercial building in West Bountiful, UT, is likely to be followed by two phone calls. One call is to your insurance agent, and the other call is to professionals who will restore your property. Fire restoration experts have a particular process for providing you with an estimate of how much their services are going to cost. When the same company handles both the mitigation of the fire damage and the rebuilding of your property, they can work together to streamline the four-step process.

1. Emergency Services

When you call the mitigation company, the first thing the technicians are going to do is perform emergency repairs to help you avoid further damage. Whether the fire was extinguished by a sprinkler system, firefighters or a combination of both, the rescue probably left behind a lot of water. The emergency team extracts the water and starts the drying process. They also board up windows and apply other measures to secure your property.

2. Mitigation Assessment

The project manager for the mitigation team must assess the damage to your building to provide an estimate of what it will cost to fix it. This assessment includes not only the building but items inside the building that are damaged.

3. Restoration Assessment

A second project manager arrives on the scene to determine how much it will cost to reconstruct your building after the damage has been mitigated. The manager calculates the supplies and labor it will take to restore the property to an acceptable condition.

4. Proposed Bid

The bid that the mitigation and restoration teams offer includes an estimated price for their services as well as a projected timeline for completion. Once your commercial fire claim has been accepted, the actual cleanup process can begin.

It takes a thorough inspection and an efficient collaboration to come up with a final estimate. The costs of cleaning and fixing your property after a fire can only be properly assessed by experienced professionals.

Commercial Tenants: What Are My Responsibilities After a Flood?

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a laundry room in a Woods Cross, UT home

If you are a commercial tenant in Woods Cross, UT, you may be wondering what you are legally responsible for if your building sustains flood damage. There are three things that you and your renter’s insurance are responsible for, and others that the owner of the property handles.
Understanding your obligations puts you in a better place to take charge of your personal losses and protect your rights as a tenant.

1. Reporting Damage to Personal Property

As a renter of damaged property, you will be in charge of damages related to the contents of the building after a flood. If you have insurance coverage that protects you in case of destruction to your belongings, you should be financially covered in that respect. In any case, you need to calculate your personal losses to begin the process of replacing your items.

2. Relocation Considerations

If you are looking to relocate your business temporarily, check to see if your policy includes coverage for such relocation. If it does, you will be able to use the coverage to pay for your temporary expenses related to moving the business, at least up to a certain extent. Commercial storm damage professionals may be able to work with either your or your landlord’s insurance company to make the cleanup process easier. Coverage levels do vary, so always look into what your specific policy allows.

3. Communicating With Your Landlord

Beyond the damages protected by insurance, it is your responsibility to let your landlord know if you are seeking a rent adjustment due to hardship. If you need to move operations temporarily and will not be paying for your lease or want to cancel the lease altogether due to displacement, you need to communicate these intentions as soon as possible.

No matter how extensive the destruction to your possessions is, reporting it to your renter’s insurance is always a good idea. This covers all of your bases and allows you to understand how you can start working toward replacing your valuables.

How Water Damage Impacts Your House

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

Air movers in a Bountiful, UT, home that has a water damage.

Major flooding at your home in Bountiful, UT, leaves you wondering if your house is a total loss. Luckily, most building materials eventually dry out and are salvageable. However, some are not. From swelling wood to soaking drywall, learn what can be saved and what must go.

Wood and Wood Composite

Many items in your home are made from real wood or a composite, some can be restored and others cannot:

Wood composite material is porous and absorbs water. The swelling wood is compromised and needs removed.
Solid wood usually dries out, returns to its original shape and remains structurally sound. The drying process needs to begin within the first 48 hours, however, so mold does not set in.
As long as it is not warped, real wood flooring is likely salvageable. It may need to be removed for a short time to dry the subfloor.

Drywall and Insulation

When water damages a home, drywall and insulation absorb the moisture and take a long time to dry. The following factors impact whether or not the materials can be saved:

The length of time between when water damage occurs and the drying process begins is crucial. In order to save the drywall, complete the water pipe repair and begin the drying process within 48 hours at most. Otherwise, there is a chance for mold to grow.
When water damage comes from a clean water source, such as a water supply line, there is a chance of saving the drywall. When contaminated water, such as from sewage, floods your home the affected areas need removed for health reasons.
Discard and replace drywall if there is evidence that it is bulging, disintegrating, sagging or exhibiting any signs of mold.
Saturated insulation needs to be replaced, unless it is water resistant closed-cell foam.

The key to saving more materials at your home in Bountiful, UT, is to immediately begin the drying process. Work with a water restoration specialist as soon as you notice swelling wood, or other signs of water damage.

Where Mold Collects in Buildings

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are lots of commercial buildings in Bountiful, UT, and all over the country, and maintaining them presents a challenge to owners and managers alike. Inspecting a building for mold growth on a regular basis can head off the need for costly and time-consuming mold remediation. Professionals know the usual areas where mold can grow, because it is a remarkably predictable organism with a few simple needs: darkness, moisture, nutrients and a surface on which to grow.

Prime Areas for Mold.

Mold can grow in a wide range of temperatures and can thrive in the dark on dirt, dust and even certain building materials.

• Paper that is subject to moisture, even in the form of high humidity, can harbor mold.
• Carpet, and the padding and floor underneath, can trap moisture from floods, leaks and spills.
• Ceiling tiles subject to excessive humidity or leaks can invite mold growth.
• Wallboard and the cavities between walls can offer optimal conditions for mold colonies.
• Masonry surfaces and grout are mold-friendly surfaces.
• Wood surfaces out of direct light offer nutrients for mold to digest.

Damp Areas That Invite Mold.

Besides building materials, HVAC systems, including ductwork, offer many hard-to-see spots that can be a bonanza for a mold colony. Bathrooms in a commercial building are also susceptible due to ever-present water and inevitable leaks and spills. Since water heaters are often located in basements or closets, mold can gain traction in these locations as well. And lastly, even after a water damage event such as an obvious flood has been detected and cleaned up, a surprisingly small amount of dampness coupled with the kind of organic nutrients common in most buildings can produce a new challenge in the form of mold to be remediated.

While it is true that mold growth is not the end of the world in a commercial building, it can produce significant inconvenience. Knowing and monitoring common areas susceptible to mold can help prevent significant problems.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

When To Maintain Your Furnace

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping the furnace in your home operating at maximum efficiency requires regular maintenance. The following tasks can prevent furnace fires and the need for fire cleaning. You can perform filter checks yourself, but you may want to schedule expert maintenance at least once a year in the fall before the cool weather starts.

Here are several simple maintenance tasks you can perform yourself:

• Regular filter checks at least every month or two months, especially during the winter
• Vacuum out dust or debris
• Check burners for ignition and burner flame
• Make sure the blower door forms a tight seal
• Inspect fresh air intake and ventilation systems for any signs of blockage

An expert should perform a more thorough check of the connections, internal components, and outside termination of a furnace vent system once a year. This may lower the risk of furnace fires and reduce the likelihood that you will require fire cleaning as a result of a furnace fire. You may want to rely on an expert to:

• Check gas pressure, static air pressure, and temperature rise
• Perform an amp test draw on the blower motor
• Test combustion gases to ensure that they meet unit specifications
• Inspect the drainage system and internal hoses for blockage or leakage
• Make sure the heat exchanger is not corroded
• Clean the condensate drain and trap, and replace water in the trap
• Remove and clean the blower wheel
• Inspect wiring for any signs of damage

On average, furnace experts charge between $80 and $150 for an annual maintenance visit. Lower-priced furnace upkeep packages are not likely to be as thorough or include all of these steps. A clean furnace that operates according to specifications can prevent this important appliance in your home from starting a fire. If you do suffer a furnace fire, contact a residential restoration company in Bountiful, UT for both fire cleaning and smoke cleaning services.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

What You Can Do When Your Toilet Leaks

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

If you are like most people, you probably worry about keeping your bathrooms clean and as sanitary as possible. You may even purchase special in-bowl-chemicals for toilets, cleaners for counters, and sprays for mirrors. So, when a pool of water appears at the base of your toilet, it is reasonable to be concerned about the source of the water and the consequences of the pooling liquid. The problem may be a leaking toilet, a broken tank, or a damaged supply line.

What Can You Do?

Depending on the size of the water puddle, there are several ways you can address the situation.

• Try fixing the bathroom leak on your own.
• Call an experienced team of water damage professionals to assess the situation and restore the property.
• Call friends and ask them to come help repair your bathroom.

No matter which of the above repair methods you choose, the first step to take is to make the area safe by removing the puddling water around the leaking toilet.

How Can You Find the Problem?

If you are a DYI type of individual in Bountiful, UT, the next step in fixing your bathroom water problem is locating the leak. The toilet may have a crack, so check the sides of the bowl below the seat for flaws in the ceramic material. You may also want to examine the tank to see if it is leaking between the toilet base unit and the upper tank unit. The water could also be leaking near the floor around the wax ring inside the toilet base. Another possible scenario is a leak from the supply lines at the back of the toilet.

What Do You Do Next?

No matter which type of leak you find, the next step is to turn the water supply line off at the wall to prevent additional water damage. The valve is usually located behind the toilet. From there, the choice of what to do about the leaking toilet is all yours because the repair can differ greatly depending on what is causing the toilet leak.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

What To Know Before Mold Appears in a Flooded Building

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold has existed for more than 100,000 years and through evolution has become a deadly part of nature. Mold is a fungus specially designed by the ecosystem to break down organic matter and turn it into a compost material which plants and animals can use to survive. Colony growth can take less than 24 hours once a suitable organic material has been found, but there can be a weakness in nature’s plan because almost all forms of mold require water to reproduce and even a pipe burst in Bountiful, UT, will do.

Why Is Mold Growing?

Commercial buildings are often filled with hundreds of organic materials. They may include:

• Wooden furniture
• Painted walls
• Leather chairs
• Paper
• Carpeting

Since mold spores can float around on currents of air or land on your clothing, it can be easy for the microscopic particles to enter the building and attach themselves to the nearest organic material. The fungus microorganisms can stay dormant for more than a decade, but once water is introduced the spore can become active in minutes.

How Does Mold Grow?

There are thousands of types of mold, and the seedling spores are typically invisible to the naked eye. As the organism roots into a water source, it can quickly begin to multiply colony members. When the colony is large enough to be seen, there are generally several thousand individual bacteria. If a pipe burst occurs and standing water is available, the mold colony can also bloom. Blooming is a reproductive response to a liquid that sends thousands of spores into the air to perpetuate the colony.

How To Prevent Mold?

A pipe burst, leaky roof, or dripping water line can all allow fungus spores to begin growing in as little as 24 hours. The key to avoiding mold growth and preventing mold cleanup is generally moisture control. If mold has already begun, contact a water repair service. The surrounding areas may need to be sanitized to prevent spores from taking root in the future.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

It's Time to Prepare Now

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Infographic

If disaster does strike, leaving fire, water or mold damage in its wake, area SERVPRO emergency restoration specialists offer an assortment of services to help local residents quickly restore damaged property.

In recognition of the annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), activities and events took place across the country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote individual involvement in preparation for emergency response. Area franchises of the restoration company SERVPRO continue to offer free preparedness materials for NPM.

The focus of this year’s campaign: “Be Disaster Aware – Take Action To Prepare” is to encourage Americans to work together to take concrete actions toward emergency preparedness. SERVPRO often sees the benefits of emergency preparedness.

SERVPRO suggests residents throughout the country begin to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster by taking the following steps to lessen the impact on their families and their communities if disaster strikes.

Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit – Families should plan for 3 days of supplies, including water (a gallon per person per day is recommended) and non-perishable foods. Basic tools (wrench, pliers, can opener, matches), fire extinguisher, flashlight and radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit, extra clothing and hygiene items, garbage bags and duct tape, copies of important documents (insurance policies, ID, bank accounts), cash and local maps should also be included.

How to Establish a Family Emergency Plan

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An out-of-town contact should be noted as a centralized, emergency communications facilitator in case a disaster strikes. That person’s number should be included in emergency contacts on each family members cell phone. If that person cannot be reached with a call, texting should be tried. 

Stay Informed – Most communities have established emergency procedures and participate in activities planned to communicate those procedures. Checklists and other disaster preparedness tools are available from SERVPRO or at ready.gov.

While it’s common for individuals to insure their homes, cars and possessions, and even to prepare living wills to protect their families in the event of some unthinkable accident, only 36 percent believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster ever happening in their community, according to a Citizen Corps National Survey. And yet disasters can and do happen every day. In fact, FEMA has recorded more declared disasters to date this year alone, up from last year.

If disaster does strike, leaving fire, water or mold damage in its wake, area SERVPRO emergency restoration specialists offer an assortment of services to help local residents quickly restore damaged property.

How to Deep Fry a Turkey

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

A turkey fryer bring inside a home.

What You'll Need

• A small to medium sized turkey: Something less than 18 pounds works best.

• A very large stockpot: You’ll need a pot big enough to completely submerge the turkey.

• A fry basket or turkey brace: The brace should be big enough to hold the bird.

• An outdoor burner: Don’t even think about doing this indoors.

• Thermometers: It’s good to have an oil thermometer and a meat thermometer.

• Oil. Lots of oil: You're submerging the bird, so buy a large container of peanut or sunflower oil.

• Protective gloves/goggles/apron: Cover up any exposed skin.

Preparation

First, completely thaw your turkey. Remove the neck and giblets, and the pop-up thermometer stuck in the bird. Put the turkey on the turkey brace with its shoulders facing down. The handle of the brace should stick out above the legs so you can pull the turkey out of the pot without reaching into the oil.

Find a flat, stable surface outside on which to place your burner. Make sure the area is dry and well ventilated with nothing flammable around. It’s not a good idea to cook on a wood deck because, you know, wood tends to burn. Also, the oil might splash and stain.

Water Damage Restoration to Avoid Mold Growth

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold is Secondary to Water Damage

After a water damage it is important to make sure that mold does not begin to grow. Mold especially can be a difficult situation if it is left unchecked. Mold grows from a tiny microscopic spore that floats through the air. All that it needs to grow where it lands is a dark area, no moving air, and a source of moisture. If an area is lacking even one of those ingredients, the mold won't grow.

Mold likes basements, crawl spaces, closets and other similar areas where no one goes into. Soakable items can become a haven for mold and bacteria and that is why they must be discarded. There are accounts of people discovering that some of the soakable items from a water damage years before were the source of mold growth that had festered and grown. These items should have been dried properly to avoid mold growth.

Why do we throw out flooded furniture?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Items that soak up water must then be identified and thrown out.

Sofas, easy chairs, pillows, cushions, draperies, rugs, carpets, padding, papers, books, wall coverings, wiring, and electrical outlets. There is no sense in keeping such items as when they soak up the flood water they are just creating a home for mold and bacteria to grow. Flood water is highly contaminated with whatever was outside. If the sewers have backed up then the items above would be covered with feces and other contaminates.

Once the soakable items are done away with, the area must be cleaned and sanitized. We use EPA certified disinfectants to assure its decontamination. Our technicians that normally do these cleanup projects will have the proper protective clothing for their workers, the equipment, and expertise to get the job done in a safe and professional manner.

SERVPRO of Bountiful is a certified flood cleaning company with years of service in the area.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in North Salt Lake and Bountiful, UT

People don't normally view Bountiful or the North Salt Lake, areas as being flood prone. However, with “Weber Water” starting every spring we can get very busy. Like many suburban areas that have been built up for quite some time, heavy rains can accumulate as groundwater when the storm sewers clog up. The result can be much the same as if a river ran out of
its banks because until the sewers are unclogged, the water has nowhere
to go.

Floods are difficult to deal with and many people do handle the cleanup themselves. Of course, after a good deal of hard work and effort, things work out just fine. However, the possible hazards of contaminated flood water are the big unknowns and it can be devastating if a person were to contract typhus, cholera, hepatitis, E-coli or other difficult 
diseases from the flood waters. In an area that is prone to flooding, families and business owners should have a plan for what should be done and how a serious flood should be handled.

Flood insurance is not normally available from your local insurance broker because it can only be purchased from the Federal Government. You can go online to the  FEMA website and get more information about who can be contacted to get more information. It would be better in many cases to pay a little more for flood insurance and be able to be 
reimbursed rather than experience a major flood and be completely wiped out.    

SERVPRO of Bountiful 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bountiful is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone All Day
Call Today - 801-298-4272

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Bountiful has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Bountiful

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Do you have leaking pipes in your old building?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Frequent Leaks in Commercial Buildings

Rubber washers, worn-out seals, and crumbling gaskets can cause water problems. Having washers and seals checked each year can prevent leakage and water damage, but it can also save you money because every drip from a leaky faucet or broken pipe can cost you money. Once the fixture begins leaking, water damage can quickly become an issue as it soaks into the surrounding area. At the first sign of water damage, contact a water damage remediation team to help solve the problem.

Additional Concerns

Sometimes damaged pipes are hidden behind walls or under floors. When this occurs, the first sign of a problem may be wet sheetrock or damp ceiling tiles. This type of water damage can be more extensive than the small visible spot, so consider contacting a water damage specialist immediately. 

Being proactive and getting routine plumbing checkups can help prevent plumbing problems. Taking care of plumbing with a yearly checkup is typically less costly than dealing with a clogged drain system or sewer backup flood.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

Why should I have endorsements?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Business Interruption After a Fire Loss

Keep in mind that you will probably need to add endorsements or additional coverage to your business insurance policy to be able to rely on coverage for business interruption. Extensions for prolonged restoration are often available in increments of 30 days up to a total of 720 days with the purchase of optional endorsements.

Ask a business insurance provider about the best interruption insurance coverage for a commercial property in Bountiful, UT. You may also be able to obtain additional coverage that could lower your expenses in the event of a fire. Work with your commercial insurance provider to find a fire restoration servicethat can complete the work during the period of time covered by an interruption endorsement. 

SERVPRO of Bountiful  is able to handle any size loss. We have completed small business losses up to a couple of million. Let us handle your damage quickly and efficiently.

For Immediate Fire Damage Service in Davis County, Call SERVPRO

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Located in North Salt Lake, we can respond quickly to any of Davis County losses.

SERVPRO of Bountiful provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Davis County. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 801-298-4272

Residential Services

Whether your Davis County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Davis County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring Your Davis County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Commercial Building

Flooding and water damage events at Davis County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Bountiful

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Faster to your Davis County Water Damage Event

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Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Bountiful provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 801-298-4272

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Bountiful

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Does Your Davis County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in the Davis County Area

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

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

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 801-298-4272

When Storms or Floods hit Davis County, SERVPRO is ready!

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Flooded

SERVPRO of Bountiful specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Davis County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 801-298-4272

Home Fire Damage - Items you must throw away!

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

When recovering from a fire it's important to understand that there are some things that will never be restored. These are the top items that must be replaced by your insurance company.

1. Exposed Food - Any open containers of food must be thrown away. Anything that is stored in a box, cloth, or plastic should also be thrown out. Even caned and bottled items that were close to the heat should be removed.
2. Pharmaceuticals - If the heat and smoke of the fire were close to any types of medicine they should be thrown away.
3. Cosmetics - The chemicals of the smoke may have permeated the cosmetics leaving behind an acidic byproduct that nobody should put on their face.

Make sure that the items above are removed from the home and not used. However, make sure to take pictures and make of list of items disposed of to turn into your insurance company.

BBQ Safety Tips

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

The time has come for Summer BBQ

Many homeowners in the Bountiful, Utah, area will be calling SERVPRO of Bountiful to have us clean their fire damaged home because of bad BBQ practices. Here are some tips to make sure you are not one of those homeowners.

1. Distance - Make sure the BBQ is at least five feet away from your home. Siding easily starts on fire if the grill is too close.
2. Look Up - Many homeowners will make the mistake of grilling under an eave. When the grill flares up it will start the eave on fire causing much damage.
3. Yard Care - Leaving the yard long, having weed buildup, or leaving dead plants close to the grill can start with just a spark. The dead grass or plants can cause smoke or even structural damage if close to the home.

SERVPRO of Bountiful will come to your home if you have a fire problem. We hope you don't, but we can respond quickly to clean up your home.

How Much Revenue Can a Fire Cost a Business?

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the total cost of fires in the United States in 2014 was $328.5 billion, with expenditures totaling $273.1 billion and losses adding up to $55.4 billion. One of the best ways to limit the amount of revenue a fire can cost your business is to obtain interruption insurance as an endorsement on a commercial property insurance policy. Property insurance policies cover losses caused by covered perils such as a fire, while business interruption coverage offsets lost income during the restoration period.

Here are several ways a fire can cost any business a substantial amount of revenue.

• Property and equipment losses: A fire can damage or destroy the structure of your commercial property as well as any or all of its contents. Standard business insurance policies cover these types of losses.

• Lost business during restoration: Interruption insurance can help to offset the loss of net income, meaning net profit and loss before taxes. These calculations also include payroll.

• Expenses during restoration: Fire restoration specialists may identify additional losses during the restoration process. It may not possible to continue to do business during the restoration period.

What's in YOUR Gutter?

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

A rain gutter full of fall leaves in Bountiful, UT

What’s in your gutters?  Hopefully water.....FLOWING water.

With this week’s rainy days and the final dropping of the fall foliage, how many of you may have experienced some water seepage and possible basement flooding? SERVPRO of Bountiful is quick on the scene after your call for emergency service to provide water extraction and dehumidification, preserving your valuables and keeping you and your family from the effects of mold and mildew growth.  SERVPRO of Bountiful/Layton/Kaysville specializes in the mitigation of water damage as well as mold remediation. We are here to assist. 

My personal and professional words of advice to you right now are to take a few minutes this weekend, service those gutters and downspouts and master the flow of water away from your house or business.  This will help keep you out of path of the inconvenience and expense of water penetration into the spaces of your life that you value most. 

Have a GREAT weekend. Stay safe, stay dry. 

When Mold Doesn't Get the Message

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be found almost everywhere; just think of any indoor or outdoor location, and chances are there is a small world of fungi growing away as everyday life goes on. Even though some molds stay out of the way, others can come back with a vengeance. However, you can fight the good fight against mold growth by learning more about how, exactly, it flourishes in certain settings.

Water Lovers

Water is the first ingredient required for a mold party. Without moisture, it simply cannot thrive. If your Bountiful, building has high humidity levels or has had past water damage, you might want to take special precautions to ensure it is fungi-free. Once mold latches onto a surface, it can spread quickly through reproducing spores.

An Ideal Meal

While cells demand water to live, mold also lacks a crucial component: chlorophyll. Without this vital feature, mold simply cannot make its own food. It is for this reason that the organism seeks out other dead, organic matter as a tasty meal. The following materials in your building could bolster mold growth by becoming food:

• Basements with dirt floors
• Drywall
• Carpets
• Carpet padding

Temperature Matters

Whether you've just discovered your unpleasant mold mess or already have a professional on the way, you likely want the situation addressed immediately. There's one last component that makes for the perfect mold living space: the right temperature. Mold grows best in temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though this aspect is inevitable indoors, it can be useful to know all of mold's characteristics. Some spots in your building could be warmer (and more humid) than others.

A rundown on mold may not be the most exciting aspect of owning your property, but by learning more about how this organism grows, you can sharpen your senses and spot problems quickly. After all, who said mold growth couldn't be tackled the right way?

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.