Water Damage in Your Home Requires Fast Action

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

As soon as moisture finds its way inside your home, it is vital to get it removed before problems get worse. The best way to get water cleanup completed promptly is to call in a professional company such as SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. Our technicians are equipped with the industry's most advanced technology to make sure moisture gets removed as quickly as possible. We utilize the industry's best equipment from the beginning to the end. And we get on scene fast! We use advanced moisture sensors to figure out the extent of the water cleanup.
 
Next, we implement extraction systems so that we can vacuum up as much water as we can while it is in liquid form. Our SERVPRO technicians can use different types of equipment for your specific water cleanup project in Spokane. If tight areas or pieces of furniture get wet, we can use portable extractors and handled tools designed to remove moisture quickly. When the situation is more severe, we can hook up a large extraction tool to our truck-mounted pump. We have extraction tools that use the operator's weight to compress the carpet and pull out more moisture, called a Rover.
 
Our SERVPRO team always offers fast 24/7 service to mitigate issues with your home as quickly as possible. We answer our phones at all times, and our technicians are located in the area so we can arrive at your residence shortly after your emergency call, usually within four hours. We first start by removing as much water as we can with our extraction equipment. The more water we can vacuum up while it is liquid the easier the structural drying process will be. We strive to restore and preserve rather than demolition and replace with rapid water mitigation techniques.
 
Once we extract all of the liquid H2O that we can, we begin drying out your structural components. To do this, we set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers push wet air away from affected surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air.

If you ever find wet building materials inside your home call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

What Would You Do if This Surprise Awaited You?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

A faulty toilet line broke in an upstairs bathroom while the homeowner was on vacation. They came home to a flooded house!

An Unwelcome Surprise

Imagine coming home from vacation, walking in your front entrance, and seeing water on the floors and drywall falling on your furniture and personal belongings because the ceiling is crumbling down. As you examine your home, you quickly realize your whole house is flooded.

Your house is where you take refuge from the outside world. Home is where happy memories should surround you. When it's threatened by water damage, that can often be quite traumatic.

When asked, the one-word SERVPRO customers use to describe our team was 'heroes.' We are here to help with compassion, expertise, and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a full-service disaster restoration company. We offer emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. So when an emergency arises in your home or business, give us a call, and we'll be there fast with the assistance you need.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane focuses on the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage disaster. Our team is exceptionally trained in property damage restoration. No matter what size disaster, from a single story and an entire high-rise, rest assured that we have the knowledge and resources to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Give us a call anytime 24/7 at 509-474-9144. We're here to help.

Got a Tough Carpet Job? SERVPRO Can Handle It.

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO to tackle the worst carpet cleaning and restoration jobs.

Rely on SERVPRO to Clean and Restore Your Residential Carpets

Carpets are often the most expensive cost to a homeowner when it comes to flooding or other water damage. Unless standing water is drained and hidden water extracted immediately, the cost can run into thousands of dollars depending on the size of the house.

SERVPRO has the equipment necessary to ensure thorough carpet drying for Spokane homes. In most cases we will attempt to dry your carpets in place, that means not to remove or even lift the carpets from the surface of the floor. Our technicians are trained on an extensive inventory of the tools needed to return them (and your home) to its original state.

Extraction wands are the first tool we use to remove water from your carpets in Spokane. A water extraction wand is basically a very powerful suction tool that is designed to draw the water out of the carpet and the pad underneath without damaging the carpet or pulling it away from the frame it is attached to.

If there is still too much water in the carpet pad underneath, we use a weighted extraction tool. This is a slightly more powerful suction tool that also has a heavy weight attached to the base. A technician will use this on the edges of the affected carpet and move inward until the remaining moisture has been removed.

Dehumidifiers are a must in Washington state. With one of the highest average humidity percentages in the country, drying out not just the carpet but the air in the room itself is extremely important. If our technicians see that an area's humidity is not dropping fast enough, they will deploy a commercial grade humidifier to ensure that the room is at the proper number to make sure that the carpet stays in its now clean and dry condition. If this still hasn't returned the carpet and pad to their original state, we will suggest alternate methods that may require the carpet to be at least partially removed from its frame.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane stands ready to support our neighbors. As a locally owned franchise office, we understand that each customer is much more than just a job to us. Call (509) 474-9144 to schedule a carpet servicing today.

SERVPRO Has a Solution for Persistent Odor Problems After a Fire

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke odors can be persistent after a fire. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for a full range of odor removal solutions.

Smoke Odor in Your Spokane Home? SERVPRO Can Help

Smoke odor is a stubborn and pervasive odor which lingers a long time after the flames of a fire are out. Whether it was caused by a nearby fire, a natural disaster, or from an accident such as an out of control cooking fire or a fireplace left unattended, the smoke odor can be a challenge to remove, even for experienced restoration professionals. 

There are various factors which influence the severity of smoke odor from fire damage in your Spokane home. The first is obvious – the size of the fire. The bigger the fire is and the more materials which have burned, the more smoke there is. How long the affected area is exposed to smoke matters as well. Smoke odor embeds itself deeper into porous materials the longer it has a chance to sit. 

Our technicians at SERVPRO know that after a fire, time is of the essence to prevent additional damage, which is why once you call us, we are out to your home quickly. We clean up the smoke odor, sanitize the area, and repair any salvageable items. 

Another factor which impacts the smoke odor is how large the room which is affected is. The smaller the room is, the more concentrated and intense the smoke odor can become. Materials which have burned is also important. Different materials leave behind different odors. A fire which burned wood smells different than a fire which affected mostly plastics or a protein fire. The kind of materials affected can influence the products SERVPRO technicians use to get the smoke odor out. 

Our technicians have a large selection of equipment and products which are designed specifically to remove stubborn smoke odors. From hydroxyl generators to ozone machines, eco-friendly odor-busters to powerful odor-destroying chemicals, we are your answer to all your smoke odor removal needs. Our experienced professionals help you pinpoint the problem and figure out the best solution after we arrive at your home.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Think of SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane when your home has suffered from a fire of any size. We can get the smoke odors out of your home and prevent additional damages. Call us anytime 24/7 at (509) 474-9144

Here's How Water Damage Should Be Handled

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Step By Step Water Damage Restoration In Spokane

Water serves as a convenience and comfort in your Spokane home, assuming sound plumbing and well-working and maintained appliances. The friendly relationship you have with water can change in an instant when pipes crack, or your hard-working dishwasher, water heater, or washing machine experiences a pump breakdown, rusted bottom, or a supply line breach. Our highly qualified work crews are familiar with all aspects of professional water damage mitigation regardless of the water source.

Fast Response Time

Step one in any water damage remediation in Spokane is a speedy response. Water soaking into structural components, spreading across and into fixtures like carpeting and cabinets, and saturating containers of personal possessions immediately begins a severe destructive process. The faster expert water mitigators attend to the problem, the more likely structural damage halts, and the water-logged personal possessions stand a good chance of restoration to function and appearance.

Assessment and Planning

The SERVPRO team strives to arrive within a few hours of the water event, and the crew chief completes the second step -- a thorough assessment and restoration plan. Moisture measurements and scanning for trapped water caches is step three. Our team defines the work area and establishes baselines for eventual drying goals.

Water Damage Restoration

Step four is water removal, and our familiar green SERVPRO vehicles have all the equipment necessary to pump and extract water. If the electricity is shut down for safety, our trucks carry power generators, so no delay is needed for our employees to start the water exiting your dwelling. Our crew members bring their IICRC training to every job, using effective strategies to get the water out even in hard-to-reach areas between walls and in cavities.

Structural Drying

Once the water evacuates, step five, structural drying, commences. Our team masters the principles of psychrometry, or the science of drying, during mandated training. SERVPRO vehicles again boast all the equipment needed -- air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Getting the balance of air movement, heat, and lowered humidity right is indeed a science. This caused the liquid moisture to vaporize and then condense or absorb within evaporative or desiccant dehumidifiers for disposal.

Deodorizing and Cleaning

Cleaning and sanitization is step six, ensuring that any lingering moisture does not fuel a mold outbreak and that debris dislodged during the flooding and water removal is cleared. If odors are a problem, SERVPRO deodorant specialists use various methods to eliminate the smell, leaving your home fresh.

Rebuild and Repair

Finally, step seven encompasses the tasks needed to restore structures and possessions to “Like it never even happened.” Repair and sometimes rebuilding might be required, services provided by SERVPRO or affiliated contractors.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane provides the technicians and equipment necessary to restore a home suffering from internal water damage. Contact our team at (509) 474-9144 as soon as possible after a water damage event for best outcomes. We're ready for your call anytime 24/7.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Responds Fast to Your Water Damage

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

These water damage repairs happen even before most drying services

When water damage strikes at a local home in Spokane, SERVPRO leaps into action to bring a rapid response to the situation. These are some of the first things we do in an emergency before we even begin drying out the area.

Hazard Removal

One of the first actions we take in a Spokane home with water damage is to remove hazards from the area. Our experienced technicians know how to identify and safely handle electrical hazards, contaminated materials, sharp objects, and other hazardous elements. As part of this process, we perform:

• Water clean up around electronics and wall plugs
• Sewage cleanup, if applicable
• Chemical and UV sterilization of surfaces

Furniture Stain Removal

SERVPRO can often remove furniture stains, but we must act fast. In many cases, we begin anti-stain treatments before even drying out carpets and other materials. We accomplish this through purpose-made sanitizing and cleaning chemicals for upholstery.

Removing Carpet Pads

We may need to remove carpet padding before proceeding to water removal services. Our technicians do this frequently across Spokane and work fast to minimize damages throughout the process. We can often replace the pad alone while saving the carpet layer.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can handle your water damage emergency. Call us anytime 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

Storm Damage on Hard Surface Flooring Need Special Attention

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

Although ceramic tiles are water resistant, they are not waterproof and can become loosened. SERVPRO knows how to dry the subfloor. Call us today!

Hard surface flooring covers masonry like ceramic tilings, concrete and resilient tiles. These types of floor material are commonly found in basements, garages, and kitchens of residential homes. A flood or natural disaster can lead to hard surface flooring being exposed to large amounts of water for a significant time.

The impact of flood damage on the floors of your Spokane home largely depends on the installation and material. Concretes are generally porous, which means they can absorb moisture, blister, or crack. Ceramic and resilient tiles resist water well, although installation issues for improper sealing can cause moisture to leak beneath tiles damaging the subfloor below.

• Concrete floors can often be restored using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum, which reduces moisture content and microbial growth.
• Asphalt and other resilient tiles may become chalky after exposure to water; however, careful assessment of subfloor with a moisture meter is necessary.
• Insufficient vapor barriers on Ceramic Tiles can cause the subfloor underneath to warp, leading to cracking. Otherwise, ceramics have a strong resistance to water exposure.

Hard surface flooring is often repairable with the correct technique and equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for flood damage repair. Our trained technicians are available for your storm damage emergency 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

When Good Water Heaters Go Bad

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

When your tank water heater leaks it can be a huge problem. Let SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane make it "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning Up a Ruptured Water Heater in Your Spokane Home

Tank-style water heaters are still a typical element you can find in most Spokane homes. Many factors begin to work against your water heater from the date it gets installed, including minerals present in the public water systems and consistent minute pressure fluctuations that can stress connectors, threading, and the tank itself. Over the years, your system can throttle down its effectiveness as scaling and buildup occur within the pipes, which can lead to eventual malfunctions.

Between a natural degradation of your water heater and instances like freezing when cold snaps occur, if the contents of your water heater end up in your in your basement it requires fast water removal. Whenever these emergencies occur, you need a team that you can trust to arrive quickly and begin extraction and drying efforts. The sooner these processes can begin, the better protected your basement area or main floor in the house can be.

Addressing the standing water damage before it can penetrate drywall and other materials to affect structural cavities is an important step as well. Once the damage has spread a considerable distance, it becomes more and more challenging to save the space from needing controlled demolition and reconstruction efforts. While we have a team of licensed contractors that can help with these needs, we are always looking to keep costs as low as possible for our customers.

Cleaning up after a water loss incident like this often requires the use of our wet-vacs and extraction wands, as standing water is unlikely to exceed the two inches in depth ideal for more powerful extraction tools in our inventory. Once the excess water has been removed, we can set up multiple air movers along with our dehumidification units to draw out moisture and dry up damaged materials and environments before mold growth or structural deterioration can begin.

With many homes still using tank water heaters, so the threat of this substantial water loss incident always exists. If losses do occur, you can count on our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team that has proven that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call anytime 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

Proper Handling of Your Toilet Overflow

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes the solution for cleaning up an overflowing toilet is simple. Many times it is not. Don't hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO.

It’s happened to everyone. You think all you need to do is jiggle the handle and that messy toilet clog will clear right up, but the next thing you know the water level is rising and you’ve got smelly, foul black water flooding your Spokane, WA bathroom and leaving behind a mess of sewer damage. While it might be tempting to just grab a mop, in truth a flooded toilet can be a much bigger issue when it comes to cleanup and mitigation.

Examine the Issue

For small spills, a few towels and a good spray with sanitizing bathroom cleanser may be all you need. But larger spills can be indicative of a deeper problem requiring the aid of a sewage company or remediation specialist. To determine what kind of issue you’re dealing with, assess the situation:

• How bad is the flooding? Can it be cleaned safely, or does it require a sanitation professional to fully recover the flooded area from sewer damage?
• Has the toilet expelled more water than would normally refill the bowl and tank on flushing? What could be the source of the water?
• If the water is black water, does it seem contaminated with something other than the matter causing the initial clog?
• When flushing previously, have you noticed problems with the bowl draining and refilling in a timely fashion?
• Have these overflows been occurring with more and more frequency, indicating a recurring and possibly worsening problem?

Deal With the Problem

Asking yourself these questions when assessing sewer damage can help you create a safe plan for removing any black water and restoring your bathroom. You may need to use a water vacuum to safely funnel the contaminated water out, as well as looking into replacing linoleum if dirty water has gotten beneath it. A plumber can help you find the source of those clogs and deal with a faulty toilet or any faulty plumbing.

Call us anytime 24/7. Our IICRC certified team is waiting to respond to your water damage emergency.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

How the Fire Damage Restoration Process Works

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Until a fire tragedy strikes a home or a business without warning, it is hard to figure out what to expect. Fire in business or home calls for the intervention of a professional fire damage restoration team quickly to ensure the residents get back to some degree of normalcy. Here are vital processes employed in a fire damage restoration process.

Emergency Fire Damage Contact

Most commercial fire damage companies like SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane are available 24/7 allowing the property owner to contact them for immediate help.  Professional restoration companies understand that the longer the smoke smell and soot sit unattended, the harder it becomes to fix the problem. Rather than waiting for the fire damage to become worse, it is important to use the emergency contact number.

Damage Assessment

After contacting the SERVPRO fire damage restoration team, the situation should be assessed immediately since soot damage and smoke damage tend to increase as a result of water present in the property. Fire cleanup teams can only design a proper plan of action once they have assessed the extent of fire and soot damage. This step involves seeing how far the fire and the soot have extended, to enable the company to figure out how to handle the problem, and the estimate of the amount it will cost for a thorough fire cleanup process.

Sealing

Commercial fire damage service providers look for possible avenues the fire and smoke damage would use to worsen the problem. To avoid the chances of water leaking into a property, for instance, the team begins by sealing all holes on the roof or the wall. It would be particularly necessary if the fire in home or fire in business led to the bursting of water pipes.

The Fire Cleanup Process

The next step a fire damage team undertakes is the fire cleanup process. Here, smoke, soot, and dust are cleaned from the surfaces of the property. Normally, occurrences of fire in home or business leave a property charred, stained, and smelling of smoke. This is where the fire damage restoration process is put action since all standing pools of water must be removed and the area sanitized.  During this step, the fire damage team disposes of items that are severely damaged and eliminates smoke smell that tends to linger after smoke damage.

Fire Damage Restoration

The smoke damage and soot damage restoration does not stop at the cleanup stage but goes further to have the property items repaired and restored. For instance, if the carpet has been burned beyond repair, the fire damage service team gets new carpet for replacement, repaints the walls and repairs furniture. Most fire damage companies help in the renovation of a property to get the owner settled back as soon as possible. In fact, the fire damage-restoration service provider should advise the property owner on ways to avoid another occurrence of fire in the home or business in the future. 

Fire damage can be highly destructive, making it critical to use the help of fire damage restoration companies for professional cleaning and restoration.  When left untouched, smoke and soot can result in lingering odors, etching, and discoloration, as well as extensive corrosion.

If you experience fire damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at 509-474-9144. Their professional fire damage team is available 24/7.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

The Water Damage Restoration Experts in Spokane

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration in Spokane

Whether caused by a natural disaster or some other reason, water damage can have devastating consequences. The key to minimizing losses associated with water damage is accessing a reliable, reputable water damage mitigation specialist. SERVPRO is a prime example of this type of water cleanup and restoration specialist.

Rapid Emergency Response Mitigation Matters

A person faced with an emergency water damage situation needs immediate assistance. The cold, stark reality is that water damage literally can get worse in a very short time. Minutes matter when it comes to effective water loss damage control.

In and around Spokane, Washington, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has gained a reputation for the quality of rapid emergency response it provides to area residents and business owners. Even in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, a skilled SERVPRO cleanup team can be on the scene of a residential or commercial property quickly, 24/7.

Comprehensive Flood Damage Restoration Services

A firm like SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane provides residential and commercial property owners a comprehensive set of flood recovery services. This includes immediately containing water-related issues to halt the progression of damage to complete drying and cleanup services, using the latest technology.

The specialists at SERVPRO are adept at addressing the recovery needs of the premises itself, but also at dealing with the drying and water cleanup associated with personal property on the premises of a water loss event. In any water-related damage situation, valuable and meaningful personal property is likely to be exposed to water.

Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

All of the recovery specialists on the SERVPRO team are well trained and highly experienced. They are appropriately bonded and have been thoroughly screened.

Each team member makes customer satisfaction job one. Each member of the team is committed to containing a the extent of a customer's losses associated with a water-related catastrophe.

Top-Quality Equipment

In addition to a highly experienced team of specialists, SERVPRO utilizes only the latest and most effective equipment and technologies when it comes to water recovery at a home or business. The company knows a home or business owner is putting a very important part of that individual's life into the hands of a SERVPRO specialist. The professional team of recovery specialists at SERVPRO absolutely does not want to disappoint a customer because of this trust and reliance.

Reliable Estimates and Reasonable Pricing

There is no doubt that a home or business owner facing a water-related emergency is somewhat over a barrel when it comes to seeking professional intervention. Typically, a business or home owner is not in a position to shop around or dicker over prices. Such an individual really needs to connect with a honest, trustworthy, reputable, and reasonably priced service provider in the first instance.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has established a solid track record for fairness when it comes to the estimate process. In addition, the company is committed to 100 percent client satisfaction when it comes to its water damage cleanup and restoration services. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane anytime 24/7 for help with your water damage emergency. You can reach us at 509-474-9144.

Let the Pros Handle Your Water Damaged Home

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC certified professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane are specially equipped to handle water damage quickly and efficiently.

There are many ways water damage happens in a home, and once it does, fast action is the key to limiting loss to both the structure and contents.  

Homeowners in Spokane with water removal needs require more than household fans and towels to clean up water loss from pipe breaks, appliance failures or accidents.  

Why SERVPRO?

Industrial-grade equipment makes the difference in a water loss cleanup that is complete or one that leaves behind the potential for issues. Our technicians have access to a broad array of water extraction equipment. The tools used are dependant on the amount of water and surfaces on which they are working. For example, carpeting is not automatically a loss if cleanup actions begin quickly, and the water in the home does not have a rating as a category two or three. Technicians use specialized attachments for pulling moisture out of both carpet and padding for thorough drying in the next phase of mitigation.  

Item by Item Inspection

SERVPRO technicians inspect each item to determine the restoration potential using their knowledge of cleaning and proprietary restoration techniques. This action saves homeowners the cost of replacement and limits loss.  

Professional Drying Equipment 

After water extraction, the use of industrial drying equipment such as centrifugal air movers removes any remaining embedded moisture. Technicians carefully monitor the ambient humidity levels until it meets preset drying goals. This limits both mold and water odors as secondary issues after the completion of water cleanup efforts.  

Cleaning Solutions for Disinfection and Deodorization

Bacteria and residual odors have the potential to be present in the property. SERVPRO technicians hand-clean surfaces with solutions such as their unique Orange cleaner that works as an antibacterial as well as leaving a fresh, citrus scent. After cleaning, if any odors remain in the home, they have various types of equipment to neutralize water odors such as hydroxyl generators or solvent-based thermal fogging.  

When your residence needs water removal, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144. Our certified technicians have both the equipment and experience to make the water loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

Spokane Storms Can Cause Sewage to Backup Into Your Home

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

n Spokane, WA and other areas of the country, heavy rains can lead to sewer backup problems and flooding. This leaves homeowners to deal with anywhere from an inch or two of contaminated water to several feet of black water in their home. This happens because public drain systems become overburdened with the excess rain water. It may also happen because of new developments in your area, the loss of grassy areas, and changes in weather patterns. What can you do?

• Discuss the possibility of plugging floor drains with a knowledgeable professional. Your plumber should know whether the drain has a purpose and whether plugging it will violate code.
• If you can't plug the drain, install check valves that prevent the backflow of water from the drain.
• Plumbing fixtures, such as basement toilets, must also be fitted with sewer check valves. Otherwise, the rising water levels will simply move from drains to toilets and sinks.
• Install a main house sewer valve. This backwater prevention valve is available in manual and automatic types and will protect your home from black water backing up from the public sewer. When this valve is closed, you won't be able to use your home's plumbing system until the flooding is resolved.
• Schedule routine visits from your plumber to inspect the underground house drain. During a sewer backup, the house drain may not be strong enough to withstand the steps you take to keep sewage out. Older pipes, porous pipe joints, and weakened pipe joints can all defeat the purpose of your preventative steps.
• Consider installing a sump pump. These pumps move water away from your home and are useful during heavy rain. Work with a professional to avoid code violations.
• Inspect the foundation and leaf gutters to be sure they direct water away from your home. The better you can direct water away from your home, the better your chances of avoiding the results of flooding.

These steps can help you avoid serious sewer backup. Learn more from a remediation professional in your area. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

If you've experienced sewage backing up into your home, you'll need a professional cleanup and restoration company--fast. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has IICRC Certified Technicians and specialized equipment to safely deal with this hazardous substance. Call us anytime 24/7 and we'll be there to help. Call 509-474-9144.

The Water Damage Cleanup Process Should Be Left to a Trusted Professional

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Approximately 15,000 home and business owners in the United States are affected by water damage every day. The damage caused by water in home or business, therefore, costs the insurance industry over two billion dollars annually where the average cost of commercial or business damage coverage claim is $6,900. Part of these damages in the United States is caused by water leaks which total one trillion gallons per year. No matter how small a leak is, it can cause immense water damage in business or home.

Business and homeowners living in flood-prone areas also experience flood damage. It is important for them, therefore, to know the essential tips that can help them in the mitigation and restoration process. Depending on the extent of water or flood damage, the home or business owner may need the help of a professional expert to do the work. The following tips are important when there is water damage in a business or home.

Disconnect the Electricity and Remove Electronics

The immediate action to take when there is water in home or business is to disconnect the power source in the water or flood damage places. The professional technician or property owner should also remove items such as electronics from the flood damage areas to avoid destruction by water in business or home.

Investigating the Extent of the Damage

Thorough investigation and assessment of the damage is an important step when dealing with water in business or home. This will help in knowing the affected areas including determining whether the water has seeped into the walls or infiltrated into the wood. The procedure will also assist in planning the home or business restoration process. The trained professional will be experienced at this process.

Mitigation of Water Damage

The professional or property owner has to mitigate the water in home or business. This will involve the use of appropriate equipment and protection gear to avoid injuries during the water mitigation process. The more the water stays in the house, the greater the damage; hence, the use of a pump for water cleanup is better than manually removing the water in business or home premises. The water cleanup should include any signs of moisture in business or home, and fix holes that can cause more leaking.

Drying Out Water in Home or Business

The items that have been rendered useless by water or flood damage should be disposed of. These include furniture, carpets, and rusting metallic items. Alternatively, recyclable items can be sorted and taken to the recycling plant after drying. Other useful items should be dried and restored to their rightful place to avoid unnecessary expenditures. Additionally, the restoration process may require proper drying equipment to aid in mitigation of secondary water damage, and ensure that every site is free from moisture.

Eliminating the Smell and Mold

Stagnant water in home or business can cause bad odors and the growth of mold. The damage can worsen if the mold is not dealt with immediately. This is because mold spores can develop and spread in less than 48 hours from the time they get the right condition including moist places. Therefore, the restoration expert or property owner will have to deodorize and disinfect all the areas affected by water in your business or home. If the process involves mitigation of flood damages, drying, disinfecting, and deodorizing the entire place is appropriate since flooding often covers a wider area than expected.

Flood and water damage can spread and worsen if water cleanup process does not begin immediately. The earlier the necessary steps are taken, therefore, the higher the chances of total mitigation of the damage. Hence, the property owner should finish the water cleanup process before claiming the insurance coverage from the insurance agency.

It is critical in water damage situations to involve the help of properly trained and certified professionals such as SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. Experts with special training and professional equipment can be at your property quickly to begin the cleanup and mitigation process. Call us anytime 24/7 and we'll be there to help and get your property back to pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.  

Call us anytime at 509-474-9144.

When Water Damage Occurs You Need Someone Fast

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage happens to your Spokane home, you need professional help fast.

SERVPRO Works Fast to Facilitate Water Removal to Ensure Your Spokane Property is Restored

Any water from large-scale flooding or small leaks within the home can bring on significant damage to your Spokane property. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours, so it is better to work quickly to keep it from turning into a potential issues. Whenever you have any degree of water infiltration inside your home, it is best to take action as soon as possible. SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to bring your interior back to preloss condition. 

Why Call for Skilled Restoration Services?

For prompt, reliable water removal in Spokane, hiring skilled technicians is the smart route to take. We have the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to first identify the issue before working to remove moisture and finally drying everything thoroughly. 

We Handle All Types of Water Damage

There are many different causes of water damage within the home that calls for prompt, reliable removal, including:

•   Leaky, frozen, broken, or burst water pipes
•   Hot water tank failure
•   Basement flooding
•   Sinks, toilets, or bathtubs overflowing
•   Water filling your crawlspace
•   Failed sump pumps
•   Washing machine or dishwasher malfunction or overflow
•   Drains that become logged or malfunction
•   Leaking windows or roofs
•   Heavy rainstorms, and more

How Much Loss Am I Looking At?

It is natural to worry about the level of loss when it comes to water damage. Our crew chief assesses the loss zone to put a plan into action quickly. This allows our crew to get to work to begin extraction to limit the amount of loss. When you call SERVPRO, you can count on:

•   Friendly, courteous team members ready to answer your questions and concerns
•   Our Green Fleet arrives in as little as four hours or less after your initial phone call
•   Vehicles loaded with extractors, pumps, fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to tackle moisture throughout the loss zone and the rest of your interior
•   Professional-grade products registered by the EPA for cleaning, deodorizing and sanitizing

What About Insurance?

In many instances, your water removal and restoration project will be covered by your insurance agency. We take the time to carefully log each detail of your project to ensure that your claim goes as smoothly as possible. 

We Leave No Area Untreated

Water loss in the home impacts your life's most significant investment while also potentially disrupting your daily activities. Our team is:

•   Quick to respond
•   Mindful while assessing the damage
•   Ready to begin the cleanup
•   Trained to handle controlled demolition
•   Experienced in every facet of restoration to return your home to preloss condition

We have IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) to ensure your project is not only done correctly but also while following tight timelines. This understanding of the water extraction process is elemental when handling any water loss project that comes our way. We never take shortcuts and stand by our proven methods to ensure that your home is free from hidden moisture.

Whenever any water damage occurs within the home, it is essential to:

•   Use water extraction and removal in unison with drying and dehumidification for best results
•   Look for any hidden moisture under cabinets, behind walls, and within the insulation
•   Implement disinfection measures according to industry standards to not only inhibit the onset of mold and mildew but also to keep foul odors from developing.

Why Will Building Materials Be Removed?

There are certain situations during a water removal project where controlled demolition must be done to remove unsalvageable materials. Decisions like these must be made to remove drenched carpets and the padding below, saturated sheetrock, or warped flooring and baseboards. This gets done so that all-new materials can be installed to make your interior "Like it never even happened."

We are always available to help make important decisions when it comes to saving material versus replacement. Along the way, we take care of all documentation to detail each step for water removal, cleanup, controlled demolition, manipulation of contents, and deodorizing.

Final Inspection

After all standing water gets removed, moisture is addressed, and final steps for drying and dehumidification are complete, a final inspection is done. This includes a visual inspection of all work along with testing techniques to ensure relative humidity is back to normal within your home. To help ensure drying is complete and there are no hidden moisture pockets, we use:

•   Thermal imaging technology
•   Moisture sensors
•   Moisture meters

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane understands that this is a trying time for your family when dealing with water removal. We are here to walk you through every step to help you understand how the project-flow works, and you can count on us to be available 24/7 for emergency service. To have a crew deployed to your property as soon as possible, give us a call 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Can Eliminate Odors After a Fire

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Odor Removal After Microwave Fire Damage in a Spokane Kitchen

Not every fire is a catastrophic incident. Many fires start with mundane events going awry. A hairdryer can go haywire and spew flame, or a child can microwave their favorite snack, still in the plastic packaging, only for it to catch fire. The latter case can be distressing as well as leave fire damage and significant odors in your kitchen that need professional mitigation.

No matter how fire damage in Spokane homes happens, the technicians at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can use cutting-edge, commercial-grade equipment to clean up soot, structural damage, and lingering odors. A microwave fire quickly addressed may contain damage to one area of your home. However, soot can become corrosive after moisture exposure, and nearly-invisible protein films from food particles in your microwave can impart strong, lingering odors. 

Minimize Odors After A Microwave Fire

• Add a half cup of ammonia to a gallon of warm water.
• While wearing rubber gloves to protect skin from ammonia, clean surfaces in your kitchen with a clean cloth soaked in the ammonia mixture. Focus on surfaces that are covered in soot or feel "filmy."
• Slice a lemon and add to 1 quart of water in a cooking pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer. This can help eliminate odors in your kitchen.
• Fill some small bowls halfway with distilled white vinegar and set them in rooms affected by smoke odor for two to three days to absorb odors. Refill as needed. 

SERVPRO Eliminates Fire Damage Odors

When a SERVPRO team comes to your home, the first step taken is to remove the source of odors. From there, the focus is placed on ventilation and cleaning with a detergent/deodorant solution. Technicians pore over every surface to ensure that soot, protein residue, and odors are eliminated.

If odors persist after the second round of ventilation, SERVPRO's odor control technicians (OCTs) can distribute commercial-grade deodorizers and odor counteractant beads with pleasant scents. Thermal fogging is a deodorizing technique that uses a dry fog that works the same way smoke does in covering surfaces. If your HVAC system was in use during the fire, SERVPRO experts can use cheesecloth over vent systems to check for smoke contamination. Cheesecloth also acts as a filter, preventing residue fumes from cleaners from collecting in your vents and affecting other rooms in your home.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is Faster to Any Size Disaster so you can have your home back, free of smoke and odors. Our IICRC certified technicians are available anytime 24/7. Just call (509) 474-9144.

Check Your Crawl Space for Moisture and Water Damage

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can be on the scene of your water damage problem anytime 24/7.

Spokane water damage can take over before you know it. Let's take action.

Many Spokane area homes have crawl spaces under the main floor of the home. These areas are generally not used for storage or other uses, although in some cases, a hot water tank or furnace may be installed in the crawl space. Many homeowners seldom go into the crawl space or even open the access door to the area. A damp or wet crawl space can cause problems within the livable parts of the home, occasionally causing health issues for anyone living there.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane provides water damage services in Spokane and surrounding areas. A damp or wet crawl space can be a source of mold and high humidity that may permeate the rest of the home. For example, high humidity in the crawl space can cause hardwood floors to expand, causing cupping and even splintering. Mold spores can also grow, causing a musty odor throughout the home.

Many crawl spaces are damp while some can have standing water because a sump pump failed to work, or the water table was higher than usual, and water found its way into the crawl space. In these situations, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the equipment and knowhow to deal with these situations. We can install large capacity sump pumps to remove standing water and deliver it to the storm sewer on the street.

SERVPRO can install dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining humidity. Blowing moist air out of the crawl space, providing there is adequate access, also helps to lower the humidity. Dry air can be drawn into the space to absorb more moisture.

The homeowner may have to install a permanent sump pump to remove any water. This pump ensures the crawl space is not flooded again. If there is an ongoing problem with high moisture levels, SERVPRO may suggest installing a permanent dehumidifier to control the humidity level.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for 24/7 service. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Fire Damages Your Business, Trust Experienced Professionals for Cleanup and Restoration

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Use an Experienced Commercial Fire Damage Unit Operating here in Spokane

A customer-facing business such as a restaurant is full of small maintenance tasks for staff and janitorial teams. From time to time unexpected events can occur that go beyond the scope of your in-house team and require professional assistance. A contained kitchen fire can cause temporary closure to remove unpleasant odors as well as visible signs of smoke and soot deposits. For the best results, specific training in odor control and fire restoration are essential.

Temporary closures as a result of commercial fire damage in Spokane and the surrounding area can cause loss of revenue; especially during busier times of the year. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane uses local technicians in a rapid response unit. These teams are made up of technicians with IICRC certificates as well as experienced project managers and are used primarily for commercial services. Smaller fire incidents can be serviced with smaller task forces.

The benefits of a specific commercial unit are that we can communicate directly with you throughout the cleanup and restoration process. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane operates call-lines 24 hours a day and can send a team quickly upon receiving a notification of loss. Although we work to a "restore rather than replace" method, we can inventory any non-salvageable items like charred furniture for you to pass on to your insurance adjuster. We are an established provider of commercial services and, as such, have experience dealing with a variety of local adjusters as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

One of the common concerns business owners tell us is the unpleasant odors that can be left behind by fire. Our method is to use water-based thermal foggers. These equipment vaporize pairing agents which are then released in a thick fog inside the affected area — pairing agents bond with odor particles causing them to sink to the floor where they can be cleaned away. By using water-based foggers, we can reduce the airing time required after deodorization and keep closures to a minimum.

We can also deploy HEPA filtered air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to help trap motes of soot and odor and chemically neutralize airborne odors. Use and placement depend on the nature of the fire loss and the business.

In a business emergency, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at our 24 hours call-line (509) 474-9144.

Got Water Damage? SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Can Be On The Scene 24/7

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO's 24-Hour Service Makes a Difference with Water Removal Services in Spokane Valley

When someone in Spokane Valley requires emergency medical care, a short call can have an ambulance on its way in seconds. When your house sustains water damage, it also needs professionals who can make things right again.

Emergencies are why SERVPRO always has a team ready to respond, including water removal in Spokane Valley from flooding, broken pipes, overflows, and extinguishing fires. When a homeowner must wait to contact someone about such an emergency, restoration costs escalate. We at SERVPRO want to help minimize costs and do so wherever possible.

Helping restore your property to pre-incident condition, “Like it never even happened.” requires a rapid response followed by ongoing, steady mitigation services. Not only must water removal occur quickly, but we must treat the interior structures and the contents of your home, so secondary damages do not occur or only occur to a minimal degree.

Our process involves teamwork, which allows us to work round-the-clock whenever necessary. If this option might benefit your home by preventing additional damage and making the entire process happen faster, we can discuss the options involved with you. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the time we need to work in your home.

When fire damage co-occurs, we can also provide you with cleanup and mitigation services that help the restoration work flow more smoothly. Water that turns to steam during a fire can linger when trapped, slowly evaporating into the air. We use specialized equipment to locate these hidden areas and get them dry again. The same is true of any other source causing trapped water, as well as moisture absorbed into materials and furnishings.

When someone thinks about the process of removing water, many first think about standing water. SERVPRO professionals know that water can damage a property wherever it occurs inside a home. Trapped water under cabinetry and above ceilings, as well as elevated moisture in the air, require skilled specialists who know which methods work and give the results you want and need.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the IICRC-certified technicians your property needs to get water removal and other services carried out to get your home back to normal. Call us at (509) 474-9144 for prompt service that can make a huge difference in the outcome after any disaster involving water intrusion.

SERVPRO Should Be Your First Choice for Water Damage in Spokane

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Rain or a cresting Spokane River is what first comes to mind with many Spokane residents when asked about flood risks. Despite the enormity of the problem either source can bring, much of the water damage in area homes comes from more common sources like failed plumbing. Either type of flooding requires a quick response to remove the water to stop damage and prevent further problems.

That is why SERVPRO needs to be your first choice for water removal in your Spokane home. Our response teams bring experience, planning, and a nationwide inventory of equipment needed to return homes to their original, dry state.

Our teams begin with pumps to draw out as much water as possible. These machines quickly remove the majority of the water and stop further damage such as leeching varnish and other finishes from furniture to leak onto and stain carpets. Pumps cannot remove all of the water, however.

To finish drawing water from floors and carpets, team members switch to extraction wands and other devices. Technicians can adjust the vacuum speed and carefully apply heat to avoid causing secondary damage and also begin drying out the carpet and floor surfaces. For hard, solid surfaces like concrete or vinyl, they may need to push out the last water with long-handled squeegees.

Next, SERVPRO specialists dry the carpet. They can only do this if the water came from a plumbing source which makes it clean water. Outside flooding contains contaminants which make it impossible for our teams to guarantee that the carpet is safe for use again. They carefully release the carpet from the tack strips to avoid damaging it and then roll the carpet out of the way.

If there is a carpet pad, specialists remove and dispose of it. The pad is cheaper to replace than waste time attempting to restore it. Once in place, team members unroll the carpet and place an air mover at one end to force warm air under and over the carpet to dry it while other install an exhaust fan at the other end to draw out the damp, cool air.

For wood floors, an inspector checks the sub-floor for moisture. If she finds any, the team drills one or more holes behind the baseboard and use an air mover with a hose attached to pump in warm air to dry the floor space.

These first techniques SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane will use can help eliminate water damage and reduce the need for replacement of personal and structural property. If you have had flooding of any kind in your home, or have questions, call (509) 474-9144 anytime 24/7. We are here for you.

SERVPRO Trained Professionals Are Experts at Restoring Storm Damaged Property

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Spokane Home Needs Professional Assistance

When a flood or fire does substantive water damage to your property in Spokane, it's important for you to restore its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and safety as quickly as possible. In most cases, attaining professional services from a team of trained water damage specialists is the best way to realize these objectives. Water damage specialists from SERVPRO possess the level of expertise and experience necessary to clean and restore your home following a flood or fire. To determine why obtaining their professional services would be appropriate and ideal for you, consider the following information: 

Cleaning and Repair Services

Water damage specialists like SERVPRO are effective in offering clients cleaning, repairing and restoring services. To begin the process, the specialists will complete a water damage assessment. This assessment will help them discern the extent of damage done to your property. Once they attain this information, the remediation technicians will know which equipment to utilize for the restoration process. They will also know how many contractors will be required to work on the project to get the job done quickly and effectively. By working in teams, remediation specialists can prevent the onset of mold growth as a result of secondary water damage. Additionally, the remediation specialists can work quickly to ensure that you can move back into your home as soon as possible. 

Restoration Services

Part of the important service provided by SERVPRO is restoration. Restoration services are designed to expedite returning your living space to its original condition quickly. Regardless of the specific repairs made to your home, this full-service restoration company can handle them. Restoring rather than replacing when possible, will also lighten the financial burden of this water damage event.  You can focus on other matters such as working with your insurance company. SERVPRO can aid in the management of the insurance paperwork and process. 

Get Great Remediation Services Now 

Witnessing a flood or fire wreak havoc to your home can be disheartening, but help is available. A professional water damage restoration company is effective in providing you with the speedy, savvy remediation services necessary to restore your property and help you to regain a sense of peace. As a leader in the remediation industry, SERVPRO would be delighted to assist you with the restoration process. Our technicians are trained, tenacious, and committed to maintaining the team mentality necessary to get the job done quickly. Contact one of our representatives today and let's get your home in working order.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a water or flooding emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Spokane community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Water damage restoration is a cornerstone of our business.  Call us 24/7 for an immediate response. (509) 474-9144

Storm Water Can Do Heavy Damage to Your Hardwood Floors

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let storm damage ruin your beautiful hardwood flooring. Call the experts to restore to make it 'like it never even happened."

Our SERVPRO Team Works to Restore Flooring in Your Spokane Home

Severe flooding often leads to a feeling of hopeless loss, however restoring your home may be possible with proper techniques, timing, and professional assistance. In particular, hardwood flooring can become warped due to water damage making it imperative to remove remaining floodwater and dry them as quickly as possible to mitigate further damage. The goal for drying hardwood floors is to make sure they do not buckle or warp permanently from extended exposure to moisture or over-drying. The drying process should be professionally monitored to prevent this kind of damage.

Hardwood is Durable and Receptive to Restoration

With flooring as costly as it is in Spokane, restoring rather than replacing hardwood is ideal after flood damage. Hardwood floors hold up better than softwood because they are composed of dense fibers. Tiles can be more resistant to water damage than wood, but can also sustain loss if there are cracks in the tile or compromised areas in the grout.

What is the Process for Restoring Hardwood Floors?

• Moisture meters with probes measure the water content through all the flooring layers and subflooring; hardwood should have a moisture content below 16% to prevent mold growth.
• Remove floor finish if it acts as a drying barrier, or use a pin roller to make small perforations so excess moisture can evaporate.
• Use drying mats and hoses to force warm air over the flooring to dry it. This can be done from above or below the floors. 
• After the moisture is consistently below 12%, hardwood flooring restoration specialists can refinish the floor.

After a flood, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144. We have the trained experts and professional equipment to restore your damaged hardwood flooring. Our emergency response team is available 24/7. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Don't Take Bad Advice After Flood in Your Spokane Home

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Taking advice from DIY websites after a flood may leave you with an even bigger problem.

SERVPRO’s Experienced and Knowledgeable Technicians Give You the Best Flood Damage Advice

When bad things happen in a home such as flood damage, one of the first things many people do is jump on a Google search for instructions on how to fix the situation themselves. This action has the potential to cause even more loss and personal injury in some cases.

Safety is a top priority for SERVPRO technicians during cleanup and restoration in Spokane homes with flood damage. When groundwater enters a property, it carries a rating as a category three biohazard. The reason for this is that anything it encounters along the way comes along for the ride and winds up in the house, which often includes bacteria and sewage. Homeowners and pets should avoid contact.

This Water Requires Testing

SERVPRO has different types of antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions. Once they test the groundwater to determine bacteria or contaminants present, they can treat the water to lessen the hazards of coming into contact with it during cleanup. Frequently given lousy advice is to pour bleach wherever there is standing water. This action can damage flooring, leave bleach spots in carpet, and ruin building materials. Although the techs don full-body protective clothing, including respiration, they apply the highest level of care when handling water loss of this type.

Bad Drying Advice

After flood loss in a home, a big mistake property owners make: running household fans on wet carpet. This does nothing to dry the padding or address the possibility of seepage into the subfloor. SERVPRO techs use an array of moisture detection equipment to locate water anywhere it migrates to ensure it all gets extracted with their professional equipment and dried entirely through the use of their high-velocity air movers and industrial dehumidifiers.

Disinfection is Crucial

Due to the unsafe elements typically found in groundwater, the cleaning of surfaces exposed to it is a big part of the restoration services. The use of specific antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning agents assists not only in sanitizing but also inhibiting mold growth. Before use, the techs carefully assess the object or surface to ensure the correct cleaning method gets implemented.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the IICRC certified training and advanced equipment to restore homes from flood damage. Call their emergency response team at (509) 474-9144, and the certified techs make the water loss, "Like it never even happened."

Don't Be a Victim Twice. Beware of Storm Damage Scammers.

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners can be especially vulnerable to scams after storm damage. Beware of deals that are too good to be true.

Beware of Fraudulent Restoration After Spokane Storm Damage 

Severe storm systems are nothing new to Spokane residents, many of whom have dealt with multiple destructive storms. Most property owners have added additional coverage options with their insurance provider in the off chance that more devastating storm systems might occur. The work required to return your property to the preloss condition must still begin quickly. Many have turned to our SERVPRO team's experience and fast response over the years, but there are just as many who have sought low price shopping. 

With how extensive storm damage in Spokane properties can be, you need a team with the knowledge and experience to help right away. Structural threats exist that can result in injuries or costlier repairs.  These same storms can also bring about flooding and loss events that make it impossible to remain in your house. The only solution is rapid restoration and recovery options that exist. While our SERVPRO team has the training and experience to back up our reputation, you should be aware of deals that sound too good to be true. 

There are a series of “businesses” that tend to crop up immediately following widespread storm damage across Spokane. While many homeowners seek out the reputable companies with positive online reviews like our SERVPRO professionals, others can fall into the allure of a cheap flat rate and promises of getting you back into your home more quickly than you thought possible. 

The idea behind these short-term businesses is to get as much upfront payments as possible and then vanish. No work ever gets completed on your property, and you are out a portion of the total restoration cost estimated when these con artists first arrived at your house. Our professionals never ask for upfront payments, even a small portion of the total restoration costs. Never pay for work that is not happening. 

We understand that you might not choose our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team when storm damages occur to your property, but we never want to see one of our neighbors fall into these unfortunate scams that take place when things seem the bleakest. No matter what we can do to help after a storm, never hesitate to call us 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

Water Damage in Your Business? Leave it to the Pros for Fast Reopening

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Why Spokane Businesses Should Have Commercial Water Damage Professionally Cleaned

Did you know around 200,000 commercial water damage claims are filed every year across the country? Leaking sinks in breakrooms, toilet overflows and leaking roofs are among the chief reasons. When you consider one-inch of water puts about five pounds of weight on a roof, poor drainage can put tremendous strain on a structure.

When your Spokane business experiences commercial water damage, you need to engage professional assistance for the cleanup and mitigation. It is not so much the water you see, as the water that is not readily visible. Improper drying of your business property can lead to mold, odors and weakened building materials.

When SERVPRO works on a commercial property, our technicians immediately get to work assessing where the moisture has collected in the structure. We have several different types of moisture detection equipment and probes to ascertain where water has collected behind walls, under floors and even absorbed into objects.

We try to disturb the set up of your business as little as possible during restoration. Desks and chairs may be raised on blocks and dried in place. Wet items may be removed for drying in our facility on a case by case basis.

Our technicians know that being closed for any length of time is hurtful to a business, so our goal is to get your premises reopened as quickly as possible. We spend the most significant amount of time extracting water, so the drying phase goes more quickly. It takes time to determine precisely where moisture levels are raised and set up air movers to accurately direct the airflow where it is needed to cause water vapor to rise so it can be directed up and out.

Moisture readings are taking during and after the drying phase of restoration to verify the drying goals are met, and the growth of mold is inhibited. After drying, all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected to ensure your property is sanitary when you reopen for business.

If repairs are needed, our technicians can offer suggestions and coordinate with our Building Services division for seamless service so you can reopen as quickly as possible and your water loss can be "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is available at (509) 474-9144 to assist businesses and organizations with the mitigation of commercial water damage 24/7.

Mold: Get the Facts

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth can begin in as little as 48 hours. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for quick solutions.

When mold growth is discovered in your commercial property in Spokane, WA you can be overwhelmed with questions, knowing you must act immediately. After you call the mold remediation professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, you start to think of all the things you don't know and wished you had asked initially. While the experts do the hard work, here are some common questions and answers about mold:

1. Where does mold live? Mold lives wherever there is water, oxygen and organic material.

2. How do I prevent mold growth? Repair leaks and fix water damage quickly. High humidity (more than 45%) is enough moisture for mold colonies to grow.

3. How fast does mold grow? Infestations can take place in as little as 48-72 hours.

4. Why does mold smell? Gases given off during mold digestive processes are smelly mycotoxins, but the presence of mycotoxins depend on the type of mold and the material being consumed.

5. Why didn't bleach work to clean mold? Bleach only removes stains and does not kill deep mold.

6. If spores are everywhere, are they in my building? Yes, spores are airborne and travel into your building through the HVAC system, windows, doors and on clothing.

7. How do I get rid of spores? You can do some regular cleaning (vacuum, HVAC cleaning, and carpet cleaning) to prevent spore buildup and bring spores levels down to normal.

8. What if the cleanup process causes spores to be released throughout my building? Spores naturally exist in the air, but professionals set up containment areas and use air scrubbers to manage indoor spore levels while cleaning.

9. Do I have to throw away special personal items? It depends on the material involved, but restoration specialists know how to clean different types of materials and will advise if any items can't be saved.

Now you are more knowledgeable about the situation and prepared for the work that will be done. Thankfully, you have professional remediators from SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to get the mold cleaned quickly and safely, but you also know how to manage your building environment to prevent mold growth from happening again. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold. 

Fire Damage Restoration is Best Handled by Professionals

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Whether a home is affected by an electrical incident, a fire resulting from a storm, or a wildfire, it's always a devastating event that often leaves homeowners at a loss. On top of losing possessions and dealing with the sheer destruction of such an event, the last thing homeowners want to think about after a fire emergency is the cost of fixing the damage done to their houses.

 
Homeowners who experience fire damage in Spokane will no doubt question whether they should handle repairs on their own to save money or leave the job to a restoration company. If you're facing this dilemma, here are some reasons why contacting a professional fire damage restoration company is best.

    •    Homeowners typically aren't aware of how to remove smoke contamination from their homes. This alone, if left untreated, will permanently damage your clothing, flooring, walls, and furnishings. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane handles smoke removal with the aim of preventing any long-term damage or the loss of your possessions.
 
    •    The restoration process is difficult and unsafe to take on by yourself. It involves removing hazardous debris, soot, and smoke removal, and fixing structural damage. Our specialists will take care to ensure your home is properly repaired and safe to occupy after a fire.
 
    •    Depending on your home insurance company, they may only pay for repairs completed by professionals. SERVPRO knows how to navigate the claims process, and you won't have to worry about our repairs meeting your insurance company's standards -- we'll exceed them.
 
    •    The cost of hiring a skilled contractor to repair fire damage is less expensive when they're called early on. After smoke and fire contamination are allowed to sit, repairs become much more challenging, and restoration takes even longer.
 
At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, our team of experts is equipped with the tools and knowledge to repair quickly and efficiently homes and commercial buildings affected by a fire. For more information about the fire damage restoration services that we offer or to get a quote, call us 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

What is Category 2 Water Damage and Why it Can Be Serious

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

While all water damage can be serious, depending on the source of the water, problems can quickly escalate.

The extent of water damage often depends on the water’s source. In most cases, the water falls into category 1, 2 or 3. Category 1 is damage that stems from a broken pipe or burst supply line that did not undergo a proper water pipe repair. Category 3 comes from sewage backup or a flood. Category 2 is more severe than 1 but less severe than 3, but it is still dangerous to deal with on your own. Here is what you need to know about category 2 water damage:

• Category 2 water contains a substantial amount of biological, chemical or physical contaminants.
• Category 2 water has been known to cause sickness or discomfort in people who are exposed to it.
• Category 2 water is often referred to as “grey water.”
• Category 2 water typically contains microorganisms.
• Examples of category 2 water include toilet bowl overflow with urine (but no feces), water discharge from washing machines or dishwasher and sump pump failures.

Dealing With Category 2 Water Damage

Because you don’t know what type of bacteria or chemicals lurk in the grey water that flooded your building, it is best to call the Spokane, WA water restoration team for help drying out and cleaning up. Until help arrives, there are a few things you can do:

• Shut off your building’s main water supply line and perform a water pipe repair.
• Ventilate the area with fans and open windows.
• If you have one, place a dehumidifier in the affected area.
• Turn on your HVAC system to get air circulating.

Your SERVPRO water remediation team can do the rest, which may include removing any standing water and removing wet and damaged materials. They may also advise you on how to prevent broken pipes in the future. Before they leave, ask for a report so you can send it along to your insurance agency. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

Should I Use a Janitorial or Commercial Cleaning Service to Clean My Business?

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

For a deep clean of your commercial property, call the bright green cleanup team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at 509-474-9144.

A clean and professional appearance is the key to success. If you are the owner of a business, it is your responsibility to ensure that your company has an appealing look about it. This will help foster goodwill among customers and show dependability and knowledge. A company's reputation can be seen by how professional its environment looks.

With all the responsibilities you have in running your company, it is hard to find time to keep your office well maintained and professional looking. Hiring a quality cleaning service provider to handle whatever cleaning or janitorial services you need is an intelligent choice if you want a well-kept office for your employees and your customers.

Hiring janitorial services is a great way to maintain a clean office environment and help you save time and money in the long run, but how does it differ from commercial cleaning services?

What Is Included in Janitorial Services?

Janitorial service providers typically deal with everyday cleaning and maintenance, including vacuuming and emptying trash cans. They work to keep bathrooms, workstations, and offices clean and presentable for clients, staff, and visitors. Depending on the schedule you select with your cleaning company, this might be completed daily, weekly, or every two weeks.

Janitorial services can include using suitable cleaning equipment and cleaners to prevent cross-contamination and maintain sanitary conditions of areas:

• Employee breakrooms and kitchens
• Restroom cleaning
• Normal carpet vacuuming
• Sweeping and mopping the floor
• Emptying trash bins
• Dusting

What Are the Types of Commercial Cleaning Services?

Larger jobs and special events necessitate this type of cleaning service. It's especially beneficial for significant company events to use a commercial cleaning service to clean your office building or venue thoroughly to ensure that every nook and cranny is pristine.

Commercial cleaning includes the following types of services:

• Furniture and upholstery cleaning
• Deep carpet cleaning
• Hard surface floor cleaning
• Tile and grout cleaning
• Power washing
• Window Washing

Using a commercial cleaning service or janitorial services, depending on the size and setup of your business, ensures that your business is always spotless and ready for your employees and clients. When you contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, you can expect efficient and satisfaction-guaranteed commercial cleaning services. Call us today for prices, inquiries, and concerns! 509-474-9144

Proven Advanced Water Restoration Process Prevents Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is an emergency that requires immediate attention. We provide commercial businesses with a process that saves time and reduces cost.

Don’t Be Fooled When It Comes to Water Damage in Your Commercial Business

Water damage in commercial properties can result in a loss of income and customers. This damage can result from broken pipes, flooding, plumbing fixture overflows, or other issues. It is essential to get remediation services as soon as possible when it comes to your business. If water damage is left untreated, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold, which is bad for business. Carpeting and furniture may start to develop an odd odor that is offputting to your employees and customers. And the longer it sits untreated, the most costly it will be in the future to repair. Taking steps at the first sign of water damage will help minimize these risks.

Why Worry if It Doesn’t Look Wet?

No matter the water source, commercial water damage in Spokane can be a significant headache to have to deal with. One of the first things you want to do when discovering potential water damage is to verify the extent of the problem. Just looking at something visually might not be enough to determine the full scope of the damages. Water can absorb into materials without showing visible signs of damage until it is too late. To properly tell how far the water has gone, specialized tools to measure the moisture in the building are needed.

Thermal imaging tools, such as what firefighters use, are also great for finding water. It can speed up finding the source of the leak, finding moisture behind wall cavities, and ensuring wet affected areas are dry. Contacting a water damage restoration company to help you sort out this mess with the proper tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging is essential. Professionals like the team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can send our trained technicians out to inspect your property using advanced equipment to assist you in finding the moisture.

Certified Professionals Can Reduce the Stress

Our SERVPRO technicians will work on getting the water cleaned up as quickly as possible. For the water removal process, they can use water extraction equipment to clean the carpet and remove any water from the floor. Using air movement and dehumidification drying equipment can increase evaporation speeding up the drying process, so the chances of mold growth are significantly reduced. Safe antimicrobial solutions can be applied to the affected surfaces to reduce the chances of microbial growth and neutralize odor-causing particles. Once completed, our team will perform a final walk-through with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the work performed.

When you need a trusted emergency service water damage repair partner for your commercial business that you can trust, give SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane a call at 509-474-9144, and our team will be glad to help you through this disaster.

What Do You Do With Belongings After a Fire?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

When you need help with your smoke-damaged contents, call the fire damage restoration company Spokane trusts, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane!

Is a House Fire Traumatic?

After damage from a fire, the process of packing up your contents can be complicated and traumatic. Our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane takes that weight from your shoulders. You have enough to deal with so let us help with the moving process. Our restoration team is highly detailed and accurate in inventorying each item. When your contents are packed, they are then moved to a secure location at our warehouse for cleaning and safekeeping during the restoration process of your home or business.

What Is a Pack Out?

When it is time to begin the move-out process, you do not have to worry about packing materials as we come prepared with the essentials. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane supplies strong boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and various packing materials to safely protect your contents.

Our teams set up packing workstations in each room while also identifying each box per room. Small to medium size objects are boxed accordingly to their size. Large items that can be disassembled to transport safely will be. If we cannot disassemble oversized items, our teams will wrap these with the necessary materials and place moving pads around them to not cause damage.

How Do You Clean Fire Damaged Items?

Electronic items and soft goods tend to need specialty cleaning. Therefore they are handled with extreme care and thoroughly checked for restorability. Unsalvageable items are items that have sustained severe damage from the fire. These are thoroughly documented for reimbursement as outlined in your insurance policy if applicable.

How Do I List Something Lost in My House Fire?

Documenting and tracking your contents is a high priority, and we do it digitally, ensuring a complete chain of custody through the process along with digital photographs of each item that attach to your customer file.

When the Repairs Are Complete

When the restoration and repairs are complete, and it is time to move back, our teams will move, unload, and unpack per room to their proper spaces your fresh cleaned contents "Like it never even happened."®

If you need fire damage restoration services or have questions and concerns, please give us a call at 509-474-9144. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane operates 24/7/365 with emergency services available and is located at 5402 N Julia St, Spokane, WA 99217.

A Comprehensive Guide to Water Damage Sump Pumps and When You Need Them

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

When your sump pump fails and there are 6 inches of standing water in your basement, who's on your shortlist to call for help? Call us at 509-474-9144

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The main objective of a sump pump is to carry water away from your home to a place where it won't cause any problems. It collects water coming into a building from rain, melting snow, etc., typically in a pit, leading it away from the building foundation. Sump pump devices are commonly found in basements or crawlspaces.

The principle behind the operation of the sump pump has not changed much in the past 50 years. Still, many improvements have been made in its design and construction to make it more reliable and efficient. The most common type of sump pump typically consists of an electric motor, an impeller, a shaft, bearings, seals, and an attached float switch. When the water reaches the float switch level, it activates the switch, which turns on the motor to pump water out of the flooding area.

The Importance of a Sump Pump in the Home and Proper Maintenance

A sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated in a basement or crawlspace. The pump must be installed properly and regularly maintained to ensure it is working correctly. It is often used with a sump basin, which collects water from the ground and drains it into the pump. The pump then pumps this water outside of the home through a pipe.

A sump pump installation should be done by professionals who know what they are doing. This way, you can install the best model for your home and be sure that it works efficiently. The installation will include various factors such as choosing the right height, under-slab clearance, physical size of the piping, water depth in the pit, etc.

If you want to be sure that the pump works and works well, you need to take a few steps to keep it in proper working condition. After an installation has been done correctly, it is vital to maintain it by ensuring there are no problems with it after turning off your power or after a power outage from a storm. The sump pump needs to be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) regular inspect the power cord for any signs of fraying or damage.

It's also a good idea to put the sump pump on a backup battery to ensure smooth operation should the power fail. Test the sump pump and the backup battery a minimum of once a year by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pump area. It should activate when the water reaches a set level and pump the water out. If it doesn't turn on, there might be a power issue, a clog, or the unit may even need to be replaced.

Other Sump Pump Maintenance Tips:

• Keep the components of the pump clean for efficient operation. This can be done simply by opening the lid and looking inside. (You may need a flashlight for this.) Clear out any debris, dirt, or other gunk. Be sure to check all vent holes, discharge pipes, and incoming and outgoing drainage lines to ensure that water can flow freely.
• Update any old, worn-out parts. This step is critical if the sump pump has been used several times. The float switch is most likely to wear out and should be changed every two years, if not more often.
• Visually inspect the intake screen for clogs and damage. You should change this screen if you can see damage to it.
• Experts recommend that the backup battery be replaced every two or three years; refer to the owner's manual.
• Finally, the pump itself may need to be replaced if several years have passed. Most units last between seven and ten years, but some need to be changed out every five years because of heavy use.

Watch out for signs that your pump needs repairs. You may see rust forming on the pump itself or on any of the parts. If you can scrub away the rust, the pump will most likely still work correctly. If you cannot, contact a professional for repairs or replacement.

What Happens When a Sump Pump Fails?

Water is vital for our survival but can also be hazardous when it comes to home construction. When water gets into the basement or crawlspace, it can cause mold and mildew to grow and cause serious structural damage leading to costly repairs. The best way to prevent water damage in your home is to install a sump pump and adequately maintain it. You need to act fast if water has caused water damage in your home. If your sump pump fails and stops working, you should call a plumber as soon as possible. Then call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, where our team can inspect your home for water damage, extract standing water, and properly dry the structure to prevent mold growth from forming.

How Do You Deal With Storm Damage in Spokane, WA?

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

By being prepared and having a trusted restoration partner like SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at your side you can weather any storm.

Storms happen many times without notice, causing severe destruction of buildings and personal property. As a property owner, you must deal with wind damage, flood damage, hail damage, and ice damage caused by storms. All these situations regularly result in expensive water damage cleanup and repairs.

Water damage, especially from a storm, can be destructive. It can cause street flooding, river flooding, and a rise in groundwater levels. Floodwater can cause severe property damage if it is not cleaned and remediated fast enough. Under these circumstances, you most likely will need restoration services to strategies for storm remediation.

Storm damage can also involve destruction from strong winds, hailstorms, or even a snowstorm. Suppose you are looking for storm restoration services. In that case, it is crucial to look for a professional company with a reputation for providing comprehensive home restoration services, repairs, and advice on storm remediation.

How Do You Stay Safe During a Storm?

Before a storm, there are things you can do to prepare to stay safe:

• Before leaving heading outdoors, be sure and check the weather report.
• Postpone activities outdoors if storms are approaching.
• Make sure your electronic devices such as cellphones and tablets are fully charged so that you can get weather reports if the power goes out.
• Keep an AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio handy if you cannot use your electronic devices.
• Check on other family members and neighbors who may need special assistance during and after the storm, i.e., those with infants, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and water. In a refrigerator without power, food will only last two days at the most and then need to be thrown away to prevent foodborne illness.
• Spare batteries and flashlights should be kept on hand and in a place that is easy to find. Depending on the season, keep extra blankets for when it's cold, and handheld fans for when it's hot.
• A generator can also be helpful during a long-term power outage offering enough electricity to power a refrigerator, cellphones, small appliances, and computers, depending on the model.
• Be sure and secure outdoor items like trash bins and patio furniture that could blow away with strong winds.
• Remove items like hanging plants that could blow into windows or sliding glass doors.
• Ensure that propane and other fuel tanks are properly secured.
• Remove any dead or rotting trees and limbs that could fall and cause damage.

What Should You Do During a Storm?

• If you hear thunder heard for cover.  You are close enough to be struck by lightning. Find a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is unavailable, get inside a hard-top automobile and keep the windows up.
• Unplug appliances that are not necessary for obtaining weather information.
• Avoid using landline telephones or electrical appliances as telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.
• Get to higher ground if flooding is possible. DO NOT attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.

How to Check Your Home for Storm Damage

Thoroughly Assess the Damage
Roof damage is the most likely result of a storm. Evaluate it for roof damage and roof leaks. If there was flooding, assess the floodwater level in your home, water damage on your walls.  Winter storms can cause frozen pipes and ice dams to form.

Common features of roof damage to check on are:

• Broken or cracked tiles or slate
• Roof leaks
• Dents on gutters and vents
• Split seams
• Ice dams
• Penetrations due to trees and other flying debris

Doors and windows are generally susceptible to wind damage also. Subsequently, inspect cracks, holes, glass shards, damaged door and window frames. A professional damage restoration service provider can help you assess and estimate the restoration costs.

The Process of Storm Damage Restoration

After an assessment of the damage, a suitable restoration plan is needed. Damage caused by a storm can run deep and not easy to interpret right away. However, a professional company can use specialized devices to probe and find out the affected areas. The first step of storm restoration is to clear and remove all the debris brought to your home during the storm. To avoid further wind damage and ice damage, the restoration crew will reinforce the affected house's weak structural walls and roof, helping it withstand ice dams and strong winds.

After these, several processes and services are undertaken. They include:
Water restoration and water removal using a flood pump.
Water restoration is essential if flood water finds its way into your home. Flood water can result from heavy rains, river flooding, or groundwater runoff. A flood pump can remove this flooding water. Stagnating water also needs to be cleared quickly using a flood pump to avoid the growth of mold.

Hail Damage Restoration
In addition to water restoration, hail damage restoration may also entail ice damage restoration. A hail storm can result in ice damming in your home. A professional company can remove the ice dams around and in your home by using effective equipment designed for this process. They can also fix the ice damage that follows a storm.

Roof Repair
Roof repair is among the most common home restoration services needed after a storm. Roof damage can be caused by strong winds or trees falling on the structure. Without repairing the roof, water restoration in the house will be in vain. Hail damage and heavy rains can cause flat roofs to sink or cause seepage and a roof leak. Therefore, roof repairs entail sealing the roof and reinstalling new tiles, and reinforcing the roofing frames. Gutters and frozen pipes damaged from ice damming also need to be repaired.

Storm Damage Remediation for Your Spokane Home

Elements like rain, wind, lightning, and hail can wreak havoc on your property if you don't seek professional storm damage cleanup services. Call our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at the first signs of storm damage to help prevent things such as mold growth and structural collapse. We offer various storm damage restoration services to help you deal with a crisis twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Common Commercial Water Damage Problems for Businesses

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

How can you protect your business from water damage? Keep SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane handy as a contact in your phone and watch for these key areas.

Understanding the threats that can cause damage to your business is one of the responsibilities of being a commercial property owner. Of such threats, water damage should be at the top of that list, and with so many ways that water can infiltrate your business, being prepared is essential.

The water damage professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane have the training and expertise to help assess, clean, and repair any damages from flooding or leaks. Take note of some of the common water damage problems businesses come across.

Plumbing Backup

Common reasons pipes back up are toilet paper, hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, and grease, causing toilets to backup or sinks to overflow. Water will usually take the shortest path out with a blocked pipe, typically where you don't want it.

Pipe Breaks

Older pipes, due to age and wear and tear, are more likely to loosen or crack. Long-term use and extreme heat or cold can result in pinhole leaks forming. Even a blocked pipe can build enough pressure causing it to burst and flood the surrounding area.

Weather

Extreme weather conditions can impact how pipes work or even cause them to break or burst.  Cold temperatures can cause the water in pipes to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the pipe, which over time may cause it to crack or even burst.  Be sure to have your pipes weatherproofed, especially if cold weather is approaching, ensuring you don't have water damage from a frozen pipe.

Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks and slab leaks can allow water to seep through and pool in spaces if left unchecked, which could result in mold growth. A regular maintenance and inspection program looking for any and all cracks should be implemented to prevent more damage later on.

Our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready and experienced to handle any of your water damage needs in your Spokane, WA, commercial property. We are determined to keep your business running smoothly and safely. Give us a call at 509-474-9144, day or night.

Can I Trust SERVPRO to Properly Dry My Water Damage Loss?

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Who can you turn to when damage strikes your home or business? SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has years of experience with experts ready to help 24/7.

What Do You Do After a Water Damage?

Have you ever thought about what you might do if water suddenly started spilling out of the toilet bowl after one flush too many?  Most people have never dealt with water damage, fire damage, or mold damage in their homes or business. Coping with such damage can be quickly overwhelming.

With So Many Restoration Companies, How Do I Know Who To Trust With My Water Damage?

Most have no idea whom to call when it happens or if they should even call anyone for that matter. Some call an insurance agent (a good option). Many people search the internet for such services (another good choice). The best option, though, is already having a company in mind that you know will take care of your home or business the right way the first time.

Imagine opening up your favorite internet search engine looking for "water in my basement," and hoping to pick someone reputable while dealing with the stress of the situation at hand. This situation happens often and more frequently than many people believe.

When choosing a restoration company to come into the personal space of your home or the business you have poured everything into, you want someone you can trust. You want a company that takes care of its customers and walks them through the process step by step. You want a company that is people-oriented and compassionate. You want a company with years of experience that is licensed and professional.

How SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Can Help With Your Water Damage

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we have been family-owned and operated for nearly ten years. We are built with a strong management team with over 50 years of disaster restoration experience. Our technicians have certifications through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) as well as continual training and education through SERVPRO's continual training.  At SERVPRO, we are people-driven and proud of it. We call each other our teammates and consider ourselves "One Team." Our victories and success is celebrated, and our failures are examined, learned from, and corrected.

If you are looking for a local Spokane restoration company that is professional, polite, sympathetic, educated, passionate, and reputable within the community, don't ask yourself, "Why SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane?" Instead, ask yourself, "Why not SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane?"

Over the years, our team has grown, and our reputation for what is right and fair has spread throughout the community. In your time of need, we are proud to care for your family's home or your business. When you need us, we'll be there; we're always open 24/7/365 Here to Help!

Property Management: The 8 Most Important Things To Know When Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

A fast tenant turnover time is key to keeping the revenue flowing. Find out how professional cleaning services can help.

How Tenant Turnover Factors In

Tenant turnover is one of the most critical factors in property management and an opportunity to boost income. If you are looking to increase your rentals, it's crucial that you know how to manage your tenants. A proper cleaning strategy during turnover is vital. Cleaning often gets less thought, but you should ensure that your property is well-maintained and in good condition.

When you're a property manager, tenants move in, tenants move out, and they can sometimes leave a mess when they leave. Wear and tear due to everyday use is expected when the property has carpeting or allows pets. Messes like spills and daily life will add to it. The last resident might not always take the best care of the floors during their occupancy, which renders them in no-so-great shape by the time it's time for someone else to come in and take over.

A property manager can't leave a rental in a state of disrepair because the unit needs to turn over to continue making a profit quickly. Depending on how large the property is and how many units the property manager needs to clear out, it's can be easy to become overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done to keep the vacancies to a minimum.

When To Hire a Professional Cleaning Company

There are many cleaning services, and it can be hard to find the best one for your needs. When deciding on which company to hire, determine what type of cleaning service you need for the project at hand.

You should hire a larger cleaning company for multiple properties which can handle the work. You should find one that is reputable and has experience in property management. Consider looking for a company that has more than one location and that uses the same staff members.

When hiring a cleaning company:

• Ask yourself if you need a one-time service or if you want ongoing services.
• Ask yourself if you need a cleaning company with experience.
• Ask yourself if they offer references and what those reviews say about the service.
• Ask yourself if they have the appropriate licensing to perform their job.
• Ask yourself how often do they come in and what is their cleaning standards like.

Why Should You Hire Professional Cleaning Services?

Deep cleaning is a way of enhancing the appearance of your building. There are many reasons you should consider hiring professional cleaners and not just for aesthetic reasons. Professional property management cleaning is vital for your facility. These services are required to keep your facility in prime condition and they can also save you money on taxes. After deep cleaning, you'll create a healthier living community by removing allergens and buildup, such as dirt and pet hair. Hiring professional services is a smart move because they'll remove any dirt, mold, and allergens that are hiding in your carpets. Why not leave the stress of cleaning to the professionals?

What Are the 8 Most Important Things To Know When Hiring Professional Cleaning Services?

• What types of cleaning services are needed for your facility.
• What the budget is for the cleaning services needed.
• The number of areas that need to be cleaned.
  How often the property needs to be cleaned.
• Any special requirements, such as pet stains or carpet cleaning.
• Ensure they have the proper training.
• Ask them how they manage the health and safety of your property.
• Ask them what their insurance covers if anything gets damaged.

Where To Turn To for Property Management Cleaning Services

Like a great property manager who is adept at handling the needs of their landlords and tenant, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is always here to help the needs of our customers. With award-winning training, over 50 years of experience in the industry, and more than 100 exclusive cleaning products, our team can handle anything that comes our way.  Let us help you achieve fast turnover times and keep the revenue flowing with one call to 509-474-9144.

How a Smoke Detector Can Save Your Life

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Smoke Alarm? It Could Save You and Your Families Life!!!

Smoke Alarms Can Save Lives:  When Was the Last Time You Checked Yours?

When installed and adequately maintained, smoke alarms can dramatically reduce the risk of injuries and even death caused by fires. According to data by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74%) of reported home fires in 2014–2018.
• Almost 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41%) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16%).
• When smoke alarms were present in reported fires considered large enough to activate them, they operated in eighty-nine percent of the fires, seventy-three percent of the deaths, and eighty-two percent of the injuries.
• The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is fifty-five percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.
• When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in ninety-four percent of the fires considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms functioned eighty-two percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.

If you'd like to read more on the report, you can do so here.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends the following:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Do not install the smoke alarm where it could be blocked or damaged.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen and shower to prevent false alarms and should be at least around ten feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, though twice would be best. Daylight savings time can be good dates to set for this task.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.  Don't forget to write the date on the alarm when it was installed.
• Newer alarms on the market also offer carbon monoxide detection and voice alarms, which have shown to be more effective in waking children up.

Should fire damage happen in your home, our team of certified experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane stands ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."®  Let us know how we can help at 509-474-9144.

My Water Bill Is Too High — I Think I Might Have a Water Leak

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a leaking pipe causing water damage, call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane.

Is your water bill too high in Spokane?

What can you do if you think you might have a water leak but cannot locate the source?  There are some ways to narrow down the problem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some tips to help you determine if you have water leaks in your home:

• Pull out your water bill and take a look at the usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds twelve thousand gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
• Monitor your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you might have a water leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has a team of highly trained water damage cleanup technicians on-call 24-hours a day to respond to water damage emergencies. Call us today at 509-474-9144 and allow us to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."®

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is Independently Owned and Operated.

Is There Ever an "Off" Season When It Comes to Mold Growth in Spokane?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be lurking in walls even in cold temperatures. Proper mold remediation can ensure the safety of you and your home or business.

There will always be mold from Elk to Spokane Valley and everywhere in between. The season itself doesn't matter because it is a resilient irritating product of nature.

Here are some of the most popular things we hear about mold from our customers and the moldy facts:

"There can't be mold growing in my basement.  It's not even getting above freezing during the day."

The truth is that mold can grow whenever there is consistent moisture or water source and the temperature is above 32 degrees. A leaking water heater or pipe in the ceiling can very well be the source of the water intrusion, causing mold in the winter in your basement.

"Seriously though, it's cold out; how is it even growing?"

It's not 20 degrees inside your walls unless they're entirely uninsulated from the environment, which here in the Spokane area would be a terrible idea considering the winters we get. An unconditioned space like an attic or crawlspace or even a basement is typically insulated to help keep pipes from freezing in the winter and keep heat inside. If you are unaware that a pipe has been leaking in the wall or ceiling, mold can start growing in as little as 48 hours under the right conditions. While it's true that it does take longer to grow in the winter months, it will still be there.

"We are noticing an odor now after fixing a leaking pipe a few weeks ago."

That unmistakable smell of microbial growth:  the musty, off-putting, earthy, dirty, something-is-funky-here smell. So before you go reaching for that bottle of bleach, hear us out. It's only going to scratch the surface of mold growth. Even if you see a visible difference when you scrub it, the inside of the material you are cleaning, such as drywall, is still harboring whole colonies of microbes ready to spring back to life.  If you feed it bleach, it will just keep returning, as bleach is made up mostly of water.

"Eww, where does mold even come from?"

Mold, also known as microbial growth, is something that is naturally occurring in the environment.  Walk outside and take a breath; there are mold spores everywhere.  They get into your living or workspace by hitching a ride on clothing, pets, opening a door or window, the list goes on. Mold will always always be present when water is present. It needs moisture, the right temperature, and an excellent organic food source like wood or drywall to live and thrive.  When these three things align indoors, it is a cause of concern for humans and their furry friends.

"How do we get rid of mold?"

The first step is to call a certified 'mold removal' or mold remediation company, like SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. Our expert team will ask a few questions to get a good idea of the scope of damage prior to our initial inspection.  Once our certified mold remediation pros inspect the damage, a game plan can be developed to get the health of your structure back.  This may involve setting containment with plastic sheeting, removal, and treatments of the affected areas in your home, HEPA air filtration, as well as setting drying equipment, depending on the scope of the project.

If you think you might have a mold issue in your home or business, trust the local experts who have the trust of Spokane area property owners. We'll walk you through every step of the way and are always Here to Help-24/7/365. Give us a call at 509-474-9144.

Help! I Just Got Home From Vacation and There Is Water Everywhere!!!

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water from a broken upstairs bathroom toilet supply line flooded and damaged this entire house. What would you do if you walked into this scene?

An Unwelcome Surprise

Imagine coming home from vacation, walking in your front entrance, and seeing water on the floors and drywall falling on your furniture and personal belongings because the ceiling is crumbling down. As you examine your home, you quickly realize your whole house is flooded.

Your house is where you take refuge from the outside world. Home is where happy memories should surround you. When it's threatened by water damage, that can often be quite traumatic.

When asked, the one-word SERVPRO customers use to describe our team was 'heroes.' We are here to help with compassion, expertise, and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a full-service disaster restoration company. We offer emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. So when an emergency arises in your home or business, give us a call, and we'll be there fast with the assistance you need.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane focuses on the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage disaster. Our team is exceptionally trained in property damage restoration. No matter what size disaster, from a single story and an entire high-rise, rest assured that we have the knowledge and resources to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

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

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane today at 509-474-9144 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

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

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

How Long Should I Wait To Clean Up After Fire Damage?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating and dangerous to your health. Give our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team a call to help restore your fire-damaged property.

Waste No Time Calling Your Local SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Team After Fire Damage in Your Home

The speed with which a fire affects your home and contents is surprising to most. Stress and uncertainty can make waiting to act for a few days feel like a smart move, but every second counts. Damage to building materials, furnishings, household goods, and personal belongings can start immediately.

What Is the Typical Timeline for Damage From a Fire?

Fire damage in the Spokane area follows a highly predictable pattern, and we respond quickly because our trained technicians know that mitigation efforts can slow or halt the damage.

Fire Damage Timeline:  What Can Occur Within Minutes?

• Plastics yellow and absorb odors
• Porous materials can begin to corrode and discolor
• Soot particles infiltrate soft goods like fabrics, carpeting, and area rugs

Fire Damage Timeline:  What Can Occur Within Hours?

• Finishes on wooden surfaces and grout darken
• Surfaces on appliances and fiberglass discolor

Fire Damage Timeline:  What Can Occur Within Days?

• Metals start to tarnish and corrode
• Fabrics permanently stain
• Paint on walls discolors and stains
• Wood floors and furniture deteriorate and need often refinishing
• Vinyl flooring can crumble

Fire Damage Timeline:  What Can Occur Long Term?

• Glass and china etches and pits
• Synthetic fabrics yellow
• Building materials like drywall deteriorate and start breaking down

How Do Disaster Fire Recovery Professionals Stop the Damage From Continuing to Occur or Spread?

SERVPRO technicians take speedy action to reduce the corrosive residue load on surfaces. We open up the space for ventilation and use air movers stocked on our service vehicles to exchange air. To prevent soot contamination into unaffected areas of your home, we set up containment barriers using plastic sheeting and air scrubbers positioned inside that force airborne contaminants into HEPA filtration.

Why Is a Fast Response With the Right Team Important for Fire Damage Cleanup?

Removing the soot from surfaces promptly is essential to stopping the corrosive action of smoke particulates. Our SERVPRO team schedules enough technicians to rapidly clean walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, and our focus is to restore. If soot is not removed before the underlying materials weaken or stain permanently, portions of your house might need demolition and rebuilding, a disruptive, costly, and avoidable result.

Obtain the help of the expert fire recovery crews at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane when fire or smoke damages your home. We are available 24/7/365 with one call to our team at 509-474-9144.

More about Spokane.

Real Quotes from Real Customers: Listen to what Spokane area residents are saying about SERVPRO

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane puts customer satisfaction as a top priority!

At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we strive every day to ensure that our quality of work is up to the highest of standards and are always so happy to get positive feedback from our customers.

Here are some recent quotes from real customers:

"They were here in a few hours for an emergency flooding situation.  They did an awesome job on both units and were very knowledgeable regarding the situation at hand.  The tenants were also very happy with the outcome and the service! Great Job!" -Spokane Area Property Manager

"We had a leak in our basement over the holiday weekend and Brittany and Cole were great. Everyone was very helpful, and got us taken care of. Great customer service for a not so great situation." -Chris in Spokane, WA

"Couldn't be happier with the level of professionalism and work ethic of the SERVPRO team that came to help clean up our house.  Jessica and Cole worked tremendously together and communicated with us phenomenally through the clean up process, lifting so much weight off of our shoulder in a very difficult, highly stressed time for us.  If we could give more than 5 stars, we definitely would.  I highly recommend SERVPRO to anyone needing clean up services.  They have set very high standards and will definitely be using them again, for anything needed in the future.  We seriously cannot thank them enough." -Brandon in Spokane, WA

From the smallest toilet overflow to a whole house flood from a pipe burst, water damage can happen at any time, so when it does, give us a call at 509-474-9144.  Our team is here to help, and we care not only for your home or office but for you as an individual.  We know that each job is not simply a job but someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event.  Our ultimate goal is to help make it a little less stressful and help you get back to normal.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost and Other Frequently Asked Questions

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions

After receiving a call from a homeowner who has had water damage in their home, here are some of the most frequently asked questions asked.

Q:  How much does water damage restoration cost?
A:  Unfortunately, we cannot give you an estimate on water damage restoration over the phone due to the complexity of the situation.  We can, however, provide you with a professional estimate after inspecting your home.  Some of the factors that affect the restoration estimate are the length of time that the restoration will take, the equipment needed to clean and dry the structure, the labor hours required, any personal protective equipment or containment that might be needed, and whether any demolition or removal of wet materials are required.

Q:  How soon can you get here?
A:  On average, our teams can be equipped and ready to begin the mitigation process to your home within 2 hours of your call.

Q:  How quickly does mold begin to grow after water damage?
A:  Under the right conditions, mold can start to grow in as little as 48 hours, so it is essential to get the water damage restoration process started as soon as possible.

Q:  What products might you be spraying in my home?
A:  When necessary, we may use SERVPRO's proprietary decontamination products on the affected areas reducing the likelihood of microbial growth.  The most common product that we use is SERVPROXIDE™; an EPA registered stabilized chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant and sanitizer. Our customers appreciate that this product is safe for use on all surfaces and is not harmful to people or their pets as it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating for a disinfectant and is also NSF rated for food contact surfaces.

Q:  Can I remain at home during the drying process?
A:  The majority of our customers can stay in the home during restoration. There are cases where the house is deemed hazardous due to toxic conditions, a lack of heat, or structural damage. In these cases, your insurance company might pay for you to be temporarily relocated.  Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage is a form of coverage typically included in most homeowners and renters insurance policies that allows you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

Q:  Will my claim be covered under my insurance policy?
A:  Although we see hundreds of claims a year and might have a good idea of whether or not your water damage will be covered, only your insurance company can truly answer that question.  Our team is highly experienced in interacting with insurance adjusters and will work directly with your provider, including submitting the necessary documentation to assist in this process.

Do you have any other questions about the water damage restoration process?  Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team at (509) 474-9144 and let us know how we can help.

Should I Clean My Basement After Flooding?

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

As the lowest point in your home, the basement is a prime area for water infiltration. SERVPRO is standing by ready, Here to Help Spokane.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to Restore Your Spokane Basement After a Flood

Storms in Spokane can be devastating to your home, even if they do not affect a broad area. They can create damage to the roof and windows or saturate the ground around your home. Under all circumstances, water entry into your home can be devastating and costly if left unattended. Rather than relying on intuition, invite a professional service to assess the damage and develop a restoration plan for the health of your home.

For basement flooding in the Spokane area, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is standing by, Here to Help. Our team of experts can handle all magnitude of flooding needs. Upon arriving at your home, we thoroughly inspect all affected areas to determine the extent of the damage. A professional team is crucial when you need to file an insurance claim for the loss to help guide you through the process. As we work in your home, we document each of our action steps, which are invaluable as you complete your case for insurance purposes.

What Not to Do After a Flood in Your Basement

When water enters your home, quick remediation is essential. Regardless of how quickly you reach out to our SERVPRO team, you can do a few things to await our arrival. Taking swift action can help mitigate the damage to your house as well as your personal belongings. A simple way to apply the same principles that guide our work include:

• Remove materials such as upholstery and fabric. Storm waters invite bacteria into your home, and absorbent material can become a breeding ground.
• Air out the area as much as possible. Our team brings industrial-grade drying equipment such as dehumidifiers, air movers, and air filtration devices. Still, your initial efforts in encouraging water evaporation can be beneficial.
• Avoid cross-contamination. Help protect other areas of your home by avoiding traffic within it. Our team sets up physical containment barriers with plastic sheeting to prevent debris and microbes from traveling through your home when necessary.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is at your service when flooding happens. Call us at (509) 474-9144 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

More about Spokane.

When Water Has Damaged Your Floors In Spokane, We Are The Team To Call!

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how your flooring can be damaged from water. We come prepared with the equipment your home needs after a water damage occurs.

Water Can Damage Your Floors In Spokane

Water naturally flows to the lowest points in your Spokane home after a plumbing break, appliance mishap, or another water incursion. The floors in the water path can take a real beating, requiring the assistance of professional water mitigation specialists to recover both function and appearance. Our crews of IICRC-trained technicians and the investment we have made in state-of-the-art water removal and drying equipment can help.

Depending on the kind of floors in your home, water cleanup in Spokane can vary. When flooding occurs over a relatively durable floor like vinyl, ceramic tile, or concrete, the long-term result can be minimal or no permanent damage. Even these hard-working floors need complete water removal and basic drying strategies for the best results. Evaluation of any underlying floor layers is crucial as moisture retained by a subfloor can saturate the top layer, repeatedly putting that visible flooring at risk of permanent damage.

Water Removal Services

Hardwood floors are popular, beautiful, and somewhat durable if spills and minor flooding are mitigated quickly. SERVPRO invests in specialized drying equipment that offers superior outcomes with water cleanup of hardwood floors. The Injectidry System uses a series of panels laid flat to pull moisture out of a wet floor. Each panel connects via hoses with the primary negative pressure source, creating a powerful suction that moves water from the subfloor through joints, drying all layers with that action.

Tile floors sometimes suffer from the effects of cracked or worn grout lines. The Injectidry System can help with that scenario and suction the moisture up through the porous grout. Whatever type of flooring is involved, the SERVPRO technicians use the technology carefully, monitoring the moisture levels of the flooring materials at all levels. This consistent monitoring ensures that drying goals are met evenly across the expanse of flooring needing water cleanup.

Some contemporary flooring options do not fare as well during water cleanup. Laminates often must be considered for removal and replacement, their synthetic materials peeling, splitting, and delaminating. SERVPRO technicians can help you make the best decision in these cases. Even though you might discard the laminate, the subfloor needs water removal and drying before an alternative flooring is applied.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready to assist with your water cleanup needs, including working with a broad range of wet flooring. Call us at (509) 474-9144 to evaluate as soon as water damage occurs.

Our Professionals Explain The Secondary Effects Of Fire Damage In Spokane

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our IICRC certified technicians are prepared to assist with any level of fire damage in your home. Call us right away.

Secondary Effects Of Fire Damage In Spokane Homes

After first responders have done their job for your Spokane residence and put out the blaze, you get to start working on the steps it takes to return your property to preloss condition. The trouble is, you have no accurate understanding of how severe the damage is in areas of the property without a proper assessment from professionals like SERVPRO. Overcoming all of the effects of fire damage is rarely as simple as the structural damage, smoke, and soot that comes with this incident.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

While these effects must also get addressed throughout the fire damage restoration process for your Spokane residence, secondary effects and incidental damages can often prove more pressing to resolve. Water damage is an excellent example of this, as it usually requires a large volume of water to quell spreading fires. This pooling occurs in all of these affected areas and requires professional restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team to work quickly to restore.

With the severity of the situation in a widespread structure fire, homeowners might believe that water damage is the least of their concerns. The longer that moisture persists in affected areas, the more likely situations like mold growth become. The saturation of material can affect places like the basement or crawlspace. If it goes unnoticed, it can allow severe mold colonization that can present health effects to occupants of the house and further structural degradation.

Mold Damage Inspection

Our initial assessment of the property when our SERVPRO professionals arrive addresses the full spread of the damage and secondary effects throughout the house. This inspection can help our technicians to identify areas like the basement and crawlspace that could have become susceptible to water damage and mold growth and take preventative steps to keep microbial growth from occurring in these areas if it has not already begun.

Fire damage is rarely simple to overcome, but it can get accomplished promptly and thoroughly with the right professional assistance. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane fire restoration technicians are available 24/7 by calling (509) 474-9144.

Does SERVPRO Help with Localized Mold Remediation in Spokane Properties?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO Helps Cleanup or Rebuild Parts of Your Spokane Property Affected by Black Mold

Mold can affect vast sections of your Spokane property or a small area if the moisture problem is localized. For instance, a water feed line under the sink can cause an unseen leak. The moisture and darkness can accelerate infestation, causing significant damage.

Under such circumstances, mold remediation in your Spokane home should not create many inconveniences. However, it is a challenging affair since the affected area might require demolition to remove moldy residues and wet wall materials such as insulation without destroying unaffected areas. SERVPRO handles the partial demolition, cleanup, drying, and refinishing of the area to match the surrounding areas.

Our Service is well Adapted to Handle:

• Mold removal
• Mold inspection
• Black mold damage repairs

Although the mold on the surfaces may be visible, there is a chance for mold to develop within the surrounding wall cavity since moisture readily spreads through the air and absorption by materials. Our SERVPRO technicians perform a thorough assessment to determine how far the problem spreads. We then perform controlled demolition by cutting open the wall panels in the surrounding areas and removing the deteriorated materials. 

Fixing the leak source is essential. Otherwise, the problem would recur immediately. For minor leaks or pipe replacements, our SERVPRO technicians help fix them before starting remediation processes such as drying the affected areas. We use air movers or specialized cavity drying equipment to force warm, dry air around the wet surfaces. We also apply antimicrobial products and sporicides to the surfaces to halt further growth and kill spores. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has sufficient experience handling mold remediation cases. Call us at (509) 474-9144 to help you with any bacterial or fungal problem, “Like it never even happened.”

Our Experts At SERVPRO Explain Our Water Damage Restoration Process For Your Spokane Home

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Quick action after a water damage event is key. Contact SERVPRO immediately for certified technicians and the equipment to do the job right.

Step By Step Water Damage Restoration In Spokane

Water serves as a convenience and comfort in your Spokane home, assuming sound plumbing and well-working and maintained appliances. The friendly relationship you have with water can change in an instant when pipes crack, or your hard-working dishwasher, water heater, or washing machine experiences a pump breakdown, rusted bottom, or a supply line breach. Our highly qualified work crews are familiar with all aspects of professional water damage mitigation regardless of the water source.

Fast Response Time

Step one in any water damage remediation in Spokane is a speedy response. Water soaking into structural components, spreading across and into fixtures like carpeting and cabinets, and saturating containers of personal possessions immediately begins a severe destructive process. The faster expert water mitigators attend to the problem, the more likely structural damage halts, and the water-logged personal possessions stand a good chance of restoration to function and appearance.

Assessment and Planning

The SERVPRO team strives to arrive within a few hours of the water event, and the crew chief completes the second step -- a thorough assessment and restoration plan. Moisture measurements and scanning for trapped water caches is step three. Our team defines the work area and establishes baselines for eventual drying goals.

Water Damage Restoration

Step four is water removal, and our familiar green SERVPRO vehicles have all the equipment necessary to pump and extract water. If the electricity is shut down for safety, our trucks carry power generators, so no delay is needed for our employees to start the water exiting your dwelling. Our crew members bring their IICRC training to every job, using effective strategies to get the water out even in hard-to-reach areas between walls and in cavities.

Structural Drying

Once the water evacuates, step five, structural drying, commences. Our team masters the principles of psychrometry, or the science of drying, during mandated training. SERVPRO vehicles again boast all the equipment needed -- air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Getting the balance of air movement, heat, and lowered humidity right is indeed a science. This caused the liquid moisture to vaporize and then condense or absorb within evaporative or desiccant dehumidifiers for disposal.

Deodorizing and Cleaning

Cleaning and sanitization is step six, ensuring that any lingering moisture does not fuel a mold outbreak and that debris dislodged during the flooding and water removal is cleared. If odors are a problem, SERVPRO deodorant specialists use various methods to eliminate the smell, leaving your home fresh.

Rebuild and Repair

Finally, step seven encompasses the tasks needed to restore structures and possessions to “Like it never even happened.” Repair and sometimes rebuilding might be required, services provided by SERVPRO or affiliated contractors.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane provides the technicians and equipment necessary to restore a home suffering from internal water damage. Contact our team at (509) 474-9144 as soon as possible after a water damage event for best outcomes.

Flood and Muddy Waters In Spokane? Call SERVPRO for Removal and Cleanup

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can leave behind a large amount of debris. Partner with SERVPRO at this time for effective flood damage remediation services.

Understanding the Difference Between Water & Flood Damage in Your Spokane Home

Many Spokane homeowners consider water damage to be the same as flood damage, and this assumption can get people into a bit of trouble. In general, floods cause more significant health risks and cost more to repair. However, there is more to it, and you need to understand how to discern between the two and what it means for your home.

When you think about it, water problems can come from anywhere, including leaks in your roof, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and more. It also usually only affects a small area making things complex but not unmanageable. However, flood damage can hit your Spokane area home fast, leaving everything around you covered in sewage, mud, and other debris that affect your entire property and beyond. While floods are commonly temporary, the cleanup process can end up taking a long time.

All of the mud and debris swept in by a flood leaves a residue behind that requires removal before disinfecting your property can begin. Professionals, like those offered by SERVPRO, disinfect every surface found in your home, a process that includes applying biocides, antimicrobials, and bacterial disinfectants to everything by hand.

SERVPRO technicians use infrared and thermal imaging to locate all of the hidden pockets of moisture in your home. Every enclosed space can contain any of a variety of mold spores carried in by a flood, and they need to be taken care of before they can grow. We use water extractors, dehumidifiers, air movers, and all sorts of different equipment to address problems found in your home.

SERVPRO’s staff also helps you communicate with your insurance provider, improving the overall claim process. We help you get the emergency support you need to make your house a home again, “Like it never even happened.” Our team manages the entire restoration process from start to finish. This includes all repairs and helping prepare your home against future incursion.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, year-round to provide members of our local community with the cleanup and restoration services needed to get things back on track fast. Call our restoration office any time, day or night. (509) 474-9144.

Emergency Services Water Damage Procedures for Spokane Houses

5/16/2021 (Permalink)

Excess water can damage both the structure and the contents of your home. Call team SERVPRO for tailored remediation for the water damage.

These water damage repairs happen even before most drying services

When water damage strikes at a local home in Spokane, SERVPRO leaps into action to bring a rapid response to the situation. These are some of the first things we do in an emergency before we even begin drying out the area.

Hazard Removal

One of the first actions we take in a Spokane home with water damage is to remove hazards from the area. Our experienced technicians know how to identify and safely handle electrical hazards, contaminated materials, sharp objects, and other hazardous elements. As part of this process, we perform:

• Water clean up around electronics and wall plugs
• Sewage cleanup, if applicable
• Chemical and UV sterilization of surfaces

Furniture Stain Removal

SERVPRO can often remove furniture stains, but we must act fast. In many cases, we begin anti-stain treatments before even drying out carpets and other materials. We accomplish this through purpose-made sanitizing and cleaning chemicals for upholstery.

Removing Carpet Pads

We may need to remove carpet padding before proceeding to water removal services. Our technicians do this frequently across Spokane and work fast to minimize damages throughout the process. We can often replace the pad alone while saving the carpet layer.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can handle your water damage emergency. Call us at (509) 474-9144.

What is the Essential Equipment for Fire Damage Restoration in Spokane?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Has your home suffered from a recent fire? Contact our certified SERVPRO team for fire damage remediation and clean up services.

SERVPRO in Spokane Can Help your Restore your Property after Fire Damage

Property fires present several challenges for restoration technicians, so we use a multitude of equipment and cleaning agents to tackle them. Some of the equipment we use may be found around your household, such as vacuum cleaners. Other equipment such as abrasive sandblasters may be difficult to source by yourself. 

• SERVPRO uses equipment to perform:
• Fire damage restoration 
• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup

Smoke remediation

Some equipment used in fire damage restoration for your Spokane home may appear familiar. Often, these equipment are industrial versions of household cleaning equipment. Our air-filtration devices, for example, work in a similar way to air-conditioners, albeit with more filters designed to catch even the smallest particles of soot, dust, and odor. 

• Light-vacuums are designed to sustain particle dust and soot without damaging filters or suction. 
• Dry sponges are specially designed to collect even the smallest dust particles from natural surfaces.
• Soda and sandblasting equipment can help to return semi-porous materials like wood to preloss conditions. 

We are a leading provider of restoration services. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for fire damage cleanup at (509) 474-9144 now.

How Do Businesses Deal with Flood Damage in Spokane

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Was your office recently flooded? Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services whether the damage is small or extensive.

Spokane Businesses Use SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration of Commercial Premises

Commercial premises that flood need urgent assistance to minimize revenue losses and get their businesses up and running. We have experience working with offices, tenement buildings, private landlords, and public service industries to deliver expert flooding advice and restoration. 

• Call us if your business needs:
• Emergency services water damage
• Water clean up

Sewage cleanup

Commercial premises with flood damage in Spokane may be hazardous. SERVPRO can scope, evaluate and protect the structure as a priority. Once a safe environment is established, we can begin work extracting excess moisture and restoring the premises to their pre-incident condition.

• ISD Monitor Dials measure the premises' condition and allow technicians to stay up-to-date with humidity, water vapor, and temperature in real-time.
• Flex hoses are essential to sealing property and providing better psychrometric controls to technicians.
• Disinfectants can be essential when dealing with hazardous substances like sewage or stagnant water.

We can get your business back up and running after an emergency. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Are Ceiling Leaks Expensive to Repair in Spokane?

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by excess water? Call our SERVPRO team for water removal and remediation services today. We are standing by 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Uses a Restore over Replace Mentality for Ceiling Leaks in your Spokane Home

Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State with the largest urban waterfall in the US. The Riverfront Park is among the top attractions, which houses some of the city's finest museums, trails, and history. Initially constructed for the World Fair of 1974, the park is well maintained and includes the Spokane falls. At the center of the park is the United States Pavilion which supports huge crowds during Spokane's annual festivals and events. Despite enjoying a reputation as one of the leading urban natural retreats in the Pacific Northeast, Spokane is also a thriving cultural region with contemporary art museums and modern architecture, making the city one of the better places to take a stroll and unwind. 

Outdoors enthusiasts can find a plethora of activities inside the city limits. Spokane national park is a thriving ski resort that is just a twenty-minute drive from the city center. The centennial trail is a delight for hikers who can explore nearly forty miles of conservation grounds and wetlands. The John A. Finch Arboretum is also a highlight featuring over 2,000 species of flora, fauna, and trees. After a long day's walking, the Northwest Museum of History is perfect for learning about the early modern period of Washington state and the indigenous heritage sites; Spokane earns its name from the Native American Spokane tribe, which means children of the sun. The downtown center is the heart of Spokane's modern culture, with cinemas, restaurants, and craft breweries aplenty.

• The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture features several subterranean exhibits that rotate throughout the year and complement its permanent collection. The outdoor cafe and tours of surrounding grounds are a must for tourists. The center runs regular workshops for patrons throughout the year.
• Riverfront Park is home to some of Spokane's leading attractions. Inside the 100-acre park is the Looff Carousel, built in the early twentieth century, the 1902 clock, and the centennial trail's starting point. The U.S Pavilion features an IMAX cinema and ice skating rink during the winter season.
• The Davenport Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and was initially constructed in 1914. The hotel remains in operation and is just around the corner from the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, which was opened in a similar era and hosted orchestral renditions and plays.

SERVPRO Can Identify the Root Causes of a Ceiling Leak in your Home

Ceiling leaks can occur due to an exterior structural fault or insufficient sealant below wetrooms and plumbing issues. SERVPRO can help reduce losses. We provide help with:

• Ceiling leaks
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water damage remediation

A tell-tale sign of a ceiling leak is cracking or bubbling of the paintwork. You may also notice liquid water dripping from the ceiling, although this is usually a more severe sign. Without intervention, ceiling leaks can affect the structural integrity or lead to extensive mold growth. 

• SERVPRO can use advanced water measuring devices to discover the source of a leaking ceiling.
• By opening up the ceiling cavity, we can apply rapid air-movement, heating, and drying to the inner.
• Restoring over replacing is often more cost and time-efficient when performing the restoration. 

For assistance with ceiling leakage, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for water damage at (509) 474-9144.

Can Flooding Cause Harm to Hard Surface Flooring?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Although ceramic tiles are water resistant, they are not waterproof and can become loosened. SERVPRO knows how to dry the subfloor. Call us today!

SERVPRO Can Restore Flooring in your Colbert Home after a Flood Event

Hard surface flooring covers masonry like ceramic tilings, concrete and resilient tiles. These types of floor material are commonly found in basements, garages, and kitchens of residential homes. A flood or natural disaster can lead to hard surface flooring being exposed to large amounts of water for a significant time.

The impact of flood damage on the floors of your Colbert home largely depends on the installation and material. Concretes are generally porous, which means they can absorb moisture, blister, or crack. Ceramic and resilient tiles resist water well, although installation issues for improper sealing can cause moisture to leak beneath tiles damaging the subfloor below.

• Concrete floors can often be restored using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum, which reduces moisture content and microbial growth.
• Asphalt and other resilient tiles may become chalky after exposure to water; however, careful assessment of subfloor with a moisture meter is necessary.
• Insufficient vapor barriers on Ceramic Tiles can cause the subfloor underneath to warp, leading to cracking. Otherwise, ceramics have a strong resistance to water exposure.

Hard surface flooring is often repairable with the correct technique and equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for flood damage repair at (509) 474-9144.

How Does the Source of Water Affect Restoration?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that water intrusion events can contain contaminants? SERVPRO can safely remove water from your home.

Analyzing the Source of Water Intrusion in your Spokane Home is Essential to Understanding Contamination Levels and Inputting a Cleanup Operation

Water can intrude into a home environment from a plurality of sources. Common factors across water restoration may include broken pipes, appliance malfunction, natural disasters, and structural insufficiencies. Cleanup of a water intrusion event relies on understanding the different types of contamination. 

Performing water cleanup in your Spokane home is a duty that requires unique expertise and training. There are three broad types of water contamination: clean water, gray water, and black water. Blackwater is the most severe type of water contamination and can be harmful to your health. 

• Carpet and carpet pads are frequently cleanable in clean and gray water emergencies, reducing claims expense.
• Blackwater contains biological hazards, which means any porous materials exposed to this type of water need replacing.
• Expensive textiles may have some cleanability following black water exposure by using a biocide and several cleans. However, these items must be confirmed sanitary by an Indoor Environmental Specialist.

Avoid water contamination problems in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for water cleanup at (509) 474-9144.

How Long Does It Take to Clean an Office after a Fire?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial property loss from fire damage each year is significant. SERVPRO stands ready to remediate the damage and keep your business open.

SERVPRO Can Quickly and Efficiently Return your Spokane Office to its Pre-loss Condition after Fire

Spokane is situated in a county of the same name and is part of Washington State. Spokane's 208,916 residents put the city within the top 100 largest cities in the United States. Initially, the region was a trading outpost for European exploration; however, the North Pacific railway's construction rapidly grew the local populace, and it became incorporated as a town in 1881. During the majority of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the city of Spokane relied on raw materials for its economy. These included mining, timber production, and farming. 

The reputation of Spokane as a manufacturing town is true to its roots and recent history. However, recently, the city has sought to reinvent itself. The much-anticipated opening of the River Park Square Mall, the Spokane Convention Center, and the Spokane Arena have breathed new life into the downtown districts and steady growth in the local population. Culturally, the Fox Theater and the Knitting Factory provide contemporary arts entertainment throughout the year. As an essential region during the industrial revolution, numerous museums are dedicated to Spokane city and the county's early history.

• Spokane Falls is located right in the center of the city and is a stunning, cascading waterfall. The area is close to the riverfront park, which features local restaurants and bars overlooking the Spokane River. Tours of the river and falls are available to visitors, explaining Spokane's unique role in America's timber and manufacturing industries.
• Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox is a local institution covering both classic drama and contemporary theater. The playhouse, located in the center of the downtown district, initially opened in 1931 but has been rejuvenated by a recent renovation project, located on West Sprague Avenue. 
• The historic downtown region runs for just over nine miles with many excellent restaurants, bars, and activities. Much of the downtown district runs adjacent to the river providing fantastic views of the nearby falls and the Herbert M Hambien Conservation area.

SERVPRO Can Remove Stubborn Smoke Residues from your Business

Smoke damages are among the most time-consuming to restore. These deposits can be dry, greasy, or wet, depending on the type of material combusting, and can often carry unpleasant odors. SERVPRO technicians use industrial-grade cleaning agents to dissolve and suspend soil particles before rinsing them away with clean water. 

• Agitation can help reduce the impact of dry soot or dislodge soil from the commercial property's structure and contents.
• Fire damage restoration professionals use the suspension technique to lift soot into a solvent before cleaning away, often with an emulsifying agent.
• Dissolution is valid for greasy or wet smoke deposits and involves dissolving soot before removing.

Soot and smoke can cause further fire damage without the proper cleaning techniques. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for fire damage restoration at (509) 474-9144.

Can You Prevent the Need for Mold Remediation in Spokane?

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage often follows water damage. SERVPRO is available to remediate any mold damage you may have.

SERVPRO is Here When you Need Mold Remediation Help

When it comes to mold remediation, prevention is undoubtedly better than cure. Mold can damage your home, so it is essential to prevent it if you can.

If you are keen to avoid the need for mold remediation in your Spokane home, there are some things you can do. SERVPRO recommends:

• Ensuring your doors and windows are sound, with no leaks.
• Keeping downpipes and gutters clear to prevent them from overflowing.
• Checking for leaks around faucets, toilets, and showers and dealing with them immediately.
• It is also important to check damp areas of your home for patches of mold, water stains, or musty odors.

Call SERVPRO as soon as you notice signs of mold. We equip our teams with air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, air movers, and monitoring tools to tackle mold swiftly and effectively.

We do not just remove mold – we dry the area to discourage regrowth. Mold thrives in damp areas, so drying is essential to keeping the problem at bay. 

For help with mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Can We Save Textiles After Fire Damage in Spokane?

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Even smoke and soot from a small fire travels throughout the house. SERVPRO can restore your smoke and soot damaged clothing.

SERVPRO Helps Restore Linens and Clothes

In the unfortunate aftermath of a fire, you might think you need to throw away all soot-damaged linens and textiles. However, sometimes, it is possible to salvage them. 

After fire damage in Spokane, you might assume you must dispose of all soot-damaged materials. Indeed, we cannot restore materials if parts of them are burned out. However, if the item is still whole, it is often possible to remove soot damage. Our team can restore:

• Clothes and accessories, including shoes, jackets, and hats.
• Linens and towels, including duvet covers.
• Soft furnishings such as scatter pillows, rugs, blankets, and throws.
  

Some of the gentle but effective cleaning methods at our disposal include ultrasonic cleaning, which uses tiny bubbles to remove particles, and Esporta washers, which use hydraulic cleaning. In some cases, we can clean items on-site, but we can also transport them to our facility if necessary. 

We can also use spot-cleaning to tackle tough stains on delicate fabrics, and we can use ULV fogging to deodorize furniture.

Do not give up on your textiles and soft furnishings after fire damage. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Helping Historic Buildings with Water Damage

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our city boasts many beautiful, historic buildings. SERVPRO has the knowledge to restore water damage in old and new buildings alike.

Spokane’s Architecture is in Safe Hands with SERVPRO

Spokane is a thoroughly modern city that features plenty of gorgeous historic architecture. Spokane has a population of 222,081 and is famous for being the birthplace of Father’s Day. It is also celebrated as the lilac city, thanks to the proliferation of lilacs that grow there. There is even a double-cultivar pink lilac named after the town. 

Explore Beautiful Spokane 

At first glance, Spokane is a very modern city, with a rich arts and sports culture, plenty of community events, and a thriving business district. However, it is also home to some impressive historic buildings, mostly in the Romanesque-revival style, although you can see buildings in various styles all over the city. The Romanesque-revival type is especially prevalent in the downtown historic district, where many buildings were destroyed following the great fire of 1889.

The self-taught architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter designed many of Spokane’s notable buildings as part of the effort to rebuild after the blaze. Cutter was born in 1860, and when he was 26, he moved to Spokane. Although he initially worked for his uncle, a banker, Cutter quickly began designing buildings. By the 1920s, he had created hundreds of facilities and helped Spokane gain a reputation for beautiful architecture that rivaled bigger cities such as Chicago and Seattle.

The romanesque-revival style draws heavily from Romanesque architecture and includes thick walls, round barrel vaults, sturdy pillars, and decorative columns. The type gives downtown Spokane its unique look. Much of Cutter’s work is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the gems you can see around Spokane include:

• The Davenport Hotel is an imposing hotel that some local businessmen commissioned. It features many touches that were unique when Cutter designed it in 1914. It was the first hotel in the United States to feature a pipe organ, a central vacuum system, and air conditioning.
• The Patsy Clark Mansion is a distinctive home that Cutter designed in 1897. It was commissioned by Patsy Clark, who was a mining millionaire and has also done duty as an office building and a hotel. These days it is the home of a law firm, though you can still rent out some parts for private functions.
• Campbell House is another private residence that Cutter designed in 1898. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture provides tours of the house as part of their regular programming. 

Spokane offers a wealth of parks and walking trails to enjoy alongside its many beautiful buildings. Be sure to stop by Riverfront Park, conveniently located in the downtown area and offers stunning views of Spokane Falls. You can even take a Skyride or gondola lift to look at the falls better.

Taking Care of Historic Businesses 

Businesses located in one of downtown Spokane’s historic buildings need special care in the event of water damage. Older buildings often feature intricate carvings and moldings and are also more prone to dampness, which is a concern in the case of water damage. 

Thorough and swift drying is key to protecting historic buildings during water remediation. SERVPRO teams come equipped with:

• A range of pumps and extraction tools to remove water.
• Air movers, dehumidifiers, and portable heaters to dry buildings.
• Monitoring equipment to test water and humidity levels throughout remediation.

Monitoring is essential when working in old buildings to check for hidden damp patches and dry the structure effectively.

We are here to help Spokane businesses with water damage. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Can You Ever Be Too Cautious When Keeping Your Kids Safe in Colbert?

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Storms may cause flood damage to your home. Don't be discouraged. Call SERVPRO for the water damage restoration services needed for your home.

Follow Recommendations from Safe Start in Colbert’s Neighbor Spokane Valley in “Car Seat Safety 101 Online Live”

Learn how to ensure your child’s safety in your car from Safe Start’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor, Brian. This free, online session provides critical information for conscientious parents, including:

• Choosing the correct car seat
• Determining the safest place to install a car seat
• Deciding when to move up to a larger size seat

Safe Start has new car seats available for families in need. To qualify, you must be unable to afford one yourself, and your child must not currently have a safe seat. Taking this class is a requirement to receive a free seat.

• Date And Time: Thursday, February 4, 2021

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

• Register through Eventbrite Spokane Valley or contact 

Safe Start

10814 E. Broadway Ave.

Suite 004

Spokane Valley, WA 99206

206.582.6191

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane pledges to return your flood-damaged Colbert home to “Like it never even happened.” Seek safety from storm-related harm by calling (509) 474-9144.

Interested in Exploring Your Creative Side Near Spokane?

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

The residual effects after a fire are no easy task to handle. Call SERVPRO and their IICRC certified technicians for the fire restoration services.

Spend the Weekend of January 30 and 31, 2021, Mastering Plateau Basketry at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel

Enjoy a weekend getaway during the Two-Day Plateau Basketry Lifeways Workshop at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Hotel 30 minutes from Spokane. Tribal member Leanne Campbell leads the two-day session. Get a jump-start creating a full-sized root bag, known as a "Sally Bag." Two six-hour sessions of weaving instruction and full take-home completion directions permit you to finish the intricate, authentic project on your own, usually a several month tasks.

• Dates: January 30 - 31, 2021
• Location: Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort
• Phone: 1-800-523-2464
• Times: Saturday the 30th noon - 6:00 pm

Sunday the 31st 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

• Cost: $160
• Meals included: Dinner on Saturday and Lunch on Sunday.

Visit Websites of the Spokane Visitor Center or the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort to register.

Hotel Packages are available separately.

Expert fire damage restoration from SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can recreate the comfort and beauty destroyed by heat, smoke, and flames. Call us at (509) 474-9144 to weave together an effective recovery plan. 

What Can Spokane Homeowners Expect from Professional Flood Damage Recovery?

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage is no laughing matter. Call the professionals at SERVPRO to have your property restored to preloss condition.

SERVPRO's Focused Training, Equipment, and Equipment Offer Highly Successful Outcomes for Spokane Flood Damage Scenarios

The Spokane area has many stories of relatively recent flooding in the Vinegar Flats and Peaceful Valley areas. Seasonal overflows from Handman Creek and the Spokane River frequently put homes built in these locations at risk of substantial flooding. A devastating flood occurred on May 15, 1957, when mud, rocks, and debris flowed nearly as freely as the water pouring over the rivers' banks. Houses clogged with silt were also surrounded with several feet of larger rocks and mud. Modern flood damage restoration efforts surely would have been appreciated during the 1957 disaster.

Has the Spokane Area Always Been at Risk of Flooding?

No matter how severe flooding gets in the 21st century, the stories pale compared to the massive Missoula floods dating to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Research into this ancient flooding began in the 1920s. Geologist J Harlen Bretz was the first to investigate the deposits and unique erosion patterns in eastern Washington. The miles-deep ice sheets ultimately covering what is now Washington State began their buildup 33,000 years ago. Maximum land coverage with glaciers peaked between 26,500 years and 19,000 years in the past. Climate changes caused the glaciers to disappear over a period from roughly 15,000 to 13,000 years ago. In the Spokane area, the melting of the glaciers resulted in the prehistoric flooding, known variously as the:

• Missoula floods
• Spokane floods
• Bretz floods or Bretz's floods

Where Did the Missoula or Spokane Floods Flow?

The flooding affected what is now eastern Washington State, unloading massive quantities of glacial meltwater down the Columbia River Gorge. There is evidence that the narrows adjacent to modern-day Kalama Washington halted the flow enough that temporary lakes more than 400 feet deep formed, spreading floodwaters in the Willamette Valley to what is now Eugene, Oregon. Sediments deposited during those events likely contributed to the fertility of the soil in the valley.

Was There One or Many Ancient Floods in the Spokane Area?

Many researchers developed hypotheses, often divergent, about the Missoula or Spokane floods' number and timing. Eventually, a consensus developed after years of controversy. Analysis of sediments and the use of paleomagnetism theories lead to the best answer possible at this time. Paleomagnetism comprises the study of the Earth's magnetic fields as presented in rocks and sediments, and sometimes fossils. The investigations determine:

• The magnetic field's direction and intensity as the sedimentary rock forms.
• An interpretation of the geology's magnetic minerals preserving a record of long-ago events that disrupted the rocky material.
• A time-scale that can be a geochronologic tool.

What Is the Most Recent Theory on the Mechanisms of the Prehistoric Flooding?

Using the above resources separate discernable layers into convincing evidence of sequential floods. The glacial meltwater dammed up for lengthy periods and then released many times. Proof of the repeated flooding events reflects in the following:

• The layering of deposits of ash from eruptions of Mount St. Helens.
• Offshore deposits in the Pacific beyond the mouth of the Columbia River that correspond with sediments deposited upriver.

Note: Experts currently believe there were 30–40 year intervals between flood events based on the above data. On occasion, the gap in flooding could have been up to 60 years. 

Why Did the Water Release from the Glacial-Era Natural Dams?

The Clark Fork River drains a vast region of the Rocky Mountains, including western Montana and northern Idaho areas. This watershed created prehistoric "Lake Missoula" above the Columbia River gorge. Ice dammed up the glacial meltwater, holding it tight until a sequence of natural reactions periodically "burst" the dam, and substantial amounts of water flooded down the outflow of the watershed. With every inch of water collected behind the dam, pressure increased at the bottom of the dam. The pressure lowered the water's freezing point, permitting liquid water to invade cracks in the ice dam. As more water invaded, the fissures increased in number and size. Shortly thereafter, the dam collapsed, followed by a glacial lake outburst flood. Once the overflow was released, the dam was built back, and the cycle recurred.

Estimates of the size and speed of the flow when the dam burst is staggering:

• Floodwaters flowed at approximately 45 miles per hour (based on the force needed to dislodge the largest boulders moved by the flood).
• Nine cubic miles of water flowed per hour during any one of the dozens of floods, more than ten times the estimated flow of all present rivers in the world combined.

What Is the Protocol for Flood Recovery in Spokane Today?

Current Spokane's storm-related flood damage is more manageable than the ancient flooding, particularly when our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained team arrived with fully-stocked service vehicles. Prompt assessment of safety hazards, plus structural and content damage is crucial, and our 24-hour response sets the stage for a successful resolution of a flood loss.

How Are Flood Waters Removed and Spaces Dried in Spokane?

SERVPRO maintains a comprehensive and scalable inventory of high-efficiency water pumping and extraction equipment. Once silt is mucked out, we select from the following options:

• Submersible pumps remove water more than 2 inches deep, perhaps using "trash pumps" for muddy fluids.
• Truck-mounted extractors rid your home from the bulk of the remaining water.
• Containment tanks hold contaminated water for locally lawful disposal.
• Portable extractors are perfect for confined spaces.
• Air movers accelerate drying.
• Heaters enhance evaporation.
• Dehumidifiers remove water vapor, condensed or absorbed for containment and disposal.

What Do Professionals Do to Clean and Disinfect After Spokane Flood Damage?

Surfaces receive thorough scrubbing with EPA-registered cleaners as a first step to remove pathogens and limit odors. SERVPRO crews wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and to prevent the spread of residues and debris during flood cleanup. Persistent smells might require advanced deodorization technology such as enzyme treatments or hydroxyl generators to change the chemical composition of odor-bearing particles.

Although we are spared the devastation of Missoula floods in the 21st century, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane takes your flood damage needs seriously. Call (509) 474-9144 any day of the year, round the clock, for top-notch flooding mitigation and remediation services.

Participate in a Unique Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Spokane

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fires still occur during the holidays, and SERVPRO is on the job. Call us today!

Take the Family on a Special Holiday Adventure and Tour Spokane at the Same Time

Spokane is the home to "Puzzling Adventures," describing themselves as a cross between a scavenger hunt, an informative self-guided tour, and an adventure-filled race against other teams. Anyone is welcome to participate in these one-of-a-kind adventures with participants ranging from children to senior citizens. The experiences are available at any time, and no reservations are required. It is possible to play as individuals, couples, or small groups against each other.

All that is needed is a mobile device that can connect to the internet, and adventurers get the following to aid them on their adventure:

• Parking location to start
• A step-by-step guide that informs those taking the adventures
• Stroller and wheelchair friendly routes make the tours fun and accessible for everyone
• It is possible to pick your own time, and no reservations are necessary you can log in and participate.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can help your Colbert business with all its fire restoration needs. Feel free to call (509) 474-9144, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The Pavilion Light Show Brightens Up the Holidays in Spokane

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at the Pavilion Holiday Lights Display.

Residents Are Encouraged to View the Pavilion Holiday Lights Display

Even though during 2020 many local events may have been canceled due to the recent pandemic, two holiday- favorites can still be enjoyed during the season. For one, locals can still enjoy the light display that takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. After Thanksgiving, the light displays occur more often, and the shows are themed towards Christmas.

During the light displays, visitors can experience:

• The pavilion was built for an expo in 1974 and was given to the city. This structure was a gift from the U.S. government. The facility is unique and considered one of the city's most famous landmarks.
• The pavilion's location provides for exquisite views of the Spokane River and the city's beautiful skyline.
• At times, the pavilion hosts concerts on the grounds, and sometimes the shows get paired with the light displays.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has been known to residents as a reputable company to call for flooding cleanup services. We can be reached 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

SERVPRO Has a Long Track Record of Helping Spokane Businesses with Water Damage Repair

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

It just takes a little leak to cause a lot of damage to your business.

If You Ever Suffer from a Water Leak at Your Spokane Commercial Property, SERVPRO Can Help 

Spokane, Washington is a city in the eastern region of the state, and it is about 280 East of Seattle. The city lies only about 18 miles west of the Idaho border, and it sits on the Spokane River and just west of the Rocky Mountain Foothills.  

The city is the second biggest in the state next to Seattle as it has over 220,000 people with a metropolitan region of nearly 600,000. And the 60 square mile city is considered one of the least densely populated cities in the entire Northwest region of the country.  

The city's Native American settlers were the first to inhabit the area, and they were called the Spokane tribe. Spokane is a Salish word that means "Children of the Sun." The tribe mainly consisted of descendants of natives hailing from The Great Plains, and they lived off of the generous amount of food to hunt and fish in the area. 

In 1810, explorer David Thompson crossed the Canadian border from the north and was the first European to explore the region. Thompson searched mainly for critters that could be trapped for fur so that the North West Company he worked for could expand their fur trade operations south of the border. The explorer then founded a trading post right where the Little Spokane River merged into the Spokane River. 

Spokane Sports a Vast Public Park System 

The city was one of the first towns in the west to establish an official park system in the west part of the country after the city hired a company to draft a plan for its parks in 1907. The town contains nearly 90 parks that span over 4,000 acres. Some of the city's most famous parks include the following attractions: 

• Riverfront Park: This 100-acre park sits right on the Spokane River and features gorgeous views of the Spokane Falls waterfall system. The park is also known for the U.S. Pavilion and Great Northern Clocktower structures.
• Manito Park and Botanical Gardens:This park is the home to exquisite botanical gardens, a nursery, and a conservatory. The park also has two play areas and a duck pond that several ducks and geese call their home despite the plant exhibits.
• Riverside State Park: This 11,000-acre state park sits in Nine Mile Falls, about nine miles northwest of Spokane, and it is the second-largest state park in the state. The park contains dozens of miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and an off-road vehicle park that spans over 600 acres.
• Mount Spokane State Park: This 12,000-acre state park is about 23 miles northeast of Spokane in the Selkirk Mountains. Being the largest state park in Washington, visitors can view the 5,883-foot Mount Spokane and several other mountains within the range.
• Dishman Hills Conservation Area:The majority of this 500+ acre area is covered by several granite outcropping clusters, over 70 million years of age. The site is home to several ravines and ponds, hundreds of different flowers, and over 70 various mushrooms. 

Museums in the City to Visit 

The Spokane metropolitan region has several museums that offer unique educational experiences about the area and other subjects. Some of the most well-liked museums in the city include: 

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture: This museum was founded in 1916, and it mainly features regional history and art exhibits. The facility works towards educating visitors on both the early Caucasian settlers to the area and the Native Americans. The 1900s Campbell House is also a part of the five-acre museum grounds. 

The Blue Zoo Spokane: This attractions' motto is "more than an aquarium and more than a zoo," and it holds up to it. The aquarium/zoo has an area where visitors can feel, touch, and pet various creatures such as birds, reptiles, and even stingrays. The aquarium portion of The Blue Zoo lets attendees view animals like seahorses, jellyfish, angelfish, clownfish, sharks, and an octopus. 

Historic Flight Foundation at Spokane's Felt's Field: This aircraft museum was established in 2003 three and its mission was to preserve, restore, and share antique aircraft. The establishment is now the home to several airplanes and vehicles that date back to the 1930s and 1940s. Planes on display at the museum include a P-51 Mustang, an H-47 Metalplane, a B-25 Mitchell, a Travel Air 4000, and a Douglas DC-3. 

Spokane Business Owners Can Depend on SERVPRO If They Suffer from a Pipe Break on Their Commercial Property 

During the wintertime, cooler temperatures brought into the area could cause the water pipes inside your place of business to freeze and break. Even a tiny, quarter-inch sized crack inside one of your commercial building's freshwater lines could cause hundreds of gallons to leak out into your structure over a short period. If your business suffers from any moisture-related damage, our SERVPRO technicians can utilize the following pieces of equipment to mitigate the damage: 

• Heavy-Duty Extractors:Portable or truck-mounted extractors can be used to apply the vacuum force needed to extract moisture from items like your carpet and upholstered furniture.
• Weighted Extraction Tools:If thick carpets inside your building get heavily saturated, we can hook up a weighted tool to the extractor that uses the operator's weight to squeeze the moisture out of the carpets during the extraction process.
• Handheld Extraction Tools:To remove water from rugs or upholstered items like couches or chairs, our SERVPRO team can use smaller tools to get into every nook and cranny.
• Air Movers and Circular Fans:These machines can help create air circulation that allows the water in wet materials evaporate into the air.
• Dehumidifiers:Dehumidification systems help speed up the natural drying process by removing the moisture that the air movers push into the air and dispensing it out into liquid form. 

Our experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can help your business with all of its water damage repair needs. Relief is only a phone call away; we can be reached at (509) 474-9144, 24 hours a day. 

Enjoy A Girl’s Night Out At A Colbert Orchard

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at Girl’s Night Out At A Colbert Orchard!

Relax With Friends and Enjoy A Delicious Wine Tasting Session In Colbert

Late fall and early winter is the perfect time to enjoy local apples and squashes, pick a pumpkin, and enjoy some time outdoors so long as you wrap up warm.?

If you are looking for a fun night out with friends in November and December, look no further than Girl’s Night Out on the Farm at High Country Orchard near Colbert.?

This is a regular event, and each entry includes:?
    •    Live music in the orchard
    •    Free samples of up to four local wines
    •    A 15% discount on everything in the orchard store

Sessions take place every third and fourth Friday of the month. The cost is $10, and you can pre-order food for an additional fee or bring your own picnic.

Local businesses need to be even more careful about water leaks during the winter months when pipes can burst and the weather worsens. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is here to support all local businesses with their water removal needs. Call us at (509) 474-9144.

Come To The Spokane Blue Zoo And Watch Live Feeding Sessions

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

We are looking forward to seeing you at The Spokane Blue Zoo!

Kids Will Love Getting Up Close And Personal With Spokane Aquatic Creatures

Blue Zoo is a popular Spokane attraction where children can see, learn about, and even touch all kinds of sea creatures.?

If you are looking for some indoor fun in this cold season, why not come along to one of Blue Zoo’s daily live feeding sessions? Kids will love learning more about the exotic creatures that live in the aquarium and seeing what happens at mealtimes. The sessions are held every day. Bring your kids so they can:

    •    Learn all about what the sea creatures eat and why
    •    Ask questions of aquarium experts
    •    Get up close with shrimp, eels, sharks, geckos, and more

Feeding sessions are free with regular entry tickets and take place at 1 PM and 3 PM daily.?

Even in the wet months, fire is still a risk in the home. If you need to find fire cleanup companies near you, look no further. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is here to help. Call us at (509) 474-9144.

SERVPRO Supports Spokane Businesses With Fire Restoration

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call our experts when your property is damaged!

Here To Help The Family-Friendly City Of Spokane Stay Safe

Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County in Washington. It is located in the East of the state, near the Spokane River. With a population of 208,916, Spokane is the second-most populous city in Washington, after Seattle.

Spokane is the Spokane area's cultural and artistic center, and the city is rich with green space, wildlife, arts, and entertainment. It is a popular city for tourists and offers entertainment and activities for families all year round. The town is famous for its beautiful lilacs and is also known as the birthplace of Father's Day.

Father's Day Started In Spokane
In the United States, we celebrate Father's Day on the third Sunday in June. It is a part of cultural life, and most of us probably do not stop and think about where it came from. But in fact, it started in Spokane.

In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd, the daughter of a civil war veteran who held her father in high esteem, proposed a Father's Day commemoration to complement the newly established Mother's Day celebrations. She suggested to her pastor that a Father's Day celebration be established on her own father's birthday, June 5. However, her pastor felt this did not give them enough time to prepare, and so the third Sunday was chosen instead. The very first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane in 1910.

The holiday did not immediately take hold. Over the next few years, it faded into obscurity, and Dodd was busy with other pursuits and did not promote it. But in the 1930s, she returned to Spokane after some time away and started promoting it again and teaming up with trade groups who stood to benefit from the holiday. These included menswear shops and tobacco sellers.

It took a while for the holiday to take hold – at first, people were concerned it would become over-commercialized and saw it as a cynical grab to capitalize on the success of Mother's Day. But Sonora Smart Dodd did not give up, and now Spokane can claim its place as the birthplace of a well-loved national holiday.

A Great Place For All The Family
With a history of celebrating fathers, it is no wonder that Spokane is a beautiful destination for all the family. The city is packed with family-friendly attractions, such as:
    •    Blue Zoo, an interactive aquarium. At Blue Zoo, kids can learn by touch and exploration. Bring your children so they can safely meet and touch stingrays, starfish, and even birds and reptiles. Interactive shows with live actors offer an engaging and immersive experience, filled with tales of pirates and mermaids.
    •    Riverfront Park. Conveniently located in downtown Spokane, Riverfront offers more than just a relaxing green space. Kids will love the vintage Looff Carousel, which dates back to 1909 and boasts 58 hand-carved creatures. In summer, they can play in the rotary fountain, while in winter, the park opens a 650 ft long skating ribbon. Do not forget to stop by the garbage goat, a steel sculpture that will eat any garbage you feed it, and a firm favorite with children.
    •    Riverfront Skyride. This deserves an entry of its own! Hop into a gondola for a scenic ride high above the falls.
    •    Mobius Discovery Center. Satisfy curious minds with a trip to the Mobius Discovery Center. The Center is jam-packed with hands-on displays that make science accessible and fun. Kids will love operating a digger, building their own tower blocks, learning about buoyancy, and even exploring space and meeting live animals.

If you bring your family to Spokane in May, be sure to check out the annual lilac festival. Spokane is known as the Lilac City and even has its own beautiful double-bloom lilac variety that horticulturists cultivated, especially to celebrate the city. The lilac festival is a week of activities for all the family, culminating in a torchlight parade through downtown.

The Great Fire Did Not Keep Spokane Down
Spokane faced a significant challenge in the 19th century when it became the site of a massive blaze. On August 4, 1889, a fire started in downtown Spokane Falls (as the city was known then.) The fire started around 6 PM and grew so big that it destroyed all downtown commercial districts. One life was lost, and the property damage was innumerable.

The fire department was so desperate to control the fire that they destroyed some buildings with dynamite before the blaze could reach them. This was a highly unusual approach born of the fact that there were problems with one of the pump stations. As a result, there was no water pressure downtown, making it impossible to operate the fire hoses.

Investigators could not establish the cause of the fire. Possible theories include:
    •    A curling iron
    •    A spark from a nearby train
    •    A lunchroom fire

Despite this catastrophe, Spokane grew more vital than ever. Local developers saw the destruction as an opportunity to rebuild bigger and better. There was a building boom, and by 1891 the Great Northern Railway arrived in town, and the city was reincorporated under the name Spokane.

Fire Is A Risk For Modern Businesses Too
SERVPRO understands that even if a business takes all the right precautions, a fire can still happen. Some of the most common causes of a business fire include:
    •    Faulty electrical wiring
    •    Lack of staff training
    •    Absence of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other safety precautions
    •    Improper storage of flammable substances
    •    Arson
When a local business suffers a fire, SERVPRO is here to handle fire restoration and leave the premises, “Like it never even happened.” Our trained technicians handle every aspect of fire remediation, from the initial assessment through to deodorizing the building at the end.

Our focus is on restoring rather than replacing items, which is preferable for insurance purposes and is also more cost-effective for the business. We can scrub and wipe surfaces, spot clean upholstery, and send items out for specialist cleaning. Our equipment includes ultrasonic cleaners, Esporta washers, fogging machines, media blasters, and powerful HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers to handle every last trace of soot. We can even liaise with insurers and provide the evidence they need for claim purposes.
Businesses in need of fire restoration can rely on SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. Call us at (509) 474-9144.

Should the Roof Be Inspected After a Storm?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

From roof to basement, SERVPRO provides crews with advanced equipment for storm damage mitigation in the Greater Spokane area

SERVPRO Can Inspect Spokane Roof Structures after a Storm

Storms in Spokane can cause a great deal of flooding when excess water overflows storm drains, creeks, and rivers. High winds and heavy rain during storms can damage your roof, causing leaks and rainwater to penetrate the attic, even into your living area. Water can run down the walls, into carpeting, and spread into adjacent rooms.

SERVPRO provides flood damage services in Spokane and surrounding areas. We have trained technicians to offer mold remediation, fire damage, and storm restoration services.

While your home may have survived the floodwaters unscathed, your roof may not have survived the high winds or even trees falling on the roof. Shingles may have been ripped off, allowing rainwater to enter and cause further damage. Homeowners should consider the following steps in these situations:

• Always stay safe and avoid going on the roof
• If possible, check the attic for leaks or damage from water
• From the ground, check for missing shingles, metal facia, and other damage to the siding

SERVPRO technicians can assess the damage and provide recommendations on how to proceed with needed repairs to your roof and interior areas.

Can Carpet Stains Be Removed After a Roof Leak?

Water from a leak in the roof can quickly spread into living areas, soaking flooring including carpets and wood materials. Carpets can be stained from dyes and chemicals absorbed by the rainwater from various building materials. Quick action by our team can limit the damage before the stains in carpeting dry and become permeant. SERVPRO can be onsite in less than four hours and:     

• Remove surplus water utilizing a variety of water extractors
• Clean and wash the carpets and floor materials
• Deploy dehumidifiers and air movers to reduce the humidity and dry materials

Occasionally these stains cannot be removed, or the carpet is damaged, causing delamination. If the rainwater was deemed highly contaminated, then discarding is the safe option. We can assist homeowners that require documentation to support insurance claims. Our team can provide full flood damage and restoration services by working with other contractors when needed.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane (509) 474-9144 for help with flood damage to your home.

Why Is Plastic Sheeting a Vital Part of Mold Removal?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vans and box trucks are loaded with mold remediation equipment and products to serve our Spokane area neighbors

Spokane Homeowners Want Mold Removal that Minimizes the Risk of Recurrence

People living in Spokane know that taking care of their homes sometimes feels like a full-time job. Between cleaning, yard work, and house repairs, there is always something to do.

Houses can quickly fall prey to fungus, and when that happens, homeowners need Spokane mold removal they can rely on. One of the essential parts of mold remediation is stopping the spread of mold, to reduce its risk of returning.

Why is the spread of mold an issue?

Mold contains tiny microscopic spores. Because of their small size, the spores can quickly become airborne. They can stick to your clothes or shoes, your pet’s fur, or travel on the air currents. This endemic presence is a problem because whenever the spores find a new hospitable environment, they can set up a new mold colony.

How can householders prevent the spores from spreading?

SERVPRO customers ask us if there is anything they can do to stop the spores spreading while they wait for us to arrive. The answer is yes. Homeowners can:

• Stay away from the moldy area as much as possible
• Do not let children or pets near the area
• Do not touch or disturb the mold
• Do not try to vacuum or wipe it away – wait for the professionals

Why is plastic sheeting a vital bit of mold remediation?

Before SERVPRO begins remediation work, we set up containment. Containment looks simple – it is essentially plastic sheeting taped over a frame that covers the affected area. We typically use 6-mil thick polypropylene. We can erect temporary decontamination areas also using tension-spring or PVC pipes. However, containment plays a vital role in mold removal:

• It stops people and pets from walking in and out of the affected area
• It keeps mold spores inside
• It can be used to create a negative air chamber, to vent contaminated air outside

Containment must be tightly sealed to be effective. It must also be the correct size for the job. It is also vital to cover doors, windows, vents, and ducts, so the spores do not find alternate ways of escaping and circulating to unaffected rooms of the house.

Many tools help with mold removal. However, for the best results, choose a company that understands containment and uses it properly.

To help contain the spread of mold at your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Why are Calculations an Important Part of Water Damage Remediation?

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Did your home experience a water loss event? No Worries! SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can bring restore your home.

Spokane Homeowners Need A Water Damage Service That Works  

Keeping your Spokane home clean, tidy, and welcoming takes a great deal of effort sometimes. You want your home to be somewhere you can relax. That is why, if a disaster strikes your house, you want to fix it quickly.  

A leaking appliance, frozen pipes, or burst pipes can cause water damage in your Spokane home. In the event of a water emergency, the best thing is to call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane as soon as possible. We are available 24 hours, which means We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Why is time so crucial after water damage? 

You must get help swiftly, even if the water damage does not seem extensive. Moisture that is left untreated can:

• Cause water stains on delicate upholstery or textiles such as cushions
• Soak into drapes or carpets and cause them to smell damp
• Increase the risk of mold growth in and on any organic materials
• Soak into walls and cause the drywall to swell and the paper to lift away from the surface
• Damage wood floors by making them warp or buckle

SERVPRO is waiting for your call, so do not delay. 

What training do we provide? 

We equip our teams with various equipment to tackle Spokane water damage situations, both big and small. The equipment, however, is only as effective as the team that wields it. We do not recommend you try to handle water damage yourself because the best way to remediate it is with specialist equipment and calculations.  

We train our team members to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards, and offer ongoing e-learning to keep them up to date. Our extensive training means you can trust SERVPRO technicians to use drying equipment most effectively. To carry out drying calculations, we must ask:  

• How many pieces of equipment (such as pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers are needed)?
• How long do we need to operate the equipment?

• If using dehumidifiers, how big should the units be? 

What are some calculations SERVPRO technicians need to make? 

Some of the most critical calculations we need to make include: 

• Pump needs. If there are more than two inches of standing water, we need to use a submersible pump to extract it. We calculate the cubic feet of standing water and use it to figure out how long we will need to run pumps and how many pumps we will need.
• Air Mover Needs. The IICRC suggests starting with one air mover per room and adding extra units depending on the square feet of wet floor, walls, and ceiling in each room.
• Dehumidifiers needs. We use the number of cubic feet of air each unit can condition in a minute plus how many pints of water it can remove in 24 hours, to calculate how many to use. 

What else affects the dehumidifier calculation? 

Other factors affect our dehumidifier calculations. Our technicians must consider how much porous material, such as wood, carpets, clothing, paper, and upholstery, is present. Porous material takes on more water, so we must add enough dehumidifiers to allow for that. We must also be mindful of whether there is water trapped in wall and ceiling cavities.   

Why is the balance between air movers and dehumidifiers critical? 

The correct balance between air movers and dehumidifiers is vital to an effective and swift drying process. 

If there are too many dehumidifiers for the number of air movers, this will slow the drying process down, as they will be trying to dry the air more quickly than the air movers can evaporate it. 

However, there is a risk of secondary water damage if there are too many air movers in relation to dehumidifiers. Because the dehumidifiers cannot handle the amount of water the air movers are evaporating into the air, the humidity level rises, and so does the risk of secondary water damage. 

Why is it vital that we understand the nature of the water damage? 

The nature of the water damage means understanding how much material water has damaged. Understanding water damage's spread allows our technicians to calculate how quickly water is likely to evaporate when drying begins. Faster evaporation means we need more dehumidifiers to remove the evaporated moisture from the air.  

We do not just use our eyes to assess the situation and make our calculations. We use moisture probes, moisture meters, and thermal imaging to evaluate the spread of water damage. We also use thermo-hygrometers to measure humidity before we start. You can rest assured our drying process is carefully calculated and based on measurable data. 

For water damage remediation you can trust, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

Why Can't I Clean Flood Damage In Spokane Myself?

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Due to the Nature of Flood Water, Calling in Skilled Technicians to Handle the Damage to Your Spokane Property is Best

Whether there was a water main break nearby or you have rising floodwaters entering your Spokane property, a DIY approach is generally not the best option. The impact of floodwater can be devastating to your family and the structural integrity of your home. If a significant storm was the culprit, it might damage your roof, windows, and other exterior elements. SERVPRO offers round the clock emergency service to ensure the flooding's impact gets lessened, and your house gets back to pre-flood condition fast.

Why Do I Need Trained Water Restoration Technicians?
To handle your flood damage in Spokane, SERVPRO has skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) trained following the standards set forth via the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Floodwater is known for harboring a range of potential contaminants that could be harmful to your family's health or any pets living in your household. When called to your property, we can handle floodwater cleanup on any level, including efforts such as:

    •    Prompt action to minimize the cost and overall impact of the loss
    •    Specialized methods for water extraction, moisture detection, and cleaning
    •    Industrial-strength equipment and tools made for residential and commercial cleanup efforts
    •    Pack-out or board up services as needed
    •    A tailored plan for water removal and drying, ensuring no moisture gets left behind, and all odors get addressed with sanitization and deodorization efforts

Why Call Us for Flooding Cleanup?
At SERVPRO, we know what it feels like to become overwhelmed due to floodwater infiltrating your interior. We work quickly to restore rather than replace, meaning we do everything possible to salvage your belongings and building materials. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we always adjust our processes to meet your needs while achieving our drying goals.

Do you need help right away with flood damage and cleanup? You can reach SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane by calling (509) 474-9144, and we can send a crew out as soon as possible to begin the assessment.

How Do Inspection Devices Help to Restore Water-Damaged Spokane Homes?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's state of the art equipment helps us to provide excellent service. We leave your home only when it is dry and ready for a build back.

Understanding the migration and path of moving water and absorption in your home can ensure that drying is as efficient as possible.

It is not always easy to understand the full extent of the damage to your Spokane home or business after a water disaster. There are dozens of factors dictating the movement of water, absorption, and moisture pockets existing in spaces beyond surface materials. While conventional drying approaches are always the ideal solutions, these efforts must often get modified to suit individual circumstances for more efficient results. 

To many, water damage in Spokane homes stops at the surface where the pooling or wet areas are easily spotted. Property owners assume that construction materials act as a deterrent for water migration, when in actuality, many of these structural elements are highly sensitive to absorption. When materials like drywall and carpeted floors become overexposed to standing water, moisture can move through surface layers to impact underlying elements like subflooring or wood framing. 

What Is Job Scoping? 

After a water disaster, job scoping for the upcoming restoration looks to identify areas in the structure where water has impacted. Also, the devices and technologies used for this identification can help to determine concentrations that show how much moisture has been absorbed. The overall objective of this assessment of the property is to create a tailored plan to efficiently and thoroughly restore and recover damaged residences with minimal tear-out and reconstruction by using specific equipment from our large inventory. Data collected through pre-job evaluations include:

• Existing Conditions – Understanding the immediate damages caused by the water disaster shows the necessary work to return the property to a preloss condition.
• Content Damage – Your personal belongings are often as impacted by saturation and water damage as structural elements. Identifying items that can get restored on-site or through relocation makes efforts like pack-out focused and deliberate. 
• Moisture Pockets – With various detection devices, we can identify damp areas beyond the surface materials to focus drying in the appropriate places. 

Do Thermal Imagery Cameras Work Best for Inspections? 

Thermal imagery, or infrared cameras, is a vital tool to gather information about your residence's potentially damp areas. While infrared technology does not directly identify moisture, temperature differentials exist when materials become saturated versus unaffected by water. As commonly used as these devices are, they are not without their flaws and potential false positives. Misleading conditions that could indicate water damage without a pressing threat include:

• Evaporative Cooling (Colder Materials During Drying)
• Thermal Capacitance (Storage of Thermal Energy)
• Atmospheric Changes 

How Do Moisture Meters Differ from Other Detection Devices? 

Unlike technologies like infrared and thermal imagery cameras common to job scoping, varying moisture meters often have a shared role in discovery and detection. We have multiple types of moisture meters, meaning that we can find more reliable information based on the affected materials, the location of the water damage, and how moisture readings should get collected. The choice in the technologies used during the job scoping phase is at the discretion of our experienced project manager, but can often include one or more of the following types:

• Penetrating Moisture Meters – These devices function based on conductivity. This aspect is measured with two probes on the unit itself and a reading based on how readily electricity can pass between these two points. With only the probes' tips capable of collecting this data, individual layers of wall systems can get tested.
• Non-Penetrating Moisture Meters – These units are also known as surface meters, and that is because no probing is necessary. These can measure moisture concentrations in damaged surfaces, and because of their non-penetrative design, they can be ideal for sensitive building materials like drywall or plasters.
• Thermo-Hygrometer – Hygrometers are ideal for measuring moisture content and relative humidity in specific environments. The determination of moisture content in damaged and undamaged areas can be a point of measurement for drying successes. 

When Is Controlled Demolition Necessary? 

It is always a priority of our technicians to restore before replacing, making the data collected through moisture detection devices all the more beneficial. When oversaturation and degradation of materials exists, our in-house contractors can work to remove the compromised portions without discarding all of it. 

Water disasters can have an immediate impact on your household. However, with the right information collected with moisture meters and detection devices, our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team can be prepared. We can arrive with the appropriate tools and technologies to provide properties with the most efficient drying possible. Give us a call anytime at (509) 474-9144.

My Spokane Kitchen Caught on Fire, Do I need a Fire Restoration Technician?

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we are here to help.

Protect your Spokane Home by Calling a Fire Restoration Company to Contain the Damage

You may protect your Spokane home by ensuring your fireplace is clean and your gutters are free of leaves. In reality, many home fires begin in the kitchen, and with sound advice, you can try to contain the damage only to that area. Controlling cross-contamination, timely repairs, and debris removal can all contribute to making the fire a distant memory and not an ongoing nuisance.

Homeowners in Spokane needing fire cleanup services can rely on our expert advice. Our SERVPRO team trains for fire disasters of all magnitudes, and our expertise is at your service as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline. Our deep understanding of how fire and smoke travel through your home allows us to apply industry best practices for the restoration of your home while mitigating your loss. Now that keeping your house in order and free of undesirable microbes is increasingly essential, reaching out to the right resource when disaster strikes are of utmost importance.

Is the fire cleanup process the same for all homes?
Each fire is unique and presents differently. Inorganic materials such as plastics and vinyl burn different from natural materials such as wood, and that difference partially dictates our cleanup efforts. Firefighters often track soot through your home and leave behind wet residue, both of which damage your home. Our SERVPRO crew can extract water, dry and disinfect your home by using some of the latest techniques in the industry, including the following:

    •    Injectidry technology to dry behind cabinets and baseboards
    •    Fogging to spray disinfecting solutions
    •    Purifying the air in your home by using ozone generators

The scale of the fire damage and the contents of your home plays an essential role in the decisions we make. Whenever we can, we perform repairs ourselves, such as replacing drywall, which minimizes the need to coordinate with several different contractors and their schedules.

At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we are here to help. Call us at (509) 474-9144 and let our team leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Can a Home Have Different Types of Mold?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Often mold growth is hidden. Inspect your home often for signs of colonies and call SERVPRO for complete remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Use Professional Testing to Determine the Kind of Mold Affecting your Spokane Home 

When you bring in SERVPRO to handle the mold remediation in your home, the techs inspect the house and identify mold. Once that is established, the techs use the services of an environmental hygienist. This type of professional takes samples and creates a report identifying the mold type or types present and the best method for mitigating the situation. The techs get approval from the carrier before beginning work to ensure all the cleanup gets performed under the scope of coverage. 

How Does the Mold Remediation Process Work?   

After the techs get the report for the kind of infestation in your Spokane home, the mold remediation can begin. The first action is verifying the perimeters affected by the mold. Then the techs contain around that area to inhibit the potential to spread spores to other areas of the home. The barrier may be the placement of plastic over doorways and vents or the establishment of negative air porting outside the home. Other actions you can expect to see are:  

• Removal of mold-damaged building materials
• Drying of areas with mold 
• Abatement through the use of soda or ice blasting
• Post-mitigation treatment with antimicrobial sealant and cleaning agents 

The professional drying equipment is crucial during mitigation for mold. SERVPRO techs utilize air movers to cause embedded moisture to rise and get captured by the dehumidifiers. Also, for areas where mold growth got under tile or affected a subfloor, drying mats can force the warm, dry air directly into the problem area. At the end of the cleanup, the techs can bring in the environmental hygienist to confirm the success of the remediation in the home.  

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 is available 24 hours a day seven days per week and has the experience and training to handle any size mold damage in your home. 

More about Spokane.

Water Mitigation -- What Does that Term Mean for my Spokane Home?

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

After a water loss, we completely restored this bathroom and made it, "Like it never even happened."

Many New Terms and Concepts Can Make for Fear and Confusion for Homeowners After a Disaster -- SERVPRO Commits to Keeping You Informed and Part of the Decision- Making During Water Mitigation and Remediation in Spokane 

Spokane's response to a water loss emergency can be divided into two major parts -- water mitigation plus remediation, followed by the repairs and rebuilding needed to complete restoration of a building to preloss condition. The distinction can be blurry, as mitigation (reducing or stopping the damaging effect) often moves seamlessly into remediation (attempting to return damaged materials to their preloss condition), usually without an apparent stoppage of the work crews. Learning about the differences between these phases of water damage restoration helps homeowners understand the reasoning supporting the order and inclusion of various interventions. The mitigation and remediation support and complement each other and contribute to the desired result of returning your wet home and contents to "Like it never even happened." 

What Is Water Mitigation? 

Although water mitigation inside your Spokane home might include other actions depending on circumstances, generally, the term refers to emergency measures to halt or slow the ongoing water damage. One focus is on getting loose items out and away from the standing water and humid conditions. Other priorities include efforts to impede initial or continuing contact between the water and structural components or fixtures. Examples of mitigation at the onset of a water loss project might consist of: 

• Shutting off the main water supply line
• Positioning barriers like sandbags or baffles to contain water and keep it from causing additional damage
• Raising furnishings off wet floors onto blocks
• Packing-out furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions, first to stop water from damaging the articles, and second to reduce the water and humidity-soaked contents from adding to the moisture load inside a home (secondary damage)
• Using extractors with wands to arrest the absorption of additional water into dry areas of carpeting and underlying padding 

What Kinds of Interventions Are Added as Mitigation Moves into Remediation? 

Release of Hidden Water 

Once the SERVPRO crew stabilizes the Seattle water incursion, we ensure supports are in place for weakened structural materials. If testing with moisture detection and metering equipment reveals hidden fluids, mitigation efforts turn to execute the planned and controlled release of hidden water: 

• Weep holes are punched into a ceiling holding water, starting at the edge of a room, and moving to the center as water drains.
• Baseboards, paneling, and bead boards are pried off to allow for the cutting or drilling of release holes near the floor level.
• Release holes are drilled in mortar joints between cinder blocks or bricks.  

Aggressive Extraction 

We term extraction "aggressive" as it is a critical part of mitigating (reducing or inhibiting) the amount of water in contact with building materials and fixtures. The water must leave the premises fast to return the surfaces and spaces of your home as close to preloss condition as possible (remediation): 

• By pumping when water is more in-depth than two inches
• By extracting with truck-mounted units, highly efficient and able to handle up to 36,000 gallons a day
• By extracting with portable units, an excellent choice for spaces far from an outside door or window or confined spaces 

Why Is Extraction Completed Before Active Drying? 

We delay active drying activities (moving to remediation) until we make every attempt to remove all liquid water. It is much more challenging to dry spaces when liquid water is present. Extraction is 1200 times more efficient than drying alone, so we give the drying phase a boost by mitigating the water quantity. 

What Does Professional Structural Drying Involve? 

Structural components are tested for moisture content both in the water damaged area and in an unaffected space. This data informs our technicians as they work on determining appropriate drying goals. We position air movers and dehumidifiers to mitigate the ongoing harm moisture does to building materials as we aim to remediate the spaces to preloss environmental conditions. The air movers, and heaters in some instances, increase the rate of evaporation. The dehumidifiers then capture the water vapor for disposal. We monitor the progress, adjusting the angles and numbers of each type of equipment to mitigate and remediate the water damage before any needed repairs or rehabbing. 

You can count on SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane's integrity and honesty as we plan together with you to stop the damage water can do and return your home to preloss condition. Call (509) 474-9144 for a candid assessment and workable plan to mitigate and remediate water loss.

I am Dealing With Fire Damage in My Spokane Home. Where Should I Seek Help?

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fires in your home can lead to water damage and without restoration your home can be left in shambles. Contact SERVPRO for fire damage services.

Hire SERVPRO Experts in Spokane to Handle the Fire Damage in Your Property.

A fire loss incident can have a significant impact on your life. Apart from coping with the loss of some of your prized possessions, you also have to deal with the subsequent water damage that occurs as the firefighters extinguish the flames. Thankfully, if you hire a restoration company like SERVPRO, you can restore your Spokane home within a short time.

What are the precautions to take after a fire?

Fire damage in your Spokane home can severely impact the structure. The smoke and soot residues can discolor porous surfaces such as carpets and drywall. However, after the unfortunate incident, you can set things in motion and get back in order. With that, you can help prevent further damage. After the incident, it is crucial to take some precautions, including:

• Contacting your insurance company.
• Securing the affected area
• Securing your documents
• Avoid touching the affected surfaces.

Can I clean the affected area?

It is common for homeowners to try cleaning up the affected area to avoid the restoration cost. However, due to the lack of proper skills and access to the right equipment and tools, they end up incurring costly damages.

SERVPRO technicians can clean surfaces that moisture can damage, such as upholstery and furniture, using unique techniques. We can use deep sponge and shampoo super concentrate to remove the smoke residues.

Do you handle the water damage as part of the fire restoration process?

Firefighters often use lots of water to combat the flames, which could lead to water damage. We can extract the water and dry your property effectively. Our technicians can use a self-propelled extraction tool to remove water from your carpet and pad. The equipment squeezes out the excess water from the porous surface, leaving only moisture. We can eliminate the moisture using air moving and dehumidifying equipment.

How do you deal with odors?

Removing odors is an essential aspect of most restoration projects. It is challenging to eliminate the odors because each project is unique. Fire and soot restoration jobs are tricky because fire ruins more than just the charred and burned areas you can see. Smoke and soot and ruin documents, furnishings, electronics, ventilation systems, and equipment if you do not take action quickly. We can use different products to combat smoke smells. Some of them include:

• Masking agents
• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl generators

After the restoration process, our technicians can perform a thorough inspection to ensure it is safe.

A small fire may cause insignificant primary damage, but secondary destruction can lead to costly repairs. To avoid this, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 to help you restore your property after a fire. "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Spokane.

What Safety Concerns Do I Need to Think About After Water Damage?

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

We love to let our customers in Spokane relax while we cleanup and restore their water damaged properties

SERVPRO Takes Your Safety Seriously While Restoring Your Spokane Home

As with any calamity, a water leak may cause dangerous situations in your Spokane property. An unknowing person could walk into a slip and fall situation or an increased chance of an electrical hazard. Our technicians understand that your safety is of utmost concern, and take the proper precaution for you, your family, including pets, and restoration workers.

How Do I Help Make Sure My Home Is Safe?

SERVPRO Makes Every Attempt to Eliminate Safety Hazards during water extraction from your Spokane home.

The first IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) principle in the water restoration guide is to keep occupants and workers safe. Our Spokane team uses different engineering tactics to make sure that your home is secure. As the property owner, you can sop up as much water as possible from the impacted area with old towels, rags, and mops. You can also turn off the power main while you wait for your team to arrive. Using common sense and avoiding the area should help ease your mind.

What Specific Safety Measures Does Your Team Take in Water Damage Situations?

• Locate the leak and shut off the water to make sure there is no further damage.
• Technicians create drying zones using 6-mil polyethylene to section off impacted areas, minimizing risk.
• Provide appropriate lighting and electricity so occupants and workers can see around them.
• Work on drying your home through the use of extraction, air moving, and dehumidification equipment.
• Returning your home to its preloss condition ensures safer living conditions as you can return to your regular routine.

Please always use safety precautions when attempting to turn off a water main or electricity in your home. If not sure, wait for our skilled technicians to assist you.

For 24/7 assistance for water leaks, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Long Will Water Removal Take For My Spokane Property?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

No matter how or why, SERVPRO is here to assist your water damaged home.

SERVPRO Works Fast to Facilitate Water Removal to Ensure Your Spokane Property is Restored

Any water from large-scale flooding or small leaks within the home can bring on significant damage to your Spokane property. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours, so it is better to work quickly to keep it from turning into a potential health hazard. Whenever you have any degree of water infiltration inside your home, it is best to take action as soon as possible. SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to bring your interior back to preloss condition. 

Why Call for Skilled Restoration Services?

For prompt, reliable water removal in Spokane, hiring skilled technicians is the smart route to take. We have the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to first identify the issue before working to remove moisture and finally drying everything thoroughly. 

We Handle All Types of Water Damage

There are many different causes of water damage within the home that calls for prompt, reliable removal, including:

•   Leaky, frozen, broken, or burst water pipes
•   Hot water tank failure
•   Basement flooding
•   Sinks, toilets, or bathtubs overflowing
•   Water filling your crawlspace
•   Failed sump pumps
•   Washing machine or dishwasher malfunction or overflow
•   Drains that become logged or malfunction
•   Leaking windows or roofs
•   Heavy rainstorms, and more

How Much Loss Am I Looking At?

It is natural to worry about the level of loss when it comes to water damage. Our crew chief assesses the loss zone to put a plan into action quickly. This allows our crew to get to work to begin extraction to limit the amount of loss. When you call SERVPRO, you can count on:

•   Friendly, courteous team members ready to answer your questions and concerns
•   Our Green Fleet arrives in as little as four hours or less after your initial phone call
•   Vehicles loaded with extractors, pumps, fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to tackle moisture throughout the loss zone and the rest of your interior
•   Professional-grade products registered by the EPA for cleaning, deodorizing and sanitizing

What About Insurance?

In many instances, your water removal and restoration project will be covered by your insurance agency. We take the time to carefully log each detail of your project to ensure that your claim goes as smoothly as possible. 

We Leave No Area Untreated

Water loss in the home impacts your life's most significant investment while also potentially disrupting your daily activities. Our team is:

•   Quick to respond
•   Mindful while assessing the damage
•   Ready to begin the cleanup
•   Trained to handle controlled demolition
•   Experienced in every facet of restoration to return your home to preloss condition

We have IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) to ensure your project is not only done correctly but also while following tight timelines. This understanding of the water extraction process is elemental when handling any water loss project that comes our way. We never take shortcuts and stand by our proven methods to ensure that your home is free from hidden moisture.

Whenever any water damage occurs within the home, it is essential to:

•   Use water extraction and removal in unison with drying and dehumidification for best results
•   Look for any hidden moisture under cabinets, behind walls, and within the insulation
•   Implement disinfection measures according to industry standards to not only inhibit the onset of mold and mildew but also to keep foul odors from developing.

Why Will Building Materials Be Removed?

There are certain situations during a water removal project where controlled demolition must be done to remove unsalvageable materials. Decisions like these must be made to remove drenched carpets and the padding below, saturated sheetrock, or warped flooring and baseboards. This gets done so that all-new materials can be installed to make your interior "Like it never even happened."

We are always available to help make important decisions when it comes to saving material versus replacement. Along the way, we take care of all documentation to detail each step for water removal, cleanup, controlled demolition, manipulation of contents, and deodorizing.

Final Inspection

After all standing water gets removed, moisture is addressed, and final steps for drying and dehumidification are complete, a final inspection is done. This includes a visual inspection of all work along with testing techniques to ensure relative humidity is back to normal within your home. To help ensure drying is complete and there are no hidden moisture pockets, we use:

•   Thermal imaging technology
•   Moisture sensors
•   Moisture meters

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane understands that this is a trying time for your family when dealing with water removal. We are here to walk you through every step to help you understand how the project-flow works, and you can count on us to be available 24/7 for emergency service. To have a crew deployed to your property as soon as possible, give us a call at (509) 474-9144.

Can Water Damaged Hardwood Floors Be Fixed in Spokane, WA?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a home can ruin some of your favorite rooms. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to mitigate the damage to your home at 509-474-9144.

Our SERVPRO Team Works to Restore Flooring in Your Spokane Home

Severe flooding often leads to a feeling of complete loss, however restoring your home may be possible with proper techniques, timing, and professional assistance. In particular, hardwood flooring can become warped due to water damage making it imperative to remove remaining floodwater and dry them as quickly as possible to mitigate further damage. The goal for drying hardwood floors is to make sure they do not buckle or warp permanently from extended exposure to moisture or over-drying. The drying process should be closely monitored to prevent this kind of damage.

How Does Hardwood Compare to Other Flooring After a Flood?

Hardwood is Durable and Receptive to Restoration

With flooring as costly as it is in Spokane, restoring rather than replacing hardwood is ideal after flood damage. Hardwood floors hold up better than softwood because they are composed of dense fibers. Tiles can be more resistant to water damage than wood, but can also sustain loss if there are cracks in the tile or compromised areas in the grout.

What is the Process for Restoring Hardwood Floors?

• Moisture meters with probes measure the water content through all the flooring layers and subflooring; hardwood should have a moisture content below 16% to prevent mold growth.
• Remove floor finish if it acts as a drying barrier, or use a pin roller to make small perforations so excess moisture can evaporate.
• Use drying mats and hoses to force warm air over the flooring to dry it. This can be done from above or below the floors. 
• After the moisture is consistently below 12%, hardwood flooring restoration specialists can refinish the floor.

After a flood, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144. Our emergency response team is available 24/7. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Spokane.

How Do Thermal Foggers Work to Remove Smoke Odors?

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

After your home suffers fire damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

Smoke and burning odors can spread quickly through your Spokane home after a structure fire, but we have efficient removal tools to help. 

As with many of the fire loss effects that your Spokane home can experience after a disaster, odors can spread quickly from the ignition point throughout adjacent property areas. Even with a prompt extinguishment of the blaze, conditions like scents and soot can continue to spread throughout the house until professional restoration practices can address these concerns.

While much of the fire damage in Spokane homes must get resolved as quickly as possible, odors are often not as pressing of a concern in the earliest stages of recovery. Cleaning and restoration actions can agitate existing trapped odors and harsh conditions in the house, making deodorization more effective and permanent when completed near the end of the premier cleaning phase. Thermal fogging is often one of the first choices in deodorization, as it is a versatile and lightweight unit that can easily move from one damaged area of your house to another. By superheating odor removal solutions to a mist/vapor, the result can penetrate porous materials like fabrics and drywall to neutralize trapped odors. 

Are There Other Odor Removal Tools that SERVPRO Technicians Use? 

While thermal foggers might be a popular choice by our SERVPRO technicians, it is by no means one of the only options. There are varying degrees of odor neutralization based on where the damage is, how severe the situation has become, and if the occupants of the house are still present. Some of the other odor removal tools that we can utilize include:

• Hydroxyl Machines
• Ozone Generators
• HEPA-Filtration Air Scrubbers

Removing or neutralizing odors that fires can leave behind might seem like a considerable task, but our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team can manage these conditions quickly. We have several deodorizing tools to remove smoke and burning scents permanently. Give us a call anytime you need us at (509) 474-9144.

Find more information about Spokane.

What Can a Professional Water Restoration Service in Spokane Do for My Business?

6/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your commercial location can quickly escalate. Contact SERVPRO for efficient water removal efforts.

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 in Spokane When You Want One of the Best Water Restoration Companies on Your Side

Regardless of the cause, water infiltration anywhere in your commercial space can become a tricky situation to deal with. Immediate response is imperative not only to get your Spokane business back in order but also to cut back on the severity of the damage. Should your place of business suffer from water damage, calling SERVPRO for water restoration opens up the door to prompt, reliable service. Even if you have a cleanup crew on staff, nothing matches the professional-grade equipment and advanced techniques that our technicians bring to each job.

Why Should I Call a Water Restoration Company for Help?

Water removal is critical in any water loss incident, limiting the severity and costs associated with the loss. Calling on expert water restoration companies in Spokane, such as our team at SERVPRO, ensures that you get rapid assessment so that mitigation and restoration may begin. Our skilled technicians utilize equipment that allows us to remove copious amounts of water, followed by quick drying so that your business is back to normal faster than any DIY methods.

How Can You Be Sure All Water is Removed?

With any water damage incident in Spokane, water migration is a viable concern. Water moves into dry spaces following the path of least resistance. Our skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) follow this path to eliminate all pockets of hidden moisture. Failing to remove all moisture pockets creates secondary damage to building materials and poses a threat from potential mold and microbial growth. Taking each case into careful consideration, our team may have to put holes in walls or ceilings of your commercial space to facilitate trying. These holes or strategically placed flood cuts allow for better airflow, which speeds up the drying process.

What Equipment Do You Bring?

Our Green Fleet is fully equipped with all of the technology and equipment necessary to execute all phases of the restoration project. We arrive at your business in as little as four hours with equipment such as:

•   Portable and truck-mounted extraction tools help remove water from the floors, carpeting, and any upholstery throughout the office. 
•   Industrial-strength air moving equipment that speeds up the evaporation process to ramp up drying throughout your place of business.
•   Powerful dehumidifiers that take vapors from the air to restore proper levels of relative humidity.

What About Bringing Our Own Dehumidifiers In?

We have professional-grade dehumidifiers that our SERVPRO team uses to get the job done in less time than non-commercial units. We have a unique formula to follow that tells our team exactly how many dehumidifiers, fans, and air movers are necessary to achieve ultimate efficiency. Depending on progress, we will move and adjust the equipment accordingly so that we can achieve the best results. The types of dehumidifiers often used on water loss events include:

•   Desiccant dehumidifiers – these are great for using on structural materials that are still pretty damp, but other porous materials throughout your business are fairly dry.
•   Refrigerant dehumidifiers – these are sometimes used within the initial phases of water cleanup when humidity levels are at the highest point.

We Never Leave Moisture Behind

At SERVPRO, our IICRC-certified team understands that even the smallest amount of moisture left within your commercial space poses a problem. This is why we bring along special equipment that allows us to determine moisture levels and any hidden pockets of moisture that must be addressed. We use:

•   Inspection cameras like thermal imaging cameras and borescopes help us to find hidden moisture in walls and other tight spaces. These are excellent for finding moisture without the need for demolition or the removal of wallboards and ceiling tiles.
•   Moisture detectors like moisture meters and moisture sensors help us to find moisture in small areas that would otherwise be difficult to detect with the naked eye.

When is the Project Complete?

Our water restoration companies across the country never leave any stone unturned. We take the time to ensure your commercial space is dry and follow through with ample cleaning and disinfecting to inhibit microbial growth. We always use high-quality, effective broad-spectrum disinfectants that have been registered by the EPA. It is vital to make sure that all potential foul odors get addressed so that there is never any lingering reminder of the water loss incident.

Is Your Work Guaranteed?
You can count on us when we say that we stand by all of our restoration work. When you call us at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, you can rest assured that you are dealing with one of the best water restoration companies today. Get in touch with us by calling (509) 474-9144, and we can answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

How Can I Speed Up the Drying Process During Water Restoration in My House?

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Inspect your pipes often for signs of wear and tear and water leaks.

SERVPRO Can Set Up Drying Equipment Inside Your Spokane Home to Speed up the Natural Drying and Evaporation Process

A pipe burst occurring on the second floor of your Spokane house can cause moisture to follow gravity and flood out your building's lower level. As a first step, our SERVPRO technicians can utilize extraction procedures to remove all liquids before setting up drying equipment to expel the moisture's remainder in your air and building materials.

What can you do to dry out my wet building materials and possessions?

During water restoration efforts in Spokane, we can set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers aid in speeding up the natural evaporation process by pushing dry air away from wet surfaces so that more moisture can evaporate into the air. The dehumidifiers then accelerate nature's drying process by removing moisture from the air. These devices output the water vapor into liquid and exhaust out warm, dry air that gets used in the air circulation created by the air movers.

How does the drying equipment work?

• Condensation- This process occurs when water vapor turns into a liquid. Some dehumidifiers have a cold coil so that moisture from the wet air condenses when it contacts the metal that is below the dew point temperature.
• Dew Point- The dew point is the temperature when H2O in the gas turns into a liquid. When drying out a structure, it is essential to keep the temperature inside your house higher than the dew point, or moisture can condense on surfaces inside your home.
• Evaporation- Evaporation is the process of moisture moving from wet materials into the air. Since everything in nature wants to seek equilibrium, water vapor in wet materials will move into the air on its surfaces if the air is drier than the item.

Pipes breaking on the second floor of your house in Chattaroy or Mead can cause excessive moisture to flow into your first floor from the ceiling. If you ever notice several wet materials inside your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

More about Spokane.

What Persistent Problems Can I Face After My Spokane Home Floods?

5/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can quickly cause a cascade of problems in your home. Contact SERVPRO immediately to remediate the damage.

Deep Scoping by SERVPRO Can Help Identify and Eliminate Problems That Persist After Flood Damage Incidents in Spokane

Ideally, after cleaning the areas soiled during flooding and removing all traces of water, normalcy should return to your house. However, there are flooding cases that result in ongoing problems even after you deal with the initial damage. 

What problems are common after resolving flood damage incidents in Spokane?

• Mold development
• Uneven surfaces
• Persistent odor

From the experiences our SERVPRO teams have restoring properties, poor moisture management is the leading factor that causes recurring problems in a Spokane property after flooding. Moisture migrates around a property in many ways once water finds a way inside. For instance, water can reach subfloors in tiled areas by filtering in through the grout lines. Wicking through materials and condensation can also transfer it to unexpected areas within the property. Leaving such moisture in place can trigger unending cycles of mold growth around the property.

Are there physical changes that happen after the initial damage from flooding is resolved?

If there are moisture remnants in cavities such as subfloors or wall spaces, the deterioration progresses unnoticed. You might only realize that something is not right when you notice uneven surfaces. Common signs of serious underlying issues include:

• Tiles coming loose from the surfaces
• Warping and buckling of floorboards
• Cupping or crowning of floorboards

Resolving the underlying moisture problem before fixing the visible damage is crucial. Our SERVPRO technicians use thermal cameras and other moisture detection tools to identify the hidden pockets of wetness. Then we can open up the areas to dry moisture and remove damaged materials. Alternatively, we use sophisticated cavity drying systems such as drying mats and injecti-dry systems. Our advanced equipment allows for open and closed systems to further enhance and expedite the drying process.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the skill sets necessary to resolve flood damage in your Colbert, or Chattaroy home permanently. Call us any time at (509) 474-9144. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here to learn more about Spokane.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

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

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane today at (509) 474-9144 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

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

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

Is There a Local Service for Pandemic Cleaning in Spokane?

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Multiple products used by SERVPRO carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims.

Do Professional Companies Provide Added Value in Spokane?

Yes, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, owned by Jason and Dena Maas, is the local specialty cleaning service you can trust.

Our professionals have access to the best equipment and supplies. When a truly professional company delivers great customer service, they have the potential of providing real value in the fight against this virus. Professionals can deliver a higher level of results over DIY cleaning.

We believe that our SERVPRO is the right size company to really care and to individually serve our clients. Have no concerns; we are also large enough to complete a job of any size.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has IICRC-trained techs that provide proactive preventative pandemic cleaning services in Spokane for residential and commercial properties. Our professional advantage:

    •    Experienced in environmental and biohazard cleaning
    •    Trained in following EPA, CDC, and OSHA protocols
    •    Access to EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning products
    •    The use of powerful commercial equipment
    •    Employee resources to do a job of any scale
    •    Available 24/7 to serve you at the most convenient time
    •    One-time and maintenance plans available
    •    Reasonable pricing
    •    Let’s talk, we offer meaningful advice and consultation.

For all of your cleaning needs, to hire a local professional who sincerely cares, please call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144.

For more about Spokane click here.

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

Should I involve A Professional Restoration Team after a Water Spill in My Laundromat?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can mitigate your water and mold damage business in Spokane.

Should I involve A Professional Restoration Team after a Water Spill in My Laundromat?

SERVPRO Can Help Address Issues Such as Hidden Wet Spots during Commercial Water Cleanup in Your Spokane Business Premises

For a Laundromat business, cleaning is a daily routine. Since it involves the use of significant amounts of water every day, a water spill in Spokane may seem like a conventional task that you can handle in-house. What you might not recognize is the potential for the issue to get out of control leading to the closure of your Spokane facility or other unnecessary inconveniences.

What issues are likely to complicate commercial water cleanup in a Spokane Laundromat?

• Water spreading below the machines
• Water penetrating beneath tiles or other floor materials
• The effects of moisture on furnishings
• Penetration of water into wall cavities

Although you may only notice the water pooling on the floors, the intrusion can spread further. From experience, our SERVPRO crews have observed some common reasons that worsen intrusions, which can range from the late discovery of the water spill, failure to stop the source fast enough, or the loss originating from an elevated point such as when a pipe in the ceiling or walls bursts.

The issues worsen the problem by spreading the water into confined spaces such as beneath the washing machines, wall cavities, or even penetrate beneath floor materials such as tiles. Ordinary water removal efforts such as mopping cannot reach such hidden water. Worse still, you might not know that there are water remnants hidden out of sight, thus creating a chance for other problems to develop.

What severe problems develop from hidden water intrusions?

• Mold development
• Rotting or other forms of material deterioration
• Lifting of tiles

Since fixing these problems can involve significant restoration work and costs, the best solution would be to stop them during the cleanup process.

How does water penetrate hard floors, such as tiles?

In case the water spill only affects the floor, and you have a water-resistant material such as tiles installed, you may have a false sense of security that once you extract the water, the problem is over. However, water can penetrate beyond the tiled floor surface through cracks or gaps in the tiles. Grout can also let water through since it deteriorates over time. If it is over 6 months since the last grout sealing, you have reason to worry.

How does professional water removal prevent these problems?

Professional water cleanup combines restorative and preventive steps to deal with the problems that water intrusion causes. Our SERVPRO technicians have a long checklist of steps that should be performed immediately after noticing water loss. We scope the incident at your facility to determine which ones are appropriate. A typical response includes steps such as:

• Stopping the water source
• Extracting any pooling water
• Drying things
• Cleaning and restoring the facility

To ensure our water extraction efforts accomplish the task before intrusion can spread beyond the surface, we have to choose the appropriate piece of equipment. We consider the depth of standing water and the overall surface area covered by the spill to establish the gallons of water we have to remove. Since the extraction devices have a gallon per hour rating, we can tell how long the removal process is likely to take.

The process of drying things can present many challenges starting with the identification of hidden moisture pockets. Our technicians use thermal cameras for non-invasive inspection in areas we expect moisture intrusion beyond the surface, such as walls and floors. The camera works by detecting temperature differences between wet and dry areas.

Our crews also help with better moisture management when drying contents and building materials.  Drying requires improved airflow around wet materials, so we use equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to manage the process. Calculations may be necessary for balanced drying since using only a few air movers can extend the drying processes unnecessarily. We consider the layout of your Laundromat when placing the air movers to ensure dry air circulates to all areas, including spaces behind the machines.

Do SERVPRO technicians deal with soiling during water cleanup?

The water loss incident can be a blessing in disguise since it creates the opportunity for a thorough cleanup of the facility. Our crews scrub down the floors, wipe the washers inside and outside and also remove debris such as lint from the dryers. Such cleaning helps remove any traces of soling from the water spill, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane can help perform a timely water cleanup exercise at your Colbert, Chattaroy, or Spokane Valley facility forestalling many problems. Call us at (509) 474-9144.

How Do You Clean Up After a Fire in Spokane?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the advanced training and equipment to perform fire cleanup in local properties.

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Fire Cleanup in Local Spokane Homes

The mess left behind by even a small amount of fire damage can look overwhelming. The cleanup method needed depends on the type of fire that occurred in the home, and the smoke residues left behind.

    •    Dry Smoke residues appear after a high heat fire. They look like black powder and should never have contact with wet solutions for the best outcome.
    •    Wet Smoke gets left behind by lower heat fires that consumed plastic and rubber items.
    •    Protein Fires leave behind pungent residues that, while nearly invisible, can sometimes leave a sticky feel on surfaces.

What is the Best Way to do Fire Cleanup on Walls?
There are specific methods for lifting away dry smoke. If wet cleaning agents get used, it has the potential to drive it deeper into the surface, causing the need for more remediation efforts. This scenario is particularly true with painted walls that may require sealant and repainting to eradicate smoke odors fully in your Spokane property. Wet smoke usually involves the use of cleaners with solvents to assist in releasing the easily smeared residue from surfaces.

The Reason Your Kitchen Still Smells Like The Pan That Caught on Fire Last Week
When a protein-based object catches on fire (for example, a steak) in a pan on a stove, the heat turns the fats into a fine mist that settles on all the nearby surfaces. This type of smoke residue is hard to see, but if any of it gets missed, the pungent odor remains. Along with specific cleaners to eradicate this type of residue, SERVPRO techs have odor control methods such as:

    •    Thermal foggers that penetrate porous items and get rid of embedded odors
    •    Hydroxyl generators are machines that safely neutralize airborne particles at the molecular level, and the scent never returns.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 has the advanced training and equipment to perform fire cleanup in local properties. The techs are available 24/7 to come on-site and restore your home and contents.

For more about Spokane click here.

The Severity Of Commercial Mold Damage In Spokane

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

When you discover mold, give our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team a call at (509) 474-9144.

Preventing Cross-Contamination of Mold in Spokane Offices

Many people can appreciate the severity of mold growth in a working environment, especially with the health effects that colonization can create for employees of your Spokane office building. Containment strategies are critical when attempting to prevent cross-contamination where foot traffic and exposed individuals can help active mold spores move to new areas of the structure to continue damaging construction materials and contents.

The severity of mold damage in your Spokane office building hinges on how quickly the situation gets discovered. Not only do our SERVPRO professionals need to address the organism and fungal growth, but also the persistent moisture concerns that allowed the colonization to occur in the first place. All of these steps can get determined while our team works to contain the current damaged region and begin remediating the present colonization in this area.

Containment Barriers
One of the most effective methods for keeping employees and customers out of the work area is to establish physical barriers with thick poly sheeting. These temporary plastic walls can prevent foot traffic and help to maximize the efficiency of drying and deodorization efforts. We can even remove furniture and unaffected devices from this containment zone before sealing it off to help your office continue to function.

Air Circulation
Your entire office building is connected through a high-powered HVAC system. When threats like mold spores and volatile organic compounds (VOC) exist in the environment, circulating air through the building can carry these microorganisms to new surfaces and contents for colonization. Part of effective containment is shutting down the air circulation until remediation has completed.

Indoor Air Quality Equipment
Cleaning up a concentration of mold spores and VOCs in the environment often falls to advanced tools in our inventory like air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators, both of which feature HEPA filtration to capture microorganisms and particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Remediation is a considerable challenge for office buildings that are active environments. We can often allow your business to continue running in some capacity by implementing effective containment strategies when we arrive. When you discover mold, give our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team a call at (509) 474-9144.

For more about Spokane click here.

How Do I Get Floodwater Out of My Basement Without a Sump Pump?

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your flooded home in Spokane from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by calling SERVPRO.

SERVPRO has professional-grade extraction equipment to leave your Spokane basement water-free

Not every basement in the Spokane area has a sump pump, and in some cases, large amounts of water can overheat the pump and cause a failure. Due to the slab substrate that makes up a basement, there is nowhere for the water to drain off, and standing water that may already have sewage or contaminants becomes even more hazardous rapidly.       

How Can I Remove Standing Water From My Spokane Basement?

Mainly when the water is groundwater, there is often the added issue of debris, possible chemicals, and often: sewage as part of the flood damage in Spokane basements. All of these probabilities make the cleanup an unhealthy situation for anyone who does not have protective clothing, professional equipment, and treatment applications to reduce the microbes or pathogens present. When handling a floodwater situation, the technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, to inhibit aspirating water vapor that may contain harmful elements.

How Can I Know if the Water in My Basement is Unhealthy?

While debris is easy to spot in groundwater, you cannot see harmful bacteria or microbes by looking. SERVPRO technicians can test the water on arrival to determine the presence of toxic elements and apply proactive water treatments to make the water safer to handle. Typically, the assumption of contamination requires a protocol for its removal.

Extraction Equipment Makes the Difference in Outcomes

A flooded basement can feel overwhelming to see, but SERVPRO techs take an organized approach to the cleanup and restoration services. A typical set up may go as follows:

• Wearing personal protective gear to handle contaminated water
• Technicians test the water to determine what is in it
• Apply treatments as needed
• Extraction of the water in the basement
• Removal of saturated items for inspection in another area
• Scoping with moisture detection equipment to find all areas of migration
• Drying phase
• Disinfection and Proactive treatments for odor and mold

The extraction equipment plays a huge roll in the best outcome due to water damage of all types. A wet/dry vacuum, even multiple units do not possess the pulling power of the portable pumps used by SERVPRO in local Spokane homes. When the water is deeper than two inches, the technicians have access to submersible pumps that work to remove water. When the water collection in the basement is severe, the techs use truck-mounted pumps to remove not only water but also debris.

Common Issues in Finished Basements with Water Damage

SERVPRO techs see the following issues in finished Spokane basements with floodwater:

• Delaminated of resilient tiles or loss of adhesion by glue-down carpet
• Seepage under floating floors requiring removal for extraction and drying
• Buckled sheetrock from wicked water

When the technicians mitigate loss, particularly from groundwater, items that became saturated from the floodwater generally require disposal as a biohazard. In the case of carpeting, because it can be cumbersome, for safety reasons, the techs remove the water and then cut it into strips for disposal.

Special Tactics for Drying Basement Substrate

The most common material found in a basement floor is concrete. Because of the absorbent qualities, drying methods that include specialized equipment to extract the embedded moisture in the slab flooring. SERVPRO techs use air movers to assist in creating a chain reaction that causes embedded moisture to rise where dehumidification equipment captures it. Another common technique involves putting plastic over the areas where the moisture detection equipment shows areas of elevated humidity. Air movers direct warm, dry air into the area under the plastic tenting and dries the damp floor more rapidly, but at a controlled pace to prevent fracturing and degradation. We can utilize portable gas heaters to enhance the drying rate and efficiency. This can take a number of days.

Disinfection is Necessary After Drying

For the basement to be safe to reuse by the residents, the surfaces require wiping down with cleaning agents to address any bacteria or pathogens present. If cinderblock or other masonry elements need cleanup, SERVPRO has specially formulated cleaners specifically for brick and grout lines. We can apply ERP-registered products to disinfect against bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Odor Control is Often Part of Basement Water Damage Cleanup

Due to the lack of ventilation in most basements, musty water odors can get trapped. There are different levels of odor treatment applications that the technicians have handy. For mild scents, time-release gel-pellets may be enough to eliminate any reminders of the floodwater. However, if the odor needs more robust methods, they have specific equipment to address these odors and neutralize them.

Don't wait to deal with flood damage, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 is available 24/7 to remove the water and restore your property to its preloss condition.

Can Small Fires Cause Serious Damage Issues in My Spokane Home?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

When the SERVPRO vehicle arrives to inspect your fire-damaged Spokane home, the crew is already on the way!

Let SERVPRO Mitigate the Fire and Smoke Loss and Odors

When we think of fire damage, we usually think of big catastrophic blazes that destroy houses.  Often, though, serious fire-related hazards in Spokane result from much smaller fires that do not even destroy a room.

Can this happen to me?

One recent case in point occurred over the winter in a local older woman’s house.  Although the fire damage in her Spokane home seemed relatively minor, it left behind significant issues that required professional attention.  The homeowner had been smoking a cigarette on her living room couch when she realized her dinner was burning in the kitchen.  Inadvertently, in her rush, she left the ashtray with her ignited cigarette on the couch.  It is uncertain what exactly happened next; maybe one of her cats overturned the ashtray.  Whatever happened, the woman’s couch was fully engulfed in flames when she returned.  Fortunately, the fire crew was able to bring the blaze under control quickly.

The only apparent damage to the lady’s home was a destroyed couch and coffee table, a charred spot where they once were, and sooty scorch marks on the ceiling overhead.  However, more concerning was that her house had an overpowering acrid odor and potentially hazardous soot-covered much of her living room.  After researching fire damage restoration companies in Spokane, the homeowner eventually decided to contact SERVPRO for assistance.  Upon their arrival, our technicians inspected her residence, located the areas affected by soot and other residues, found likely sources for her home’s odors, and devised a plan to restore her residence to its pre-fire condition.

What is the process for cleanup and restoration? It Depends:

    •    materials combusted
    •    time of blaze
    •    temperature of the flames
    •    extinguishing methods

SERVPRO technicians started their restoration work by discarding the destroyed couch and coffee table.  Our team, realizing the fire had involved burning polyurethane foam, other synthetic materials, and wood, determined the right wet and dry cleaning processes needed to remove residues from all affected surfaces effectively.  Using the right detergents and agitation methods, SERVPRO was able to remove soot and other residues from the home.  Once finished, workers repainted the walls and ceilings of smelly rooms.  Since the source of the residence’s odors was smoke, technicians used foggers to deodorize it.  

Remember, it does not take a catastrophic fire in your home to cause serious fire-related issues.  Even relatively small fires can produce toxic residues and sickening odors.  When faced with such problems, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for help.  

Here is your area.      

Types of Bad Advice Spokane Homeowners Get About Flood Damage

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is quick to get your flood damage under control and happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at (509) 474-9144.

Trust SERVPRO’s Experienced and Knowledgeable Technicians With Your Home’s Flood Damage and Advice

When bad things happen in a home such as flood damage, one of the first things many people do is lookup online for instructions on how to fix the situation themselves. This action has the potential to cause even more loss and personal injury in some cases.

Safety for all is a priority for SERVPRO technicians during cleanup and restoration in Spokane homes with flood damage. When groundwater enters a property, it carries a rating as a category three biohazard. The reason for this is that anything it encounters along the way comes along for the ride and winds up in the house, which often includes bacteria and sewage. Homeowners and pets should avoid contact.

This Water Requires Testing

SERVPRO has different types of antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions. Once they test the groundwater to determine bacteria or contaminants present, they can treat the water to lessen the hazards of coming into contact with it during cleanup. Frequently given lousy advice is to pour bleach wherever there is standing water. This action can damage flooring, leave bleach spots in carpet, and ruin building materials. Although the techs don full-body protective clothing, including respiration, they apply the highest level of care when handling water loss of this type.

Bad Drying Advice

After flood loss in a home, a big mistake property owners make: running household fans on wet carpet. This does nothing to dry the padding or address the possibility of seepage into the subfloor. SERVPRO techs use an array of moisture detection equipment to locate water anywhere it migrates to ensure it all gets extracted with their professional equipment and dried entirely through the use of their high-velocity air movers and industrial dehumidifiers.

Disinfection is Crucial

Due to the unsafe elements typically found in groundwater, the cleaning of surfaces exposed to it is a big part of the restoration services. The use of specific antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning agents assists not only in sanitizing but also inhibiting mold growth. Before use, the techs carefully assess the object or surface to ensure the correct cleaning method gets implemented.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the training and advanced equipment to restore homes from flood damage. Call their emergency response team at (509) 474-9144, and the certified techs make the water loss, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Spokane.

SERVPRO is Equipped to Remediate Water Damage in Spokane Commercial Property

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipped and on call 24/7 to restore your water damaged commercial property.

Water Damage Woes? We Have Solutions for Spokane Business Owners

When you own a thriving Spokane business, you likely take responsibility for all aspects of daily operations. If a primary supply line breaks or an appliance malfunctions and overflows, you are probably out of your depth. A water loss that sends hundreds or thousands of gallons of fluid throughout your retail space or office building is an emergency requiring professional expertise. Shut off the water main and then call to let us help. 

Efficient Large Capacity Removal Equipment 

Our Spokane water damage disaster company invests in top of the line water removal equipment to ensure the best outcomes for our customers. After a safety scope of the affected areas, our emergency crews get the water moving out of your commercial space. Our inventory includes: 

• Gas-powered submersible pumps -- used where water is more in-depth than two inches  

• Truck-mounted extractors -- high capacity, generator-powered units that can have storage tanks for contaminated fluids holding 60 to over 100 gallons 

Note: the above options are available even when the power to your premises is off temporarily 

• Portable extractors -- able to be carried or rolled into confined spaces allowing for flexible use anywhere on your property 

Sensitive Water and Moisture Detection Devices 

Leaving water behind in building cavities or soaked into structural components is a recipe for continuing building material deterioration and an invitation for mold damage. SERVPRO’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians use the following to find trapped water and collect data on moisture location and levels: 

Thermal Imaging Cameras use temperature fluctuations to locate pockets of trapped liquid water. 

Moisture Sensors detect moisture in soft materials, using penetrating probes that trace water migration--when moisture is present the tool beeps, and a light blinks. 

Moisture Meters capture the actual moisture content of various materials. Readings of unaffected materials elsewhere in your property help set drying goals and repeated meter readings during a recovery project guide technicians to determine if a structure is dry. 

Drying Equipment 

After extraction completes, SERVPRO Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians use the moisture data to set up perimeters of equipment that accelerate evaporation and then capture the resulting water vapor for disposal. We use the equipment below to hit the marks, repositioning and adjusting as moisture reduction occurs: 

• Air movers
• Heaters
• Dehumidifiers   

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the IICRC-certified crews and leading-edge equipment to get you back in business after water damage. Call (509) 474-9144 day or night. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

More about Spokane.

How SERVPRO Handles Basement Flooding in Spokane

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have the equipment to dry water damage your basement? SERVPRO does.

SERVPRO Cleans Basement Flood Damage in Spokane 

An estimated 98% of basements suffer water damage during their lifespan. While Washington homeowners are well aware that they need to be careful of this risk to their structures, the sudden introduction of floodwaters into a home is always a stressful and unpleasant experience. On top of that, without professional mitigation, the risk posed by mold and contaminants in your basement can be challenging to eliminate. 

If your Spokane residence requires flood damage cleanup, the experienced professionals at SERVPRO are ready to serve you with IICRC-compliant tools and techniques that can restore your home to a preloss condition. These technicians assist homeowners with everything from mitigation and restoration to claims filing to minimize the stress of home disasters. No matter the size of the incident, SERVPRO has detailed procedures and cleanliness standards in place for addressing everything from mild to extensive damage. 

Basement Flooding Prevention Ideas 

• Keep drains, downspouts, and gutters clear around your home to reduce the risk of water getting into it.  

• Repair any cracks you see in your home's foundation or around windows and consider window well covers for added protection. 

• Monitor your basement's floor drain and install a sump pump or make sure yours is still in working condition.  

• Install flood monitoring equipment that can sense water right as it penetrates your home. 

• Elevate furniture and appliances on cinder blocks, and store possessions in watertight plastic containers that are easy to stack

SERVPRO's Powerful, Eco-Friendly Disinfection Process

One of the essential steps after flooding occurs is to remove microbes and bacteria that can come in with silt and other contaminants in floodwater. Disinfection is necessary before drying to prevent the spread of contaminants through the air. 

If you have more than 2 inches of flooding in your basement, SERVPRO can use submersible gas-powered sump pumps to extract water. After removing the bulk of the water and dirt from your basement, technicians can focus on spraying down surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials to prevent and remediate microbes and mold.  

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (509) 474-9144 any time of the day or night for rapid disaster cleanup.  

More about Spokane.

Discover Secrets to Effective Commercial Water Damage Remediation in Spokane

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it's on carpet or flooring, excess water needs fast and efficient removal to help prevent possible mold. Contact SERVPRO for services.

For Your Spokane Business, Commercial Water Damage Does Not Have to be a Total Loss

When your business suffers water damage, it doesn’t always mean that you have to close up shop. Calling the skilled technicians at SERVPRO gets you the results that you need so that your business doesn’t skip a beat. We know what is best when you need help to make the water damage “Like it never even happened.”

Major weather events or faulty piping can become an issue for any business owner. It is how you deal with the situation that helps to determine the outcome. With a simple phone call to SERVPRO when you have commercial water damage in Spokane, we jump into action immediately to start the assessment and cleanup process.

Our team at SERVPRO has experience with water loss issues of all kinds, and we understand how vital it is that you are back to business fast. We use water meters and sensors along with industrial strength equipment to quickly remove all moisture from your building before mold has the chance to multiply. 

Measuring Moisture Throughout Your Commercial Space

Once on the scene, our SERVPRO crew chief puts a plan into action involving dehumidifiers and air movers based on the square footage of your space, the natural airflow, and moisture measurements. This strategically-placed equipment brings down moisture levels in your walls and carpeting very rapidly.

In the event that there is more water inside the structure than initially estimated, adjustments are made for the placement of air movers. Some instances may require the implementation of a larger dehumidifier that works in tandem with the HVAC system for your commercial space. 

Saturated carpets and padding that may not be salvageable will be removed entirely and replaced. Moisture detection tools help to determine if any moisture is lingering behind walls and hidden crevices behind baseboards. 

After your water damage event is cleared up, SERVPRO technicians can offer suggestions that may help should you be faced with a similar situation in the future. This may include elevating your equipment, adjusting your storage locations, and the proper steps to take until our assessment team arrives on the scene.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is here to help with commercial water damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call us at (509) 474-9144, and we will send a team out promptly. We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Spokane.

Major Fire Mitigation in Spokane Needed? Better Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Mitigation in Spokane Begins As Soon As the SERVPRO Box Truck Arrives

Why You May Not Be Able to Remain in Your Spokane Home During Fire Damage Restoration

The majority of residential fires leave behind some amount of fire damage, but often only a portion of the home gets affected. Many homeowners assume they can stay in other areas of the property, and it should be okay. But it often is not the case.

One of the questions SERVPRO techs ask during the initial call to address fire damage in Spokane homes is if the fire department said the structure was safe for residents to remain on the property. Because breathing smoke residue and soot particles are unhealthy, homeowners find themselves suddenly needing to relocate during mitigation.
?    If family and friends are not available, the Red Cross and Salvation Army can offer support.
?    You may need to pause services such as paper delivery
?    Have your mail forwarded or rent a temporary PO box

Security During Fire Loss Remediation
SERVPRO techs take care to ensure the property remains safe during the restoration services. Actions such as tarping damaged roofing or broken windows are standard. Boards get securely attached over windows and doors to keep unauthorized persons off-site. Temporary fencing may be another option for property security.

Communication During Cleanup
The techs maintain contact with both the property owner and adjuster during the remediation process to ensure no actions taken are outside the scope of coverage. Items that are too charred for restoration get disposed of only with the approval of either the homeowner or insurance rep and are documented in a report detailing their condition, including a photograph to assist with expediting claims and justifying our efforts.

Air Quality Concerns on Moving Back In
Once the fire loss restoration efforts complete, the techs will have cleaned all the smoke and soot residues off surfaces. Air scrubbers capture and remove airborne soot particles, and the process often includes duct cleaning to make sure the HVAC is not spreading residual soot through the vents once the residents move back in. Final deodorization methods neutralize any remaining particulate matter, so there are no reminders a fire occurred on the property.

In cases where build back is needed, and in this scenario, extensive damage had occurred, SERVPRO can help. We partner with Maas Construction for making your fire-damaged property a home again. Positive results and reviews are why we suggest this company when our customers need extensive reconstruction or remodeling.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready to assist local homeowners with the cleanup and restoration from fire damage. Contact the certified techs 24/7 at (509) 474-9144, and the fire loss in your home will be "Like it never even happened."

Why We Are The Leader In Spokane After A Fire

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

We have the training, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a fire.

Common Issues Restoring Fire Damage to a Spokane Kitchen

When a cooking fire gets out of control, leaving fire damage behind, there are numerous challenges to restore the kitchen to its preloss condition fully. Due to the possibility of spreading soot, fire loss should be professionally restored.

SERVPRO technicians know any loss to a Spokane home is stressful, and fire damage to a kitchen is especially hard as it is one of the rooms in the house the entire family uses regularly. 

Why SERVPRO?

As part of the extensive training the technicians undergo, nothing is more important than making homeowners feel at ease during the restoration process. The techs work hard to save homeowners the cost of replacing damaged items through their cleaning and preservation methods to return the home and contents to their pre-fire condition.

Cleanup of Charred Materials

Items and building materials without the potential for restoration and reuse get removed from the premises quickly. The techs photograph and enter the things on a detailed report, including photos to prove the loss, to assist the homeowner in expediting their insurance claim.

Water Damage 

When the fire gets extinguished, water is often an issue as part of the fire loss mitigation. The techs use portable pumps to extract the water and contain the area during drying to avoid spreading soot throughout the home. 

Restoration of Items

SERVPRO techs have access to advanced cleaning solutions as well as methods to ensure damaged items have the best chance for a positive outcome from fire or smoke damage. Immersion cleaning works well on non-porous items, and the use of certain solvents releases the grip smoke residues can have on objects. 

Foodstuffs Probably Have to Go

Soot particles can be smaller than the human eye can see and can travel along the grooves of screwtop containers and contaminate foods. Anything other than canned goods will most likely require disposal for possible contamination.

Odor Control

The final layer of fire damage mitigation involves odor neutralizing. SERVPRO has cleaners to get rid of smoke residues and also equipment to eradicate odors at the molecular level, never to return. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 can handle any size fire damage to your property and contents and use their advanced restoration techniques to make the loss "Like it never even happened."

See more about Spokane.

The Commercial Water Removal Process In Spokane Does Not End After Removing Standing Water

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

We know the steps to get your Spokane Property back from water damage.

Why You Need Help From The Experts With Water Removal In Your Spokane Porperty 

Water loss incidents pose a grave risk to businesses, especially if not adequately resolved. Although immediately extracting the spilled water is the first thing that comes to mind, more processes are likely necessary to restore your Spokane property to its preloss state. SERVPRO understands various issues that hinder restoration and prepares to handle them.

Vapor Barriers

When the water spills, it soaks into different materials. The process of water removal from your Spokane business premises can stall if there are vapor barriers such as wallpaper on materials that the water permeates. A vapor barrier is formed by any material that is either waterproof or has a permeance of 1 perm or less. We check your premises for materials that act as vapor barriers, including masonry bricks, vapor retarding paint, Kraft paper-faced insulation, and plywood over half-inch thick.

Hygroscopic Materials

The water may spread indiscriminately around the property, especially if the intrusion starts from an elevated location such as an upper floor or when pipes in the walls or ceiling cavity leaks. However, the incident can also affect materials even when water does not reach them physically. Hygroscopic materials hold on to water vapor from the air because of a higher permeance factor. The absorption affects them in different ways, including leading to swelling. Rather than dealing with the problem separately, our SERVPRO technicians take a preventive approach whereby we set up dehumidifiers immediately after arrival at the loss site to keep moisture levels standard, as we perform other restoration processes.

Secondary Damages

Sometimes the spilled water causes physical damages to the exposed materials. Various kinds of secondary damages can develop, including moistening and crumbling of ceiling tiles, wallpaper softening, and falling off or more severe issues such as mold development. Our SERVPRO technicians prefer to prevent such secondary issues whenever possible by taking steps such as expedited water extraction.

Water removal is an elaborate process that must be done properly to save your business. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 to help restore any issues caused by the incident, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Spokane.

Using Trash Pumps for Flooded Spokane Basements

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today at (509) 474-9144.

How Gas-Powered Trash Pumps and Electric Submersible Pumps can Benefit your Spokane Home in the Event of a Flood

Many tools can help our SERVPRO professionals to remove standing water from Spokane homes after a flood. While in most situations, the ideal tool for extraction in a household is electric submersible pumps, these are not always the best option when debris and solids might be present in the water to get removed. Instead, there are more powerful extraction tools like gas-powered trash pumps that can do the job more efficiently.

Flood damage in Spokane homes is something that many property owners have either experienced or expected throughout the soaking rains seen throughout the year. With close to forty inches of rain falling on average throughout the area, there are many instances in which creeks and streams can rise to the point of flooding communities that we serve. Because these conditions often come with mud, debris, and other contaminants, traditional clean water sump pumps are not the ideal extraction device to help with several inches or feet of standing water in the basement.

As you might expect, the priority in these circumstances is to remove the water as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drying up surface water can help our SERVPRO professionals to address contaminants, mud, and other cleaning tasks. Because many area homes do not have finished basements, contamination can get treated most efficiently with disinfectants and biocides. These products can remove bacteria and other threatening substances from exposed materials.

Discharging floodwater from this extractor unit typically goes to the sanitary sewer system through sinks, sewer cleanouts, or other access points. Once the water has reached a depth of two inches or less, wet vacuums can work to remove the last remaining fluid and also begin removing the mud and debris on the concrete floor of the basement.

Gas-powered trash pumps are ideal for flood situations because they can get used without a need for constant power to the structure, as widespread flooding can often discontinue electrical service. No matter what tools and approaches your home needs to overcome flooding effects, our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team can help. Give us a call today at (509) 474-9144.

See more about Spokane.

Water Damage Spokane – Why Keep Crawl Spaces Dry

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Let us break down for your Spokane home why water damage needs to be addressed immediately.

Spokane water damage can take over before you know it. Let's take action.

Many homes have crawl spaces under the main floor of the home. These areas are generally not used for storage or other uses, although in some cases, a hot water tank or furnace may be installed in the crawl space. Many homeowners seldom go into the crawl space or even open the access door to the area. A damp or wet crawl space can cause problems within the livable parts of the home, occasionally causing health issues for anyone living there.

SERVPRO provides water damage services in Spokane and surrounding areas. A damp or wet crawl space can be a source of mold and high humidity that may permeate the rest of the home. For example, high humidity in the crawl space can cause hardwood floors to expand, causing cupping and even splintering. Mold spores can also grow, causing a musty odor throughout the home.

Many crawl spaces are damp while some can have standing water because a sump pump failed to work, or the water table was higher than usual, and water found its way into the crawl space. In these situations, SERVPRO has the equipment and knowhow to deal with these situations. We can install large capacity sump pumps to remove standing water and deliver it to the storm sewer on the street.

SERVPRO can install dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining humidity. Blowing moist air out of the crawl space, providing there is adequate access, also helps to lower the humidity. Dry air can be drawn into the space to absorb more moisture.

The homeowner may have to install a permanent sump pump to remove any water. This pump ensures the crawl space is not flooded again. If there is an ongoing problem with high moisture levels, SERVPRO may suggest installing a permanent dehumidifier to control the humidity level.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Otis Orchards, Hillyard, Mead, and the surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Spokane, click here.

Spokane Property Owners Turn to SERVPRO for Water Removal and Drying

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Scissor Trusses Can Harbor Hidden Water in Spokane Two-Story Homes--SERVPRO Can Remove and Dry

Second Floor Water Cleanup in Spokane

One of the worst types of water damage a Spokane homeowner faces is when water from the second story descends into the first story. Either down the stairs or through the ceiling, either way, leaving behind a significant amount of clean up.

SERVPRO technicians know during water cleanup in Spokane homes, it is essential to find the migration path of the water to ensure that nothing is left. They use state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment to locate water in subflooring and within the floor joists between floors.

Why SERVPRO?
During any type of water loss, mold is always a threat. The technicians have extensive training in the restoration of all kinds of damage, and they also know the warning signs and how to inhibit mold from even becoming an issue. Their attention to detail during water extraction and drying helps restore homes to their preloss condition quickly.

Fast Extraction is Key
When SERVPRO technicians work on a water loss that affects more than one story in a home, they scope the property to find all areas of elevated moisture and get to work with their portable pumps to extract as much water as possible. They also perform drainage techniques as needed, such as the drilling of weep holes in ceilings or baseboards to allow both better drainage and airflow for drying. If sheetrock wicked too much moisture, the technicians cleanly cut it away to avert further damage.

Techniques for Complete Drying
After a water loss, drying a room with air movers and dehumidifiers seems simple enough. However, behind baseboards, wall cavities, and floor joists all present problems. That is why SERVPRO technicians have specialized drying equipment for forcing air into tight spaces. Drying mats assist with pushing warm, dry air into a wet subfloor and floor joists while the Injecti-Dry system works well for drying wall cavities.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 is available 24/7  for water cleanup of any size. The certified, trained technicians arrive fast and work to make the water loss in the home, "Like it never even happened."

How to Succeed With Water Remediation After an Event in Spokane

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless whether it's faulty plumbing or an aging dishwasher, Team SERVPRO is ready to remediate water damage in your home.

Fast Dishwasher Water Removal for a Spokane Home

Water-related property damage is the third largest cause of loss for homeowners. Between 2007 and 2009 alone, over $9 billion worth of losses were reported, comprising a massive 23% of all recorded property loss. One of the most common causes of water-related disasters is kitchen appliance failure, with the most frequent culprits being faucets, sink plumbing, and dishwashers.

If your Spokane kitchen needs water removal at any time of the day or night, IICRC-certified SERVPRO technicians are always available to provide emergency-response cleanup. Whether you have a broken pipe leaking through walls, ceilings, or flooring, or you had an appliance failure like a broken dishwasher hose or gasket, you can expect this team to clean up your home in a timely fashion with state-of-the-art materials.

Always Available to Help

Your local SERVPRO team is highly invested in serving the communities outside of disaster mitigation. Franchise owners work closely with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, BOMA, and the Landlord Association of the Inland West. This crew also partners with local organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and the American Red Cross to aid homeowners. 

How SERVPRO Can Help

If water has affected floors or walls around or behind cabinetry, SERVPRO can handle the job. If the affected cabinetry does not have a back and it is attached to the wall, technicians may be able to drill holes to promote proper air circulation through the area. This is the same type of technique team members often use to prepare walls for drying.

Depending on the placement of the weep holes, this technique can also be used to save fiberglass insulation on an exterior wall as well as potentially affected sheetrock. The toe kick under the cabinet box may be removed and holes may be drilled to promote ventilation underneath the cabinets. After thorough extraction has taken place, air movers and dehumidifiers can be set up so drying can begin in your kitchen.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. When disaster strikes in your kitchen, you can call (509) 474-9144 for fast service.

Click here for more information about Spokane.

Water Cleanup Spokane – Avoid Creating Mold Infestations

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

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

Call SERVPRO for your Spokane water damage to avoid mold growth.

Many consumers unintentionally create the right conditions that foster mold infestations. It begins with a water leak somewhere or perhaps an overflowing sink. Water spreads across the floor, into other rooms, soaking carpets and under padding. The leak is repaired, and the visible water is mopped up, and the flooring is allowed to dry naturally. These consumers may have created the perfect conditions for mold growth.

SERVPRO receives calls from consumers all of the time about water cleanup in Spokane. A mold infestation has appeared, there is a musty smell in the area, and family members are experiencing adverse health impacts. We can help manage the initial water event, clean up the water, and dry all areas affected to avoid future mold infestations.

Stop the Leak and Remove the Water

SERVPRO recommends that consumers manage the leak first. Turn the tap off, or shut off the main water supply, and make repairs if there is a water leak. Call SERVPRO for help. We can respond in less than 4 hours. We are available on a 24/7 basis. Begin mopping up as much of the water as possible. This limits the overall damage and controls the area that may become soaked with water.

Extracting the Moisture

SERVPRO has the equipment to remove every last drop of water and dry your floors, including hardwood, carpeting, and subfloors. We use a weighted water extractors to squeeze every last drop of moisture from the carpet and underpad. Hand operated vacuums remove water from hard surfaces such as hardwood, tile, and linoleum floors.

Dehumidifiers and Air Movers

We also want to avoid any opportunity for mold growth. We use desiccant air dryers to remove moisture from hard surfaces such as hardwood floors. Carpets are sometimes lifted to expose the underpad and subfloors. Air movers are used to blow air into these areas to absorb moisture, and dehumidifiers are used to remove humidity from the air. SERVPRO ensures that there is no moisture left to support the growth of mold.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Colbert, Chattaroy, Spokane Valley, and the surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Spokane, click here.

Our Professionals Provide Reliable Electrical Fire Damage Cleanup In Spokane

11/23/2019 (Permalink)

Call (509) 474-9144 to have a team get to work restoring your residence within hours.

Reliable Electrical Fire Damage Cleanup in Spokane

Every year, lighting sources catch fire and cause damage to thousands of homes. Electrical fires cause more than $1 billion in property losses in the US alone. Not only can this be stressful for homeowners, but the damages that can be difficult to bounce back from, even with quality insurance.

If your home requires professional fire damage cleanup in Spokane, SERVPRO is only a phone call away from providing you with the assistance that you need. These technicians receive continuous education on mitigation techniques and tools so that you can benefit from their knowledge and field experience. Franchise owners are also required to receive comprehensive education about these disasters so that they can help you in getting the service you need.

Common Home Electrical Fire Risks
Almost half of home electrical fires are caused by failures or malfunctions that are surprisingly common. These can include:

    •    Outdated appliances or faulty outlets
    •    Using damaged extension cords, or using these cords as a permanent outlet for appliances
    •    Light bulbs that exceed the wattage for the fixture they occupy
    •    Defective or outdated wiring
    •    Clogged or unsafely-positioned space heaters

20% of residential structure fires are caused by lighting like lamps, light bulbs, and flush mount lights, while 6% include damages from ceiling fans.

SERVPRO Saves the Day
Depending on the wall material and types of soiling present, SERVPRO has a variety of tools available to clean your structure out after an electrical fire. Dry cleaning sponges are often the tool of choice for cleaning ceilings with light-to-medium amounts of damage. Wet cleaning with EPA-registered antimicrobials is the method of choice for heavier damage to walls, particularly those that are metal, wood, or painted. Non-porous ceiling surfaces may benefit more from peroxide active cleaning, but this technique is often saved for surfaces that would be damaged by thorough wet cleaning. Technicians work from ceiling to floor to clear out your structure and render it safe once more.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is committed to leaving your home looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (509) 474-9144 to have a team get to work restoring your residence within hours.

For more about Spokane click here.

Mitigating Damage with Water Removal in Spokane.

11/10/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in Spokane can be handled correctly, let SERVPRO show you.

SERVPRO will have your back after your Spokane water damage.

While storms, pipe leaks, and other sudden disasters are a cause of concern for many Washington homeowners, one reason that is often overlooked is human error. Someone may forget to turn off the faucet upstairs before doing laundry or a clogged toilet can overflow. In short, accidents happen, and without thorough professional cleanup, you can end up dealing with the consequences of these small incidents for the long-term in the form of mold, odors, or damaged flooring or drywall. 

If you need fast water removal for your Spokane residence, SERVPRO is available 24/7 to clean up the damage and restore your home to a safe and comfortable condition. This team's focus is on preserving your possessions and structures when it is safe to do so, so that you can save time, money, and stress. Whatever your home needs, this crew has the tools to clean up after disaster strikes. 

State-of-the-Art Cleanup Technologies

SERVPRO combines reliable cleanup methods with contemporary technological solutions to bring your home an unprecedented level of clean after a disaster. Technicians also undergo comprehensive education on water damage and drying, so they know the in’s and out’s of how to clean and restore your home after it has experienced a water-related disaster. 

Water damage cleanup technologies include:

• Portable back-mounted extractors and truck-mounted pumps for larger disasters
• EPA-registered proprietary disinfectant solutions
• Industrial-grade centrifugal air movers 
• Low-grain refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers 
• Ultra-low volume or thermal fogging to eliminate odor particles

How SERVPRO Can Help

If an accidental faucet overflow leaves your bathroom floor covered in water and the hallway carpet saturated with water, technicians can quickly get to work on mitigating damage and drying your flooring. For carpets, rovers may be used to soak up water. In cases where the carpet is especially soaked, pros can pull up the affected area after water extraction so the carpet and pad can be dried from underneath. We can also check floorboards and subflooring for damage as needed. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is Faster to Any Size Disaster so your home can be restored to a preloss condition. For lightning-fast emergency response, call (509) 474-9144 today.

To find out more about Spokane, click here.

You Can Count On Us for Water Removal In Spokane

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

We have state of the art equipment necessary to dry the water damage in your home. Call us right away to prevent further damage.

Cleaning Up a Ruptured Water Heater in Your Spokane Home

Tank-style water heaters are still a typical element you can find in most Spokane homes. Many factors begin to work against your water heater from the date it gets installed, including minerals present in the public water systems and consistent minute pressure fluctuations that can stress connectors, threading, and the tank itself. Over the years, your system can throttle down its effectiveness as scaling and buildup occur within the pipes, which can lead to eventual malfunctions.

Between a natural degradation of your water heater and instances like freezing when cold snaps occur, the emptied contents of your tank requires fast water removal for Spokane homes. Whenever these emergencies occur, you need a team that you can trust to arrive quickly and begin extraction and drying efforts. The sooner these processes can begin, the better protected your basement area or main floor in the house can be.

Addressing the standing water damage before it can penetrate drywall and other materials to affect structural cavities is an important step as well. Once the damage has spread a considerable distance, it becomes more and more challenging not to require controlled demolition and reconstruction efforts. While we have a team of licensed contractors that can help with these needs, we are always looking to keep costs as low as possible for our customers.

Cleaning up after a water loss incident like this often requires the use of our wet-vacs and extraction wands, as standing water is unlikely to exceed the two inches in depth ideal for more powerful extraction tools in our inventory. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can set up multiple air movers along with our dehumidification units to draw out moisture and dry up damaged materials and environments before mold growth or structural deterioration can begin.

With many homes still using tank water heaters, the threat of this substantial water loss incident always exists. If losses do occur, you can count on our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team that has proven that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call anytime at (509) 474-9144.

See more about Spokane.

Tips for Cleaning Fire Damage in Spokane

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can happen at any time. Contact SERVPRO for fire damage remediation services.

Odor Removal After Microwave Fire Damage in a Spokane Kitchen

Not every fire is a catastrophic incident. Many fires start with mundane events going awry. A hairdryer can go haywire and spew flame, or a child can microwave their favorite snack, still in the plastic packaging, only for it to catch fire. The latter case can be both distressing and leave fire damage and significant odors in your kitchen that need mitigation.

No matter how fire damage in Spokane homes comes to pass, the technicians at SERVPRO can use cutting edge, commercial-grade equipment to clean up soot, structural damage, and lingering odors. A quickly-addressed microwave fire may contain damage to one area of your home. However, soot can become corrosive after moisture exposure, and nearly-invisible protein films from food particles in your microwave can impart strong odors. 

Minimize Odors After A Microwave Fire

• Add a half cup of ammonia to a gallon of warm water.
• While wearing rubber gloves to protect skin from ammonia, clean surfaces in your kitchen with a clean cloth soaked in the ammonia mixture. Focus on surfaces that are covered in soot or feel "filmy."
• Slice a lemon and add to 1 quart of water in a cooking pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer. This can help eliminate odors in your kitchen.
• Fill some small bowls halfway with distilled white vinegar and set them in rooms affected by smoke odor for two to three days to absorb odors. Refill as needed. 

SERVPRO Eliminates Fire Damage Odors

When a SERVPRO team comes to your home, the first step taken is to remove the source of odors. From there, the focus is placed on ventilation and cleaning with a detergent/deodorant solution. Technicians pore over every surface to ensure that soot, protein residue, and odors are eliminated.

If odors persist after the second round of ventilation, SERVPRO's odor control technicians (OCTs) can distribute commercial-grade deodorizers and odor counteractant beads with pleasant scents. Thermal fogging is a deodorizing technique that uses a dry fog that works the same way smoke does in covering surfaces. If your HVAC system was in use during the fire, SERVPRO experts can use cheesecloth over vent systems to check for smoke contamination. Cheesecloth also acts as a filter, preventing residue fumes from cleaners from collecting in your vents and affecting other rooms in your home.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is Faster to Any Size Disaster so you can have your home back, free of smoke and odors. Our IICRC certified technicians are available anytime 24/7. Just call (509) 474-9144.

Why Professional Removal is Needed for Water Damage in Spokane

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

When the water comes inside, we have the equipment to take it out. Call us today!

Why Professional Equipment is a Must for Spokane Home Water Removal 

There are many ways water damage happens in a home, and once it does, fast action is the key to limiting loss to both the structure and contents.  

Homeowners in Spokane with water removal needs require more than household fans and towels to clean up water loss from pipe breaks, appliance failures or accidents.  

Why SERVPRO?

Industrial-grade equipment makes the difference in a water loss cleanup that is complete or one that leaves behind the potential for issues. Technicians have access to a broad array of water extraction equipment. The tools used are dependant on the amount of water and surfaces on which they are working. For example, carpeting is not automatically a loss if cleanup actions begin quickly, and the water in the home does not have a rating as a category two or three. Technicians use specialized attachments for pulling moisture out of both carpet and padding for thorough drying in the next phase of mitigation.  

Item by Item Inspection

SERVPRO technicians inspect each item to determine the restoration potential through their knowledge of cleaning and proprietary restoration techniques. This action saves homeowners the cost of replacement and limits loss.  

Professional Drying Equipment 

After water extraction, the use of industrial drying equipment such as centrifugal air movers removes any remaining embedded moisture. Technicians carefully monitor the ambient humidity levels until it meets preset drying goals. This limits both mold and water odors as secondary issues after the completion of water cleanup efforts.  

Cleaning Solutions for Disinfection and Deodorization

Bacteria and residual odors have the potential to be present in the property. SERVPRO technicians hand-clean surfaces with solutions such as their unique Orange cleaner that works as an antibacterial as well as leaving a fresh, citrus scent. After cleaning, if any odors remain in the home, they have various types of equipment to neutralize water odors such as hydroxyl generators or solvent-based thermal fogging.  

When your residence needs water removal, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144. Our certified technicians have both the equipment and experience to make the water loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

More about Spokane. 

What You Should Do When Your Colbert Home Needs Water Cleanup Services

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let an accident in your Colbert kitchen stop your water fun with your loved ones. .

Let SERVPRO worry about the damage in you Colbert home.

Many accidents could put your home in need of professional water cleanup services. For example, imagine how much water would spill out onto your kitchen floor if your dishwasher broke. What would be the best way to clean it up? 

You may think there is no need to call professional Colbert water cleanup services to your home for such a minor inconvenience. However,  your kitchen has many nooks and crannies that water pockets can hide in. Under the toe-kicks of your counters is just one example. 

If your dishwasher was to leak all over your kitchen floor, here at SERVPRO, we highly recommend for you to reach out for our services. If you were to call us, our water damage remediation technicians (WRT) could quickly gather and travel to your home with a green-van full of advanced equipment. Once there, we can get right to work to clean up the dishwasher spill. 

Our technicians can clean up the soapy mess of water left behind by your dishwasher with wet/dry vacuums and extractors. However, we can also thoroughly search your kitchen for hidden pockets of water, using thermal imaging cameras and removing toe-kicks. To ensure the moisture levels of your home are at an acceptable level, we could use moisture meters.  

We use equipment designed to reach difficult areas, such as air blasting tubes. Supplying dry air to every nook and cranny of your home is a simple task for SERVPRO. If it turns out that there is excess water beneath your counters, we can use the air blasting tubes to feed fresh and dry air to the area. 

Once we're sure that the excess moisture has been adequately dried, SERVPRO can return your home to you, "Like it never even happened." Our goal is always to leave you feeling happy with our service, and like you can go back to living your life without thinking of the damage. 

If your home finds itself in need of water cleanup services, always get help right away. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane by phoning (509) 474-9144. Whenever you need us, we're ready to help. 

To learn more about Colbert, click here.

We Are Here To Help After A Water Damage Incident In Your Colbert Home

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Night or day, we're ready to remediate the damages in your home.

SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Water Cleanup Disaster In Colbert

There can be several instances where you may find yourself in need of professional water cleanup services in your Colbert home. Your washing machine or your air conditioner could leak. Your tub could overflow, or the water supply line connecting your dishwasher could break. Whatever the reason, get help right away to prevent further damages.

Your home requires local Colbert water cleanup services because your child overflowed your bathtub while you weren't looking. Kids can get up to mischief in the blink of an eye and, unfortunately, your bathroom suffered the consequences. Tubs can hold a lot of water, which means your bathroom floor has a significant volume of water covering it. For this reason, you need to reach out to a company that you can trust to always be Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO is ready to help you no matter when you need the assistance. Night, day, weekday, or weekend, our technicians can come to your aid 24/7. Our technicians are certified by the Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) and always use advanced industry-grade technology, designed to remove water as swiftly as possible.

Once inside your home, our technicians can use devices such as extractors and wet/dry vacuums to remove the standing water from your bathroom. These devices are designed to remove the water as fast as possible, to remove excess moisture from the structure of your home quickly. However, removing the excess water might not be enough. Our SERVPRO technicians can bring in more devices, such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and flood drying mats to guarantee that all of the moisture has been pulled from the floor and the base of the walls.

Once finished, SERVPRO can return your bathroom to you, “Like it never even happened.” It's always our goal to leave your home in its preloss condition, and with you feeling happy with the service you received.

If your home requires a water cleanup, do not hesitate to reach out. Speak with SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane by dialing (509) 474-9144. Night or day, we're ready to remediate the damages in your home.

For more about Colbert click here.

When Submersible Pumps are Necessary for Water Removal in Cobert

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

We made flood cuts and removed the flooring to dry the structure. Our team is trained to handle any water damage event.

How Submersible Pumps Influence Recovery in Colbert Homes 

Finding the best possible solution for the removal of standing water in your Colbert home is a priority of our experienced professionals. We have a fast response to water loss emergencies. Our team arrives at your property with all of the equipment, products, and personnel necessary to mitigate your losses and begin recovering compromised flooring, walls, and other damaged elements. Water removal can be a unique challenge, primarily because of the limited timetable before construction materials become too severely damaged to protect. 

The ideal solution for water removal in Colbert homes depends exclusively on the location of these damages and the severity of the damage. Extraction wands, for example, would better suit situations where standing water is less than a couple of inches high. Any more than this, and you would want to utilize one of the most versatile and heavily utilized tools in the recovery arsenal of any SERVPRO technician: the submersible pump. 

While these units can come in multiple sizes and strengths, a small and portable option leaves the ability to quickly discharge standing water without taking up considerable space in the home or property. Submersible units get directly attached to discharge hoses, allowing our SERVPRO team to redirect the water as needed to drain outside the house. We follow strict guidelines about this extraction and discharge, especially in situations where the water could have become contaminated by a foreign substance or debris.

Because these units require electricity to function, we often must develop a strategy that keeps these machines powered throughout all types of loss incidents. In many water emergencies, the power can become severed, and operations get supported by the installation of a portable generator. Between our smaller units and trailered generators, we can offer real-time support for disasters of all sizes. 

You might not always think you need professional restoration services after water loss incidents, but our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team can help you however you need. From extraction to full-scale drying and reinstallation, you can count on our team. Give us a call 24/7 at (509) 474-9144. 

More about Colbert.

Did the Recent Storm Damage Put Your Family in Danger of Being Scammed?

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Home restoration scams become frequent after storm damage. Be careful when selecting a contractor. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is always on call!

Beware of Fraudulent Restoration After Spokane Storm Damage 

Severe storm systems are nothing new to Spokane residents, many of which have dealt with multiple destructive storms. Most property owners have added additional coverage options with their insurance provider in the off chance that more devastating storm systems might come again in the future. The work required to return your property to the preloss condition must still begin quickly. Many turned to our SERVPRO team's experience and fast response over the years, but there are just as many who have sought out benefits of low price shopping. 

With how extensive storm damage in Spokane properties can be, you need a team with the knowledge and experience to help right away. Structural threats exist that can result in injuries or costlier repairs.  These same storms can also bring about flooding and loss events that make it impossible to remain in your house. The only solution is rapid restoration and recovery options that exist. While our SERVPRO team has involved training and experience to back up our reputation, you should be aware of deals that sound too good to be true. 

There are a series of “businesses” that tend to crop up immediately following widespread storm damages across Spokane. While many homeowners seek out the reputable companies with positive online reviews like our SERVPRO professionals, others can fall into the allure of a cheap flat rate and promises of getting you back into your home more quickly than you thought possible. 

The idea behind these short-term businesses is to get as much upfront payments as possible and then vanish. No work ever gets completed on your property, and you are out a portion of the total restoration cost estimated when these con artists first arrived at your house. Our professionals never ask for upfront payments, even a small portion of the total restoration costs. Never pay for work that is not happening. 

We understand that you might not choose our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team when storm damages occur to your property, but we never want to see one of our neighbors fall into these unfortunate scams that take place when things seem the bleakest. No matter what we can do to help after a storm, never hesitate to call us at (509) 474-9144.

More about Spokane.

We Discuss How To Eradicate Odors After A Fire In Your Chattaroy Residence

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

We can remove the odor to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How To Eradicate Odors Resulting From Fire Damage In Your Chattaroy Residence

Fires are petrifying because they create dangerous situations and cause extensive damage to property. After extinguishing a fire and you ensure everybody is safe, you face a difficult and long road of getting your home back to its pre-damaged condition. The by-products of combustion, such as soot and smoke, can cause discoloration of various materials and surfaces in your home.

If your Chattaroy home has fire damage, it is vital to act quickly to remove the residues and smoke odors. Both small and large house fires can leave lingering smoke scents in your home for days, weeks, or months.  When a fire occurs, smoke usually spreads throughout the house, getting absorbed into different materials such as carpets, curtains, furniture, walls, and clothing.  Some things you can do to eliminate the smells include:

    •    Opening all the windows for proper ventilation.
    •    Vacuuming visible soot using a vacuum cleaner.
    •    Washing fabrics such as bedspreads, upholstery, and carpets.
    •    Cleaning the tile or wood floors using a cotton mop.
    •    Cleaning visible soot from ceilings and walls using a sponge soaked in rubbing alcohol or paint thinner.

Smoke odors may still linger even after taking the above steps. To eliminate the odors, you can enlist the professional odor removal that SERVPRO offers. Our technicians are well trained in cleaning up affected contents and structures and removing smoke odors.

Soot contains acids and chemicals that destroy fabrics. We can use heavy-duty vacuums to get rid of all the soot from walls and floors to prevent further structural damage and staining. To deodorize a home successfully, we combine multiple techniques. It is not realistic to identify all the sources of odors and determine specific methods for counteracting each source.

Odor removal is not the same as odor control. The initial step of any odor is removing the source of the scent. The second step is cleaning the area of any odor-causing residues. After cleaning, we can use air scrubbers to eliminate odor molecules from the indoor air. Our SERVPRO technicians can also use thermal foggers to remove odors. Thermal fogging dispenses solvent-based deodorants into the air. Since the deodorant solutions pass through a heated area, they combust, and this breaks them down into minute particles. The particles can go anywhere the odor-causing particles are and neutralize them by transforming their chemical composition. Dry fogs penetrate and deodorize fast because of the small particle size. After the fogging procedure, our technicians ventilate the treated areas.

When you need deodorization services after a fire damages your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 any time for help. We can remove the odor to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Chattaroy click here.

Spokane Commercial Warehouses Benefit from SERVPRO's Rapid Response for Water Removal and Restoration

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

From Flames to Floods--The SERVPRO Green Fleet--Restores Commercial and Residential Properties in the Spokane Area

Getting Your Concrete Facility Dry Post-Fire Requires Commercial Water Removal Services in Spokane

Businesses in Spokane often store their off-season inventory and goods in a warehouse. Emergencies involving such buildings can and do happen. When the structure consists mainly of concrete, cleaning up involves more than removing the ruined inventory. Business owners must take additional steps to ensure that merchandise stored there in the future does not become damaged.

Comprehensive Restoration Services
Full mitigation of your warehouse in Spokane for commercial water removal is part of the fire damaging service.Extinguishing a fire not only forces thousands of gallons into a confined space but it also dramatically increases the water vapor in that structure. A few fans, mops and buckets, and some squeegees cannot remove sufficient moisture from a saturated warehouse.

SERVPRO's water removal specialists receive intensive training and then earn recognition from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our ASD applied structural drying technicians understand the complexities of your facility's situation. Water vapor, as well as moisture trapped inside the concrete blocks, create the perfect environment for a massive surge in microbial growth. Soot from the fire, mixed with steam, ends up soiling windows and other surfaces.

Moisture Removal with strong air circulation
We pull large box fans out of our Green Fleet trucks so we can force the moisture out of the concrete walls. Desiccant machines collect the water vapor from the air as it passes through. To raise the amount of moisture the air can hold, we also unload heaters and start using these. When the air temperature rises, it can become more saturated. We want this to happen, so the moisture content of walls and other structures steadily decreases.

Odors are also an issue in restoration
As the amount of moisture decreases lowering the RH relative humidity, other team members work on cleaning up your warehouse. We remove soot and other soiling from surfaces, apply protective chemicals that prevent damage from microbes, and also use situation-specific deodorization methods. These all help keep your future merchandise from suffering damage, including absorbing unpleasant odors.

For all of the issues, your warehouse in Colbert, Chattaroy, or Spokane Valley faces, call the water removal experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. Our 24-hour emergency services line, (509) 474-9144, is always answered to ensure We're Always Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Water Heaters Cause a 'Hot Mess' of Water Damage in Your Spokane Home

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to dry the damage caused from water heater leaks.

Water Removal Spokane – Leaking Water Heater

It sits in a dark corner of your basement, forgotten until there is no hot water or begins to leak water all over your basement. The first indication that there might be a problem with your water heater could be brown colored water in the tub, or you step into several inches of water in your basement. A leaking water heater can leak hundreds of gallons of water in a short timeframe, damaging flooring, furniture and anything lying on the floor.

The first step that SERVPRO focuses on is water removal in your Spokane home. Removing the water quickly and stopping the source of the water can reduce the amount of overall damage quickly. Before you enter the basement, with water on the floor, make sure that it is safe to set foot in the water. Electrical short circuits can make for an unsafe environment.

Many homeowners try to tackle the water removal process on their own before realizing that help is needed to remove the water, dry their basement, and recover their furniture and flooring. Steps that homeowners should consider are:

• Make certain that it is safe to enter the basement.
• Shut the water off to stop continued leaking from the water heater.
• Use a sump pump to begin removing the water.
• Support all furniture by placing pads under the legs.
• Remove for later drying all fabrics such as pillows, clothes, and toys.
• Turn on the AC to help in drying the basement and removing moisture.
• A dehumidifier can also be placed in the basement to help remove moisture.

Many homeowners are worried about the formation of mold when there is water in their basement. It is essential to dry your home quickly to avoid any possibility of mold due to prolonged wet or damp conditions. SERVPRO has the equipment needed to dry your home and its contents immediately. We also can dry fabrics and important papers that are needed for legal reasons or are sentimental.

In some water events, the flooring needs replacing due to damage. SERVPRO can also assist with all of your restoration needs. We provide all of the documentation needed to support insurance claims as well.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for 24/7 service. We serve Colbert, Chattaroy, and surrounding areas. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster in your area.

More about Spokane.

Flood Damage in Chattaroy? Leave It to SERVPRO for Restoration

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Happiness Is a SERVPRO Vehicle Parked in Your Chattaroy Driveway after a Flood--Already Restoration Underway!

What Challenges You Might Face after Flood Damage in Your Chattaroy Home

Flooding leads to severe damages, especially when it is the result of a severe weather event such as a storm. Apart from the water pooling on the floors of your house, structural damages are also likely to occur. Strong winds or heavy debris such as fallen tree branches can puncture holes in your structure. These and other challenges make it harder to deal with the damages left by flooding in Chattaroy. Professional flood damage restorers help because of the extensive experience they have dealing with similar incidents.

Areas affected by flood damage in your Chattaroy home are likely to be murky because of the silt, mud and other soils dissolved in the floodwaters. It is a serious challenge because the contaminants pose health risks to anyone that touches them, yet removing the debris and cleaning the affected areas is a crucial aspect of the restoration process. PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, is the answer to this challenge because they allow restorers to wade into the murk immediately. Our SERVPRO crews rely on a wide range of protective gear including full body suits, rubber boots, respirators, gloves, and other equipment allowing us to handle all murky situations conveniently.

Flooding causes various damages to the building materials and contents in a house. Determining what to dispose and what to save can be challenging. Disposal is necessary for heavily porous materials such as carpets exposed to groundwater even when there are no other physical damages because of contamination risks. A thorough cleaning helps save other non-porous items. Our SERVPRO team includes CCT, Carpet Cleaning Technicians, and RRRP, Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation experts who handle the cleanup and restoration necessary with ease.

Removing all water from a flooded property is a challenging task requiring different approaches to restore it to the preloss conditions. After extracting any standing water, there is a need to dry wet materials and restore normal humidity levels. Our SERVPRO team uses air movers and dehumidifiers dry wet materials and restore normal humidity levels.

You can deal efficiently with any issues arising after your Colbert, Chattaroy and Spokane Valley property floods by involving a professional team. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to assist. You can reach us at (509) 474-9144 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Local information right here.

Our Mold Damage Experts Can Save Your Spokane Shop!

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

In case of a mold infestation in your Colbert, Chattaroy or Spokane Valley clothes shop, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to help.

Managing Commercial Mold Damage In A Spokane Clothes Shop

Mold development in any property poses a severe threat. Some cases of mold infestation do not exhibit the usual physical signs associated with mold proliferation such as black spots or other patches on different materials. However, this does not necessarily indicate a less severe infestation. Mold tends to develop faster in concealed spaces and failure to take corrective measures early can give it time to spread. In a clothes shop, the risk is not just to the building materials but also the clothing items in your stock since mold thrives on any organic materials.

Even without any visible signs of mold, other things can alert you if there is commercial mold damage in your Spokane clothes shop. Presence of a musty odor is the most likely sign indicating hidden mold colonies within your shop. Alternatively, recent or ongoing water loss incidents such as roof leaks, burst pipes, or flooding can also lead to mold development, necessitating investigation. Our SERVPRO teams can help confirm your suspicion and locate the hidden mold pockets by opening up cavities or using thermal cameras to check for wetness in concealed areas.

Some areas in your shop are likely to be hotspots for mold development. Areas around windowsills, and sinks if there is a wash area around, are likely to be sources of mold infestation. Dark storage rooms and closets are also likely to hide mold infestations. We have IICRC certified AMRT, Applied Mold Remediation Technicians, at SERVPRO who understand common patterns associated with mold infestations and therefore able to identify hidden colonies quickly.

Identifying hidden mold colonies paves the way for remediation to start. The process itself may require several steps before realizing the expected results. Tearing down drywall, ceilings and other materials ease access to concealed areas. However, in a clothes shop, this might present other problems such as spores and other debris spreading over your stock. Our SERVPRO technicians help prevent this by creating containments using plastic sheets. This allows us to take other steps such as vacuuming and damp wiping to remove the mold colonies without facing any problems.

In case of a mold infestation in your Colbert, Chattaroy or Spokane Valley clothes shop, call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to help. You can reach us at (509) 474-9144 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Spokane click here.

We Are Your Best Option To Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Chattaroy

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call today at (509) 474-9144.

Working With Insurance For Efficient Fire Recovery In Chattaroy

Most of the work that must happen after structure fires in Chattaroy relies on either out-of-pocket expense from the homeowner or through the damage claims approval process of a home insurance company providing coverage to the property. With so many homeowners unfamiliar with the claims and how to successfully file one to get it approved, you need a professional restoration company not only well-equipped to handle the effects the fire causes in the property, but also one that can help you through the often intricate and involved claim approval path.

For many years now, property owners have looked to our SERVPRO team for their experience with addressing fire damage in Chattaroy and helping properties through the claims process. We know what insurance companies need and want when you go to file, and that is what makes reaching out to our team first a wise and cost-effective solution. We can work to prepare what your insurance adjuster needs to confirm the damage beforehand, speeding up the overall approval process, and getting work started in your home quickly.

Our SERVPRO professionals have an entire assessment team led by our estimator and project management staff. These individuals can walk through a property with the customer if it is safe to do so and begin cataloging all of the loss and damage. Also, determinations get made at this point as to what personnel and equipment are necessary to restore the property entirely – and this becomes part of the estimated costs of restoration and recovery.

Insurance companies require documentation of this damage as well as an accurate catalog of content loss. Our contents department can not only make a record of these losses and damages but also remove compromised belongings and at-risk items to our facility during the debris removal phase of mitigation. There we can thoroughly clean, disinfect, and store these items until the house gets restored and they can get returned.

We have strong working relationships with insurance companies serving homes and businesses throughout our region. When you want to get your home restored quickly after fire loss effects, trust our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team to work quickly to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (509) 474-9144.

For more about Chattaroy click here.

Small Amount of Flood Damage in Spokane Requires Big Odor Control

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage can get anywhere in your home.

SERVPRO helped with this homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Flood damage is one of the worst events a homeowner can experience. This type of water loss carries a rating as a biohazard; groundwater has the potential to contain contaminants and requires professional cleaning for health and safety reasons.

A homeowner contacted our SERVPRO location to clean up some minor flood damage in their Spokane home from recent heavy storms. The homeowner attempted to mop up the water and found it was not enough needed stronger cleaning efforts. He also noticed a strong odor developed in the kitchen area where the water collected.

We immediately scoped the area to determine that areas where the water migrated in the affected area of the home. Our technicians located water under the cabinets and behind the baseboards. We removed the baseboards for better access and used our extractor wands to pull out as much moisture as possible.

There were few items to remove from the kitchen area during our remediation. We moved the table and chairs to another area of the home for a thorough cleaning and disinfection before being used again for meals.

We then set up air movers to dry the area as quickly as possible. Drying often brings down the odor in water damaged areas, and we deploy specialized equipment such as the Injecti-Dry that uses small hoses to force air into small spaces such as behind baseboards or within wall cavities to ensure there are no remaining pockets of moisture that can set up a home for mold growth problems in the future. We take several readings during the drying process to ensure we attain our predetermined drying goals for the water loss areas.

The odor left behind by the groundwater intrusion into the room lowered after drying and disinfection even though minimal, required further odor control efforts. It is not uncommon for multiple applications of different types of neutralization methods to fully eradicate water odors. We chose to use ULV fogging, which delivers a heated cleaning solution as fog and eliminates residual scents.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is available 24/7 at (509) 474-9144 to turn around any size flood damage to your home and make it "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about Spokane, WA.

Professional Pack-Out Services Helps Restore Fire Damaged Family Treasures in Spokane

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can make your fire damaged home "Like it never even happened."

Save Your Memories as Well as Your Spokane Home with a Post-Fire Damage Pack-Out 

After a fire, cleaning surfaces and evaluating whether charred structural components can be restored or need tear out and replacement takes center stage in your Spokane home. The contents of your home are damaged as well. Many homeowners feel that household goods, furnishings, and personal possessions need replacing, prepare to toss out a lifetime of memories because the disaster feels so overwhelming.

We recommend considering a pack-out of the fire damaged contents in your Spokane dwelling before giving up treasured items as lost. Our crew follows an established protocol when moving articles to our production facility. The Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) details through lists, digital photos, and barcoding the household and personal property we transport out of your house. Specially trained technicians evaluate the condition of each item and plan for its cleaning, drying, and restoration.  

SERVPRO keeps your insurance company in the loop, supporting consistent payment of your claims on the strength of our expertise and documented results. Innovative strategies and equipment take seemingly ruined items back to the utility and appearance you remember. Books, documents, and photos respond well to freeze drying. Clothing, linens, and window treatments return to pre-fire condition after laundering in our industrial machines or dry cleaning by experienced vendors. 

Intricately detailed items hold soot, but the immersion or ultrasonic tanks housed at SERVPRO headquarters loosen and clear the residue. Fire damaged furniture cleaning involves different materials that might need different techniques. Wood and metal legs and frames require spray on, wipe off cleaners, perhaps with carefully controlled agitation or abrasive tools or additives. Upholstery does best with foaming cleaners, dabbed on to lift the sooty debris. 

SERVPRO crews at your residence take advantage of the cleared spaces to remove the firefighting water, dry the space, and clean surfaces in every space showing sooty coatings. As your possessions approach recovery so do the damaged areas of your home. Moving the contents home back is the final touch, providing not only a clean, dry, and sanitized place to live but also reuniting you and your family with the treasures that make a house a home. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane helps recover from all aspects of the devastation of a household fire. Call us at (509) 474-9144 to set up a consultation as soon as the firefighters depart.

Click here for more about Spokane.

We Help You Get Back To Business In Spokane After A Water Damage Diaster

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

We have professional drying equipment for any type of water restoration emergency.

Water Cleanup Goes According to Plan in Spokane with a SERVPRO ERP

Smart business owners plan for many challenges in Spokane, some predictable and some unexpected. We encourage commercial customers to work with us to develop a comprehensive approach to any water disaster crisis your business might experience. Having a plan in hand means your company gets back on track faster, with fewer disruptions to your day to day operations and your customers’ expectations.

Commercial water cleanup services are essential to any business in Spokane. Attempts to remove water from a plumbing leak, appliance malfunction, extreme weather, or other crisis fail unless highly-qualified technicians provide the teamwork. State-of-the-art equipment is a necessity as well, powering through a water crisis with speed and confidence.

Because of the risk of progressive deterioration and the secondary damage that follows within 24 to 48 hours if water cleanup lags in Spokane, fast and professional response to water emergencies is the key to a successful outcome. Even if your business is happy with your in-house or contracted staff for general cleaning recognize that commercial water cleanup requires very specific skills.

SERVPRO crews master Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training as Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT), and many add an Applied Structural Drying (ASD) certification. Our technicians use remediation equipment that is second to none in the industry.

Partnering with our team results in a fast and successful water cleanup outcome, streamlined when we work with you to develop a digital Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) ahead of any disaster. An experienced SERVPRO manager walks through your business, observing your operations and sketching the layout of your space, including utility shut offs. We make recommendations after assessing that can limit the damage a water loss causes your equipment, inventory, fixtures, furnishings, storage, and records.

You add details using SERVPRO’s mobile app. Share information about the vendors and contractors who created your space and systems so we can contact them during remediation if necessary. Appoint agents among your employees or others who can act for you if you are unavailable during the crisis.

Help SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane respond to your commercial cleanup needs with an agenda already online with our signature ERP. Schedule an appointment with one of our assessing and planning specialists at (509) 474-9144.

Give your Dad or Grad the Gift of Golf click here for more information.

Did Recent Storms Cause The River to Run Through Your Spokane Home?

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready to handle all of your water restoration needs.

Heavy Spring Rains Can Cause the Spokane River to Bring Flood Damage to Your Home

As the weather changes, and heavy rains fall, you can suddenly find your home in danger of flood damage. In particular, living adjacent to a river bank can be a dangerous place to settle a home when the river overflows. As intense and heavy rain falls, the water level grows higher, impacting your home.

In the case of the flood damage inside of your Spokane home, the river overflowed and pushed water into your basement through an open window. Water cascaded into your laundry room and settled there until you found it the next morning while you intended to wash a load of clothes. The best thing for you to do in this situation is to reach out for help immediately.  

When it comes to flood damage, swiftly calling a professional cleanup and restoration company, like SERVPRO, is the best thing you can do for your home. If left unchecked, the water can sink into the laminate flooring of your laundry room, and it can soak the base of the floor underneath it, as well as cause swelling. Furthermore, allowing the water to soak into your walls can create the perfect environment for microbial growth, which can further damage your home. Leaving the water can also endanger the washing and drying machine, and compromise their structure to rusting, electrical shorting, and further problems.  

When you call SERVPRO, we can immediately send our technicians out to help you. We certify our technicians by the Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IRCC) so you can leave the mess in SERVPRO's hands knowing that our technicians can produce high-quality restoration results. The first step in remediating flood damage is to remove the standing water.  

At SERVPRO we use only advanced technology to get the job done. Our techs can use several devices to remove the water from your home, such as wet/dry vacuums and extractors. Furthermore, to dry out your home, we can remove the laminate tile, dry the base underneath, and make flood cuts to the impacted walls. After setting up an ideal drying environment using devices such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, SERVPRO can dry your home and then return it to you "Like it never even happened."  

When rains bring floods, never hesitate. Speak with SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane by phoning (509) 474-9144. Night or day, give us a call.

Spokane is the second largest city in Washington. Read more here.

Commercial Water Damage Remediation in Spokane Works Only Under These Conditions

5/5/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can completely take over your Spokane business. Contact the certified technicians at SERVPRO for help in remediation.

Why Spokane Businesses Should Have Commercial Water Damage Professionally Cleaned

Did you know around 200,000 commercial water damage claims are filed every year across the country? Leaking sinks in breakrooms, toilet overflows and leaking roofs are among the chief reasons. When you consider one-inch of water puts about five pounds of weight on a roof, poor drainage can put tremendous strain on a structure.

When your Spokane business experiences commercial water damage, you need to engage professional assistance for the cleanup and mitigation. It is not so much the water you see, as the water that is not readily visible. Improper drying of your business property can lead to mold, odors and weakened building materials.

When SERVPRO works on a commercial property, our technicians immediately get to work assessing where the moisture has collected in the structure. We have several different types of moisture detection equipment and probes to ascertain where water has collected behind walls, under floors and even absorbed into objects.

We try to disturb the set up of your business as little as possible during restoration. Desks and chairs may be raised on blocks and dried in place. Wet items may be removed for drying in our facility on a case by case basis.

Our technicians know that being closed for any length of time is hurtful to a business, so our goal is to get your premises reopened as quickly as possible. We spend the most significant amount of time extracting water, so the drying phase goes more quickly. It takes time to determine precisely where moisture levels are raised and set up air movers to accurately direct the airflow where it is needed to cause water vapor to rise so it can be directed up and out.

Moisture readings are taking during and after the drying phase of restoration to verify the drying goals are met, and the growth of mold is inhibited. After drying, all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected to ensure your property is sanitary when you reopen for business.

If repairs are needed, our technicians can offer suggestions and coordinate with our Building Services division for seamless service so you can reopen as quickly as possible and your water loss can be "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is available at (509) 474-9144 to assist businesses and organizations with the mitigation of commercial water damage 24/7.

Click here for more information about the city of Spokane.

When April Showers Bring Spring Flooding in Spokane

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

When the snow melts and spring rains begin, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready for your water damage emergency.

Spring Flooding and Flood Damage Cleanup in Your Spokane Home

Even though spring brings the promise of warmer weather in Spokane, it can also bring various conditions including severe weather, heavy rains, and rapid snowmelt which can increase the risk of floods in your area. Know the facts about these events ahead of time instead of being caught off guard. You can act to protect you and your family before an event like this happens.  

Floodwaters entering your Spokane home make quite the mess, even with just a few inches of water. Therefore, when this happens to you, calling for the help of a professional remediation company is essential. At SERVPRO, we have the expertise and the tools to get your home looking as if nothing happened, and we can do it fast.  

Warmer temperatures and snowmelt resulting from this can make massive amounts of runoff in a short time. In early spring, frozen ground stops rainfall or melting snow from soaking into the ground. The water runs off into streams, lakes, and rivers, cause the excess water to spill over the banks. Combine this with season storms, and many times you get spring flooding.  

Once SERVPRO techs remove any remaining standing water from your home, we can check for any hidden moisture behind walls and under flooring and proceed with the drying process. With the use of specialized moisture meters, we can find moisture which has seeped out of sight. It is crucial that we dry these areas to prevent additional damage such as mold. Dehumidifiers and air movers help us thoroughly dry your home in a timely fashion.  

Spring storms can dump several inches of rain in just a few hours, or they can stall out over one area for several days. Heavy rains like these can lead to severe flooding by overfilling storm drains, oversaturating the ground, or making rivers spill over their banks. Flash floods are rapid flooding of areas which are low-lying in under six hours. Caused by heavy rainfall, they can occur when there are conditions that are drought-like as well.  

When floodwaters have entered into your home in Colbert, Otis Orchards, or Milan, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is standing by to help. Call us immediately at (509) 474-9144 so we can make your home safe and dry again in no time.

Read more about Spokane here.

We Respond Quickly And Restore Your Spokane Business So You Can Get Back To Business

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7 to help you restore your business. We have the equipment and expertise to handle any damage big or small so call us right away.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration for Your Spokane Business

Water can invade your restaurant in Spokane and cover the floor in only minutes. Usually, this happens because of a natural disaster. However, a water damage emergency can also happen as a result of defects on the inside of your building, so knowing the most common causes can help you to fight against them.

Water damage to your Spokane business is a huge hassle. It can slow down your operations, or even shut your doors for a time while the cleanup is being done. At SERVPRO, we understand that time is money for you as a business owner, so that is why we do not waste any time cleaning up the mess and restoring your structure so you can be on with business as usual. We have the experience and equipment needed to help us do a fast, but thorough job.

One of the most common reasons for commercial buildings to experience a water disaster is failed plumbing. The plumbing system in your restaurant building is a network of connected fixtures, pipes, and joints. Eventually, with all of these connections, something can go wrong. Loose joints, a backed up mainline, or busted pipes can cause leaks or even flooding that gets progressively worse if you do not repair it.

One crucial aspect of the restoration process is drying the affected area. SERVPRO techs use air movers to increase evaporation. These machines create an airflow at the surface level, thereby pushing moisture into the air as vapor and then replacing the wet air with air that is drier. If needed, we can attach shrouds to the snouts of the air movers so they can push dry air underneath cabinets and into wall cavities. The high-velocity airflow from the air movers raises the rate of evaporation.

We may also need to use a heavy-duty venting box fan that is capable of moving more significant volumes of air than the air movers. These fans are known as axial fans since the blades are connected right to the rotating axis of the fan. One thing we use the fans for is ridding the affected areas from noxious odors after water damage. If your business can remain open while we work, we use extra care to work around you, your employees and your customers to cause as little disruption as possible.

Another common cause of water damage is your appliances. Most of them use water, and dishwashers, sinks, water heaters, and refrigerators can leak and drip. It may start small but gets to be a much larger problem if it is ignored.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane understands that your business in Colbert, Mead, or Hillyard needs to be operating at its best capacity at all times. When you call us at (509) 474-9144 for help cleaning up a water disaster, we do not hesitate to help you in a timely fashion so you can get back to normal operations quickly.

Learn more about fishing in Spokane click here for more information.

Spokane Area Businesses Rely on SERVPRO for Rapid Response after a Fire Loss

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

For Fast, Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Spokane--SERVPRO Has No Match

Use an Experienced Commercial Fire Damage Unit Operating here in Spokane

A customer-facing business like a restaurant is full of small maintenance tasks for staff and janitorial teams. From time to time unexpected events can occur that go beyond the scope of your in-house team and require professional assistance. A contained kitchen fire can cause temporary closure to remove unpleasant odors as well as visible signs of smoke and soot deposits. For the best results, specific training in odor control and fire restoration are a requirement.

Temporary closures as a result of commercial fire damage in Spokane and the surrounding area can cause loss of revenue; especially during busier times of the year. SERVPRO use local technicians with some forming what we refer to as a rapid response unit. These teams are made up of technicians with IICRC certificates as well as experienced project managers and are used primarily for commercial services. Smaller fire incidents can be serviced with smaller task forces.

The benefits of a specific commercial unit are that we can communicate directly with you throughout service. SERVPRO operate call-lines 24 hours a day and can send a team within 4-hours upon receiving a notification of loss. Although we work to a restore rather than replace method, we can inventory any non-salvageable items like charred furniture for you to pass on to your insurance adjuster. We are an established provider of commercial services and, as such, have experience dealing with a variety of local adjusters as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

One of the common concerns business owners in customer-facing industries tell us is the unpleasant odors that can be left behind by fire. Our method is to use water-based thermal foggers. These equipment vaporize pairing agents which are then released in a thick fog inside the affected area — pairing agents bond with odor particles causing them to sink to the floor where they can be cleaned away. By using water-based foggers, we can reduce the airing time required after deodorization and keep closures to a minimum.

We can also deploy HEPA filtered air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to help trap motes of soot and odor and chemically neutralize airborne odors. Use and placement depend on the nature of the fire loss and the business.

In a business emergency, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at our 24 hours call-line (509) 474-9144.

Click here regarding the local fire departments.

Is Water Creeping into Your Spokane Crawlspace?

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Crawlspaces are susceptible to flood damage. Inspect your crawlspace often for signs of water.

Long Term Solutions for Flooded Spokane Basements and Crawlspaces

As initially alarming as disasters like floods can be to your Spokane residence, restoring these effects is something better left to professionals like our certified technicians. Not only can you receive the assistance that you need to return your damaged property to its original condition, but you can also have the opportunity for long term solutions that can reduce the likelihood of recurrences in some cases. Our team works to exceed your expectations, and that begins with exceeding the parameters of traditional restoration work. 

While there are many pressing concerns with flood damage in your Spokane home, the more significant problem is the potential for this situation to occur again. Basements and crawlspaces are particularly susceptible to these types of damages, and without the measures taken to thwart water penetration, the flooding continues to occur. Our SERVPRO team can respond fast with effective mitigation and cleanup strategies, but also have long-term solutions available to help repair blockwork, concrete, drainage, water diversion, and also encapsulate the affected area if necessary.

Part of our commitment to our customers is providing honest assessments and evaluations about the damage done to their property when we first arrive. This inspection helps to determine the estimated cost of restoration, the personnel required to do it, and the equipment needed to get right to work. When it comes to lasting solutions that can reduce the possibility of future flooding, we rely on our competent contracting specialists to assess risks and offer repair and reconstruction strategies.

Approaches like crawlspace encapsulation can protect all of the frequently damp materials by covering them in 12mm plastic sheeting. The installation of water diversion equipment like sump pumps and drainage can also reduce the possibility of flooding. We determine which approach to use based on your wishes and understanding of the process, and what you think is best.

While many immediate threats accompany a flood in your home, every homeowner wants to take the necessary steps to help limit the damage these disasters can do. Give our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane rapid response team a call today at (509) 474-9144.

Read more about Spokane here.

Avoid Delays When Dealing With Spokane Valley Flooding Situations

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring your home after flooding requires quick action to find a successful restoration company to make it “Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO's 24-Hour Service Makes a Difference with Water Removal Services in Spokane Valley

When someone in Spokane Valley requires emergency medical care, a short call can have an ambulance on its way in seconds. When your house contains lost water, it also needs professionals who can make things right again.

Emergencies are why SERVPRO always has a team ready to respond, including water removal in Spokane Valley from flooding, broken pipes, overflows, and extinguishing fires. When a homeowner must wait to contact someone about such an emergency, restoration costs escalate. We at SERVPRO want to help minimize costs and do so wherever possible.

Helping restore your property to pre-incident condition, “Like it never even happened.” requires a rapid response followed by ongoing, steady mitigation services. Not only must water removal occur quickly, but we must treat the interior structures and the contents of your home, so secondary damages do not occur or only occur to a minimal degree.

Our process involves teamwork, which allows us to work round-the-clock whenever necessary. If this option might benefit your home by preventing additional damage and making the entire process happen faster, we can discuss the options involved with you. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the time we need to work in your home.

When fire damage co-occurs, we can also provide you with cleanup and mitigation services that help the restoration work flow more smoothly. Water that turns to steam during a fire can linger when trapped, slowly evaporating into the air. We use specialized equipment to locate these hidden areas and get them dry again. The same is true of any other source causing trapped water, as well as moisture absorbed into materials and furnishings.

When someone thinks about the process of removing water, many first think about standing water. SERVPRO professionals know that water can damage a property wherever it occurs inside a home. Trapped water under cabinetry and above ceilings, as well as elevated moisture in the air, require skilled specialists who know which methods work and give the results you want and need.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the IICRC-certified technicians your property needs to get water removal and other services carried out to get your home back to normal. Call us at (509) 474-9144 for prompt service that can make a huge difference in the outcome after any disaster involving water intrusion.

Click here to learn more about Spokane Valley.

SERVPRO Speedily Arrives to Mitigate Water Damage in Spokane

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Why Spokane Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Swift Water Removal--Already in Your Driveway!!

Water Cleanup Technicians In Spokane Talk About How We Provide Fast Service

As soon as moisture finds its way inside your home, it is vital to get it removed before problems get worse. The best way to get water cleanup completed promptly is to call in a professional company such as SERVPRO. Our technicians are equipped with the industry's most advanced technology to make sure moisture gets removed as quickly as possible. We utilize the industry's best equipment from the beginning to the end. To start, we use advanced moisture sensors to figure out the extent of the water cleanup.
 
Next, we implement extraction systems so that we can vacuum up as much water as we can while it is in liquid form. Our SERVPRO technicians can use different types of equipment for your specific water cleanup project in Spokane. If tight areas or pieces of furniture get wet, we can use portable extractors and handled tools designed to remove moisture quickly. When the situation is more severe, we can hook up a large extraction tool to our truck-mounted pump. We have extraction tools that use the operator's weight to compress the carpet and pull out more moisture, called a Rover.
 
Our SERVPRO team always offers fast 24/7 service to mitigate issues with your home as quickly as possible. We answer our phones at all times, and our technicians are located in the area so we can arrive at your residence shortly after your emergency call, usually within four hours. We first start by removing as much water as we can with our extraction equipment. The more water we can vacuum up while it is liquid the easier the structural drying process will be. We strive to restore and preserve rather than demolition and replace with rapid water mitigation techniques.
 
Once we extract all of the liquid H2O that we can, we begin drying out your structural components. To do this, we set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers push wet air away from affected surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air.

If you ever find wet building materials inside your home call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Click for local govt information

Let A Team With Experience Handle Your Spokane Home Restoration

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Failed plumbing can lead to flooding which can cause a significant amount of water damage to your home. Call our experts to stop the damage.

Why SERVPRO Is Your First Choice For Water Removal In Spokane

Rain or a cresting Spokane River is what first comes to mind with many Spokane residents when asked about flood risks. Despite the enormity of the problem either source can bring, much of the water damage in area homes comes from more common sources like failed plumbing. Either type of flooding requires a quick response to remove the water to stop damage and prevent further problems.

That is why SERVPRO needs to be your first choice for water removal in your Spokane home. Our response teams bring experience, planning, and a nationwide inventory of equipment needed to return homes to their original, dry state.

Our teams begin with pumps to draw out as much water as possible. These machines quickly remove the majority of the water and stop further damage such as leeching varnish and other finishes from furniture to leak onto and stain carpets. Pumps cannot remove all of the water, however.

To finish drawing water from floors and carpets, team members switch to extraction wands and other devices. Technicians can adjust the vacuum speed and carefully apply heat to avoid causing secondary damage and also begin drying out the carpet and floor surfaces. For hard, solid surfaces like concrete or vinyl, they may need to push out the last water with long-handled squeegees.

Next, SERVPRO specialists dry the carpet. They can only do this if the water came from a plumbing source which makes it clean water. Outside flooding contains contaminants which make it impossible for our teams to guarantee that the carpet is safe for use again. They carefully release the carpet from the tack strips to avoid damaging it and then roll the carpet out of the way.

If there is a carpet pad, specialists remove and dispose of it. The pad is cheaper to replace than waste time attempting to restore it. Once in place, team members unroll the carpet and place an air mover at one end to force warm air under and over the carpet to dry it while other install an exhaust fan at the other end to draw out the damp, cool air.

For wood floors, an inspector checks the sub-floor for moisture. If she finds any, the team drills one or more holes behind the baseboard and use an air mover with a hose attached to pump in warm air to dry the floor space.

These first techniques SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane use can help eliminate water damage and reduce the need for replacement of personal and structural property. If you have had flooding of any kind in your home, or have questions, call (509) 474-9144 today. We are here for you.

For more information opn Spokane's Premier Ice Skating Experience click here.

Water Removal is Key When It Comes to Restoring Spokane Properties

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

No matter how severe the water damage is in your home, our team can remove the water and restore the affected area!

Why Water Removal Is Key When Restoring Your Spokane Property after a Water Event

Water removal is among the first steps we perform when restoring your water damaged property. It is the point where a big part of the water in your property is removed. A thorough water extraction process helps in reducing the drying time and prevents secondary damage such as mold damage. By using submersible pumps, portable and truck-mounted water extractors, quick removal of standing water is possible. If you are a resident of Spokane, then you are about to learn about the options you have when you experience such a situation.

Though our initial water removal procedures may make your Spokane property appear dry, never be fooled by the outward appearance of the walls and floors. If you take time and inspect them, you can still feel there is still some wetness in them. Most of the building materials such as wood and drywall are porous and can retain water, which means physical extraction procedures are not enough to make your property completely dry. Also, if we stop at that point, some of the materials such as wood can swell, warp, and sometimes breaks down.

Through the manipulation of relative humidity and temperature, our SERVPRO technicians can remove the moisture that the materials are retaining. We achieve that by using specialized devices such as dehumidifiers and air movers. When air movers are running in your property, they enhance the movement of dry air on wet surfaces which in return makes them lose moisture to the surrounding surfaces. With time, the relative humidity of the surrounding air increases, so, we run dehumidifiers to absorb the extra water vapor from the air.

As drying is taking place, our SERVPRO technicians use monitoring devices like moisture meters, moisture sensors, and thermo-hygrometers to track the progress. We monitor walls, floors and other damaged areas to achieve our drying goals. Application of disinfectants may also be necessary to prevent chances of mold growth.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane works around the clock to restore both residential and commercial properties that experience water, mold, and flood and fire damage. Call (509) 245-2596 to benefit from our tested and proven restoration procedures.

For more on Spokane, click here. 

SERVPRO Says to Spokane Property Owners--Insulate Your Plumbing to Prevent Water Loss and a Visit from Us

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Spokane Frosty Agrees with SERVPRO--Protect Your Property from Frozen Pipes

Preventing Frozen Pipes in Your Spokane Home

With the harsh temperature drops throughout the Spokane area, your plumbing is more susceptible than ever to freezing. While many homes have their pipes insulated, extreme cold conditions could penetrate these wraps and material to affect the standing water in the system. There are ways that you can help to prevent these occurrences, and there are IICRC certified technicians a phone call away should you have to face a busted pipe.

To prevent frozen pipes, you must evaluate your Spokane home for exposed piping that could be susceptible to the hard freeze experienced throughout this winter season. You should start with portions of the plumbing outside of your home, in your crawlspace, or the basement of your residence. Protecting this material begins with ensuring that it gets properly insulated against not only the dropping temperature but also natural drafts that can occur in between your home and its foundation material.

Insulation is something that you can do on your own, often without the need for oversight by trained professionals. Our SERVPRO professionals have found that many homes have insulated plumbing, but many do not have enough to withstand the severe temperature drops that the area has experienced recently. Tape insulation and polystyrene wraps are quick and easy to apply to exposed plumbing and can increase the threshold of exposure to prevent freezing, damming, and eventually bursting pipes.

If your home has already fallen victim to drenching from a burst pipe or ice damming penetrating the roof or soffits, you can count on our reliable 24-hour response team to help mitigate your loss and repair the damages to get your water service restored to your home quickly. We have efficient extraction and drying procedures that can preserve construction materials that get saturated by flowing water from broken pipes, including our injectidry system for eliminating moisture in wall cavities.

Preventing frozen pipes in your home is not impossible. With the right insulation and precautions, pipes can withstand even severe temperature drops throughout the area. If you already face the damages from a broken service line in your home, let our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane team make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call 24/7 at (509) 257-3912.

Hey Spokane!! Be aware of your weather.

Water Loss Solutions Are the Cornerstone of SERVPRO Cleanup and Restoration Services

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? From Spokane Retirement Communities to Residential Homes We're Faster To Any Size Disaster--Day or Night-24-Hour Service

Six  Reasons Why Property Owners Trust SERVPRO’s Water Damage Restoration Services

Homeowners in Spokane who experience a water damage emergency need the specialized services of a high-quality restoration company fast. Because of the swift and progressive nature of water damage, taking time to research and compare the options available to members of our community at the time of the crisis can delay the response. Residents who have a highly-qualified water restoration company in mind before they have cause to use them are the best prepared.  Here are six reasons to trust your local SERVPRO for damage restoration services.

Reliable, Competent Assistance for Property Owners
Finding a water cleanup partner in Spokane that can deliver on the speed, training, and expertise needed need not be a lengthy process. Our team checks off all the boxes listed by an individual or family devastated by a water loss. Any customer choosing our premium water damage restoration services can rest assured that we have earned our place as a restoration industry leader, which is why our projects are completed successfully to the most stringent of standards.

Commitment to comprehensive water cleanup is why SERVPRO is considered a high-quality restoration choice. Our employees receive training in all phases of water mitigation as well as the structural drying that must follow. Merely pumping and suctioning visible water out of a dwelling is only part of the story when a leak, backup, flood, storm, or other incident creates a problem. Many other tasks are required to complete water remediation correctly.

Restoration Industry Best Practices Plus Experience
Our owners support basic, advanced, and ongoing training and certification for our managers and technicians in a broad range of water cleanup disciplines. This emphasis on the research and science of water removal and restoration explains why SERVPRO can respond to any disaster with confidence. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes our team members master provide a knowledge base second to none.

Training is a foundation, but our technicians then build on that base with extensive hands-on experience. No request from one of our valued customers is too big or too small, adding the refinements working on real-life water cleanup scenarios can offer. Our team members have familiarity with how water migrates, where it makes its way inside, and what happens when small problems are ignored, or large projects overwhelm our clients and are put off. Making your water damaged home “Like it never even happened” is why the SERVPRO team comes to work every day.

Fast Response -- Personalized Services
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, another reason why SERVPRO needs to be your first choice for Spokane water cleanup in any circumstances. We respond to inquiries round the clock, 7 days a week because we realize water damage does not respect standard 9 to 5 working hours. Within hours of your first contact with us, one or more fully-stocked green service vehicles arrive at your home, lead by a seasoned project manager or crew chief who can assess your water loss thoroughly.

No two water cleanups are the same, emphasizing why SERVPRO carefully evaluates the particulars of your disaster before developing a detailed plan customized for your project. The site of the original water intrusion and spreading to surrounding areas, evidence of contamination, and a host of other concerns must be weighed before the appropriate steps can be planned and taken. You need a company with the training, equipment, and critical thinking skills to customize remediation for you.

Cutting Edge Damage Restoration and Cleanup Equipment
A water cleanup plan is best performed with the right equipment, designed to handle various mitigation tasks safely and efficiently. Specially trained operators manage the machinery, well aware of the potential for damage to structural components and fixtures if tools not employed in the way intended. Why SERVPRO makes a significant investment in water removal equipment is simple -- doing the task correctly and completely the first time saves time and money for our Spokane neighbors.

Customers often tell us why SERVPRO’s hard work impressed them. We exceeded their expectations for restoring the treasured articles they believed were lost. Our skilled technicians can save delicate materials such as paper or photos at our production site using techniques like freeze drying. Wet furnishings and electronics are cleaned and then dried using small chambers created at our facility that allow adjustment of air movement, temperature, and humidity to achieve the best results.

Services Tailored to Your Needs
During the assessment phase of our extraction and restoration evaluation, our most experienced crew leads or project managers evaluate the quality of the water. Clean or Category 1 water can be removed and drained into local sewer systems. Gray or Black Water, also known as Category 2 or 3, contain varying levels of soils, dirt, chemicals, and potential pathogens, possibly including human waste, decaying animals, and insects. Heightened risks explain why SERVPRO takes water category determination seriously.

Innovative cleaners and disinfectants help us loosen residues and sanitize spaces as we complete the cleaning and restoration process.
Our customers and technicians appreciate why SERVPRO keeps up to date on developing options for effective cleaning and disinfection after contaminated flooding. Our better products mean faster, safer results for all involved.

Informed at Every Step of the Cleanup and Repair Process
Customers appreciate honesty and transparency, which is why SERVPRO is a highly respected water cleanup company in the community and among property insurers. We keep customers informed as the project develops, and work on your behalf with the carriers involved throughout the restoration process. Documentation of each step of the project provides the evidence needed for insurance companies to pay claims, limiting your out of pocket costs.

If we pack out items for drying at our production facility, we use our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to document what is removed, tracking each article. Digital photographs, barcoded inventories, and written listings of your property provide a dynamic record ensuring items are cleaned, dried, and returned at the end of the water cleanup. The trust developed as our team carefully packs and then restores your possession demonstrates why SERVPRO clients recommend our services to neighbors, family, and friends facing a water disaster in Spokane.  

There are many reasons why SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane ranks highly among local water cleanup resources. Call (509) 474-9144 to have our industry leading experts assess your water disaster scenario.

We are locally owned and operated right here in Spokane. To learn more about our city and community, please visit https://my.spokanecity.org/neighborhoods/

SERVPRO, Professional Mold Removal, Happy Spokane Valley Property Owners--We Do It All

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is the Answer to Mold Remediation in Spokane Valley

What Do Our Mold Remediators Do for Spokane Valley Homes?

As much as many Spokane Valley homeowners know about the threats to their properties, many people do not fully understand the role that professional restorers and remediators play in returning structures to their original conditions. Often it gets assumed that elbow grease and basic cleaning knowledge is all that is necessary to overcome conditions like mold growth in the home, but there are frequently more steps to attribute to this process that are far more intricate and involved.

To appreciate the effect of mold damage on your Spokane Valley property is the same as understanding how a homeowner alone cannot remove an active colony on their own. Our professional remediation division offers comprehensive support to our customers from the initial inspection of their property to understand the spread and severity of the problem to the removal of active colonies and the reconstruction of the property that is sometimes necessary as well.

Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training in identifying the spread of mold throughout a property to set up our negative air chambers or air scrubbers in the appropriate locations to prevent the spread of mold spores to new areas of your home. To further protect your property from a spreading colony, we shut down air circulation and spray the anti-microbial solution on unaffected or lightly affected materials to prevent fungal growth.

Another action that our SERVPRO professionals can do is to tear out materials that have gotten too badly damaged to salvage with our effective restoration tactics. With mold growth, this is often a practical approach to removing the active colony entirely and provides a stable base for our licensed contracting division to rebuild upon once remediation work begins.

Understanding the work that remediators like our team do for your property can help you to appreciate your need for this kind of professional better when you discover mold on the property. Give our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane rapid response team a call today to get our experienced technicians headed out to your address quickly. You can reach us 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

More about our city by clicking here.

SERVPRO Explains the Science Behind Frozen Pipes in Your Chattaroy Home

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Winter is coming! Don't forget to winterize your pipes!

Frozen Pipes in Chattaroy Homes Causes Substantial Water Damage

With the winter season in full swing, Chattaroy homeowners prepare for the low-temperature drops to come. Whenever the area gets below the freezing line, exposed and susceptible elements like water line pipes in your home can freeze and cause substantial damages. When a pipe freezes, it creates a growing pressure between the closed faucet and the blockage that can literally cause the pipe to blow apart. Once this happens, the blockage usually gets cleared, and a steady supply of water from the main line coming into the house pours out into the affected area until a homeowner or technician can stop it with a shut-off valve.

Understanding how your pipes could be at risk and how to obtain water removal services for your Chattaroy home is critical to protecting your home this winter. There are certain areas of your home more susceptible to allowing the freezing of pipes, such as exterior walls and the basement. These portions of the property often do not get the same level of heating as the rest of the house and can remain susceptible to the steep temperature drops.

Ideally getting to a frozen pipe before it can burst and cause significant water damage in your home is the best option for homeowners, but unfortunately, this advice is not always possible. Locating the blockage can be problematic when the pipes are not readily accessible, and the pressure could grow to the point of bursting over a brief period. Our SERVPRO rapid response team is available 24/7 with the experienced technicians and the industry-leading equipment to make a difference fast.

A wise choice for a homeowner with trickling water from their faucets, a strange smell coming from a drain, or other indications of a frozen pipe, is to contact our SERVPRO professionals. We have the experience to locate the blockage before it allows a pipe to get over-pressurized and burst, but also have the tools and advanced equipment to quickly extract water and dry the area if this problem already exists.

With winter setting in, the possibility of freezing pipes grows. Let our SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane help you. Give us a call today at (509) 474-9144.

Click here to read about the first schools built in Chattaroy.

How SERVPRO Restores Your Spokane Fired Damaged Home

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training, experience, and equipment to restore your home after a fire.

Stop The Chaos, Contact Spokane’s Local Fire Damage Solution, Today!

If you found yourself facing a fire incident in your Spokane area home and you had someone in your family who understood which actions to take to stop the chaos, wouldn’t you take their advice? What about someone you see throughout the community, a company that helps people prevent tragedy on a daily basis.

We are Spokane’s local fire damage solution. A company determined to provide excellent restoration services to every member of our community. We make ourselves available every day, to help you understand more about the services available to you. Having a fully IICRC-certified technician at your side during an emergency can help you get things back to normal fast while preventing many losses you might otherwise incur.

If having access to a single technician with the understanding of how to address fire damage situations on your property effectively reduces damage, how helpful do you think an entire team would be? Every member of your SERVPRO team provides you with years of experience, access to advanced equipment, and unlimited resources. We take the time to check every inch of the affected area, removing smoke, carcinogens, stains, and odors using advanced techniques that offer proven results.

No one should ever have to toss perfectly good contents when they can quickly return to a quality pre-fire damage condition, and we’re here to make sure you get the right kind of help. SERVPRO technicians train to restore everything from toys, shoes, and clothing, to appliances, flooring, and structural components. We use a variety of moisture detectors, water extractors, dehumidifiers, fans, scrubbers, and more to provide you with the services you expect.

SERVPRO also takes time to consider how stressful these situations can be on both you and your family. We put trained personnel into contact with your insurance adjuster and work together to find you solutions that fit your situation to a tee. The last thing we want is to make the situation harder, so we keep you informed throughout the process and ensure you understand everything about your restoration.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane stands ready to assist you with fire damage on your property 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Call us anytime, day or night. (509) 474-9144

Spokane means 'Children of the Sun.'  Click here for more information. 

Top 4 Things You Need To Do To Prepare for a Fire

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Install a smoke alarm in your Chattaroy,WA home

As a homeowner in Chattaroy,WA, you need to prepare yourself for a variety of worst case scenarios. You may make plans for bad weather, faulty plumbing and house fires to ensure you can bounce back from any unexpected event. Fire preparation should include preventative measures as well as practicing what to do in case of an emergency.

4 Preventative Measures in Case of an Emergency

1. Have a fire drill. Making sure your entire family knows what to do in the case of an emergency is a must. During a fire drill, you should show everyone what the alarm sounds like, how to safely exit a room and where to meet outside of the home. For the highest level of fire safety, you may want to encourage everyone to have at least two exit strategies in mind for each room in the house. For example, you could leave a bedroom through the door or a window.

2. Install smoke alarms. A home fire is often detected by smoke alarms. If you do not have this safety equipment properly installed throughout your house, a fire may blaze without you knowing.

3. Check smoke alarms. Once the alarm is in place, your fire preparation is not over. You also need to make sure it can work. You should do an alarm check at least once every month. If you don't, the batteries inside may die without you realizing it.

4. Figure out who to call. Everyone knows to call emergency responders after a home fire, but you may also want to decide what type of residential fire remediation team you would like to work with if flames engulf your house. Getting in touch with these experts prior to a fire can speed up the restoration process.

Being proactive in your fire preparation ensures your entire family will know what to do if there ever is a fire in your house. Once you have made the preparations, you can sit back and hope to never put them into action.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan in 4 Steps

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Business owners can minimize losses due to disruption after a disaster by making a business continuity plan. These four steps will help you develop a plan to keep operating after a disaster or reopen as soon as possible.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis

Gather data on revenues and expenses and perform detailed assessments of the costs associated with various risks. In addition to fire, flooding, or storm damage, an impact analysis should also factor in delays or shortages of supplies or services. This analysis is also useful for determining the amount of business interruption insurance coverage needed to offset lost revenue and continued operational costs.

2. Plan Recovery Strategies

The right recovery strategies depend on the nature of a business and the level of interruption coverage. Determine whether you can operate out of a temporary location or even keep the main location open in the event of partial losses. Identify which costs or losses can be recouped through business insurance and perform a gap analysis to identify what is not covered. Strategize about how to minimize losses and quickly resume operations.

3. Implement Continuity Measures

Once you have an impact analysis, gap analysis, and strategies for recovery, you are prepared to lay the groundwork for the continuity plan. Organize a team responsible for enacting these strategies in the event of an interruption.

4. Perform Tests and Training

Put your calculations to the test as you implement these measures and train the continuity team. Update the plan with findings from testing and training.

Follow these steps to develop a continuity plan for a business in Colbert,WA. Refer to a federal guide to continuity plans for further guidance. It may take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours for business interruption insurance to start. A commercial damage restoration company can help you repair damage and resume operations in a timely manner.

3 Ways You Can Prepare for an Insurance Adjustor’s Visit After a Flood

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding damage after storm in a Spokane,WA home

Flooding can cause a surprising amount of damage to your Spokane,WA, home. From having contaminated water drained away to assessing structural damage, the road to recovery and restoration can be difficult. However, knowing how prepare for a visit from your insurance company’s home adjuster can make filing a claim simpler and get you the money needed to cover the cost of repairs without frustrating delays.

1. Leave Items Where They Are

While it might be tempting to retrieve treasured items from flooded rooms or throw away damaged ones, it is a good idea to leave them where they are until the adjuster arrives. This allows him or her to see the damage as is. Take photos beforehand or take a video tour of the damage if it is safe to do so. It may be difficult to face the damage; however, leaving your home untouched after a flood can result in a more accurate repair estimate.

2. Create an Inventory

Once you tour your home, you can help the home adjuster by creating an inventory of damaged items and their worth. Include electronics, furniture or collections that have been appraised previously, such as sports memorabilia. Include prices if you can, but if any receipts have been destroyed by the flood, you can list amounts from memory or by pricing similar items. A flood damage and restoration company may be able to help you with the removal and estimated costs of repair for some items.

3. Get Contractor’s Estimates

You may be able to file an insurance claim with your adjuster with more speed if you reach out to a few building contractors and get estimates for repair costs. Make copies of their findings and submit one to the adjuster so he or she can include it in the detailed report.

Flood damage to your Spokane,WA, home can be difficult to handle. However, when you understand effective ways to help your home adjuster, the road to recovery can be a smoother one.

Cleaning Under Your Home After a Flood: Is It Necessary?

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

After a home flood, all most homeowners can think about is cleaning up and restoring the inside of their homes. Most never give a second thought to beneath their homes. Yet, some experts suggest that the failure to clean under a home after a flood could lead to mold, structural issues and costly damage. Some areas of your home to which you should pay attention during flood cleanup include the following:

• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Cellars

Your attention to these areas could prevent costly damage and headaches down the road.

Cleaning Your Basement

Even if your basement isn't an HGTV-worthy one, it's still a part of your home and therefore needs to be cleaned thoroughly after a home flood. If your basement is bare, it won't take your [City, State], restoration company very long to dry out the area, wipe down the surfaces and clean the air. However, if your basement is used as a storage area or an extension of your living space, cleanup efforts will be much more comprehensive.

Cleaning Your Crawlspace

Whether your crawlspace is indoors or out, you should check it for storm damage. If you discover wet materials, direct your restoration team to beneath your home and let them work magic. Again, depending on what your crawlspace is used for, restoration efforts could take mere hours, or it could take days.

Cleaning Your Cellar

Cellars are usually bare, but some contain canned and jarred foods and excess supplies. Unfortunately, if your cellar was contaminated by flood water, you should dispose of all food – airtight or not. If you eat contaminated food or use contaminated supplies, you could become sick. Unfortunately, the best thing you can do for your health and the health of your loved ones is to dispose of the food and restock your collection (after you disinfect all surfaces of the cellar).

If you're dealing with a home flood, reach out to your Spokane, WA, restoration company regarding tips on how to clean beneath your home. Let them help you restore your home.

How To Prevent Bathroom Mold

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Your bathroom can become a Moldy mess without the proper ventilation

When you think of mold that is caused by water damage, the places that come to mind may be the basement, the attic or some dark, neglected corner. One of the most common places for mold growth, however, is the bathroom. To prevent bathroom mold in your home in Spokane, WA, you must adhere to the following tips.

Frequent Cleaning

The best method of mold prevention is keeping the bathroom clean. At least once a week, thoroughly clean every part of the room:

• Toilet
• Shower
• Bathtub
• Sink
• Floor
• Vents

If you use a cleaner that is specially formulated for tub and tile, it is likely to have enzymatic properties. Enzymatic cleaners are designed to eat through organic material. They help prevent surface mold, but they also keep drains clear of hair and other clogging agents that create mold-friendly environments inside your pipes.

Timely Repairs

Bathrooms are vulnerable to frequent leaks. Few other rooms in the house have such busy pipe systems or have so much need of running water. If one pipe leaks or one supply line breaks, the resulting water damage can lead to mold if the problem is not resolved quickly. The faster you contact water remediation specialists, the less likely you are to have a mold problem. It's also a good idea to re-caulk any areas between tiles that show signs of mold.

Proper Air Flow

While it's true that air flow can exacerbate an existing mold problem by spreading it, maintaining air flow to an area by keeping vents open can actually prevent mold spores from settling and multiplying on surfaces. Proper ventilation prevents stagnation and helps control the humidity in the room, two factors that often lead to mold contamination.

Your bathroom may have a few water damage cards stacked against it when it comes to mold prevention, but that doesn't mean that mold growth is inevitable. Keeping your bathroom clean, breezy and dry can help you combat mold.

For more on Spokane click here. 

The Thaw Is Coming: Protecting Your Business From the Spring Thaw

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Preventative steps to avoid stress during the season changes

In Spokane, WA, the spring thaw can lead to floods, and that can be devastating to your property or business. A spring flood may shut down your operation for weeks as restoration specialists dry out and restore your property. There are preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of flooding and to give your business the best chance of surviving the spring thaw.

1. Remove Snow From Your Roof

While snow removal is part of routine winter maintenance, many business owners may forget to check the buildup of snow on the roof. Not only does snow increase the load on your roof, but when the thaw hits, the increased water flow can also find minor imperfections, turning minor issues into significant water and roof damage. Therefore, before the thaw, look for a way to remove any snow from your roof safely.

2. Shovel Sidewalks and Driveways

Though it may not seem possible, during a thaw, snow buildup on sidewalks and driveways can lead to interior flooding, especially if the grading of the property is inadequate. During heavy snows and close to the spring thaw, it may be necessary to remain extra vigilant about snow removal.

3. Clear Your Drains

Depending on the level of snowfall, you may want to ensure that all of your drains, roof and ground, are clear of any debris and that you don’t have a frozen pipe anywhere. As the weather warms up there can be a massive influx of water, which may be too much for some drains to handle.

4. Consider Flood Insurance

Beyond any preventative measures, it may be wise to purchase flood insurance. Many standard insurance policies do not protect against this type of water disaster, and having coverage may be the difference between a few hundred or a few thousand dollars lost.

The spring thaw can be a stressful time of year, especially for business owners who worry and depend on the continued operation and function of their property. These preventative steps can help to alleviate that stress and protect your business from flooding.

For more on Spokane click here. 

Reasons To Purchase Interruption Insurance for Your Business

8/26/2018 (Permalink)

Natural disaster can occur anytime in your Spokane business

When a natural disaster or a plumbing problem renders your building in Spokane, WA, unusable for a period of time, you will want to have a plan in place for continuing your business while you rebuild. Property insurance may cover the actual damage recovery done by restoration experts, but you need business interruption insurance to cover lost revenue or the expenses associated with temporary relocation. Here are some reasons to purchase this additional policy.

Working Capital

Property insurance helps you cover the costs of water damage restoration. Additional coverage is needed for the myriad of other ways your business is impacted by a damaged building. Interruption insurance gives you working capital to handle continuity expenses:

• Lost revenue
• Utility payments
• Payroll coverage
• Relocation costs

You shouldn't have to worry about whether or not you will still have a business to run after you rebuild. Continuity coverage can give you the working capital you need to bridge the gap.

Ongoing Solution

Most problems that occur as the result of a storm are not quick fixes. You need coverage for problems that last longer than a few days. Your business interruption service can kick in as soon as 48 hours after your business experiences a loss due to stormy weather, but the payout can hold you over for an extended period of time.

Maintaining Momentum

Interruption insurance helps you maintain momentum and keep your business afloat. Many businesses without such coverage find it hard to recover after damages make it impossible to continue regular operations, and sometimes that results in a permanently closed business. Continuity coverage helps you keep going despite the difficulties that storm damage have caused.

As you rebuild, you shouldn't have to worry about whether or not your company will stay afloat. When you add an additional policy to your business owner's insurance portfolio that handles expenses associated with the interruption of your business, you can get peace of mind knowing that your income doesn't have to take a hit just because your building did.

For more on Spokane click here. 

Fire Sprinkler Checkup: A How-To

8/26/2018 (Permalink)

Check your sprinklers periodically to ensure they work incase of a fire

If you are a Spokane, WA, business owner, chances are that a few worrisome “what ifs” regarding the safety of your property in a fire have crossed your mind. You want to be prepared when it comes to disasters such as fires, but might not know what you can do to enhance your fire suppression plan. Doing a checkup of your fire sprinkler system is a great start. Not sure where to begin? Follow the advice below.

Warning Signs

How can you perform a checkup on your sprinkler system? A business owner is not necessarily a fire safety expert, so identifying a damaged or failing sprinkler may seem like an unsurmountable puzzle. If the system is being properly maintained and is ready for use in a fire emergency, you will not notice any glaring issues. However, the warning signals below may mean that you will need to repair, replace or complete maintenance on your fire sprinkler system:

• Leaking
• Corroded pipes
• Any other damage to the system’s pipes

Act Now

These warning signals should not discourage you about your commercial property’s system. Instead, your newfound awareness of these existing issues should prompt you to take action to put a sprinkler repair or replacement plan in place so you can increase the chances of having any future fires put out more quickly by your properly working system and avoid as much fire restoration as possible. There are many experts who can help you figure out whether repair or replacement will be the best solution for the safety and financial needs of your Spokane, WA, business.

You will also be more motivated to put a maintenance plan in place if you have not already done so, rather than continue to leave the fire sprinkler system unchecked as it has been. There is one more positive outcome that can be gained from this process: you now know how to identify future issues so you can fix them sooner and more efficiently. Having a better, stronger fire sprinkler cleanup plan in place, or a brand-new one if one did not exist before, will help keep you, your employees and your building safer than ever.

For more on Spokane click here.

In Chattaroy, SERVPRO's Mold Remediation Service Is Ready To Help.

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage in Chattaroy, Washington.

Mold remediation experts explain that water damage in Chattaroy can give rise to mold growth leading to the need for mold remediation. The fungus thrives in the moist, damp conditions, preferably also dark, created by the accumulation of excessive water or humidity. Because mold spores can and do exist anywhere on residential properties, mold colonies can form within a period as short as 48-72 hours after exposure to dampness. As long as the necessary conditions of moisture and a food source, such as a cellulose based product like drywall backing, are present. It's important to note that mold can start to grow in residential settings where water damage is not visible. For example, a leaky pipe can drip sufficient water and thus create the ideal setting for mold growth. These are a few of the factoids concerning mold that homeowners in Chattaroy should keep in mind.

Addressing Mold Issues. "Bad air" environment is often the result of spores and mold circulating through the HVAC ductwork. SERVPRO can offer a service to inspect and utilize a mold remediation process to eliminate this "bad air." Good internal quality air, relatively free of antigens and pollen, aid in the general well-being of all residents. These fungi can also affect drywall, furniture, carpeting and clothing in a negative manner. These damages can lead to costly repairs. Our skilled technicians not only have SERVPRO ongoing training to stay ahead of the curve but are also certified by the IICRC in cleaning techniques.

Allowing mold to thrive on your property is not prudent because doing so can entail substantive property damage. Once you realize that mold is growing in your home, it's time to call the professionals of SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified mold remediation specialists work to eradicate all unwanted mold from your property.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

We are proud to be an active member of the Chattaroy community. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated, so we’re already nearby and ready to help with any size mold contamination. Call us for a free inspection. (509) 474-9144

How To Unclog a Drain in 4 Steps

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Clogged pipes is an inconvenience in your Spokane home or business

Just about everyone has been there. You turn on the faucet to brush your teeth, and the water doesn't drain properly. You step out of the shower to dry off, and there is still water standing. When you have a clogged drain in your home in Spokane, WA, you may have to use a drain snake to release it. Follow these four steps to use a snake effectively.

1. Insert the tip of the snake into the drain and thread it slowly. The snake, otherwise known as an auger, works by breaking up a clog or attaching to it so that you can pull it out of the drain. To avoid a pipe break, you want to thread the snake into the drain slowly at first. Hitting a clog with too much force might put undue pressure on the pipe.

2. When you feel resistance, increase pressure. You will know you need to increase the pressure you're applying to the auger when you feel it touch something that impedes its progress. It could be the bend in the pipe, in which case more pressure will help it ease its way through. It could also be the clogged area.

3. Once the tip of the snake touches the clog, rotate the snake. The rotating motion may break up debris that has stopped up the pipe, causing it to drain. It also may help the snake grab onto the clog, allowing you to pull it out. Either way, the motion helps you move the clog that is obstructing your pipe.

4. After the clog is removed, run water on high. This is the test that lets you know the clog is gone. If you notice a leak when you run the water, call water restoration specialists to fix the problem.

A clogged pipe is an inconvenience that is easily resolved. All you need are the right tools and the knowledge of how to use them.

For more on Spokane click here. 

Grease Fire Do’s and Don’ts

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mouthwatering, salty, greasy French fries cook on your stovetop in Spokane, WA. All of a sudden, the smell turns from delectable to dangerous as the smoke fills your home. What happened? When oil gets too hot and is unattended, a grease fire can occur.

Do

Know the correct actions to take:

• If the fire has spread beyond the pot or appears out of control, immediately get to safety and call 911. Inform the operator that you suspect a grease fire.
• If the fire is small and contained, first turn off the heat source.
• Use a metal lid to cover the pot. It is a good idea to keep this handy on the counter every time you cook with oil. Cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply is the quickest way to stop the blaze in its tracks.
• Pour baking soda or salt on the fire. This works best on a small, contained fire.
• A Class B or Class K fire extinguisher may be used. A multipurpose extinguisher is acceptable if it includes B, such as ABC.

Don’t

Some actions do not work or make the situation worse:

• Never use water to douse the flames. Water may be your first thought when you see a fire, but in this case it is the absolute wrong choice. Water does not mix with oil, and this mistake causes an explosion of grease and fire.
• Do not pour flour on the fire.
• Do not try to fan the fire out. Fire craves oxygen, and this action feeds the flames and causes the oil to splash to other areas.
• Do not try to move the pot that is on fire, as this might spread the grease onto you or other surfaces of your home.

If you experience a grease fire at your home in Spokane, WA there is more at risk than just burnt French fries. Know the correct actions to take, and which to avoid. After a fire, if there is damage to your home contact your insurance agent to ensure coverage. As soon as possible, call a fire restoration specialist to begin the process of fire cleanup and recovery. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage. 

Prevent Sewer Backups During Heavy Storms

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

In Spokane, WA and other areas of the country, heavy rains can lead to sewer backup problems and flooding. This leaves homeowners to deal with anywhere from an inch or two of contaminated water to several feet of black water in their home. This happens because public drain systems become overburdened with the excess rain water. It may also happen because of new developments in your area, the loss of grassy areas, and changes in weather patterns. What can you do?

• Discuss the possibility of plugging floor drains with a knowledgeable professional. Your plumber should know whether the drain has a purpose and whether plugging it will violate code.
• If you can't plug the drain, install check valves that prevent the backflow of water from the drain.
• Plumbing fixtures, such as basement toilets, must also be fitted with sewer check valves. Otherwise, the rising water levels will simply move from drains to toilets and sinks.
• Install a main house sewer valve. This backwater prevention valve is available in manual and automatic types and will protect your home from black water backing up from the public sewer. When this valve is closed, you won't be able to use your home's plumbing system until the flooding is resolved.
• Schedule routine visits from your plumber to inspect the underground house drain. During a sewer backup, the house drain may not be strong enough to withstand the steps you take to keep sewage out. Older pipes, porous pipe joints, and weakened pipe joints can all defeat the purpose of your preventative steps.
• Consider installing a sump pump. These pumps move water away from your home and are useful during heavy rain. Work with a professional to avoid code violations.
• Inspect the foundation and leaf gutters to be sure they direct water away from your home. The better you can direct water away from your home, the better your chances of avoiding the results of flooding.

These steps can help you avoid serious sewer backup. Learn more from a remediation professional in your area. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

FAQS on Mold Growth

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

When mold growth is discovered in your facility in Spokane, WA you are overwhelmed with questions and you must act immediately. After you call the mold remediation professionals, you start to think of all the things you don't know and wished you had asked initially. While the experts do the hard work, here are some common questions and answers about mold:

1. Where does mold live? Mold lives wherever there is water, oxygen and organic material.

2. How do I prevent mold growth? Repair leaks and fix water damage quickly. High humidity (more than 45%) is enough moisture for mold colonies to grow.

3. How fast does mold grow? Infestations can take place in 48-72 hours.

4. Why does mold smell? Gases given off during mold digestive processes are smelly mycotoxins, but the presence of mycotoxins depend on the type of mold and the material being consumed.

5. Why didn't bleach work to clean mold? Bleach only removes stains and does not kill deep mold.

6. If spores are everywhere, are they in my building? Yes, spores are airborne and travel into your building through the HVAC system, windows, doors and on clothing.

7. How do I get rid of spores? You can do some regular cleaning (vacuum, HVAC cleaning, and carpet cleaning) to prevent spore buildup and bring spores levels down to normal.

8. What if the cleanup process causes spores to be released throughout my building? Spores naturally exist in the air, but professionals set up containment areas and use air scrubbers to manage indoor spore levels while cleaning.

9. Do I have to throw away special personal items? It depends on the material involved, but restoration specialists know how to clean different types of materials and will advise if any items can't be saved.

Now you are more knowledgeable about the situation and prepared for the work that will be done. Thankfully, you have professional remediators to get the mold cleaned quickly and safely, but you also know how to manage your building environment to prevent mold growth from happening again. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold. 

Common Areas Mold Damage Grows in Spokane Homes

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage commonly occurs in basements, Bathrooms and Kitchens, but will appear anywhere there is water or dampness.

Of all the problems that a house or apartment can have, mold is one of the most common. People have dealt with mold growth as long as they've been living indoors. Homes get damp, water leaks in, and humid climates get the worst of mold growth. One of the worst things about mold is that it spreads if left untreated. It can start out on a wall or near a drain or window and spread into walls, floors, other rooms, windowsills, ceilings, or just about anywhere. If you want to keep your home as mold-free as possible and avoid mold damage in Spokane, be sure to check the most common areas in your home where mold is likely to grow. Basements especially are a breeding ground for mold because of the dampness.

Unlike the rest of your home, basements tend to harbor dampness because they're the area where most of your water drains through. Pipes run throughout most basement areas and they also tend to have sump pumps, sinks and other fixtures where water can leak, overflow, or just generally collect and lead to mold growth or mold damage in your home. In addition, any moisture or water in the ground also seeps into your basement walls, making them a breeding ground for mold spores. Home builders typically also put up drywall over the concrete walls in basements. Since drywall is made from wood, it also can provide mold with the perfect environment to grow.

In addition to basements, bathrooms are another place in the home where mold is likely to grow and cause unsightly and destructive mold damage. Bathrooms are typically warm, damp and humid because people shower and bathe in them and also because they contain sinks, toilets, pipes and bathtub and shower fixtures. Bathrooms usually have porous surfaces where mold can take root. Allergens as well as mold can begin to permeate a bathroom in a relatively short amount of time. This is one reason why a lot of people use tiles in their bathrooms. Even with tiles, however, mold can still get into drywall.

Because of sinks, water and food preparation, kitchens also tend to be one of the places where mold can take root in a house or apartment. Kitchens tend to promote the growth of microtoxins, which can include mold. Despite people's best efforts to keep the kitchen clean and sanitized, mold can grow just about anywhere there is water. Leaking sinks, drains and faucets can lead to mold growth as can spills left uncleaned or standing water.

Any spots in the home where water may run or collect creates the perfect place for mold to grow. Although these areas are just a few locations in your home where mold can grow, they are the most likely and the most common. If you want to prevent mold damage and the spread of mold in your home, be sure to check these common areas for mold and clean them regularly with a cleaning agent designed to kill mold and prevent it from coming back.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood clean up repair service company, Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every water damage situation. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane proudly serves Spokane, Colbert, Chattaroy, Spokane Valley, Mead, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure caused by:

• Spokane Valley Water Damage
• Spokane Fire Damage
• Disaster, storm and, flood damage Spokane Valley
• Spokane Mold Damage

What’s the Best Way To Handle Toilet Overflow?

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

It’s happened to everyone. You think all you need to do is jiggle the handle and that messy toilet clog will clear right up, but the next thing you know the water level is rising and you’ve got smelly, foul black water flooding your Spokane, WA bathroom and leaving behind a mess of sewer damage. While it might be tempting to just grab a mop, in truth a flooded toilet can be a much bigger issue when it comes to cleanup and mitigation.

Examine the Issue

For small spills, a few towels and a good spray with sanitizing bathroom cleanser may be all you need. But larger spills can be indicative of a deeper problem requiring the aid of a sewage company or remediation specialist. To determine what kind of issue you’re dealing with, assess the situation:

• How bad is the flooding? Can it be cleaned safely, or does it require a sanitation professional to fully recover the flooded area from sewer damage?
• Has the toilet expelled more water than would normally refill the bowl and tank on flushing? What could be the source of the water?
• If the water is black water, does it seem contaminated with something other than the matter causing the initial clog?
• When flushing previously, have you noticed problems with the bowl draining and refilling in a timely fashion?
• Have these overflows been occurring with more and more frequency, indicating a recurring and possibly worsening problem?

Deal With the Problem

Asking yourself these questions when assessing sewer damage can help you create a safe plan for removing any black water and restoring your bathroom. You may need to use a water vacuum to safely funnel the contaminated water out, as well as looking into replacing linoleum if dirty water has gotten beneath it. A plumber can help you find the source of those clogs and deal with a faulty toilet or any faulty plumbing. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

Water Conservation Tips for Your Commercial Building

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Conserving water is a good business practice no matter what type of commercial building you own in Spokane, WA. Using less water can save you money and reduce the stress on your plumbing. Some property owners start researching conservation options after fixing major water issues. If you've recently gone through a water cleanup, you can ask your commercial restoration team for advice and conservation tips.

• Focus on your irrigation system. Maintaining your sprinkler system can actually help you use less water. Clogged sprinkler heads may require a greater output of water to keep your lawn looking its best. Similarly, you can focus on the schedule of your sprinklers to ensure they don't run while it's raining.
• Upgrade your faucets. If you have a lot of customers coming in and out of your bathrooms, you may want to upgrade your faucets to touchless models. This water upgrade ensures the sinks aren't left running when a negligent user forgets to turn the water off.
• Replace old appliances. Old water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances can use more water than the new energy-efficient ones. Replacing these outdated systems can help you use less water and save money in the long run.
• Install separate meters. Having your irrigation, cooling tower and other major systems on their own meters can help you better understand how much water is going into these particular systems. If too much of your allotted water is going to irrigation, you may realize you have water issues. Separate meters give you more control over the situation.
• Address water damage. Leaks, burst pipes and broken water mains can waste a lot of water. If you notice any sort of damage, no matter how small, you should get it looked at as soon as possible. Addressing these issues can help you avoid major waste.

Water issues, such as leaks, faulty irrigation systems or outdated appliances, can cost you a lot of money in wasted water. You can put some conservation methods into practice to start saving water and money. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

How Your Commercial Generator Works

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

You'll appreciate having a commercial generator every time the power goes out in Spokane, WA. These appliances provide the electricity you need to keep your business operational during massive storms and other causes of outages. For the best results, you need to understand how this appliance works before you face generator problems.

Components of the Backup Appliance

There are several components at work in this appliance:

• Engine
• Alternator
• Fuel system
• Cooling and exhaust
• Control panel
• Frame
• Voltage regulator
• Lubrication system
• Battery charger

Keep these parts in good working condition to be sure your temporary power source will kick in when your primary grid is out. You don't have to have a deep understanding of how each component works, but when you understand that the separate parts work together to convert mechanical energy to electric charges, you'll be better prepared to keep your generator in great working condition.

How It Works

Your generator may consist of a strong magnet and a moveable copper conductor. This "battery" creates an electromotive force, or mechanical energy. Modern appliances include electromagnets that rotate with conductors that wrap around the moving parts. Copper conductors carry high currents and are wound on stationary components. A rotating magnetic field interacts with the stationary conductors to create an electric current. An internal combustion engine may provide the force driving the rotation.

Keeping Everything in Working Condition

These appliances connect to a transmission grid. Commercial power sources must provide synchronized operation. Three characteristics affecting this are frequency, voltage, and phase. The most likely frequency in Spokane, WA is 60 Hz. Large appliances produce voltage at a rate of 20,000 volts. A business generator may output at 6000 volts, depending on the needs of the commercial property. Your appliance may produce 3-phase electric power; in other words, three separate circuits deliver consistent voltage and frequency. If any of these characteristics don't match the others or the transmission grid, the appliance could be seriously damaged. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage. 

What's the Best Way to Prevent Mold Growth

5/19/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you notice mold growing in your home.

No one wants to find mold in their home in Spokane, WA. As a homeowner yourself, you may scour the internet for the best mold prevention tips available. To prevent mold, you need to understand why it grows. Mold needs the following elements to thrive:

• Oxygen
• Moisture
• Organic Matter
• Warmth

A lot of these elements are found organically in nature, so it may be hard to remove them from your home to discourage mold growth. However, you can control the moisture levels in your house.

Inspect Plumbing Fixtures

A regular inspection of toilets, dishwashers, pipes and other sources of water can help you better understand where excess water could be. When you are familiar with the state of your plumbing, you will be able to catch leaks and other issues quickly. This can help stop water damage from taking place.

Respond to Water Problems Quickly

Whether your bathroom gets really steamy during showers or you noticed a small drip in your living room ceiling, you need to react to water problems as quickly as possible if you want to be successful with mold prevention. Having a strong relationship with a trusted plumber can help you better respond to plumbing problems that could lead to fungus growth. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after excess water is first introduced to your house. This means your quick response plays a big role in your ability to stave off the growth.

Have a Plan

While it's not exactly part of a prevention plan, you need to know who you are going to call should you find mold in your home. The faster you get a mold remediation team into your house the sooner your living space will be free of the unwanted growth. Knowing what you would do in an emergency water or mold situation can make handling the problem easier.

A big part of mold prevention is stopping water from pooling up in your home. However, you have to remember that prevention isn't always possible, so it may be necessary to deal with mold. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold. 

Steps To Take Following a Commercial Building Fire

5/19/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call after commercial fire damage.

A house fire can be an upsetting experience in Spokane, WA. Beyond losing precious items, the aftermath of a blazing fire can leave you unsettled and frightened. Once the fire is out, you may immediately think about calling commercial fire restoration and cleanup services, but before you do, consider these steps.

1. Contact your insurance company and request a meeting. If possible, you may want an adjustor on site during the first walkthrough. If the adjustor cannot visit the site immediately, take pictures.

2. Ask fire officials when it is safe to re-enter the building. The fire may be extinguished, but without knowing the amount of destruction to the structure, you may not be aware of where the safety zone is.

3. Request a copy of the fire report from the fire department. Not only can it have pertinent information for your insurance claim, but it may also have information to help you identify what data is still missing and possibly necessary for fire restoration specialists.

4. To prevent possible looting, or additional vandal destruction, secure the building. Most fire insurance specialists can offer information on how best to protect the structure.

5. Contact a commercial fire cleanup and restoration crew to assess the damage. Professional cleaners can help with water, soot, and smoke cleaning, as well as sanitizing the damaged areas.

6. If emergency personnel turned the electricity off, empty refrigerators and freezers. After emptying them, leave the doors open for air circulation.

7. If water was used to put out the flames, wiring might be damaged. Heat and water may also have damaged appliances. Before turning on lights, appliances, or HVAC systems, check with repair services.

8. If the damage is extensive, contact utility companies regarding service. Suspending utilities during restoration is often necessary.

Fire restoration can be a big operation whether it involves minor damage or extensive rebuilding. By following the above steps, you may find the process less stressful or overwhelming. You can also protect your building from additional damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Ditch the Candles and Use One of These Five Alternatives Instead

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

People in Spokane, WA may have used candles as their main source up until as recently as this past century, but that does not mean that they should continue to use them today. Candles smell good and look nice, but they are dangerous. If you’re someone who enjoys the ambiance created by candles, or if you just want a light source for when the power goes out, consider using one of these five candle alternatives:

• Flameless candles
• Flashlights
• Electric lanterns
• Solar lamps
• Glow sticks

Electric Candles

Electric candles still give off the same ambiance as the real deal, except they are far safer. If you still want the nice smells afforded by candles, look into oil diffusers or even glade air fresheners. There are dozens of ways that create a calming atmosphere without creating the risk of a candle fire.

Flashlights

If you don’t have a couple of flashlights that are fully stocked with batteries on hand, run out to your local hardware store and get one. Flashlights are convenient, affordable and great candle alternatives for when the power goes out.

Lanterns

Battery powered lanterns are strong enough to light up a campsite, so they can be especially useful in a power outage. If you want to light up an entire room in a safe way, invest in a couple of flameless lanterns.

Solar Lamps

Solar lamps can work for up to 12 hours on just a single charge, so even if the power is out for days, you can still have light at night. Just recharge the lamp each morning and bring it in at night. More complex models offer a port via which you can charge your cell phone and other devices as well.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are a fun alternative to candles that the whole family can enjoy. They also last for up to 12 hours and are affordable. Turn some into a necklace so that you can keep track of all family members at night.

Candles are dangerous and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Stock up on one or more of the above candle alternatives before the next big power outage, or talk to your Spokane, WA fire restoration team about other options. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage. 

3 Reasons Why Mold Has an Odor

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you notice mold in your home or business.

Sometimes, you may not realize your Spokane, WA business has a mold problem until you start to catch a whiff of that telltale musty odor when you turn on your ventilation system or if the day is particularly humid. Most types of mold release a chemical called mycotoxin, which causes the familiar smell. However, this may not be the only cause, and finding the source of the stink can help you prevent a major fungus problem from taking hold on your property.

1. Gases Are Released at Different Times

While most species of indoor mold have a similar odor, they tend to release odiferous chemicals at different stages of development. For example, some species may release mycotoxin as they eat, and others may do so as they grow or spread. In most cases, the odor becomes stronger as mold colonies spread, so by the time you notice the smell, you may already have a significant amount of fungi in your building. This situation might require the services of a certified mold removal and remediation company.

2. Breakdown of Organic Matter

Mold spores tend to be attracted by moisture and organic matter, such as drywall, cardboard and wood. As the fungi eats and breaks this material down, the organic matter may begin to rot and create the musty odor that is often associated with mold. Spores that grow and spread behind interior walls and feed on your building’s insulation may also create this rotting smell, which may be more noticeable on humid days.

3. Moisture and High Humidity

Because mold thrives best in moist, wet conditions, the odor it releases may be more noticeable on wet or humid days, especially if it is growing where you cannot see it. Fungi under carpet padding or drywall affected by a flood or other water damage may have a stronger scent when conditions are ideal for it to eat and grow. Calling in a mold remediation service can resolve this issue.

Mycotoxin and other gases that mold gives off can give your Spokane, WA business a foul odor. Knowing what causes them can help you act quickly when it comes to targeting and destroying fungi, no matter where it hides. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold. 

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you experience water damage. We can handle any size situation.

The extent of water damage often depends on the water’s source. In most cases, the water falls into category 1, 2 or 3. Category 1 is damage that stems from a broken pipe or burst supply line that did not undergo a proper water pipe repair. Category 3 comes from sewage backup or a flood. Category 2 is more severe than 1 but less severe than 3, but it is still dangerous to deal with on your own. Here is what you need to know about category 2 water damage:

• Category 2 water contains a substantial amount of biological, chemical or physical contaminants.
• Category 2 water has been known to cause sickness or discomfort in people who are exposed to it.
• Category 2 water is often referred to as “grey water.”
• Category 2 water typically contains microorganisms.
• Examples of category 2 water include toilet bowl overflow with urine (but no feces), water discharge from washing machines or dishwasher and sump pump failures.

Dealing With Category 2 Water Damage

Because you don’t know what type of bacteria or chemicals lurk in the grey water that flooded your building, it is best to call the Spokane, WA water restoration team for help drying out and cleaning up. Until help arrives, there are a few things you can do:

• Shut off your building’s main water supply line and perform a water pipe repair.
• Ventilate the area with fans and open windows.
• If you have one, place a dehumidifier in the affected area.
• Turn on your HVAC system to get air circulating.

Your local water remediation team can do the rest, which may include removing any standing water and removing wet and damaged materials. They may also advise you on how to prevent broken pipes in the future. Before they leave, ask for a report so you can send it along to your insurance agency. If you don’t know how to perform a water pipe repair, contact your Spokane, WA plumber to do it for you before you turn your water back on. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

3 Safety Tips for Driving During a Flood

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in Spokane, WA can be dangerous in many ways. Water can rise rapidly, and runoff can be powerful enough to sweep away large objects. If you are driving and find yourself on a flooded street, there are a few actions you can take to keep yourself safe until the danger passes.

1. Choose an Alternate Route

Flooded roads can present an immediate danger to motorists, and a flash flood can carry cars away in a matter of moments. If you are driving in heavy rain or during a flood watch and encounter flooded roads, it is wise to turn around and find an alternate route back to your home. Since the depth of flood waters can be hard to gauge, driving down a flooded street may cause your car to become trapped or swept away. If you cannot find an alternate route, exit your car and get to higher ground on foot. You may want to call a storm damage and restoration company when you get home to inquire about having your water-damaged car restored.

2. Do Not Panic

Keep a cool head when you encounter a flooded street. If the water is rising and you feel it is safer to exit your vehicle, do so calmly and ensure that your passengers are able to get out of the car without being knocked down by swift flood waters. Remaining composed and focusing on getting away from the flood can mean the difference between staying safe and disaster.

3. Obey Posted Road Signs

Flash floods can cause flooded roads in a matter of minutes. If you are driving in an area where flash flood warning signs are posted, be alert and watch for water, especially if it is raining in higher elevations. It is important that you do not disregard danger signs and stay aware of potential flooding if you are driving in an unfamiliar area.

Flooding in Spokane, WA can present many dangers when you are driving. However, keeping calm when you encounter a flooded street and knowing when to leave your vehicle may help you stay safe until flood waters recede. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage.

Fire Damage Companies for Colbert: What You Need To Know

3/31/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores Your Home In Colbert from Fire and Smoke Damage

Fire Damage Restoration by SERVPRO for Your Colbert Home

When Colbert fire damage has occurred to your residential home, you should secure professional fire damage restoration services. However, many property owners are uncertain about how to find a fire damage restoration company, and what to expect. However, reading the short outline below provided by SERVPRO offers you the information and advice necessary to hire a service that looks out for you.

Fire Damage Companies Remove Smoke Odors. One of the peskiest and most damaging forms of fire damage is smoke damage. Unfortunately, the smoke from the fire can leave your personal belongings and furniture with an unpleasant smell that is hard to remove. However, a fire damage company like SERVPRO possesses the tools necessary to eliminate quickly smoky odors so that you can salvage more of your personal items and household materials. One method that restoration experts will use to realize this objective is the use of an ozone machine. These machines can run throughout your sealed property for days. We do not mask smoke odors; we eliminate them. Soot, a form of oily-based smoke can layer on surfaces. IICRC certified technicians have the training and specialized equipment and cleaning products for this type of cleanup. It is critical that this wipe down be done professionally to prevent the soot from setting. SERVPRO can prepare surfaces for repainting, much more cost effective than replacing porous materials or upholstery.

Fire Damage Companies Prevent Mold

In addition to eradicating unwanted smoke, fire damage companies prevent mold from accumulating on your property. In many cases, the extinguishing work completed by firefighters leaves excessive water inside rooms, walls, or basements. This accumulated water creates the moist environment that invite fungi to grow. The mold spores that are present in your home can now, with the moisture's help, settle and grow on hard and porous surfaces within your home. However, the SERVPRO experts will utilize advanced mold remediation tools and techniques to exterminate, most if not all, of the fungi from spreading within your property. Some of the equipment that remediation experts will utilize to realize this objective include air movers, dehumidifiers, and foggers.

Some Attributes of a Superior Fire Damage Restoration Company.
• 24/7 emergency services
• IICRC-certified professionals
• a good reputation
• industry experience
• an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Call SERVPRO Immediately. Although fire damage to your Colbert home is a serious issue, hiring professional fire damage restoration services can get your property back to pre-fire loss condition promptly. Our IICRC-certified professionals possess the advanced knowledge necessary to complete each aspect of the fire damage restoration process with expedience and excellence. A final walk through guarantees your satisfaction with your restored Colbert home.

Faster to Any Size Fire Emergency

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is dedicated to responding immediately to your Colbert fire damage emergency. A faster response is the key to help prevent additional damage and to help reduce the restoration cost. Call us 24/7 for immediate help. (509) 474-9144

Water Damage in Spokane, Washington

3/31/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Spokane. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane to the rescue!

Water Damage in Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington offers some of the best forms of water damage that one can attain. Water damage is an unfortunate scenario that often occurs in homes or businesses from pipe bursts, broken drains, and leaky pipes. In order to prevent water loss, one will want to ensure their drains, pipelines, and any other source of water that may be in a home are sealed to where the water does not get out. If such steps are taken, whether precautionary or in that present moment, water loss will no longer occur, at least from the sources in which preventive measures have been taken.

Flood damage may cause a lot of scare, but it is something that a professional of Spokane, Washington will be able to assist with. When water cleanup affects a home's interior aspects negatively, drying will be required. If a drying process is not conducted, then it may be likely that severe instances of mitigation will occur. To prevent such potential instances of mitigation, water cleanup when there is water in home or water in business is recommended as immediate action. Natural disaster is never something that anyone expects as it occurs all of a sudden. By tending to a property's flood damage, the natural disaster that has occurred may potentially be able to be stopped by implementing preventive measures of continuance. Restoration is often a viable choice of property value preservation. When the home or business owner does not tend to their needs of recuperating their properties, they may be quick to find out that their values have significantly diminished. By getting rid of water in business, an owner will be able to operate it as they normally would as long as drying and an effective cleanup process has occurred.

If you have seen your home's value dwindle due to damage of any of the above listed natural disasters, then it may not be too late to act upon the incidents as long as restoration is conducted. Most business owners are well aware of what the impact of a damaged aspect of their property can have on not only the property's value, but also the value of the business. These are things that a business or homeowner need to take into consideration when it comes time to hire a restoration expert. If you are unsure about who you can hire, then please do not hesitate to find a company that offers their services while receiving high ratings from accreditation institutions and/or prior customers. Prior customers who leave positive comments about the services that they have received can more often than not be relied upon to provide their insights on the quality of a business. In this case, such reviews are quite valuable as the service that you will be acquiring is also valuable. Restoring a home's amenities and appliances will have quite a positive effect on the property as aspects of its utilization will be done so efficiently and effectively. Preserving your home's value should always be considered to be one of your first priorities. 

Spokane, Washington offers some of the best forms of water damage that one can attain. Water damage is an unfortunate scenario that often occurs in homes or businesses from pipe bursts, broken drains, and leaky pipes. In order to prevent water loss, one will want to ensure their drains, pipelines, and any other source of water that may be in a home are sealed to where the water does not get out. If such steps are taken, whether precautionary or in that present moment, water loss will no longer occur, at least from the sources in which preventive measures have been taken.

Flood damage may cause a lot of scare, but it is something that a professional of Spokane, Washington will be able to assist with. When water cleanup affects a home's interior aspects negatively, drying will be required. If a drying process is not conducted, then it may be likely that severe instances of mitigation will occur. To prevent such potential instances of mitigation, water cleanup when there is water in home or water in business is recommended as immediate action. Natural disaster is never something that anyone expects as it occurs all of a sudden. By tending to a property's flood damage, the natural disaster that has occurred may potentially be able to be stopped by implementing preventive measures of continuance. Restoration is often a viable choice of property value preservation. When the home or business owner does not tend to their needs of recuperating their properties, they may be quick to find out that their values have significantly diminished. By getting rid of water in business, an owner will be able to operate it as they normally would as long as drying and an effective cleanup process has occurred.

If you have seen your home's value dwindle due to damage of any of the above listed natural disasters, then it may not be too late to act upon the incidents as long as restoration is conducted. Most business owners are well aware of what the impact of a damaged aspect of their property can have on not only the property's value, but also the value of the business. These are things that a business or homeowner need to take into consideration when it comes time to hire a restoration expert. If you are unsure about who you can hire, then please do not hesitate to find a company that offers their services while receiving high ratings from accreditation institutions and/or prior customers. Prior customers who leave positive comments about the services that they have received can more often than not be relied upon to provide their insights on the quality of a business. In this case, such reviews are quite valuable as the service that you will be acquiring is also valuable. Restoring a home's amenities and appliances will have quite a positive effect on the property as aspects of its utilization will be done so efficiently and effectively. Preserving your home's value should always be considered to be one of your first priorities. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water loss.

Mold Remediation in Your Spokane Home

3/31/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Your Spokane Home

Harmful decay in your home can produce irritants and allergens that result in adverse health effects to you and your family members. It occurs naturally in the environment and can be found indoors as well as outdoors. Some of the spores are not detrimental, and the environment benefits from them. Some spores are harmful especially if they are many. Animals and humans should not inhale some of the types, such as black molds since they are harmful. They lead to different respiratory diseases.

It is not guaranteed that all microbial growth is spores. Once you discover some dark growth especially in a damp or wet area of your home, you should not always conclude that it is a dangerous type of spores. Microbial growth ranges from mildew, fungus, and algae. Some of these growths are not easy to get rid of. It is not easy for you to differentiate between harmful and harmless microbial growth in and around your home. Do you sense some smelly odor from the growth? It is now the highest time you contacted an environmental hygienist. They will advise you whether to acquire an expert in cleanup services or get rid of it yourself.

Are you a Spokane, Washington resident? You are advised to seek proper treatment for any spores that you trace around your home. Without proper treatment of molds, they will keep growing again each time they are removed.

Do you know why it is necessary to get cleanup professionals to help you eradicate this issue once and for all? Mildew has the ability to reproduce continuously within a day when pods burst and release spores into the environment. The reproduced spores then attach themselves to any source of food, and the reproduction process continues. They reproduce very fast because they survive on any porous material or surface. These organisms grow in areas that are difficult to notice.

Therefore, the first sign will be some smelly odor. It is also a sign that an environmental hygienist should inspect your house to troubleshoot the problem. Once they confirm that it is not the fungus, they will advise you on the best possible treatment.

Only allow a cleanup professional to do this work. They use effective tools that eliminate spores completely from your home. You will not have to suffer the physical damage that spores can do. Your family, as well as pets, will be safe from the health issues caused by spore contamination.

As professionals treat your home in Spokane Valley, you can clean any of your items that could have been exposed to mildew. You will have to clean anything that you rescued before taking it back to the house. Washington firms should also clean their workspaces once advised by the environmental hygienist to do so. Companies in Spokane should ensure that every building suspected or confirmed to have fungus is well treated by a professional. Always remember that the first thing to do when you suspect mold damage in Spokane Valley is to inform a cleanup professional near you soonest possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more details on mold remediation.

What To do When Mold Problems Become an Emergency

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a moisture problem, it can lead to a mold problem.

No matter what type of home you live in, regardless of its age or style, environmental issues can hit. One of the most feared and damaging conditions is mold. If you find mold in your home it can make your home completely unlivable. If you’re trying to sell or rent out your home, mold will prevent any transactions. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of mold, even black mold. Make sure you act quickly and effectively, and you should have a successful mold cleanup.

Find the Cause

It’s an unsettling feeling to have mold in your Spokane, WA home. One of the most troubling things about this unwanted guest is that it can come into your home from a number of sources. Often, it’s the result of a moisture problem, such as leaks, floods or humidity. Before you can properly clean up mold in your home and prevent it from returning, you need to figure out how it developed. Check walls and your roof. Also, the basement is a common home for mold.

Have an Expert Examine It

There are many forms of mold, and each type requires a different cleanup method. Black mold, for example, is perhaps the worst form. It can be a worry for many homeowners. When you spot mold, ask a trained expert to look at it. This person will them instruct you how to properly clean it.

Have a Professional Remove It

Getting rid of mold in your Spokane, WA home is more difficult than you may think. Mold can spread quickly and can be quite pesky. Also, you don't want to spend a lot of time around it if you don't have to.

You don’t want to take black mold and other forms of mold lightly. If you discover this in your home, enlist the help of a professional without delay. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold. 

Burst Pipes and Wet Floors? Here Are 3 Things To Consider

3/18/2018 (Permalink)

Finding out that your carpet floor has been flooded because of a pipe break in Spokane, WA can be terrible news, but reacting quickly to such a circumstance is often key to preventing further problems. Having homeowner’s insurance can be very helpful, especially in the event of a pipe burst, but there are things you can consider if replacing your floors is a concern. Deciding whether or not your floor will need to be replaced depends on a number of factors.

1. The Cleanliness of the Water Source

Water going to sinks, dishwashers, and water heaters is clean and should not have the kind of bacteria and other microbes that would be a hazard if the carpet is properly dried. A pipe break from these sources is considered a category one, clean water damage, and can often be saved by a restoration company instead of needing to be replaced.

2. The Speed of Drying

Getting floors dried quickly after clean water damage is typically very important, as it can prevent the formation of mold and keep from attracting moisture-loving creatures and critters. Opening the windows to keep air circulating, as well as setting up large fans, should help the water evaporate faster.

3. The Choice of Replacement or Restoration

Water damage on flooring can be a tricky situation, depending on the size of the affected area. Often, getting water damage dried up quickly circumvents the need to replace carpets entirely. Sometimes, however, either the drying takes too long or the water is not clean enough. Either way, finding a professional to help with the issue will likely save money rather than trying to handle it alone.

Keeping a cool head and knowing what to do in the event of a pipe break should go a long way to easing a homeowner’s mind. Being aware of the options available and what steps to take in the aftermath can keep panic from arising and hasty decisions from being made.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage. 

3 Precautions That Can Protect Your Business in a Storm

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

This business had a large water loss that flooded most of its interior, as you can see from this picture.

A severe storm in Spokane, WA can damage the structure of your building as well as the efficiency of your business. Flood water can destroy the equipment, data, and furniture within your commercial structure, which can be costly and can bring your company to a standstill. Here are 3 precautions you can take to minimize water damage, confusion, and data loss.

1. Create a Plan

Storms can be frightening and are often paired with chaos and disorder. It’s important to create an emergency weather plan for your employees to follow so that everyone can stay safe. Making a plan can also help the business get up and running faster after the storm. Your business plan can include information about these concerns:

• Evacuation procedures
• Relocation of equipment
• Communication after the initial storm
• Repair and restoration plans for the flooded building

Once the plan is created, be sure to review and test it. Practicing evacuation drills can keep your employees safe, and being aware of what will happen to vital parts of your business during the storm can help you get back on your feet more quickly.

2. Protect Your Property

There isn’t much you can do to prevent the storm from affecting your commercial building, but there are many proactive ways to minimize the water damage. Put sandbags in any areas that may be easily flooded, and try to move furniture and electronics to a higher level of the building. You can also cover windows and seal doors as an extra precaution.

3. Secure Important Data

Most businesses rely completely on technology. If flood water damages your electronics, you could lose vital data. By backing up your business’s important files and programs, you won’t have to worry about losing the time and money to regain that data. If all else fails, try to transfer your data to off-site storage quickly after being notified of a severe storm.

Being prepared for a storm can help your business minimize losses. Although flood water can cause a lot of water damage to your building, you can protect employees and preserve assets that are important to the company. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Admires Gonzaga University

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane admires and supports Gonzaga University with everything they are doing in the community. 

Check out this awesome article from The Spokesman Review on the Zags Give Day. http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/08/zags-give-day-lets-community-show-support-for-high/

We encourage the community to get out and support the efforts Gonzaga Students are making in the community. Many students dream of going to Gonzaga University from a young age. With the rising cost of a college education every little bit helps students and prospective students achieve their dreams. A strong eduction can open many opportunities for students to do anything and everything they wish to accomplish.

To learn more about the Zags Give Day visit http://www.zagsgiveday.gonzaga.edu/s/829/17dg/home.aspx and make a contribution. 

How to repair drywall in Spokane, Washington

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, when you have a problem with a leaky plumbing fixture or roof, this can lead to drywall water damage or stains on the drywall. Fortunately, minor Spokane water damage and stains are relatively easy to repair if a person takes the time to learn about the process and then has the tools and materials that are needed to do the job. However, there are times when the Spokane water damageis so severe that the drywall needs to be completely removed and then replaced. Before any kind of repair work is done to the drywall, it would be important for the homeowner to fix the problem with the roof or the plumbing fixture. If they do not do this, they are just going to experience drywall water damage once again.

The first sign of drywall water damage in Spokane is stains that appear on the drywall. After fixing the water leak, a person may simply be able to apply a coat of paint that is designed to seal the drywall. This can be purchased at local hardware stores and applied very easily. You can apply this using a roller. A brush may be needed to get into hard to reach areas. Normally, two coats of this sealing paint are applied. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.

If the drywall is sagging or there is mold growth, further steps may need to be taken to replace the drywall that has already been damaged. Depending on the extent of the mold growth, a mold remediation company may need to be hired. Mold is very dangerous and can harm the health of individuals who live in the home or work around the mold trying to get rid of it.

If the home was completely flooded or the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to completely gut the area, getting rid of the drywall and allowing the framing to dry completely. There are instructional pages on the Internet that can help a person to do this job on their own. However, if a person has absolutely no experience hanging drywall or doing other construction projects, it may be better for them to hire a drywall contractor to do the job.

Most homeowners are unprepared for a flood in that is caused by a natural disaster or a broken pipe. One of the best ways that they can get prepared for a situation like this is by purchasing insurance that will cover Spokane flood damage. This is going to ensure they have the money to properly restore their home.

Water Damage Restoration

Basement flooding or storm damage doesn't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We respond to your residential or commercial water removal and cleanup needs. Our fast response time and advanced drying methods help prevent secondary damage and mold. Common causes of water damage are:

• Flooding caused by severe weather
• Plumbing leaks
• Sink, bathtub or toilet overflow
• Sewage backup

Mold Remediation

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Professionals utilize proven mold remediation techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to protect you and your property. SERVPRO Professionals can assist you with:

• Mold remediation
• Concerns about black mold

How to make sure your new home doesn't have water damage?

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

When purchasing a new home, most people expect to find things in near-perfect order. However, recently, many people are turning to fixer-uppers to save substantial amounts of money. If you have found what seems to be an excellent choice but at a discount because of disrepair and neglect, or even vandalism, you should hire professionals who are trained to deal with the hidden hazards of water damaged home interiors. What may seem like a mess of crumpled drywall and peeled off wallpaper can harbor molds and other pathogens that can pose adverse health effects. 
 
Reasons Why Some Homes for Sale are Damaged by Water 
Some homes have water damage to their Newman Lake's interiors because they have been vacant for extended periods of time. When left vacant, homes are often subject to vandalism or simple neglect. Windows left open or broken allow rain and snow to enter. If the roof is damaged by heavy snow or storms, this can also create water and humidity levels to increase inside. Faulty plumbing could be the culprit in an on-going leak. Sometimes, previous tenants or homeowners will attempt to destroy the value of a house because they are angry they have been evicted. In such cases, at times they will purposely overflow tubs and sinks. 

Water Damage can also have Accidental Causes 
Sometimes an occupied home also has a structural breakdown that creates a way for exterior water to enter. One such situation is if a tree damages the roof during a winter storm. Snows entering the attic will slowly melt and drip downwards into your living areas below. Freezing temperatures outside can cause pressure to become so great that interior pipes burst apart due to the expansion of water to ice, creating instant water damage in your living space. 
This in addition to other causes that involve leaking pipes and drains, and unattended overflowing tubs and basins from clogged drains. Washing machines and dishwashers can also malfunction and create water damage. The addition of soil in the water from garments and food particles from plates and dishes can create additional problems in addition to warped floorboards or separation of vinyl flooring from the underlay. No matter the source of water damage, professionals from SERVPRO are available to help you make it right again. 

Professionals with Experience and the Proper Equipment can Save Your Investment 
No matter what type of investment you've made in the house that is suffering from water damage, you owe it to yourself to get the advice and experience only qualified professionals can bring. At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we're ready 24/7 to help you either get off on the right foot or to get your home back to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened." Call us at (509) 474-9144 and we will help.

How to handle a fire loss in Colbert Washington

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to firedamage in Colbertthings can get pretty ugly relatively quickly if you've dealt with a fire. Even after the fire is put out, you'll still have residual damage that can get worse if it is not taken care of by a fire restoration company like SERVPRO. The way that our company works is by helping to restore the original glory of your home and remove any and all damage that might be present. Whether you have fire damage, or you have water damage because of the fire being put out, SERVPRO is there to assist you.When you first make the decision to hire SERVPRO for yourColbert fire damageand fire restoration, you'll want to contact us so that we can come out and assess the damage. Our professional will take a thorough look at the area to see what type of damage is present and what is needed for restoration. This could be anything from replacing walls to replacing piping and flooring. You will love the fact that SERVPRO takes care of all of the heavy work for youBecause damage left after afirecan leave years worth of damage to your home, it is important to hire a professional as soon as you can. SERVPRO can prevent the damage from becoming much worse, and it is especially important for the overall health of your family. It can be unhealthy to live around water damage, mold growth and even soot that might have been left over by the fire that has since been put out by the local fire department.When you haveColbert fire damagein your home, fire restoration by SERVPRO is your next step. This ensures that you have a beautiful home that is well taken care of and one that will leave you free from worry. Restoring a home or business after afirecan be a daunting task, but it is nice to know that the entire job can be left to our experts.Be sure to contact SERVPRO if you need more information on the services that we can offer to you.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokaneis locally owned and operated—so we are part of the Colbert community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large-scale disasters.

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your home and your family. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has the fire and water damage expertise and training to help you through this tough time. Please call us. (509) 474-9144

What do you do if you have a fire in your home in Spokane?

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Leave Fire Damage Repairs to a Pro

Whether a home is affected by an electrical incident, a fire resulting from a storm, or a wildfire, it's always a devastating event that often leaves homeowners at a loss. On top of losing possessions and dealing with the sheer destruction of such an event, the last thing homeowners want to think about after a fire emergency is the cost of fixing the damage done to their houses.
 
Homeowners who experience fire damage in Mead will no doubt question whether they should handle repairs on their own to save money or leave the job to a contractor. If you're facing this dilemma, here are some reasons why contacting a professional fire damage restoration company is best.

    •    Homeowners typically aren't aware of how to remove smoke contamination from their homes. This alone, if left untreated, will permanently damage your clothing, flooring, walls, and furnishings. SERVPRO handles smoke removal with the aim of preventing any long-term damage or the loss of your possessions.
 
    •    The restoration process is difficult and unsafe to take on by yourself. It involves removing hazardous debris, soot, and smoke removal, and fixing structural damage. Our specialists will take care to ensure your home is properly repaired and safe to occupy after a fire.
 
    •    Depending on your home insurance company, they may only pay for repairs completed by professionals. SERVPRO knows how to navigate the claims process, and you won't have to worry about our repairs meeting your insurance company's standards -- we'll exceed them.
 
    •    The cost of hiring a skilled contractor to repair fire damage is less expensive when they're called early on. After smoke and fire contamination are allowed to sit, repairs become much more challenging, and restoration takes even longer.
 
At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, our team of experts is equipped with the tools and knowledge to repair quickly and efficiently homes and commercial buildings affected by a fire. For more information about the fire damage restoration services that we offer or to get a quote, call us 24/7 at (509) 474-9144.

Go Gonzaga University Men's Basketball!

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Gonzaga University Men's Basketball Team

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is so excited for March Madness and the Men's Basketball team at Gonzaga University. Currently ranked number one in the WCC polls and number 6 in the national polls we are cheering loud and hard for the team this March! 

Be sure to wear your colors around town, and support the team! We know our team will be!

Check out all of the wins form this year by visiting http://www.spokesman.com/zags/games/2017/ 

4 Typical Areas Where Mold Is Found in Commercial Buildings

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Even when regular cleaning and caretaking is a part of your everyday lifestyle as a building owner in Spokane, WA keeping mold away forever is near to impossible. It’s bound to show up in areas where water is commonly used and the mildew smell alone can alert you to its whereabouts. However, if no visible mold is apparent and you need to find its location before resorting to mold testing, here are four typical areas where mold can be found in commercial properties.

Look for mold near water heaters and air-conditioning units. When coolers are used all day, specifically in large buildings where they’re often in constant use, heavy condensation and water leaks can frequently occur. Since this water lingers and seeps into the surrounding walls or floors, mold can begin to grow in unforeseen places like under the carpet or behind drywall.

Search below bathroom and kitchen sinks. Bathrooms and kitchens see their fair share of consistent water usage, leaving a mildew smell without necessarily displaying visible mold to the naked eye. This is often the case because it’s hiding below the sink where any leaks can spring up, plumbing can become loose or caulking can go bad, needing replacement.

Check the walls beneath leaky windows. If your building in Spokane, WA sees ample rainfall every year, you’re more likely to find mold growing below your windows. Poor insulation or leaky window frames are high areas for trapped moisture.

Investigate basement floors or cellars that have been previously flooded. Any low-level rooms like basements that have endured flood damage leave a lot of damp walls and floor space if they’re not dried or replaced properly by professionals. Given that these areas are generally dark, receiving little sunlight or fresh air, there’s a high probability mold is present.

If no visible mold can be found and you’re intending to have mold testing done in your building, try looking in any of these typical areas where mold grows frequently. When the mildew smell can’t give away its location, any of these areas may reveal the mold you’re looking for.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold.

How To Take Care of Belongings After a Commercial Fire

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with a commercial electrical fire in Spokane, WA is no business owner’s ideal way to spend an afternoon, but being prepared for the ins and outs of the aftermath can help ease the process. Depending on how extensive the fire is, any number of belongings and structural areas may have been severely damaged. Treating those belongings will be up to the restoration company either you or your insurance company has chosen, but knowing the process can go a long way toward alleviating concerns, as well as helping determine the difference between a reputable and not-so-reputable restoration company.

Content Restoration

A truly professional restoration company will have a “restore” mindset rather than “replace” when it comes to the contents in the affected area, but that’s not to say that all items will be salvageable. A reputable restoration company will do everything in its power to restore salvageable items to their pre-fire condition. Depending on the type of damage, restoration workers will use a number of methods to restore items, including wet, dry, foam, abrasive and immersion cleaning, as well as a spray and wipe method.

Pack-Outs

Sometimes, if an electrical fire affected a large enough area, items will have to be packed out of the room or rooms in order to assess the damage more effectively. Not only does this speed up the remodeling process, but it also protects damaged contents from further damage during the restoration process.

Electronic Cleanup

With an electrical fire, perhaps the items most likely to be unsalvageable are the electronics that started the fire in the first place. This decision varies case by case, however, and it’s important to leave it up to the professionals to assess whether or not an item can be salvaged. When it comes to television or computer cleanup, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. It’s also important that you do not attempt to turn on or operate any electronic device that has been damaged by fire until a restoration professional has inspected or restored it. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Why an Ozone Generator Helps Remove Cigarette Odor

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

An ozone generator is one of the only devices capable of removing all of the components found in cigarette smoke. Find out how SERVPRO team can help!

Whether someone has been smoking in your house for one week or several years, the smoke will quickly leave behind an unmistakable odor. After a while, you may become acclimated to the smell and not even notice it is there. This is dangerous because cigarette smoke contains many toxic chemicals you do not want to breathe in on a regular basis, even if you are not the one smoking. Home deodorization in Spokane, WA is a worthwhile process. After you have undergone cigarette removal from your home, it is time to tackle the odor. An ozone generator is one of the best tools to accomplish this.

Ozone Generators Are Used by Commercial Buildings

A number of different businesses rely on ozone generators to eliminate the smell of tobacco. These generators are commonly used by:

• Apartment buildings
• Hotels
• Casinos
• Smoking bars

The reason these businesses use an ozone generator is that it is one of the only devices capable of removing all of the components found in cigarette smoke. More traditional home deodorization products are not capable of handling the array of gases found in cigarettes, which includes ammonia, phenol and carbon monoxide.

Ozone Generators Can Remove Odors in a Quick Turnaround

While the ozone generator is working, you will need to vacate your home for the time being. Professionals will tell you how long the process should take. It can range anywhere between a few hours and a couple days. If someone has been smoking in your house for years, then you should expect the process to take two to three days.

The experts will ensure the air conditioner runs throughout the process to keep air circulating while the generator runs. Home deodorization is fairly easy to carry out, and all you need to do is contact a professional odor removal service. You will feel better after the process and definitely notice a difference. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Gutting a Home After a Flood

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating. It can be destructive not only to the contents of a home, but the home itself. When you’re faced with damage from black water, you may have to gut your property. This means you might have to restore the walls and purchase new carpet, bedding and ceiling tiles. If your Spokane, WA home has been afflicted by a flood, these tips may help you.

1. Rugs, Bedding, Carpet and Clothing Must Go

Rugs, bedding, carpet and clothes cannot remain in a moist environment. If damaged in the flood, mold may grow in the porous material and contaminate it indefinitely. In that case, they need to be thrown out. However, if they aren’t damaged, you can put them outside or in a dry environment for safekeeping during the process.

2. A Flood Cut May Be Necessary

If you know anything about restoration after black water contamination, then you know that a flood cut may be performed. A flood cut is when flood repair specialists cut into drywall about 12 inches above the flood line and remove it. This is usually a last resort when the wall cannot be saved. Most specialists won’t want to tear out the wall if they don’t have to. However, with extensive mold damage, it’s better to take out the damaged wall.

3. Scrub Everything Else Clean

When you’re finished removing items, you can clean the rest of your residence before the full restoration process. Flooding can cause mold growth on nonporous surfaces. Often, these can be scrubbed clean with detergent and water. In some cases, you may need bleach, but always be careful about which chemicals you mix.

No one wants to have to gut their home after a flood. However, it’s important to make sure there are no other signs of contamination before it can be livable again. If you’ve experienced flooding, it’s best to get rid of the problem materials instead of risking mounting issues. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage.

Top Tips for Avoiding Secondary Flood Damage

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

When water rises in your home, that can be scary enough. The water on the ground is not the only concern for homeowners dealing with flooding, however. You should also take steps to avoid secondary damage like black mold. While the water itself is the primary problem, other issues include:

• Mold on the walls and floor
• Mold in porous belongings, like furniture
• Mildew in any part of the room
• A musty odor

Quick thinking can save you from having to deal with these problems after a flood. Here are a few tips for avoiding secondary damage.

1. Call a Restoration Crew Immediately

There are professional restoration companies in Spokane, WA that are open 24/7 and ready to help. As soon as you notice flooding in your home, you should give them a call. Every hour that passes until someone removes the water allows black mold to spread.

Why is it important to call immediately? As the water sits in the room, it causes high humidity. The water evaporates into the air and has nowhere to go so that it can get into the walls and other porous areas. This moisture can cause mold in places that the original flood never touched.

2. Remove Porous Belongings

Once the restoration crew has removed the water and says that it is safe for you to enter the room, you should remove clothing, upholstery, and any other soft items. Allow these belongings to air dry either outside or near an open window.

3. Clean Thoroughly

The restoration crew in Spokane, WA should clean the room where the flooding occurred. However, you may need to ensure that mold and mildew are not on the items you removed. Once these belongings are dry, you can clean them with disinfectants. If you had any hard surfaces in the room, you might wish to clean those as well.

Flood waters are a problem, and the potential secondary damage can be a nightmare. Prevent the black mold from high humidity with these tips. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Understanding Category 3 Secondary Water Damage

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

When you have flood water in your home or business, restoration involves more than getting the water removed. The secondary damage that usually results makes the cleanup more involved than dealing with water that originated from a sanitary source. If the water is only moderately contaminated, it is considered to be Category 2. However, if it is Category 3, you must consider the implications and should consider employing the services of a professional water damage professional.

Category 3 Water

Category 3 water is described as severely contaminated, with high potential to cause illness. It is also called black water. If you have flood water due to a hurricane or other severe weather event, this is always considered Category 3. It can contain numerous hazards:

• Pesticides
• Toxic substances
• Heavy metals
• Toxigenic and pathogenic microorganisms

You are also dealing with Category 3 water if you experience a toilet backflow or sewer backup at your Spokane, WA home or business.

Degrees of Secondary Water Damage

The degree of secondary water damage, and thus the seriousness, depends on several factors. The source of the black water and the period of time it sits are both part of the equation. For example, an overflowing toilet handled promptly won’t result in the need to remove and dispose of your flooring, which could be necessary after a storm surge or severe sewer backup. The highest degree of danger results when the flood water hasn’t been promptly or properly removed or it carries a high concentration of contaminants.

The wisest course of action when dealing with any water damage is to seek the services of a trained and experienced professional. These experts have the knowledge necessary to know what can be salvaged and what should not be. They’ll restore when possible and otherwise properly dispose of particle board furniture, drapery, carpet, drywall and other materials that are too contaminated to restore. Surviving the event is great, but getting through the secondary damage is important as well.
 Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Three Steps in Fire Cleanup

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Three Steps in Fire Cleanup

When you have a fire in your home, you will probably first worry about finding a place to stay and contacting your insurance company. However, you will eventually have to focus on the cleanup and dealing with smoke damage. While you may want to try to do the cleaning yourself, it is recommended by experts that you hire a professional restoration company in Spokane, Washington for help. Fire remediation technicians have the training and tools needed to ensure the job is done correctly. However, learning about the process can make it easier for you to understand what the specialists will be doing.

1. Assessing the Damage

During the assessment, the company will look over your home before they begin. This will allow them to get an idea of the type and extent of the damage. They can then begin to formulate their plan for cleaning.

2. Securing the Structure

The next step is to fortify any areas that may have been weakened by the fire. This includes boarding up windows and doors that were broken. It also includes stabilizing beams and walls that may not be structurally sound.

3. Cleaning Smoke Damage and Soot

Smoke and soot create a lot of the damage in a fire. Both cover many surfaces and may reach areas of your home that were untouched by the actual fire. They cause messes and smells that you will want to get rid of. Soot damage needs to be cleaned carefully because it can sometimes be made worse by incorrect cleaning methods. Smoke cleaning has to be done using special equipment and processes that can remove odors.

Cleaning up after a fire is a tedious process. However, when it is done correctly, you can get your Spokane, Washington home back to the way it was before the fire without smoke damage acting as a lingering reminder of what happened.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Steps To Take After a Fire

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Steps To Take After a Fire

Losing your home in Spokane, Washington to a fire is a tragic event that may leave you numb and bewildered. Before you begin the fire restoration and recovery process, here is a list of specific steps you can take that will help you salvage some of your belongings.

Find a Place To Stay

The first priority is to make sure everyone who lived in the home has food, clothing, and a place to sleep. The Red Cross or Salvation Army can help you find shelter and other necessities. Don’t forget pets. They will need a temporary home as well.

Call Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company about the fire and ask them what they would like you to do first. Inform them of any immediate needs, such as pumping out water or covering doors and windows.

Don’t Touch Anything

It may be tempting to get into your home and begin cleanup procedures right away, but the home may not be structurally sound. There are likely hazardous chemicals in the dirty water left behind. It’s a good idea to talk to a fire restoration specialist in Spokane, Washington before entering your home. They can give you a professional analysis of what can and cannot be saved.

Fix Your Finances

Talk to your landlord or mortgage holder immediately. If you lost credit cards in the fire, call the companies and ask for replacement cards. Save all receipts from repairs and cleaning for your tax records. If you have fire insurance, talk to your agent and get in writing what the insurance will cover and what it will not.

Clean Up the Damage

Decide if you will tackle smoke cleaning yourself or hire a fire restoration company. In either case, the sooner the work is completed, the greater the chances that the cleaning will be successful. Smoke and soot left on too long leave permanent, corrosive stains. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

What To Expect From Your Storm Damage Restoration Team

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

What To Expect From Your Storm Damage Restoration Team

If your Spokane, Washington building has suffered serious water damage after a particularly trying snow or rainstorm, call in the help of a professional storm remediation team. You should not attempt to tear out and restore your building and its contents on your own, as you do not know what risks the water or the building itself poses. To ensure a safe and speedy recovery, hire a water remediation team that knows how to safely and effectively handle the situation.

A professional storm restoration company has set procedures in place for dealing with water and flood damage. You can expect the team to inspect the building and use the following methods for bringing your property back to good health.

Extract the Water

First and foremost, the damage restoration technicians will extract the water from your property. To do this quickly and effectively, the team may use submersible pumps and wet/dry vacuums. The water extraction process helps reduce drying time and prevent additional damage caused by sitting water.

Tear Out Wet Materials

Once all of the water is removed from the building, the company will then remove all wet materials. This can include furniture, equipment and documents, but it may also include wet carpet, rotted floor boards and any other easily removable structural components.

Dry All Structures

Once all of the wet materials have been removed, the team will begin the drying process. They will use dehumidifiers to evaporate any moisture that remains in the floorboards, carpet, walls and cement.

Restore the Building

Finally, once your building is dry and free from water, the team will clean and sanitize everything, and then make whatever repairs are necessary to bring your building back to pre-flood condition. This process may include moving you out of the building and boarding it up until it is habitable.

If your building was severely damaged in a storm, let a water remediation team in Spokane, Washington take over. They can help tear out all the wet materials and bring your property back to like-new condition in a safe and swift manner. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Steps

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Steps

Electrical fires and utility room fires can result in a devastating damage to business premises and massive losses from the commercial fire damage.

The owner should seek services from professional fire damage restoration experts to restore business premises after an incident of electrical fire or utility room fire to reinstate the pre-fire condition as quickly as possible.


This first stage will include a fleet of vans and fire trucks efficient for fire suppression.The first step in fire damage restoration is assessment; it comprises thorough inspection and full assessment of business premises. The inspection process is a crucial stage which enables the contractor to categorize the fire type, degree of soot damage and also to point the cause of the fire. Also, record information which will be used by the insurance company for compensation of the fire damage losses. Due to immense confusion which emerges from the disaster, people do take advantage of the situation to loot belongings after the commercial fire damage. Fire damage restoration experts will board up your business in order to prevent looting.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Restoring Your Home Back to Normal

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Home Back to Normal

After suffering from a fire in your home or a fire in your business, you need to take the proper steps to restore your home or commercial building back to normal. This definitely is not something you should do yourself. Instead, you should rely on a professional restoration company to take care of your residential or commercial fire damage.

You should not let the fire damage get worse by letting it go untreated. Do not wait a long time after the fire in your home or the fire in your business occurs. In addition, you really should not enter the home before calling the restoration company. There may be hazards. The structure may be unsafe, and walls or ceilings may be about to cave in. There may be broken pieces of glass.

The first thing the restoration company will want to do is take a walk throughout your home. They will look for the cause of the fire in your home or the fire in your business. They will want to understand the extent of the residential fire damage or commercial fire damage. They will plan a strategy for the restoration of your home.

The next thing the fire damage restoration service will likely do is board up your home. You need to cover all the holes in the walls of your home and the ceiling of your home by boarding up those holes. Holes can appear if the fire burnt away a large section of the wall. Firefighters sometimes break open holes in the walls in order to make sure that no fire is left in between the walls. In addition, they may shatter windows.

After boarding up the holes and broken windows, the fire damage restoration service will likely start dealing with the water damage, which is an essential part of the fire cleanup process. It is likely that during the process of putting out the fire, your walls and furniture were drenched with water and suffered heavy water damage. The fire damage restoration company can pump out all the water and remove the excess moisture.

After boarding up the holes and cleaning out the water, the next step of the fire cleanup process usually involves taking care of the soot damage and the smoke damage, as well as the smoke smell that probably permeates your home or business. Soot damage and smoke damage are common, and include not just a smoke smell, but blackened walls and blackened furniture. To remove the smoke smell, the HVAC system will have to be cleaned of any soot. To clean up the soot damage and smoke damage from your furniture and walls, special equipment will need to be used. The smoke smell will not go away before this happens.

The fire cleanup company will then start repairing the structure of your home. The fire cleanup company will remove burnt parts of your walls and ceiling that are no longer capable of supporting the structure of your home. They will replace them with new boards and beams. The commercial fire damage and fire restoration company will also repaint your home. This is so that the new boards and beams fit in. It will also make your home look better after the soot damage and smoke damage. They may install new wallpaper as well, if you so wish.

The fire damage company will also give you advice on how to prevent further fires. They may help you out with your fire sprinkler system and make sure that it is working. The fire damage restoration company will also help you renovate your home. In the end, your home or commercial building will look not just restored, but may very well look better than it did before the residential fire damage or commercial fire damage.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Get Professional Help When Storm Damage Strikes

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Get Professional Help When Storm Damage Strikes

When you are the victim of storm damage, it can turn your whole world upside down. Storm damage can come from many sources. You could find that your home has been negatively affected by river flooding, flooding, wind damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, or ice damage. Regardless of what type of damage nature brings down on your home, you will need storm remediation. As you consider the extent of the storm damage and the water restoration or home restoration that needs to be done, it can be extremely overwhelming. As ground water or flood water rises, it can wreak havoc on your basement. Ice damming is a major issue during winter storms. When an ice dam forms, you are likely to have roof damage. A roof leak of any kind is going to require roof repair. Frozen pipes are par for the course during the coldest times of the year. No matter what has happened to your home, home restoration is going to be a major project. You're going to need more than a flood pump to get your home back in order again. When you need home restoration services, contact your professional storm damage restoration team.

This is Not a Do-it-Yourself Project

You know that you need storm remediation. Don't even consider trying to go it alone. You will be biting off more than you can chew. When you call in a professional storm damage restoration crew, you can rest assured that you are in good hands as you turn to people who are highly trained to deal with every type of storm damage and provide services for storm remediation. They can cut your storm restoration needs down to size. The first step is to make the call once the damage is done and conditions are safe to get to work on your home.

Assess the Damages

Your team of storm restoration professionals will begin with a thorough evaluation of your home. They will assess any roof damage that has taken place, whether it is due to hurricane damage, wind damage, hail damage, or ice damming. If ice damming is an issue, it will be a priority to clear out any type of ice dam that remains. An ice dam can cause a roof leak on your home. When an ice dam builds up, the weight of the ice is a major issue as well. Ice damming is typical after severe storms in the winter. When roof damage includes a roof leak, whether it is a minor leak or a major leak, roof repair services will be in order. Your professional storm restoration team will be able to handle any roof repair issues. Additional ice damage could occur at the opposite end of the house when you have frozen pipes in the basement. Frozen pipes can lead to flooding. Flooding of any sort can cause considerable damage. A flood pump can help you to eliminate the problem of water in your basement, but you are likely to need an industrial-strength flood pump when ground water or flood water overwhelms your basement. Your storm restoration team will look at all of the damage that has hit your home from flooding or river flooding after hurricane damage has thrown you for a tailspin. Wind damage, hail damage, or ice damage can all be considerable, but your professional storm restoration team can handle any type of storm remediation.

Restoring Your Home

Once the professionals know the full extent of the damages to your home, whether you have experienced river flooding, flooding, ice damage, wind damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, roof damage, or frozen pipes, the home restoration process will begin. Water restoration is one of the most common services when flood water or ground water rise to destructive levels in your home. In order for water restoration to be completed, the ground water or flood water must be removed completely. A flood pump can achieve this goal. Once the water has been eliminated, whether it was from river flooding or any other source, a thorough drying process must be completed. Once all surfaces are dry, they must be sanitized and disinfected. Finally, any repairs can be made. New flooring or carpeting can be installed. The roof will be another area of focus as any roof leak is handled efficiently. Hail damage, wind damage, and hurricane damage are likely to result in a roof repair job, but your professionals can handle it. When all is said and done, water restoration and complete home restoration is possible for you when you have professionals on your side.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage.

SERVPRO Can Professionally Restore a Spokane Water Damaged Business

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Professionally Restore a Spokane Water Damaged Business

There are many property issues that business managers may have to grapple with, commercial water damage in Spokane being one of the worst. Unfortunately, this type of damage can occur in the business setting at any moment. Whether the water damage results from a natural disaster or office mishap, substantial structural deterioration or destruction is often the result. In many cases, the emotional and economic pains that water damage produces force business owners to close their companies permanently. However, learning more about commercial water damage and how to efficiently complete the cleanup process, using an experienced company like SERVPRO, can help you impede this from happening.

Commercial Water Damage: Key Causes. The undesired result can be from numerous factors. The damages can result from flooding, roof leaks, frozen pipes, ice dams, and sewage backups. Additionally, disasters like fires can require extinguishing work from the fire department, leaving large quantities of standing water behind. No matter the cause of water intrusion, the effect is often the same: actual damage to the structural integrity of your property coupled with the compromise of safety to employees, and clients.

Identifying The Source Of The Problem. To deal with water damage effectively, you have to identify the source of the problem and then eliminate it. It's also important to know that there will be different methodologies for water damage restoration depending on the source. Excess water flowing from a broken or frozen pipe or ice damming on the roof will be handled differently than issues which result from floodwater or a sewage backup.

Avoiding DIY Projects. Business proprietors are tempted to begin the cleanup process by themselves to quickly reopen the doors to commerce. If the normal business traffic patterns have been disrupted, then it is time to call in SERVPRO, to mitigate water damage restoration time and costs. Rapid water pumping will diminish downtime and lessen damage to inventory, office furniture, supplies, and the building's structural components. Precise assessment and planning get results.

Contact SERVPRO Today. If your Spokane commercial property has been impacted by water damage, it's time to take action. When you call the friendly professionals of SERVPRO, you'll receive a fast response from IICRC-certified technicians who use cutting edge equipment and customized methodologies to expedite the restoration process. Our techs are trained in water damage restoration, applied structural drying techniques, odor control, and mold remediation. Cleaning and restoring, as opposed to more costly replacing, is our policy so that we save you money as we quickly work to get your business back in business. "Like it never even happened."

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane specializes in commercial water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage restoration training, and our process emphasizes regular monitoring and documentation of the drying process from beginning to end. Call us for immediate 24/7 response. (509) 474-9144 

How to Prepare for Water Damage

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for Water Damage

Water damage is a serious concern of every property owner. While other causes of damage are well understood, such as the risks posed by fires or wind, flood damage can often also be one of the most insidious forms of property damage. Many homeowners do not appreciate how severely a property can be damaged, even by a little flood water.

For this reason it is imperative that any time a property owner notices potential water damage they call in a professional restoration company to assess the flood damage. While some forms of flood damage, such as water damage caused by a hurricane, can be extremely obvious, others, such as water damage caused by a supply line break or pipe break, can be much less obvious. Experts say that even a little flood damage, amounts greater than around one gallon, can potentially lead to lasting damage to the property if proper mitigation and restoration efforts are not immediately undertaken.

In this article, we cover some of the things involved in the flood damage mitigation and restoration process. A supply line break or pipe break can be a serious event, but it should never result in permanent damage to a flooded home or business.

The water damage mitigation and restoration process


Over the last 100 years, the typical American water cleanup and restoration company has seen just about every type of flooded home and business there is. This has led to an established, proven method of dealing with water cleanup.


What to do when a flood event occurs


The first step, whenever a property owner notices water in their business or water in their home, is to make a call to their local water cleanup and restoration company. This call should preferably made as soon as possible after the first signs of water in a home or water in a business have become apparent. Time is always of the essence. In almost all cases, mitigation or restoration efforts that are begun within the first 24 hours of a flood event will result in the complete restoration of the property and mitigation of the damage. However, whenever water cleanup is initiated after the first 24 hours, the risk of the property incurring permanent damage begins rising substantially.

For this reason, making the call to the restoration company as soon as possible is imperative.

The team arrives on the scene


The water cleanup team will usually arrive on scene within 30 minutes of the initial call being placed. Once there, they will immediately begin assessing the extent of the water in the home or water in the business. If the original pipe break or supply line break still has an active leak, it will be fixed.

The team will survey the water in the business or water in the home, noting the quality and classification of the water. The area around the original supply line break or pipe break will be assessed for evidence of water that has seeped into structural components.

Water removal begins


The next step will be removing any standing water from the flooded home or business. This is accomplished through the use of heavy-duty vacuum equipment. The water removal process usually takes just a few minutes, as the equipment is able to remove thousands of gallons of water per hour.

The team beings drying the premises


After the water has been removed, the drying process begins in the flooded home. Drying is carried out using industrial drying equipment, similar to that seen in car washes. The drying process is the longest portion of the cleanup. It usually lasts between two hours to an entire day.

The final cleanup begins


The final step in the cleanup process is the thorough cleansing of all surfaces and furniture exposed to the flood water. At this point, the property will be restored to its original condition.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Commercial Fire Damage Options

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Options

Fire damage is incredibly problematic for a lot of people. One of the main issues with fire damage is that you may not necessarily know how to get rid of it on your own. Commercial fire damage restoration is incredibly important because of the fact that you will have a professional there to help as often as they possibly can. Fire restoration cannot necessarily be done by a firefighter with their fire hoses and fire trucks. Because of this, it is essential that you hire a restoration company to do the fire restoration for you.

Issues with fire damage is that leaves behind a lot of smoke damage that is difficult to get rid of. This can deter you from feeling comfortable in your own home, which is important when you are trying to live there with your loved ones. You are also going to want to look into hiring a professional who takes care of soot damage. Both soot damage and smoke damage can be problematic for your future. This is why it is important to hire a professional after you have dealt with an electrical fire or utility room fire.

The commercial fire damage experts will easily be able to put in a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system for you at a price that you will be able to afford. A fire sprinkler system is imperative when it comes to preventing a fire from starting all together. You are also going to want to look into getting a fire suppression system in order to benefit from all it has to offer to you. Fire damage is not something that you should try on your own as there are many different things that will need to be done in order to get rid of the smoke damage that is left behind from fire hoses and fire trucks.

Despite the fact that firefighters have already left, there was probably quite a bit of smoke damage and soot damage left bdhind due to the commercial fire damage that happened. The experts will be able to put in a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system for you so that this is something you do not have to worry about in the future. Firefighters are very good at taking care of electrical fires and utility room fires, but it is important that you talk to a firefighter about other things that you can do to prevent a fire from happening altogether.

Using a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system is essential if you own a business and have recently dealt with commercial fire damage. Fire restoration is no laughing matter and it is incredibly important that you work with the experts to get it restored as soon as possible. This includes both the smoke damage and soot damage that is present within the home. Fire restoration is more than just the use of a fire truck and fire hose, it is something that you need to contact a local company about in order to have done professionally.

Whether you have recently dealt with an electrical fire or utility room fire, it is imperative that you get a fire hose in there to take care of the issue for you. After the fire trucks have left, you need to hire a company that deals with the restoration after an electrical fire or utility room fire. There are so many different companies that you can easily hire for this type of job, so make sure that you contact several of them to get a feel for how much they are going to charge. If you have some type of homeowners insurance, you may even find that the coverage is paid for you so that this is something you do not have to worry about paying yourself and then trying to figure out if it is going to fit into the budget that you currently have or if you need to take out a loan.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Why You will Need Professional Storm Damage Restoration after a Storm

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Why You will Need Professional Storm Damage Restoration after a Storm

Storms happen without warning causing severe destruction of property. Strong winds and flooding can cause damage to your home and business alike. As a property owner, you must deal with wind damage, flooding damage, hurricane damage, hail damage, and ice damage that are occasioned by the occurrence of a storm. All these events usually result in an expensive water damage. Water damage, especially from a storm, can be devastating. It can cause flooding, river flooding, and a rise in ground water levels. Flood water can cause serious property damage if it is not cleared and remediated fast enough. Under these circumstances, you will possibly need home restoration services and strategies to storm remediation.

Storm damage may also refer to the destruction resulting from strong winds. Additionally, a storm damage can also involve a hurricane, hailstorm, and even a snowstorm. As such, the storm restoration process might involve managing ground water seepage, ice damage, water damage, hurricane damage, ice damming, river flooding, and wind damage restoration with other various services intertwined.

If you are looking for storm restoration services, it is important to look for a professional company that has a reputation of providing comprehensive home restoration services, repairs, and advice on storm remediation.

What to Do After Storm Damage On Your Home
Safety first
Ensure you and your family is safe. Down the electricity and power lines and call your utility company.

Assess the damage
Roof damage is the most probable event in a storm. Evaluate it for roof damage, roof leak, and ice dams. Also, assess the flood water level in your home, ice damming level, water damage on your walls, frozen pipes, and the flooding around your compound.

Common features of roof damage to check on are;
• Broken or cracked tiles or slate
• Roof leak
• Dents on gutters and vents
• Split seams
• Holes
• Ice dams

Doors and windows are generally susceptible to wind damage, hurricane damage, and in-flight debris. Subsequently, inspect cracks, holes, glass shards, damaged door, and window frames. A professional damage restoration service provider can help you assess and estimate the restoration costs.

The Process of Storm Restoration
After assessment of the damage, a suitable restoration plan is hatched. Damage caused by a storm can run deep and not easy to unravel. However, a professional company can figure out by use of devices to probe and find out the affected areas. The first step of storm restoration is to clear and remove all the debris brought to your home during the storm. To avoid further wind damage and ice damage, the restoration crew will move to reinforce the weak structural walls and roof of the affected house helping it withstand ice dams and strong winds.

After these, a number of processes and services are undertaken. They include:
Water restoration and water removal using a flood pump
Water restoration is important if flood water found its way into your home causing flooding. Flood water can be as a result of heavy rains, river flooding, ground water, or burst frozen pipes. This flooding water can be removed by a flood pump. Stagnating water also need to be removed quickly using a flood pump to avoid growth of molds.

Hail damage restoration
In addition to water restoration, the hail damage restoration may also entail ice damage restoration. Hail storm can result in ice damming in your home. A professional company can remove the ice dams around and in your home by using effective equipment designed for this process. They can also fix the ice damage that follows a storm.

Roof repair
Roof repair is among the most common home restoration services needed after a storm. Roof damage can be caused by strong winds or a hurricane damage. Without repairing the roof, water restoration in the house will be in vain. Heavy hail damage and heavy rains can cause flat roofs to sink or cause seepage and a roof leak. Therefore, roof repairs entail not only sealing the roof but also reinstalling new tiles and reinforcing the roofing frames. Gutters and frozen pipes damaged from ice damming also need to be repaired.

Storm Remediation.
Any home restoration process after a storm ends with a storm remediation. This is done to avoid storm damage completely. You can do this by maintaining regular roof repair to avoid a roof leak that can enhance roof damage during the storm, fixing frozen pipes, and fixing windows and doors that are commonly affected by a storm. You will also need to stay updated on weather warnings and ensure your doors and windows are closed during a storm to avoid flood water coming into your home. You can also make trenches or install a flood pump around you home to prevent water from a river flooding from entering into your home. These trenches can also drain ground water away from your home.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on storm damage.

The Proper Coverage Makes a Difference In Spokane

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

The Proper Coverage Makes a Difference In Spokane

The subject of water damage insurance coverage can be difficult to understand. You may find a number of answers that may be confusing when finding out what types of water damages in Spokane are covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Understanding your Spokane Valley water damage insurance policy is essential so that you can take advantage of its benefits. Moreover, you can also take steps to prevent any water damages that are not covered in your homeowners insurance policy. Let's look at some of the coverage alternatives that you can find with your policy.

Water Damages That are Covered
One of the first things to remember is that homeowners insurance policies do not cover damages caused by floods. However, you will find other important coverage alternatives that you will need. If water damages are caused by rain that eventually caused a leak in the roof of your home, your policy will cover the damages. Another example can be a window that gets broken due to a storm and water begins to come into your house. Those who live in areas where winter storms generally hit hard can also take advantage of homeowners insurance. Many can benefit from an insurance policy when water damages are caused by melting snow that begins to seep into your house due to a winter storm.


Water Damages That are not Usually Covered
The easiest way to remember if you are covered on any particular water damage event is by knowing the cause of the water damage. Maintenance is important to keep your home safe and covered by homeowners insurance. You will not be covered by your insurance policy if poor or no home maintenance contributed to the water damages. An example would be if a pipe burst in your home because you never had your pipes inspected. You will also not be covered if you noticed a leak that never got fixed and worsened over time. Within time, this type of problem can result in mold, which can be very expensive to fix and won't be covered by your insurance policy.

Maintaining Your Home
When it comes to maintaining your home, the simplest details is what makes the biggest difference. The first thing that you can do is inspect the areas around your home. The ideal times to do your inspections are right before a season starts or after a season is over. One example is to inspect your gutters after the fall season so that you can prevent any clogs caused by falling leaves, which can end up causing a water leak that drips into your home. Another thing that you can do is inspect your roof. If you notice anything different in your roof's color or shape, make sure that you hire a professional to inspect it properly.

Proper Maintenance, Being Prepared and Great Results
By doing the proper maintenance on your home, you will be able to get the results that you want. Familiarizing yourself with your home's layout will also allow you to be prepared in case of an emergency. Remember to read your policy thoroughly so that you can make the right decision about investing in homeowners insurance. Make sure that you ask any questions regarding your water damage insurance policy, so you can understand the coverage alternatives much better.  

Water comes from everywhere and our certified technicians can clean and dry any flood better than its original state. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every  water damage situation from fixing water damage, water damage, water damage repair, water damage clean up, water removal pump, clean up flood,  clean up water, cleanup water,  water stains, cleanup flooding, evaporation equipment, carpet dryer, air movers, basement water repair, clean up flooding, water damage services, basement water removal, water removal equipment, basement water cleanup, water damage carpet, floor water damage, water removal service, water damage company, water damage removal, water removal pumps, water damage home, water damaged furniture, fix water damage, carpet dryers, emergency water damage, water stain ceiling, water extraction equipment.

If You See Signs of Water Damage, Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane  -  (509) 474-9144

Water Damage in Colbert Can Cause Different Problems For A Commercial Property

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Colbert Can Cause Different Problems For A Commercial Property

Water can cause damage to a home. However, commercial water damage in Mead can be catastrophic. Commercial buildings are large and may have a lot of specialized equipment inside of them. That is why commercial water damage presents different issues from residential water damage.

One of the biggest differences between residential and commercial structure is the size. Residential homes are typically a few thousand square feet. At most, they are three stories high. However, commercial buildings can have tens of stories and hundreds of thousands of square feet. If a pipe bursts in the eighth floor, and it cascades down to the other floors, then this can result in a huge mess. Many  companies may say that they can handle residential and commercial water damage. However, they may not have the equipment necessary for drying out multiple floors.  SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise.

Another major difference between residential and commercial water damage in Mead is the amount of equipment and furniture involved. For example, if a company is attempting to dry out the carpet inside of a commercial building, then they may be required to remove several desks. They may have to work around sensitive equipment that cannot be removed. 

The intricacies of a commercial building also make water damage restoration very difficult to perform. A commercial building may have a firewall. This firewall can make it difficult to dry and test for moisture. It can also be difficult to remove wet insulation. A commercial building may have extensive ventilation systems. All of these systems should be inspected for damage.

If a building suffers commercial water damage in Mead and needs to be restored, then you will need to contact a professional water restoration company. SERVPRO has a track record of successfully handling commercial restoration jobs.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated. When you have a flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Mead community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

When you are dealing with water damage  by flood or storm immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience--SERVPRO 

Call us for help.  (509) 474-9144

Fire Damage and Lost Revenue Call for Fast Action to a Spokane Business

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage and Lost Revenue Call for Fast Action to a Spokane Business

Commercial fire damage in Spokane can often be significantly more difficult to repair and restore than its residential counterpart. Commercial facilities typically have tighter layouts, more fragile equipment, and greater hazards than residences, making cleanup and restoration of fire damage both difficult and dangerous. Depending on the commercial facility, valuable and salvageable merchandise or products can also be obstacles to cleanup efforts and require considerable care. Commercial fire damage can also take on multiple forms as well, causing damage from the fire itself, smoke, ash and debris, water, or other staining fluids. Understanding what is safe and what is not in a commercial fire cleanup operation is imperative to preserving your health, and getting your doors reopened for business.
 
What is (Relatively) Safe to Clean Up 
Cleaning up smoke, soot, and ash can be tiring and difficult, and often requires special tools, cleaning products, and expertise. But these don't typically require much safety equipment beyond goggles and masks. Know, however, that smoke damage is notoriously difficult to clean up, and to effectively remove smoke and soot special equipment is usually a necessity. Until then, commercial smoke damage in Spokane businesses will continue to permeate the air, and be painfully noticeable to customers, clients, and employees.
 
What Can Be Hazardous 
Water damage of any kind can represent a significant hazard as unchecked water damage can foster chemical and biological hazards of many kinds. Water can dissolve or carry off toxic materials such as insulation or household cleaning supplies, and foster mold growth in even the hardest to reach places. Water damage restoration, the result of water from the firefighters, should be approached with extreme caution and is probably best left to professionals like SERVPRO. These technicians, who are IICRC certified in all aspects of smoke and fire damage restoration, can restore your business or office space to preloss condition "Like it never even happened." 
 
Defaced and damaged metals and woods can also present a significant hazard. Although fire destroys most bacteria and other pathogens, infections can still result from gashes or wounds incurred during the job. Be sure to wear long pants and sleeves as you enter wreckage. Better yet, leave it to the pros.
 
What Can be Deadly 
Strong fire damage can ultimately be the most lethal hazard in a commercial fire, as fire can destroy or weaken structural elements and lead to catastrophic injuries. This is especially prevalent in commercial settings where heavy objects may be prone to falling on or otherwise injuring a person. An additional, often unseen hazard is the potential presence of long-burning embers and coals underneath rubble or burnt material. These can restart fires, especially when disturbed, and have dangerous potential should such a fire start up while occupants are not wearing proper safety gear. 

Lost time is lost business translating to lost revenue for a retail business. Don't hesitate, if you have any issues with a Spokane commercial fire, to contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at (509) 474-9144 for further information or 24/7 emergency fire damage services.

Storm Damage in Spokane

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage can ruin the value of a Spokane Valley home. 

To stop this, you need to take the proper precautions. To help, below are a few strategies you can use to protect your house from water damage.

Use Floor Pans
A floor pan is a pan that is placed underneath an appliance to catch water. For example, you could place one underneath the pipes of a sink. This may not seem very useful since a major leak will overflow the pan. However, this doesn’t take into account that many leaks that cause damage come in form of small drops over a long period of time. A floor pan could prevent this damage. Finding water in the pan could also alert you of a leak you weren’t aware of.


Purchase Water Damage Insurance
Another way to protect your home is by purchasing water damage insurance. This kind of insurance will help pay for the costs of repairs to a home after significant water damage. While it may not prevent the physical damage from occurring, it will help prevent the financial turmoil that can be caused by such an event. If your home is in a location that is susceptible to flooding, you should certainly purchase this kind of insurance.


Make Sure You Can Stop the Water
There may be instances where a major plumbing issue suddenly causes a significant leak inside your home. For example, a pipe may burst and begin flooding rooms with water. While it may be too late to stop to the pipe from bursting, you can still mitigate the damage by halting the water flow. You can do this using the main water shut off valve. Make sure you know where the shut off valve is located. You should also test it to make sure you can operate it properly in case of an emergency.


Overall, to protect your home from water damage, you need to be proactive. You can do this by routinely checking for leaks, purchasing insurance, installing safety guards and making sure you know what to do if a major leak does occur.

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. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood clean up repair service company. If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today 24/7 (509) 474-9144! 

Water Damage to a Spokane Home Needs Professional Assistance

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Spokane Home Needs Professional Assistance

When a flood or fire does substantive water damage to your residential property in Spokane, it's important for you to restore its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and safety as quickly as possible. In most cases, attaining professional services from a team of trained water damage specialists is the best way to realize these objectives. Water damage specialists from SERVPRO possess the level of expertise and experience necessary to clean and restore your home following a flood or fire. To determine why obtaining their professional services would be appropriate and ideal for you, consider the following information: 

Cleaning and Repair Services

Water damage specialists like SERVPRO are effective in offering clients cleaning, repairing and restoring services. To begin the process, the specialists will complete a water damage assessment. This assessment will help them discern the extent of damage done to your property. Once they attain this information, the remediation technicians will know which equipment to utilize for the restoration process. They will also know how many contractors will be required to work on the project to get the job done quickly and effectively. By working in teams, remediation specialists can prevent the onset of mold growth as a result of secondary water damage. Additionally, the remediation specialists can work quickly to ensure that you can move back into your home as soon as possible. 

Restoration Services

Part of the important service provided by SERVPRO is restoration. Restoration services are designed to expedite returning your living space to its original condition quickly. Regardless of the specific repairs made to your home, this full-service restoration company can handle them. Restoring rather than replacing when possible, will also lighten the financial burden of this water damage event.  You can focus on other matters such as working with your insurance company. SERVPRO can aid in the management of the insurance paperwork and process. 

Get Great Remediation Services Now 

Witnessing a flood or fire wreak havoc to your home can be disheartening, but help is available. A professional water damage restoration company is effective in providing you with the speedy, savvy remediation services necessary to restore your property and help you to regain a sense of peace. As a leader in the remediation industry, SERVPRO would be delighted to assist you with the restoration process. Our technicians are trained, tenacious, and committed to maintaining the team mentality necessary to get the job done quickly. Contact one of our representatives today and let's get your home in working order.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a water or flooding emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Spokane community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Water damage restoration is a cornerstone of our business.  Call us for an immediate response. (509) 474-9144

Why You Must Call A Professional For Water Damage

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Why You Must Call A Professional For Water Damage

Water damage is a commercial and residential nightmare. The source of the water floods into an important area of the home or business and immediately begins to create a troublesome amount of damage in the water or home. Mitigation and water cleanup is the answer. There needs to be something between the water in home or water in business and the important objects in those spaces. A restoration company should ALWAYS be called when there is a significant amount of flooding. No matter what the source of the water, professionals are the only people properly equipped and trained to work in mitigation, water cleanup, and restoration.

Common causes of water damage

It's amazing how much water plays a part in the structure of buildings. Some water in home and water in business will be coming from an internal supply line break or pipe break, while other water, such as that found in a flooded home, come from an external source that is easily visible. Appliances, for example, can be to blame for a flooded home. You'll be able to see the water leaking out onto the floor and perhaps quickly shut off the source of the leak. A pipe break or supply line break won't be as visible. You'll see the horrifying water in home or water in business, but not the source.

When a restoration company arrives on the scene, they will inspect the area and quickly determine the source of the water in home or water in business. Flood damage coming from flooding, so these are easy to spot, even for home and business owners. What home and business owners lack is expertise on mitigation, water cleanup, and restoration, as well as the industrial grade equipment that is required to do a sufficient job in water cleanup. To recap, the most common causes of water damage are:

- Flood damage
- Damage from a pipe leak
- Supply line break damage
- Appliances overflowing

All of this water damage requires speedy mitigation and a skilled professional to take care of drying, cleanup, and restoration. Drying generally begins with industrial grade fans that the average homeowner or business owner just wouldn't have on hand. A supply line break or pipe break is going to require heavy equipment for cleanup that you just won't have to use or know how to use.

Types of damages are categories into 1, 2, or 3, all of these categories based on the cleanliness of the water. For example, water from a clean appliance is going to be different than flood water, which can be much more damaging when it touches furniture and areas of the home.

Calling on the professionals

A flooded home can understandably cause panic, especially if you're unaware of where the water is coming from. When professionals arrive on the scene, they quickly take control of a situation and begin planning the cleanup. Whether you know the source of the flooded home or business, it's important to get a restoration company on the scene as quickly as possible. The restoration will company mitigate the situation and haul out the heavy industrial tools of the trade that will take care of drying and cleanup. Whether it's a pipe break or flood damage, they will know what to do to make sure that your home or business doesn't amass thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Keep in mind that any kind of standing water in the home, or an unseen leak, is going to cause flood damage over time. Drying and restoration should never be left for later. If you don't immediately call professionals, in as little as 48 hours you could begin to collect mold in the home. That's how quickly this damage rushes through a home or business. Attempting to do the cleanup yourself can cause an unheard of amount of damage that you'll realize is much more costly than hiring the pros.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

Any instance of commercial fire damage to residential or business properties often leaves homeowners overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated. Apart from fires being deadly, they can cause expensive and extensive commercial fire damage to property. If you are a property, business, or homeowner, it is essential that you be familiar with knowledge regarding fire damage restoration and fire board up service offered by professional restoration companies. Armed with this knowledge you are in a better position to recover from catastrophic fire tragedies. You can choose to personally conduct fire damage restoration of your home or contract the services of a professional restoration company. So, read on for tips to help you rebound from any commercial fire damage.

Tip # 1: Addressing Soot Damage

Fires inflict a significant amount of damage to your walls, wallpaper, and paint. It is possible to get soot stains from your wall where commercial fire damage was not severe. Typically, you commence this fire cleanup process from your walls and expanding to other affected areas of your property. This involves getting rid of the visible black residue that gets left over after a fire. Before attempting any fire cleanup exercise, ensure that the room is well ventilated by opening all the windows and having fans running within your work area. Spread a drop cloth, tarpaulin on the floor or board up your home to avoid transferring soot stains to your flooring or carpet.

Walls: a majority of fire damage restoration activities begin with the fire cleanup of soot from the walls. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean fire residue from your walls. In addition to using a vacuum cleaner, you can employ dry chemical sponges. These sponges have a chemical substrate that dissolves smoke and soot damage from your walls. Use a chemical sponge to wipe soot stains until it is saturated. Rinse the sponge after its complete saturation, allowing it to air dry, and repeat this process to clean the effects of fire damage.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): this is another useful cleaning solution for removing soot stains from your walls. Despite TSP being a powerful fire cleanup agent, cleaning soot residue from your wall requires time and effort. Ensure that you obtain and don the necessary protective gear. Add one tablespoonful of TSP into one gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a sponge into this solution and use it to wipe your walls one location after the other. Cleanse your rag in warm water after you are through with cleaning every section. Repeat the process until you walls are clean from soot damage. Ensure that no water seeps into your baseboards or walls as well as avoid over-saturating your walls.

Tip # 2: Restoring Your Smoke Damaged Walls

After removing soot from your walls, you will still need to get rid of any lingering smoke damage. Smoke damages your walls at the molecular level. So, expect to have a strong and smoke smell after any incidence of fire in home or fire in business despite the lack of any visible smoke damage to your walls. Varieties of home remedies are available to eliminate lingering smoke smell and smoke damage from fire in home or fire in business. Use the steps described below to treat smoke damage and fire damage on your walls.

Tip # 3: Get Professional Fire Restoration Assistance

If firefighters used fire hoses, hiring a professional fire damage restoration company is the only best option to get rid of the effects fire in home or fire in business property. A restoration company may use industrial humidifiers, board up your house, and fans to dry affected sections preventing mold growth. You can find a reputable restoration company from your local directory or by a simple online search. For fire in home or fire in business risks posed by a combination of fire, water, and molding, contracting the services of a professional restoration company is an efficient way of fixing fire damage caused to your property. Professional restoration company can get rid of most, if not all, soot damage, smoke smell, fire damage, and smoke damage to your property as well as eliminating the presence of smoke smell. Additionally, a restoration company can provide other support services in the future for example property board up.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

How to Handle Mold Issues Following Floods and Leaks

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle Mold Issues Following Floods and Leaks

Summer is the time of year when storms are likely to occur and flood damage is a big concern for many home and business owners. Along with flood damage and storm fears, the fear of mold damage is another big concern for people. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage are major concerns when flood waters roll in. It takes very little time for mold growth to occur once moisture enters a building, and it’s not going to take much for mold growth to cause serious mold problems in a home or business.

It’s not only flood water that cause mold to grow, however. Even if people believe they’ve avoided the issue of mold in the home or commercial mold damage when no flooding occurs, they might still have mold growth behind walls, mold in the basement or bathroom, or mold growth anywhere else in the home. This happens when too much humidity and any moisture collide, and it might be nothing more than just improper bathroom ventilation or a small leak inside a wall pipe. Knowing precisely what to do when mold in the home or commercial mold damage occurs is the best way to get ahead of mold growth, mold damage, and the potential for black mold, mildew, fungus, or even dry rot to occur at home or work.

Call a Restoration Company

The moment a flood occurs or mold removal is required, the best thing home and business owners can do is call for a professional restoration company to come out and handle the remediation and mitigation that’s required when mold damage occurs. Mold removal by a professional is the only correct way to go through the mold removal process. Mitigation and remediation are required, and neither is an optional issue at home or work.

When mold in the home or commercial mold damage occurs, the area must be dried completely and correctly using professional equipment. This helps prevent the smelly odor or mold from sticking around using the professional deodorization techniques of a restoration company. It helps prevent dry rot, fungus, and mildew from occurring, and it helps to prevent mold growth behind walls. It’s never wise to skip remediation and mitigation when mold damage is a problem.

How to Help

If mold in the home or commercial mold damage becomes a problem, home and business owners can do a few things themselves after they call a restoration company to handle the remediation and mitigation process. They can begin removing water from the area, they can turn off the air to prevent mold spores from spreading faster and more efficiently through the home through air vents, and they can avoid touching mold damage.

Touching mold can cause the spores to re-enter the air and spread even faster than ever throughout the house. It’s never a good idea to disturb mold, even if people are certain it’s not black mold and feel they have nothing to worry about. Just because mold growth is not black mold doesn’t make it a wise idea to try and remove it without a restoration company.

Signs of Mold Damage

Recognizing the signs of potential mold is big. A smelly odor and the frequent use of deodorization to mask the smelly odor might indicate mold growth behind walls. Deodorization method won’t get rid of the smelly odor, and it’s going to take professional deodorization to get rid of it when mold growth behind walls occurs.

Dry rot, fungus, and mildew are all potential signs of mold growth. It might not be black mold causing issues, but each of these things grows well where the environment is just right. Since dry rot, mildew, and fungus all require the same environment for growth as mold, it might be a very obvious sign of issues.

Mold requires a professional restoration company to handle remediation and mitigation, mold removal, and to education home and business owners on the risks. It’s a good way to learn prevention. It’s not a DIY job, and it’s not going to save anyone any money to try and tackle mold issues on their own.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold.

Step By Step Professional Water Damage Restoration

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Step By Step Professional Water Damage Restoration

When water in home or water in commercial property occurs, the resulting damage can be tremendous. Water cleanup professionals are usually the first responders following a supply line break, pipe break or significant water damage to a business or home. The job of a mitigation company is to clean up the flooded home or water in business and to preserve and protect the business or home and its contents.

While many people may approach a water damage or supply line break situation as a DIY project as a way to save money, their lack of knowledge and experience regarding water cleanup, drying or restoration may result in additional damage to the structure and its contents. Certified professionals from a restoration company have the knowledge, skills and high tech equipment to handle the task efficiently and quickly resolve this overwhelming problem.

Water in business or water in home can cause tremendous damage to the property. Not only can it damage valuable items, but also the building or structure in which they are stored. Quick action can help minimize the damage in a flooded home or business and possibly save some of the possessions or contents. Success in mitigation depends on how long the water in home or water in business has been around, equipment used and drying process.

Flood damage can be due to pipe break, sewage backups, supply line break and major leaks from the washing machine or water heater. Extensive water in home or business causes considerable damage to the building materials, flooring, and items in your property and it can also disrupt normal day-to-day activities. If you experience a flooded home or water in business, call a water cleanup company immediately that provides water cleanup and flood damage mitigation.

Here are steps taken by mitigation professionals from a reputable restoration company to restore a flooded home or business:

1. Inspection and Assessment

This is an important step to creating an effective restoration plan that will work successfully. Mitigation professionals carefully inspect the flooded home or business, determining the type of flood damage and the materials affected. They look for supply line leak, pipe break and other potential causes of flood water.

2. Water Removal

Typically, hundreds of gallons of water are extracted using their powerful pumps and vacuums during the water extraction process. Water cleanup technicians start the water removal process as soon as possible to prevent additional damage to the property.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

Once standing water has been removed, flood damage professionals use use powerful water extraction equipment, and dehumidifiers to remove unwanted water and moisture from affected materials, including flooring and furnishings. Specialized equipment is used to target the water or moisture that’s harder to reach. Professionals use less intrusive, efficient drying techniques to remove the remaining water and moisture from the property with dehumidifiers and air movers.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Flood damage also affects items, like clothing, furniture, and other items. Professionals can clean restorable belongings using a number of expert and specialized cleaning methods. They also sanitize the area and remove odors using fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers.

5. Restoration

This is the last step is a water in home or water in business mitigation. The restoration step could involve major reconstruction, or can be relatively minor. Water damage professionals will perform an inspection of the structural damage and even work with the property owner's insurance company to create a reconstruction plan.

Considerations

When a home or business gets flooded due to supply line break, pipe break or plumbing fixtures failure it can can quickly become a problem. Don’t treat flood water in business or water in home lightly. It is crucial to call a restoration company with a team of well-trained and knowledgeable water damage restoration professionals. A reputable restoration company or team is committed to restoring your property to its original, pre-flood condition. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

What Is Fire Damage Restoration?

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

What Is Fire Damage Restoration?

A fire can be devastating to any home and cause incalculable amounts of damage both financial and emotional. Fire damage can destroy furniture, upholstery, floors, and other personal items. It can also leave an undesirable odor of smoke in the property that persists well after the fire trucks are gone. Some homes become flooded due to water damage from fire fighting. Attempting to reverse fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage without professional guidance is not advised as a restoration company is the only way to guarantee that a certified technician does his or her best to make a reverse a disaster. Luckily, most fire damage can be restored with a professional fire damage restoration service, which can return most homes to pre-fire status.

The first step to fire cleanup is to contact a restoration company and set up and appointment for evaluation. It is imperative that a professional determine the extent of the fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage a home has suffered. A fire in home or fire in business can come on unexpectedly, and a restoration company should respond just as quickly. The company will then provide an estimate for complete fire cleanup and generally provide a time frame for full recovery. Fire cleanups can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the business or home affected. Commercial fire damage may also require a different set of specialists.

After the inspection, if windows or doors have been damaged, the company should arrange for to board up any entry points fore safety. This will be temporary until they can be repaired and the board up can be removed. This is particularly important for a commercial fire to protect any assets remaining in the property. A professional restoration company can board up any type of property regardless of whether they are dealing with a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Boarding up a business after extensive commercial fire damage might be the only way to ensure that it is not ruined.

Before any fire damage, soot damage, or smoke damage can be restored, any water or flooding must be dried up by a professional who will employ dehumidifiers and drying agents in order to prepare for restoration. Water can be a major source of commercial fire damage and must be dealt with immediately. A fire in a business can lead to it being flooded by firefighters and will need extensive water extraction and a complete removal of the smoke smell.

Fire cleanup can begin with the removal of all soot or smoke from any surfaces that have absorbed them during the fire. A fire in a home can leave a smoke smell that is both irritating and dangerous. A soot and smoke removal specialist as well as an odor control technician will ensure that all soot damage and smoke damage is no longer noticeable. An upholstery and fabric cleaning technician is employed to completely extinguish the smoke smell from any carpeting or furniture.

Fire damage restoration continues with the removal of personal items that were left intact and free of damage. Once undamaged items are removed, the property can be remodeled and reconstructed to resemble its pre-fire status. The smoke smell can be removed from these items by the appropriate technician.

Disinfectants and antimicrobials are applied liberally to prevent mold and mildew that may arise from the residual moisture from water, preventing further commercial fire damage. A restoration company will provide further instruction on maintaining a home that has been restored after a fire so as to prevent any further damage.

Fire damage restoration is a multistep process that requires years of training and multiple professionals. A fire in a home or a fire in a business can be difficult to manage by itself. A professional fire damage restoration team can ease the recovery of at least the physical part of a disaster.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

The Essential Tips to Effective Mold Removal

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

The Essential Tips to Effective Mold Removal

Getting rid of mold growth and mildew can be a tedious task and if you have mold infestation that covers an area greater than ten square feet, you need to seek the assistance of a mold restoration company. Here are some of the mold and mildew removal steps that will guide you through an effective mold remediation.

Locate the mold

There is every need to get rid of black mold growth behind the wall. If you miss even a little bit, the molds will soon grow, and in no time, you will have full blown commercial mold damage. It's important to have a mold restoration company test your home for mold; although there are test kits you can buy and conduct by yourself. To efficiently locate mold in a home, you should check on floor coverings or areas under the carpet, and also mold growth behind the wall. This is because such areas are a great spot for the increase of dry rot, which is known for its smelly odor and only deodorization can be helpful once mold removal is complete.

Gathering the supplies for mold damage mitigation

Mold in a home cannot be remediated by cleaning up with bleach, but rather it's recommended that the mold damage restoration company uses a fungicide. Before starting out the remediation process, the working area should be sealed using heavy plastic and tape. Also, it's important for the experts to wear gloves and face mask to prevent smelly odors as well as protective clothing. If mold removal is being done over a large area, then there is need to use a HEPA filter. It's also important to factor in deodorization, especially if you want to get rid of smelly odors resulting from dry rot, mildew, or fungus.

Preparing the work area with mold damage

A reliable mold damage restoration company will ensure that all personal items are removed and if this isn't possible, they can cover them with a sheet of thick plastic so as not to get contaminated with mold. As mitigation measure for commercial mold damage, the working area needs to be sealed with a duct tape and heavy plastic to prevent the growth of fungus or mold in a home that will require deodorization after the removal exercise is complete.

Setting up a negative pressure for mold removal

Setting up a negative pressure in your work area ensures that air flows into the area but not out, and this is a mitigation factor to clear black mold growth behind the wall. It isn't necessary to set up a negative pressure in the work area but it's highly recommended, especially when you are working with a large amount of moldy material such as dry rot. You can efficiently create negative pressure by using a high-performance shop vacuum. During and after the mold remediation process, fungus or molds in a home are bound to leave a smelly odor, and therefore deodorization needs to take place.

Getting rid of mold growth on materials that can't be cleaned

If you are looking to get rid of moldy materials like fungus, then you'll need to spray the area with water before you can begin the mold growth or mildew removal process. This acts as a mitigation measure against the health risks faced by commercial mold damage and remediation experts. Also, if you use a HEPA filter while cutting through moldy drywall or any other material of a similar nature, then you will help prevent black mold spores from spreading and leading to dry rot.

Reaching out to areas of black mold on materials that cannot be removed or cleaned

There are times when commercial mold damage extends to porous surfaces that cannot be removed or cleaned, and this includes mold growth behind the wall or on wooden studs. Once you are done with mold removal and cleaned the surface with fungicide, you need to use a disposable paint brush and apply an encapsulating product. The product will act as paint and seals off the remaining black mold, fungus or mildew, and this mitigation effort helps to reduce further mold growth. The product also works as a remediation tool since it contains antimicrobials ingredients that repel and eliminate black mold.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold.

Handling Water Damage By Educating Yourself

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Handling Water Damage By Educating Yourself

Summer is known in many parts of the country for severe weather. The south and any states along the coast are always at risk of a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall or sending torrential rainfall and heavy winds. Many people mistake these storms as dangerous because of specific reasons, but it’s often the flood damage that occurs along coastal and low-lying areas that creates the most havoc. Water damage is not a joke. When storms cause damage due to water in the home or water in the business, it makes life miserable for those who are living it. Flood damage and storm damage are not the only causes of water damage, but they’re among the most common reasons water in the home and water in the business are so prevalent this time of year.

Preparing for Storm Season

Finding water in the home or water in the business is something that happens more than once in a lifetime for many homes and businesses. Those who live along the coast suffer largely from storm surge when bad weather occurs, and it’s often this forceful push of water onto the land that causes the most water damage.

Avoiding water in the home or water in the business when a dwelling is this close to the shore or in a low-lying area is difficult. The best people can do to prevent water in the home or water in the business from flood damage or other storm damage is to remove the threat of major damage. This involves laying sandbags at the entry points of any building. It also involves moving everything off the lower level and onto higher ground. Saving furniture and other personal items is cost-effective and relatively simple, and it’s one way to speed up the water cleanup process following flood damage.

Water Cleanup and the Drying Process

Water cleanup and the drying process are both necessary when water damage occurs. It’s not an option for anyone, and it requires calling for professional restoration. Those who work in the field of professional water restoration are equipped with professional grade tools and equipment that makes drying and water cleanup easier and more effective. Professional restoration is what keeps mold from growing, and mitigation allows homeowners and business owners to learn how to prevent future flood damage and other water issues.

Following floods, leaking or burst pipes, or any other instance in which water enters the home or office, it’s imperative to call for insurance information. This is going to require speaking with an adjuster to get the ball rolling and the process started. Then it’s time to call for professional restoration and mitigation.

Leave it Alone

Water cleanup and drying our personal belongings is important, but staying alive is also important. Never enter a flooded building without first being sure the electricity is turned off. Mitigation is important, but it’s not as important as avoiding electrocution. Once the electricity is turned off, it’s imperative people realize there could be alligators, snakes, fish, or other living creatures inside the water that feel threatened or attacked following their own displacement and confusion. It’s never safe to entire a flooded building without it being checked out by a professional and deemed safe.

Now that people know more about the water damage process, how it works, what it entails and how to handle things in the proper manner, it’s a little easier to deal with this issue. It’s possible to prevent major damage by hiring a professional and by learning how to prevent water from damaging the home or business when possible. Education is a great tool when for those who want to learn more about floods and other potential sources of water that might damage their home or office, and it always helps to minimize damage and maintain proper control in any situation. Mitigation is a helpful tool to add to this.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

The Process of Fire Damage Restoration in a Home or Business

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

The Process of Fire Damage Restoration in a Home or Business

Until a fire tragedy strikes a home or a business set-up without warning, it is hard to figure out what to expect. Fire in business or fire in home calls for the intervention of a professional fire damage restoration team quickly to ensure the residents get back to some degree of normalcy. Here are vital processes employed in a fire damage restoration process.

Emergency Fire Damage Contact

Most commercial fire damage companies have emergency services 24/7 allowing the affected to contact them in occurrences of residential or commercial fires for immediate relief. The services are available in incidents of fire in home or fire in business, the reason property owners must save the contact details of reliable soot damage companies. It is the job of professional emergency services to put out fires and eliminate smoke smell. Professional companies understand that the longer the smoke smell and soot sit unattended, the harder it becomes to fix the problem. Rather than waiting for the fire damage to aggravate, it is reasonable to use emergency services.

Damage Assessment

After contacting the fire damage restoration team, the situation should be assessed immediately since soot damage and smoke damage tend to increase as a result of water present in the property. Fire cleanup teams can only design a proper plan of action once they have assessed the extent of fire and soot damage. This step involves how far the fire and the soot have extended, to enable the company to figure out how to handle the problem, and the estimate of the amount it will cost for a thorough fire cleanup process.

Sealing

Commercial fire damage service providers look for possible avenues the fire and smoke damage would use to worsen the problem. To avoid the chances of water leaking into a property, for instance, the team begins by sealing all holes on the roof or the wall. It would be particularly necessary if the fire in home or fire in business led to the bursting of water pipes.

The Fire Cleanup Process

The next step a commercial fire damage team undertakes is the fire cleanup process. Here, smoke, soot, and dust are cleaned from the surfaces of the property. Normally, occurrences of fire in home or fire in business leave a property charred, stained, and with smoke smell. This is where the fire damage restoration process is put into test since all standing pools of water must be removed and the area sanitized. Due to the contamination left behind by the damage and smoke smell, there are high chances of developing health problems if the cleanup process is not done professionally. During this step, the commercial fire damage team disposes of items that are severely damaged and eliminates smoke smell that tends to linger after smoke damage.

Fire Damage Restoration

The smoke damage and soot damage restoration does not stop at the cleanup stage but goes further to have the property items repaired and restored. For instance, if the carpet has been burned beyond repair, the fire damage service team gets new ones for replacement, repaints the walls and repairs furniture. Most commercial fire damage companies help in the renovation of a property to get the owner settled back as soon as possible. In fact, the fire damage-restoration service provider should advise the affected on ways to avoid another occurrence of fire in home or fire in business in the future. Also, they help owners to find the best smoke and soot damage detectors alongside other means to get fire alerts early.

Fire damage can be highly destructive, making it necessary to use the help of fire damage restoration companies for professional cleaning. While the full range of fire cleanup and smoke damage services may vary by company, most of them will essentially follow the same process. When left unhindered, smoke and soot can result in lingering odors, etching, and discoloration, as well as extensive corrosion.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

What You Must Know About Mold Damage

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

What You Must Know About Mold Damage

There’s much to learn about mold damage, and that’s why it’s imperative to call for professional mold removal, remediation, and mitigation when mold in the home or commercial mold damage is discovered or suspected. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage can be quite obvious in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other rooms, or it might be very subtle hidden behind a wall or inside the roof. The only sign might be a smelly odor and the overwhelming need for deodorization several times a day to mask the smelly odor. There’s no reason people can’t use deodorization to get rid of a smelly odor, but it’s not going to kill it, remove it, or do anything but mask it for a while. Now is the time to learn why professional mold removal and remediation is so important.

Know Where Mold Thrives

When a person finds mold whether it’s mold in the home or commercial mold damage, they must have professional mold removal and remediation. Mitigation is part of that process, and it teaches home and business owners what they need to know about mold damage and mold removal. The first thing they learn during mitigation and remediation is where mold, mildew, and other fungus grows, thrives, and lives.

Mold is a fungus. It lives in the air as spores. This fungus turns into mold when it finds the right place to live. This fungus really likes dark spots with a lot of moisture and humidity. This is why mold is most common in basements and bathrooms, but it can thrive anywhere if there is moisture and humidity over 40%. Knowing this helps homeowners recognize and control the environment in which mold might grow. Prevention is a key factor in dealing with mold.

Know the Signs of Mold Damage

Knowing the signs of mold damage is also helpful. The smelly odor mentioned above is one of the most common signs of mold damage. People using deodorization techniques regularly might realize there is a much bigger problem at hand. Another potential sign of mold is the presence of mildew. It’s not uncommon to find mildew in a home or office, but mildew can signal that conditions are right for mold to form. It’s hot, humid, and damp. Mildew might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a sign of a big deal forming right under a person’s careful watch.

Know Where Mold in the Home or Commercial Mold Damage Might Occur

Mold in the home and commercial mold damage can occur anywhere. It’s not just in bathrooms and basements, but anywhere the condition is right. It’s also common inside walls. There are sometimes issues that to unnoticed by homeowners and business owners alike. If there is a leak, most people fix it. If that leak is happening where they can’t see it, the mold is often the first sign. If it’s in the walls, mold might take a long time to make itself known, and the problem in the walls could be devastating. It could mean there is excessive damage that requires help right away. It could require removing drywall and replace it, getting rid of floors, and other expensive fixes.

If anyone suspects mold damage is a problem, calling for professional mold removal, mitigation, and remediation is the best thing they can do. These pros can use their equipment and knowledge to locate mold that’s not visible, and they can get rid of it. They also educate home and business owners on where to find mold, how to prevent it from reoccurring, and it’s financially responsible to call right away. Waiting is a problem. Waiting might mean there is a chance the mold could grow faster and spread more, and that’s going to be more expensive to fix later. Call now and save some hassle. Don't just rely on deodorization or attempt any DIY work.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold damage.

When a Spokane flood takes over your home, it can be just as devastating as a fire or a tornado.

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

When a Spokane flood takes over your home, it can be just as devastating as a fire or a tornado.

Valuable photos, furniture, clothing, musical instruments, electronics, valuable rugs and so much more can all be ruined by the powers of flooding and Spokane Valley water damage due to heavy rain. You may think, "well, if it happens, it happens - there's not much I can do about it." With the idea that “It will never happen to me” That's where you're wrong. Although man can't always completely protect himself from nature's catastrophes, there are definitely a few preventative measures that can be taken against rain water flooding. Here are a few.

Regularly Inspect Your Roof: Periodically examining your roof is a sure-fire way to prevent roof leaks and water damage, which can cause floods during heavy rain. Carefully climb a ladder and examine each side of the roof slope for scarring, broken, or loose shingles. If you notice these blemishes, your roof suffers some damage. Nevertheless, a few blemishes every once in a while are nothing to be worried about. You should also examine the color of your roof. Black asphalt shingles that have turned brownish, have seen better days. It's time to replace them. 

Get Regular Roofing Maintenance: Once you've noticed that your roof has holes in it, or that your shingles have turned a color other than black, it might be time for your roof to be worked on by professionals. Whether or not your roof is damaged, it's vital that it receives yearly maintenance from a roofing contractor. In fact, if roofing contractors perform annual maintenance, you may not need to periodically examine it so much, yourself. Still, we understand that a yearly visit from your local roofing contractor might be a costly expense for you. In this case, you can certainly do the inspection yourself, but if you notice any problems, you ought to call a professional, immediately.

Stack Up Sandbags: You may think that this is a very excessive measure, but when heavy rains are about to hit, there's really no measure not worth taking to protect your home and your family from flooding and water damage. Stack up several sandbags against doorways and windows. This stacking will create pressure and act as a wall against the incoming H20.

Install Flood-Detection Technology: Computer systems do so much these days, it's unreal. We can talk to anyone in the world with the touch of a few buttons, or a few clicks of a mouse - why can't home computer systems keep you safe from flooding? They can. These high-tech devices call your phone or sound an alarm if they sense any water. They are typically set up in basements, but you can arrange to have them anywhere in your home. These devices, in themselves, might not prevent flooding damage, but they can certainly warn you when it's on its way, so that you can take proper action to curb things before it gets out of control.

Install Standpipes Or Backflow Valves: One of the biggest reasons why your home suffers water damage during heavy rain isn't always the rain itself - it's when less-than-advanced piping systems react, (or fail to react) to the flooding. By equipping your home with backflow valves and standpipes, your sewer lines won't be so backed up, and in turn, the flooding won't be so out of control.

Call A Water Removal Professional, Today: Has your home been ravaged in the wake of a terrible rain storm? Are you wading ankle-deep in water on your kitchen floor? You're going to need the help of a water removal expert. You can do all you want to get rid of the water, but if you don't have the right technology and the in-depth know-how, it's not all going to go away. Call an expert today, before you get in too deep.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood clean up repair service company, Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every water damage situation. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane proudly serves Spokane, Colbert, Chattaroy, Spokane Valley, Mead, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure caused by:

• Spokane Valley Water Damage
• Spokane Fire Damage
• Disaster, storm and, flood damage Spokane Valley
• Spokane Mold Damage

Water Damage Restoration Process Explained

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Process Explained

Approximately 15,000 home and business owners in the United States are affected by water damage every day. The damage caused by water in home or business, therefore, costs the insurance industry over two billion dollars annually where the average cost of commercial or business damage coverage claim is $6,900. Part of these damages in the United States is caused by water leaks which total to one trillion gallons per year. No matter how small a leak is, it can cause immense water damage in business or home.

Business and homeowners living in flood-prone areas also experience flood damage. It is important for them, therefore, to know the essential tips that can help them in the mitigation and restoration process. Depending on the extent of water or flood damage, the home or business owner may need the help of a professional or do the work individually. In either case, the following tips are important when there is water in business or home.

Disconnect the Electricity and Remove Electronics

The immediate action to take when there is water in home or business is to disconnect the power source in the water or flood damage places. The expert or property owner should also remove items such as electronics from the flood damage areas to avoid destruction by water in business or home.

Investigating the Extent of the Damage

Thorough investigation and assessment of the damage is an important step when dealing with water in business or home. This will help in knowing the affected areas including determining whether the water has seeped into the walls or infiltrated into the wood. The procedure will also assist in planning the home or business restoration process.

Mitigation of Water Damage

The professional or property owner has to mitigate the water in home or business. This will involve the use of appropriate equipment and protection gear to avoid injuries during the water mitigation process. The more the water stays in the house, the greater the damage; hence, the use of a pump for water cleanup is better than manually removing the water in business or home premises. The water cleanup should include any signs of moisture in business or home, and fix holes that can cause more leaking.

Drying Out Water in Home or Business

The items that have been rendered useless by water or flood damage should be disposed of. These include furniture, carpets, and rusting metallic items. Alternatively, recyclable items can be sorted and taken to the recycling plant after drying. Other useful items should be dried and restored to their rightful place to avoid unnecessary expenditures. Additionally, the restoration process may require proper drying equipment to aid in mitigation of secondary water damage, and ensure that every site is free from moisture.

Eliminating the Smell and Mold

Stagnant water in home or business can cause bad odors that the growth of mold. The damage can worsen if the mold is not dealt with immediately. This is because mold spores can develop and spread in less than 48 hours from the time they get the right condition including moist places. Therefore, the restoration expert or property owner will have to deodorize and disinfect all the areas affected by water in business or home. If the process involves mitigation of flood damages, drying, disinfecting, and deodorizing the entire place is appropriate since flood covers a wider area than expected.

Flood and water damage can spread and worsen if water cleanup process does not begin immediately. The earlier the necessary steps are taken, therefore, the higher the chances of total mitigation of the damage. Hence, the property owner should finish the water cleanup process before claiming the insurance coverage from the insurance agency. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Understanding the Process of Fire Damage Restoration

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding the Process of Fire Damage Restoration

When there is a fire in a home or a fire in a business, it will be devastating for everyone involved. However, once the fire is extinguished, it is important for everyone to begin the recovery process. After the building has been saved from the fire, the next step should be to contact a fire damage restoration company and the insurance company. It is important to contact these individuals immediately because the structure can continue to be damaged once the fire has been extinguished. Commercial fire damage can be extensive. For example, pipes may burst, and rain may enter the building from a damaged roof. Also, the smoke smell can stay in the business for a long time. By calling the fire damage restoration company immediately, the owners will have a better chance of salvaging additional items.

Secure Restoration

It is important the people look for a fire damage restoration company that specializes in emergency response and is willing to begin work at a short notice. Once the company arrives, the first step will be to prevent any additional damage to the building. Therefore, the repairmen will begin to seal any holes or gaps that have been caused by the fire or water. After all holes and gaps have been sealed, the company’s repairmen can begin to assess the extent of the damage to the home. If there is commercial fire damage, it is important to salvage business documents. With the equipment that is used, the company will be able to determine what is fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage, or water damage. Once this is determined, the homeowner will work with the company to determine a plan of action.

The Process

Once the initial restoration begins, any unsalvageable items will be completely removed and disposed of properly. Most items that have lots of smoke damage or soot damage will need to be removed. This can include items that the homeowner desires to keep. However, if the items have received smoke damage, water damage, or fire damage, it is important that these items are removed. Windows should be open throughout the process to help eliminate the smoke smell.

In most cases, there will be water left in the home or business from the fire department. In order to remove the water, the company will most likely use water pumps. These pumps are specifically designed to remove excess water from floors. Additionally, the company will probably need to use dehumidifiers to dry the remaining water from the home. After the water is removed, the company can begin the process of cleaning all salvageable surfaces and looking at the extent of the fire damage. The cleaning will involve removing all smoke and soot from the different items in the building and eliminating the smoke smell. When it comes to cleaning the home or business, a variety of cleaning equipment must be used. In most cases, all carpet will have to be professional cleaned. Commercial fire damage is often more extensive because of the size of the building; also, with commercial fire damage, the cleanup will probably take longer.

Once the restoration company has finished its fire cleanup, the owner should be able to tell the difference. The fire cleanup should allow the home to look damaged; however, the damage will not look like fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage. The smoke smell should be gone at this time as well. The company will begin to paint, repair, and install different portions of the home. This may include carpet, cabinets, and wallpaper. Salvaging furniture will also be dependent on the amount of soot damage and smoke damage. In some cases, the furniture can be cleaned and repaired, but in other cases, the furniture will need to be replaced.

When there is a fire in a home or a fire in a business, it is important that homeowners take their time when searching for a fire damage restoration company. A great company will be able to renovate and remodel the home, and in a lot of cases, the company can improve the home from its original look.

After the restoration is complete, the property owner should make sure steps are in place to prevent a fire in a home or fire in a business from happening again. It is also important to make sure that if a fire in a home or fire in a business does happen, the owner knows the steps to deal with the fire cleanup as quickly and efficiently as possible. The owner should have the number to a fire damage restoration company ready to make sure fire cleanup can begin as soon as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Mold Growth Remediation by Commercial Mold Damage Removal Services

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Growth Remediation by Commercial Mold Damage Removal Services

It may come as a surprise but mold, mildew, and fungus only require about twenty-four to forty-eight hours to grow. Being a fungus, some conditions have to be right to set its growth in motion. The conditions that favor mold growth and foster mold damage include darkness (mold is a monster that cannot survive the sun), warmth, moisture, and oxygen. Provided with these, the mold spores take an initiative to vegetate into the horrifying mold causing damage on whatever item it grows on. mold spores also leave a smelly odor. The smelly odor can help point out to mold in home damage. The mold damage needs to be dealt with using mitigation, remediation and deodorization methods offered by commercial mold damage companies.

Mold in home growth can cause mold damage especially due to the obvious fact that it makes the place look ugly and unsanitary as well as the damage to the items it causes. Removing mold once you spot it should, therefore, be a priority to minimize losses due to mold damage. The market offers a wide variety of products that deal with your mold problem as quick as the snap of your finger if done right of course. Some of these products can be used for other purposes such as normal cleaning and disinfection of your house thus purchasing them for mold removal, and deodorization is not a total waste. Market products known to be mold growth enemies include grape fruit extract, tea tree oil, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, vinegar, and bleach. Easy to use, these products can get rid of your mold growth nightmare 100 percent. While these products may get rid of the visible mold, not all mold can be seen by the naked eye. Mold remediation through commercial mold damage services can help get rid of mildew, fungus, and smelly odor.

Extensive mold growth may require the attention of mold removal services as soon as they are noticed. Mold growth can become extensive in areas that are rarely used by people and hence kept dark and damp. In some cases, poor water damage restoration can escalate to massive and extensive mold growth. The need for professional mold mitigation services is due to the danger that the mold spores pose to your household inhabitants or workers. It is known to cause health hazards such as allergic reactions as well as respiratory problems. Commercial mold damage professionals would know how to deal with it without putting you in danger and spreading the spores to other places in the building. They are trained to deal with mold growth and restoration of a premise to its pre-mold growth condition. It is therefore in your best interest to hire a professional when dealing with monstrous mold in home or mold in business growth.

During a mold removal or mitigation process, protective equipment is worn by the remover to protect them from the deadly mold spores. Some of these include gloves; overall, goggles and dust filter mask which are selected depending on how severe the mold growth is. The room affected by mold growth is normally sealed off to prevent the mold spores from spreading to other rooms. Containment is key in avoiding re-occurrence of the mold in home growth. Moistening of the dry mold is also done in the process to avoid stirring up of mold spores into the air. The mold removal, remediation, and mitigation professionals then select the best removal method depending on the severity and extent of mold growth.

Once the mold is removed, importance is placed on ensuring regrowth of the mold, mildew, and fungus does not occur. This is done by cleaning all surfaces in the room using mold killing and deodorization solutions. Deodorization helps to take care of the smelly odor. This is to get rid of any lingering mold, mildew and fungus spores in the vicinity. All wastes from the mold remediated room are in all cases sealed in plastic bags to ensure the spores do not escape and disposed of far away from human habitation. The mold removal or remediation process can only be successful if people ensure it does not reoccur. The best way is to let the commercial mold damage companies handle it.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Water Damage Restoration in Spokane

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Spokane, WA

Water Damage Restoration in Spokane

Whether caused by a natural disaster or some other reason, water damage can have devastating consequences. The key to minimizing losses associated with flood damage is accessing a reliable, reputable Spokane, Washington, water in home or water in business mitigation specialist. SERVPRO is a prime example of this type of water cleanup and restoration specialist.

Rapid Emergency Response Mitigation Matters

A person faced with an emergency water in home or water in business situation needs immediate assistance. The cold, stark reality is that water damage literally can worse in a very short time. Minutes matter when it comes to effective water loss damage control.

In and around Spokane, Washington, SERVPRO has gleaned a reputation for the quality of rapid emergency response it provides to area residents and business owners. Even in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, a skilled SERVPRO cleanup can be on the scene of a residential or commercial property in need of emergency flood loss mitigation assistance.

Comprehensive Flood Damage Restoration Services

A firm like SERVPRO provides residential and commercial property owners a comprehensive set of flood recovery services. This includes immediately containing water-related issues to halt the progression of damage to complete drying and cleanup services, using the latest technology.

The specialists at SERVPRO are adept at addressing the recovery needs of the premises itself, but also at dealing with the drying and water cleanup associated with personal property on the premises of a water loss event. In any water-related damage situation, valuable and meaningful personal property is likely to be exposed to water.

Highly Trained Flood Damage Specialists

All of the recovery specialists on the SERVPRO team are well trained and highly experienced. They are appropriately bonded and have been thoroughly screened.

Each team member makes customer satisfaction job one. Each member of the team is committed to containing a the extent of a customer's losses associated with a water-related catastrophe.

Top-Quality Equipment

In addition to a highly experienced team of specialists, SERVPRO utilizes only the latest and most effective equipment and technologies when it comes to water recovery at a home or business. The company knows a home or business owner is putting a very important part of that individual's live into the hands of a SERVPRO specialist. The professional team of recovery specialists at SERVPRO absolutely does not want to disappoint a customer because of this trust and reliance.

Reliable Estimates and Reasonable Pricing

There is no doubt that a home or business owner facing a water-related emergency is somewhat over a barrel when it comes to seeking professional intervention. Typically, a business or home owner is not in a position to shop around or dicker over prices. Such an individual really needs to connect with a honest, trustworthy, reputable, and reasonably priced service provider in the first instance.

SERVPRO of Spokane, Washington, has established a solid track record for fairness when it comes to the estimate process. In addition, the company is committed to 100 percent client satisfaction when it comes to its water damage cleanup and restoration services. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Water Loss Repair in Spokane, Washington

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Removal, Spokane, Washington

Water Loss Repair in Spokane, Washington

There can be a slew of situations that might cause water damage to inflict it’s wrath upon a homeowner’s property. If a homeowner cares deeply about the general value of the property but have only just had the unexpected occurrence of water damage, it is probably the right time to get in touch with one of the service professionals at a water cleanup agency in Spokane, Washington. The actions of a water cleanup service, are designed to support the homeowner beyond the mere occurrence of water in home or when there is water in business. Their services are capable of providing the homeowner with help in mitigation stemming from a great variety of many unanticipated manifestations of disasters.


Drying out the items and the structure of the home might be necessary if the homeowner has just experienced a natural disaster in the home. There are drying services located in Spokane, Washington that are capable of providing the homeowner with a multitude of restorative solutions that could produce an outcome of saving the home’s value, as well as actually increasing it. Any Flood damage in Spokane, Washington needs to be dealt with promptly because when situations like these are not handled in correctly, the resident’s value could incur an monetary decline. When the residence undergoes the necessity for a lot of mitigation tactics, it is best to contact a qualified restoration company that is specially equipped to handle flood damage as well as the knowledge to produce correct amounts of air movement inside of the structure of the residence at very affordable costs.


The avoidance of drying off the property can have a massive impact on the health of residents. If the homeowner is in need of that air quality within the home or even a business enhanced due to smoke from fire remaining in the structure, it may be possible that there has been bacteria spread around the structure from the water loss. A specialist will be capable of providing the homeowner with the help that is required to reclaim the nature of the residence to its former state. A great many residents do not know what can be done, to enact repairs to their residence. In this situation, if the homeowner is wanting to produce a safe residence, they need to contact a professional restoration agency. These services can provide the homeowner with the proper counsel to get the job accomplished correctly, whether it is water in business or water in home.


Properly dealing with water loss should not be as problematic as it may seem. The homeowner should get in touch with a professional company that is geared to handle such problems at affordable pricing. If the homeowner is to able to locate a quality company to handle a natural disaster, try contacting your friends and family for recommended services to contact. Airing out your home is probably necessary and they will own the machines that are capable of arriving at the best outcome. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water damage.

Cleaning Up Fire Loss in Spokane, Washington

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Spokane, WA

Cleaning Up Fire Loss in Spokane, Washington

Property owners in Spokane Washington are always looking to keep their properties in the best possible condition. With properties in good condition, people in Spokane Washington will also be in position to help preserve the air quality. An area with good air quality will make the environment and more sanitary. While good air quality is very beneficial, it can sometimes go in decline. This is due to things such as properties getting on fire. There are times when a property owner might expose the property to flammable things and the property becomes damaged by fire. As a result there can be a number of troubling affects such as water damage from fire. The best thing to do when your property gets on fire and incurs water damage from fire is to contact a home restoration company immediately.

One of the things that a fire can cause is smoke damage. With smoke damage, a property in Spokane Valley will become weakened and start to deteriorate due to excess smoke in the environment. As a result, smoke damage can be one of the most troubling things for Spokane Valley property owners whenever there is a fire. As well as damage caused by smoke, soot is also another thing that can damage a property. Soot are tiny black particles that are likely to emit hazardous fumes and therefore make the air less safe to breathe in. It will also cause soot damage which consists of the property breaking down from the various particles. Whenever your property experiences soot damage, it is a great idea to notify a home restoration company in order to restore the property.

Anytime there is a fire on a property, the most troubling kind of damage is fire damage. This entails a property structure falling apart due to excess exposure to the actual flames. The affects of fire damage care quite significant as the property will begin to collapse as well as leaving some very hazardous particles and fumes in the air. If your property ever gets damaged by fire, you will need to get professional assistance so that the damage can be minimized. It will also benefit you as a home restoration company can repair your home and eliminate the hazardous fumes and particles left over.

Whenever a property owner experiences the damaging effects of a fire, it will always help to use a home restoration company. This kind of organization is available to help property owners recover from the devastating effects of a fire. A home restoration company will be able to provide lots of assistance such as an initial consultation, assessment of the damage and also ways to clean out the property and make it safe to be in again. Any property owner that has just experienced a fire will want to contact a home restoration company so that they can get their property back into its best possible condition. Once your property is back in top condition, you will likely recover from the fire and resume a good quality of life. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Restoration in Spokane, Washington

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Loss in Spokane, WA

Fire Damage Restoration in Spokane, Washington

Preserving the air quality is one of the top priorities of the residents of Spokane Washington. By keeping the air quality at its best, the entire community of Spokane Washington will be able to enjoy a great quality of life. In most cases, the residents of the area will be able to enjoy living in an area that is very clean and sanitary. However, there are times when a building or home might catch on fire. When this happens, things such as water damage from fire can occur. If a property gets water damage from fire, it will likely begin to deteriorate and break down. As a result, property owners in the area will want to enlist the services of a dependable home restoration company.

If your property ever has a fire, one of the things you will have to deal with as a property owner in Spokane Valley is smoke damage. This is when smoke begins to wear down and damage the structure of a given property. After while smoke damage from an excess of smoke exposure will eventually ruin your property as well as making it unsafe to be in. Another thing you will need to consider is soot and the resulting soot damage. Like smoke, soot can break down the property and cause a hazard. Whenever you are facing soot damage, it will benefit you to contact a quality home restoration company. They will gladly assist you in helping your restore your property in Spokane Valley.

Another type of damage that you will need to deal with as a property owner is fire damage. This is when the property will begin incurring damage to the structure during and after a fire. Whenever your property incurs fire damage, it will likely cause a serious problem. Not only will it break down the structure of a home or building, but it will also emit fumes that can be quite hazardous. As a result, you will need to get a home restoration company to help clean up the property and get rid of the fumes.

Anytime a property owner experiences a situation where fire has damaged their home, they will greatly benefit by using a home restoration company. This type of company is available to help property owners get feedback, advice, and assistance with eliminating debris from the effects of a fire. With a home restoration company, a property owner can also have their property cleaned up and restored to a completely sanitary state.

Whenever a property owner decides to hire a home restoration company, they will first receive a consultation where they will discuss the extent of the damage caused by a fire. They will then set up an appointment to have a professional come to the property and evaluate the nature of the damage. A home restoration professional will then begin assessing the damage and then using equipment and chemicals to get rid of the particles and debris left over from the fire. After cleaning up the property, the home restoration professional will then provide instructions on how to best manage the effects of a fire if one takes place again. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Mold Removal in Spokane, Washington

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage from Water in Spokane, WA

Mold Removal in Spokane, Washington

When owning a home, it will be important to maintain it on a regular basis. One of the things you will need to do when maintaining your home is to keep it sanitary. At times there will be things you need to look out for such as mold and microbial growth. Whenever you have microbial growth and mold developing in your home, it will be very important to get rid of it right away. This will be very necessary because if this stays in the home, it will make the home less safe and also incur damage. Fortunately for homeowners in Spokane Washington, they can use a number of services to help eliminate microbe growth at any time. This will allow Spokane Washington homeowners to keep their homes sanitary and intact at all times.

Another form of microbe growth in any home is fungus. This is another thing that can contaminate and damage the home and must be eliminated immediately. Mildew is yet another thing that homeowners in Spokane Valley must be on the lookout for. Like fungus, mildew can damage the home as well as create a safety hazard for residents of various homes in Spokane Valley. Therefore, hiring a restoration service will be a top priority in order to get rid of these forms of microbe growth. Fortunately for homeowners, they can contact a professional and dependable restoration service with ease.

Once you contact a home restoration company, one of the first people they will send out is an environmental hygienist. This professional specializes in examining the nature of microbe growth in your home and how it will affect it. An environmental hygienist will also make recommendations on how to safeguard your home until the microbe growth is eliminated. After making the initial evaluations, the hygienist will begin eliminating the microbe growth and then cleaning out the areas where it was growing. This will restore the home and make it completely sanitary again.

When the home restoration company cleans out and eliminates the microbe growth, it will give you instructions on how to prevent this from happening again. They will often tell you to check various areas of the home on a regular basis as well as clean these areas. By following this protocol, homeowners will be in position to ensure that they never encounter a growth of microbes in their home again. However, this can happen again, and when it does, they will know what to do. They will know how to protect themselves and fellow residents from the microbe growth and safeguard it. Homeowners will also have the opportunity to contact a restoration company to eliminate it immediately.

Using home restoration services is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner. They will be able to easily get rid of microbe growth more efficiently and enable you to live in a more sanitary home. They will also help give you tips on how to keep your home free of any future growths of microbes as well. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on mold removal.

Fire Loss and Restoration in Spokane, Washington

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Loss and Restoration in Spokane, Washington

The destruction a type of fire damage can cause to any home is very devastating. The effect it has on the lives of the home's residents can be quite terrifying. However, the unfortunate incident of fire damage that has occurred does not mean that it is an end to everything by any means. By contacting a representative of Spokane Valley in Washington, you can set up an appointment for remediation services in which you can ask for them to visit your home for an appointment. Then, they will give you a competitively priced quote from which you can decide if you would like to take or reject. They will definitely be giving you one of the best prices you can find in the market of home remediation services.

Water damage from fire is a common issue that affects many homes. Smoke damage that may exist within a property after an unfortunate fire accident should be cleared immediately as it can have detrimental impacts on the residents' health. Spokane offers some great services of soot damage recovery in the area, some of which should be acquired by homeowners because when soot exists, there can be potential opportunities for different types of bacteria to form and spread throughout the household, which will ultimately be hazardous for residents to be around and live in. Smoke should never be allowed to stay in a house for too long as they can travel into the ventilation components and stay trapped until they are utilized, at which point they will be pushed back into the home and circulate throughout the rooms, causing residents to breathe it in. An air quality expert of Spokane Valley will be able to tend to your very needs of recuperating from water damage from fire.

If you are in Spokane, Washington and would like to contact an air quality specialist, please do not hesitate to make the right phone call, one which you can feel confident about as they've receive numerous amounts of positive ratings, feedback, and reviews from customers who have received the services that are offered by them in the past. Should you experience smoke damage in your home, it is recommended for you to provide the representatives of the soot damage experts with pertinent details to the scenario that you are facing.

Soot may accumulate within your home's floor after fire damage has occurred. If smoke is having an effect of lingering around in your property, you will need to hire an air quality professional so that they can arrive and clear it out so that you will be be living in such a hazardous environment. Please do not make the mistake of being negligent to smoke lingering around in your property as you will quickly realize that it is going to be detrimental to your lungs, possibly even to the extent that it becomes painful. If you would like to take advantage of optimal services that are provided by a group of proficient professionals in the Spokane area of Washington, please make the necessary phone call today. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on fire damage.

Water Loss in Spokane, Washington

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Loss in Spokane, WA.

Water Loss in Spokane, Washington

There are a lot of circumstances that contribute to how extensive water damage can be to a home or a business. Most people would consider the volume of the water involved in water damage that determines how much water loss a building incurs, but there are many contributing factors to the damage that is actually sustained. Beyond volume, the type of water determines the extensiveness and consequently, the expense of the cleanup.

The extent of the damage also determines how long it requires to remediate the issues, and this factor is one of the most consequential because the length of a family’s stay away from their home or in inconvenience if they are able to stay, or the length of time a business cannot operate multiplies the extent of the damage greatly. Clean water cleanup requires only remediation, but gray and sewer infested water will require many more steps to return building to an inhabitable state. Clean water and water with sewage are well known, but the lesser known gray water is considered the water that comes from draining washing machines, sinks, or tubs. In the case of sewage and gray water, volume absolutely affects the extent of the damage much more than if a large volume of clean water impacts a home or business.

Gray water is very damaging to a home and requires extensive cleanup and minor disinfection and because the drying step is a disinfectant in itself also, gray water s an issues that is often mitigated because devices that contain gray water are often limited in the volume that escapes. However, flood water could sometimes be considered gray, but in a very limited scope because outside flood water from natural disasters in Spokane Washington that is not infested with sewage is rare, but still may contain other very caustic components that often requires as much cleanup almost as water containing sewage.

Water in homes or water in a business containing sewage is the worst damage that can be sustained to a home or building in Spokane, Washington. In this type of damage, every part of a cleanup is more urgent and has to be not only more thorough, but also involves many more steps with most of the added steps being disinfectant and deodorizing steps by the restoration companies. However, in any of these types of water in a home or water in a business, mitigation and drying is key, but this is especially true with gray and water damage involving sewage. Mitigation is the act of stemming the damage by eliminating the source of the problem, and starting the process of remediating the water loss.

This is important in damage cleanup by restoration companies because failing to cleanup or solve the initial problem immediately will cause the problem to worsen exponentially everyday the cleanup or initial mitigation is not engaged. This is so important, many insurance policies mandate that it takes place immediately and as a responsibility of the policyholder. Additionally, natural disasters like flood damage is not normally covered by common homeowner’s insurance policies. So that families, individuals and business owners will have the means to employ water cleanup in their buildings if flood damage like this occurs, people should check their policies. Visit http://www.SERVPROnortheastspokane.com for more information on water loss.

In-place Carpet Drying Is Convenient

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Protects and Restores Wet Carpets in Spokane

Rely on SERVPRO to Clean and Restore Your Residential Carpets

Carpets are often the most expensive cost to a homeowner when it comes to flooding or other water damage. Unless standing water is drained and hidden water extracted immediately, the cost can run into thousands of dollars depending on the size of the house.

SERVPRO has the equipment necessary to ensure thorough carpet drying for Spokane homes. In most cases we will attempt to dry your carpets in place, that means not to remove or even lift the carpets from the surface of the floor. Our technicians are trained on an extensive inventory of the tools needed to return them (and your home) to its original state.

Extraction wands are the first tool we use to remove water from your carpets in Spokane. A water extraction wand is basically a very powerful suction tool that is designed to draw the water out of the carpet and the pad underneath without damaging the carpet or pulling it away from the frame it is attached to.

If there is still too much water in the carpet pad underneath, we use a weighted extraction tool. This is a slightly more powerful suction tool that also has a heavy weight attached to the base. A technician will use this on the edges of the affected carpet and move inward until the remaining moisture has been removed.

Dehumidifiers are a must in Washington state. With one of the highest average humidity percentages in the country, drying out not just the carpet but the air in the room itself is extremely important. If our technicians see that an area's humidity is not dropping fast enough, they will deploy a commercial grade humidifier to ensure that the room is at the proper number to make sure that the carpet stays in its now clean and dry condition. If this still hasn't returned the carpet and pad to their original state, we will suggest alternate methods that may require the carpet to be at least partially removed from its frame.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane stands ready to support our neighbors. As a locally owned franchise office, we understand that each of you is so much more than just a job to us. Call (509) 474-9144 to schedule a carpet servicing today.

Mold Damage can Affect Any Home

7/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Mold Remediation in Spokane: "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Has the Solutions to Mold Infestations

Mold grows quickly, and because most, if not all, homes have at least one strain or type of mold (spores) that is dormant in their home, even a small amount of moisture can allow mold to begin growing. Sometimes, as in the case with heavy draperies in unused rooms that are closed to prevent fading by the sun, mold can grow undetected for a long time. A musty odor is often the first hint that there is a mold problem. As in the case of draperies, these fungi can be found easily. Other situations may be more difficult to determine the location.
 
We Can Help Detect Mold Growth and Remediate It Correctly
If you're concerned about mold growth in your Spokane home, and many people are because of the health effects it may cause, we can help. We have equipment that not only remediates mold and its spores, getting it under control again, but we also have devices that help us detect where mold may be flourishing in your interior walls and voids. There are other locations, such as attics and basements, that often harbor mold. We are experienced and trained according to IICRC standards in the remediation of mold. Safely cleaning the interior of your home is a significant step toward having a healthy home that has a clean and fresh scent to it along with the importance of safe, indoor air quality.
 
If there is mold damage that threatens the structural integrity of your home, we are trained in repairing such problem areas. SERVPRO technicians are experts in matching new materials to the original so that repairs made make it so that it looks “Like it never even happened.” We understand that there are many concerns about not only mold but also about the clean up and remediation process. Rest assured that not only are we certified in IICRC procedures, but also know how to use the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
 
If mold is problematic throughout your home, we will not only concentrate on areas that have visible mold growth, but also on the air in your home. We will use air scrubbers that filter the air in your home to remove fungi spores with HEPA filters designed specifically for mold extraction. The duct work will also be scraped and then vacuumed out with HEPA filters, further reducing the mold population. 
 
If you sense that you may have a mold problem or have found mold damage, please call us. We are available 24/7. At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we can be reached at (509) 474-9144, and we will respond to your situation promptly.

Mold Damage Remediation in Your Home

6/3/2016 (Permalink)

When you have mold damage problems in Mead, SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has a solution!

Your Home's Mold Damage Remediation Process 

In Mead, mold damage remediation includes identifying and addressing the issues of mold in a structure. Mold remediation will stop the spread of mold by isolating any areas that are damaged, removing the materials affected and eliminating the sources of moisture. This process is necessary so that a healthy environment can be reestablished. 

What Does Mold Remediation Involve? 

When you call us at SERVPRO, mold remediation in Mead will involve clean up and removal of the mold by our specialists. Cleaning it up yourself with bleach and water won’t kill the mold. Materials that are moldy will have to be removed, and the damaged area reconstructed. Therefore, it is best to leave mold remediation up to our trained technicians. We have the proper knowledge and tools to handle hazardous materials and stop the spread of mold into other areas. Our expert mold remediation includes:  

• Assessment – One of our contractors will visit your property to identify the areas that are moldy, plus find the problem’s source. We will then formulate a plan for remediation.
• Containment – We will address the source of the moisture problem and the area, which is affected, will be closed off to keep from contaminating the rest of your structure with any mold spores which get stirred up during the process of removal.
• Filtration – To clean the air of mold spores in your Mead home, we’ll use HEPA filters. One of our specialists will also wear masks and goggles to lessen their exposure to the contaminants that are airborne.
• Removal – Building materials and personal belongings in your home can be affected. Mold, as it is a living organism, will deeply ingrain itself into materials to live, so it is wise to dispose of anything that is porous. The most effective and safest way to make sure mold won’t return is to get rid of the materials which were affected. Antimicrobial cleaners and sealants will be used on nonporous materials that can be cleaned. This will make them more resistant to water and mold. You might want to have your air condition, and heating systems cleaned professionally as well.
• Drying – It is highly important that the items which were cleaned and repaired stay totally dry. Excessive moisture, remember, is how the whole issue began. Because of this, our SERVPRO technician will go over with you moisture management strategies to make sure your home won’t encounter any more issues in the future.
• Repair - The process of reconstruction will start after we move all the materials that were contaminated with mold. Materials that are clean and free of mold will replace the items that were previously contaminated.
• Testing – After we complete the remediation, we’ll search for signs of water damage that are recurrent, visible mold, or moldy odors to make sure that the cleanup is successful.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Mold damage in Mead needs to be addressed right away, so give SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane a call at (509) 474-9144, and we will be happy to assess your damage for you and take care of your mold issue.

Spokane Mold Removal - Why You Need Professional Mold Removal in Spokane

3/29/2016 (Permalink)

Mold is a common substance that can grow on a broad range of surfaces from drywall and wood support beams to tile, grout, carpeting and more.

Mold Removal Spokane - Why You Need Professional Mold Removal in Spokane

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for Mold Removal
Many people will have the unfortunate experience of discovering mold growing in their home at some point. Mold is a common substance that can grow on a broad range of surfaces from drywall and wood support beams to tile, grout, carpeting and more. If you have discovered an area of growth in your home, you may be wondering what steps are needed for mold removal in Spokane. While some homeowners may try to remove the mold on their own, professional services are a better solution.

The Health Risks Associated With Mold
Exposure to some kinds of mold can be dangerous for individuals in your home. Keep in mind that mold spores can become airborne in the home, and this means that you can inhale them even if you do not touch the substance.

The Potential to Spread Mold Growth
Mold removal in Spokane is not a matter to take lightly. In addition to the health concerns associated with exposure to mold, there is a potential for you to spread the mold growth area to other areas in the home if you are not careful. For example, if you decide to scrub the affected area, the scrubbing action may release mold spores into the air. The mold spores may land in a new area of the room, and in some cases, they may enter the HVAC air ducts and spread to areas throughout the entire home. This can cause a small problem to quickly turn into a larger problem that requires considerably more time, effort and money to correct.

What a Professional Will Do
The best step to take if you have even a small area of mold growth is to contact a professional for removal services. Professional mold remediation will safely and efficiently remove the area of mold from the home regardless of how large or small it is and without risk for causing health issues in your family or spreading it to other areas of the home. This is because professional mold remediation specialists will carefully seal off the affected area before getting to work, and they will use proven techniques and practices to remove the damaged area for the best overall results. If necessary, damaged areas will be restored after the mold has been removed.

Mold removal services will help you to restore your home to its former condition without putting your health at risk. If you have an area of mold growth in your home, you do not want to risk the possibility of mold spreading to other areas in the home. You can call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for the fast, reliable results you need. We have the manpower and skills necessary to help you with any size mold issue. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (509) 474-9144.

Dealing With Water Damage Cleanup in Mead

3/11/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation.

Mead Residential Water Damage Cleanup 

There are many reasons why Mead residential water damage cleanup services may be necessary. Your home can become flooded due to big storms with heavy rain in your area. A tree limb could crash through your window, or your roof could begin leaking. Sometimes pipes can burst inside of your home without warning, or your toilet may overflow leading to contaminated water that will need to be cleaned up by professionals. No matter what type of issues you have concerning flooding in your home, it is important to get them taken care of as fast as possible to stop the spread of water damage. 

Keep Problems Contained by Handling Them Quickly

No matter the source of the Mead water damage, it can cause serious issues in your home. It is imperative that any water left standing after a flood be tested to make sure that it is not contaminated because the bacteria can spread and be harmful to you and your family. Some water may even be hiding inside of your walls or carpets. There are special meters and sensors that can help find and determine how much water is in your property so that it can be removed promptly to prevent mold from growing and further damage from occurring. 

Cleaning Is the First Step

There are different methods available to help you restore your home quickly from water damage in Mead. Getting the affected area and any surrounding areas cleaned should be the first step. Next, you’ll want to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. The more items you can repair, the less money and time you’ll spend on getting your home back to its former glory. After cleaning up, using a professional service to check for any structural damage and fix it quickly can also help keep the problem from spreading.

Getting Rid of the Water

Large truck-mounted or portable water extractors can help you to remove water from your carpets in a quick and efficient manner. Air moving equipment can also be used to help water evaporate quickly from the top of carpets and other surfaces. Then, dehumidifiers can get rid of excess moisture in the air. Refrigerant and desiccant humidifiers are both useful options depending on the situation. 

Next Steps

After the water has been removed from your home, it is important to have your property deodorized so that it smells good when you return to it. Water damage can often cause bad smells, especially with contaminated water, and antimicrobial treatments and disinfectants may need to be done as well. This should always be done promptly to make sure that secondary problems do not occur. Additionally, lingering smells may be an indication that there is still an issue.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane offers quick and reliable Mead residential water damage services for any water emergency. We have the personnel to help. Please call us today at (509) 474-9144.

Protecting Your Small Business From a Commercial Fire in Spokane

9/29/2015 (Permalink)

Keep The Flame in the Kitchen

Turn to SERVPRO When You Incur a Commercial Fire to Your Business in Spokane

If you run a small business in Spokane, a top priority is protecting the physical structure to ensure that the doors remain open. And while there are numerous things that you'll need to protect your property against, commercial fire damage and natural disasters can be several of your most formidable foes. Luckily, there are numerous strategies you can take to maximize your prevention and recovery strategies. Following is an outline that may be of assistance.

Fire Damage

Fires can impose serious damage to your commercial property. Typically, there are three types of damage caused by the fires. First, the flames from the fire can destroy material items and undermine the structural integrity of your property. The smoke damage from a fire can cause substantive problems. Smoke is always accompanied by an odor, caused by burning of cellulose, and possibly also by soot. The residue known as soot is the by-product of specific types of combusted materials such as plastics and other non-cellulose products. Soot can be especially difficult to clean up and remove. Smoke can travel and permeate throughout a structure utilizing wall voids, electrical conduits, and a/c ductwork as travel paths. Secondary water damage is standing and absorbed water resulting from the action of the first responders. This water damage requires water extraction and drying to reduce moisture and humidity within your place of business. This will mitigate water and fire damage and help to suppress the potential of mold growth.

Fire Prevention

To prepare for a potential fire, you should create a disaster prevention plan. This plan will help you guard against fire damages as well as floods, and natural disasters. The best way to secure your small company against fire damage is to recognize potential hazards. The two most prevalent fire sources include lit candles and overloaded electrical lines. Take the steps necessary to prevent these two fire starters from becoming an issue for your business. You should contact your local fire marshall and obtain recommendations for fire prevention. And also gather information regarding how your company should respond to maximize safety and minimize fire damage to your Spokane business. Keep the contact information for SERVPRO, a premier commercial fire damage restoration company, close at hand to ensure an immediate response to any emergency than may transpire.

Fire Damage Recovery?

Although knowing how to prevent a fire is important, knowing how to react after the conflagration is very relevant to your business's ability to reopen. Draft a thorough, detailed fire damage recovery plan. This plan should include alternative locations to conduct business and the contact information for vendors, clients, employees, and SERVPRO. This company will respond within one hour to assess, inspect, and create an action plan for remedying the fire damage to your small business in Spokane. We work with many insurance providers and adjusters, and upon a coordinated effort and agreement, can quickly get your business back open for business.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane responds quickly to your Spokane fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 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. Call for an immediate response. (509) 474-9144

Spokane Flood Damage - Dealing with Flood Damage Repair and Cleanup

1/15/2015 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be overwhelming, but these tips can walk you through the process of cleaning up.

No one wants to have to deal with a flood.

Unfortunately, freezing pipes and heavy snowstorms lead to a lot of flooding this time of year. If you experience a flood, it is important to know exactly what to do. Repairing and cleaning up damages will not be easy no matter what, but there are some ways to simplify the process. Here are some steps to take after a flood.

Turn Off Water and Electricity

The first thing you want to do is to turn off the water and electricity in your home. Make sure you know where the main switch and water valve are. Standing water is extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with an electric current, so before you touch it or do anything else, make sure these components in your home are turned off.

Assess the Damage

Once the electricity and water are turned off and you have determined it is safe to work, you need to assess the damage. Take pictures and write everything down that is ruined or needs to be repaired or replaced. Call your insurance company immediately so you know what you need to do to file a claim. An agent may need to come out to assess the damage. You don't want to clean up before they do, or you may have trouble getting repairs covered.

Remove the Water

The next step is to remove the water from the space. This may be through a reverse pump or the old fashioned bucket line. Either way, as soon as you get the green light from the insurance company, you need to remove the water in Spokane as soon as possible. The longer it stands there the more damage it will do.

Dry Up the Space

Once the water is removed, you need to soak up and dry all the excess water from the floors, walls, furniture, and belongings. A professional flood recovery company in Spokane may need to be called in. Remove all the furniture, and place it outside or in the garage where it can air out. Throw away anything that is damaged and won?t dry. Pull up carpet if necessary and discard.

Air it Out

After you've removed and dried everything you can remove and dry, you need to use industrial fans to air the space out. Otherwise, Spoakne mold and mildew can develop. Open windows and doors and let the fans run for a few days to clear everything out.

Fix it Up

After the area is completely dry, you need to complete repairs. Don't do anything in which you are not professionally trained. Depending on how long the water stood, you may have some structural damage in your walls that will need to be fixed. Repaint, replace carpet and fix everything that needs repairs. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover most of the cost.

Dealing with a flood is never pleasant, but the important thing is to keep a cool head. Remain calm and go through these steps. Before you know it, the flood will be a distant memory and your home will be back to normal.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated and serves Spokane, Colbert, Chattaroy, Spokane Valley, Mead, and surrounding areas. Water comes from everywhere and our certified technicians can clean and dry any flood better than its original state. * 24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service * 24/7 Flood Damage & Water Damage Service * 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service * 24/7 Mold Remediation *24/7 Bio-hazard Suicide Clean *24/7 Fire Window Roof Board-up

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today!

Call us at 24/7 at (509) 474-9144

Mold Damage Spokane - Toxic Mold Basics

12/15/2014 (Permalink)

Mold damage can occur anywhere. A mold remediation company can help you clean it up.

There has been a lot of press about toxic mold in Spokane, the home and its possible effects on your health.

While it’s true that high concentrations of mold inside your house can breed pathogens that contaminate your indoor air quality, a small amount of mold in your home is not generally harmful to your health.

What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that spreads through airborne spores that you can’t see. It grows in warm, damp places when it can, but the spores will live for a long time in dry places. For mold damage in Spokane, the airborne spores also need to be cleaned along with the mold growth.

Mold is found everywhere, and it would be impossible to completely eliminate it from any building. The danger to health occurs when there is a high concentration of Spokane mold damage that has been growing for weeks or months. This may be caused by a disaster such as flooding or it may occur because of a small leak in a pipe that constantly keeps a section of wall, floor or ceiling damp. Indoor plants may be a source for mold spores.

All molds can be called toxic if they grow in high enough concentrations. Some forms of mold do produce molecular toxins that can cause serious health problems if they are ingested in large quantities over time. The two most common are Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, and Aspergillis. 

Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold can grow almost anywhere as long as the environment is damp and humid and there is very little ventilation. It is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and around leaks in roofs, windows, water heaters and air conditioners. It can grow on paper, wood, carpet, upholstery, drywall, wallpaper and ceiling tiles as well as under paint and in building insulation. Mold spores can cling to clothing and pets as well as be circulated throughout the building by the heating and air conditioning systems. 

How to Get Rid of Mold?
You can prevent unhealthy concentrations of Spokane Vally mold damage from developing by keeping your home dry and well-ventilated. You should also get any plumbing leaks repaired as soon as possible. If you see mold spots or detect a musty odor, you may have mold damage that could be harmful to health. If this occurs, it is recommended to get professional mold remediation.

Removing mold from hard surfaces needs to be done carefully because of the possibility of releasing spores into the air during the cleaning process. Porous surfaces, where the mold had been absorbed into the material, often require a complete replacement of the material. This includes carpet, wallpaper, drywall and ceiling tiles. If the infestation has progressed into the structure of the building, a complete renovation is recommended.

Mold remediation may be an expensive project, but it is worth the cost. If you have mold damage, you can make the problem worse by trying to clean it yourself. Professional mold remediation is the best way to be sure the mold is removed in the proper way. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is locally owned and operated and serves Spokane, Colbert, Chattaroy, Spokane Valley, Mead, and the surrounding communities

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane’s fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood clean up repair service company, Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every water damage situation from sewage damage clean up, mold removal, smoke damage repair, fire damage repair, flooded basement, wet carpet, wet walls, carpet water damage, basement water damage, flooded crawl space, sewer backup, sewage removal, mud removal, commercial water damage, restoration, house water damage, building water damage, hotel water damage, flooded building, crawl space water damage, crawl space sewage damage, pump out, dry out, flood water removal, commercial building water removal, building flood damage, hardwood floor water damage, wet hardwood floors, wet carpet drying, sewage restoration, flood cleanup, busted pipe water damage, broken pipe water damage, busted sprinkler water damage, frozen pipe water damage, flood pump out, basement pump out, restoration equipment rental, dehumidifier rental, fan rental, demolition, painting & construction.

Spokane - World Record Largest Water Balloon Fight

7/28/2014 (Permalink)

Massive potential for water damage when Spokane attempts to break world record.

Huge potential for water damage and water cleanup.

The folks in Spokane, Washington will attempt to break the current world record held by the Christian Student Fellowship at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. They had a water balloon fight with 8,957 participants. Spokane will attempt to have 13,000 people tossing some 300,000 balloons to try to break the record. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane salutes the effort and wishes them all the best. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane says, "Make sure that you do not cause too much water damage or we may have to step in."

For more information please click here

___________________________________________________

Other Interesting Articles

Water damage can ruin the value of a Spokane Valley home. 

Spokane Flood Damage - Dealing with Flood Damage Repair and Cleanup

Mold Damage Spokane - Toxic Mold Basics

How To Protect Your SPOKANE Home From Flooding During The Rainy Season

Water Damage Insurance Policy Coverage

Spokane - World Record Largest Water Balloon Fight