Roof Tarp and Board-up Process

7/8/2024 (Permalink)

When disaster struck this house, SERVPRO of Denton jumped into action to quickly board-up necessary areas while it underwent construction.

When your property sustains damage due to hail, wind, fire, or any type of disaster, it needs to be addressed immediately in order to prevent further harm. SERVPRO of Denton offers emergency roof tarp and board-up services to help stop more damage from happening to your home or business, keeping it secure until it can be inspected and repaired. Here is our process:

1. Evaluate the area for any safety concerns such as downed electrical lines
2. A needs analysis is performed to assess the damaged area, method of temporary repair, and appropriate equipment, tools, and materials for repair
3. Remove debris from the damaged area
4. Measure the area to be covered
5. Complete the board-up or tarp-up procedure while being cautious to avoid further additional damage and need of repairs
6. Evaluate interior materials and personal property for damage and recommend appropriate next steps

If your home or business experiences damage to the roof, windows, or walls, you can count on SERVPRO of Denton to use professional roof tarp or board-up procedures to help minimize the damage and lessen the chance of severe weather, animals, illegal entry, or more wreaking havoc to your property. Don’t hesitate to call, we’re available 24/7.

Preparing Your Home Before You Travel

7/3/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Denton is available 24/7 to respond to your call and get to your home to assess the damage to begin the restoration process.

The last thing you want to come home to after a vacation is destruction to your home, that’s why it’s important to prepare your home before you leave for your trip. Preparing the house helps to keep it safe from damage due to weather, break-ins, and accidents such as a burst pipe. Below are some tips for preparing your home before you travel provided by Germania Insurance.

1. Secure your home so it appears occupied

Making your home appear occupied helps to decrease the chance of being a target for theft. To make your home appear occupied:

• Lock all external doors, windows, and the garage
• Don’t hide house keys near your door
• Set programmable light timers for outside lights
• Turn on any motion-activated outdoor lights
• Close your windows and blinds
• Make sure your security system is working

2. Clean out your refrigerator

Since you won’t be home for a while, it’s a good idea to clean out your fridge to remove any foods that might go bad and wipe down surfaces to get rid of residues that could cause a lingering scent. If you’re removing everything from the fridge, you can leave it unplugged and defrosted with the doors open so that you aren’t paying for it to run while you’re away.

3. Prepare for the elements

You never know what type of weather will roll around while you’re gone, so preparing for the worst is essential in order to prevent weather related damages. A few ways to do this are:

• Have your roof inspected and repair any necessary damages
• Clean out your gutters
• Trim back any trees or bushes
• Put any patio furniture in a safe and covered space such as the garage or ensure that it is secure

4. Take care of mail and deliveries

Make sure your mail is taken care of by putting it on pause, forwarding it, or asking someone such as a neighbor to pick it up so that it does not pile up while you’re away. Be sure to do this for deliveries as well and to pause any subscriptions.

5. Clean your home

Although it may seem pointless to clean your home before you leave, in the future you will be thankful. It's much more pleasant to come home to a clean and de-cluttered space after time away, so we have provided a quick cleaning checklist below.

• Empty the dishwasher and leave the door open so that the water dissipates
• Make sure there are no clothes in the washer or dryer to avoid moldy laundry
• Wipe down the countertops and clean the stove top to avoid attracting bugs or rodents
• Clean the garbage disposal by running a half-cup of vinegar and water through it to avoid coming home to a lingering (and very hard to get rid of) smell
• Take out the trash before you leave and arrange for someone to take the cans to the street for pick-up 
• You may want to dust and vacuum as well to minimize dust particles and debris in your home

6. Protect your vehicle

If you’re leaving your car at home while you are away, you’ll want to make sure it’s secure and prepared for long-term storage. Keeping it in the garage is ideal, and if you are unable to do so, you can get a waterproof car cover to protect it from the elements. Here are some additional tips for long-term car storage:

• Ask a friend or neighbor to start your car once a week, or disconnect the battery to avoid battery drainage
• If you’re gone for more than 30 days, fill up the gas tank to prevent moisture from accumulating and keep the seals from drying out
• Clean your car as water stains, mud, grease, bird droppings, or tar can damage the paint if left for a long time
• If you’re gone more than 30 days, change the oil before you leave to avoid contaminants from old oil damaging your car

7. Turn off the water in your house

A plumbing leak can wreak havoc on your home causing a flood while you’re away. Shutting off the water in your home before you leave will help prevent this. This can be done by locating the main water shut-off valve and switching it off, then you’ll want to turn the kitchen and bathroom faucets on until they run dry and flush all toilets along with switching off the water for these at the base of each toilet to avoid mold or mildew growing in the bowl. If you plan to keep your heat or sprinkler system on, do not shut off the water as this will prevent those from running.

8. Unplug most appliances 

A big storm can cause power outages. Ongoing or rapid power outages can impact and damage your appliances including your computer and TV. Before you leave for vacation, unplug anything around your home that does not need to be plugged in such as toasters, cable boxes, TVs, kitchen appliances, or anything else you won’t be using.

9. Set your water heater to “vacation mode”

There is no reason to maintain a hot tank of water for an extended period of time when you’re traveling. If possible, you can turn your water heater completely off. If you’re not comfortable doing this, set it to the lowest heat setting (often called “vacation mode)

10. Set your thermostat

Adjust your thermostat so that it is closer to the temperature outside. This will not only save you money on unnecessary energy costs, but can also help with unforeseen issues with your HVAC system while you’re gone

Following the guidelines above will help to prepare your home for when you will be away, but if you do experience damage to your property due to any disaster, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Denton. We’re available 24/7 to assess the damage and restore your property back to its preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

When Fire Erupts

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Denton specializes in a multitude of fire remediation services such as smoke and soot removal, contents cleaning, and board-ups.

We’re all familiar with the saying “Stop, Drop, and Roll” when it comes to a fire catching on our clothes. But do you know how to prepare a plan for when your home or business catches on fire? Here are some preparation and action plan tips!

Prevention Tips

In order to prevent a fire from disturbing your property, there are some tips to protect your home or business provided by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security:

• Install smoke alarms/detectors
• Vacuum/dust smoke alarms weekly
• Test each smoke alarm monthly, replace batteries immediately when needed
• Replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
• For a home, keep more than one fire extinguisher in an accessible location, for businesses and commercial buildings, keep an appropriate number of fire extinguishers in easy to access locations throughout the building
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher and where they are located on the property
• Keep matches and lighters safely out of reach of children
• Never leave something cooking on the stove unattended and keep the cooking area clutter free

Make a Plan

An emergency action plan is crucial to prevent injury in the case of a fire. Below is information on how to create a valid action plan in the case of a fire emergency.

• Determine escape routes for every room/floor of the property
• Select a location outside the building to meet everyone after escaping
• Practice the escape plan once a month
• Consider escape ladders for applicable floors and store them near windows
• Consider installing and automatic fire sprinkler system 

If a Fire Occurs

Here are the steps to take in the event of a fire.

• Get everyone out of the building
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Use a fire extinguisher if: the fire is contained and there is an extinguisher nearby
• Do not try to put out a fire that is getting out of control. If you are unsure you can control it, get out of the building
• If the fire is not electrical or chemical in nature, water can also be used to extinguish it
• During kitchen fires from oil or grease, smother it with baking soda or salt, cover with a lid if the fire is in a pan
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Running will only make the fire burn faster
• If you hear the sound of a smoke alarm, touch the knob of the door you are leaving through with the back of your hand

• If the knob is cool, leave immediately and close all doors behind you 
• If the doorknob is warm, use your second way out. If there is no other way out, stay in the room with the door closed
• If you stay in the room with the door closed, signal for help using a bright colored cloth in the window, call 9-1-1 if you have an operating phone, stuff the cracks of the door with towels or rags and cover vents to keep smoke out, call the fire department again to tell them exactly where you are located in the building, wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or cloth, if possible open the window at the top and bottom - do not break the window in the case it needs to be shut from smoke rushing in

• Do not use elevators 
• Be prepared to crawl, smoke and heat rise, so the air is cooler and clearer near the floor
• Once you are out, stay out and call the fire department
• If there is anyone missing at the designated meeting spot, alert firefighters once they arrive

What To Do After a Fire

Following a fire, it is important to assess and regroup. We’ve provided some tips on how to do this.

• Stay calm and pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge and helping others, listening closely to what they are telling you and deal patiently with urgent situations first
• Have any injuries examined and treated by medical professionals
• For small wounds, wash them with soap and water and use bandages to prevent infection
• Check with the fire department on if it safe to enter the property, do not remove any tape that was placed over doors and windows that mark dangerous areas unless authorities advise you to do so
• Contact your local SERVPRO® for all necessary restoration and reconstruction

When fires erupt, it can be overwhelming and scary, but by following the steps listed above, it can seem less daunting. When you do experience a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of Denton is here for you. Our team of expert technicians is available 24/7 to remediate damages caused by fires and water damage from firefighting efforts along with full turnkey reconstruction. Don’t hesitate to call us when disaster strikes!

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Home

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Mold grows in places such as the bathroom when moisture levels in your home are not controlled.

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Home

Mold can grow anywhere inside your home and become a pesky problem. Although it is manageable, the best case scenario is to prevent mold growth as best as you can. Read on to learn about ways you can prevent possible mold growth inside your home provided by the University of Georgia Extension.

Is Your Home Inviting In Mold?

Without knowing it, a great number of us live in homes that provide conditions in which mold growth can occur. In order for mold to grow, these are the requirements:

• A food source (organic matter)
• Moisture
• Appropriate temperature
• Oxygen

Prevention Tips

There are many materials in a home that can provide food for mold, such as wood, paper, textiles, leather, or surfaces covered with organic matter such as dirt. Moisture in your home can be caused by a leak, flooding, or high humidity. Although you may not be able to control all of the food sources for mold growth, there are ways you can control the moisture. These include:

• Keeping indoor humidity below 60% relative humidity, ideally between 30% and 50%
• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets
• Turn on exhaust fans when bathing or cooking
• Clean out gutters
• Make sure water drains away from your home
• Increase the temperatures of cold items or surfaces in your home by adding insulation
• Prevent the flow of moisture by sealing air leaks, installing vapor barriers in the crawl space, and sealing HVAC system air duct and return plenum leaks
• Get a home inspection to find and correct moisture problems
• Increase air circulation within the home with heating and cooling systems along with ceiling fans
• Control household humidity levels by venting appliances such as the dryer to the outside, reducing bathing time and heat, washing only full loads for laundry and dishes and opening windows to increase air flow when the relative humidity level for the outside is below 50%
• Improve your roof by upgrading to stronger synthetic underlayment and wind-rated shingles
• Protect foundations and raised floors from moisture
• Install a weather barrier material and drainage gap behind siding
• Ensure proper installation of flashing around the windows and other wall penetrations using a “shingle fashion” layering system, especially at bottom corners
• Manage external water by ensuring proper drainage around the house

For more information, visit: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home

If you experience mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Denton. Our team of certified technicians has the skills, experience and state-of-the-art equipment to remove mold at its source, clean affected areas, and check moisture levels to prevent any possible mold growth in the future.

The Four Classes of Water Damage

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Determining the class of water damage present is an essential part of a quick and efficient restoration plan.

As experts in water damage restoration, there’s a long list of procedures we follow to ensure we provide the most efficient and effective restoration possible. When you call SERVPRO of Denton after experiencing a water damaging event, we’ll arrive on the scene and assess the situation in order to determine the best route to take for restoring your property back to its preloss condition. Upon our assessment, we categorize the water loss present into one of four water damage categories. This categorization helps describe the water present and the projected evaporation rate based on the amount and type of wet materials, which is used to determine the necessary equipment needed to restore the damage. Below is a broken down explanation of what each class of water damage includes.

Class 4: Specialty Drying Situations

Class four water losses are caused by significant water damage such as a severe flood. This classification can have serious consequences to your property, affecting the structure. With a high level of water present, special care should be taken with drying; the process might take longer than what other classifications require. This category of water damage includes materials with low porosity, like:

• Concrete
• Hardwood
• Rock
• Plaster
• Crawlspaces

Class 3: Fastest Rate of Evaporation

This class of water loss can cause major damage to the entire property. It also has the fastest rate of evaporation out of all four classes. Most disasters of this type originate from water coming from a collapsed ceiling or a burst pipe. A class three water loss should be addressed immediately and professionally restored. Acting swiftly is crucial; waiting could endanger your safety and health as mold and mildew can grow. These losses typically come from overhead and saturate areas such as:

• Carpet
• Ceilings
• Insulation
• Cushions
• Walls
• Subfloor 

Class 2: Fast Rate of Evaporation

Class two water damage affects the whole room through materials such as carpets and cushions. This class is identifiable if the whole room has been affected, and the rate of evaporation is fast. Notably, water in this category has moved up the walls no more than 24 inches. In class two water losses, these materials may be severely wet:

• Flooring
• Carpets
• Furniture
• Wood grained materials

Class 1: Slow Rate of Evaporation

Class one is typically the easiest to handle because it only covers a small area.The damage created here is generally minimal, and affected items have only absorbed a slight amount of water. The cost of repairs is also the least expensive, making a class one water loss the best-case scenario. Losses of this class affect only small portions of a room through low-permeance or low-porosity materials, such as:

• Plywood
• Structural wood
• Concrete
• Particle board
• Vinyl composition tile

Whether you experience a class one or class four water loss, SERVPRO of Denton is equipped to restore the damage, no matter how significant and no matter the time of day. If you experience water damage in your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Denton, we’re available 24/7.

Odor Removal Processes and Techniques

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Denton utilizes many processes and techniques to remove unpleasant odors from your home or business

When your home or business is affected by foul odors such as tobacco smoke, pet urine, or any other unpleasant smells, it can be frustrating and challenging to get rid of. At SERVPRO of Denton, our professional technicians are uniquely trained to identify the source and remove the smell. Here is an overview of  processes and techniques we utilize:

• Once the source is identified and removed, technicians will use the science of deodorization in conjunction with a variety of products and procedures designed to remove odors including:

• Masking Agents: these are agents such as air fresheners and are typically not used as the primary defense as they only cover up the odor. We may use them to provide a more pleasant odor while other deodorization methods are being performed.
• Pairing Agents: these are chemical agents that combine or pair with odor particles. Pairing agents will be a highly absorptive material that combines with airborne odor particles and causes them to precipitate onto surfaces where they can be cleaned up; or counteractant, which combines chemically with an odor particle to change its odor-causing properties or destroy it. These agents may be wiped, sprayed, or fogged.
• Filtration Agents: includes absorption and adsorption agents that are used to collect odors. Absorption agents are composed of highly absorptive compounds, inert fillers, and perfume. Adsorption agents work by capturing odor gasses from the air and holding them on the surface of the agent. These processes are used to filter odor gasses from air passing by or through the filtration agent.
• Disinfectants and Sanitizers: used to control or kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
• Enzyme Digesters: work effectively on organic or protein-based odors by using enzymes to break down organic molecules into substances without odor, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and water-soluble by-products.
• Air Purification: electronic filters use an electrically charged grid to kill airborne microorganisms as they pass through the filter.
• Oxidation: oxidation occurs when a substance combines with oxygen. Ozone and hydroxyl generators may be used to produce ozone gas or hydroxyl radicals, which can permanently destroy odors.
• Combination Techniques: deodorization usually requires a combination of techniques to be successful.

SERVPRO of Denton is the name you can trust when you need professional odor detection and removal. Don’t hesitate to call, we’re available 24/7!

What To Do When Lightning Strikes

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians specialize in all things restoration including storm damage clean up, emergency board-up and fire remediation.

Lightning can strike at any time when a storm is in action, and although most people know to go inside to avoid being struck by lightning, it’s also important to know what to do in the event that your home or business is struck along with best practices that can help to reduce damages when this happens.

Damage Prevention

Here are some tips to help you prevent damages to your home or business during a severe weather event that includes lightning:

• Unplug electronics (especially valuable ones) to avoid damages from a power surge
• Stay off of electronics that are still plugged in 
• Avoid running water to minimize the chance of getting electrocuted if you are touching or standing near water as electricity can travel through water
• Do not stand on concrete floors or touch any walls that are concrete as electricity can move through metal wiring inside of them

Steps To Take If Lightning Does Strike The Building

In the event that lightning does strike your home or business, follow these steps:

• Make sure everyone is okay, if there are any injuries dial 911 to get medical assistance
• Look for signs of a fire such as smoke, charred outlets, or heat from the attic. If there are signs that a fire could be present, follow the steps included in our blog “What To Do When Fire Erupts” 
• Check for damages that could cause a dangerous situation such as a hole in the roof or exposed wires
• Check for other damages such as fried wiring, shorted appliances, downed power lines, etc.

If your home or business experiences damage due to lightning, don’t hesitate to call the experts at SERVPRO® of Denton. Our team is available 24/7 to assess the damage and provide the necessary restoration services to get your property back to its preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage in Commercial Properties

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage to any type of commercial building structure can be restored by SERVPRO of Denton.

Water damage to your commercial property can be overwhelming. Luckily, SERVPRO of Denton specializes in a multitude of commercial restoration services including water damage. Whether it be a small business, warehouse, high-rise, or other industrial space, the destruction of water damage can be devastating. Not only is your business damaged, but operations may stop, causing a disruption in production and revenue, as well as inconveniencing or causing possible safety concerns for your customers and employees. No matter the size or source of the commercial job, from floods to broken pipes, our team of professionals is ready to respond to your call. We service all industries including: 

• Retail
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Educational Facilities 
• Property Management 
• Food Service 

If your commercial property is affected by water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Denton. We’re available 24/7.

Contaminated Water: What You Need To Know

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Contaminated water requires professional attention and contact with it should be avoided at all costs.

Water damage in your home or business caused by scenarios such as sewage back-up or toilet overflow are considered emergencies due to contaminated water that may be carrying bacteria, viruses, or harmful microbes. Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses, which is why it is important to understand what is considered contaminated water and how to go about fixing the damages caused by it. Contaminated water can be classified by three different categories, here is some information about each category.

Category 1:

Contaminated water in this category is typically from a clean source such as a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. But even though it comes from a “clean source”, if it is not taken care of in a quick and efficient manner, it can easily progress to a category 2 or 3 depending on the length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Category 2:

This category involves contaminated water that could cause discomfort or illness. Examples of this include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow containing urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow. Contaminated water in this category may contain bacteria and viruses and will progress to a category three if left untreated.

Category 3:

Water in this category is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided completely. Examples of this include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. Contaminated water in this category may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

If you experience water damage of any kind, especially from situations that could contain contaminated water, call SERVPRO® of Denton. We have the specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely remove contaminants and clean the affected areas. In the case of any water damage, we will inspect your home or business upon arrival to determine the best plan of action for the type of water encountered. SERVPRO of Denton understands how important it is to restore your property after experiencing water damage and is available 24/7 for an immediate response

Fire Safety Tips For The Summer

5/22/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Denton is here to help restore your property back to its normal state after experiencing damage

As the weather gets warmer, the risk for wildfires and house fires increases due to dry weather conditions and the boost of outdoor activities. While summer calls for fun in the sun, it’s important to brush up on some safety tips to decrease your chance of facing a fire while you enjoy the season. 

The U.S. Fire Administration provides these helpful tips on fire safety this summer:

Grill Fire Safety

• Only use the grill outdoors  
• Keep a 3-foot zone around your grill to keep kids and pets safe
• Place the grill far away from siding and deck railings as well as branches
• Open your gas grill before you light it
• Always keep an eye on your grill, never walk away from it when it is lit
• Clean your grill after each use to remove fire-provoking grease build-up
• Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid after cooled
• Do NOT store or use grill on a porch or balcony

Fire Pits, Campfires, Outdoor Fireplaces, and Chimney Tips

• Build campfires at least 25-feet away from anything that can burn such as tents, shrubs, or tree branches
• Use outdoor fireplaces, chimneys, and fire pits at least 10-feet away from your home and anything that can burn
• Keep a close eye on children and pets when using the fire pit
• Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to contain sparks that try to fly out 
• Put out or turn off fires before you leave the scene
• Store matches and lighters in a safe and secure spot

Firework Safety

• It is advised to avoid use of fireworks completely
• If you want to see fireworks,  go to a public show 

Along with these safety tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration, it’s also important to be aware of electrical hazards that could cause a fire at any moment. To avoid electrical fires you should:

• Inspect any plugs, cords, and appliances for damage before using them
• Avoid overworking outlets and extension cords
• Turn off and unplug electrical devices when not in use 

Stay Prepared

As the summer months approach, it’s important to ensure you have an emergency plan in place should you experience a fire. By following the safety tips above and brushing up on your emergency plan, you can reduce the risk of experiencing a fire during the heat of the upcoming summer months. 

If you do happen to face a fire this summer, contact SERVPRO of Denton for an immediate response. Our team of certified technicians are available 24/7 to assist you when disaster strikes to get your home or business back to its preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”