Learning the realities of water pipe damage in your foundation

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

This is particularly so where you have cases of water pipe damage around the foundation of your structure which will require immediate solution. Damaged or broken pipes enable water to enter the structure, and this gradually leads to the decay of the foundations. This may develop some problems like the floor being slanting, the wall having cracks, and in some extreme cases the structural integrity being compromised.

We understand that it is crucial to conduct repairs of the water pipe damaged immediately to prevent future problems. In this respect, our well-trained employees apply the most modern methods in order to detect leaks and assess the severity of the problem. We then carry out a detailed repair plan of your foundation with an aim of repairing your foundation and protecting your home from more damage.

Not paying attention to the issues of leakage should be dealt with an understanding that avoidance will lead to higher costs in the future, hence the need to act. Here at SERVPRO of Abilene, you can trust that we will address your water pipe damage in the way that your home deserves.

We invite You to contact us (325) 672-5661 today and get a detailed inspection of Your vehicle to get a peace of mind!

Professional Fire Damage Restoration

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a fire can be incredibly difficult, particularly for property owners. The residual rocks, fires and water from firefighting create more havoc in your house after a fire occurrence. Therefore, proper clean-up has to be done on time so that further losses can be avoided followed by restoration steps.

The SERVPRO of Abilene is an expert in fire damage restoration, which offers you help to restore your things back together in a tough period. In addition to damaged area analysis, our team removes debris and cleans out any soot that may have remained. Additionally we remove any smoke smell in the house and fix any water issues hence making it both safe and healthy.

We make every effort possible to return your place as close as possible to its original condition before the incident occurred through use of modern equipment and tried-and-true techniques. What we aim at is enabling you to endure this unpleasant occurrence easily with best services provided by us all through.

Therefore, rely on SERVPRO of Abilene to handle clean-up after a fire and help you return to normalcy. Contact us (325) 672-5661 now!

Dealing with Mold Patches in Your Kitchen

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

Those mold patches you find on your kitchen aren’t just ugly to look at; they can also be dangerous to your health and the sign of other problems like leakage. Kitchens are one of the most favorites of mold as there are several sources of water such as sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

In SERVPRO of Abilene, we know the significance of getting in action as soon as the mold invades your kitchen space. Mold treatment starts with our trained professionals trying to establish the source of moisture that has contributed to mold growth. Advanced techniques are then applied to eliminate and prevent the formation of mold in your kitchen so that you are provided with a clean kitchen.

Inadequate attention to mold patches is dangerous because it will give way to mold expansion and may require expensive repairs. We offer detail cleaning and restoration services to not only eradicate the mold but to ensure that it does not regrow again.

If you see mold patches in your kitchen, don’t wait. Call (325) 672-5661 for professional mold remediation and bring the safety of your home back.

Commercial Water Removal Experts

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Abilene we are ready and prepared to be there for your commercial water damage.

When a vast Abilene commercial building, like a warehouse or a bus garage, suffers from a supply line leak, the quantity of water let loose inside can be substantial. Even if you have a high-quality and committed cleaning staff, managing tremendous amounts of water pouring into your building can quickly overwhelm your on-site housekeeping crew. A half-inch pipe spews 50 gallons per minute. Larger pipes up to four inches in diameter can unleash 3,400 gallons per minute. Conventional cleaning equipment is not up to the challenge.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

We respond quickly to a major water loss, turning off the water main immediately upon arrival if needed before planning your water removal project. If the electricity is off as a safety measure, we do not miss a beat. We put into operation a fleet of high-capacity gas-powered pumps and truck-mounted water extractors. Because our service vehicles stock multiple pumps and onboard powered, it is relatively straightforward for us to scale up our response to your water loss. We arrive promptly and roll out the needed equipment, ready to pull liquid water from all areas affected.

Moisture Detection and Metering

Our emergency response team initially focuses on the visible water, but even more crucial are efforts we take to search for water migration patterns in your commercial building. SERVPRO employs the following tools to locate hidden water and determine saturation levels in porous materials to inform drying goals:

Thermal imaging cameras

Using temperature variations recorded, technicians can pinpoint building cavities that likely hold trapped water.

Moisture detectors

Prongs sample materials, indicating if water is present. Detectors help us outline the perimeters of the total water incursion, so we do not leave any moisture lingering and destroying materials or encouraging mold growth.

Moisture Meters

The devices measure the amount of moisture in porous materials. We also use them to establish and monitor progress toward drying goals by providing data on unaffected structures within your commercial building.

Rely on SERVPRO of Abilene to respond to the scale needed to resolve substantial water removal challenges in your commercial building. Call us at (325) 672-5661 around the clock for help within hours.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

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

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Abilene today at (325) 672-5661 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Who is responsible for a water leak in a property, the landlord or the tenant?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can advise you on some steps from being a renter to being an owner. 

The responsible for most restoration work in a property lies with the landlord. If you are renting a freehold property, you are likely only responsible for a small portion of the property and not the building or tenant's possessions. If a tenant does report flooding or water leaks, you should respond quickly to maintain good relations and protect your property from potentially expensive damages. At SERVPRO, we work closely with landlords and other businesses to help recover losses urgently.

If I am renting a freehold property to tenants, what am I responsible for in a water emergency?

Contracts differ, and you should check with both your freeholder and your insurance provider about coverage when organizing commercial water cleanup in the Big Country. Generally speaking, you are likely to be responsible for fittings and fixtures in the property. These include any permanent attachments in the property such as linoleum, carpeting and potentially some appliances. Water can cause significant damage to fittings and fixtures as well as being a high risk for secondary water damages like mold growth. 

What can I do to restore the property's fittings and fixtures after a water leak?

• Instructing your tenants to shut-off the water supply is essential to controlling losses in a water incident
• You can expect to need both water extraction and drying services to bring the property back to its original state successfully
• Removing carpets may be beneficial to prevent them from soaking the sub floor allowing airflow beneath floating carpets may be vital to preventing microbial growth
• Expert pre-conditioning and carpet cleaning may be necessary depending on the type of water as well as the length of exposure to moisture for the carpet- longer than seventy-two hours can lead to permanent harm
• Professional restorers can detach and reinstall carpets without risking further harm

Is bonnet cleaning an effective way to restore wet carpets?

Bonnet cleaning is a useful method that is the least aggressive on carpets. However, you may risk causing further harm if the carpets are delaminating, the seams are loose or on thick fiber carpets. SERVPRO technicians can carefully detach the carpet to inspect areas of risk before performing bonnet cleaning. We first vacuum the carpet to prevent any residual grit from causing damage during rotary cleaning. Remember to moisten the bonnet pad before working. The heat and friction that this method produces can harm dry carpet fibers if misapplied.

Is there a difference between clean water spills and water leaks from unclean supplies?

Clean water spills can generally return to a good condition with light intervention. However, water can deteriorate other times and with the interaction of other substances. The longer water sits, the more likely it is to deteriorate. This deterioration can make carpet cleaning more challenging for landlords. We offer cleaning services for any scale of water contamination, including black water caused by sewer backups or flooding. 

Landlords can benefit from our hot water extraction technique which is very effective on moderate carpet soiling. The RX-20 is a rotary extraction tool that releases a liquid or powder emulsifier directly onto the carpet surface. Using the inbuilt vacuum of the RX-20 restorers can continually run over the affected area until the soils, water and solution are sufficiently extracted. Any cleaning wastes from extraction are securely stored in tanks for disposal in an open sewer point or at a wastewater facility. 

As an owner of multiple apartments in the same building, do I need to arrange services individually for each tenant?

SERVPRO restoration teams are large enough to cover a set of apartments in one arranged service. Our business emergency contact line is available twenty-four hours a day for commercial clients. During your service, we can communicate with you throughout to ensure that we are performing as you expect. We can also benefit from your intimate knowledge of architecture, build and any warranties you may have to ensure a smooth procedure from start to finish.

What are the dangerous factors of a water emergency?

• Water migration can result in damp spots inside wall-cavities. These can be tough to spot and challenging to restore. Without proper care, they can cause significant harm
• Water deterioration can result in rising costs. Mold colonies can form in as little as forty-eight hours in ideal conditions
• Safety concerns from slip and trip hazards are a critical factor in any restoration involving water
• Subfloor inspections are essential to ensure there are no hidden damages that could occur further down the line.

The fastest way to recover from a commercial water emergency is to enlist professional assistance. Our teams are here to help guide you through the recovery procedure and ensure that there are no unforeseen damages like mold growth. If your business suffers from a water emergency, contact SERVPRO of Abilene at (325) 672-5661.

We are Cleaning Experts

4/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Abilene is always Here to Help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Abilene, 325-672-5661.

Why is it Best to Stay Off Flooded Roads

4/11/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in the street!

It can be frustrating to be stuck inside your house when it’s flooding in San Angelo, but it is important that you avoid driving in this situation. A flooded street may seem easy to handle, but it can be a risk to your safety. The following are just a few reasons why it is best to stay off the roads during a severe storm.

One reason to avoid flooded roads is that it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Your car is not made to be driven in water, so it does not have the necessary equipment to protect it. If water enters your engine, it can cause it to stop functioning correctly and leave you with massive repair bills. Areas of your car may rust, and electronic components can be ruined.

Even if you think the road looks safe, there might be something lurking beneath the water’s surface. A flooded street may be hiding potholes, tree branches and debris from the storm. Any of these could damage your car and make it more difficult for you to drive safely.

Whether you have been driving for a few years or a few decades, you cannot be prepared for everything. Even a long history of driving experience is not enough to keep you safe during a flood. Moving water in a flooded street can easily sweep your car away and create an incredibly dangerous situation. Just a few inches of water can cause you to hydroplane and result in a crash.
One of the best travel tips for driving during a flood is simply not to do it. Stay put if possible and, once the water has receded, you can find a more comfortable place to stay while an emergency restoration company performs any necessary repairs on your damaged home.

Call SERVPRO of San Angelo, (325)942-0414. 

Tips for Managing Electronics During Water Cleanup

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Electronic devices are available to assist and entertain the residents of Abilene in nearly every room of a home. Desktops, laptops, sound systems, televisions, projectors, appliances, mobile devices, and more are at risk of damage when your house experiences a water loss. Avoid the expense and inconvenience of replacing most of your electronics by adhering to the protocol that follows.

Protect Against Electrical Shocks and Shorts

The first step during during water cleanup in Abilene involving electronics is to unplug or shut off the power to all devices, including modern “smart” appliances. Disconnect backup batteries as well. Managing current flow ensures that you and your family, as well as members of our team, have protection from potential electrical shocks, which can result in severe injury or worse. It also minimizes the chances that the electronics might suffer a short in their wiring or systems that can permanently damage the unit.

Remove Devices from Water-Affected Environment

When possible, move electronics from the spaces in your home that contain excess water. If affected items are too large or heavy to move, the SERVPRO team recommends covering devices with heavy-duty plastic. Raising them on non-conductive blocks like wood or plastic is also a way to mitigate further harm from the water crisis.

Proceed with Water Extraction 

The spaces containing the electronics should receive water cleanup services from trained SERVPRO technicians. If the power must remain off, our truck-mounted equipment can extract moisture without delay. Blot excess water from the outside surfaces of the electronics with clean absorbent material such as towels.

Dry Out the Space with Caution -- Monitor Temperatures

During a water cleanup, maintain ambient temperatures above the dew point. Failure to do so can cause condensation and corrosion inside electronic equipment. SERVPRO sets up a dehumidification perimeter to stabilize space until arrangements can be made to have the various devices evaluated by appropriate electronics technicians. 

Be proactive with water damaged electronics by partnering with SERVPRO of Abilene to protect and dry out items appropriately. Communicate your concerns about your “smart” technology when you call (325)672-5661 to set up an assessment.

Exposure To Soot Can Be Dangerous

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Neglected pan on stove.

After facing a fire damage situation, some homeowners might think they can save some money by handling the cleanup themselves. But what many do not realize is that exposure to soot can be dangerous.

Soot is the fine black particles composed of carbon and produced by the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, wood, or other fuels. It can consist of toxic acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The toxic composition coupled with the fact that soot particles are extremely tiny is what makes it so dangerous. The airborne particles are virtually invisible so one can unknowingly be affected by inhalation or ingestion. It can travel into the lungs and bloodstream and has the potential to do serious damage.

So unfortunately, safety risks from a fire do not end once the fire is out. During the fire damage restoration process, it is important to have proper safety equipment and ventilation procedures to ensure the safety of those exposed. The SERVPRO of Abilene technicians have specialized fire damage training and expertise to handle the cleanup in a safe and effective manner. If you are faced with a fire damage situation, let the professionals do the work! Call us at (325)672-5661 and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”