SERVPRO® Provides Rapid Flood Damage Removal Services

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

In the heart of Tacoma, the impact of flood damage can be significant, especially when it strikes residential areas. When a flood hits, it's not just the water itself that's a concern but also the myriad of problems it brings.

Flood Damage in Tacoma Homes: A Closer Look

Flood damage in a typical Tacoma home often occurs in the basement or lower living areas. This situation happens due to the city's geographical layout and the common architectural styles. Floodwaters infiltrating these areas can wreak havoc, leading to several challenges:

• Water seeps into foundational cracks, weakening the structure.
• Damage to electrical systems and appliances
• Mold and mildew growth due to damp conditions
• Ruined furniture and personal belongings

SERVPRO's Approach to Flood Damage Restoration

When tackling flood damage in Tacoma, SERVPRO employs advanced techniques and equipment. Their approach involves:

• Initial Assessment: Using moisture sensors and thermal imaging cameras to gauge the extent of the damage and plan the restoration process.
• Water Extraction: Utilizing powerful pumps and extraction units to remove standing water.
• Drying: Air movers and dehumidifiers are deployed to accelerate drying, ensuring no moisture is left behind.
• Restoration: Repairing structural damage and restoring the property to its pre-flood condition when approved by the owner's insurance.

Equipment and Techniques Used by SERVPRO

SERVPRO's effectiveness in managing flood damage is primarily due to their use of professional equipment and use of advanced methods for cleanup:

• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Used to see hidden moisture and ensure thorough drying.
• High-capacity Air Movers and Dehumidifiers: To remove moisture from the air and accelerate drying.
• Advanced Water Extraction Equipment: Ensuring quick removal of floodwater.

Flood damage in Tacoma homes can be daunting, but with SERVPRO's expertise and specialized equipment, restoration is efficient and effective. Their approach addresses immediate water damage and mitigates long-term risks like mold growth and structural weakening.

SERVPRO of Tacoma at (253) 896-3000 is the storm and flood damage restoration company residents trust to be Here to Help® 24/7.

Signs of hidden water damage in your home:

11/9/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can come from numerous sources, including thunderstorms, local flooding, burst pipes, and leaking appliances. It may develop rapidly or slowly, seeping into ceilings, floors, and walls—each area displaying unique signs of deterioration. When a water leak goes unnoticed, even briefly, the resulting damage can be substantial. Wet rot, for example, can weaken wood, compromise structural integrity, encourage mold growth, create health risks, and lead to costly repairs. When checking for water damage in your ceiling, look for these indicators:

• Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint 
• Water rings (usually a light brown color) 
• Sagging ceiling
• Mold growth (especially in corners where walls & ceilings meet) 
• Musty smells
• Small hairline cracks or larger spiderwebbed pattern of cracks 

When checking for water damage in your walls, look for these indicators:

• Softened drywall (if safe to do so, press on areas where you suspect water damage and if the wall sinks inward, you likely have water damage on the inside) 
• Discoloration (often appearing in the form of streaks, running down the wall in affected areas) 
• Water rings (usually light brown color) 
• Musty smells
• Cracked, bubbling, or flaking paint 

When checking for water damage on your floors, look for these indicators (remember that hardwood floors are especially susceptible to water damage):

• Buckling (where the floor may separate from the seams and peel upward)
• Warping (including flooring that may be cracked or bubbling) 
• Discoloration in the floor
• Cupping (where plank edges curl upward leaving the middle slightly depressed) 
• Musty odor & smells

If you discover any of these signs of water damage in your home immediately call SERVPRO of Tacoma.When SERVPRO of Tacoma professionals arrive, we immediately begin a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage and create an appropriate cleanup plan. First, we locate and stop the source of water damage to prevent further damage. Next, we classify the water based on a three-tier system (category 1 to 3), which guides our restoration approach. We then inspect the entire property, noting any hazards like asbestos or lead. Finally, we move and block furniture to prevent rust or stains from forming on wet carpet.

SERVPRO of Tacoma is available 24/7, 365 days a year, always equipped with the tools and expertise to make your water damage “Like it never even happened”. If you’re unsure whether you’ve encountered water damage and need a second opinion, or if you’re certain your home or business has suffered water damage and requires immediate professional restoration, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Restoring Peacefulness: Step-by-Step process of Water Damage Restoration

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage, whether from burst pipes, flooding, or leaks, can be a homeowner's nightmare. Swift and effective action is essential to mitigate further damage and restore your home to its pre-water-damage condition. In this blog, we'll walk through the step-by-step process of water damage restoration, highlighting the key actions and considerations to bring back peacefulness to your living space.

• Emergency contact
  • The first step in water damage restoration is to contact professionals immediately! Whether it’s a local restoration company or your insurance provider, swift communication is crucial to initiate the restoration process promptly. Upon arrival, restoration experts will conduct a thorough assessment and inspection of the affected areas. This involves identifying the source of the water damage, categorizing the water (clean, gray, or black), and assessing the extent of the damage to structure and belongings.
• Water Removal 

  • The next critical step is water extraction. Powerful pumps and vacuums are used to remove standing water from the affected areas. This step is essential to prevent further damage and the growth of mold and mildew. Once standing water is removed, the drying process begins. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and high-powered fans are strategically placed to eliminate moisture from the air and surfaces. This step is crucial in preventing mold growth and secondary water damage.

• Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • All affected surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, undergo thorough cleaning and sanitizing. This helps eliminate contaminants and ensures a safe living environment. Specialized cleaning agents are used to disinfect and deodorize affected areas. Water-damaged belongings are carefully removed from the affected areas. Restoration professionals assess each item, determining what can be salvaged through cleaning and restoration processes. Salvaged items are then carefully stored until the restoration is complete.

• Structural Repairs

  • Once the affected areas are dry and clean, the focus shifts to structural repairs. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged drywall, insulation, flooring, and other structural components. Restoration experts work to restore the affected spaces to their pre-damaged condition. Water damage often creates an environment conducive to mold growth. Restoration professionals conduct thorough mold inspections, and if mold is detected, remediation processes are initiated. This involves safely removing and treating affected areas to eliminate mold spores.

• Final Inspection 

  • After completing the restoration and repairs, a final inspection is conducted. This ensures that all water damage has been addressed, structural repairs are sound, and the living environment is safe and restored. Any necessary touch-ups or adjustments are made during this phase. Throughout the water damage restoration process, restoration professionals often work closely with your insurance provider. They provide detailed documentation of the damage, the restoration process, and the costs involved. This helps streamline the insurance claims process.

• Preventive Measures and Recommendations 
  • Restoration professionals may provide recommendations for preventive measures to avoid future water damage. This could include suggestions for improving drainage, reinforcing vulnerable areas, or installing moisture detection systems. As a final step, restoration professionals often take the time to educate homeowners about maintaining a dry and safe living environment. This may involve providing tips on moisture control, prompt leak detection, and general home maintenance practices. Experiencing water damage in your home can be a stressful and disheartening ordeal. However, with the prompt and efficient execution of the water damage restoration process, your living space can be restored to its former tranquility. From emergency contact to the final inspection, each step plays a crucial role in the restoration journey. If faced with water damage, remember that professional restoration services are equipped to handle the complexities of the process, ensuring that your home becomes a restored haven once more.

How to Prevent Fire Damage in your Home

11/12/2023 (Permalink)

On average 385,000 houses experience structural fires each year. There are many different causes of fire damages in homes, but the most common ones are electric problems, accounting for 36.3% of fires in homes, as well as cooking and heating equipment. Although fire damages in homes are common there are many ways that you can prevent them before they happen, such as:

• If you use space/portable heaters be sure they are kept at least 3 feet away from any flammable objects; they should also be kept on tile or ceramic flooring 
• Be sure to extinguish the embers in a fireplace or the flame of a candle when you leave the room 
• Install a fire alarm in every room on every floor of your home as well as install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home
• If despite these things you still find yourself in a home fire be sure to:
•  “Stop, drop, & roll” if your clothing is on fire
• Be sure to keep low to the floor as smoke rises 
• Touch door handles to test if they are hot 

These simple tips can help you avoid, or at the very least, stay safe if one occurs. 

National Preparedness Month: Ways to Stay Safe During a Disaster

9/21/2023 (Permalink)

In honor of September being national preparedness month, SERVPRO of Tacoma wanted to share some tips to make sure your home is always prepared when disaster strikes! The steps to being prepared for a disaster are as follows: 

1. Make a plan: Your family may not always be together when disaster strikes so make sure you have a way to communicate with one another if separated. Be sure to establish a family meeting place 
2. Consider specific needs in your household: As you prepare your plan tailor your plans to your specific daily living needs. Be sure to consider dietary needs, people with disabilities, and the different ages of members of your family. 
3. Build a safety kit: Be sure to add water, non-perishable food, battery-powered radio & battery-powered flashlights, first aid kits, portable charges for your electronics, and extra clothing. 
4. Practice your emergency plan with your family: Be sure to practice your plan with your family to be sure that there won’t be any unnecessary challenges if a disaster does strike. 

If disaster does strike be sure to stay calm and follow your family made plan!

Five-Star Reasons Why SERVPRO Is the Way to Go

8/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tacoma has been aiding customers in mitigating and restoring their homes from fire and water damages since 1997! Now, why should you opt for SERVPRO over other mitigation companies out there? Below, we present five compelling, 5-star reasons why SERVPRO is your top choice:

1. Exceptional Customer Service: SERVPRO of Tacoma offers unparalleled customer care that sets us apart. From your initial contact with us to the completion of the job, a dedicated SERVPRO team member will guide you every step of the way. Our professionals will be there to address your queries and walk you through the home/workplace restoration process.

2. Streamlined Insurance Claim Process: Dealing with damage to your home or workplace can be an immensely stressful time. The last thing you want is to navigate the complexities of insurance companies. Enter SERVPRO – we handle the insurance dealings on your behalf. This ensures that the restoration process for your home or workplace is as stress-free as possible.

3. 'Like It Never Even Happened': When SERVPRO of Tacoma responds to your call, it's as if the disaster never occurred. Our specialization lies in restoring your home/workplace to its preloss condition. So, when faced with a fire or water loss, remember to call on SERVPRO – the ones here to assist you!

4. Glowing 5-Star Reviews: SERVPRO of Tacoma boasts an impressive tally of 77 Google reviews, with a remarkable 70 of them awarding us 5 stars. These reviews reflect the positive experiences of clients who have utilized our services. Bill G., who recently dealt with a water loss, chose SERVPRO of Tacoma and had this to say about us: 'They were professional and trustworthy. The work they did and the speed at which they completed their tasks was remarkable. The whole crew was constantly happy and if a problem arose, they would solve it and still complete their tasks on time.'

5. Rapid Response to Any Scale of Disaster: Disasters may strike at any moment, and when they do, you can rely on SERVPRO of Tacoma. Regardless of the time, our team is always prepared to assist you. SERVPRO is available around the clock, 24/7, 365 days a year!

In conclusion, SERVPRO of Tacoma has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in mitigating and restoring damages caused by fire and water. Our customer-centric approach, hassle-free insurance dealings, restoration expertise, positive reviews, and round-the-clock availability make us your optimal choice for addressing a range of restoration needs. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO is here to provide you with exceptional service and peace of mind."

Water Damage in Your Rental?

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be extremely stressful to deal with, especially when the home is owned by you. So, what should you do if water damage occurs to the property you’re renting? Well, there are a few steps to take, and our team would like to help:

1. If water damage is occurring and it is continuously pouring out, you should shut off the water as soon as possible.
2. Do your best to soak up any standing water.
3. Report it to your landlord as soon as you can.
4. Consider having a Mitigation company out to assist (your landlord may do this)
5. If any of your personal property was affected, consider filing an insurance claim for your belongings.
6. Make sure you keep any relevant dates and receipts.

We hope this helps guide you through a stressful and confusing time. Our team at SERVPRO of Tacoma can help assist with the cleaning, dry out and even your content damaged by the water damage in your home, just give us a call at 253-896-3000.

Taking care of your sprinklers

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

Now that we are entering warmer summer months, we find our neighbors and friends staring up their sprinklers. Making sure your sprinkler is cared for correctly is very important to help prevent the likeliness of Water Damage occurring. Our team at SERVPRO would like to provide you of some helpful tips to help prevent that from happening:

• Check the pressure on your sprinklers.
• Have your system checked regularly for leaks or damage.
• Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted correctly & pointed away from the home.
• Consider a rain shut off switch.
• Regularly check your sprinkler heads for cracks or clogs.
• Consider having someone who specializes in sprinklers flush out any water during the cold months to prevent pipes bursting.

We hope this helps you in preventing water damage caused by sprinklers to your home. If you ever end up with water damage to your home just give us SERVPRO of Tacoma a call at 253-896-3000 and our team of experts will help, get your home back to normal.

Why should you choose SERVPRO of Tacoma

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tacoma is here to serve you, which is why we are available all day, every day to provide your restoration needs. SERVPRO® professionals are trained to handle your biggest cleaning and restoration challenges.  Our cleaning and restoration technicians are trained and certified to IICRC standards (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Additionally, and most importantly, we are always improving our training, and sending technicians on different training courses, allowing us to serve our customers better.

We provide a wide variety of services and qualities such as:

• Carpet cleaning
• Mold remediation
• Water and fire damage
• Available 24/7 7 days a week
• Biohazard Cleaning
• Fast response time

We have awesome customer service and fast and friendly crew! Call Tacoma at 253-896-3000 today to get help with all your restoration needs.

24/7 Service

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Tacoma, customer service is a priority.  When you call us, we have someone standing by to answer your call. Every day. 24 hours a day.  SERVPRO® is a franchise system with over 40 years of leadership in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and commercial property managers. From carpet cleaning to mold remediation, from water damage to fire damage, we are here to help! So just remember, with exceptional customer service, SERVPRO® of Tacoma is faster to any size disaster! When in doubt, call (253)-896-3000!