Prevent Water Damage Before it Happens

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent Water Damage

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

3.  Keep an eye on your water bill

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

4. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

5. Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Advise from Farmers Insurance and SERVPRO. 

What Can You Do When Your Home is Affected By a Flood?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

• First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
• When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
• After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Are You Prepared For a Flood?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Any Disaster!

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

• First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
• When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
• After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

What Can You Do When Your Home Floods?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Any Size Disaster.

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

• First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
• When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
• After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Development Boom in Colorado

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Denver

Many projects currently underway are multifamily, meaning apartment or condo buildings, with nearly 10,000 new residential units in the downtown area, the report also says.

Some people say developers are overbuilding, creating too many apartments that contribute to worse traffic and overcrowding in the city.

Schippits said one way developers decide whether to build is by looking at the number of apartments compared to jobs available. CBRE is a Los Angeles-based commercial real estate services and investment firm.

Denver's job-per-apartment unit ratio is 5.9, meaning for every 5.9 jobs, there's one apartment unit.

"As a metro area... we're underperforming when it compares to our competitive set like Seattle or Austin," Schippits said. "If you peel the onion away any more...downtown is even further behind."

Downtown's ratio is at 6.6, above the national average of 6.1.

"What we're forecasting is with all the new apartments coming online, plus the jobs that are created downtown as predicted by Moody's [Analytics], our ratio will drop to 5.2," he said.

"So we're not overbuilding," Schippits said, adding that building more apartments is key to controlling for expense. "If we have more supply, there's less pressure on cost."

When Mold Growth is Prevalent in Your Home

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

MOLD REMEDIATION PROCESS

While it is important to know when to call in a professional mold remediation team, there are a couple things you can do yourself to get rid of mold if it’s in a small area:

1. Locate the Mold: Remember that mold spreads, so be sure to check all rooms in your home including, especially dark and damp areas like the basement. Be sure to also check under the carpeting, flooring and behind wallpaper or drywall.
2. Get Rid of Moldy Materials: Materials that cannot be cleaned and salvaged need to be disposed of. This includes wood, drywall, carpets or anything else that is growing mold. Use safety gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles before handling moldy items.

If the mold infestation is on a larger scale, a professional mold remediation team will likely do the following, in addition to getting rid of moldy items:

1. Use Commercial Equipment to Dry Out the Affected Area: It’s important to get your home dried out your home as much as possible, since mold thrives in wet and humid environments. Professionals will use air movers, dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers that work together to eliminate moisture and dry out the air and surfaces. They’ll also wear safety gear like gloves, a mask and eye goggles.
2. Prepare the Room to Contain the Mold Problem: Mold spores can instantly become airborne. To avoid this, professionals will seal off the affected area before they get to work. They’ll use tape and plastic sheets to seal off doorways and vents.
3. Establish Negative Air Pressure: Establishing negative airflow in the sealed room using an air mover ensures airflows in but not out. Once the area has been sealed using plastic sheets and tape, professionals can poke a small hole in the plastic and insert an air mover duct attachment through the hole and seal it with duct tape. This negative air pressure further prevents mold spores from escaping into the rest of your home.
4. Use Fungicide on Remaining Materials: If there are any materials that can be salvaged and will remain in the room then it is important to thoroughly clean them. A fungicide product can ensure all the mold spores are removed and that there is no opportunity for a recurrent infestation. Any buildings materials that cannot be cleaned or removed such as porous surfaces should have a fungicide applied to them.
5. Finish Repairing the Room: Once the moldy materials have been removed and the area has been thoroughly cleaned, any necessary repairs from the water can mold damage can be completed. This may include flooring, carpeting or drywall repairs.

Prepare Your Home or Business For a Wildfire

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Prepare your home or business for a wildfire. If possible, use Class A roofing material. This includes tile, slate, or asphalt. You can also use Class B pressure-treated shingles or shakes. Make sure that you have smoke alarms near every bedroom or office and in each zone of your house or business. Test smoke alarms monthly and change their batteries annually. Also, consider installing fire sprinklers.  Outside your home, make sure you have enough garden hose available to reach any part of your property. Designate water sources and make sure that the fire department can access them if they need to. Water sources are areas such as swimming pools, ponds, lakes, wells and fire hydrants. Create an emergency escape plan. Speak to town officials to learn what the evacuation route is for your area. Discuss this evacuation route with everyone in your family and your employees. Ensure family members who live nearby know the route and have means of transportation. Also, stay informed by signing up for emergency text or alert messages from your town. Finally, don’t forget to create an emergency kit. 

During a Wildfire

• Moving furniture to the center of rooms and taking down drapes and curtains to prevent combustion.
• Closing all windows and doors to prevent drafts and reduce heat.
• Shutting off natural gas from its source.
• Turning on all lights in your property so that firefighters can more easily see it through smoke.

After a Wildfire

Mitigation and Restoration

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Reconstruction

Who Can Provide Mitigation & Reconstruction?

When your home or business suffers water damage it’s important to start the mitigation process as soon as possible. The longer moisture sits in walls and flooring, the more damage the structure of your home will suffer. It’s important to call your nearest mitigation specialist as time is crucial.

In most cases, water damage leads to mold growth. Do you know why? Moist and humid surfaces are the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Time is of the essence in every water loss.

When the mitigation process is complete you are left with a partially constructed home or business. No worries! SERVPRO can provide mitigation reconstruction. Once all moisture is eliminated from the structure and the non-salvageable walls and flooring are removed, reconstruction can begin.

Rather than having multiple contractors in your home or business, have SERVPRO come in and make it “Like it never even happened.”

What Causes Mold Growth?

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Removal

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold Growth Conditions :

• Darkness (mold can't grow under ultraviolet light)
• Warmth (mold can't grow in freezing temperatures)
• Oxygen
• Moisture (eg water leaks, humidity)
• Enough time (most molds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

Humidity Causes Mold

If you live where humidity in the air is naturally high, like near the coast or another large body of water, then mold growth in your home can also be a recurring problem.

When moisture inside your house evaporates into the air it increases the humidity indoors. If your home isn't well ventilated then the humidity will stay high for a long time.

HVAC systems can also create humidity problems while it artificially heats or cools the air.

Sometimes people use humidifiers in their homes. But there are molds that only need the humidity level to be higher than 55% to start growing. Be sure to keep the humidity below 55%.

High humidity feeds mold. High humidity can also causes puddles of water and damp materials in the home take longer to dry out. These wet surfaces can in turn create mold growth of their own.

Poor Ventilation Causes Mold

Poor ventilation can create pockets of stagnant moist air which mold thrives in. Steam and water evaporating into the air creates humidity inside which then needs to be circulated outdoors through windows to keep the moisture level balanced.

Poor ventilation also means wet surfaces dry out slowly. Ventilation is especially important in rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen where there is a lot of steam.

Mold Growth in Basements 

Basements often contain higher amounts of moisture or humidity than other rooms because they are usually not well ventilated. Basements are often colder which causes more condensation leading to damp and humid conditions

When water leaks in your home it will often end up running down to the basement. Not only is mold more likely to grow in basements, but because they are usually neglected mold growth may not be discovered until it is well set in.

If you have questions regarding mold please contact us at 303-576-6868.

Flooding in Des Moines, Iowa

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Arrived Just In Time!

Flooding in Des Moines, Iowa

SERVPRO traveled to Iowa, after it excessively rained, causing severe water damage to over 1,500 properties. Owner Nick and his dedicated Storm Team jumped on the opportunity to help the people of Des Moines. During a three week period the Storm Team provided restoration & mitigation services for over 40 properties. 

The Des Moines Register Update

More than 1,500 properties were reportedly affected by the weekend weather that dumped up to 9 inches of rain on central Iowa — a number authorities expect to increase.

Through Wednesday night, 15 properties in Des Moines have been categorized as majorly damaged and 350 received minor damage, Cody Christensen, permit and development administrator for Des Moines, told the Register Thursday.

Many homes and businesses had moderate damage, and others still need to be inspected.

Update: 29 homes suffered major damage, 520 with minor impacts

About 500 homes have been inspected for damage in Des Moines, Mayor Frank Cownie said Thursday, with another 500 inspection requests still needed to be finished.

He predicted tough times ahead for some homeowners if the federal government did not “see this as a national-level disaster.”

In the Fourmile Creek area alone, more than 230 single-family homes, 10 commercial buildings and six apartment buildings were damaged by flooding, Cownie has said.

For more about the flooding in Des Moines please visit the link below.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/07/05/des-moines-flooding-polk-county-dallas-jasper-clive-fourmile-fema-weather-saylorville-iowa-reynolds/759108002/

Educational Institutions Sponsors

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

We Support Educational Institutions

The owners of a Colorado SERVPRO  wholeheartedly support educational institutions, and are dedicated to preserving the integrity of every educational institute.

Who are Nick and Travis?

The brothers grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating from the University of Iowa in 2011, Nick with a degree in accounting and Travis with a finance degree.

Nick worked in public accounting for 6 years until purchasing a Colorado SERVPRO franchise in 2016.

Shortly after Nick moved to Colorado, Travis closed their consumer finance business and joined his brother in Colorado.

Keeping in mind their educational background contributed to the success of SERVPRO. Nick and Travis wanted to show appreciation for education by sponsoring their hometown U of I Hawkeyes.

Concepts & Core Values 

• The belief there is an educational foundation behind every successful business and establishment.
• Supporting all employees in the pursuit of furthering their education.
• Providing proper training and education for all employees.
• An investment in knowledge is an investment in individual growth as well as business growth.

A little more about our U of I Alumni:

While working in public accounting Nick became a board member of Tree Des Moines, which is a community non-profit organization supporting a healthy and sustainable urban tree canopy for a viable and livable Des Moines Metro Area. He worked with children; educating and helping them better understand the biology behind different tree species and how they benefit the environment.

After graduating college Travis wasted no time opening a consumer finance business, managing and operating Osprey Capital SD LLC for 6 years. However, he wanted to make a change in people's lives,co-owning a Colorado SERVPRO gave him the opportunity to help people whose homes have been damaged by storm, water, fire or mold.

http://hawksontherocks.com/

The Esporta Wash System

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After

Contents

Fire and water cause enormous damage to countless homes every year. Beyond structural damage, they also impact contents causing contamination that can prove very difficult to restore.

Leave it to us!

We know all too well that many items are extremely difficult to clean, but that is why we are the professionals. SERVPRO has a specialty Wash System that can clean almost irreversible damage. 

About the Esporta Wash System

The Esporta washing technology is capable of cleaning category 1, 2, and 3 water, heavy smoke, and soot damage.

You can count on Esporta to predictably clean and restore soft contents. Even the toughest soot, water damage and bio contamination is no match for Esporta. Our wash system consistently delivers 90% of soft contents back to “food grade” clean. Customers are wowed by what we can restore! 

What is the Esporta capable of cleaning:

• Bacteria
• viruses
• sewage
• soot
• grime
• mold
• biowaste
• mildew

Soft contents that can be cleaned include:

• Clothing
• bedding
• comforters
• pillows
• sleeping bags
• linens
• rugs
• jackets
• suedes
• furs
• linens
• stuffed animals
• shoes
• hats
• belts
• purses 
• Sports Equipment

More About Contents Restoration

SERVPRO professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. SERVPRO Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Be Prepared

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Be Ready!

Emergency Ready?

          As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

        Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Homeowners, can you locate your water/gas shut off? 

Click here:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/7-things-every-homeowner-should-know-the-location-of/

Smoke Odor Damage and Your Business

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Call The Professionals

What to Expect After a Fire

Fire and smoke damage is destructive and finding a restoration/mitigation company can be daunting. When it comes to fire and smoke damage restoration, SERVPRO professionals are trained and follow an extensive and thorough restoration process in order to get your home or business back to normal.

Each fire/smoke damage case is unique and is treated as such by SERVPRO professionals. SERVPRO professionals will compose a detailed plan to rid your property of smoke and soot damage. Smoke odor latches onto and penetrates the surfaces of walls, ceilings, clothes, upholstered furniture, books, electronics and more. It is crucial that all affected contents and surfaces are properly sanitized by professionals. Oftentimes it can be difficult to determine the source of the smoke odor. Experienced professionals know where to look for smoke and soot damage and how to best approach the restoration process.

If smoke damage is not taken care of by a professional, your property and its inhabitants may face greater damage. Smoke and soot can destroy the integrity of your home or business, damaging the ventilation system, air ducts, insulation, wall studs and even the framing/structure.

Different Smoke Odors

Cleaning smoke and soot damage yourself or using a basic cleaning service runs the risk of recurring smoke odor which can cause respiratory problems. Smoke odor can be harmful depending on what type of material was burned. Smoke that comes from wood framing causes a “campfire” smell which lets off acetic acid, benzene, carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, formic acid, heavy metals, nitrogen-oxides (NO2), phenols, sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Cooking fire smoke is very difficult to remove and has a lingering smell of burnt animal fat/protein. Grease splatter from a cooking fire requires specific cleaning techniques that only a professional can provide.

When plastic is burned, it releases dangerous chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, dioxins, furans and heavy metals, as well as particulates and are known to cause respiratory ailments which are potentially carcinogenic.

Fireplace wood fires also emits hazardous emissions, such as particulates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other emissions that can be dangerous for health.

Who Are The Professionals?

SERVPRO provides 24/7 Emergency response. After the initial emergency call a crew of certified SERVPRO professionals will promptly respond to your fire damage and arrive onsite prepared to assess, plan and arrange resources to restore your home or business back to what it once was.

What Will SERVPRO Do?

Board Up and Security

Fires can destroy doors, walls and windows, leaving your property vulnerable to additional loss from weather or theft. SERVPRO professionals have the equipment and capabilities to provide board up for your home or business. Your home or business may need additional security. SERVPRO can also provide fencing or even security to oversee your property.

Demolition

All damaged structural material is removed from the structure in order for the mitigation and restoration to take place. Demolition is a planned procedure, completed with the utmost care and strategy.

Cleanup

The local fire department will use fire retardants and water to extinguish the flames. SERVPRO will assess and examine the extent of damage to the structure, walls, ceilings, floors, ventilation/HVAC system and contents while composing a thorough plan for mitigation and restoration.

Contents

Clothes, upholstered furniture, books, electronics and more that are affected by smoke may be salvaged and sanitized. All affected items deemed salvageable are sanitized and deodorized using specialized solutions and equipment. Contents go through an extensive inventory process ensuring all items are accounted for and stored in a secure location.

Is Your Washing Machine Leaking?

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let your washing machine cause water damage in your home.

•  Replace water supply hoses – Water supply hoses can become brittle and burst. Check them periodically and replace your old hoses with a new hose that consist of flexible plastic tubing encased in a stainless steel braided exterior. Purchase an auto-shut off hose protector that protects against catastrophic water damage by automatically shutting off. If excess water flow is sensed the water supply to the washing machine will turn off.
•  Get a washer floor tray – Replace or repair your leaking washing machine right away to protect against future leaks, slide a water catching tray under your washing machine to catch drips and leaks. It’s an inexpensive way to prevent water damage to your floor from a leaking washing machine.
•  Purchase a single-lever shut off valve – Turn the water off after each load of wash. Replace your dual faucets with a single-lever which control both hot and cold water simultaneously.
• Flood protection device – An automatic water leak detection device prevents flooding by immediately shutting off both the hot and cold water supply to the washing machine when sensors detect a water leak. These devices are quick and easy to install by homeowners and provide 24/7 protection against water damage caused by washing machine floods. Some flood protection devices sound an audible alarm.
•  Automatic Washing Machine Water Shutoff Valve and Leak Sensor – The shut off valve protects against catastrophic water damage. It allows water to flow when it senses that the washing machine is turned on, and stops water from flowing if the machine is turned off. It also stops water from flowing if it senses excessive water flow or detects a leak.

Smoke Odor Damage

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage

Areas of a Home Commonly Affected by Fire Damage

The level of damage varies depending on where a fire originated. An enclosed space typically will not have as much smoke damage as a large, open room with multiple appliances and a lot of wiring in the walls. Additionally, certain parts of a room may experience more damage than others.

Ceilings
 
Hot air rises, the highest concentration of smoke residue is commonly found directly above where a fire started - usually on the ceiling above the point of origin. Nail heads in the ceiling (and walls) can also attract smoke particles, which appear as an outline of a ring around them.

Corners
 
When smoke particles are ionized - or have an electrical charge - they are attracted to certain surfaces. Smoke produced by burning plastic carries a stronger charge than smoke from wood, paper or cotton. This causes smoke residue to form in clusters that look like cobwebs in the corners of rooms where walls and ceilings meet.

Walls & Windows 
 
Windows and exterior walls are normally cooler than the center of a room and because smoke  travels to areas with a lower temperature, it's common to find smoke residue on outside walls and in spaces behind drapes and blinds, even more so than surrounding surfaces.

If you notice a lingering smoke smell in your home or business call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

SERVPRO Tips

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Do You Have Bed Bugs?

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Bed Bug

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation 

• Adult Bedbugs are the shape and size of an apple seed.
• After feeding, bed bugs defecate brown stains on porous surfaces.
• Bed bug bites may appear as red welts on the skin. 
• Bed bug can be found on mattresses, box springs, headboards, footboards, bed frames and other furniture near a bed.

Facts

• Bed bugs are easily transported into previously non-infested dwellings
• Bed Bugs can be found in hotels, gyms, offices, schools and stores. 
• Bed Bugs travel on bags, clothes and in vehicles.

Where Bed Bugs Hide

When not feeding, bed bugs hide in a variety of places. Around the bed, they can be found near the piping, seams and tags of the mattress and box spring, and in cracks on the bed frame and headboard.

If a room is heavily infested, you may find bed bugs:

• In the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, in the folds of curtains
• In drawer joints
• In electrical receptacles and appliances
• Under loose wall paper and wall hangings
• At the junction where the wall and the ceiling meet
• Even in the head of a screw
• Since bed bugs are only about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really small hiding spots. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug

Keeping a clean and uncluttered house can save you time and money by drastically decreasing your chance of bed bug infestation. 

SERVPRO History

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

History of SERVPRO

From a small beginning as a painting business in Sacramento, CA, in 1967, SERVPRO has become one of the most recognizable names in the restoration industry. Within two years, owners Ted and Doris Isaacson used their expertise in the cleaning and restoration to expand their business offerings. Soon afterwards, they began to offer franchises and grew steadily so that by 1979, SERVPRO had 175 locations.

SERVPRO grew exponentially after relocating its headquarters in 1988 to Gallatin, TN, about 30 miles outside of Nashville. The Isaacsons moved the company there so that its headquarters could be located within 600 miles of half of the population of the United States. Since that time, SERVPRO has nearly tripled its size with over 1,700 locally owned and operated franchises across the United States.

SERVPRO remains a family-owned company, with the Isaacson’s eldest child, Susan Steen, as the company’s chief executive officer. Steen is joined by family members Randall Isaacson and Rick Isaacson as president and executive vice president, respectively.

Staff & Training

As a national company, SERVPRO has resources at its disposal that smaller, local companies may not have. These resources include a national staff that can help local franchisees with support in various aspects of running a business, that include human resources personnel, business analyst, customer service representatives, Quickbooks specialists, national accounts coordinators, marketing data analysts, property claims adjusters and vendor coordinators.

Franchisees receive support and special training from the moment they become part of the company. The first step is a 15-day training program at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility in Tennessee. The basic course covers fire and water restoration, mold mitigation and carpet and upholstery cleaning. Franchise employees can also take the 15-day training course but also have a separate self-paced program for certification in fire and water restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning and crew training.

What’s more, SERVPRO provides its employees with plenty of ongoing training that includes web-based, self-paced e-learning modules that include video presentations and support materials. The company also offers credit and noncredit courses that cover the latest knowledge and techniques in emergency mitigation. Topics include water and fire damage restoration, restorative drying, mitigation awareness response and mold mitigation and restoration.

In addition, SERVPRO partners with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to provide year-round training classes that certifies employees to work in the restoration field. Courses for applied structural drying occur in the company’s purpose-built ASD training facility.

Do You Understand Mold Removal and Remediation ?

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. We understand mold and mold growth. 

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

1. Mold Containment
2. Air Filtration
3. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
4. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Have Questions? 

Contact us at 303-576-6868

Has Your Rental Property Been Affected?

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Affected Wall

What Landlords and Property Managers Should Know

The number of houses and commercial buildings that are used for growing marijuana is increasing. As medical and recreational marijuana becomes legal in more states it also becomes legal to grow at home for certain people. Grow rooms are becoming more common & cause great damage and microbial growth if improperly built or operated.

How Can a Grow Operation Affect Your Property?

• Mold growth from inadequate ventilation causing high levels of humidity

• Incorrect wiring or overloaded circuits can result in a fire.

• Poor quality electrical work may lower resale value.

Structural Damage

• Holes for ventilation and electrical access

• Wood rot

• Rusted hollow columns

• Damaged duct system from plant sap and high levels of humidity

• Residual marijuana odor

Don’t Become The Victim

Should cannabis related issues arise after the lease has been signed and if there was no clause prohibiting it, you’ll need to rely on an anti-drug or crime policy that hopefully was included in the lease. A breach of the lease could be cause for eviction if the tenant doesn’t

comply after getting a written notice. If you did not include such a clause, it will be difficult to enforce your wishes during the term of the lease.

SERVPRO 

Call us at 303-576-6868

We provide results while minimizing the disruption to your business or home.

The Most Likely Causes of Flood Damage To Your Denver Home

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Storm and Flooding Problems in Denver

SERVPRO Advises on Water Diversion to Prevent Flooding of Your Home

Even though Denver might be the mile-high city, it has seen its fair share of torrential storms over the past few years. When the conditions got bad enough, it could tear down power lines and uproot trees. Out of all of these situations that could have caused severe damages to homes, and permit unrestricted access to high volumes of rainwater, perhaps the most common of circumstances behind this disaster was the improper maintenance of water diversion equipment.
 
Flood damage to your Denver home can be the result of some different scenarios that are out of your control, but one thing that you can always have direct control over is the functionality of your gutters, drain systems and stability of your foundation. Maintenance of these three areas can ensure that your home is the most prepared it can be for potential severe weather conditions.
 
One thing that our SERVPRO professionals often recognize when we are called out for flood damage restoration jobs is the condition of the gutter system. This equipment is the first line of defense that your house has against diverting excess water from your roof to an area well away from the foundation of your home. In many cases of flooding, however, the gutter system is clogged or disconnected, which allows water to flow freely against your house and into the critical area right around its foundation.
 
Another problem that our technicians often come across is faulty (or completely nonexistent) french drain systems. When water is allowed to get into the area closest to your foundation, this is a system intended to collect this water before the weight of the earth can build enough pressure to damage the structure or force the water through (and into your house). Our experienced SERVPRO team can help you to identify the functioning status of this system, or help you to determine if this is something that your home requires.
 
Your foundation should be adequately waterproofed. This process typically gets done through the use of a roll-on mastic or material to the exterior of your home, precisely where the structure rests below grade. Failure of this step could leave your wall vulnerable to penetration from the pressurized water.
 
If you are dealing with flood damage to your home, you can call SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. We are available at all hours of the day to help restore your home from the unforeseen disasters like this one. Call us anytime at (303) 593-1374.

Fall and Winter in the Mile High CIty click here

Accidents That Cause Water Damage To Your Denver House

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Clogged Drains Cause Water Damage in Denver Homes, Call SERVPRO for Water Removal

A Small Mistake Can Lead to Major Water Spillage and Damage

Accidents are not always kind to the average homeowner. Something as simple as forgetting to turn off a faucet can have disastrous results to your Denver house. These unexpected and potentially damaging accidents are amplified considerably when there are young children in the home. Regardless of how it happened, you want to know how to clean up the mess it has left behind.
 
Water damage in Denver homes is not something uncommon, but it can very quickly put your life to a halt. Though you may return in a short time, this surplus of water can seep into your flooring can create a substantial mess. Even the most careful and diligent of homeowners cannot account for a brief bit of forgetfulness, and it can often require restoration services and water removal efforts.
 
The trouble with excessive water damages is that there are often issues that you cannot even see fully with the naked eye. Structural weaknesses in your floors or walls can be made exponentially worse with the presence of water, and these kinds of lasting damages are not always apparent. That is why giving our SERVPRO team a call can help you to keep total damages to a minimum and provide a peace of mind that you have seen the last of the trouble the accident created.
 
Fortunately, our SERVPRO emergency response team is available 24/7 to help you get your house back in order quickly and mitigate costs associated with the problem being allowed to get worse. Restoration is a process that begins with the removal of all of the water via wet vacs. Pumps are used if the volume of water exceeds the limitations of portable wet vac units, and then drying air movers are set up to remove all trace of lingering moisture from the incident altogether.
 
Accidents are just that: accidents. You cannot anticipate when they might happen or the potential damages they could do, but you do know who can clean up the messes they create. Give our team at SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan a call anytime at (303) 593-1374.

Click here for more about The Mile High City.

Fire Damages Denver Home Undergoing Remodeling

11/19/2017 (Permalink)

When smoke and soot damages your home, contact SERVPRO to begin remediation and restoration efforts right away for best results.

SERVPRO Technicians Clean Up So That Your Project Can Proceed As Scheduled

During a rehabbing project a homeowner may expect problems, but understandably expects the issues to be ones of budget overruns or construction material backorders. When Denver contractors work on a number of different projects at the same time, errors in operation or judgment happen. Some mistakes or accidents can lead to disasters like a fire during a renovation.
 
Your home remodeling project halted abruptly due to fire damage in Denver when conductive heat came in contact with some combustible insulation while construction crews were welding. Compounding the event was the malfunction of the fire extinguisher initially used to smother the flames. The damage is a combination of scorched building materials and soot and smoke that invaded the rest of your home. Our fire damage crew can help with both.
 
Although frightening, the actual blaze and its immediate effects are relatively straightforward to remediate. Burned insulation switched out, chemical extinguisher foam cleaned up, and charred studs sealed or replaced quickly turn back time in your soon-to-be-remodeled room, permitting those jobs to move onward. You need the SERVPRO touch in areas of your home not receiving remodeling services.
 
It may seem odd that fire damage is worse so far from the site of the blaze, but that is the nature of smoke and soot. While the insulation smoldered and the fire extinguisher sputtered, the rest of your home received an unexpected and unwanted coating of residue and persistent smoky odors. It floats through the air, perhaps helped by an operating HVAC system. The particles spread and are highly corrosive. Unless we attend to it, your furnishings, fixtures, and structures, no matter how far from the fire, begin to deteriorate. SERVPRO technicians know how to remove fire residues safely and efficiently.
 
The smoldering fire in this type of situation generates a sticky coating. Unlike dry ash and light soot, this oily coating may need abrasive tools and scrubbing with special cleaners or solvents. SERVPRO team members are familiar with the various types of sooty residues and match the appropriate cleaners to them. Our deodorization experts then work on eradicating the harsh smell of melted insulation that pervades your home. We have a range of options available, including thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators that safely neutralize odor bearing particles.
 
SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan has the answer when your remodeling project hits a wall. Remediate the effects of fire damage with our help by calling (303) 593-1374.

For more information about the City of Denver, Colorado visit:  https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en.html

Common Causes of Denver Commercial Water Damages

11/11/2017 (Permalink)

Equipment to put out fires can malfunction and cause water damage to your business. Schedule regular maintenance and call SERVPRO for drying services.

Regular Maintenance Plays a Big Part in Preventing Commercial Water Damage Disasters

When business owners think about commercial water damages, they often tend to fixate on torrential storms causing flooding and structural damages. While this can undoubtedly happen given the right circumstances, other situations can severely damage commercial buildings that owners tend to overlook and leave unchecked.

Here are some of the more common causes of commercial water damages:
 
Malfunctioning equipment has played a significant role in commercial water damage claims in Denver. Major appliances used for production, or even something as simple as the buildings water heater, can degrade and eventually break. You should have water storage tanks and equipment that is directly linked to the water supply checked regularly for weak spots or leaks.
 
Sprinkler systems are a significant component to keeping your office or storefront safe from the threats of fire. Unfortunately, sometimes these systems are improperly installed or just break. The result is a large volume of water (typically meant to suppress a fire) raining down from the fixtures or pouring out of the pipes. This is also something that should be maintained from year to year with regular inspections of the sprinklers by a competent individual.
 
Commercial water damage in Denver can be caused by freezing pipes as well. With temperatures far below freezing on average through the winter months, it does not take much exposure for uninsulated pipes to freeze and rupture. While we at SERVPRO act quickly to respond to your emergency situation, it would benefit you to learn the location of the water shut off to your building. This can help the situation from getting worse as you wait for our team of professionals to arrive.
 
 Our experienced team here at SERVPRO has seen a lot of commercial water damages over the years from various sources. While improper installation and operator errors can have their role in a portion of these instances, many of them happen at random with little warning to any trouble. Preventative maintenance can be a great way to stay ahead of disasters before they happen.
 
If you do find yourself amid cleanup efforts for damages to your businesses or company, trust SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. We are available 24/7 to get your storefront or property back up and running after any kind of unforeseen water damaging event. You can reach us anytime at (303) 593 - 1374.

For more information about the City of Denver, Colorado visit:  https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en.html

Mold Damage Respects No Season in Denver

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

You can find mold growing in many places in your home. If you happen to see or smell mold, contact us for a quick yet thorough investigation.

Our Certified Technicians Properly Remediate Mold Infestations Regardless of the Climate

Individuals often believe that the risk of mold causing problems in Denver homes decreases as the weather grows cooler. Unfortunately, with over 100,000 strains of mold known to researchers, many are noted to proliferate in chilly circumstances. Other factors also affect the number of active colonies inside a home. We are available to assess and remediate mold growth any time of the year.
 
Mold damage in Denver actually can increase during the cooler months for many reasons. Although it would seem that the indoor air in your home should be trending drier as the heat begins to operate, some spaces in your home may be more humid than ever. Ambient humidity of over 60 percent can support mold growth without the need for a flooding event, leaks, or spills. We are familiar with this phenomenon and have proven strategies to help you abate the problem.
 
Humidity rises in areas where water use is frequent, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas. The colder temperature outside means windows open during the summer and fall are now closed, trapping the moist warm air inside. Mold spores need just a bit of moisture to sprout and grow. The condensation on a cold window or tiles in a shower stall is enough to initiate and multiply a colony of mold. Moldy substances are also kicked or raked up with the autumn leaves, walking right into your home. If boots and shoes are damp, or the mudroom floor has an absorbent rug, mold has found a new home. SERVPRO mold specialists quickly isolate these problems and have solutions to eliminate the mold damage fast.
 
The SERVPRO remediation team contains the moldy materials using physical barriers or a negative pressure air scrubber during removal. We then disinfect the area and move on to the source of the moisture. Until exhaust fans are installed or used correctly, we dehumidify the air in the rooms with humidity-fueled mold. Our technicians measure moisture levels and run fans or dehumidifiers until drying targets are met. Mudrooms need a routine cleaning and a tray where footwear can shed moisture, and then have that water discarded.
 
Get reliable remediation for mold damage 365 days of the year from the professionals at SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. Phone (303) 593-1374 for a speedy inspection and development of an abatement plan.

For more information regarding Denver, click here

Avoiding Health Effects After Flood Damage in Denver

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggests supplying your emergency flood kit with watertight dressings to keep contaminated water out of wounds when needed.

SERVPRO Can Safely Mitigate Flood Damage and Help Keep You Safe 

Flood damage is a real risk for many homeowners in Colorado. Some terrible weather has blasted through the state this year, bringing to mind just how easy it is for mother nature to wreak havoc on communities. Being caught up in flooding is a frightening experience, even if you have prepared well. However, it is a good idea to think ahead and plan what to do in the event of a flood in Denver.

One thing SERPVRO recommends all homeowners to be aware of is the cause of health effects following flood damage in the Denver area. It is not a pleasant topic but it is an important one, and having some foreknowledge now could help you in the future.

Floodwaters have the potential to cause health effects. It is vital that you not expose injuries to contaminated water.

One way to protect yourself is by covering any scratches, cuts or rashes with a waterproof bandage. Include watertight dressings as part of your emergency flood kit, so you have them on hand if needed.

It is also important to keep wounds as clean as possible. Wash abrasions regularly with clean water (preferably bottled water) and unscented soap.

If you notice signs of health effects please seek medical attention straight away.

Do not attempt to tackle flood water removal on your own. We recommend calling SERVPRO as soon as you can – We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our staff is on hand to help with flood water removal and damage cleanup.

Our IICRC-certified technicians have access to truck-mounted and free-standing pumps to get as much water as possible out of your property. We help you decide which possessions to save and which to discard. We clean all surfaces and disinfect where necessary, and can even help with odor removal after cleaning is complete.

For help with flood damage mitigation in Littleton, Columbine, Bow Mar, Denver and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan at (303) 593-1374 today.

For more information about Denver, click here.

Fire Damage From a Burning Candle in Denver Homes

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowners should always be cautious when there are lit candles in their home.

Candles Can Easily Cause Fire Damage in Denver Homes

When the lights go out, it is common for people in Denver to use candles for lighting. One of the disadvantages of this source of light is its ability to cause a fire without warning. A lit, abandoned candle in the bedroom, for instance, could set the curtains and upholstery ablaze, leading to immense property losses. If the fire spreads to other rooms, it can compromise the structural integrity of the building.

The days, weeks, and even months following the fire disaster can be overwhelming. One way SERVPRO can help ease the tension is dispatching fire damage restoration experts from our Denver branch to salvage your property. We have industry standard tools and equipment and follow IICRC guidelines in every restoration process. We're Faster to Any Disaster, and our reputation precedes us in our dedication to restoring fire-damaged homes to preloss conditions quickly and efficiently.

A good way to avoid fire damage when using candles is by exercising safety precautions. Keep candles at least twelve inches from anything that might burn, including tablecloths, books, magazines, and other combustible materials, and always keep an eye on burning candles. Remember to blow them out if you are going to sleep or leaving the room.

At SERVPRO, we have encountered several instances of fire damage that were caused by unstable bases. Be sure to place the candle on a sturdy surface and, if possible, use a flashlight instead of a candle in the event of a blackout. In some cases, fires occur due to the fact that many people believe that candles are safe.

Jar candles, in particular, are set in a glass container that provides a false sense of security. People assume that they are foolproof just because they are in a glass. However, the wick can heat up the glass as the wax burns off, causing it to fail and explode. The flaming wick could result in tremendous fire damage. Candles contained in a tin jar are equally susceptible to fire damage. The candle tends to heat up the tin as it bums down, and it may light up whatever it is sitting on.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If your bedroom, living room, or other space in your home sustains fire damage from a burning candle, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. Our team of professional restoration experts is available 24/7, every day of the week. You can reach us at (303) 593-1374.

For more information regarding the city of Denver, click here.

Complete Water Removal Protects Littleton Homes after Overflows and Backups

10/6/2017 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO team to take care of your water woes!

SERVPRO Can Tackle Any Type Of Littleton Water Damage

Having a problem with water overflowing from a forgotten tub or a clogged toilet can cause problems with damage in your Littleton home. Removing the water must begin almost immediately after to prevent water from spreading any further. As water spreads out, it becomes increasingly harder to extract.

Residents in Littleton can protect their dwellings by using professional water removal services. The process can seem complicated, but in reality, we match our equipment and techniques to the factors of the situation. The amount, location, and degree of contamination all help to decide the necessary procedures and methods.

When large areas become saturated with standing water, we use a truck-mounted pump that quickly removes all water. Afterward, we can then proceed with smaller units. These are highly portable and easily operated by hand. Working our way down to smaller levels of saturation, we soon can concentrate on increased moisture and humidity.

To save flooring and protect it from warping due to exposure to moisture, our SERVPRO technicians use heated mats. As these mats heat the area, the rate of evaporation increases. We then remove the moisture via an attached extraction unit that holds the condensed moisture in a tank.

Saving lower areas of walls from moisture is aided by air blowers directed at an angle toward the walls. Ceilings can also experience problems in lower floors, and we extract the water from ceilings by drilling tiny holes. Without these holes, water remains trapped and hidden, able to seep into the material slowly. This can eventually cause the ceiling to collapse. These holes can prevent this from ever happening and save a ceiling that might otherwise fail.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan want to help you keep your home in excellent shape. Water removal can save your home from damage and protect your family from exposure to the effects of water damage. Serving our community 24 hours a day, every day of the year, you can contact us by calling our local number, (303) 593-1374.

For more information regarding the city of Littleton, click here. 

Mold Damage in Your Pets' Area can Spread Throughout Your Denver Home Unless Prevented

9/30/2017 (Permalink)

Pet bowls with water can readily spill and cause water damage in part of your house. If you have water damage or mold spreading, contact SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Mold Infestations in Your Home as Well as Offer Deterrents to Mold Forming in an Area

Family pets in Denver provide joy and the chance to enhance the responsibilities of your children. Pets and their care sometimes create problems, though, when spills from water bowls and potty accidents seep fluids into the floor's cracks. This can lead to moisture build-up and eventually other problems, including weakened floors.

Homeowners with pets should be aware of the possibility of mold damage in Denver around their pets' area in their homes. Because pets already produce bad smells and stains, the addition of mold growing, which can cause similar odors, can cause fungal growth to be overlooked.

The technicians at SERVPRO know that mold spores can help mold colonies to start in other locations in your home, and the key to this is prevention via control of the indoor environment of your home. Cleaning up spills after they happen is rarely enough to prevent microbial activity. Leftover dampness can promote growth in even the smallest locations, and this can spread later, possibly causing more pronounced growth and subsequent damages.

When we treat a set-aside location for your pets' water and food bowls, as well as their sleeping area, with Concrobium, mold can not grow. This is a very strong mold-inhibitor that is safe for use around both pets and children. It encapsulates any mold present and crushes it during the drying process. We can apply this like paint, or as a spray. The application is a straightforward process that provides long-lasting protection.

When microorganisms have taken hold of your home after spreading out from pet bedding, we can assist you in making your home “Like it never even happened.” Mold and other microbes damage structures inside your home by actually eating the materials contained in those structures. This consumption breaks things down at the molecular level, where the molecular framework determines the strength of the item. Visible signs of deterioration include crumbling, bulging, and peeling, although many others exist.

When a home suffers from mold damage, we assist homeowners by using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology in tools and measuring devices. Readings for moisture help detect hidden mold that might have remained hidden otherwise. Safely removing damaged materials prevents the spread of mold spores, protecting areas with normal microbial activity in the home from contamination. Spraying the interiors of walls where one side remains unaffected can inhibit the future growth of mold effectively.  

Cleaning hard materials such as stone and concrete can often suffice in controlling microbes, but overall humidity plays a major role in how well-protected your home becomes. Installing a dehumidifier can spell success for you in your fight against microbes, creating a healthier environment for both your family and your pets.  

SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan can provide you with the services needed to restore your home and keep it protected. Call (303) 593-1374 to speak with us about mold damage can afflict your home, and how we can put a stop to the damage.

For more information regarding Denver, click here

Make Sure Your Denver Salon’s Water Removal Plan Includes These Key Points

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Denver Businesses Benefit from Using the SERVPRO ERP Plan

Use SERVPRO's ERP Plan to Help Prevent and Mitigate Losses

Water has the potential to damage any business. A broken pipe or leaking faucet in your Denver salon could lead to temporary closure or water damage to equipment or furnishings such as your carpet or drapes. Any closure or destruction is bad news for your business because not only do you lose money when you are closed, but you also have to pay to replace any damaged items. That is why SERVPRO recommends salons have a water removal plan in place to guide you should the worst happen.
 
Your Denver salon might need water removal at any time. You cannot always prevent leaks or spills from occurring, but you can draw up an emergency plan so that you and your staff know what to do and whom to call in the case of an emergency. We recommend including these key points.
 
Who to call in an emergency: Make sure everyone knows whom to call when something happens. Include managers, emergency services if necessary, and of course, do not forget to add SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians have free standing and truck mounted pumps and a range of extraction tools on hand to deal with any water removal needs.
 
The chain of command: Your staff needs to know whom to call and who is responsible for each aspect of the cleanup and water removal operation.
 
Insurance details: Ensure everyone knows how to contact your insurers and has all the insurance details to hand. Not all business insurance covers water removal so make sure you have the right coverage in place before anything happens.
 
Action steps: Set out a list of action steps to take, for example moving items to a higher position, or stopping the flow of water until the emergency services arrive, if possible.
 
Plan for reopening: The idea is to get your salon up and running again as fast as possible. Have a plan in place to make the process smoother and easier.
 
The SERVPRO Ready Profile Plan is easy to use app that makes it easy for salon owners to plan for water removal and other incidents. You get the guidance you need to assess your premises and draw up an emergency plan, and also receive downloadable forms and plans you can use in an emergency.
 
For help with water removal in Columbine, Bow Mar, Sheridan and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan at (303) 593-1374 today.

Learn more about this Mile High City by clicking.

An Answer to Flood Damage That May Occur on Your Denver Area Property

9/10/2017 (Permalink)

If you live in a flood prone area, talk to the technicians at SERVPRO for prevention tips. Contact us if flooding already occurred for remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Damage After a Flood AND Help Prepare Your Home for Possible Flooding

Continuous rainfall, hail storms, and high winds can lead to some pretty significant damage to your Denver home. It takes a trained professional to spot all of the problems and help limit any losses you might experience as a result.  

If you are looking for help preparing your home to combat flood damage in Denver that may occur after a storm, it can be beneficial to have a pre-existing relationship with a quality restoration company. Having qualified professionals take a first-hand look at your property can save you from having to deal with many problems down the road.

In the past, most homeowners called a roofer, plumber, or electrician to handle problems in their specific fields. However, restoration companies, like SERVPRO, make it possible to gain access to highly trained professionals who are well versed in different types of repair, all in one place. This offers you full-service solutions to any problems that exists in your home.

Since it is no longer necessary to call and schedule multiple contractors to perform various services, you save time and get the most for your money. SERVPRO technicians are fully IICRC certified, which means that we have the training and experience to perform quality restoration services in your home. We handle everything from roof damage to yard grading, keeping your home safe and secure from top to bottom while also limiting any damages you might experience.

Our SERVPRO technicians can perform a full inspection of your property to help you search for potential problems and be there for you when disaster strikes. We respond, “Faster To Any Size Disaster,” and make damage disappear, “Like It Never Even Happened.” These might sound like simple statements to you. However, each of our employees makes every effort to deliver quality services to our customers, and we show it in everything we do for you.  

Give SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan the opportunity to provide you with cleanup and restoration services you can trust. We look forward to being your answer to emergency situations that occur on your property, call today. (303) 593-1374

For more information regarding Denver, click here

Mold Damage Prevention Tips as Summer Comes to a Close in Denver

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Denver Needs Professional Services for Cleanup and Disinfecting. Try SERVPRO

Denver Homes Grapple with Mold and Call on SERVPRO for Remediation

School is soon to begin for another year, while new activities and school sports replace summertime fun. While homeowners in Denver put things away until the Spring, there are a few things to keep in mind, so the extended time in storage poses little risk.
 
Denver families can minimize the possibility of mold damage happening to their belongings. These organisms are interesting to learn about, and knowing the facts can be helpful in preventing microbial growth.
 
Mold is everywhere. Microbes live everywhere in your home. The most common location to find them is on a shaded windowsill. This shows that while they are everywhere, they also travel from the outdoors to the inside of your home rather easily, even without any help other than a gentle breeze.
 
All organism need water to live. If plants drank water as fungi do, the most forgetful person would never kill a plant. Mold can get adequate water intake from elevated moisture in the surrounding air and nearby surfaces that collect condensation. Continual sources of water help mold colonies to flourish.
 
Natural sunlight is better at killing mold than bleach. Sunlight disrupts the chemical processes mold must carry out to survive. When exposed to sunlight, mold slowly dies off. Bleach bottles contain much higher concentrations of water than bleach. Bleach molecules are too large to penetrate into the same materials that the hyphae or roots of the mold grow into for anchorage. Placing items outside on a sunny day is more effective than using bleach as an antimicrobial cleaning agent. SERVPRO strongly recommends never to use bleach to exterminate mold.
 
When packing things up, use plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes and only fill them with items that have been cleaned and then allowed to dry out completely. If plastic boxes are unavailable, use sturdy plastic bags and secure them tightly before placing them inside cartons. Items that have suspicious stains should air out in the sunlight, if possible, and then packed separately from other items.
 
SERVPRO trains our technicians in IICRC methods, including how to restore your home through remediation. Knowing the normal ranges for mold activity helps us determine where your home's mold spores and colony population rest, and which methods are most appropriate for your situation.
 
Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) can discuss your specific mold situation with you. Assuring you that your home remains protected from mold damage is much easier, and also much less expensive, intrusive, and time-consuming, then restoration through remediation at a later time.
 
You can contact SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan at (303) 593-1374 for any concerns about mold damage in your home. We are always ready to answer when you call, regardless of the hour or day of the week.

Click here for more about this city.

Denver Fire Damage Restored By SERVPRO

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Fire & Smoke Cleanup in Your Denver Home

A Misbehaving Grill Causes Smoke and Fire Problems Needing Cleanup and Restoration

During the summer months, many residents enjoy relaxing on patios and decks. Dinner cooked al fresco is a welcome change of pace, and even small outdoor areas feature compact grills that may on rare occasions cause a wooden deck or roof to catch on fire. SERVPRO assists with both indoor and outdoor fire damage fast so summer fun can continue at your Denver BBQ.
 
You planned to end a leisurely day with a delicious meal from the grill with friends and family. An unexpected flare up caused fire damage when it set your Denver townhouse’s second-floor deck ablaze. Exterior siding and the wooden awning burned, while smoke and soot drifted through the open French doors into your living area. Once the fire department completes its final inspection, we arrive to set things right both outdoors and indoors.
 
Our SERVPRO project manager assesses the deck area for safety and to view the damage before work begins. An inspection of the interior of your home is essential even if no actual burning occurred inside. Any hot air, full of smoke and soot, pulled into your home through the deck doors possibly spread smoke residues. Smoke, ashes, and soot are extremely corrosive and discolor, etch, and otherwise, deteriorate surfaces and contents within your townhouse.
 
The SERVPRO crew gets to work, cleaning off charring outside and determining whether any structural pieces need to be removed and replaced. We scrub and refinish salvageable areas, quickly returning your deck to usable condition. Our mission is always to restore as much as possible, saving you money and minimizing the disruption to your place. We work with your insurance to maximize benefits to you through paid claims.
 
If fire damage did invade the interior, we use a range of products to clean surfaces. Light ash and soot respond well to vacuums with HEPA filters and dry sponging. Stickier coatings may need a spray and wipe technique, or an abrasive approach in some cases. SERVPRO has immersion tanks and even ultrasonic methods available if larger and detailed items need specialized cleaning. Clothing and window coverings launder out smoke and soot damage, although dry cleaning may be necessary for delicate or non-washable fabrics.
 
If dinner plans go up in smoke, SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan is ready to help you get through the aftermath of a deck fire. Call us at (303) 593-1374 as soon as the fire fighters depart from your Denver, Sheridan, or Littleton property so we can get on the job quickly.

See the Mile High City here.

When Water Damage Hinders Homeowners on the Denver Real Estate Market

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Keeps Unwanted Water Out of Denver Properties

SERVPRO Helps Restore Damages Caused by Water and Other Factors in Denver Properties

The Denver real estate market experiences the same ups and downs as any other market in America, but because of the permanent nature of houses in general, the market is geared more toward buyers and their needs. Small problems, though, that seem inconsequential can lose a sale.
 
Home buyers might not be specifically on the lookout for water damage signs in Denver homes they view, but they have become more educated about the hidden problems to look for in a prospective home. When a home reaches the market, the sellers have most likely made any visibly needed repairs, small improvements, and manicured the lawn. Even if these are all immaculate and indicative of a well-maintained home, stains on surfaces, bubbled wallpaper, warped trim or other millwork, and uneven flooring spell damage from water.
 
Damaged areas within a home can happen anyplace, and these can be minor to severe in how much they affect a home's appeal and safety. IICRC certified technicians from SERVPRO work together, using their training and previous experience while restoring all of a home's specific damage issues simultaneously. Structural soundness is highly important to home buyers, but excluding the aesthetics is never advisable, either.
 
Peeling paint is not merely ugly to look at, but it can pose choking hazards and other health risks. Some homes are required to have a disclosure notice regarding hidden flaws that sellers are aware of, including any lead paint content. Exposure to humidity and other sources of moisture over time can exacerbate the problem of flaking paint, just as it can affect other aspects of a home.
 
Although lead is a heavy metal, it can still find its way into other areas of a home when the lead paint has been sanded away from surfaces, leaving them contaminated and unsafe. When paint contains lead, government regulations require removal in an approved manner only. Unauthorized work can increase the risk of exposure to lead for future occupants while placing home sellers at risk of law suits from buyers who later discover the reality of the situation. SERVPRO has experts certified in RRRP, qualifying them to renovate areas covered in lead paint.
 
Due to the complications that these and other problems create for homeowners, SERVPRO technicians receive training in many different aspects of home restoration. We can help you in preparing your home for the market, even if your home suffers from severe water damage problems.
 
SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan is ready to take your call and answer any concerns you might have about water damage or other problems your home has that might make your home less safe. Contact us, 24/7, at (303) 593-1374.

Visit the Mile High City here.

Leave Mold Remediation to Us

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

A close-up image of microbial growth.

Finding mold in your home can be anywhere from an annoyance to a scary occurrence. People react differently, but one thing is for certain: most everyone wants to get rid of it. We've heard all sorts of do-it-yourself methods, such as painting over it, spraying bleach on it, or even removing the material if possible (ex: drywall or baseboard). The truth is that anytime it comes to dealing with mold remediation, you should always hire a professional and here's why: mold spores. Anytime you disturb any material containing mold, you could be releasing spores into the air. Our technicians are trained with special techniques to contain any spores that may be exposed in the air. They can also make sure that all mold spores are safely removed from the area and not spread to other areas in the home. When it comes to the air quality in your home, don't take any chances. Call the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Preventing Commercial Water Damage During Construction of Your New Business

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage get your business down before opening day.

As a new business owner, the last thing you want is water damage during the construction of your business. However, it can happen if the proper procedures are not followed. Remember that SERVPRO is proud to serve our local business owners when the unexpected happens, but this article from The Hartford Insurance explains what can happen: 

 Common causes of water damage during construction include:

• Improper installation of weatherproofing, waterproofing and moisture barrier systems on the exterior skin of a building

• Poorly glued connections on plastic pipes or improperly sweated copper pipe connections

Supervisors should ensure that all weatherproofing/ waterproofing installations adhere to the building plans, manufacturers’ specifications, industry standards, and all relevant building codes. The WDPP (Water Damage Protection Plan) should include a quality control plan for plumbing connections and fittings such as marking each connection with a permanent marker. The plan should also include the fire sprinkler system. Worksite inspections should verify that:

• Water accumulations from rain and groundwater are not migrating into the building

• All door and window openings are covered at the end of each work shift and prior to inclement weather

• Water lines and mechanical equipment are protected from freezing

• Sprinkler or plumbing lines that are pressure tested with water are drained immediately following the test

• Standpipe valves are closed

• Roof drains are not blocked with leaves or debris

• Sink drains are not clogged

• Storage areas are dry and well ventilated

• Materials are raised off the floor by pallets for storage Controls

The WDPP (Water Detection Protection Plan) often outlines preventative measures to minimize the risk of water damage such as an administrative policy to shut off the domestic water supply during off-hours. Supervisory personnel should verify that no trades will be working during off-hours before shutting off the water supply. In addition, they must ensure that the domestic water line doesn’t provide water to any operating mechanical system that requires a constant water source. Other preventative procedures include:

• Providing a secondary power source (i.e. generator) when using sump pumps or other water pumping systems

• Testing sprinkler and plumbing systems with air pressure to identify system leaks before charging with water

• Sealing leading edges of roofing materials at the end of each day to prevent storm water from getting under an incomplete roofing membrane

• Providing heat during the winter in buildings with charged water lines or standpipes to protect from freezing

• Leaving a gap of at least 1/2” between the drywall and the floor to minimize water contact in the event floors become wet

Many leak detection systems are available to help prevent water damage. Many commercial water flow detection systems are completely non-intrusive (no cutting of pipe to install) and easy to program. Passive leak detectors monitor water flow and sound an alarm (local or connected to a centrally monitored system) when water starts to flow and the system is armed during off hours. Active leak detectors not only generate an alarm, but can also prevent water leaks by automatically shutting off the water supply. The WDPP can list the leak detection systems used on-site, identify supervisory personnel responsible for their use, and refer to the operating guidelines for each system.

Source: https://www.thehartford.com/sites/the_hartford/files/preventing-water-damage-during-construction.pdf

SERVPRO STORM Response

3/23/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO STORM Team mobilizes!

Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreak havoc on communities large and small.

Whether its turbulent blizzards, or torrid flooding, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.

In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.

SERVPRO strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation. 

From the initial damage assessment, to communicating with your insurance adjuster, to final billing and processing, SERVPRO supports our clients by providing superior customer service.

SERVPRO happily responds to local and outside STORM events. Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises mobilize and act fast, traveling cross country to assist in disaster clean up in communities across the US and Canada.

SERVPRO works in conjunction with all insurance companies, and is part of the Preferred Service Provider program for many nationally recognized insurance organizations.

For our self-pay customers, SERVPRO offers reasonable, competitive pricing and payment options. We understand that STORM cleanup is an unexpected expense, and strive to make reasonably priced restoration accessible to all our customers.

So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.

What To Do in a Water Emergency

3/23/2017 (Permalink)

Before you start to row your boat, follow these tips and call us!

It happens when you least expect it.  You take the steps to the basement, and when your foot hits the floor, you step onto wet carpet. Yuck. You have no idea where the water is coming from, or how long it’s been there.

 But, after the initial shock and confusion, you may find yourself asking, “What do I do now?”. The following steps can help you navigate the process of managing a water loss in a quick, effective manor, reducing the amount of damage to your home, and keeping overall cost to you as low as possible.

Stopping The Source

Stopping the flow of water is the first step to getting on the right track. Shutting off the water to the appliance or area that is leaking is important to being able to fix the leak. If you are able, shut the water off to this area, or to the whole house if you are unsure of where the water is coming from.

Once the leak is identified, or even if you are unsure of the cause, calling a Licensed Plumber to identify and fix the problem is highly advisable. This ensures that the leak is fixed correctly, and/or that the appliance in question is properly repaired or replaced.

Keeping Damages to a Minimum

Once any amount of water has leaked into your home, there will be damage. However, you can keep this damage to a minimum by calling SERVPRO as soon as possible. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can begin to clean up and minimize the damage, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in home repairs.

Also, the less time the water spends saturating the materials in your home, the lower the likelihood is that your home will develop mold and microbial growth.

Sewage

Water leaking into your home is never desirable. Sewage leaking into your home can be considered a nightmare, especially when it affects a large area or multiple levels in your house. Exposed Sewage can create a risk of mold and microbial growth, as well as illness for those in the home. Prompt clean up and neutralization of contaminates is the first priority.

When sewage backs up through drains or toilets, the first thing to do is call a Licensed Plumber, or your city Water and Sewer Provider. Finding the source, and ensuring that there is not another sewage loss in your home is key to preventing multiple mitigations from being needed, and ultimately keeps the cost to you to a minimum.

Mitigation

Once SERVPRO is on site, an initial assessment will be made of the damages and projected time needed to dry the structure. Also, an assessment will be made of the materials affected, and it will be determined if those materials can be dried, or will need to be removed.

If your contents, such as furniture, boxes, clothing, and decorative items cannot remain in place while drying, SERVPRO provides moving and pack out services for on site or off site storage while mitigation is taking place.

The average mitigation takes about 3 days, but could take less or more time depending on the level of saturation and the scale of the loss.

SERVPRO Technicians and Crew Chiefs use a variety of equipment and tools to ensure proper drying, included but not limited to Dehumidifiers, Air Mover Fans, and Non-Invasive Moisture Monitors.

After Mitigation

Once ensuring that your home has met dry standard, SERVPRO Crew Chiefs and Technicians will remove all equipment and remove any items brought into your home. If materials have been removed, SERVPRO will be happy to refer you to a Contractor for rebuild services.

If no rebuild is needed, you should be able to return to normal life in a clean dry home.

These steps can help guide you through the stressful time of water loss in your home.

Feel free to call SERVPRO at any times with questions about mitigation, water damage, or clean up services.

Water damage is never pleasant, but with SERVPRO you can assure a professional and quality cleanup.

The Reasons You Need SERVPRO's Help After a Fire

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

This is a fire that we responded to in Franktown, CO. This may look like a disaster, but we have the tools to restore it!

The following was taken from the University of Missouri Extension's website. The author, Betty Feather, explains why it is better to call the professionals than to try to "do-it-yourself" after a fire. SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Removing smoke odor from household textiles

Smoke odor could remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies unless it is properly deodorized. Professional fire restorers and some dry cleaners use a deodorizing process that actually breaks up the smoke molecule to eliminate the odor. This deodorization process is called the ozone treatment. The ozone treatment produces an oxidizing agent that creates the same sweet smelling air associated with a rain storm. The ozone treatment can be done by a professional fire restorer at the home with an ozone generator. Sometimes household textiles are deodorized in an ozone room. If the process is done at home, clothing, upholstered furniture and other textile items are put under a tent while the ozone generator is operating. Clothing and other textile items should be deodorized before they are cleaned; otherwise, the smoke odor could be set in the fabric.

Household deodorizing products are temporary relief methods. Deodorizing with perfumes, aerosol sprays, and disinfectants generally only mask the smoke odor. The smoke odor will still remain after the spray or perfume evaporates. In addition, deodorizing sprays may interact with smoke odor and create an additional odor.

Removing smoke odor from the home

Smoke can enter and remain in and between the walls of the living space. If it is not properly removed, the smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, particularly during damp periods. Therefore, action should be taken to properly remove all smoke odors.

During a fire, the heat will expand pores in the walls and fill the pores with smoke. After the fire, the house cools, the pores close and trap the smoke odor. On warm days the pores will open and release the trapped smoke odor, which could settle on furnishings. Professional fire restorers can eliminate the smoke odor with a process called thermal fogging, which opens the pores in the walls and neutralizes the smoke odor. There is probably no process a home owner could use that would work as effectively as thermal fogging.

Household vents and ducts trap smoke odors. During a fire, smoke drifts through the ducts and becomes lodged on the sides. Since it may be impossible to clean the ducts; some professional fire restorers will use a chemical sealer to secure smoke permanently to the sides of the ducts. This procedure prevents smoke odors from drifting in the air at a later time.

If the attic has been insulated prior to the fire, it may be necessary to remove the insulation. Insulation cannot be cleaned; unfortunately, it will need to be replaced because insulation retains smoke odors.

Source: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH145

Water Damage and Flooring

3/2/2017 (Permalink)

Often times when a large amount of water has spilled onto hard surface flooring, it can feel dry on the surface after it has been mopped up with towels. You may wonder why you would need to call SERVPRO. The answer lies below the surface of the flooring. Most flooring types are porous or semi-porous materials, which means that they can absorb and retain water. These would include carpet, non-glazed tile, concrete, and wood. The trapped moisture between the floor and subfloor needs to be extracted. Even flooring such as laminate (pergo) or linoleum can keep moisture trapped under the surface because the moisture cannot penetrate underlayments or vapor barriers associated with these types of flooring.The trapped moisture between the flooring and subfloor creates a perfect environment for mold growth. Because of this, it is always a good idea to have SERVPRO do a moisture check. We have specialized meters that can detect the invisible moisture your flooring may be holding. Based on the assessment and readings by a certified technician, we can formulate a drying plan tailored to your needs and prevent further damage. The quicker you act, the less damage there will be. 

Mold in the Workplace

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your employees safe from mold related illnesses.

Mold can easily grow in many areas of the workplace due to a number of causes. At SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan, our technicians hold a special certification to safely remediate mold from your business. Though it may sometimes seem like something that can be put off, it should be treated and remediated as soon as possible. OSHA published a guide which identified the serious effects mold growth could have on your employees. The following is taken from the OSHA website, www.osha.gov. 

Building-related illnesses (BRIs)

The term building-related illness (BRI) is used to describe illnesses that are characterized by objective clinical findings related to specific exposures in the indoor environment. Building-related illnesses (BRIs) are diagnosed by evaluation of signs and symptoms by physicians or other licensed health care professionals. Mold related BRIs result from mold contamination that has occurred in buildings under specific conditions. All BRIs are preventable by eliminating and controlling the conditions that can lead to the harmful exposures.

How Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) differs from BRI

Terms such as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) have been used to describe situations in which building occupants experience a variety of symptoms that, unlike BRIs, appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Symptoms often disappear after occupants leave the building.

If you suspect that your business may have mold, or you have identified mold, our skilled technicians are happy to help. Skip the bleach and call the pros. 

Mold Remediation: Why Can't I Just Use Bleach?

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Contrary to popular belief, bleach does not kill mold at the source.

We receive this question many times from a concerned caller: "Can I just spray bleach on it?" 

Using bleach to take care of mold was once recommended by agencies such as OSHA and the EPA. However, they have since been revised after research revealed that the "do-all, be-all cure" for killing microbial growth, actually had the opposite effect. First, let us take a look at how mold forms to understand why using bleach is not effective. 

Mold needs water, food and typically a warm temperature to grow. This illustrates the first reason to call SERVPRO: If mold is growing, chances are that the materials are wet. There has likely been a water loss of some sort, and until it is properly dried, mold will continue to grow. 

The chlorine in bleach, due to its ionic composition, cannot penetrate porous surfaces. Porous surfaces include materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood, carpet and many others. Spraying bleach on the mold will only kill it on the surface. Many people do not know that mold actually has roots called hyphae. These roots will still remain in the porous material and eventually rise to the surface again. Remember that bleach contains both chlorine and water. The chlorine cannot make it below the surface - but the water can. Thus, you are actually replenishing the mold with one of the key things it needs to grow - water! Secondly, it will "bleach" the color, making it appear that the mold is gone. Again, this is only on the surface. 

At SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan we use specialized products, designed to travel deep into porous surfaces to remove mold at its roots. Sometimes we cannot remove the mold from the material and the material must be completely removed from the home for the safety of you and your family. Our technicians are trained to differentiate between what can be safely cleaned and what cannot. In addition, live mold releases spores into the air. The air in your home may need to be treated with specialty equipment to make sure that all spores are removed. 

SERVPRO helps customers in Boise, ID

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO heroes to the rescue!

In early January, we received a call from our friends and colleagues at Storm Team Stone to ask if we could help with the overwhelming number of customers needing help from a freeze in Boise, ID. The city and surrounding areas had endured subzero temperatures and snowfall for several days. Customers had ice dams form on their roofs, pipe bursts and many other weather related water losses. We gladly accepted the call to help and loaded up our trucks. On board were our general manager, Matt, our production managers, Troy and Andrew, crew chief Dalton, and technicians, AJ and Ryan. They arrived in Boise and began the process of helping customers get their homes back to normal. They spent about 3 weeks in Boise. With the help of Kimber in the office back in Parker, the event was a complete success and our crews returned feeling like they had made a difference. We would like to extend our thanks to Storm Team Stone and SERVPRO Boise. We couldn't have done it without you! 

SERVPRO Restores Historic Commercial Building After Water Loss

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

The Owyhee Hotel

In January, our crews were in Boise, ID to help customers who had experienced water losses due to subzero temperatures and snowfall over several days. One call we received was from the property manager of a historic building in Boise. The historic Owyhee Hotel, which is now home to several businesses, had experienced water losses in several different areas. We arrived on-site and were able to stabilize the areas. We spent several long days working hard to dry out the affected areas, while still preserving the historic features of the beautiful building. It took over 60 pieces of drying equipment to get the job done. Thank you for trusting SERVPRO to help! To learn more about the historic Owyhee, visit their website at: http://www.theowyhee.com/.

Restaurant Fire Safety

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your restaurant safe with these tips. If you do experience a fire, call SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan to help get you back to business!

Restaurants—with their open flames, hot equipment, electrical connections, cooking oils, cleaning chemicals and paper products—have all the ingredients for a fire to flame out of control. Nearly 8,000 eating and drinking establishments report a fire each year, according to 2006-2010 data tabulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in Quincy, Mass. These fires caused an annual average of $246 million in direct property damage.

A fire can devastate your business, leading to lost revenues and even permanent closure. But there are steps you can take to prevent fires and minimize the damage.

Preventative maintenance

• Install an automatic fire-suppression system in the kitchen. This is crucial because 57% of restaurant fires involve cooking equipment. These systems automatically dispense chemicals to suppress the flames and also have a manual switch. Activating the system automatically shuts down the fuel or electric supply to nearby cooking equipment. Have your fire-suppression system professionally inspected semiannually. The manufacturer can refer you to an authorized distributor for inspection and maintenance.

• Keep portable fire extinguishers as a backup. You’ll need Class K extinguishers for kitchen fires involving grease, fats and oils that burn at high temperatures. Class K fire extinguishers are only intended to be used after the activation of a built-in hood suppression system. Keep Class ABC extinguishers elsewhere for all other fires (paper, wood, plastic, electrical, etc.).

• Schedule regular maintenance on electrical equipment, and watch for hazards like frayed cords or wiring, cracked or broken switch plates and combustible items near power sources.

• Have your exhaust system inspected for grease buildup. The NFPA Fire Code calls for quarterly inspections of systems in high-volume operations and semiannual inspections in moderate-volume operations. Monthly inspections are required for exhaust systems serving solid-fuel cooking equipment, like wood- or charcoal-burning ovens.

Staff training

Train your staff to:

• Find and use a fire extinguisher appropriately.  An acronym you may find helpful is PAST – pull out the pin, aim at the base, make a sweeping motion, (be) ten feet away.

• Clean up the grease. Cleaning exhaust hoods is especially important, since grease buildup can restrict air flow. Be sure to also clean walls and work surfaces; ranges, fryers, broilers, grills and convection ovens; vents and filters.

• Never throw water on a grease fire. Water tossed into grease will cause grease to splatter, spread and likely erupt into a larger fire.

• Remove ashes from wood- and charcoal-burning ovens at least once a day. Store outside in metal containers at least 10 feet from any buildings or combustible materials.

• Make sure cigarettes are out before dumping them in a trash receptacle. Never smoke in or near storage areas.

• Store flammable liquids properly. Keep them in their original containers or puncture-resistant, tightly sealed containers. Store containers in well-ventilated areas away from supplies, food, food-preparation areas or any source of flames.

• Tidy up to avoid fire hazards. Store paper products, linens, boxes and food away from heat and cooking sources. Properly dispose of soiled rags, trash, cardboard boxes and wooden pallets at least once a day.

• Use chemical solutions properly. Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas, and never mix chemicals unless directions call for mixing. Immediately clean up chemical spills.

Be prepared: Have an emergency plan

If a fire breaks out in your restaurant, your staff must take control of the situation and lead customers to safety.

• Be prepared to power down. Train at least one worker per shift how to shut off gas and electrical power in case of emergency.

• Have an evacuation plan. Designate one staff member per shift to be evacuation manager. That person should be in charge of calling 911, determining when an evacuation is necessary and ensuring that everyone exits the restaurant safely.  Ensure your staff know where the closest exits are, depending on their location in the restaurant.  Remember that the front door is an emergency exit.

• Offer emergency training. Teach new employees about evacuation procedures and the usage of fire-safety equipment. Give veteran staff members a refresher course at least annually.

Source: http://www.restaurant.org/Manage-My-Restaurant/Operations/Back-of-House/Fire-Prevention-101-The-Basics-on-Restaurant-Fire

SERVPRO Helps Aurora Family with Christmas

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

They were so excited that Santa came!

We are so happy that we were able to help an Aurora family provide a Christmas for their children. Our communities are what keep our business going and we are delighted that we were able to give back. Here is what the mother had to say: 

"I am absolutely in love with this company and the staff!

Me and my family have experienced such a generous amount of care and positivity from everyone !

When hearing about my family difficulties this past year Kimber, reached out and emailed me stating that me and my family were chosen to get help from SERVPRO for the holidays!! I was is such disbelief and so happy. I had been going through some hard days getting down because me and my husband would not be able to afford a Christmas for our children. And just like that Kimber told be that we would be sponsored and to get a list together!

As me and my husband were putting lists together we just kept saying over again how excited we were for the kids and how lucky we were that these people were so generous, and we couldn't believe this was happening to us!

Kimber has been amazing upfront and helping with everything, she is caring and so genuine!

Thank you for everyone at SERVPRO for making Christmas happen in my home, for my kids! I can't wait to see them open their gifts.

It's been a deeply humbling experience seeing the kind heartedness of others this Holiday season, and everyone at SERVPRO is absolutely amazing!!"

SERVPRO Offers Free Vandalism Cleanup for Victims of Hate Crimes in Aurora

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Vandalism spray painted on the door of an Aurora home.

Three more hate attacks targeting African-American families in Aurora have upset residents and compelled police on Monday to step up patrols and appeal to the public for help.

The authorities have been investigating after other recent attacks. Police Chief Nick Metz, Mayor Steve Hogan and other city leaders have declared hate crimes will not be tolerated in Aurora, which bills itself as the safest large city in Colorado.

Over the weekend, vandals left threatening notes and spray-painted racial slurs — “KKK” and the like — on three apartment doors near the 6700 block of South Rivera Court.

“People are scared,” one resident said, asking that her name not be printed for fear her family could be targeted.

“Since the election, people feel like they are now privileged to go after minorities and get away with it. And I am scared retaliation will happen if we speak out and no protection will be provided for victims by our apartment complex.”

The attackers may be posing as missionaries and carpet cleaner salespeople, moving door to door, to learn racial information about residents who then are targeted, the resident said. In addition to spray-painted scrawls on seven doors, the attacks this past weekend included threatening messages on notes, she said. Some victims apparently did not report crimes to police.

Aurora police have stepped up patrols, agency spokeswoman Diana Cooley said.

Police on Monday posted a bulletin on their departmental Facebook page saying “these bias-motivated crimes will continue to be a high priority for the Aurora Police Department.”

The recent crimes “all have that pattern — the spray painting and note,” Cooley said. “This is going to alarm some folks. It is something we take seriously. If you are a resident and see something suspicious, please contact the police department.”

Aurora residents have reported at least nine bias-related crimes since the Nov. 8 election and Metz has said he believes other incidents may be happening that haven’t been reported.

Nationwide, police have reported surges of hate crimes since the election. The Southern Poverty Law Center documented 867 hate crime incidents during the 10 days after the election, including 21 in Colorado. The Colorado crimes targeted immigrants, African-Americans, women and children.

The Littleton franchise of the clean-up company SERVPRO is offering its services to erase the physical damange of vandalism for free to victims of hate crimes in Aurora, SERVPRO administrator Kimber Tornes said. “We unfortunately can’t erase the damage to their hearts and minds.”

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/12/aurora-police-step-up-patrols-appeal-for-help-after-three-more-hate-attacks/

How Insurance Can Help with Holiday Disasters

12/12/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know some personal property insurance policies cover stolen presents?

Behind their charming facades, our homes hide an inner holiday Grinch. Flickering candles? Fire hazard. Snow-dusted walkway? Think slip and fall. Pyramid of presents? Burglary bait.  Here's how homeowners insurance helps you recover financially.

House fires

From dehydrated Christmas trees to overworked outlets, the halls are decked with fire hazards this time of year. Candle fires, in particular, hit their annual peak on Christmas, New Year's Day and Christmas Eve, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Allstate's median home fire claim during the holiday season is about $70,000, says Glenn Shapiro, the company's chief claims officer.

Covered by: Within homeowners insurance, dwelling coverage pays for home repairs and personal property insurance covers belongings.

Wrap it up: Ask your insurer for help pinpointing your home's rebuilding cost. "It could be years since you bought the policy, and building costs may have increased," Shapiro says. If the reconstruction cost exceeds your dwelling insurance amount, boost your limits accordingly.

Stolen presents

Theft is a common source of holiday homeowners insurance claims, Shapiro says. In some cases, our own behavior fuels the problem. For instance, two in three people have gifts delivered despite not being home to receive them, according to a 2015 Allstate survey.

Covered by: Personal property insurance covers stolen items. This can include packages plucked from your stoop, says Chris Hackett, senior director of personal lines at trade group Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. To make a claim, you'll need to file a police report.

However, if only a couple of items go missing you might not benefit from a claim, Hackett cautions, because the payout could be less than your deductible.

Wrap it up: Consider lowering your personal property coverage deductible. Although your rates would increase, your insurance would stretch further if you need to make a claim.

Injured guests

Say you undercook dinner and send relatives to the hospital. Or maybe someone breaks a hip on your icy walkway. You could end up on the hook for medical costs when you host holiday get-togethers.

Covered by: The medical payments coverage within home insurance pays for injuries that guests sustain on your property. You also have liability insurance in case you're sued, Shapiro says.

Wrap it up: Insurance limits for medical payments are usually low when you buy your policy, Hackett says. A bare-minimum policy pays about $1,000 per person, making this good coverage to beef up before welcoming the holiday herd.

Water damage from frozen pipes

Leaving home can be as problematic as playing host. As an example, Shapiro points to insurance claims involving frozen pipes. If an unoccupied house gets too frosty, water freezes and expands inside the pipes, increasing chances of a burst.

Covered by: Water damage from burst pipes is covered by standard home insurance, Hackett says, including damage to your house and soaked belongings.

Wrap it up: Check the fine print in your policy regarding frozen pipes. You might need to take certain preventive action before vacations to make a claim, such as shutting off your water or leaving the heat on.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2016/12/home_insurance_can_help_cover.html

Preparing for a Blizzard in Littleton

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Don't get caught in a blizzard without these tips!

When you live in Colorado, you can usually count on one thing - there will always be at least one blizzard during the winter season. Everyone knows the standard checklist when preparing for old man winter, including the dreaded run to a crowded grocery store to stock up on milk, bread and eggs. But here at SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan we have a few tips for things you may have forgotten or not thought of: 

• Keep all electronics you may need, including cell phones, tablets and entertainment for the kids fully charged when you know a storm is coming. This way if the power goes out, you still have a full 100% instead of starting at 25%.
• Keep one or more portable battery packs fully charged for when the juice runs out on your electronics. If you are in a pinch and need to charge an electronic device, remember that most can be charged in an automobile - Just remember to start it and let it run while charging so you don't drain the battery in your automobile. 
• Keep extra coolers and empty your ice maker into large storage bags for a few days before the storm. This way if you lose power you can keep your refrigerator or freezer items cold as long as possible. 
• Keep books, playing cards and board games easily accessible in case boredom sets in. 
• Make sure to check your supply of items such as pet food, formula and diapers for children, toiletries and medications. 

Stay safe and remember that we are always here to help!

December Candle Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Candles can add to your holiday enjoyment but make sure to use them safely with these tips.

From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage. 

Facts and figures

During the five-year period of 2009-2013:

• Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage in home fires.
• Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 32% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 30% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 25 home candle fires were reported per day. 
• More than half (58%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Safety tips

Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flame-less candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Religious candle safety

Lit candles are used in religious services, in places of worship, and in the home. Whether you are using one candle, or more than one on a candelabra, kinara, or menorah, make sure you use them safely.

• Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder.
• Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
• When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
• Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/candles

Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

A local home was affected with extensive mold damage while the homeowner was out of town for several months.

At SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan, we receive many calls for water damage and mold remediation while a homeowner is traveling out of town. With the holiday season approaching, it is important to always have a family member, friend, neighbor or house-sitter check on your home every day if you are traveling. Many things can happen while a home is unoccupied. Some of the losses we have responded to include: 

• Pipe Bursts due to freezing temperatures
• Refrigerator and freezer line breaks
• Ice Maker Malfunctions causing water damage
• Sprinkler line bursts
• Toilets continuously running and causing overflow
• Hot water heater rupture causing extensive mold damage by steaming the home

Some homeowners only have their home checked every few days while they are out of town. We cannot stress the importance of this being a daily task. Even a few hours can make all the difference when restoring a water loss. 

Enjoy the holiday season and remember that SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with the unexpected!

Preventing Ice Dams in the Winter

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Taking precautions to prevent ice dams is an important part of preparing your home for winter weather. Knowing what an ice dam is, minimizing the conditions that allow one to form and removing an ice dam as soon as you spot one can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and the inside of your home.

Take Action Before Snow Starts Falling

An ice dam may develop during the cold winter months if warm air from your home or attic melts snow on your roof. In freezing temperatures, the melted snow may refreeze once it reaches the colder edge of the roof. Keeping the temperature of your attic at 32°F or below can help prevent snow from melting and ice dams from developing. The following are some steps you can take to help prevent the snow melting-and-freezing cycle that often causes ice dams:

• Insulate your attic. Be sure your attic is properly insulated to help prevent warmth from escaping through ceilings. Whenever possible, an insulation value of R-40 is recommended.
• Prevent air leaks. Check and seal any openings where warm air or heat could escape into the attic, such as insulating or caulking around vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and/or light fixtures.
• Improve ventilation. Increase the number or size of attic, roof or soffit vents that allow cold air to circulate and flush warmer air out during the winter.

• Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing the roof covering, install a water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier
  that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building should an ice dam form.

Tips to Help Prevent Ice Dams Through the Winter

Ice dams can sometimes form despite your best efforts to keep your roof at the proper temperature. Be sure to monitor the weather and maintain your roof throughout the colder, winter months for additional protection against ice dams, such as:

• Clear gutters and downspouts. Prevent water from accumulating and possibly freezing in your gutters by cleaning leaves, debris and snow accumulation from in and around gutters and downspouts. Making sure that your gutters are properly pitched can also help prevent the collection of water in low spots and help reduce the potential for ice buildup in gutters.
• Remove snow accumulation from your roof after every storm. Whenever possible, use a roof rake to clear snow about three to four feet from the edge of your roof soon after each storm. Snow accumulation along the edge of your roof increases the likelihood of an ice dam developing, which prevents water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.
• Remove ice dams as soon as you spot them. Check your roof often and know how to help identify and remove an ice dam.

CAUTION: Avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to the professionals.

Source: https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/winter-storms/how-to-help-prevent-ice-dams.aspx

Space Heater Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Space heaters account for about one third of all winter house fires.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by a pipe burst in Littleton, CO.

What's Not Covered?

CELEBRATE SAFELY WITH A RECIPE FOR SAFETY

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan wishes you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Mold Prevention During the Winter Months

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician works to safely remove mold at a home in Littleton.

Source: http://www.polygongroup.com/en-US/blog/mold-prevention-winter/

The wet season in the winter months is one of the best times of year for molds to grow and expand. Often mold is contained near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives.

Mold spores are microscopic and are naturally found in the air we breathe indoors and outdoors. When large amounts of spores grow, one’s health may be compromised. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area just cleaned and the dry spores can be released into the air. Mold remediation services can help eliminate the mold in your home and personal items affected by water damage.

Prevention, however, is what will help keep your lungs healthy and homes and buildings strong. We’ve put together a few tips on how you can help thwart mold from infesting your home that are efficient and realistic:

General Home and Building Maintenance:

• Keep all areas clean.
• Make sure there is good air circulation. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering, cooking, and washing the dishes.
• Prevent mold and water damage by turning off the water flow to broken appliances and pipes.
• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. If you find your basement is wet or has water leaking into it, inspect the outside drainage systems.
• Spread moisture-barrier materials in crawl spaces over the soil. Heavy roofing paper or plastic film made of polyethylene can be used for this. Make sure there is good ventilation in the crawl space and, if possible, do not enclose it. One may need to use a fan to blow out humid air from under the building.
• One can get rid of humidity or dampness within a building by heating it for a short time. After heating, open up the doors and windows, or use an exhaust fan, to let out the air that is moist.
• Hire a professional roofing contractor to cover a damaged roof with a tarp or tent. This will help protect the building from the elements.
• If there are freezing temperatures, take measures to insulate pipes inside and out to ensure they will not crack and/or burst.
• Make sure all the seals on the windows and doors are not compromised and in good-working condition.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground around your building slopes away from the foundation so water does not collect around or enter in to it.
• Act quickly if you see condensation on windows, pipes, or walls inside a building. Dry out the area and determine if the source of the condensation is from a leak or the result of high humidity.

After a Flood or Heavy Rains:

• Work fast. Call in a mold remediation service, which will help in the cleaning and disinfecting of your home from toxins and spores mold can release.
• Lower the humidity and temperature in the building: molds do not like these conditions. Open up windows if the air outside is less humid than the air inside. Otherwise, turn on an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.
• Dispose of moldy items in a sealed bag. Objects that can be saved should be frozen (which deactivates mold) or dried out. Mold remediation services can assist with restoring many of your items, including documents, pictures, and books.
• Make sure there is good ventilation within the building affected. Use a fan, if necessary, to promote good air circulation.
• Remove as much standing water in a building as quickly and safely as possible after disconnecting all electronic equipment inside the building.
• The two key things to remember in mold prevention are: 1. Keep everything clean, and 2. Keep everything dry. Many simple steps can be taken to prevent mold damage as well as water damage during the winter months. However, keep the number for a mold remediation service handy should you require their services. These professionals can efficiently and quickly ensure your home is safe, dry, and mold-free.

A Tip for De-Winterizing your home

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

Source:homeguides.sfgate.com/dewinterize-house-88126.html

Maintian your pipes!

Turn on the cold water faucet first and then the hot. Run water slowly to make sure there are no leaks in the drain pipes. If the drains seem to be okay, increase the flow and flush the supply lines allowing the water to run from faucets for 10 to 20 minutes. Test the shower fixtures as well.

Why You Should Hire a Professional to Find Your Leaks

3/15/2016 (Permalink)

Article Credit:  enlightenme.com

https://enlightenme.com/hire-professional-find-leaks/

Whenever you have a problem with your home, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this can be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s much safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Tracking down tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has a way of traveling odd paths. So once finding a leak gets tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel strange paths before it finally comes out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can come. That discolored spot on your basement ceiling could actually be caused by a leak in your roof, or your wall on the opposite side of the house.

Professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives them a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground penetrating radar.

This equipment can be expensive to buy and tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and know how to put it to good use.

By using a professional in the first place, you remove that step from the process, saving you money and getting the leak repaired sooner.

35 Ways to Winterize Your Home

2/2/2016 (Permalink)

Credit: home.howstuffworks.com

1. Consider using green alternatives to traditional insulation. There are several options including cellulose and spray foam.

2. Learn from the old timers! Plant evergreens close to your home and consider planting a windbreak on your property. A windbreak can save up to 30% in energy costs.

3. Your attached garage can add to the difficulty in heating your home. It is a large, unheated space that usually shares a wall with either the kitchen or the den. Either way, keeping it warm helps keep the whole house warm. Take a look at the instructions to make this garage solar heater.

4. Install a permanent furnace filter to save waste and to keep your air clean.

5. Wrap the windows in plastic to keep out those arctic blasts.

6. You can also use bubble wrap to cover your windows. The air in the bubbles helps to insulate even more.

7. Sew a draft stopper

8. Install weather stripping

9. Use non-vinyl blackout curtains to trap the heat in and keep the cold out.

10. Add a door sweep to each exterior door.

11. Head to your local feed store and buy straw bales to place around the foundation of your home. This will block cold air and help keep the floors warmer, especially if you have pier and beam.

12. Have your furnace serviced to make sure that it is running properly and safely.

13. Check the duct-work where it is exposed. Our house is old and pier and beam and all the duct work is under the house. Over the course of a year raccoons and other visitors may pull at it, tear it, or loosen it from the registers. We almost always have to repair a few ducts.

14. While you are checking the duct-work consider insulating it as well. This helps keep the heated air warm as it moves through unheated spaces under the house or in the attic.

15. Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans. This will push the hot air down and help it recirculate through out the house.

16. Install foam insulation gaskets around your electrical outlets and keep the outlets covered when not in use.

17. Installing storm doors and windows can save you up to 45% on your energy bill.

18. Move furniture off your vents.

19. Consider these high efficiency heating tips.

20. Cover your water heater with an insulating blanket.

21. If you have an old fashioned radiator use a fan to help spread the warm air and a put a reflector behind it.

22. Buy organic cotton thermal long johns for everyone in the family.

23. Keep your ears covered.

24. Wear layers of clothing made from breathable organic fabrics.

25. Eat soups to help keep your body temperature up.

26. Shut the door on rooms you don't use, if there are any.

27. If you live in an old house, live in it the way they used to. We have a fireplace in the kitchen and a kitchen door. We spend many winter days around the kitchen table with the fireplace crackling (we have had a lot of trees fall the past year) and the door closed. We keep the heat to the other areas of the house very low.

28. Improve the air quality of your home. Sealing your thermal envelope too tightly can be dangerous if you don't look out for your air quality. Get a heat recovery ventilator if you seal your house up tight.

29. Grow some herbs and vegetables inside. Not only are they great to add to soups and stews but plants filter toxins out of the air.

30. Open the curtains on the south/west side of the house during the day to get the most of the sun's warmth. Close up at night to keep out the cold.

31. Cold feet? Put a little ground cayenne or ginger in your socks. You can do the same with mittens but don't do this with small children. If a finger goes into an eye it is painful!

32. Put hot baked potatoes wrapped in a piece of flannel in your bed about 15 minutes before you plan to get in it. Your bed will be warm and you will have potatoes ready to make hash browns at breakfast.

33. Another old fashioned fix it to hang a thick curtain in front of the door. Use the round hangers and you can easily push it aside to open the door.

34. If you have a two story house the upstairs will always be warmer than the downstairs. Plan on spending more time up there.

35. Bake bread. It is fun, it warms up the house, and it tastes great.

6 Winter Home Improvement Projects to Get You Off the Couch

12/24/2015 (Permalink)

• Source: Quicken Loans
• by Christine Brackel
• on January 2, 2013

Read more at http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/6-winter-home-improvement-projects-couch#q1EKEIMakqfVtqbW.99 

Having a lazy day once in a while isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re stuck indoors because of the cold, why not turn your snow day into a “go day”? The weather outside may be frightful, but home improvement can be oh so delightful. If you’re feeling the post-holiday blues, here are some simple home improvement projects to get you moving.

Do some painting

Did you know that cold weather is ideal for drying paint? The dryness of the winter months actually makes winter the perfect time to paint the interior, so crack a window, grab your favorite brush and make the cold work for you! Select a bold color and paint an accent wall in your living room. Or add dimension to your bedroom by painting the ceiling. If you’ve really got the DIY bug, use painter’s tape to create stripes or patterns on a wall. Whatever you choose, new colors are a sure way to add visual interest to your walls and bring a splash of sunshine into a drab winter home.

Change out your light bulbs

This one’s a bit of an investment, but you won’t regret replacing your bulbs with energy-efficient ones. It’s a great way to go green and save money. On average, an Energy Star qualified light bulb will save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime, so don’t let the upfront cost of these bulbs scare you away from making the purchase.

Install a backsplash

Backsplashes are to kitchens, as spices are to spaghetti sauce; they’re essential for completing the flavor. If you’d like to kick your kitchen up a notch, a backsplash will help accessorize and emphasize your countertops, cabinets and appliances. For a kitchen that needs color and life, a flashy or textured tile can wake up a plain scheme. For a kitchen that already has personality, sleek, neutral tile can add elegance and unity to the room’s look. If you’re daring in your design, check out Krissy’s post for unique backsplash ideas. And when you’re ready to go, this guide from HGTV can help you figure out how to install your very own tile backsplash.

Refurbish your doors

Interior doors can have a lot of visual impact on your home. The good news is you can virtually “replace” all of your doors without spending excessively. Here are some ways to make over your interior doors.

• Paint them. Dark doors can make your home look more expensive. Colored doors can look much more modern and whimsical than traditional wood.
• Change the doorknobs. Updated hardware is an instant fix for outdated doors.
• Add molding to flat doors. Molding can create dimension and give an elegant, expensive feel to any run-of-the-mill doorway.

Give your closet a makeover

Is organization on your list of resolutions for 2013? Kick off your most-organized year by tackling your closet. If you create a place for everything, you’ll be a lot more likely to put things away. There are so many things you can do to customize a closet for your needs. To start, install shelving, purchase an over-the-door shoe rack and donate all the items that you no longer need, wear or fit into. Check out this post for more ideas to help you get your closet in order.

Organize your mudroom

Make messy mudrooms a thing of the past. If your family’s coats and boots are out of control, use the mess as motivation to rein in the chaos once and for all. Check out my suggestions for organizing your mudroom here, and by the time next winter rolls around, entranceway disarray will be a distant memory.

By focusing on the inside of your home while the weather is cold, you’ll have a lot more time to tackle the warm-weather stuff when spring rolls around. What kind of home improvement tasks are you tackling this winter? Let us know in the comments!

Transnational Ventures-Jibu Clean Water Business Project

11/19/2015 (Permalink)

Servpro of West Littleton/Sheridan is honored to be a part of the Transformational Ventures Clean Water project.

Transformational Ventures is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Jibu-Uzima in Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya! This water franchise initiative started with a phone call just one year ago, but is the culmination of ten years of relationship building and strategic partnerships among Northside Christian Church in Houston, TX, Redeemed Gospel Church in Nairobi, and The 1010 Project in Denver, CO (which became a part of T-Ventures in 2013).

Jibu-Uzima is a community focused business solution for the people living in Embakasi, the third largest informal settlement in Nairobi (after Kibera and Mathare), who have limited access to clean, affordable water. The water depot -- the hub where the water is purified, bottled, and sold -- is in a retrofitted shipping container built by Chombox.

The phone call one year ago was from a generous donor who challenged T-Ventures with a $10,000 matching gift opportunity and a desire to see something innovative and impactful in the Redeemed community. After praying through options, Melissa Schaap (T-Ventures) reached out to Josephine Chavaseki (Redeemed) and it's sister church, Northside, and discussed the idea of pursuing a water business. Melissa also contacted Jibu, a company that trains and finances African entrepreneurs to solve the drinking water crisis. At that point, Jibu had successfully launched water franchises in three other East African countries; we inquired about the timing and possibility of opening up their Kenya market.

Jibu franchise owner, Josephine Chavaseki, has been facilitating business training for both business and social entrepreneurs at Redeemed and in their community for the past five years. Through T-Ventures, she had also connected with business and leadership coach, Jacquie Fedo, of Coaching 410 in Boulder, CO, and together, they have been learning and growing through regular coaching sessions via phone and Skype over the past two years. As a result of all of this training and mentoring, Josephine was well prepared for the Jibu franchisee selection process and has been working diligently for many months to open the first Jibu franchise in Kenya.
  Josephine has hired three employees to carry out the daily operations and they have set goals to sell 1000 liters of water/day in the initial months, and more than 2500 liters/day by March 2016.

Josephine named her franchise "Uzima" meaning "life," based on John 10:10 and her history with The 1010 Project. All of us join her in praying that the water they sell in their community will point people to Jesus as their Living Water, the One who gives us abundant life.

Special thanks to our many financial partners who have invested in the start-up capital to launch Jibu-Uzima, including: Patricia L. Kimball Endowment of the Shasta Regional Community Foundation, Northside Christian Church, SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan, Graland Country Day School (through the Penny Harvest program), 5 Star SWD, and more than fifty individuals who have given generously to make this business possible! To God be the Glory!

To learn more about this business endeavor or to make a donation and receive a high quality water bottle (just a few left!), please contact Melissa Schaap.
  

Managing Autumn Lawn and Leaf Cleanup

10/20/2015 (Permalink)

Source: About News

www.environment.about.com

Autumn Leaves: Burning Fallen Leaves May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Burning fallen leaves used to be standard practice across North America, but most municipalities now ban or discourage the incendiary practice due to the air pollution it causes. The good news is that many towns and cities now offer curbside pickup of leaves and other yard waste, which they then turn into compost for park maintenance or for sale commercially.

And there are other burn-free options as well.

Burning Leaves May Spark Health Problems
Because of the moisture that is usually trapped within leaves, they tend to burn slowly and thus generate large amounts of airborne particulates—fine bits of dust, soot and other solid materials. According to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources, these particulates can reach deep into lung tissue and cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and sometimes long-term respiratory problems.

Leaf smoke may also contain hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which can bind with hemoglobin in the bloodstream and reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood and lungs.

Another noxious chemical commonly present in leaf smoke is benzo(a)pyrene, which has been shown to cause cancer in animals and is believed to be a major factor in lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke. And while breathing in leaf smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat of healthy adults, it can really wreak havoc on small children, the elderly and people with asthma or other lung or heart diseases.

Small Leaf Fires Can Cause Big Pollution Problems
Sporadic individual leaf fires usually don’t cause any major pollution, but multiple fires in one geographic area can cause concentrations of air pollutants that exceed federal air quality standards. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), several leaf and yard waste fires burning simultaneously in a particular locale can cause air pollution rivaling that from factories, motor vehicles and lawn equipment.

Fallen Leaves Make Good Compost
Purdue University consumer horticulture specialist Rosie Lerner says that composting leaves is the most eco-friendly alternative to burning.

Dry leaves alone will take a long time to break down, she says, but mixing in green plant materials, such as grass trimmings, will speed up the process. Sources of nitrogen, such as livestock manure or commercial fertilizer, will also help.

“Mix the pile occasionally to keep a good supply of air in the compost,” she says, adding that a compost pile should be a minimum of three cubic feet and will generate soil conditioner within weeks or a few months, depending on conditions.

Mulch Leaves Instead of Burning
Another option is to shred leaves for use as mulch for your lawn or to help protect garden and landscape plants. Lerner suggests adding no more than a two-to-three-inch layer of leaves around actively growing plants, chopping or shredding the leaves first so they don’t matt down and prevent air from reaching roots.

As to using leaves as mulch for your lawn, it is just a simple matter of mowing right over the leaves with the lawnmower and leaving them there. As with leaves used for garden mulch, this will provide many benefits,including weed suppression, moisture conservation and moderation of soil temperature.

For more information:
U.S. EPA Residential Leaf Burning Facts
Composting for Beginners

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

EarthTalk is a regular feature of E/The Environmental Magazine. Selected EarthTalk columns are reprinted on About Environmental Issues by permission of the editors o

Preparing Your Home for Winter

10/20/2015 (Permalink)

Source: esurance blog

blog.esurance.com

Preparing Your Home for Winter: 8 Fall Maintenance Hacks for Cold-Weather Comfort

Call SERVPRO for any size job you have

4/23/2015 (Permalink)

From residential to commercial no job is too large for our cleanup specialists!

Frozen pipes on the East Coast

3/10/2015 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes left homeowners iced in.

SERVPRO West Littleton/ Sheridan/ Castle Rock/ Parker traveled out to the east coast to assist in the clean up effort after a record breaking winter. 

Certified Electronics Restoration Contractor

12/17/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan has recently completed training through ElectroClean and is now a certified electronics restoration contractor! 

What does that mean for our customers?  We’re glad you asked!  It means we are now even more trained and equipped to provide cleaning and restoration services for damage incurred from water, lightning strikes, electrical surges, etc! 

This particular certification is focused on electronics restoration and data recovery including:

• Electronic Inventory Controls
• State-of-the-art Electronic Data Base Platform
• Standardized Cleaning and Testing Technologies
• Each Item Tested Three Times Prior to Packaging
• Standardized Data Back-Up in 48 Hours or Less
• Standardized Job Management, Forms and Procedures
• Standardized Packing and Automated Detailed Packing Labels
• Customer Service Requirements and Network Standards
• A 92.7% Success Rate in Electronic Restoration
• Average Cost for Restoration 20.3% of Replacement
• Both Residential and Commercial Services Available
• Onsite Cleaning Available if Required and Requested
• Onsite Electronic Evaluation Reports from Lightning Strikes, Water Leaks or Electrical Surges

When disaster strikes your home or business, who ya gonna call??  SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan!!!  Our heroes are standing by, ready to roll and make it, "Like it never even happened." 303-593-1374

Flooding in Commercial Gym in Denver, Colorado

10/21/2014 (Permalink)

Standing water in commercial gym in Denver, CO

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan responded to a large amount of standing water in a commercial gym in Denver, Colorado.  Our crews worked quickly to extract the water and dry out all affected areas in order to get this gym back in business as quickly as possible.

Flooding can strike anytime, anywhere. Commercial or residential, no job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan's heroes to make it “Like it never even happened".

Commercial Bank Building Floods in Wheat Ridge, CO

11/6/2013 (Permalink)

This hallway in a commercial basement shows how high the water was before SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan crews pumped out the 120,000 gal.

We arrived onsite to a large commercial water loss in the basement of a bank. This 4000 square foot basement in Wheat Ridge, CO was filled with 30 inches of water. It took over 8 hours to pump out the 120,000 gallons of standing water. Once the basement was empty, our SERVPRO of West littleton/Sheridan crews were able to fully extract the floors and place drying equipment to begin the drying process. SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan responds quickly to any size disaster, whether its a water heater leak in your residential home, or the catastropic flood in a large commercial building.

SERVPRO of West Littleton /Sheridan is Faster to Any Size Disaster in Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan, Bow Mar, Centennial, and Denver!

Catastrophic Flooding in Boulder, Colorado

9/25/2013 (Permalink)

This homeowner's basement was engulfed in 11 feet of flood water. This is the muddy remains after SERVPRO pumped out the water.

We saw the rains coming down and were disappointed our normally sunny state was covered with clouds. Little did we know what the rains would bring to Colorado. Streets began to flood and creeks and rivers overflowed their banks. Suddenly our state was forefront in the news and epic floods were wreaking havoc on people’s lives and property. Our SERVPRO phones began to ring with frantic homeowners needing our help. We dispatched all our crews and brought in many workers, but we still needed help. Our Local Franchises were overwhelmed. Then the SERVPRO storm team mobilized and help arrived. SERVPRO teams from all over the country came to our state to work side-by-side with local crews. Our SERVPRO crews continue to work tirelessly, morning to night, to help those affected by the floods. Though these catastrophic floods have caused immeasurable damage, we have seen the strength of the human spirit as homeowners display gratitude, generosity and patience with each other and us.

Sewage Back- Up in Littleton Basement

8/20/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan technician cleans the affected basement using special protective equipment.

A drain backed up into this customers basement and caused a hazardous and foul-smelling situation. Our SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan technicians came in and not only cleaned the waste but also took the time to help the homeowner go through her belongings. Once the effected basement was clean and dry we restored and deoderized the area, making it Like It Never Even Happened!

Newer Larger Air Scrubbers

7/8/2013 (Permalink)

NIKRO PS2009 Air Scrubber

Our New NIKRO PS2009 Air Scrubber is used for cleaning and controlling air quality and creating negative pressure in a larger work area than our existing air scrubbers. Air enters the unit and passes through three-stage filtration capturing smoke, fumes, mold spores, dust and particulate. Clean air is returned to the environment. This allows us to clean the air and fully mitigate water, mold and fire damage to your property. SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan will use all the newest and best equipment to "make it like it never even happened" in Engewood, Littleton, Denver, Sheridan and Columbine Valley, CO.

Flooded Crawl Space in Denver

4/25/2013 (Permalink)

One of our technicians wading into the waters of the flooded crawl space.

A fire line break caused this crawl space in a Denver, CO building to fill with over 3 feet of water. It was so high our technicians had to improvise waders because the water was higher than their boots. After 2 days of pumping SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan was able to put in drying equipment and dry the space, much to the owners delight who said, "The service was EXTRAORDINARY! Thank you!"