Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
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.
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 SERVPRO Fire Damage Specialists Rely On Hydroxyl Generators
7/26/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Abilene wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage.
During a house fire, firefighters douse the interior of the home with thousands of gallons of water. This water soaks into walls, floors, and your belongings. After they put the fire out and no signs of hot areas pose additional threats to reignite the fire, the fire department’s personnel return to the station. Their job never includes removing the water or foam soaking into your residence.
The presence of so much water is why SERVPRO uses specific machinery to mitigate fire damage from homes in Abilene. One of these choices involves our options regarding deodorizing equipment. Initial efforts to help make the air safer to breathe while we work on your home have the potential to bring about unexpected effects.
Ozone can cause permanent changes in the color of damp carpets, furniture, and other furnishings. Plants can also suffer drastically when ozone generators fill an area. We must wait until after one of our employees turns off the machine and then a bit longer to clear the air of ozone before we can enter the home. However, we do have a safer alternative with very few drawbacks.
We can safely use hydroxyl generators while we work, as well as in damp conditions. If you see us wearing masks or respirators as part of our personal protective equipment (PPE) while we work on mitigating the fire damage in your dwelling, this is because of the soot hanging in the air. Hydroxyl generators push hydrogen peroxide molecules into the air where they can interact with odor-causing particles at the molecular level.
The extra oxygen molecule turning plain water into hydrogen peroxide has a fragile bond with the water molecule, allowing the oxygen to form bonds with other substances. Our desiccant machines pull the water molecules produced by the breakdown of H2O2 as we remove the water hosed in during the fire. Ozone does not give us the flexibility to work as efficiently as hydroxyl generators provide.
SERVPRO of Abilene wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage. Call us at (325)672-5661, so we can restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”
10 Tips When Dealing with a Water Damage Loss
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business. In Abilene Texas we experience all types of water damage situations. We wanted to put together a free guide of 10 things that walks you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business.
1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. Currently it is proper to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.
2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: With the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and not wet. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process.
3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long, it can begin to create secondary damages. Water can be removed by using portable or truck mount extractors. Portables will take more time, and the truck mounts are much faster and efficient.
4. Begin to remove damaged materials that can’t be dried and ventilate enclosed areas: Once all the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. This is to allow air flow in closed off spaces. If no ventilation is allowed secondary damage can occur inside the walls. Many times, if you are dealing with sewage water more flood cuts will be necessary. Try to take as many before and after photos as well.
5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home or facility: The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times. Be sure to continue to take plenty of photographs of the equipment in place on the job.
6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected. If that is the case it will need to be corrected so proper drying can occur. Be sure to document the drying data each day for accurate records.
7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry all the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area. This will keep other secondary issues from happening as well.
8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos. This will keep accurate records for your insurance company from start to finish. You can never take too many photos when dealing with a water loss.
9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some situations, you might have to hire a contractor to do specific tasked like repair damaged drywall from the water. Be sure to continue to document any and all work on your home or business.
10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all your records on backup. This can be valuable in case of any secondary damages in the future.
SERVPRO of Abilene can handle any water damage job from start to finish. It is critical to make sure you understand the steps mentioned above. SERVPRO has the team and equipment to handle any size job and make sure that it is properly documented along the way. If you have any questions or need emergency services you can call SERVPRO of Abilene, 24/7 at (325)672-5661.
SERVPRO of Abilene is Your Best Option When Dealing With Mold
7/12/2019 (Permalink)
If you think there is mold in your home call the experts at SERVPRO of Abilene.
For most Abilene homeowners, mold is not even on the list of dangers to their residences. Fire and especially flooding are what occupies most people’s concerns over their home and checkbook. What many forget is that mold can grow unnoticed for years to become just as expansive and expensive a threat.
So why use SERVPRO for cleaning and removing mold from your Abilene home? Our restoration teams train to the latest industry standards for cleaning and remediation. Our office maintains an extensive inventory of cleaners and equipment for a rapid response. If we do need additional, specialized tools, our access to a national support network ensures we can get everything we need in usually only a day.
The first step our technicians take is to isolate the mold infested areas from the rest of your home. They turn off the HVAC system and, if the ducts are clear of mold, cover the vents with plastic to prevent contaminating them while cleaning. As they do this, other team members seal off the affected area with heavy, plastic sheets and set up a combination of air movers and fans to create negative air pressure and direct loose spores out of your home.
Now, our restoration team removes mold from surfaces in the affected area. The type of surface determines what tools we use. If a surface is metal, glass or plastic, it is non-porous, which means the mold rarely penetrates the surface. Our technicians can wipe these surfaces free of the mold using cloths or sponges. For thicker layers, they may need to use water or a mild cleaning agent to break them up for removal.
For items like carpets, wood, or building materials like drywall, mold often grows or settles into the surface. These are porous surfaces and are harder to clean. SERVPRO technicians must use stronger cleaning agents and a brush to agitate the mold to draw it out. In many cases, especially with drywall, we recommend disposal since it is cheaper to replace the items than expend the labor hours to restore them.
Afterward, we wait for any spores disturbed by our efforts to settle on surfaces. Our teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to draw out even a single mold spore from a table or chair. They finish by wiping down the surfaces and then repeat these last actions until the air mold content tests at a safe level.
At SERVPRO of Abilene, our goal is to get you back into your home quickly and safely. If you think there is mold in your home, call us at (325)672-5661 to schedule a visit.
SERVPRO Can Help With Your Water Damage Remediation
7/11/2019 (Permalink)
Regardless of whether water damage starts from a storm or a pipe break, the experienced technicians at SERVPRO can effectively remediate any damage.
Water loss incidents that affect your Abilene home present unique threats that homeowners often cannot manage or overcome on their own. From addressing spreading saturation to reducing the conditions necessary to facilitate mold growth, a rapid response to these emergencies is critical. Much like the response that you need to address the primary threats when the disaster first occurs, premier cleaning services like our team provides can help to address lingering effects after mitigation work completes.
All emergencies that create water damage in your Big Country home require a fast response from trained IICRC-certified professionals like our SERVPRO team. We have a broad inventory of recovery equipment to provide fast extraction and efficient drying solutions for water damage incidents occurring in your area home. Our response team is available 24/7 to roll out at a moment’s notice for emergencies that threaten your property.
Many of the preserved structural elements and flooring materials do require focused cleanup and restoration efforts to make these disasters “Like it never even happened.” With materials like carpeting, our team can utilize our advanced equipment for pre-rinse cleaning, hot water extraction, or steam cleaning to revitalize the look and feel of soiled carpets.
While mitigation work often is a focal point of restoring water damage in your home, we have many phases critical to returning your property to preloss condition. Our SERVPRO of Abilene team offers comprehensive support from the initial inspection through the final walk-through, helping to save you money and time on restoring your damaged home. Give us a call anytime you need us at (325)672-5661.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Water Damage
7/11/2019 (Permalink)
Whether you serve customers on a daily basis or work from a private office, protecting your facility from water damage is essential for smooth daily operations. The following preventative measures can prepare your building for heavy rain. Here is what you should know about preventing flooding at your facility.
3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Commercial Properties
1. Schedule Basement Repairs
If your facility has a basement, don’t forget to periodically inspect it for foundation cracks or other issues. Make sure to have any cracks patched and caulked so the room isn’t flooded after the next heavy rainstorm. You can also install a sump pump to remove excess water as well.
2. Improve Landscaping
Property elevation plays a big role in your risk for water damage. You can avoid potential flooding by altering your landscaping to ensure that water flows downhill and away from the building’s foundation. Use downspouts to direct water away from the building as well. You should also schedule a property assessment to identify flood-prone areas and then work with a landscaper to fix these issues.
3. Clear Drains & Gutters
It never hurts to look at the weather forecast. When you know rain is on the way, double check that all gutters, drains, and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. This way, you won’t have to worry about clogs causing water to back up and leak into the building.
If your facility has been affected by water damage, contact SERVPRO of Abilene. Serving the Big Country and the surrounding areas. They provide a variety of cleanup and restoration services, including for damage from fire, water, and mold. Locally owned and operated, their IICRC certified team seeks to treat each customer as a friend of the family to give you the best quality service. To learn more about how they can help your property call them at (325)672-5661.
SERVPRO of Abilene Can Help in Your Time of Need
4/2/2019 (Permalink)
The experienced technicians at SERVPRO can effectively remediate any water damage you might have.
Water loss incidents that affect your Abilene home present unique threats that homeowners often cannot manage or overcome on their own. From addressing spreading saturation to reducing the conditions necessary to facilitate mold growth, a rapid response to these emergencies is critical. Much like the response that you need to address the primary threats when the disaster first occurs, premier cleaning services like our team provides can help to address lingering effects after mitigation work completes.
All emergencies that create water damage in your Abilene Home or business require a fast response from trained IICRC-certified professionals like our SERVPRO team. Our response team is available 24/7 to roll out at a moment’s notice for emergencies that threaten your property.
Cleanup and recovery often occur after these vital mitigation steps, and even follows reconstruction when necessary. Many of the preserved structural elements and flooring materials do require focused cleanup and restoration efforts to make these disasters “Like it never even happened.” With materials like carpeting, our team can utilize our advanced equipment for pre-rinse cleaning, hot water extraction, or steam cleaning to revitalize the look and feel of soiled carpets.
Call us anytime you have have a need for our services at (325)672-5661.