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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Reduce Business Disruption After a Commercial Disaster

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

two black and white people holding an ipad with the SERVPRO ERP app, orange background, green stripe on right, SERVPRO logo Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.
After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:
  • financial and emotional stress
  • production downtime
  • sullied reputation
  • a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a trauma like a fire, flood, pipe break, or other form of disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO, we regularly see local companies go through this and want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

How To Minimize Risks and Loss of Revenue?

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business, entirely. And the planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

We Generate A Plan For You

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate action plan. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the severity of water and fire damage on your business.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile Advantages Provide You With:

  • A no-cost assessment of your facility.

    This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
  • A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

    It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

    This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
  • Professionals at SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova, established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!

    You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for an emergency response.
  • Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

    This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.
  • Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

    You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency so that you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

We are here to be your total solutions provider during an emergency commercial disaster so you can do what’s important: taking care of your clients, employees, and other business needs. 

Third Party Certified: Upholding IICRC Standards and Maintaining Excellence is the SERVPRO Way

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Upholding Standards And Maintaining Excellence

When homes in Tennessee, need remediation, you want to ensure that the company handling the problem adheres to the highest industry standards. The restoration industry standards are set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is a third-party certification organization that approves instructors and schools to teach the skills needed to meet its values of expertise, integrity, and excellence.

Expertise

Training programs such as the ones offered by SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova are IICRC-certified. Classes are offered in any of the following categories:

  • Applied Structural Drying Certification
  • Carpet Cleaning Certification
  • Fire Restoration Certification
  • Upholstery Cleaning Certification
  • Water Restoration Certification

Receiving a mitigation certificate after completing these courses means that the individual can do the job right. When clients hire someone to fix a problem in their homes, they want to verify that the technicians know what they are doing and that they are certified mitigation experts.

Integrity

It is not enough that technicians know how to do their job well—they also need to be honest and trustworthy. When the IICRC certifies a company or individual, you know you have found someone you can trust. They adhere to a strict standard of ethics and can be expected to be upfront about their clients' homes' assessment and treatment. The IICRC’s stamp of approval is a big deal, as they, “Stand at the forefront of the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industry,” regarding training professionals.

Excellence

When a certified school or instructor trains specialists, they learn how to exhibit high standards of service. Continuing education courses improve knowledge, turning technicians into industry leaders. These classes also serve to educate insurance and real estate professionals regarding various mitigation processes. Shared knowledge strengthens these partnerships so that together, they can offer more excellent service to the customers they share.

A third-party certification organization sets industry standards that all mitigation professionals must meet. The values of the IICRC are reflected in each training program and instructor it approves. To ensure quality, professional service, recommend certified mitigation professionals to your clients. If you have residential or commercial Smoke, Fire, Water, damage, contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordovaan IICRC company, for a free restoration estimate.

Fire Prevention: Save Your Home and Family

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

 

Fire prevention can save your home and your life.

You protect your family by locking doors at night, monitoring who they spend time with and where they go. But do you consider fire prevention and preparedness tips?

As a homeowner, the thought of a fire breaking out in your house is a nightmare scenario. It puts your family’s safety at risk, and you could lose many possessions including your home itself. Avoid this frightful scenario and potentially save lives by reducing the risk of fire.

Maintain Smoke Alarms

All homes should have smoke alarms to alert you to fire danger. One or two alarm devices are not enough if you have multiple levels or a larger property. Your home should have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and an additional alarm per floor. Maintain your smoke alarms to ensure they are effective in the unfortunate incident of a fire.

  • Test your smoke alarm once per month by pressing their tester button.
  • Change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once per year.
  • Never disconnect your smoke alarm.

Practice an Evacuation Plan

It is a wise idea to explain rules for safely exiting the home. Putting together a simple to understand plan for all family members is an easy way to make sure you and your family are on the same page in the event of a fire emergency.

Something as simple as identifying a meeting location outside, explaining how to open tricky windows, or showing how to remove cut window screens is a great start for teaching young children safe fire evacuation. Teaching administration of tools like the fire extinguisher and its location can prevent small kitchen fires from forming catastrophes.

Keep an Eye on the Dryer

Of major appliances, the dryer is perhaps the most significant potential culprit for starting a fire apart from countertop ovens and griddles. Check the filter and remove lint buildup after every load. Doing this also helps dry time, so it’s a win-win! We also recommend inspecting the outside vent and the hose leading from the dryer to the vent for proper ventilation. There are many YouTube tutorials that explain the ins and outs of dryers and their filters—those videos may be useful for extra, seasonal, deep cleanings.

Inspect Outlets

Being aware of electrical problems is an important fire precaution. Never overload your outlets. Also, be mindful when you use power strips, especially with computers and TVs. If an outlet looks dingy, it could be blown which indicates hidden problems. Outlet inspection is especially necessary for rental apartments or townhomes. Take precaution and call a professional electrician or property maintenance for help. We do not recommend fixing electrical problems. This is not a DIY project. 

Be Careful When You Cook

Because there are many silent heat sources in a kitchen, fire prevention is most likely and therefore most important here. Make sure your oven is clean and functioning correctly. If the oven emits an unusual amount of heat when closed and cooking, there may be problems with the seal or heating mechanism. It does not hurt to have a professional look at the appliance to ensure the temperature regulation mechanisms are working properly.

If all is functioning, it is wise to use the self-clean setting when your oven looks particularly grimy. This will heat the inside of the oven to a high temperature, burning stuck-on residue. When the self-cleaning is done, the food particles inside will be ash and can be easily wiped out. This is a simple and effective way to clean an oven. However, do not leave your oven unattended while this process is happening.

In fact, never leave any kitchen appliance unattended, especially food on the stove. A good rule of thumb is to store items off and away from the stove—you may not know when a child messes with the dials or an adult forgetfully leaves a burner on. In this age, stoves have smart locks that prevent accidental dial clicks. Regardless, putting items away ASAP as opposed to leaving them on the stove is a good, safe practice.

You can have peace of mind when you follow these fire prevention guidelines. We, at SERVPRO, want you to help prepare you. Still, accidents happen. In the event of an unfortunate situation, we offer fire damage services like Fire & Smoke Restoration, soot and odor removal and contents cleaning. If you have fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900.

What Is The IIRC? What Does It Mean For Me?

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

IICRC logo with dotted globe and orange SERVPRO house logo If your home or business suffered water, storm, or fire damage, call us for 24 hours emergency service or for a free estimate.

What Is An IICRC Certification? Why Does It Matter?

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries. 

When considering who to call for water damage, do you go with the company your insurance company recommends? How about your neighbor’s recommendation? In the internet age of information-overload and bias, how can you know what’s right? Who really does the best job? Who does the most work for the money? Who handles a water loss job from start to finish? SERVPRO is proud to be your one-stop-shop for disaster relief after a fire, flood, or storm—but don’t take our word for it—let us show you.

Your local SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is proudly an IICRC accredited firm.

What is an IICRC Certification?

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

All IICRC Certified Firms must:  

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.  
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. 
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.  

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has paved the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.  

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including:

  1. allied trades persons
  2. manufacturers
  3. international, national and regional trade associations
  4. individual or franchise professionals
  5. cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations
  6. insurance industry
  7. training schools
  8. contractors and public health professionals

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

We don’t take this stamp of approval lightly—we uphold it. If your home or business suffered water, storm, or fire damage, call us for 24 hours emergency service or for a free estimate.

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova Introduces Employee Volunteer Time Off

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

3 polaroids of SERVPRO employees using their volunteer time off, on a green background In support of our core values and a healthy work-life balance, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova rolled out a Volunteer Time Off.

Introducing Volunteer Time Off

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is uniquely positioned to help people during and after disasters with our immediate response to fire, water, storm, and smoke damage. Our company culture of helping others is not just confined to the workplace, but extended into our daily lives.

Healthy Work-Life Balance

In support of our core values and a healthy work-life balance, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova rolled out a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy that allows all full-time employees to take up to 16 hours of paid leave to complete volunteer work of their choosing each year.

Employees are already enthusiastically using this time in a way that supports their personal values. This policy gives employees a greater capacity to donate time and energy to causes near to their hearts and have a direct impact on their communities.

The goal is to aid local organizations in a tangible way while fostering stronger, more meaningful community connections in all six SERVPRO Team Nicholson locations. This includes Clarksville and Memphis in Tennessee; St. Pete, Orlando, and Tampa in Florida; and Fort Worth in Texas.

With about 160 full-time employees in six locations across three states, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida, if each eligible worker uses their 16 hours of VTO each year, SERVPRO Team Nicholson will contribute around 2,500 work hours to local charities.

How to Remove Odors from Your Memphis Home

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

large desiccant dehumidifier with hepa filtration, angled shot from below, green with large tubes, SERPVRO machine SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova Removes Odors from Your Home

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova Removes Odors from Your Home

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition, and mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn't permanently remove offensive odors left by smoke, mold, and other sources. However, with technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova provides specialized services that can eliminate those foul smells. 

Our professionals don't cover up lingering odors with a fragrance. We seek out the odor's source.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO's proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will be cleaned and deodorized professionally. These items can include:

  • furniture
  • draperies and upholstery
  • electronics
  • art
  • flooring, walls, ceilings
  • HVAC air ducts & more

Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova uses various techniques and equipment that are capable of penetrating surfaces to thoroughly neutralize an unpleasant odor. 

Tools We Use:

  1. Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke, and more without chemicals. While the room is being treated, a person should not occupy the space. However, the generator works quickly.
  2. Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main advantage is that the treated room can be occupied during the deodorization process, though it does work more slowly. It's used to treat fire, smoke, biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 
  3. Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through a HEPA filtration mechanism to remove airborne particles, helping clean the air and remove odors.

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (901) 382-0900.

Microbial Growth Removal in Crawl Space

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

mold in a Crawl space, circled with an orange circle and with an arrow pointing at it, dirt on ground, floor boards above SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova uses industry-proven techniques to protect your property from further damage. Call (901) 382-0900.

Microbial Growth Removal in Crawl Space

Microbial damage is likely to develop in a crawl space when the area becomes wet. When a professional technician performs an inspection in a crawl space, we check for visible water leaks and invisible moisture particles in the air. We do this because it is unproductive to disinfect molds without addressing its primary cause—the mold is sure to come back if the source of moisture is still hanging around. 

Why Might a Home’s Crawl Space Have Mold?

If your home's crawl space has grading and drainage issues, mold can develop where the water collects under the house. Our SERVPRO technicians use pumps to extract water if it pools. If moisture is evaporating into the crawl space from the surrounding walls and the ground, we isolate the area. To isolate the area, we use a space liner to encapsulate the area. This enclosure acts as a vapor barrier and works well to prevent microbial growth when paired with a permanent dehumidifier in the crawl space. 

Basic science demonstrates that differences in temperature between surfaces and water particles cause condensation. The same is true for your crawl space. If the surrounding areas and the crawl space have differing temperatures, the water vapor condenses. We usually resolve condensation issues by using or installing a dehumidifier. The device assists in monitoring and controlling humidity to discourage conditions favorable to microbial growth. 

What If the Microbial Growth is Deep in the Insulation?

A professional in the microbial remediation industry will be able to examine the crawl space for signs of deeper mold infestation. However, it is not always easy to see. Sometimes, portions of enclosed spaces must be cut to see if microbial growth has infested your home’s insulation. When a professional certifies there is growth, then further microbial removal services can begin. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova has the tools and knowledge to remove and dispose of damaged insulation safely.

Not everything can be restored, but, as surprising as it sounds, it is possible to restore fiberglass insulation! It's also possible to remove surface mold, called mildew, from below supporting joists and beams and other hard surfaces. We also remove surface mold from porous items such as drywall—as long as the fungus has not penetrated too deeply with anchoring hyphae. 

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova uses industry-proven techniques to protect your property from further damage. You can access our 24-hour emergency services by calling (901) 382-0900.

When was the Last Time Your Air Ducts Were Cleaned?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

HVAC system in ceiling in Memphis, TN We clean air ducts! Call for a free inspection (901) 382-0900.

Air Ducts and Indoor Air Quality 

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in low indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your Memphis home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Odors
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other contaminants

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used in homes for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten your system's life. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

Why HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning?

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, several other factors can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

  • Pets
  • Occupants with allergies or asthma
  • Cigarette or cigar smoke
  • Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
  • Home renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers and young children, and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of low indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova professionals routinely inspects the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment, save money on repairs, and give you cleaner air to breathe. For additional information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (901) 382-0900. 

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

words on a black semi-transparent screen, orange servpro below, words talking about mold policy Perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary. SERVPRO of Bartlett Cordova cleans microbial contamination. For a free estimate: 901-382-0900

The perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary depending on the insurer.

Mold damage can be costly and happen anywhere, so several insurance companies have restricted or eliminated coverage for this risk under standard policies. If you are concerned about fungus growth at a residence in Memphis, TN, try to identify the problem's source first, then check your policy for mold coverage.

The Cause of Mold Damage Matters

Restoration experts commonly refer to mold as secondary damage, as fungal growth typically results from direct water damage.

Insurers are more likely to cover mold damage that results from one of the following covered incidents:

  • Appliance leaks
  • Broken or burst pipes
  • Pipe leaks

Even if a policy does not cover the cost of fixing the problem, the resulting damage may be covered. Check your policy and contact an insurance agent or adjuster.

3 Ways Insurers Limit Mold Coverage

Many homeowners insurance providers have removed or limited the amount of coverage for fungus growth because it is a higher risk peril. Since mold can grow practically anywhere, anytime in the right conditions—it’s not exclusive to one geographical location. Because of this an insurer may restrict coverage in these ways:

  • Exclude mold damage completely
  • Only cover microbial testing or cleanup
  • Refuse coverage on properties with a history of mold

Read your policy carefully to determine whether there are any conditions under which mold is covered. If mold is not covered, you may want to add an endorsement.

What Is an Endorsement?

It may be possible for policy holders to pay for limited mold coverage. Ask your insurer whether any endorsements are available. This option may be costly, especially if your residence has a history of mold.Homeowners should determine the limitations of their coverage and decide whether to obtain additional mold insurance.

Paying for remediation out of pocket can be very expensive. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate water damage and potential damage. Don’t be caught without the right mold insurance.

SERVPRO Removes Pet Odors

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t Live a Life Full of Unpleasant Smells.

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition, or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells. With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold, or other sources. Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the odor's sources.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more. Our proprietary line of cleaning products, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova, uses various techniques and equipment to treat odors.

These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Some of Our Tools to Neutralize Odors

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke, and more without chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors. 

Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process, though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke and biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors.

Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or a homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is here to help make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Interested in being a part of the SERVPRO family? Apply today! Image of cell phone. Interested in being a part of the SERVPRO family? Apply today!

With 17 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office at 6755 Whitten Pl, Memphis, TN. from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday or click here to check out our current job openings.

How to Get Rid of Mold

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Many business owners have experienced mold growth in their place of business. It seems to congregate in one area. You clean it, think you got rid of it for good, and a few days later, it starts to reappear. Left unattended, it will slowly take up more and more space or show up in another location. This is a common scenario for many people, and it can happen anywhere there is humidity. If you suspect that your business in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, has a recurring mold problem, you may need to perform mold remediation procedures.

Why Mold Keeps Coming Back

Mold has some unique characteristics that make it a hardy organism that thrives in moist environments. It's these unique qualities that make a mold so difficult to eliminate:

  • Microscopic mold spores naturally exist in both indoor and outdoor air.

  • Spores can enter through windows, on clothing, or on shoes.

  • Spores begin to grow into colonies when given a moisture-rich environment.

  • Mold growth thrives if the moisture persists.
    Colonies release new mold spores.

Ways to Eradicate Mold

There're many species of mold. Some are easier to spot and simpler to get rid of than others. All thrive in high humidity. If your mold problem is not severe, you can try to get rid of it yourself by keeping inside humidity below 45%, removing moldy items, and using antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to kill the spores.

When More is Needed

Any time you experience water damage, you should be suspicious of mold. Sometimes it lurks where it cannot be seen, such as behind drywall or underneath carpet. Mold remediation specialists use equipment that finds mold in dark areas. They can prevent the spread to other areas by using negative air chambers, running specialized HEPA vacuums, and replacing damaged materials. In the end, your property will be restored to its original condition.

If you find mold, contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900. We have the tools to solve the problem and keep mold growth from spreading.

Description:Benefits of a Large Loss Response

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

When an area in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, is affected by a disaster, catastrophic loss often occurs. However, employing a restoration company that can offer a massive loss response can be useful for insurance agents and business owners.

1. Experts Are Equipped with the Right Tools

When a major disaster strikes, the aftermath can be devastating, and it’s common for restoration experts to be overwhelmed with requests. Some local restoration companies may not be equipped to handle all types of disasters, and these companies may not have access to specialized tools. A restoration company with a wide reach can bring in experts with the necessary tools to assist the cleanup and restoration process.

2. Experience to Handle Catastrophes

Whether a catastrophic loss occurs as the result of flooding, storm damage, or a fire, it’s important for business owners and insurance agents to know that the professionals restoring commercial properties are experienced. One person alone may not have the experience to respond to a major disaster. However, when numerous people assist in responding to an emergency, the combined expertise of everyone involved makes the loss response team equipped to manage many aspects of commercial property damage.

3. Timely Reactions

When widespread damage occurs to an area, a local restoration company may not be able to assess it shortly after the disaster. Unfortunately, a slow response can cause a property to acquire more issues, such as mold growth, structural damage, and more. With a significant loss response, however, professionals can quickly assess a property, and after a thorough assessment, experts can assist in preventing additional damage and can begin restoration.

A significant loss response can make managing the effects of a catastrophic loss easier. A large loss response will allow various professionals from different areas to assess the damage. Experts will have the combined experience to handle various significant problems, and the response will likely occur quickly.

3 Ways To Prevent Mold Damage in Your Home

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Protecting your Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, home from fungi growth can be challenging, especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy annual rainfall or high humidity. Water damage is typically the leading cause of mold development, such as hidden leaks or condensation. However, there're a few strategies you can use to prevent these conditions and make your home an unwelcome environment for most strains of fungi.

1. Check Your Home's Pipes Annually

Pipe leaks and weak joints can lead to a plumbing failure, causing a significant flood in your kitchen or bathroom. To prevent this, have your home's pipes checked at least once a year to ensure they are in good working condition. Pipes hidden behind cabinetry can prone to mold growth if they develop leaks. Ask your plumber to check these spaces to ensure mold is not growing on the wood or in dark corners.

2. Reduce Your Home's Humidity

If your home experiences high humidity throughout much of the year, it can lead to mold growth in crawl spaces and attics. You can reduce humidity by using ceiling fans in vulnerable rooms and installing a dehumidifier in smaller areas. On days when humidity is particularly high, avoid taking hot showers and running exhaust fans in your kitchen.

3. Call in a Mold Expert for an Inspection

If you suspect that certain areas of your home may be fostering fungi growth, consider calling water damage and mold remediation service to inspect them. Experienced technicians can check your water lines, exterior pipes, and air conditioning vents to ensure mold has not gained a foothold due to leaks or moisture buildup. It's wise to have a list of questions prepared for the technicians, especially if you have never worked with a mold prevention company before.

Water damage and other problems in your Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, home can cause serious mold issues. Knowing how to prevent them can help you protect your home and keep mold from moving in. Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900.

SERVPRO Can Help With Biohazard Concerns

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO biohazard icon - restoration services Need biohazard cleaning? Call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova today!

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova does more than fire and water restoration. Our professionals can help you with biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup.

Bloodborne pathogens can be scary. Bodily fluids, tissues, and other potentially risky substances can be removed and disposed of properly by our technicians trained in proper biohazard removal.

Crime scene residue can be overwhelming. Once law enforcement is finished with the area, let our professional technicians deal with fingerprint powder, evidence-gathering chemicals, and tear gas or pepper spray residues.

Arson and vandalism can leave home or business owners feeling vulnerable, violated, and unsafe. Let SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova take care of the aftermath. Our team can remove spray paint, clean up broken glass, and clean up after a fire.

We are “Here to Help” in any situation you might encounter. We pride ourselves on being a bright spot in a bad situation. Should you ever need our services, contact us at (901) 382-0900.