Professional Mold Remediation

Name: SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix
Address: 1050 N. Eliseo Felix Jr Way, Suite 104, Avondale, AZ, 85323
Telephone: (623) 594-6033

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Battling with mold growth on your own can make many to feel like it is a losing battle. Using bleach to clean mold away from surfaces, a method claimed by many people to work well is counter-productive and can be part of the reason that mold returns to the same location repeatedly.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause,

The climate in Phoenix can be dry, but mold damage can still happen to your home's interior. The tiniest drip from a water line can provide enough moisture for fungal infestations to prosper in hidden areas of your home. This shows how vital a nutrient water is for the spores.

Remove water from the interior environment of your home, and unwanted mold colonies find it nearly impossible to return after they have been cleaned away. Removing mold with the use of bleach fails to work as claimed because of bleach's high concentration of water and the physics involving permeability of a common material used in homes – sheets of drywall. Our IICRC trained technicians, here at SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix, can win your battle and let you relax.

Moisture can penetrate into the drywall, while bleach molecules are too large to do the same. While water remains inside the porous drywall, and available to mold's hyphae, all of the bleach remains on the surface, only discoloring this tough, durable, but tiny microbe, creating the illusion that the mold has been killed and removed.

To remove unwanted mold and prevent damage, remediation is required. During this process, any materials affected by mold damage are removed and repaired, so the area involved is completely restored, “Like it never even happened.” Hard surfaced materials such as cast iron, glass, and ceramic tiles can be cleaned and treated. These materials cannot be penetrated by fungi as it grows, but any dust or other minute debris can provide the basic surface changes to allow this to happen.

When an area has re-attained a normal microbe level again, treating the previously affected areas with microbe-inhibitors can prevent recurrences. This can include a special liquid that is applied like paint or simply sprayed on directly. After it has dried, it is both long-lasting, but also safe around children and pets.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, so call us, 24/7, at (623) 594-6033. Our IICRC trained technicians can win your battle and let you relax.

Water damage in Avondale, AZM

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

This home in Avondale, AZ was affected by busted pipes from the shower head affecting bathroom wall, dining room wall area, ceiling and surrounded walls to be completely demolished. SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix came right after initial call. Our trained technicians, Nicholas Laducer started work immediately, advising owners of the entire mitigation process. Owners were also advise if they should file a claim or not, and whey were giving a choice to go with insurance or treat it as self-pay. Customer was very satisfied with the final effects and how quick we were able to clean up the damage. Owners were thrilled with the short clean up time and how great the our crew was!

SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix is always here to help! We take every job seriously and we consider all of our clients as a SERVPRO family!

Rely on SERVPRO for flood damage cleanup!

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

All of the danger surrounding flash floods can be scary. Winds can exceed 70 mph forcing large amounts of rain to enter your neighborhood like a stampeding herd of wild buffalo. You may have little to no warning before freeways and highways close, trapping you in a swift-moving current of water that cares very little about your safety.

Obviously, it is important to recognize the problem, remaining informed about flood warnings throughout the Phoenix area. Flood damage can happen fast and escape from a flash flood area can be rough. However, if you have a plan, avoid walking through moving water, or driving through flooded areas, you can safely evacuate without much of a problem.

It is possible to become trapped, unable to leave the confines of your home, making it necessary to store some supplies. Local drinking water can become contaminated by oil, gas, and sewage. Having water, food, clothing, and first aid available for each member of your family to survive for at least a week is best.

While you already understand not to drive through flooded roadways or bridges, it may not always be possible to stay on high ground. If your vehicle gets stuck, or it becomes submerged in water, remain calm, wait for your vehicle to fill with water. It can be scary, but if you wait until the vehicle is full of water, the doors open easier. You can then hold your breath, open the door, and swim to the surface. Flash flooding without warning, can become lethal.

You are likely to be told by local authorities that it is safe to return to your home at some point. However, returning without the right support can produce drastic results. You benefit more from contacting a company like SERVPRO to provide you with flood damage restoration services. We can be the first to enter your home and assess your situation correctly.

SERVPRO has access to vast resources, equipment, and years of experience handling unfortunate situations just like these. Keep your family safe and sound, leave the recovery to those trained, never take unnecessary risks.

Contact SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix in preparation for flash flooding in your area, we can help you prepare to survive. (623) 594-6033

Water Damage ih Phoenix property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding happens, regardless of the source, you need a professional service with years of experience and training to return your home to normal. A quick response means less property damage and lowers replacement costs.

Significant water damage in a Phoenix home is not something many people even consider possible. We are well known for our heat and the desert (and the Suns of course) but not for rain or cresting creeks and rivers. Most damage to a home is not from those sources, however. Broken plumbing such as a leaking faucet can cause thousands of dollars in damage before the homeowner is even aware of it. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the skills and equipment to take care of it.

First, we inspect and secure your home. Technicians check for weakened sub-floors, crumbling drywall and electrical hazards. With the inspection complete, we board up the doors, windows, and other entrances to prevent loss from the elements, theft, and vandalism.

Now, we remove any standing water. If it is two inches or higher, our team deploys a set of sump pumps to get the job done. For amounts lower than two inches across the home, we use smaller water extractors. If the power is out, we also use one of the generators we maintain in our equipment inventory to ensure continuous electrical support.

Our next step is to examine the property no longer under water. There is always some water trapped in carpets and wood floors, so our SERVPRO IICRC industry certified technicians use special vacuums designed to remove water without damaging the nape of the carpet or surface of the wood. If the standing water was high enough, there might be some amount behind the walls as well. If we find excess water, we use extraction wands to draw it out. In almost every case of standing water, we recommend removing and replacing any carpet pads. It is rarely ever cost-effective to attempt to dry them.

Next, comes examination and repair of the carpets. We look for thinning lamination and damaged seams. Since the lamination is what holds the fibers together, too much loss means that the fibers detach when vacuumed and the carpet must be replaced soon. We can repair damage seams quickly and cheaply, but if too many fibers near the seam have begun to detach, it is not cost-effective.

As we complete repairs, other technicians check the inside humidity and the moisture levels of the surrounding structural property. For high concentrations in both, we deploy commercial dehumidifiers to assist and quicken the natural drying process. Depending on the size, these machines can draw over 25 gallons of water from the air each day. We also use air movers to force airflow over surfaces to dry them and push the damp, inside air out of your home. The air movers are particularly useful with wet drywall that has not yet begun to crumble and structural property (kitchen cabinets for example) that was not under water. If we do not lower the moisture levels, physical damage continues to your home, and the threat of a mold infestation begins as well. Our goal is to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Our last step is to perform a final inspection with you to show what we accomplished and make certain you are satisfied with our work. At SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix, this is not just a job. Every client is also one of our neighbors. Call us today at (623) 594-6033

What you need to know about asbestos

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

3 common asbestos include: chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral substance that can be pulled into a fluffy consistency. Asbestos fibers are soft and flexible yet resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. Pure asbestos is an effective insulator and c an be mixed in to cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them strong.

These qualities once made asbestos very viable, but unfortunately, they also make asbestos highly toxic.

Asbestos hazards may occur during manufacturing of asbestos-containing products; performing brake or clutch repairs, renovating or demolishing buildings; or cleanup from those activities. Asbestos workers have increased changes of getting two principal types of cancer: cancer of the lung tissue and mesothelioma.

Some materials are presumed to contain asbestos if installed before 1981: thermal system insulation, roofing and siding shingles, vinyl floor tiles, plaster, cement, putties, ceiling tiles and spray coatings, industrial pipe wrapping, etc.

Testing for asbestos also need to be perform on commercial buildings.

Smoke and Soot Removal Best Practice

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

For people who’ve experienced a fire in their home, the initial cleanup of soot and water can be only the beginning. On top of the devastation of possibly losing irreplaceable personal items and memorabilia, the process of getting the home back in living order can be filled with difficulties.

Restoring the home requires professionals who are experienced in dealing with fires and restoration of the property. The national association that certifies companies’ expertise in fire cleanup is the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. IICRC-certified companies must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

IICRC, working with the manufacturers of carpet, upholstery and fabric, works to establish the standards on how these items can be restored, whether from fire or water damage. When it comes to cleaning, restoring and inspecting that items are safe to be replaced in the home, the IICRC writes the books, so their certification of a local company offers homeowners the reassurance that the fire restoration work will be done correctly.

SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix, is IICRC-certified, and our technicians receive ongoing training in the IICRC best practices. We also understand the need for immediate response, working with your insurance agent to document the loss and items that are able to be restored versus those that are a total loss.

If you ever experience a fire and need a restoration company, look for these factors in your chosen company:

Proof of proper insurances and licenses
Their level of experience in fire-related restoration
Formal and recent training in specialized fire restoration work
IICRC Certification

For restoration of your home and its contents after a fire, Litchfield & the West Valley turn to SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix We take pride in keeping our customers informed about their restoration work, and in upholding the standards of our IICRC certification.

SERVPRO has the equipment to detect hidden water damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water gun battles between kids is a great way to beat the summer heat in Phoenix, but children and teens sometimes forget to dump out the water in their toys before bringing them inside. These can leak, just like pipes and the underside of drains, forming puddles that then begin to harm your home.

Although the water from a few squirt guns may seem minute and of little importance, Phoenix homeowners need to know that water damage happens wherever water penetrates porous materials within a home. Water from leaks in pipes is a bigger problem because they continually have pressure behind them, forcing more water out than what a toy holds. Washing dishes in the kitchen or hands in the bathroom rarely creates any problems, but when the drain pipe comes loose from either sink's drain hole, water can drip into the cabinet.

Throughout your home, you have appliances that use water in one way or another – either to provide cold water and ice, to wash dishes or laundry, or to heat water for washing and bathing. Each of these has its own feed line and drain system. These hoses, tubes, and pipes can form leaks, weaknesses at joints and connections, or simply break, in ways very similar to the plumbing in your home.

Checking these water lines is crucial if homeowners wish to prevent water damage from happening around these appliances. The interior of appliances can also malfunction and create problems with water, so paying attention to the floor around each appliance is worthwhile. Puddles or slight dampness can indicate internal problems warranting repairs. After repairing, the appliance should be working correctly, but the water lost into your floor or carpet remains inside your home's living space.

SERVPRO is always available to assist homeowners in restoring their homes after water damage occurs. Any event that seems cleaned up and taken care of can still cause problems. This is the reason why inspecting and assessing occurs before the beginning of any work. Hidden water from a leak can continue to create problems. Using our water detection equipment takes a very short time and can provide lots of information for the homeowner and us.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix hold certificates in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying, ensuring that your home is fully restored and protected against future incidents. Contacting us at our local number, (623) 594-6033, can put a stop to water problems that harm your home.

Smells from Fires and SERVPRO Remediation

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with the after-effects of a fire in your home, one of the biggest frustrations is the smell. It can foul the air for days, weeks and even months. People never get used to a bad smell. It can make your home unlivable. The technicians here at SERVPRO know how to deodorize thoroughly, making a home smell “Like it never even happened.”

Removing the source of fire damage odors in Phoenix is the first step. Our team never tries to cover up the smell. We know we need to eliminate the cause of the smell. Without doing that, efforts to deodorize don’t stand a chance. For example, charred materials left in place continue to give off an offensive smoky scent for months. That is why our experts remove building material and debris tainted with smoke residue before starting the process of deodorization.

Once our experts take away the cause of the smell, we turn our attention to deodorization. We clean all surfaces that have residue because even tiny particles can keep giving off the stench of smoke. Did you have a kitchen fire? Then your stove, counters, vent hood and cabinets likely need a thorough scouring, using advanced cleaning agents.

After cleaning, we ventilate the area to find out if odors linger. At SERVPRO, we use state-of-the-art tools and cleansers to remove smells from your home. We tailor the method to the cause of the problem. The rule of thumb is that “like works on like” in most cases. Special fog products often work on smells caused by smoke. It follows the original path of the smoke, deodorizing as it travels through your home.

Our team not only has access to industrial strength products and the latest tools. We also have the training to use them correctly. Each technician meets the standards of the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Cerfitication).

For help with odors and other fire damage restoration, call in the experts at SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix. Available 24/7, we are strategically located to serve Phoenix and surrended areas.

Steps to Take After a Storm Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property.

If it is safe to move around your property, photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. At SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix, we provide 24-hour emergency service. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is here to support our neighbors in putting their home back together; however, we can help. Call today at (623) 394-6033 to get started with an inspection and an estimate.

Our Technicians Arrive With Tools to Handle Both Large and Small Scale Water Damage Events

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Besides boosting productivity, extractors are becoming increasingly popular in commercial water removal in Phoenix due to operator safety. These equipment are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery, as well as removing water from floors. They are usually made up of three main components -- vacuum system, pump, and heater -- all of which come into play when cleaning carpets and upholstery.

The task of commercial water removal in any Phoenix business requires professional services for maximum efficiency. At SERVPRO, we have a team of highly trained, IICRC-certified technicians who can relieve you of that stress. Our services are available 24/7, every day of the year, so you can reach us anytime.

There are many benefits of using an industrial grade extractor for commercial water removal, but the most important one is its deep cleaning capability. Our machines are effective with both high and low pile carpet, removing as much dirt and residue as possible.

Additionally, using carpet extractors allows SERVPRO professionals to deep clean specific areas of the water-damaged carpet. The massive water tank that comes with most models enables us to apply a cleaning solution to the fabric, ensuring that the carpet is thoroughly clean instead of just getting the dirt up. Heating technology helps to loosen dirt and grime from individual carpet strands. With the water drying within a couple of hours, this makes it a very practical water removal process.

Furthermore, the presence of a long wand ensures a great all-round cleanup process and reduces the need to relocate the extractor. As such, SERVPRO water damage technicians can remove excess water from a material by merely moving with the wand. Carpet extractors typically have a wide-mouthed wand that makes it easier to get closer to the base of the carpet as best as possible, regardless of the length of the pile.

Water extractors can be portable or truck-mounted. The former can be taken into the building and allows access to hard-to-reach areas, but the latter is more powerful and has its own power sources. Truck-mounted extractors

Water and Moisture Removal Get Your Business Doors Re-Opened

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is something no business owner wants. Unfortunately, it only takes one broken pipe or faulty appliance to cause significant damage to your coffee shop. You may be left reeling and wondering how you are going to get your premises dry and ready to start serving customers again. After all, a closed business is a business which is not turning a profit, and that is not helpful for your ledger.

Water damage to your Phoenix coffee shop means it is time to put in a call to SERVPRO – We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We train our technicians in line with IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards so you can rest assured they are up to date on all the most efficient water damage remediation techniques.

An important part of remediating water damage to your business is to set a drying goal. A drying goal establishes the condition your premises should be in by the time our team has finished working on it. Our aim is always to restore your coffee shop to the status it was in before the water damage took place.

A drying goal ensures that we know what our aim is and can carefully monitor the process. If for any reason we are not on track to reach our goal we can adjust our process accordingly.

Setting a specific goal gives you the reassurance of knowing that our technicians are committed to restoring your shop.

A drying goal includes establishing moisture readings for affected parts of the structure of your shop, including the floor and the walls. Our team also sets out the ideal humidity that we want to reach. Moisture content and humidity readings, when taken together, give a complete picture. We use a moisture meter to measure and track moisture content, and a thermo-hygrometer to tell us the humidity of the air.

Our professionals use a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your coffee shop, including the floors, walls, carpet, and furniture. We monitor progress as we go and do not stop until we reach our drying goal.

For help with drying your shop, call SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix at (623) 594-6033 today.

SERVPRO Crew Race to Dry out Your Property

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to small amounts of flooding, much of the damage is not to the home itself, but rather to the contents inside. An overflowing kitchen sink or a cracked pipe in the laundry room does not usually result in structural problems, but it can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair and replacement of furniture throughout the house.

SERVPRO has decades of experience in restoring and repairing furniture in Phoenix after it suffers flood damage. We understand the effects of flooding and how to deal with all but the worst of them.

Wood or a wood composite (i.e. particleboard) makes up most furniture. Each type of material has its uses, but each one also has drawbacks when it comes to being affected by flooding.
Wood develops two problems after exposure to floodwater. There is swelling and cracking, as well as a weakening of the joints. The other problem is spotting, which damages the finish. Our technicians can remove most water spots with one of the wood care products in our chemical inventory. For great spotting, we may have to recommend a professional refinisher to repair the damage.

The best way to deal with swelling, cracking, and joint weakness is to remove the excess moisture carefully. Too fast or too slow can cause permanent damage. Our technicians use dehumidifiers to draw out moisture and, if needed, use air movers to force warm, dry air across the surface and underneath an item to speed up the process.

Particleboard does not survive exposure to water very well. Since it makes up pieces like kitchen and bathroom cabinets and other cheaply made and replaceable items, only one side is laminated or otherwise treated to repel moisture. Since the opposite side is exposed, the treated side acts as a vapor barrier, which does not allow moisture to pass through the board, trapping the water and eventually warping the cabinets.

If there is no visible warping, our technicians may be able to lower the moisture content and restore an item made from particleboard. Since the pieces are relatively cheap, we recommend replacing them rather than investing the time and effort to keep them.

Returning your home to its pre-flooded condition requires a company with the experience and training to complete the process as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is here to support our neighbors in putting their home back together; however, we can help. Call today at (623) 394-6033 to get started with an inspection and an estimate.

SERVPRO has the equipment to detect hidden water damage

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water gun battles between kids is a great way to beat the summer heat in Phoenix, but children and teens sometimes forget to dump out the water in their toys before bringing them inside. These can leak, just like pipes and the underside of drains, forming puddles that then begin to harm your home.

Although the water from a few squirt guns may seem minute and of little importance, Phoenix homeowners need to know that water damage happens wherever water penetrates porous materials within a home. Water from leaks in pipes is a bigger problem because they continually have pressure behind them, forcing more water out than what a toy holds. Washing dishes in the kitchen or hands in the bathroom rarely creates any problems, but when the drain pipe comes loose from either sink's drain hole, water can drip into the cabinet.

Throughout your home, you have appliances that use water in one way or another – either to provide cold water and ice, to wash dishes or laundry, or to heat water for washing and bathing. Each of these has its own feed line and drain system. These hoses, tubes, and pipes can form leaks, weaknesses at joints and connections, or simply break, in ways very similar to the plumbing in your home.

Checking these water lines is crucial if homeowners wish to prevent water damage from happening around these appliances. The interior of appliances can also malfunction and create problems with water, so paying attention to the floor around each appliance is worthwhile. Puddles or slight dampness can indicate internal problems warranting repairs. After repairing, the appliance should be working correctly, but the water lost into your floor or carpet remains inside your home's living space.

SERVPRO is always available to assist homeowners in restoring their homes after water damage occurs. Any event that seems cleaned up and taken care of can still cause problems. This is the reason why inspecting and assessing occurs before the beginning of any work. Hidden water from a leak can continue to create problems. Using our water detection equipment takes a very short time and can provide lots of information for the homeowner and us.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix hold certificates in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying, ensuring that your home is fully restored and protected against future incidents. Contacting us at our local number, (623) 594-6033, can put a stop to water problems that harm your home.

Professional Mold Remediation

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Battling with mold growth on your own can make many to feel like it is a losing battle. Using bleach to clean mold away from surfaces, a method claimed by many people to work well is counter-productive and can be part of the reason that mold returns to the same location repeatedly.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause,

The climate in Phoenix can be dry, but mold damage can still happen to your home's interior. The tiniest drip from a water line can provide enough moisture for fungal infestations to prosper in hidden areas of your home. This shows how vital a nutrient water is for the spores.

Remove water from the interior environment of your home, and unwanted mold colonies find it nearly impossible to return after they have been cleaned away. Removing mold with the use of bleach fails to work as claimed because of bleach's high concentration of water and the physics involving permeability of a common material used in homes – sheets of drywall. Our IICRC trained technicians, here at SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix, can win your battle and let you relax.

Moisture can penetrate into the drywall, while bleach molecules are too large to do the same. While water remains inside the porous drywall, and available to mold's hyphae, all of the bleach remains on the surface, only discoloring this tough, durable, but tiny microbe, creating the illusion that the mold has been killed and removed.

To remove unwanted mold and prevent damage, remediation is required. During this process, any materials affected by mold damage are removed and repaired, so the area involved is completely restored, “Like it never even happened.” Hard surfaced materials such as cast iron, glass, and ceramic tiles can be cleaned and treated. These materials cannot be penetrated by fungi as it grows, but any dust or other minute debris can provide the basic surface changes to allow this to happen.

When an area has re-attained a normal microbe level again, treating the previously affected areas with microbe-inhibitors can prevent recurrences. This can include a special liquid that is applied like paint or simply sprayed on directly. After it has dried, it is both long-lasting, but also safe around children and pets.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, so call us, 24/7, at (623) 594-6033. Our IICRC trained technicians can win your battle and let you relax.

SERVPRO Is the Answer to Mitigation Commercial Water Damage in Your Business

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are vital in Phoenix commercial properties, for fire protection. They save millions of dollars in insurance savings, code & ordinance compliance, and business continuity. However, as useful as they can be in minimizing fire damage, the wet mess they leave behind is like trading one disaster for another. The excess water can penetrate the walls, carpets, and various surfaces, leading to moisture damage, mold issues, and ultimately, bad odors.

The first step to safeguard your property is hiring a commercial water damage restoration compoany in Phoenix such as SERVPRO. As an IICRC approved franchise, we have the tools and means to address all water damage and eliminate future incidents. Our technicians are adequately equipped to assess the existing property damage and formulate a strategy to return your items to preloss conditions, "Like it never even happened."

Water damage from sprinkler systems can include standing water, mold & mildew growth, wet office materials such as upholstery and carpeting, and moisture damage on building materials such as drywall. To prevent further damage to possessions made from porous surfaces such as wood and clothing, our specialists assemble and clear these items out of the building as a pack-out if no dry staging areas are available.

We may have to replace some of the items, depending on the level of water damage and their ability to be salvaged. After securing the property, SERVPRO technicians commence the water removal process. This part involves using various water extraction equipment such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and water pumps. Fans and dehumidifiers are remarkably effective at drying the area to prevent mold and mildew development.

If part of the structure, such as drywall, sustained water damage, our professionals use different techniques to restore the area. In some cases, this may require additional cleaning services or construction. Indeed, drying multiple layers of drywall takes a few days. During this time, we use a moisture tester to monitor the drying process. If some of the ceiling tiles sustained water damage, we replace them most of the time. Excess water on tiles tends to leave stains and ultimately causes them to bow.

Water damage from a sprinkler system can have an adverse impact on your business. If it happens, you can rely on SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix for 24/7 commercial water damage restoration services. As part of your Litchfield and West Phoenix community, we can arrive promptly to salvage your property. Call us anytime at (623) 594-6033.

Getting Rid of Flood Damage

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Residences in Phoenix that lie in lower areas can suffer flooding even when rainfall is slight. While flooding might not become extreme, the potential for chemical and biological contamination still exists. If this happens, you need to eliminate the risks to your family quickly.

Phoenix homes with flood damage can harbor a mixture of pathogens and chemical combinations that can cause illnesses. Removing these contaminants through cleaning and removal of dirty water is possible but doing so requires specialized detection instruments and removal tools. SERVPRO technicians carry both and come prepared to every job site to start the processes involved in recovering from flooding.

Your home's saturation level at the time of our arrival helps determine what equipment we use to remove the floodwater still present. Elimination of the bilk of the water must take place first. Once reasonably dry, we can begin working completing the drying process. We need to eliminate as much moisture as possible before it can evaporate and travel to other locations in your home, such as second story areas and attic spaces.

Mold and mildew proliferate after a flood, showing how high the new microbe population might be that the floodwaters carried. Keeping things dry helps prevent the spread of these pathogens. We use a combination of air blowers and heaters to increase controlled evaporation, and eliminate moisture with the use of dehumidifiers and desiccant machines. Air scrubbers pull airborne microbes out of the air, keeping them from traveling to other areas inside your home.

Even though the air is scrubbed clean, carpets and lower sections of walls remain a different scenario. These require removal whenever damaged by contaminated water. We must remove carpeting and padding so flooring underneath can receive the treatments needed to restore them to dryness. Walls are cut and removed approximately six inches above the water line, and then restored. Painting the entire wall afterward restores the walls completely.

SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix helps families recover from flood damage and many other disasters that affect their homes. Contact us at our local number, (623) 594-6033, anytime, to start our 24-hour services.

SERVPRO has the equipment to detect hidden water damage

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water gun battles between kids is a great way to beat the summer heat in Phoenix, but children and teens sometimes forget to dump out the water in their toys before bringing them inside. These can leak, just like pipes and the underside of drains, forming puddles that then begin to harm your home.

Although the water from a few squirt guns may seem minute and of little importance, Phoenix homeowners need to know that water damage happens wherever water penetrates porous materials within a home. Water from leaks in pipes is a bigger problem because they continually have pressure behind them, forcing more water out than what a toy holds. Washing dishes in the kitchen or hands in the bathroom rarely creates any problems, but when the drain pipe comes loose from either sink's drain hole, water can drip into the cabinet.

Throughout your home, you have appliances that use water in one way or another – either to provide cold water and ice, to wash dishes or laundry, or to heat water for washing and bathing. Each of these has its own feed line and drain system. These hoses, tubes, and pipes can form leaks, weaknesses at joints and connections, or simply break, in ways very similar to the plumbing in your home.

Checking these water lines is crucial if homeowners wish to prevent water damage from happening around these appliances. The interior of appliances can also malfunction and create problems with water, so paying attention to the floor around each appliance is worthwhile. Puddles or slight dampness can indicate internal problems warranting repairs. After repairing, the appliance should be working correctly, but the water lost into your floor or carpet remains inside your home's living space.

SERVPRO is always available to assist homeowners in restoring their homes after water damage occurs. Any event that seems cleaned up and taken care of can still cause problems. This is the reason why inspecting and assessing occurs before the beginning of any work. Hidden water from a leak can continue to create problems. Using our water detection equipment takes a very short time and can provide lots of information for the homeowner and us.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix hold certificates in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying (ASD), ensuring that your home is fully restored and protected against future incidents. Contacting us at our local number, (623) 594-6033, can put a stop to water problems that harm your home.

We Have The Proper DIY and Professional Flood Damage Cleanup in the West Valley

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know unexpected flash flood damage is more likely to happen in areas with less annual rainfall? The reason is when the ground becomes very dry, and it hardens; it has less capacity to absorb rainwater. This surface condition causes rain to run over rather than into the soil. In heavy rainstorms or microbursts, this can quickly turn into a flash flood situation.

When flood damage occurs in your West Valley homes, some property owners choose to clean up the water and damage themselves. When it is only a little rainwater, and there are no indications the water has migrated more in-depth into the flooring or walls, in most cases the cleanup efforts are adequate.

The seriousness of a groundwater flood within the property requires professional assistance for cleanup due to the possibility of contaminants, and until tested, humans and pets should not come into contact with it.

Other differences between DIY cleanup and professional restoration services include:

DIY uses mops and household wet/dry vacs to remove water. SERVPRO technicians have specialized equipment to perform thorough water extraction from every part of your home.

DIY uses household fans to dry water-affected areas; this action only addresses moisture at the surface. Our certified Applied Structural Drying Technicians use industrial air movers that are so powerful, the high-velocity airflow causes embedded moisture to rise, where it is ported away by our dehumidification equipment.

There is no way to know if water migrated behind walls or in ceilings and floors without scoping it with moisture detection equipment. If left, excessive moisture can create mold issues or foul odors in the home leading to potentially costly remediation.

Post drying, it is vital to disinfect all water-affected surfaces with antimicrobial cleaners to ensure the residence returns to sanitary conditions for habitation.

SERVPRO technicians are committed to assisting homeowners in saving as much of the structure and possessions as possible from flood damage. We perform controlled demolitions as needed to cut away damaged sheetrock and get the room ready for restorative efforts.

After the completion of restoration services, we give the homeowner a comprehensive report including before and after photos to expedite the insurance claims process.

SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix stands ready at (623) 594-6033 to help local property owners with flood damage in their homes. We are available 24/7 and arrive soon after your initial call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Differences Between DIY and Professional Flood Damage Cleanup in the West Valley

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know unexpected flash flood damage is more likely to happen in areas with less annual rainfall? The reason is when the ground becomes very dry, and it hardens; it has less capacity to absorb rainwater. This surface condition causes rain to run over rather than into the soil. In heavy rainstorms or microbursts, this can quickly turn into a flash flood situation.

When floor damage occurs in your West Valley homes, some property owners choose to clean up the water and damage themselves. When it is only a little rainwater, and there are no indications the water has migrated more in-depth into the flooring or walls, in most cases the cleanup efforts are adequate.