Recent Posts
Interesting Fire Facts
12/28/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Damage Can Occur in 30 Seconds
Combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke is known as a fire. Fires can occur in homes and outdoors, due to many causes.
Some interesting facts:
- There is a house fire every ten seconds in the U.S.
- Home fires can spread in as little as thirty seconds
- Cooking is the leading cause of house fires
- More than 15,000 fires a year are started by clothes dryers
- 21% of fires are caused by arson
It is very important that if there is ever a fire GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP!
Fires can cause severe damage; it is important to practice safe steps when preparing for a potential fire.
If you ever are presented with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Wright County at (763) 295 - 1161. Our crew will be there in a timely manner to help!
Fire, water, or mold damage? Reach us 24/7 at 763- 295 - 1161
Stay Ahead of the Game
12/28/2022 (Permalink)
With all the rainy storms we get in Minnesota, one should always be one step ahead of the game to prepare for any amount of rain or melting snow. If one does not have the proper set up around their home, it could lead to water damage.
An example of a set up that can be in place to help avoid water damage is a drain tile system. While some homes may never have need for a drain tile system, it is a good feature to have since you never know when a period of heavy rain or rapid snow melt might cause catastrophic water damage in your basement or crawl space.
SERVPRO of Wright County understands that water damage to your home may not just be a disruption in your life, but if not treated properly, can cause lingering effects. Lingering effects can be created from untreated mold damage.
SERVPRO of Becker, Big Lake, and Elk River has trained employees to address the water damage that has occurred. We determine the source of loss, clean up the immediate damage, and assess if materials can be saved. It is our goal to restore your home by drying out the materials. If not, we are able to remove the affected materials such as flooring or drywall. As we have over 20 years of construction experience, that expertise is carried on in the job at your home.
If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO of Wright County at 763 - 295 - 1161 We are available 24/7, and here to help YOU!
Fire Damage Dos and Donts
12/28/2022 (Permalink)
Fires can be one of the most emotional experiences that comes with an overwhelming amount of questions. Due to this, it makes it tough to know what the next step is.
Who do you call? Where do you begin? Is it safe to go back in the house? Unfortunately, the questions are endless during the tough time. This is the time to reach out for help, you are NOT in this alone. SERVPRO of Wright County is here to make the process hassle-free.
Below are some Dos & Don’ts-
What to DO after a fire:
Receive permission from the Fire Department officials before re-entering
Check on family and pets – assuring that everyone is okay
Document all damages
Get belongings from the building when cleared
Work on replacing important documents and items if damaged
Call all utility providers to inform them of the fire
Call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process
Call SERVPRO of Wright County
What NOT to do after a fire:
Do not enter the home until you are given permission
Do not turn on gas, water, or electric utilities until you are told it is safe
Do not start or move your vehicle if it has been damaged
Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself
Let SERVPRO of Wright County help you during this difficult. We will respond in a timely manner to get the clean-up and repairs moving. Our goal is to get you back to normal as quick as we can.
If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of Wright County at (763) 295 - 1161!
Why us?
12/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Wright County understands that any size loss, no matter how large or small, can disrupt your life. That is why SERVPRO of Wright County is highly trained in areas of fire, water damage, mold, and reconstruction. We see firsthand the damages that water can make, especially if not treated correctly.
We strive for our employees to treat your home or business as it is their own, protecting it and walking along with you on this journey.
The owner has been in the restoration business for over 20 years; he understands and has the building knowledge of materials and the complexity of putting your home back together again.
In your time of need, please feel you can trust one of your most regarded possessions to our care. Let SERVPRO of Wright County help you with any of your restoration needs!
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any Size Disaster
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
We do residential & commercial work!
Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake with all your fire, water, and mold damage at (612) 444-3336!
Dos and Don'ts
12/7/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Damage
Fires can be one of the most emotional experiences that comes with an overwhelming amount of questions. Due to this, it makes it tough to know what the next step is.
Who do you call? Where do you begin? Is it safe to go back in the house? Unfortunately, the questions are endless during the tough time. This is the time to reach out for help, you are NOT in this alone. SERVPRO of Wright County is here to make the process hassle-free.
Below are some Dos & Don’ts-
What to DO after a fire:
Receive permission from the Fire Department officials before re-entering
Check on family and pets – assuring that everyone is okay
Document all damages
Get belongings from the building when cleared
Work on replacing important documents and items if damaged
Call all utility providers to inform them of the fire
Call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process
Call SERVPRO of Wright County!
What NOT to do after a fire:
Do not enter the home until you are given permission
Do not turn on gas, water, or electric utilities until you are told it is safe
Do not start or move your vehicle if it has been damaged
Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself
Let SERVPRO of Wright County help you during this difficult. We will respond in a timely manner to get the clean-up and repairs moving. Our goal is to get you back to normal as quick as we can.
If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of Wright County at 763-295-1161
Water Damage Tips
12/7/2022 (Permalink)
What You Can Do Until Help Arrives
After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
What To Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT To Do After Flooding
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use television or other household appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Call SERVPRO of Wright County at 763-295-1161
Why SERVPRO
12/7/2022 (Permalink)
Since 1967, SERVPRO Industries, LLC. has been redefining the mitigation and restoration industries. In addition to training at the regional level, SERVPRO® developed the National Training Center in 1992 to teach restoration and mitigation skills to franchise owners and insurance industry employees.
Employee Certification Training
A self-paced program designed for the franchise employee. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:
- Crew Training
- Fire Restoration
- Water Restoration
- Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
New Franchise Training
A 15-day, in-house, hands-on training program at our headquarters training facility. Designed primarily for new franchise owners, but also a valuable course for franchise employees. The program covers all aspects of:
- Fire Restoration
- Water Restoration
- Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
- Mold Mitigation
E-Learning
A web-based program designed to be an ongoing, self-paced training program. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module.
IICRC Training Program
SERVPRO is an approved IICRC Training School that offers year-around classes in the following categories:
- Fire Restoration
- Water Restoration
- Carpet Cleaning
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Applied Structural Drying
(in our purpose-built ASD facility)
Continuing Education
SERVPRO offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals and franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation.
Courses include:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
- Restorative Drying for Loss Control
- Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
(non-credit course)
What Is Soot and How It Can Be Dangerous
12/7/2022 (Permalink)
Regardless of a fire’s size, soot is an often-overlooked problem that can have significant repercussions down the road. Those little black smudges can cause considerable damage to your property and health. At SERVPRO®, we provide both comprehensive home and commercial cleaning services that give our clients the peace of mind that the little details—like soot stains—are taken care of. To help you better recognize fire damage after an emergency, here’s a quick guide to soot in your space.
What is soot? (and other common questions)
Let’s get down to the soot basics. In order to both recognize and appropriately remove soot, it’s good to have a foundational knowledge of how it’s caused and what it looks like. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients:
What causes black soot on walls and materials?
Simply put, soot is the tiny particle that comes from incomplete combustion; it’s the black substance that comes from burning wood or other materials. While you might be most familiar with large-scale cinders and residue from fires, have you ever noticed those small black smudges near a burning candle? That’s soot, too! You don’t need to have a fire disaster to see the damage.
What does soot look like?
Most commonly, soot appears as black streaks on surfaces near a fire. It might be easy to confuse soot with mold; the similarities in color and patterns make them similar. Both can come out of nowhere, and both can do a lot of damage! Before touching the damaged area (which can be dangerous), you can make smart assumptions based on the black streak’s location. Ask yourself:
- Is this damage near an electrical outlet or appliance?
- Is this damage near space in my property where I have candles, a fireplace, or other combustible materials?
- Is this damage at the bottom of a door where carpet may be filtering soot from the air?
- Is this damage near a part of the wall that could be affected by the heating system?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with soot and not mold. In contrast, mold will grow in areas with excess moisture, such as in between shower tiles or on a bathroom wall.
Can I remove soot?
The simple answer is yes—but that doesn’t mean you should tackle every soot damage project. A small smudge from a candle is likely cleanable with a small cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol. More significant soot damage from a fire should be handled by professionals. Agitating the soot with incorrect substances can make the damage worse.
Is there any way to prevent soot?
Yes! It all comes down to preparation. For large-scale damage, make sure that your home or commercial space has a fire emergency plan and a fully functioning fire sprinkler system. Regular maintenance and upkeep of your fire prevention tools will help reduce damage in an emergency.
For more small-scale prevention, use high-quality candles with short wicks on the candle stand to reduce excess heat. Schedule regular maintenance of your kitchen appliances to help ensure that they’re in good working condition as well.
Understanding Soot Hazards
Soot might seem like a small, black smudge, but it can do a lot of damage if left untreated. Three primary hazards that soot may cause are to your:
- Health:
- Property:
- Technology:
Because of the significant risks that soot poses, we recommend working with a professional cleaning service to remove and remediate the damage as soon as possible. SERVPRO® teams not only offer these services but can provide additional odor removal support for the hard-to-get-rid-of smoky smells. Our odor removal process involves removing the cause of the odor, cleaning affected surfaces, and sealing any other surfaces that may require extra attention.
What should I do when I see soot damage?
Suppose you’ve recently had a fire in your home or commercial space. In that case, there’s a high possibility you have unaddressed smoke or soot damage. If you notice those pesky black smudges or simply want to help ensure you’re safe, reach out to your local SERVPRO® to schedule a consultation and inspection. Our team will create a fire damage plan from our services based on our initial analysis, customized to your needs.
Full Service Restoration: Highly Skilled Construction Team
10/24/2022 (Permalink)
One thing about our SERVPRO franchise that sets us apart from other local restoration companies is the fact that we have a highly skilled construction team. What does this mean for you? Our construction division can help restore your home like water damage or fire damage never even happened! They can help you do just about anything; from a simple paint job to performing a full-scale remodeling!
How does our Construction Division work?
We have a division dedicated solely to rebuilding your home to the way it was pre-disaster. Once you call us (the best decision you will ever make), our estimator will come out and examine the damages. The estimator takes note of all of the issues caused by fire or water and creates an estimate, which is a rough outline of the costs.
Once the estimate is created, we can help walk you through next-steps with insurance to ensure that you're saving as much money as possible. We understand that insurance can be extremely complicated and we're here to help to any way we can!
After the plans are finalized for the project, our construction project managers will walk you through the selections, outline, and timeframe of the project. We handling all of the scheduling so that you don't have to deal with the headache of subcontractors.
What services do we provide?
- Board Up
- Carpet Repair and Installation
- Document Drying
- Dry Cleaning
- Drywall Installation
- Drywall Removal
- Electrical
- Electronics Restoration
- Fine Art Restoration
- Furniture Restoration
- General Contracting
- Hardwood Floor Repair
- HVAC Services
- Linoleum Floor Repair
- Marble Floor Repair
- Move Out
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Portable Power
- Roof Tarp
- Roofing Services
- Temporary Fencing
- Temporary Warehouse Space
- Tile Floor Repair
From the bottom of the foundation to the top of the highest point on your roof, we have the reconstruction capabilities to get your property back to its preloss condition.
Putting a Stop to Moldy Carpets
10/24/2022 (Permalink)
Mold is extremely versatile. If given the proper environment mold can grow in virtually every single area on a property. While there can be many causes of mold, there are a few precautions you can take to reduce the chances that you will ever have to deal with mold damage. As with many aspects of home maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Consider taking the below steps in order to keep mold from growing on your carpets.
Control the humidity and temperature in your home.
Mold grows best with a certain amount of moisture in the air, in addition to certain temperature ranges. One way to help prevent mold growth in any location on your property is to ensure that your humidity levels never reach 60%.
Consider a different floor covering in areas prone to moisture
Some areas of a home are just more prone to humidity and moisture. Like your bathroom, for instance. Every design aspect of your home should be done with appearance and functionality in mind, and that includes making sure you’re making smart decisions about the type of floor coverings to have in certain areas based on the area’s usage along with environmental aspects. When it comes to bathroom floors, and to a lesser extent basement floors, sometimes the smartest plan is to avoid carpets altogether.
Use carpet padding that is anti-microbial
There are a few different types of padding most commonly used in residential homes. While some are more budget friendly than others, if you’re considering carpet in areas that may be more prone to moisture issues, consider installing rubber-slab carpet padding. It’s much more resistant to mold growth than traditional carpet pads.
If you do get standing water on your carpets, get it out fast!
This goes for any surface type in your home, and it’s especially true with carpets. With the right humidity levels and temperatures, mold growth can accelerate quickly when food and water are present. Getting the water and excess moisture out quickly can be the difference between a close call and a serious health problem for your family.
Clean your carpets regularly
Vacuuming your carpets regularly, along with having them professionally steam cleaned, can go a long way in preventing mold growth. One of the components of rapid mold growth is food, and mold loves dirt, grime, food, and any other organic substance that can be found in your carpet fibers. Regularly cleaning your carpets is a great way to help reduce the likelihood of dealing with mold in the future!
Typically, if you have black mold on your carpets a visual inspection is all that is necessary. But in other instances, you may notice a musty smell or perhaps you’ve also been experiencing some troubling health issues that you think may be attributed to high levels of mold. In most states, mold remediation companies must be different than mold testing companies. The way it works is that the mold testing company will come take environmental samples from your home and have them sent off to a lab to be evaluated. If it’s determined through the testing that your home has a toxic black mold problem, it’s at that point that you’ll want to hire a mold removal company like us. Call our franchises!
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