Fall is Here: 3 Essential Home Preparations to Prevent Water Damage in Kent

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Fall is a beautiful season in Kent, but it also comes with its own set of challenges for homeowners.

As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape and cooler temperatures settle in, fall is officially upon us in Kent. It's a season filled with cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and crisp air. However, it's also a time when homeowners need to be proactive in safeguarding their homes against potential water damage. From leaves clogging gutters to heavy rains, fall can bring about unique challenges for homeowners. Let's explore three crucial steps that Kent homeowners can take to prepare their homes and prevent water damage. And, if the unexpected does occur, SERVPRO is here to provide professional water damage restoration and mitigation services.

Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

One of the most important tasks in preparing your home for fall is cleaning and inspecting your gutters and downspouts. Fallen leaves, twigs, and debris can quickly accumulate in your gutters, causing blockages that prevent proper drainage. When heavy rains hit, clogged gutters can lead to overflowing water, damaging your roof, siding, and even your foundation. To prevent this, take the time to:

• Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect them for any signs of damage or leaks.
• Ensure that downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation.
• Regular maintenance of your gutters and downspouts can help keep water flowing freely and prevent costly water damage repairs.

Check for Roof Leaks and Damaged Shingles

The roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, and fall is an ideal time to inspect it for any vulnerabilities. Look for missing or damaged shingles, as well as signs of water stains on your ceilings or walls inside your home. If you spot any issues, it's crucial to address them promptly to prevent water from infiltrating your home. Roof repairs are often more cost-effective when caught early, and they can save you from more extensive damage down the road.

Seal Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors can let cold air and rainwater into your home, leading to increased energy bills and potential water damage. Check the seals around your windows and doors for cracks or gaps. If you find any, apply weatherstripping or caulking to seal them properly. Properly sealed windows and doors not only enhance your home's energy efficiency but also protect it from moisture intrusion during fall rains.

Fall is a beautiful season in Kent, but it also comes with its own set of challenges for homeowners. By taking these proactive steps to prevent water damage, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind. However, if water damage does occur despite your preparations, SERVPRO is here to help. Our expert team offers professional water damage restoration and mitigation services to get your home back to its pre-damaged condition swiftly and efficiently. Contact SERVPRO today for prompt assistance with water damage restoration and peace of mind throughout the fall season.

Weathering the Seasons in Kent, Washington: How SERVPRO® Can Safeguard Your Property

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Winter and Fall in the Pacific Northwest can bring cold, rainy, and even occasionally snowy conditions to Kent, Washington.

Kent, Washington, boasts beautiful scenery and a temperate climate, but when fall and winter roll in, they bring a range of weather conditions that can test the resilience of homes and businesses. From heavy rainfall to occasional snowfall, Kent experiences diverse weather patterns during these seasons. Let's explore the types of weather you can expect in Kent during the fall and winter months and how SERVPRO® is here to assist homeowners and business owners with storm damage and board-up needs.

Fall Weather in Kent

Fall in Kent is a transitional period, with temperatures gradually cooling down from the summer highs. Here are some of the weather conditions you can expect:

1. Rain: Fall is known for its frequent rain showers in Kent. These rains can be heavy, leading to potential flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

2. Windy Days: The fall season can also bring gusty winds, which can lead to fallen branches, downed power lines, and damage to roofing and siding.

Winter Weather in Kent

When winter arrives, Kent faces a different set of weather challenges:

1. Rain and Snow: Winter in Kent is characterized by a mix of rain and occasional snowfall. While snowfall is usually light and infrequent, it can create slippery road conditions and pose potential hazards.

2. Freezing Temperatures: Overnight temperatures in Kent can dip below freezing, leading to icy patches on roads and sidewalks.

3. Windstorms: The Pacific Northwest is known for its occasional windstorms during the winter months. These storms can cause significant damage to trees, power lines, and buildings.

How SERVPRO Can Help

When Kent homeowners and business owners face storm damage during the fall and winter seasons, SERVPRO is here to provide assistance:

1. Storm Damage Restoration: Our team of professionals is equipped to handle storm damage restoration, including water removal, structural drying, and repair of any damage caused by severe weather conditions.

2. Board-Up Services: In the event of broken windows, damaged doors, or other vulnerabilities to your property, SERVPRO offers board-up services to secure your home or business and prevent further damage or intrusion.

3. Emergency Response: SERVPRO is available 24/7 to respond to storm damage emergencies promptly. We understand that quick action is essential to minimize damage and protect your property.

Kent, Washington, experiences a range of weather conditions during the fall and winter months, from heavy rains to occasional snowfall and windstorms. When these weather events result in storm damage, SERVPRO is your trusted partner for storm damage restoration and board-up services. We're dedicated to helping Kent homeowners and business owners weather the seasons with confidence, knowing that we're here to provide support and solutions when you need them most. Stay safe and secure, Kent!

Mold Growth Unveiled: 3 Summer Triggers in Homes

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

Showering can increase the chance of mold growth in the home. Ensuring good air circulation in the home can help prevent mold growth.

While summer brings warmth and sunshine, it also creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold in our homes. Mold not only damages structures but also poses health risks to occupants. Understanding the factors that can trigger mold growth during the summer is crucial for preventing its occurrence. 

High Humidity Levels

One of the primary triggers of mold growth in the summer is high humidity. Warm weather and increased moisture in the air create the perfect breeding ground for mold spores to thrive. Areas with poor ventilation, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, are particularly susceptible to mold growth due to the accumulation of moisture. Additionally, excessive indoor humidity caused by activities like showering, cooking, or drying clothes indoors can contribute to mold growth.

Poor Ventilation and Air Circulation

Insufficient ventilation and limited air circulation promote stagnant, humid environments that favor mold growth. During the summer, when windows and doors are often closed to keep cool air in, inadequate ventilation becomes a prevalent issue. Areas such as closets, storage spaces, and closed-off rooms without proper air circulation can become hotspots for mold development. To mitigate this risk, ensure proper ventilation by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, opening windows when possible, and maintaining airflow through the use of fans or HVAC systems.

Water Intrusion and Leaks

Water intrusion or leaks in your home can quickly lead to mold growth if left unaddressed, and summer presents unique challenges in this regard. Heavy rainstorms, roof leaks, window condensation, and plumbing issues can introduce excess moisture into your home. Damp or wet materials, such as carpets, drywall, or upholstery, provide an ideal environment for mold to grow. Promptly addressing any water intrusion or leaks, repairing damaged areas, and ensuring proper drainage can prevent moisture buildup and subsequent mold growth.

Preventing mold growth in homes during the summer requires attentiveness and proactive measures. High humidity levels, poor ventilation and air circulation, and water intrusion or leaks are common triggers of mold growth. By managing indoor humidity, promoting proper ventilation, and promptly addressing any water-related issues, we can effectively minimize the risk of mold development. Regular maintenance, inspection, and cleaning routines are also crucial to detect and address mold growth at its earliest stages. Remember, a mold-free home not only protects the integrity of your property but also ensures a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones.

How Household Clutter Contributes to Fire Risks

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Clutter, especially from paper, can be a hazard.

Household clutter is an issue that affects many people, and it can be dangerous in more ways than one. One of the less obvious risks of household clutter is that it increases the risk of house fires.

Firstly, it's important to understand that clutter can be defined as any material that is stored haphazardly and without proper organization. This can include piles of paper, boxes, and other items that are not put away properly. When these items accumulate, they can create a fire hazard by blocking exits and pathways, and by providing fuel for a fire to spread.

One of the main ways that household clutter can increase the risk of house fires is by blocking exits and pathways. In the event of a fire, it is critical to have clear pathways to exits, as this can mean the difference between life and death. Clutter can also impede the ability of firefighters to access the home, putting everyone in the home at risk.

Another way that clutter can cause fires is by providing fuel for a fire to spread. When there are piles of paper, boxes, and other flammable materials stored haphazardly, they can ignite and cause a fire to spread rapidly. Additionally, clutter can hide potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or overloaded electrical outlets, making it more difficult to detect and address these issues before they cause a fire.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk of household clutter causing a fire? The first step is to declutter your home regularly. This means getting rid of items that you no longer need or use, and finding proper storage for the items that you do need to keep. This can involve using storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep items organized and out of the way.

Next, it's important to ensure that all pathways and exits are clear of clutter. This means removing any boxes or items that may be blocking the way, and ensuring that there is a clear path to exits such as doors and windows. Additionally, you should ensure that your home has working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and that everyone in the home knows how to use them.

Another important step is to be aware of potential fire hazards in your home. This can involve inspecting electrical outlets and cords regularly to ensure that they are not damaged or overloaded, and being cautious with flammable materials such as candles and space heaters. By being aware of potential hazards and taking steps to address them, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Household clutter is a risk factor that many people overlook when it comes to fire safety. However, by taking steps to declutter your home, ensure clear pathways and exits, and be aware of potential fire hazards, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting and help to keep your family safe. Remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility, and it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your home and your loved ones.

Biohazards: Why Hiring a Professional Is a Must

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding, especially near hospitals, can cause biohazards to enter the water.

Biohazards are a serious issue that requires immediate and professional attention. Biohazards refer to any biological material that can cause harm to humans, such as blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials. When biohazards are present in a space, it is important to have them cleaned up properly by a professional cleaning service.

Biohazards pose a serious risk to health and safety. When biological materials are left untreated, they can lead to the spread of infectious diseases and illnesses. This is particularly true in areas where there is a high risk of exposure, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In these environments, having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

It is important to have a professional clean biohazards to comply with regulations and standards. There are many regulations and guidelines in place that dictate how biohazards should be handled and disposed of. These regulations are in place to ensure that the public is protected from exposure to harmful biological materials. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and other serious consequences. A professional cleaning service will be familiar with these regulations and will ensure that all biohazards are handled and disposed of properly.

Cleaning biohazards requires specialized equipment and cleaning agents. Cleaning up biohazards requires specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that are not typically available to the general public. Additionally, cleaning up biohazards requires specialized training and expertise to ensure that the area is properly sanitized and disinfected. A professional cleaning service will have the necessary equipment and training to handle biohazards safely and effectively.

Professional cleaning will be able to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when biological materials are spread from one area to another, either through improper cleaning methods or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Cross-contamination can lead to the spread of disease and illness, and it can be difficult to detect and address without the proper training and equipment. A professional cleaning service will be able to minimize the risk of cross-contamination by using proper cleaning techniques and equipment.

Having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards can provide peace of mind. Dealing with biohazards can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, particularly in situations where there has been a traumatic event such as a crime or accident. Having a professional cleaning service handle the cleanup can help to alleviate some of this stress and provide peace of mind that the area has been properly cleaned and sanitized.

Biohazards are a serious issue that require immediate and professional attention. Having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards is crucial to protect the health and safety of the public, comply with regulations and standards, and ensure that the area is properly sanitized and disinfected. If you are dealing with a biohazardous situation, we are here to help you through the whole process!

Candles, The Risk of Fire, + Safer Alternatives

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Open flames are a hazard to homes and can lead to housefires.

Candles have been used for centuries to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. Every year, thousands of fires are caused by candles, resulting in injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

Candles pose a fire hazard for several reasons. Candles are an open flame, which means that they can ignite nearby flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding. This is particularly true if candles are left unattended or placed too close to other objects. In addition, candles can also drip hot wax, which can cause burns or start fires if it comes into contact with flammable materials.

Candles can also be knocked over, which can result in a fire. This is particularly true if they are placed on unstable surfaces or if they are in high-traffic areas where they are likely to be bumped or knocked over. Once a candle is knocked over, it can quickly ignite nearby materials, resulting in a dangerous and fast-spreading fire.

Candles can also be a hazard if they are used in areas where there is a risk of oxygen deprivation, such as in confined spaces or near medical equipment. This is because candles consume oxygen as they burn, and they can quickly deplete the oxygen in a small or confined space, resulting in suffocation or other serious health issues.

Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives to candles that can help create a cozy and warm atmosphere without posing a fire hazard. One option is to use battery-powered candles or LED lights. These can provide a similar glow to traditional candles, but they do not produce heat or pose a fire hazard. In addition, they are also available in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can find one that suits your décor and style.

Another option is to use essential oil diffusers or wax melt warmers. These devices use heat or water to diffuse essential oils or scented wax, creating a pleasant and fragrant atmosphere without the use of an open flame. They are also available in a variety of styles and designs, so you can find one that matches your décor and personal taste.

Finally, if you do decide to use traditional candles, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire. Always ensure that candles are placed on stable surfaces and that they are not placed near flammable materials such as curtains or bedding. Never leave candles unattended, and always extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. Thirdly, always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle, and ensure that the candle is placed in a draft-free area to prevent it from flickering and potentially igniting nearby materials.

While candles can be a great way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, they can also be a serious fire hazard. Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives to candles that can help create a similar effect without the risk of fire. If you do choose to use candles, always take steps to reduce the risk of fire, such as ensuring they are placed on stable surfaces, never leaving them unattended, and trimming the wick before lighting. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of candles while keeping your home safe and secure.

Fire Prevention - 5 Things You Can Do

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Cooking related activities, especially those that require the stove or over, can lead to a fire if left unattended.

Curious about what you can do to prevent fires in your home? The following list is not comprehensive, but can still help prevent house fires.

1. Change the dryer lint after every load of laundry. That might sound excessive, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Dryer lint is highly flammable, so even a small amount is all it takes. Doing this also prevents the ventilation of your dryer system from becoming clogged, which can prevent fires down the road and optimize performance.
2. Use surge protectors. When there's a surge of excess electricity, surge protectors prevent that excess electricity from causing a fire by preventing the electricity from travelling up into your electronics.
3. Never leave cooking, baking, or lit candles unattended. Any of these can easily get out of hand. It's also worth noting that one of the top causes of US house fires is from unattended cooking.
4. Reduce the clutter in your home. Clutter can cause fires, or help fires spread quickly. Many of the day-to-day items we use are made of highly flammable materials, so the more cluttered a space is, often the faster a flame can spread.
5. Make sure your roof and gutters are clean. During the summer months in particular, the debris in gutters can become extremely dry. If there is a lightning storm or excessively hot temperatures, those debris can ignite on the roof of your home, surely spelling trouble.

If you need fire damage restoration services, please don't hesitate to contact us. If you're curious about how to prevent fires in your home, check out this blog.

The Full Remediation of Kent Mold Damage

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t panic when you find mold in your Kent home. Contact our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified technicians to remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO Provides Rapid Mold Damage Removal

While we are leading remediation professionals capable of removing active mold colonies where they are found, this statement does not often address the complexities of each structure where this service is necessary. From single-family homes in King County to massive venues like the Accesso ShoWare Center, we have skilled professionals to manage:

• Moisture Damage
• Mold Growth
• Harsh Malodors
• Structural Damages

The SERVPRO team can overcome Kent mold damage where discovered, and we mobilize quickly to ensure that the situation does not worsen. Our microbial remediation responders arrive fast to set up containment barriers and begin mitigation actions to protect the property from more significant mold infestation concerns.

Is Mold Likely in King County?

The position of King County in the Pacific Northwest, along with expected rainfall and weather events, leaves the environment heavily saturated and humid. Improper ventilation combined with poor air quality can contribute to the development of microbial growths in a residence. With the frequency of mold damage claims and the activity of our remediation team, mold is a more significant threat to Kent homes than its residents might realize.

Damage Inspections and Assessment

While it is possible to identify or begin to suspect mold growth in your home without professional services, the inspection and assessment of your property are one of the initial remediation services our SERVPRO team provides. We must learn the extent of the damage, affected hosting materials, and present hazards. This information aids our crew in developing the best remediation approach to help remove active colonies.

AMRT-Certified Technicians 

We are accredited through firms like the IICRC and the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) to manage microbial threats. Because of the multi-faceted restoration and cleanup necessary, including air duct cleaning and controlled demolition, a full-service roster of professionals ready to help like our SERVPRO team is vital to successful mold abatement.

Removing Mold Damage 

The heart of the remediation process is mold removal. While we do not make broad claims to eliminate all spores from a residence, we can provide the needed work to remove active colonies and moist conditions. The remediation process often gets split into three groups:

• Surface Cleaning – Without penetrating the outermost layer, we can use potent sporicidal products to eliminate mold and make other surfaces uninhabitable.
• Abrasive Removal - Involves blasting or sanding to impact the space just beyond the surface layer to remove mold growth.
• Controlled Demolition – When other methods are not efficient, our licensed professionals can remove heavily damaged building materials and discard them. 

Reducing and Removing Musty Smells

Malodors are a common element of the mold growth damage a property faces. Often, musty smells indicate active colonies, helping homeowners realize a problem that must get addressed. These odors linger even after remediation nears completion, requiring more direct and focused deodorization with tools like thermal foggers and hydroxyl machines.

Where Mold Damage Repairs Are Needed

Mold can be destructive to hosting elements the colony uses as a food source. Our licensed professionals begin the reconstruction side of mold remediation in the early efforts like a controlled demolition and constructing temporary containment barriers to prevent the migration of spores. Additionally, our roster of contractors must also help with:

• Plumbing Repairs
• Material Replacement
• Mold Prevention

Kent mold damage is often underappreciated and not as recognizable as water or fire damage concerns. Microbial threats should be treated with the same urgency and thorough cleaning as these other emergencies as they pose similar threats to the structure. Our SERVPRO of Kent team is ready to help when you need it at (253) 850-1500.

Mitigating and Restoring Kent Water Damage Efficiently

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment you need after water damage in your Kent home.

We Restore Many Different Water Damage Events

Our position in King County helps us serve hundreds of thousands of residents and countless businesses contending with disasters of all types. The frequency and usual severity of water disasters like burst pipes or leaks required our water restoration division to continue growing to accommodate our recovery team's standard callout. Our roster can help with all needed efforts, including:

• Surface water removal
• Structural drying
• Humidity management
• Needed repairs

With these necessary actions needing to be completed after Kent water damage, our professionals must stay ready to respond. Disasters do not wait for convenient times to happen, so you will not wait for your property's restoration and mitigation response. We have skilled WRT-Certified technicians and licensed contractors ready to respond.

Many Types of Water Damage in Kent

In a city of more than 130,000 people, our SERVPRO team has seen many types of water emergencies and threats to structures. With each job, our expertise grows, and we solidify our position as a preferred vendor for insurance work and out-of-pocket restoration services after:

• Freezing Pipes
• Plumbing Leaks
• Accidents and Spills
• Appliance Damage
• Flooding

Mitigation Solutions for Water Damage 

Mitigation involves several practices and actions for our professionals, but few have the urgency and impact as water removal services. Standing water is a hazard in many regards, so we utilize a combination of pumps and vacuums to manage pooling in the house and begin extracting trapped moisture in materials like wood and carpeted flooring.

The Science of Effective Drying 

Drying is the most critical component of the restoration process, making it the procedure requiring the greatest array of our equipment and instruments to complete. Each of these tools regulates one of the primary principles of drying. Achieving a balance of these factors provides the most efficient production:

• Temperature  - This principle measures the warmth of the drying zone and affected materials. In many cases, direct heat applied to moist materials can expedite the drying process and chemical reactions for surface cleaning.
• Airflow - Air movement is another major contributor to efficient drying in the household. We use several air mover units to promote evaporation by directing blasts of warm, dry air at wet surfaces.
• Humidity - Productive evaporation increases humidity. Depending on the house's temperature, the air can only hold so many moisture grains before fully saturated. We can reduce the environmental moisture content by dehumidification units to continue the drying cycle.

Ensuring Drying is Complete 

Property owners can benefit from the peace of mind that the drying process is complete. When only superficial drying occurs, as is common with DIY measures, damp pockets and hidden moisture caches can impact building materials and produce appropriate conditions to facilitate mold development. We check our evaporation and water removal processes with sensitive sensors and moisture detection devices to document where further action might be necessary.

Are Water Damage Repairs Needed?

Reconstruction and repairs often coincide with the impact of water disasters on your home or business. From the earliest mitigation actions of removing sagging materials and repairing busted plumbing to newly installed wall systems and carpeted floors after demolition, we can help. Our general contractor license makes us qualified to complete most build-back actions as restoration and recovery continue.

However Kent water damage impacts your life; professional cleanup and drying can help you get back to everyday living quicker. Our SERVPRO of Kent team keeps service vehicles stocked with mitigation and restoration equipment to get water recovery projects underway. Call us at (253) 850-1500.

Fully Resolving Kent Fire Damage Concerns

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration. Call us now!

Full-Service Fire Damage Restoration After Losses

Residents understand that several layers of restoration and recovery are required to return the home to its original condition after a fire. You need a full-service team of professionals, and our SERVPRO team is here to help. We start with powerful mitigation solutions like:

• Temporary construction
• Content removal
• Air filtration
• Water removal
• Debris cleanup

We must act fast with the severity of Kent fire damage incidents for homes, especially exposures to microscopic soot particles and structural damages. Our roster of FSRT-Certified technicians is ready to mobilize fast when disasters strike. Given our unique relationship with insurance providers in the area, we often have a team assembled and ready to roll out before the extinguishment of the fire completes.

Fire Damage Mitigation Services

Even after a fire gets extinguished, the damage to the structure does not stop. Circulating carcinogenic particles continue to spread, standing water absorbs into materials, and weak structural elements are ready to collapse. Our SERVPRO professionals use the mitigation process to reduce restoration times and further damage to the structure.

Insurance Claims Work

Most fire damage incidents fit the criteria for insurance claims, making much of the work to be done overseen and filtered through the specific processes and procedures companies require. We work directly with many of the areas insurance companies, understanding what the adjusters need to ensure your claim is approved and work can begin:

• Claims Inventory – Cataloging the condition of loose items and determining the salvageability of individual personal belongings. This would also indicate the need for relocation to our SERVPRO facility for further restoration work.
• Estimation – Combining the needed efforts and materials into a direct and detailed breakdown of expected costs and paid hours.
• Restoration Plan – The combined mitigation and restoration solutions necessary to return a property to preloss condition. This information tracks milestones and goals reached during the recovery process.

The Threat of Soot Damage 

The incomplete combustion of fuels and organic matter can create smoke residues and soot that come to rest on surfaces. Under pressure, these can even become affixed to vertical planes like walls. Soot is a challenging obstacle for restoration professionals as the removal often requires several practices and products to achieve. Much of the decisions regarding the type of cleanup required relates to the kind of smoke damage present:

• Wet Smoke
• Dry Smoke
• Grease Residues

Counteractants and Deodorants 

Malodors are often final considerations for the restoration process but no less an obstacle for recovery professionals working in the house. Harsh smells are often created by the combustion of woods, plastics, and chemicals. While counteractant products like beads and granules can reduce the severity of these threats, deodorization equipment and tools are often necessary to complete the job. We generally utilize products and mechanical means to eliminate malodors.

Fire Damage Repairs for Homes 

Few fire disasters do not require some form of repair or reconstruction. Our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified team is equipped to manage these needs with a general contractor license and years of experience in the building trades to provide these efforts. From controlled demolition where damaged building materials must be removed and discarded to the reconstruction of wall and ceiling assemblies to make it “Like it never even happened,” we can help.

Kent fire damage might occur from many sources or ignition points, but the threat to your home or property should be anticipated. Post-disaster conditions are often volatile and overwhelming between soot and smoke damage threats spreading through the structure. Our SERVPRO of Kent team can help get life back to normal with effective cleanup and restoration services. Call us today at (253) 850-1500.

My Cleaning Crew Is Overwhelmed -- Can I Get Help in Kent Before the Water Damage Gets Too Out of Hand?

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of how the excess water entered your commercial space, team SERVPRO can help with water removal and thorough water damage remediation.

Let SERVPRO Lift Some of the Stress Surrounding Water Damage Repair for Your Kent Warehouse

Commercial building owners in Kent often rely on their cleaning staff for entry-level water loss response. This can be a good work-around for the short term. Still, professional water remediators must review the situation to ensure that all hidden water and absorbed moisture is addressed. Failure to remove all water and dry the structural components exposes your business to the risk of permanent water damage and secondary concerns like mold growth. 

How Can I Be Sure the Entirety of the Water Damage Is Found and Remedied?

When a supply line bursts in your Kent warehouse, water damage repair requirements guide your next moves. You have a tight timeline because water’s corrosive action is immediate and progressive. Unremoved water or high moisture levels in porous materials also host mold growth if not managed in the first 24 to 48 hours. We do not rely solely on a visual inspection, but also leverage our training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to locate water that migrated from the pipe break using moisture detection tools and infrared imaging.

How Can Vast Amounts of Water Be Removed from a Large Warehouse Space?

One benefit of teaming with SERVPRO is our scalable workforce and equipment inventory. It is not fiscally sustainable for your company to own and store a fleet of water damage repair equipment nor employ dozens of staff awaiting a water emergency. On the other hand, our ability to respond fast and with adequate resources is precisely why we exist, to help our community business partners. To that end, our crew:

• Assesses the scenario, including performing a safety inspection and moisture/fluids detection
• Positions and operates appropriate quantities of water removal equipment, including:
• Pumps
• Truck-mounted extractors (each capable of removing 36,000 gallons daily)
• Portable extraction units for recessed and otherwise confined spaces
• Performs controlled demolition such as flood cuts of drywall between wall studs and drilled or sawn holes in other structures to release water using our construction division crew later for repairs 
• Plans and implements structural drying with heat, air movers, and dehumidifiers 

Contact SERVPRO of Kent when a water damage repair situation has your cleaning crews drowning. The additional trained workers and equipment are just a call away at (253) 850-1500.

Explaining the Need for Partial Demolition During Kent Water Removal

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

If you find water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO immediately. Our trained professionals will formulate a remediation plan for your home.

SERVPRO Teams Make The Necessary Changes To Avoid Further Loss Of Your Property

A water loss in your Kent home already creates chaos, so understandably homeowners are concerned when restoration technicians recommend strategies involving removing or altering structural components. Clear communication with our customers about the need for controlled demolition is vital. Our full-service restoration company streamlines not only the water extraction and structural drying but also any repairs or rebuilding needed afterward.

Water Migrates 

After a plumbing leak, tub overflow, or appliance mishap, fast water removal in your Kent home avoids further deterioration of building materials and secondary harm like mold growth. Water does not remain static once it escapes from a pipe, hose, or container. It flows, seeps, and percolates into building cavities and materials and is absorbed by porous ones. 

Detection Leads to Carefully Planned Demolition

SERVPRO technicians master training in the use of moisture meters and detectors, following the path of the water. We also use thermal imaging, employing expert reading of temperature fluctuations, to locate pooled water. Often the liquid and absorbed water are entirely encapsulated by walls, woodwork, and flooring. Leaving it to drain or dry out over time is not best practice. If we do not follow its path and make arrangements to extract liquids and dry out wet structural components, expect a continuous weakening of materials, lingering odors, and great expense to remedy the situation. To remove the water, we try a range of strategies:

• Removal of baseboards to cut holes near the bottom of wall cavities
• Flood cuts, made several inches above the waterline when drywall is saturated
• Loosening of paneling or strips of hardwood flooring 
• Drilled holes in masonry mortar joints 

Next Steps

These remedies facilitate the release of liquids and permit the infusion of warm, dry air. SERVPRO technicians use a system that can switch between negative air pressure to suction out water and positive air pressure to force warm, dry air into cavities through the smaller holes to accelerate evaporation. Larger openings, like the flood cuts, permit us to position air movers and dehumidifiers closer, encouraging evaporation and then capture of the water vapor. Floors respond to suction-driven mats or airflow under planks for thorough drying.

Streamlined Rebuilding 

Our reconstruction division lightens the load on SERVPRO customers. Rather than hiring another contractor to address the holes and sawn-off drywall, our contractor’s license permits employees to repair, reinstall, and rebuild. 

Engage SERVPRO of Kent for wrap-around restoration and rehabbing services beginning with water removal. Call us at (253) 850-1500 to schedule an assessment.

Proven Tips to Flood Damage Remediation Success in Kent

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your basement can cause a lot more damage than you’d think. Our certified technicians are here to help. We are standing by 24/7.

Common Issues With Flood Damage Cleanup in Kent Basements

Flood damage has the potential to occur in nearly any room in a home. Basements and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to this type of water loss. 

The cleanup of flood damage in a Kent basement is more than just mopping up water and turning on fans to dry the premises. SERVPRO technicians are restoring as they clean to ensure the least amount of loss for the structure and contents.  

Water Removal Issues

Elements such as silt, debris, solid waste, and mud commonly appear with floodwater. The techs need to use hand tools such as rakes and shovels to get rid of the solids in the water to expose the substrate of the basement floor for further scoping and mitigation. When there is a large amount of debris mixed in the water over a full scale in the home, the techs rely on trash pumps to pull out the water and solids quickly. In cases where the water in the basement is higher than two inches in depth, submersible pumps get deployed for removal efforts. 

Treatment of Contaminated Water

For safety reasons, the SERVPRO techs use personal protection gear while cleaning up floodwater, including respirators. It is a common practice to treat the water they are working on with a disinfectant before removal to increase the protection from resident biological agents. 

Special Considerations for Basements

The technicians are extra careful during the mitigation of flood loss to a basement. When prolonged exposure to water occurs, the removal of the water inside the basement when the soil outside the basement walls has high saturation levels can lead to a collapse of the interior walls due to hydrostatic pressure. This attention to detail is why the techs survey both the interior and exterior of the home to ensure it is safe to go forward with water removal and drying of the property. 

Significant Repairs Do Not Have to Be Stressful

When the exterior or interior of a basement has flood loss, the controlled demo actions to save as much of the structure as possible may be many. The cut-out sheetrock, repairs to the exterior, including painting and installation of flooring as needed. With their general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, the techs can offer this service to homeowners to return their homes to preloss condition. 

When flood damage is the problem in your home, call SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500. The emergency response teams are available 24/7 to make the water loss to the property, "Like it never even happened."

Content Cleaning After A Fire In Kent

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home, it is important to deal with the damage quickly and efficiently. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians and equipment.

Efficient Content Cleaning Solutions After Kent House fires

Content management is one of the most discussed actions taken in a Kent home during fire recovery. Each decision made about the belongings in your residence can have a substantial impact on the salvageability of these items and how soon they can be back in your possession. Taking the time to determine the best approach ensures that the entire management process is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Because there are multiple approaches for what can happen with damaged contents when our team contends with fire damage in Kent homes, understanding all of these potential choices can put you more at ease. Your belongings are what turn a structure into a home, and when these fall victim to effects like soot and smoke, it can be a stressful situation. We can offer multiple solutions to give each of your possessions the treatment they deserve to avoid being another loss from the disaster.

In-House Cleaning Solutions

Our SERVPRO team has an entire line of potent cleaning products capable of both deodorization and surface cleaning for hundreds of lightly damaged items in your home after a fire. In some situations, these items do not even need to get relocated with the right focused attention.

Relocation Services

Moving your belongings to a different area of the house is a reliable option to prevent exposure to migrating fire damages. If there is a room or region of your house unaffected by the fire loss, many of your at-risk possessions could get moved here to avoid further damages.

Pack-Out Procedure

While it is among the costliest of options for your belongings, contents can get moved to our SERVPRO warehouse for cleaning, drying, deodorization, and other restorative efforts. With in-house tools like immersion tanks and ozone chambers, we can protect many of the heavily soiled items to keep them from becoming losses.

Content management is one of the most significant considerations that restoring professionals like ours must make when recovering your damaged home. Our SERVPRO of Kent team can help with many potential cleaning and protective practices that can restore the things that matter most in your fire-damaged home. Give us a call today at (253) 850-1500.

Why Is Soda Blasting Good for Kent Mold Remediation?

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Finding mold damage in your home can cause a lot of stress. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians and professional equipment. We’re standing by.

SERVPRO uses the best technology for Kent mold remediation

Mold can grow anywhere in your home, from your bathroom and kitchen to the attic and basement. Wherever there is a fungus, there is the potential for spores to escape and start new colonies. That is why it is vital to get help with mold growth as soon as you spot it.

If you need mold remediation in your Kent home, choose a service that uses the best and latest technology. SERVPRO has many methods at our disposal, but one advantageous mold remediation technique is soda blasting. Soda blasting:

• Uses tiny particles of baking soda to scrub away mold colonies.
• Is well-suited to exposed brickwork or wood, such as in the attic or crawl space.
• Does not use toxic chemicals or other nasties.
• Deodorizes as it cleans for a fresh and polished result.

Soda blasting is much gentler than some other popular media blasting methods, such as sandblasting, making it suitable for use in your home. Our IICRC certified technicians also take care of drying and deodorizing your house and belongings.

If you need trustworthy mold remediation, call SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500.

Removing Floodwater from Carpeting in Kent Homes

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

If your home floods don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO. Our technicians are ready to help 24/7 and make your home look “Like it never even happened”.

Protecting Flooring Can Be a Challenge for Mitigators After Flooding

Flooding is a rapidly developing situation that threatens many Kent homes every year. As storm damage restoration specialists, we have a team devoted to responding quickly to these emergencies to provide efficient water removal and cleanup solutions. When flooding occurs in a home, protecting installed elements requires immediate water removal efforts.

Carpet Extraction Solutions 

With carpeting being a typical installation in homes, it is natural that flood damage in Kent properties impacts these materials often. While there are multiple solutions for surface water concerns like pooling, including both wet vacuums and submersible pumps, eliminating trapped moisture in flooring materials becomes a more intricate process. To accomplish this, we must utilize special extraction tools in our recovery inventory, including:

• Carpet wands
• Weighted extractors
• Light wands
• Ride-on extraction units

Overcoming flood loss in your home requires multiple mitigation actions taken immediately by our experienced SERVPRO of Kent team. Let us help make flood losses “Like it never even happened,” when you call (253) 850-1500.

Qualified Fire Restoration for Kent Residents

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire occurs in your home, contact SERVPRO right away. We have many talented professionals that can mitigate and remediate the damage.

SERVPRO's Formula for Fire Cleanup

Property fires can vary in the scope of damages and the types of material common to the home. This variance is especially pronounced in wall coverings, paintwork, and materials with different kinds that respond differently to heat, smoke, and cleaning actions. SERVPRO recommends using professional assistance to remove soot or smoke from walls and ceilings.

The goal of fire restoration in your Kent home is to return it to a preloss condition, "Like it never even happened." To enact that goal, we emphasize restoring the original materials of your home rather than replacing them. Restoration can be more cost and time-efficient for the homeowner but does require specific knowledge of smoke cleaning, chemical products, and equipment. Wall 

coverings are a material that is typically unique to each home and may be difficult to find and replace. Our technicians have specific procedures for restoring wall coverings from:

• Fire damage
• Smoke soiling
• Malodors

The first step to returning wall coverings to a preloss condition is pre-testing. Our technicians test cleaning products or equipment on discrete material areas, such as the undersides or beneath the baseboard. This process helps to ensure that any adverse reactions to cleaning agents are noticed quickly before applying the agent to the entire wall surface. Wall coverings that do not respond well to chemical action can still be restored using dry cleaning sponges. Our IICRC-certified technicians take extra care around edges and frayed sections to ensure that potential damage to the existing covering is minimalized.

• When cleaning wall coverings, avoiding using too much water is vital as some adhesives- such as wheat paste- can dissolve with exposure to moisture.
• Wet cleaning cloths and dry cleaning sponges should be examined regularly to prevent streaking from over-saturation.
• Wall rinse is a chemical agent that reduces streaking and removes soiling from wall coverings. 

If your home interior is damaged by smoke, contact SERVPRO of Kent, quoting fire restoration at (253) 850-1500.

Efficient Flood Damage Cleaning After Kent Storms

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded home in Kent? Call SERVPRO--Here to Help!

Storm Flooding Extraction and Drying with SERVPRO in Kent

It might seem apocalyptical if you have flooding issues in your Kent home after a heavy storm front rolls through the area. But normalcy can return with professional help. SERVPRO’s advice for area homeowners is not to panic. Once you make a call to our customer care team, we can mobilize our disaster response team to your door within hours to get started.

How to handle drying and flood damage in Kent depends on several factors. These are some things to remember despite the worry and trauma of having your home turned upside down:

• Some homeowners mistakenly think they can save time and money by starting flood mitigation on their own. The truth is that most people do not have a fraction of the knowledge professionals do, let alone any of the right equipment for the job,
• Calling a trusted flood restoration team like SERVPRO offers a quick solution involving proven methods and industry-leading equipment. Additionally, all of our technicians get trained following the standards of the IICRC, so you know you have the right team on the job.

Stagnant water is one of the most significant issues residents face after flooding. The longer water pools in rooms, the larger the problem and the more surfaces and contents take on damage. The most common consequences of a flood include:

• Electrical wiring exposed to water becomes a danger and risk.
• More than the flooring suffers; water infiltrates walls, furniture, and even ceilings.
• Damp, musty odors are impossible to eliminate without the help of specialized measures – this is where our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) come in.

SERVPRO of Kent is here to handle flood damage and everything else caused by the storm, including a leaking roof from storms and devastation from debris. Contact us at (253) 850-1500.

Become Familiar with Effective Water Damage Remediation in Kent

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO fast to mitigate the water damage in your Kent home. We can even patch the ceiling.

Extracting Water from a Kent Residence

Did you know that 37% of homeowners claim to have suffered losses from water damage? Each year, millions of people are affected by water-related disasters. Even small pipe leaks can quietly pour hundreds of gallons of water into the home, compromising structural materials and creating environments that host mold and other microbes.

If your Kent residence needs water damage mitigation fast, the IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO are available to assist you 24 hours a day. This team is dedicated to bringing homeowners thorough cleaning and restoration to help them save time and money. Technicians coordinate with property owners and insurance adjusters to ensure that every step of the cleanup process, including any necessary disposal or demolition, is done with the consent of all involved parties.

Pipe Leak in Your Home

• Stains on the ceiling. If you notice dark stains or sagging in your ceiling, the internal pipes may have seeped enough water to damage beams.
• Damaged flooring. Water can harm flooring, including buckling, staining, cracking, warping, and tiles loosening. If you feel persistent wet or soft spots in the floor when you step on it, chances are you have water damage that needs mitigation. Water can erode subflooring and eventually collapse structures without professional mitigation.  
• Rusty fixtures. If your pipes are discolored, stained, dimpled, or flaking, corrosion is a likely culprit. Rusty pipes, fuse boxes, and other appliances indicate water damage in or near walls. 
• Discoloration of paint or wallpaper. When exposed to water over time, paint and wallpaper start to peel, bubble, crack, and warp. Worse still, the drywall and wood behind it are absorbent and break down, meaning that if you see damage on the surface, there is likely even more behind the walls.
• Odors. If you notice a musty or mildewy smell, there is water damage nearby. 

How SERVPRO Can Help

If you have a saggy, water-saturated ceiling, SERVPRO technicians have various tools available to address the issue. Technicians can evaluate the extent of damage behind surfaces with infrared cameras. After evaluating moisture levels, technicians can demolish damaged ceiling portions and remove compromised materials. 

Once unsafe materials have been extracted from the affected area, drying with air movers and dehumidifiers can commence. If odors persist, technicians can implement ultra-low volume foggers to dispense water- or solvent-based deodorant solutions that eliminate odor-causing particles.

SERVPRO of Kent wants to ensure that your home looks "Like it never even happened." Call (253) 850-1500 for disaster cleanup that can start within hours of your initial contact.

Why Kent Homeowners Should Get Professional Mold Remediation

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO remediates mold damage in our customers' homes in the Kent area of WA.

We Take Mold Damage Very Seriously at Your Kent Home 

A typical action many homeowners do when they have mold damage is to Google it for home remedies. This tactic works great for the mold infestation but not so great for the home and contents, as it allows the colonies to continue to thrive and spread.

Professional mold remediation in Kent homes should begin as soon as signs of an infestation get noticed. Musty odors, visible mold, and signs of water damage all point to colonies growing behind the scenes.

Why SERVPRO?

The certified technicians undergo extensive water, fire, biohazard, and mold restoration training. Our goal is to save homeowners replacement costs for the structure and contents through advanced cleaning methods.

Locating the Reason for Mold

There are numerous reasons mold occurs within properties. The conditions enabling the colonies with improper handling have the potential to return. The techs carefully scope and look for the root cause; typical scenarios include inadequate ventilation, previous flood or water damage, and leaks.

Careful Abatement and Controlled Demolition

When sheetrock and other building materials receive mold effects, it often requires removal and disposal. During the abatement of colonies, the techs usually contain the area to stop the spread of any airborne spores. After drying existing colonies, the remaining debris on wood beams gets removed through gentle hand-scraping or soda blasting.

Post-Remediation Actions

The techs use specially formulated cleaning agents to kill any spores resident on surfaces. The application of an antimicrobial sealant gets used on the framework before the reinstallation of sheetrock to inhibit mold return.

Repairs and Restoration 

During mold damage mitigation, it is common for properties to need sheetrock replaced, cabinets installed, and flooring replaced. With our general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, the techs offer a full transitional service from restoration to reconstruction as needed to bring the home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 has the tools and equipment to provide professional mold remediation services to local homeowners and restore the home "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage in Tukwila Kitchen Gets Demo and Rebuild

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Burst pipes can quickly dump a large amount of water on your kitchen floor. React fast with a call to our SERVPRO team for effective water removal.

Tukwila if you endure water damage to your kitchen, let us help save your kitchen.

When a pipe bursts under a sink in a kitchen, the amount of water that spills can do significant damage to the flooring and walls in a short time. Mops and rags only absorb water on the surface and do nothing about any migration that happened into the subfloor or behind baseboards. 

SERVPRO technicians received a call to assist a Tukwila home with water damage cleanup in the kitchen. The water pooled in the breakfast area and required extraction using portable pumps. 

Tracing the Water Migration Path

The techs use various types of detection equipment to determine moisture and humidity levels behind walls and under floors. This action ensures that no water gets left behind to cause additional issues. 

Removal of Damaged Materials

Hardwood flooring has recovery potential through drying, if the mitigation begins quickly enough. The composite wood floor in the kitchen deteriorated quickly after extended exposure to the water. IICRC-certified technicians removed the flooring as it had no restoration prospects and prepped the subfloor for drying. The sheetrock wicked significant amounts of water and required removal down to the studs to open the wall cavity for better airflow.

Complete Drying is the Key 

The techs monitor the drying process carefully to ensure that the indoor humidity levels fall below the range for mold spore germination, and it also assists in avoiding musty odors. Once the structure verifies as dry, they clean the surfaces with their proprietary disinfectants, so there is a clean slate to build on.

Restoration and Reconstruction 

With their general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, SERVPRO offers a one-stop recovery and rebuilding assistance. This takes the hassle out of finding a contractor and waiting for the insurance carrier to approve the services. The technicians work closely with the insurance company, so the process from beginning to end is never out of the scope of coverage. The technicians handle everything such as installing flooring, painting, and repairs as needed. 

SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 can clean up water damage and restore your home with any reconstruction or repairs needed to make the loss "Like it never even happened."

Mold Removal Options for Tukwila Homes

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the offending mold, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us at the first sight. Our knowledgeable technicians are standing by.

Eliminating Active Mold Colonies Requires Several Strategies in Residences

With the natural humidity in the Pacific Northwest, towns like Tukwila feature many homes that continually contend with mold and microbial threats. In lower-lying areas like the basement or sellers of these properties, damp conditions can facilitate naturally occurring mold spores on organic matter. While this might seem like a common occurrence, these organisms' presence can be damaging to the property and create health effects for those exposed.

Removing Mold from Tukwila Homes 

Remediation seeks to eliminate active colonization, which differs from other mold removal companies in Tukwila. Our professionals understand that your time and money are valuable commodities, which encourage an efficient and direct solution for active colonization when it exists. Remediation involves several approaches working simultaneously to protect as much of the installed structural elements as possible. Some of these techniques include:

• Surface sanding
• Dry ice blasting
• Antimicrobial cleaning
• Controlled demolition

Mold can be a threat to your home when you do nothing to overcome it. Let our SERVPRO of Kent remediators help by calling (253) 850-1500.

Does Household Air-freshener Get Rid of Burnt Odors in Kent?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup and remediation often involves dealing with remaining odors. Call SERVPRO 24/7 to discuss our process.

Dealing with Fire and Odor Damage Requires Powerful Cleaning and Deodorizing Agents. SERVPRO Assists Kent Residents with Fire Odor Issues.

Why is air-freshener bad for fire odors?

The presence of burning smells in your Kent home after a fire can be persistent and unpleasant. A house fire releases a considerable amount of gasses and chemical compounds into your home. Some of these gasses may be volatile odor particles that remain due to a lack of indoor ventilation. Masking agents, like air-freshener, are rarely the primary method that SERVPRO odor control technicians (OCT) use to bring an odor under control. Fire odors typically linger in a property due to volatility, which describes how quickly liquids change to a gas. A burning smell is full of highly volatile particles, which results in a stubborn odor that does not disappear after using air-fresheners.

What affects fire odors in the home?

•   The volatility of microscopic odor particles
•   Presence of moisture which can increase the perception of odors
•   Porous materials in the home which can absorb odor particles

What chemicals control fire and burnt smoke aromas?

If air-freshener does not get rid of fire and odor damage in your Kent home, then you can resort to more powerful control agents. SERVPRO technicians frequently use pairing agents in combination with air-fresheners to tackle odor appropriately. Pairing agents bond with odor particles on a chemical level. Some of these pairing agents are humectant and cause odor particles to fall onto surfaces where they can be wiped away. Other pairing agents change the properties of an odor molecule neutralizing or destroying the odor.

What are other odor chemicals used in fire restoration?

•   Enzymes that can digest and break down organic materials such as protein smoke residues and odor.
•   Air purification uses an electronically charged grid to kill any odor-causing microorganisms.
•   Oxidizing substances are usually reserved for severe fire situations because inhabitants cannot remain on-site during an ozone generator operation.

Tackling smoke and odor can be a massive challenge without professional assistance. Contact SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500.

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Kent

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage at your commercial location often means remediating water damage from sprinklers as well. Call team SERVPRO 24/7.

Need Commercial Fire Damage Repair and Restoration in Kent – Call SERVPRO

Commercial fires in Kent can be devastating for any business. Employees are out of work. Your business comes to a standstill, customer orders cannot be met, and all of the finished and unfinished products may be damaged by the fire or from water damage caused by sprinklers and the fire department. With no revenue from sales to your customers, paying your suppliers and restarting your business can be very challenging.

SERVPRO provides commercial fire damage restoration services in Kent and surrounding areas. We also offer controlled demolition and building reconstruction services to return our customers to normal operation as fast as possible. Our team can be onsite in less than four hours from your call, and we get to work as soon as the fire department gives us the all-clear to enter the building.

Every fire is different, with many small fires causing small amounts of fire damage and distributing smoke and soot throughout the building. Sprinklers and water soak many areas within the establishment. We can remove the fire-damaged materials and begin cleaning all surfaces and contents covered in soot and smoke residues.

Recovered materials, finished and unfinished goods can be recovered, cleaned, and dried. These items can be held in a staging area until all of the work is complete. Many of our customers reinstate their business operations from the staging area and provide temporary service to their customers from the staging area.

The services provided by SERVPRO to commercial customers experiencing fire damage include:

• Controlled fire damage demolition
• Fire damage repair and restoration
• Smoke damage cleanup and staging area management

Call the commercial fire damage repair & restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Kent and nearby areas for fire damage assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (253) 850-1500.

Avoid Delays When Dealing with Flooding in Kent

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our certified water removal team is standing 24/7 by to take your emergency call.

Quick Flood Removal Actions Make Kent Home Habitable Again

The comfort you enjoy in your home can be curtailed instantly during flooding incidents. For a homeowner in Kent, removing murky water and moisture management were the main concerns since the flooding incident also involved a torn roof leaving a significant portion of the house, including the ceiling and walls, wet. Essential steps towards achieving the desired goal were:

• Protecting contents from damages
• Removing wet materials
• Removing stagnant water
• Cleaning soiling and removing contamination
  

Calling SERVPRO to offer professional assistance in flood removal helped the Kent homeowner in many ways to restore preloss conditions ensuring a comfortable stay. Our team brought a wealth of knowledge, including how to resolve the situation faster and what goals were necessary to achieve. For example, we had to ensure moisture content in wooden household items was down to 7%-11% and the relative humidity inside the house around 30% to 60%, depending on the temperature levels. Removal or prevention of foul odors is also necessary.

Various steps are usually necessary to achieve these goals. Removing any standing water and wet materials from the structure was essential to help in moisture management. To reach wet materials such as drywall and insulation within the walls, our SERVPRO team started by making flood cuts. The cut is made a few inches above the waterline, simplifying the process of removing wet wall panels without tearing down the entire wall. It also creates better room for using water extractors and pumps for water removal.

Other moisture control steps are necessary even after removing wet unsalvageable materials and extracting standing water from the building. Foul odors and other severe issues such as mold can develop in the building due to high moisture levels. Along with using antimicrobial cleaning agents, our SERVPRO technicians also take elaborate steps to dry excess moisture. For example, venting air movers into wall spaces helped remove excess water from the cavities. We also set up a couple of dehumidifiers in different home sections, expediting drying.

With the proper response, flooding incidents are easier to manage. Call SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 to assist. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Are Ready for Any Size Disaster in Kent

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

We are equipped with water extraction units to remove moisture before we set drying equipment out.

Get 24/7 Service When Your Kent Home Suffers Water Damage

In the continental United States, water damage claims are second only to wind and hail regarding insurance claim filings. While wind and hail can cause visible damages to exteriors that require mitigation, water damage can compromise structures without thorough professional care.

If your Kent residence has experienced water damage due to a pipe leak or other disaster, SERVPRO technicians are ready to assist you. This IICRC-certified crew is available 24/7 to combat water-related disasters and restore homes to their preloss condition. If your living space requires renovations after a disaster, SERVPRO possesses a general contracting license (#SERVPCS911LE) and can address your needs quickly.

What to Do When You Spot Water Damage

If you have identified water damage in your home, consider these preventive measures that can minimize repair and renovation costs after a disaster:

• Shut off water for the affected area.
• Do not use electronics in a water-damaged area and shut off power for these parts of your home to minimize risk.
• Use towels, mops, and other clean items to soak up loose water.
• Use fans and maximize ventilation to facilitate drying as much as possible. 
• Call a professional disaster mitigation team immediately to restore your home and address potential damage behind or underneath walls, ceilings, and floors. 

SERVPRO's Scientific Approach

SERVPRO uses various moisture measurement tools to address multiple materials and plot out a course of action for extraction, drying, and disinfection with EPA-registered cleaners. These tools vary from moisture sensors that evaluate the moisture levels of soft materials to penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to monitor layers of material during the drying process. Technicians also use thermo-hygrometers, which assess both temperature and humidity. 

The goal during drying is to restore your structures and possessions to moisture levels that would be normal for them. What could be considered "dry" for carpeting or drywall is not necessarily the same for hardwood floors or leather upholstery. Technicians use a thorough approach to moisture analysis during cleanup. This process includes testing the same spots on surfaces several times with various measurement tools to ensure accuracy.

SERVPRO of Kent is always available to ensure that your home looks "Like it never even happened." Call (253) 850-1500 today if you need a disaster mitigation crew fast. 

The Effects of Fire Damage in Kent Homes

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Even small fires produce smoke and soot that deposit on your belongings all over your home. SERVPRO is always ready to restore your home.

SERVPRO Addresses All Effects of Fire Damage in Kent Homes Professionally

Structure cleaning is an essential aspect following a fire at your Kent home. Since fire residues tend to travel throughout a building, they can affect your property and its components. The best way to reverse the effects is through professional cleaning and remediation, as SERVPRO does.

When fire damage in a Kent home is not utterly destructive, several items can be restored to their preloss condition. Our technicians inspect the damage and develop a restoration plan. SERVPRO's priority is to clean your home with minimum disruption quickly. Thus, we begin restoration immediately upon plan acceptance.

Steps to Fire Damage Recovery      

• Demolishing and disposing of fire-damaged structural components
• Cleaning structural components
• Cleaning contents
• Deodorization 

Specialized Restoration Equipment

Cleaning a fire site involves clearing debris and salvaging what can be saved. We remove parts of drywall or ceilings if they are heavily soiled or charred. The problem might be water damage in some cases, which leaves the ceiling and wall panels soggy. In some instances, elaborate drying processes can fix the damage, saving you the inconvenience of demolishing. SERVPRO technicians evaluate contents and structure to determine if they can be cost-effectively restored. We have specialized equipment that simplifies cleaning and drying procedures helping salvage more items.

Specialized Restoration Equipment

• Pressure washers
• Rotating brushes
• Blast-cleaners

Stubborn smoke odor is a detrimental consequence of a fire, and it can linger in the home for a long time. The smell can compromise the indoor air quality and irritate the occupants. So, taking measures to get rid of the smell quickly and effectively is necessary. Even though the odors decrease when affected materials are demolished and removed, other steps are required. Our SERVPRO technicians use ozone generators and photocatalytic oxidizers to neutralize malodors.

SERVPRO of Kent works hard to manage fire damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (253) 850-1500.

Fast Water Damage Restoration of Tukwila Offices

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a burst pipe and subsequent water damage at your commercial location can be quite difficult. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 - 365 days a year.

When your Tukwila Business is Down Due to Water Damage, We can Help with Complete Restoration Services

When water pipes leak or fixtures in break areas burst or break, the resulting water damage can be substantial and widespread. As leading restoration professionals, we have effective mitigation strategies to help overcome standing water and moisture effects in these areas. Our fast actions and restoration services could get your doors back open quickly if the emergency were severe enough to require vacating.

Containment of the Damage Area

Water damage for Tukwila offices can be difficult to overcome, especially in the earliest stages of the disaster. Spreading water can be a significant challenge, making containment measures to protect the property and isolate the work area vital. We can limit restoration and recovery time with established drying and work areas.

Multiple Restoration Professionals to Help

SERVPRO has many experienced and certified technicians in several niches of the restoration industry. Our growing roster of WRT-certified professionals ensures that we can work on your project around the clock when necessary to reach the desired recovery milestones when you are shut down.

Water Damage Repairs Where Needed

With our contracting license, we can complete many of the structural repairs and replacement needs that your property might have. Based on the source of the water damage, we must focus our efforts on making the structure whole again by getting utility services functioning, replacing missing materials, and rebuilding where required. Some of these needs include:

• Plumbing repairs
• Flooring replacement
• Drop ceiling installation
• Wall assembly repair

An important aspect of the work we do for area businesses after they suffer disaster effects is meeting their schedule to limit invasive restoration. We appreciate the urgency in getting your doors back open quickly, and can often accommodate methods of allowing the business to operate in a limited capacity while recovery is ongoing. Give our SERVPRO of Kent professionals a call today at (253) 850-1500.

How Can Actions After Fire Damage Get Kent Shops Open Quickly?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Right after the fire in your shop is extinguished is the best time to contact SERVPRO to assess and remediate the commercial fire damage. Call 24/7.

Post-fire Damage Restoration in Kent Shops Must Tackle Several Pressing Concerns

Fires can happen from several sources, so it is important to determine the extent of the damage as soon as their team arrives. We have experienced professionals that can quickly scope the job and begin a custom restoration strategy that works with the needs of your insurance provider to get your doors open again fast.

Removing Bulk Materials and Damaged Contents

Among the initial emergency services for fire damage restoration in Kent shops is eliminating fire debris and ruined contents. Directly impacted wares and inventory from your shop are rarely salvageable, so we must work fast to safely remove these contents from the premises to begin vital air quality improvement and restoration processes.

Containing the Damaged Areas

Containment is one of the most vital services involved in effective fire restoration. It is critical to prevent post-fire effects like soot and odors throughout the property. We utilize physical barriers to create isolated zones for efficient disaster restoration management. Our installed systems to contain fire effects help by:

• Preventing soot movement
• Keeping odors contained
• Allowing the business to operate when possible

Clearing Residues from Surfaces

Soot and smoke residues create volatile environments for employees and customers. We must address these concerns as soon as possible to prevent the situation from getting worse, such as soot deposits occurring on more of the inventory or surfaces in the building. We have dry and wet cleaning strategies to dissolve or emulsify the soil deposits on affected materials to protect these underlying substrates when possible. 

A few actions should begin as soon as possible to effectively keep your doors open after a fire loss incident. Our focus is to keep you in business or to open your doors again as quickly as possible after a disaster. Trust our SERVPRO of Kent team to help however you need when you call (253) 850-1500.

When Are Electric Submersible Pumps the Right Choice for Kent Homes?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Many types of pumps are needed to tackle the water damage in your home. Call SERVPRO to figure out the best way for water damage restoration.

Powerful Tools can Aid Water Damage Restoration in Kent Properties like Submersible Pumps

Many mitigation tools are needed to protect a property and its sensitive contents from harmful water damage events. After evaluating your home's needs, we can introduce devices like electric submersible pumps to overcome standing water throughout the house. For several reasons, this is among the most commonly used water removal tools for deep extraction needs.

The Importance of Water Removal Services

Water damage restoration in Kent properties relies on the efficient removal of surface water. Any standing water incident can impact materials and contents throughout the property, making it vital to provide sufficient water removal services where necessary. Using a combination of extraction devices and techniques, we can focus on:

• Removing Surface Water
• Clearing Puddling and Pooling
• Eliminating Trapped Moisture in Materials

How Do Electric Submersible Pumps Work?

Using a constant source of power, a motor within the submersible pump works to drive the system. During this process, kinetic energy is created and increased. Part of this generated energy becomes pressure that pulls and lifts the liquid through the unit and out the discharge line. 

When Should They Be Used? 

Every water damage incident is not ideal for using electric submersible pumps to resolve. Certain extraction needs to appeal to the appropriate conditions necessary to quickly and adequately remove standing water down to the desired level. When water damage and pooling are beneath two inches in depth, sufficient prime is not attainable with the instrument, and other extraction devices should be used instead.

Extraction is the most vital effort our professionals can undertake when restoring homes and businesses after water losses. This mitigation strategy protects the property and prevents absorption into flooring materials whenever possible. Electric submersible pumps play a role in this management of standing water. Give our SERVPRO of Kent team a call now at (253) 850-1500.

Why is Air Quality So Important During Kent Mold Removal?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Look for signs of mold and call SERVPRO for complete mold remediation.

SERVPRO Techs Have Experience Handling Kent Mold Remediation

Mold damage can spread across a Kent property in numerous ways. One of the most common is when someone attempts to remove the visible mold colonies and accidentally sends the spores airborne throughout the home. 

Although it would not be possible to perform complete mold removal in a Kent property because mold spores naturally occur both inside and outside of structures, SERVPRO technicians possess the training and experience to eradicate mold infestations within all types of properties successfully. 

SERVPRO frequently gets brought into properties to handle mold remediation duties because the homeowner suspects mold but has not visually confirmed it yet. Our IICRC trained technicians can use their equipment to determine likely areas where mold colonies are active. Improving air quality during the mitigation is a standard part of the process. Standard procedures include:

• Containment
• Use of specific equipment
• Cleaning agents formulated for use against mold growth

Air Quality Equipment and Techniques

One of the mainstays during mold mitigation services is using an air scrubber. This powerhouse piece of equipment pulls copious amounts of air into its labyrinth of HEPA filtration, where it captures and holds airborne spores and particulates dislodged during the remediation.

Another method of porting airborne spores off-site is through self-created tubing, creating a negative air chamber that continually forces air into the tube and removes it through a window or doorway vent. 

Final Applications 

The use of antimicrobial cleaners and sealants can go a long way to inhibiting the return of a mold infestation. The mold growth must get identified to be taken care of, whether the problem is from a slow leak or poor ventilation. 

SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 makes a healthy environment a priority during professional mold remediation services in Kent. 

What Types of Agitation Work for Tukwila Fire Restoration?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Long after the blaze is extinguished, smoke and soot damage remain.

SERVPRO Has Training for Professional Fire Cleanup for Tukwila Properties

Agitation is frequently used to remove soils of all types when handling fire damage in a Tukwila property. There are main types: light, medium, and hard. Knowing when and how to use the various levels can make a difference in the mitigation service outcome.

A soot-covered article in a Tukwila home can get new life through fire restoration. The technicians from SERVPRO have a host of cleaning solutions and methods from which to choose. Agitation at different levels is one application that gets used to remove the fire and smoke damage within a house. 

How Does Agitation Work Against Removing Fire Residues?

When agitation gets used, the tech uses friction to loosen smoke and soot damage. In some cases, cleaning products are not required as the agitation alone is sufficient. 

Light and Medium Agitation

A light touch during smoke damage cleanup in a home can be accomplished by using a hand tool such as a feather duster. Small paintbrushes help remove embedded soot in ornamental areas of hardwood and other firm-surface furnishings or molding. Handheld brushes can eliminate all types of dry smoke and smoke webs present post-fire. When a surface is fragile, the techs may use low-impact applications such as compressed air. 

Heavy Agitation Actions

This method of soil removal is only for use on stuck-on smoke damage and often requires the application of a solvent-containing cleaning agent. The technicians may choose to use: 

• Abrasive powders
• Liquid/cream cleaners
• Sandpaper and steel wool
• Rotopads and steel brushes

Blast Media

One last way techs remove smoke damage from surfaces involves blast media such as soda, ice, or sponge blasting. These methods remove smoke residues, and the application gets chosen depending on the surface getting cleaned.

SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 brings decades of experience and training for fire restoration for the local Tukwila community. 

How Can Kent Professional Fire Damage Restoration Work Against a Grease Fire?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Grease fires happen quickly and spread smoke and soot far from the kitchen.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Equipment During Fire Mitigation Jobs in Kent

A grease fire in a Kent kitchen can quickly lay a great deal of fire and smoke damage within a structure, especially if a homeowner makes the mistake of tossing flour or water on a burning pan. This action can work to spread the fire even more by fueling it. 

When the flames flash up during a grease fire in a Kent kitchen, the fire damage can appear in numerous ways, including: 

• Melted and ruined appliances
• Heat and smoked damaged cabinets and counters
• Ruined walls and ceilings 

Everyday Actions During Post-Fire Kitchen Mitigation 

SERVPRO technicians typically section off the work area during house fire cleanup. However, a grease fire can quickly spread smoke throughout the property, and even the ductwork may require mitigation to remove the pungent odor from a protein fire. The technicians removed all the charred building materials and articles from the kitchen area.  

This type of fire deposits oily, smelly protein residues on surfaces. To clean them, SERVPRO technicians use self-mixed emulsions as needed, along with their professional solvent-based cleaners to release the grip the residues have on the countertops and other surfaces. 

Repairs and Rebuilding by SERVPRO

Our SERVPRO location holds a general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE. The technicians have the experience and skills to handle all phases of the recovery of a property after damage from a house fire, including reconstruction of the walls, floors, or ceilings and painting, molding, and other cosmetic additions. 

Local Kent residents rely on SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500 for professional fire damage restoration services after a grease fire or other type of fire cleanup needs. The trained techs can make the house fire, "Like it never even happened."