Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Possible Reasons Why Your Dallas Home Has Mold Damage

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck in a parking lot Contact SERVPRO when you see or smell mold in your Dallas home. Call right away for thorough remediation.

SERVPRO Inspects Dallas Homes Revealing the Best Mold Remediation Approach

Various issues can trigger mold development in a property. If the colonies start developing in random places all over your house, there could be persistent humidity or condensation accumulation inside your Dallas home. If the contamination is hidden inside cabinets, wall spaces, or other enclosed areas, you might not realize there is a problem. However, hidden mold damage is likely if the air is uncharacteristically stuffy or you detect a musty smell.

It is easy to confirm whether your Dallas home has mold damage since it causes changes like dark spots or masses of mold colonies on surfaces. When the signs are subtle, opening up confined areas can help reveal where the contamination is concentrated. SERVPRO can probe for hidden infestations conveniently using specialized equipment and doing controlled demolition.

Valuable tools for inspecting moldy areas:

  • Thermal cameras
  • Borescopes 
  • Thermo-hygrometers
  • Drills

Our SERVPRO technicians use the thermo-hygrometers to check the relative humidity in the house, room by room which can narrow down areas where contamination is highly likely. A thermo-hygrometer has an inbuilt thermometer, thus allowing the technician to evaluate temperature and humidity levels. The amount of moisture air holds is influenced by the prevailing temperatures. Temperature fluctuations lead to other issues such as condensation, which can wet materials, thus sustaining mold growth.

The other tools are also handy. Thermal cameras reveal wetness concealed by solid materials such as wall panels or floorboards. It uses infrared rays to detect temperature differences between wet and dry areas. Our technicians can drill small holes in the areas where moisture spikes are detected. Then we use borescopes inserted through the holes to reveal whether there is mold growth. 

Effects of mold:

  • Breaking down materials
  • Staining materials
  • Bad odor

If your house is contaminated, you have more to worry about apart from the unsightly patches you notice on surfaces. Since there are several types of mold, the infestation in your house can exhibit different colors, including black, green, pink, grey, blue, or brown. Therefore, cleaning the affected areas can leave them stained and thus unsightly. 

Managing Physical Deterioration Triggered by Mold

Molds are a form of life that requires a food source to sustain itself. The food comes from organic materials such as cellulose in wood. Unfortunately, this search for food leads to significant deterioration of the affected materials. Once moisture activates spores, they sprout hyphae that spread across surfaces and penetrate materials as the mold colonies extract nutrients. Our SERVPRO teams can help forestall such deterioration by expediting the remediation procedures such as drying the property and cleaning the infested surfaces.

The musty odor from mold may not go away immediately after cleaning and refinishing surfaces. Specific steps are necessary to facilitate odor removal. Our SERVPRO technicians can use activated oxygen to help neutralize odor molecules. We rely on Ozone generators or photocatalytic oxidizers to streamline the process. Sealing surfaces is another alternative, especially for unfinished structural wood. A sealer is a product developed to encapsulate a surface, locking in remnants of bad odor. Our technicians use fast-drying sealing alternatives that solidify within an hour and can be painted over the same day. Sealing is typically used as a last resort when other deodorization alternatives are exhausted. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas informs you of the best way to handle mold damage on your property. You can reach us at (214) 361-7887.

One of the Most Effective Dallas Mold Removal Companies

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

mold growing on a wall near the carpeted floor Finding mold on your property does not need to cause panic. One quick call to SERVPRO gets you in touch with technicians to help you.

Our Mold Removal Methods & Gear Help Out in Dallas

So, what makes SERVPRO such an effective Dallas mold damage restoration firm? The simple answer to that question is our experts, specialized procedures, and state-of-the-art mold cleanup equipment. These highly-trained professionals, time-tested methods, and powerful tools enable our teams to more thoroughly and safely deal with your home’s mold problems.

SERVPRO’s applied microbial remediation technicians (AMRTs), officially certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), have provided Dallas residents with mold removal services for over twenty years. Over this time, these company mold specialists have deftly performed mold inspection, mold removal, and black mold remediation work. They have completed these difficult projects with the help of:

  • Well-developed safety plans specifically designed for each particular situation and site
  • Dedicated staff that are always mindful of resident needs and concerns
  • Negative air systems, HEPA-filtered vacuums, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, and other equipment and supplies that help simplify mold cleanup work
  • Cutting-edge protective equipment, like full-body protective suits, chemical-resistant gloves, protective eye goggles, Powered Air Purifying Respirators, half-mask breathing devices, and N95 filter respirators, which enable our skilled technicians to operate in even the worst mold-impacted areas successfully

Access to such resources differentiates SERVPRO remediators from their competition and helps them complete their work swiftly. More relevant planning enables us to address specific issues unique to particular sites accurately. Our advanced remediation equipment allows us to effectively contain contamination, limiting additional damage and expenses while quickly cleaning up harmful mold spores and growths. High-tech protective gear permits us to go into even the most severely mold-impacted sites. 

So, considering our special capabilities, rest assured that your friends at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas can probably satisfy all your mold removal needs. Firm technicians have successfully dealt with all types and magnitudes of fungal growths, ranging from least to most severe. With that said, call us at (214) 361-7887 whenever you need our assistance.

Highly Trained Mold Inspection Specialists in Dallas

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

mold growing on the walls in the corner of a room When mold spreads throughout your home, the professionals need to be brought in. Our SERVPRO team has the experience and the tools to help.

SERVPRO personnel receive unique training in mold inspection

Combating mold growth takes more than high-grade equipment. To fully understand how to handle mold, it is vital to have an advanced understanding of common species, growth factors, and effective countermeasures.

Many SERVPRO technicians receive training on fungal remediation technologies, but those who desire to learn more have access to some of the most advanced mold inspection training in Dallas. Devices such as thermal imagers that can detect moisture through walls and surfaces are standard equipment for these highly educated specialists. Some of our most successful specialties include:

Working together, these individuals form a team that can identify mold growth anywhere in the home and tackle the full problem at once. Unlike some other services, our mold inspections rarely miss an isolated colony or a problem area. If you suspect mold may be growing in your home, give us a call: we can send someone out to say whether your suspicions are correct, definitively.

Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas about your mold damage problems at (214) 361-7887.

Complete Mold Damage Remediation Services in Dallas

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

mold on wall, parquet floor Dallas homeowners call SERVPRO to remove mold damage from their properties--"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Offers Professional Services for a Mold Infestation

Visit our website today to learn more about mold damage prevention and remediation services. Our locally owned and operated franchise provides a full-service solution that helps prevent mold from causing significant damage to your property.

Don't wait until you suffer additional damage to your property; our expertly trained Dallas mold damage remediation staff is ready to assist you today. We offer rapid emergency response times and the proper personnel, equipment, and experience to get the job done right. We explain the details of what we find on your property and which services are available to complete the job as fast and efficiently as possible.

Our AMRT - applied microbial remediation technicians understand the behavior and reasons for mold infestations within an environment. It is essential to have a professional IICRC-certified team to handle the removal and disposal of contaminated materials found within your home.

Equipment and Processes for Removal and Cleanup

  • Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration
  • Portable filtered vacuums and scrapers
  • Air movers create negative air pressure suppressing spore circulation
  • Controlled Demolition when required
  • Antimicrobial application to exterminate growth and spores

The methods that SERVPRO chooses to use during your mold remediation will depend on the type of material that is infected and how far the infestation has spread. It is possible that what you see looks far worse than it is, and a simple removal and cleaning process can contain the proper steps to mitigate the damage to your property.

We strongly suggest that industry guidelines be followed to mitigate mold damage and prevent recurring events due to poor workmanship or untrained individuals.

Look to the professionally trained technicians at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas for all your remediation and restoration needs. Call us today; we're available 24/7, including holidays, to assist you. (214) 361-7887

SERVPRO Technicians Help Repair Mold Damage in a Dallas Home

5/22/2022 (Permalink)

a woman looking into a cabinet under her sink with mold growing by the pipes If you find mold in your home, call us immediately! Our certified SERVPRO technicians can offer professional remediation/mitigation services.

Mold Damage Repair in Dallas Homes

A common cause of mold growth is water leaking from a pipe. The most serious leaks originate from above a ceiling or inside a wall. Such leaks fester mold, which may widely spread by the time you realize it. By attempting to manage the situation yourself, you might aggravate it hence the need for someone with the right skills. SERVPRO technicians have all the protective gear, detection tools, and technical skills necessary to eradicate the mold in your Dallas home.

Splotches from mold damage on Dallas homes can sprout anywhere along a wall. However, they are commonly found down low near the floor, up high near the ceiling, or along edges of trim or baseboards. The spores attach to your drywall's paper face, which becomes a food source, leading to its propagation.

Conditions necessary for the growth of mold

  • Constant moisture presence
  • Food sources like drywall or wood
  • Humidity
  • Warmth and darkness

Handling of mold-damaged drywall

When the drywall is removed and the framing exposed, the source of the problem becomes apparent. The cause of the leak ought to be repaired before replacing the drywall. If not, mold eventually reforms over the new drywall. Also, an unresolved leak might create additional damage to framing, siding, insulation, and flooring. SERVPRO checks the exposed framing for dry rot. If present, we remove and replace the affected structure. Our crew also uses a scrub brush or a scrubbing pad to clean mold off framing and thoroughly dry the exposed area using dehumidifiers.

We use the latest methods to inhibit mold at its source. Our team builds a contained area with plastic to avoid spreading the mold spores, which could cause secondary damage. We have products specially designed for mold damage removal on wood like antimicrobial agents.

Signs your drywall has mold

  • Musty, damp smell
  • Discoloration and staining on the interior wall
  • Crackling or bubbling wallpaper

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas knows what not to overlook in case of mold damage. Call us at (214) 361-7887 for efficient services. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Steps to Take for Proper Mold Remediation

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

mold growing on water damaged ceiling An area exhibiting mold first has to be dried out and contained. Call SERVPRO today so that we can quickly assess your damage!

SERVPRO Professionals are Certified in Solving Mold Problems

When you are dealing with mold for any reason in your home, it is essential to realize that it will take a professional company to clean it and get rid of it properly. Mold issues should not be taken into your own hands since special equipment and cleaners are needed to handle it thoroughly, and there may be hidden mold that only a trained technician, like the ones at SERVPRO, will be able to find. 

Any mold damage in North Dallas will have some significant steps needed for the proper remediation. Safety comes first when dealing with mold, which we at SERVPRO also understand and are trained for. The first step in mold remediation is containment so that the mold does not spread to uncontaminated areas. Our containment measures include:

  • Installing plastic sheeting for barriers.
  • Establishing negative air pressure.
  • Sealing any HVAC vents to stop the duct system from being contaminated and create clean and decontamination rooms to enter.
  • Leaving and decontaminating materials and equipment. 

The method used to remove the mold will depend upon the kind of surface the mold is on. Nonporous materials are generally cleanable, but porous materials with visible mold growth often need removal and discarding. Our team will remove contaminated porous materials, such as drywall, fabrics, carpeting, and insulation. We also remove mold on nonporous materials like metals, glass, and plastics by cleaning them. If the surface is dry, they will use a HEPA vacuum to remove the mold or damp wiping with a detergent solution if the mold is found in soil layers. 

Once everything has been properly cleaned of mold, the technicians will dry out your home and your possessions to stop any more mold growth. Some of the procedures for drying will have to be delayed until containment and mold removal is finished. Taking out any damaged materials which have absorbed moisture will help to speed up the drying process. Our IICRC trained techs use dehumidifiers since they do not create a lot of airflow. 

The above steps are necessary for mold remediation so that the mold will not spread or grow again. If you have a problem with mold, call us right away at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887, and we can come up with a plan for remediation and clean up any mold damage in your home.

Why Should I Choose SERVPRO To Do Mold Removal at My Northwest Dallas Home?

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

heavy mold damage along wall and baseboard SERVPRO is the only call you need to make for mold damage remediation!

SERVPRO Is a Good Choice Because It Has the Knowledge and Resources to Do It Right

Finding the right high-quality mold remediator in Northwest Dallas for your job is no easy task. It often takes an abundance of research on the part of homeowners to locate a firm with the right expertise and locally based resources to complete their project effectively. Fortunately, some companies like SERVPRO have all the tools necessary to help you.

SERVPRO has been helping Northwest Dallas residents with mold removal for decades. As a result, our mold remediation company has developed specialized training programs, gained essential hands-on experience, and acquired the most cutting-edge equipment to perform mold inspection, basement mold remediation, attic mold removal, and black mold damage repairs better than most other local cleanup and restoration services.

Our expertise and arsenal of mold remediation tools include:

  • A team of highly skilled and experienced Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) Certified technicians individually certified in structural drying, microbial remediation, carpet, upholstery, and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration, and odor control
  • The locally based, commercial-grade equipment afforded us as one of Texas’ Large Loss Recovery teams, including twenty-five service vehicles/trailers and over 1,500 dryers and dehumidifiers
  • Other state-of-the-art industry tools like thermohygrometers, moisture sensors/meters, infrared cameras, air movers, two kinds of advanced foggers, upholstery/fabric-treating injection devices, a wide array of antifungals, and numerous EPA-approved deodorants

Using all these resources, SERVPRO mold specialists can usually return your residence to its pre-mold state in far less time than competing firms can.

So, when your home needs mold removal services, remember that SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is just a phone call away. Contact us whenever you need us at (214) 361-7887.

What Makes SERVPRO One of the Best Mold Removal Companies in Dallas?

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

heavy mold and mildew growth surrounding window Did you spot mold in your home? Call SERVPRO. We are the trusted choice for mold remediation.

SERVPRO's Expertise and Resources Set It Apart from Other Dallas Mold Remediators

Because of its high humidity and year-round warmer than national average temperatures, Dallas is a prime location for mold and the damage it causes. When mold inevitably impacts your residence, you need the help of an exemplary mold remediator with both the knowledge and the tools to handle it effectively.

Over the years, through hard work, SERVPRO has earned the reputation of being one of Dallas's best mold removal companies. Our skillful mold specialists have decades of experience in, among other things, performing mold inspection work, basement mold remediation, bathroom mold removal, attic mold removal, and black mold damage repairs. The specific expertise and resources SERVPRO possesses are:

  • Over thirty professional, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-credentialed remediators
  • Locally-based facilities that enable us to arrive on site more quickly and resolve your mold-related issues in far less time than other cleanup and restoration firms
  • More than 1,500 dehumidification and drying units for rapidly removing excess mold-fostering moisture from residential interiors
  • Numerous advanced air foggers and an extensive array of commercial-grade antifungals and deodorants to mitigate some of the effects of mold damage
  • Twenty-five service vehicles and trailers to effectively handle multiple jobs at once

All in all, these human and equipment resources make it possible for SERVPRO to provide you with the best mold cleanup and restoration services possible. As a result, we can generally arrive onsite faster and complete your job more thoroughly than other local firms.

So, if you are searching for a quality mold removal company to resolve your home's mold-related problems, SERVPRO is a good choice. Whenever you need assistance, call your neighbors at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887.

Why Rely On SERVPRO For Fire Damage Restoration In Your Dallas Property

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

a house on fire with smoke billowing from the roof Our SERVPRO technicians are here 24/7 to take your emergency call after a fire. Contact us right after the firefighters leave for best results.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Dallas Home After Fire Damage

Fire can leave your home engulfed with soot, water from firefighting efforts, and an intense smoke odor. The devastation fire causes can be severe to the extent of making you feel devastated. If you are in such a situation, do not worry because SERVPRO can restore your property to its pre-misfortune state.

Every home contains structures and contents made of different materials that can increase the magnitude of the fire damage and present significant restoration challenges. Our highly trained team of technicians can use advanced equipment to handle the fire damage in your Dallas home. We can work hard to not only restore your property but also complete the cleanup process quickly. During a fire, various pollutants are produced. We categorize these pollutants as:

  •    Chlorine dioxide which forms when synthetic materials burn.
  •    Nitrogen oxides that form when organic components burn.

To prevent the problems that these combustion pollutants cause, our crew focuses on the remediation and restoration of structural materials that smoke residues have ruined. We have products that can remove soot from various surfaces effectively. For instance, we can use concentrated wood oil soap to remove soot from wood floors, kitchen cabinets, paneling, and other wooden surfaces.

We Know What Can and Can Not Be Done

Our SERVPRO team can also set up the right ventilation equipment to expedite the process of cleaning up smoke damage. Besides, we can use positive ventilation to achieve the desired outcome if weather conditions are conducive. If the weather conditions are not right, we avoid using positive ventilation because it can be counterproductive. For example, if the weather is humid, the extra humidity getting into your home may combine with smoke and cause acidic residues to form faster.

If the fire damage has affected a particular room or area of your property, our team can set up proper isolation and containment barriers to minimize the spread of contaminants to unaffected areas of the property. We can also perform air management to control the flow of air inside the affected area and keep smoke residues from leaving the containment zone.

If there is water in the carpeting of your property, we can use extractors to remove it. We also have deep extraction tools that can be attached to extractors. Some are self-propelled, while others are stationary. An independent motor powers the self-propelled extraction tools, and it moves the units over carpeting at a consistent rate. The equipment compresses the carpet and pad to squeeze out the water and remove it through an extractor’s vacuum system. The weight helps the tool work more effectively, and it is designed to allow a restorer to ride on it to provide extra weight.

When a fire incident happens in your residence, do not let it distort your usual way of life. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 for efficient restoration that can make the incident seem “Like it never even happened.”

Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration in Dallas

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

green box truck parked SERVPRO The SERVPRO team arrives as the fire trucks leave to cleanup and restore fire damaged homes in Dallas

Why SERVPRO After Fire and Smoke Damage

A fire disaster in Dallas can cause serious damage to your house. The resultant flames, smoke, heat, and even water can permanently impact the structure and many of your items. The contents that survive fire damage may sustain extensive smoke damage in exchange. The firefighters may also cut holes in the walls or roof when putting out the flames, leaving you with a massive cleanup job.

Time and patience are crucial when dealing with any form of fire damage in Dallas. Once the firefighting crew leaves, SERVPRO can come in and initiate the restoration process. We have highly skilled, IICRC-trained technicians that are on standby in case of an emergency. Using special smoke cleanup and restoration techniques, we can restore your property to preloss conditions, "Like it never even happened."

When the fire calms down, the resultant smoke damage appears in discolored walls, charred items, or soot and ash on the floor. In some cases, other side effects such as smells can remain behind, presenting health effects to the occupants. It is important to keep in mind that some signs of smoke damage can show almost immediately, while others take several hours (sometimes days) after the event to manifest.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Within a few days of smoke and fire damage, walls and flooring may turn yellow (although this yellowing effect does not show right away). Warping and discoloration can also occur on wood and plastic surfaces/appliances. Metal hardware tends to rust and corrode away several hours after a fire. If you have tiles, countertops, or any other surface with porous stone such as travertine, granite, or marble, the acidic residue in soot can cause them to discolor permanently.

Certain surfaces, especially fabric items, may show both visible signs of fire damage and smoke odor. Smoke releases tiny carbon particles into the air that, when deposited, are known as soot. The first step SERVPRO takes to reduce the smell of a fire is getting rid of this smoke deposit or soot.

In addition to these tiny particles, smoke contains various components that contribute to the unbearable smell that lingers after fire damage. These include toxic gases and vapors. Vapors are misty droplets that can be poisonous upon absorption or inhalation. Toxic gases come in different forms. Carbon monoxide is the most common toxic gas in a fire disaster. Household products such as plastics, vinyl, and other materials containing chlorine produce phosgene during combustion. Carpets, synthetics, clothing, and carpets release hydrogen cyanide when burning.

The smell that follows smoke damage penetrates different materials after some time. Unless a professional fire damage restoration company cleans up and deodorizes these items properly, the smoky smell may remain for a long time. SERVPRO technicians can pinpoint the source of the odor and neutralize it accordingly.

Do not leave your property to fate when a fire disaster comes knocking. SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is a part of your community and can arrive promptly to reverse the fire damage. Call us anytime at (214) 361-7887!

What Kinds of Mold Damage Can Be In Your Dallas Homes?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

penicillium allergy info and things Mold damage remediation is a cornerstone of SERVPRO's business in Dallas

SERVPRO Explains Different Types of Mold Damage

We're often telling our clients to avoid mold and mold damage, but we recently discovered that many people are unaware of the various kinds of mold that exist. You'd probably be surprised to learn that there are over 100 different types of mold that can grow in your home (and many only grow in particular situations). Our technicians are trained in the detection and verification of mold growth.

What Kinds of Mold Damage are Most Common?

You should not be surprised to know that mold damage in Dallas is pretty common. With rapid humidity, weather, and temperature shifts, a wide variety of mold can grow virtually anywhere. There are several species that you're more likely to see, however.

Alternaria

Alternaria spreads quickly from the outdoors and usually enters the house through poor ventilation or HVAC units. It also grows under sinks where the pipes leak, and it spreads quickly throughout a home.

Aureobasidium

If you see "pink" mold, it's usually Aureobasidium. It grows on virtually all surfaces, including wallpaper and painted surfaces.

Botrytis

Usually found in bathrooms without ventilation, Botrytis requires a lot of moisture and humidity.

Chaetomium

Commonly found on drywall, Chaetomium has a decidedly musty smell.

Cladosporium

This mold can grow in colder temperatures and often prefers fabrics, carpets, and wood surfaces.

Penicillium

This type of mold grows anywhere that may have been damaged by water (especially carpets, wallpaper, or mattresses). It's usually blue or green. We all know the petri dish story.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Traditionally called "black mold," this nasty, slimy mold grows anywhere it's damp (and stays damp). Stachybotrys has a particularly musty odor that makes it easy to identify. It has undeservedly earned a reputation as a health hazard.

Serpula lacrymans

Usually, if your wood is rotting out, it's because of Serpula lacrymans. It's yellow in color.

Trichoderma

This hardy variety of mold grows on carpets, wallpapers, and wet surfaces. It produces similar toxins to black mold, which is why Trichoderma is taken very seriously.

Ulocladium

These types of fungi rely on water to grow, so it's usually found in flooded homes. It's usually found on the walls.

Efflorescence

This is NOT mold, but is caused generally because of excess salt deposits (because of rock salt or other surface coatings), and is often called white mold.

Why SERVPRO for Mold Damage?

Our SERVPRO professionals handle virtually any mold, keeping you and your family's health as our top priority. We have the equipment to handle the mold infestation safely and effectively, no matter what species of mold it may be. Give SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas County a call at (214) 361-7887 when you see or smell mold.

Mold Remediation Tips for Homes in Dallas

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician consulting with customer Call us today at (214) 361-7887, and we can take a look for you!

Dallas Mold Damage Remediation Tips

If you have ever seen mold in the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere in your Dallas home, you know just how unsightly it can be. Not only is mold ugly, but it can also make your home look dirty and unkempt. What you should know, however, is that mold is more than just unappealing; it can also cause health effects for you and your family members.

Locate the Source

Before SERVPRO can thoroughly and effectively remove the mold in your Dallas home, we must determine its origins. We check for leaky pipes, for example, since they are a common cause of mold.

Discard of Contaminated Materials

SERVPRO technicians get rid of any material that is contaminated by mold, such as a shower curtain, by proper disposal guidelines.

Keep Drip Pans Clean

Check the drip pans for your refrigerator and air conditioner. Because they are kept moist, these pans can become a breeding ground for mold.

Reduce the Humidity in Your Home

Dallas mold thrives in moist environments, so reducing the humidity in your home can help. Consider investing in a dehumidifier to help pull some of the moisture out of the air. Also, use your stove vent when you are cooking, and turn the exhaust fan on in your bathroom when you are taking a bath or shower.

Check Your Home's Foundation

It is critical to ensure that your home's foundation isn't allowing any water to seep into your basement. Otherwise, this moisture could cause mold to grow.

Monitor the Site

Keep an eye on any areas that have grown mold before to ensure that the problem has not resurfaced.

Don't Be Afraid to Call SERVPRO

Some homeowners may try to take care of the mold problem themselves. The preferred solution is to call a Dallas area professional to identify and remediate your mold damage. We have high-tech measurement and monitoring devices to locate hidden moisture that you might not readily see.

If you suspect that your Dallas home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. Call us at (214) 361-7887 for help.

Why Is Skilled Mold Remediation Best?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle parked in front of home SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of mold damage, Including the odors that come with it. Call us today, we are always available.

SERVPRO’s mold Remediation Helps Protect Your Dallas Property

Mold is a secret invader that likes to lurk in air ducts, behind walls, and other small nooks and crannies. When you suspect mold somewhere in your Dallas home, you need to address it safely and efficiently. 

Why call SERVPRO to help with mold remediation in Dallas? We understand the damage mold can do within a building, so we offer comprehensive remediation services to protect your investment and property as a whole. By calling us to the task, you can count on us to:

  • Detect all visible and hidden mold spores throughout your property.
  • Bring all of the right tools for the job to work on removing mold from walls, textiles, wood, HVAC ducts, and more.
  • Determine the source of the moisture feeding the mold to prevent the issue from happening in the future.
  • Handle all of the repairs necessary to remove unsalvageable materials.
  • Full cleaning and sanitization with our selection of EPA-registered antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning agents to ensure your property is Certified: SERVPRO Clean when we get done.

If you suspect mold infestation within your home, calling in our skilled technicians at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is the best route to take. When you call us at (214) 362-7887, we will send out a crew to take a look to formulate the right course of action.

Oil and the Environment: Dallas Weighs Both in Healthy Measure

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Trinity river Water restoration is key when it comes to a water damaged property. Call the professionals a SERVPRO for the water damage restoration services needed.

How The Trinity River Shaped and Reshaped Dallas

Longtime Dallas residents may remember when the Trinity river was barely a trickle of runoff sluggishly moving down a ditch. Today, the river is as alive and vibrant as ever, with one of the largest urban nature areas in the entire world. The Trinity River has always been part of our city's core, and once upon a time, it was even lusher than it is today.

Dallas was founded in the 1840s, with the first buildings erected directly adjacent to the river. This location was not arbitrary – the spot had rapidly developed into an important river crossing for wagons heading West. This section of the river was also remarkably biodiverse, with ample opportunity for local hunters to supplement the ever-expanding cattle industry. For many businesses and households in this early community, a well might be entirely unnecessary – the flowing river had fresh water for all.

By the early 20th century, however, the Trinity river had begun to cause some problems. Dallas was now a large city, home to skyscrapers, apartment buildings, and large factories. With few to no environmental regulations to guide them, these factories dumped pollutants into the river. Natural areas that had not already been cleared for development were now poisoned. When these pollutants started to taint the city's water supply, people realized something must be done. Unfortunately, this did not involve a reduction in the types or volumes of pollutants dumped by industrial companies. Instead, the river was re-routed entirely, skirting around the city.

For most of the 20th Century, Dallas looked identical to most other city centers: urban, industrial, and lacking in natural recreation opportunities. In the latter half of the century, however, the city's industrial areas shrank. More importantly, they also instituted manufacturing practices that were far cleaner and more sustainable than those used in the past. These factors, combined with public demand, led to the development of the Trinity River Project at the turn of the 21st century, which allowed the river to resume its natural course. Environmentalist efforts also helped to restore the local foliage much faster than it would have returned by itself.

However, the Project is not over and has much room to grow over the next few decades. As the trees grow older and taller, biodiversity will only increase, and the river area will begin to look like the forests that remained for eons virtually untouched by humanity.

Dallas is No Longer an Oil City

For decades, Dallas built up a reputation as a center for the oil industry, with warehouses, refineries, and corporate centers all primarily serving the nearby oil fields. At one point, the oil industry appeared so healthy here that housing prices reached the levels of Manhattan and other expensive cities without any room to expand, even though new neighborhoods were being built here at record rates. In the past few years, oil prices have fallen sharply, yet our community and economy remain more robust than ever.

Before oil, it was cotton that dominated our area so thoroughly. When global cotton production increased and outcompeted many local businesses, the city's industrial center made a smooth transition to the refinement and shipment of petroleum and plastic products. However, when an economy relies on just one industry, it becomes vulnerable to swings in the market. When oil demand swelled, so did our city. When it declined, many entrepreneurs and workers lost everything.

These conditions would not last long. Many of our neighbors work in the technology and communications industries, and the roots run deep for these businesses. Texas Instruments, one of the most important computer hardware developers in the world, started in Dallas during some of the earliest days of computer technology. Many companies would follow in their footsteps, making Dallas the home of everything from web hosting companies to refrigerator electronics specialists.

The tech and oil industries combined created a robust commercial sector for the city, which attracted large corporations of all sorts. With excellent city planning, a strong education system, and a remarkably diverse community, Dallas is undoubtedly the modern heart of Texas. Today, our town continues to grow faster than ever, and college graduates from around the country come here to support any industry you could think of.

A Technology Leader in Dallas Water Restoration

The success of water damage restoration in Dallas and surrounding areas depends on many things happening at once. Crews must respond quickly to stop the heaviest damages. Safety precautions have to be strictly observed, and inspections need to be thorough to ensure that no hidden damages are left to fester. SERVPRO accomplishes these tasks via the most advanced technology in the industry.

One of the first people to respond to any water damage disaster is our inspector. The SERVPRO inspector investigates the situation and analyzes the full extent of the damage, including aspects that may only be detectable through specialty tools. For example, when searching for water leaks behind walls and ceilings, we utilize thermal imaging devices to detect even the slightest abnormality. Water has unique thermal properties that typically makes it cooler (or, in some cases, warmer) than any materials around it. Thermal imaging devices help us track down the source of the problem when it may not be apparent.

Often, our thermal detection technology is aided by infrared scanning devices. These devices have roughly the same purpose but can also see through many materials to examine the areas behind them. In tandem, infrared and thermal scanners paint a detailed and accurate picture of the entire home's damage.

Once our restoration work begins, we bring out a few unique tools engineered specifically for our water damage projects. Our industrial-strength air movers and water extraction pumps work together to remove most of the water within a few hours. Once any standing water is gone, we utilize several kinds of dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air; these devices use complicated thermal and chemical mechanisms to return the environment to its optimal dryness.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas brings the most advanced technology in the industry to every water restoration situation in Dallas. Call our emergency line 24/7 at (214) 361-7887.

Can Dishes Get Reused After Being in a Fire?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

green SERVPRO box truck parked at house SERVPRO fire and smoke damage technicians arrive swiftly to mitigate damage to personal contents and treasures of our Dallas customers.

SERVPRO technicians have the training and cleaning methods to restore all types of Dallas home contents

When it comes to cleaning up after a fire in a Dallas home, a much-loved dishes set can be something a homeowner has their heart set on using again. There are some factors to consider before the dinnerware can get reused, such as:

  • If the dishware absorbed heat, it could contain fine cracks that may not be visible before cleaning, so there is no way to predict the outcome until the piece gets cleaned
  • Dishes covered in greasy, wet smoke residues have a great possibility of stress cracks due to the high heat of this type of fire
  • Crystal and china are delicate and get gentle cleaning by hand as the acidic nature of the soot can etch the surface
  • Off-site ultrasonic immersion cleaning

How is Salt Cleansing Used in Fire Damage Cleanup?

There are decorative items in Dallas homes that need specific applications during fire damage cleanup, but the item cannot withstand typical cleaning methods. One good example is in the handling of dry flower arrangements. While agitation is a great way to clean the soot off many articles in a home, delicate items require a little finesse. SERVPRO techs use a few different approaches to restore dried flower arrangements as follows:

  • Smoke particles can get removed through the use of canned (compressed) air or a soft brush
  • Wet solutions never get applied to any part of the process
  • Adding small portions of the arrangement to a large amount of table salt in a plastic bag and repeatedly tipping the bag to pour the salt over the flowers can work to remove any remaining residues

Cleaning Carpet and Area Rugs Takes Detailed Attention

After SERVPRO techs inspect carpet and area rugs present during the fire, they determine if there is heat damage on the carpet or rug. In instances where the floor covering has construction materials containing synthetic fibers, they can melt or turn hard and ruin the prospects for restoration. If no charring or heat damage gets found during the inspection, the techs move on to the next step:

  • The fibers get tested to determine that materials that compose them
  • Technicians chose the best method for cleaning away the smoke damage
  • Area rugs may get removed for in-facility cleaning
  • SERVPRO techs have access to an array of carpet cleaning products and stain removers
  • Generally, vacuuming is the first step

Window Treatments are another common item in most homes that get affected by a fire. Much like carpet and area rugs, one of the most significant factors that affect the item's overall restorability is the construction materials and if it has heat damage. Other factors to consider are:

  • The condition of the draperies, such as loose seams and other wear
  • How bad the smoke residues are in the fabric
  • Presence of water stains
  • If there is backing on the drapery fabric

SERVPRO technicians handle draperies by testing the fibers to determine if they have a propensity to bleed or shrink. Often, either dry cleaning or cleaning through the use of hot water extraction methods get used.

Blinds of all types are also a common element in many homes. If the blinds do not have a fabric covering, they often respond well to immersion in ultrasonic cleaning units to power off the smoke residues. Techs can also put them on a padded surface and hand-clean.

Bibliophiles are people who love books, and seeing their book collection with a coating of soot can be anxiety-inducing. SERVPRO technicians have multiple methods to assist in the restoration of books. Every case is unique, and it depends on the amount of smoke, water, and heat exposure. The book has undergone, with books in the upper part of the room, usually getting the worst damage. Other considerations include if the paper used to print the book was coated or uncoated as the uncoated paper absorbs soot particles. In contrast, the glossy surface of a coated page resists the smoke. The downside is the coating can fuse pages together after contact with water or extreme heat. In the case of valuable books, SERVPRO can arrange for a local professional to inspect and recommend how to proceed for restoration outside the scope of the fire cleanup.

Odor control methods are the final step in the restoration process to get the house prepared for any needed repairs and reconstruction to bring the home back to the way it was before the fire.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 when your property and contents need expert fire damage cleanup. The trained technicians have comprehensive experience in removing post-fire damages so they can make it, "Like it never even happened."

Is Mold an Issue After Flooding in a Dallas Home?

8/23/2020 (Permalink)

living room floor covered in water Flood damage can ruin your home even if you think you’ve taken care of it. Contact SERVPRO for professional removal and remediation services.

SERVPRO techs bring the latest equipment and restoration methods to restore Dallas homes from any size water damage

Floodwater in a Dallas home can enter in various ways. Seals on doors, broken windows, damaged roofing, or other structural issues can allow large amounts of water to enter a home in a short time. One of the critical elements to getting the best outcome for the situation is to bring in a professional service to extract the water and dry the structure as soon as possible and, most importantly, be aware of the development of mold colonies. Unless you live in a hermetically sealed box, microscopic airborne spores are floating in the air, just waiting for the right combination of conditions to germinate and spread. Those are:  

  • Sustained temperatures over 70-degrees Fahrenheit 
  • Ambient humidity levels over 50%
  • Something to eat such as paper, wood or building materials like sheetrock that has not gotten treated with an antimicrobial 

Will Mold From Flood Damage Go Away On Its Own?  

Once mold moves into your Dallas home after flood damage, it will not leave until it gets remediated. The process should be done professionally to avoid spreading spores to other areas of the property. When the conditions are favorable for growth, a small infestation can spread quickly throughout the home and wind up behind walls, under floors, and within the ductwork.

When mold is found on sheetrock or within the subfloor, these areas require removal to halt the infestation. Any existing colonies on structural elements that are not candidates for removal such as framework or studs get the colonies dried in place and then abate through manual removal techniques or the use of blasting using soda or ice.

What is the Difference Between Using Fans and Air Movers to Dry Water Damage?  

When SERVPRO technicians restore a Dallas home with flood water problems, they spend extra time extracting the water. This initial step works to lessen the drying time needed. One of the most significant differences between household fans and the devices used by the techs is the velocity of the air. Even on the high setting, a consumer fan can do little more than dry surfaces. An air mover delivers warm, dry air with so much force it causes embedded moisture to rise, where the dehumidification equipment is waiting to capture it and remove it. Instead of drying only surfaces, the cycle created by the air movers and dehumidifiers results in progressively drier air that works to bring down the interior humidity levels rapidly. 

In cases of a wet carpet from rainwater, the choice to use a company professional extraction and drying equipment can make the difference between getting your carpet restored and having to spend the money to replace it. This is because the longer water waits for cleanup, it degrades and becomes progressively more filled with bacteria. Gravity pulls the water downward into the backing and padding and can seep into the subfloor below; all of these conditions remain when sub-par drying equipment only dries the fibers above. SERVPRO techs use weighted extractor heads to push as much as possible out of the carpet, and then they use specialized drying techniques such as "floating" to force air both over and under the carpet. Another method known as "tenting" works by putting plastic over the wet area and connecting air movers and dehumidifiers to force air in and moisture out. 

Floodwater Can Be Harmful And Need Extra Care to Cleanup  

One of the issues with this type of water is that potential to contain harmful elements such as:   

  • Chemicals
  • Sharp objects
  • Bacteria  
  • Pathogens
  • Sewage

SERVPRO technicians test the water upon arrival, so they know exactly what kind of hazards are present. The application of antibacterial or antimicrobial solutions is standard to make the water safer to handle during disposal. This water has the potential to make humans sick through contact or aspiration of airborne droplets, so the techs wear full-body protective gear, including respirators, to ensure they work safely from start to finish.

Whenever mold has been part of the issue during the cleanup of floodwater in a home, the techs use their moisture detection equipment to monitor the drying process to ensure the interior humidity levels are well below sustainability for spores and colonies. Anywhere that mold got removed gets cleaned and treated with powerful antimicrobial cleaning agents. In cases where repairs need to be made to finalize the restoration, the techs can apply sealants to ensure there is no return of the issue before the renovations happen. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 brings their experience and professional equipment to clean up and restore your home from any size flood damage.

Are There Changes to the Professional Response When a Dallas Water Damage Emergency Reveals Long Term Damage As Well?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

water damaged home Get an honest review of the water damage performance inside your home from SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas.

SERVPRO Prepares Technicians and Managers to Mitigate and Remediate an Active Dallas Water Damage Crisis and Assess and Address the Effects of Long-Standing Hidden Water and Moisture Incursions Discovered.

Every day in your Dallas home, behind walls,  under cabinets, or over ceilings, a secret water drama can be unfolding. Drips and seepage from a cracked pipe or dried-out joint seal quietly and stealthily soak into the building materials and fixtures inside your dwelling. This activity can happen for an extended period of time, and you have no clue that it is occurring as it happens. Structures swell and weaken, still unseen, but threatening collapse. Maybe you notice a musty smell or wonder why the paint is crackling, or the wallpaper is peeling near the ceiling. Floors might start squeaking. You are always wiping up a puddle when you stand at the sink -- are you really that negligent while doing dishes? Or is there something else happening?

How Will Hidden Water Damage Finally Grab My Attention?

If you continue to ignore the subtle signs of water damage in Dallas, it is inevitable that the crisis will someday arrive. The seeping pipe or poorly connected hose eventually blows out completely. Water pours out of the kitchen cabinet or part of the ceiling below the master shower cracks wide open as a waterfall flows. Shutting down the water and calling a plumber stops the current incursion. A new pipe or replacement hose ends the emergency and the persistent slow leak. Still, you have severe damage to building materials and contents and not all date from the most recent bursting of a supply line or a disconnected hose.

Can Neglected Water Damage Be Remediated Long After It Happened?

When you invite SERVPRO to assess the latest water crisis, you might be caught off guard when we tell you many of the building materials we observed show evidence of previously neglected water problems. Even though you are following the right track now, the prior damage to structural components can pose problems for your home's integrity into the future if remediation steps are skipped. What are some things we might see that signal long-standing damage and ways we can help?

Moisture detection and metering

We try to assign one technician the job of using moisture probes and sensors during the water damage project for consistency. Careful outlining of the perimeters of the damp materials and a baseline measurement of moisture levels help us set and achieve drying goals. Comprehensive structural drying allows a determination of whether the remediated materials have the strength and resilience to perform their function:

    •    Subfloor Straits: Are subfloors stable and smooth, or did long-term wetness cause swelling and distortion significant enough to recommend replacement? Even tile floors, which you might believe are impervious to water, can permit long-term damage to the subfloor if grout cracks or caulk along fixtures or the wall is missing, allowing water to percolate down to saturate the plywood. A "wavy" subfloor that does not respond to sanding or refinishing continues to break up grout lines and pop up tiles. Persistently we subfloors in other rooms of the house contribute to uneven wear and tripping hazards on a hardwood or laminate surface.
    •    Insulation Inadequacy: Is insulation capable of providing the R factor expected to keep your home's temperature moderated if it was wet and packed down? Even if it dried completely, it likely is no longer efficient, and your energy use and bills will rise. Replacing insulation is a reasonably inexpensive solution that saves money and keeps your home comfortable in the long run.
    •    Mold Damage Dilemmas: Did we spot evidence of mold damage of dry rot? Mold is not just unpleasant to view and smell; it also consumes organic materials such as wood framing, insulation, and drywall. Supportive structures can become substantially weakened if mold lived and dined on them. Appropriate mold remediation must complete, or you also risk a fungal growth rebound any time moisture is available -- even when the humidity is high. If the damage is substantial, some replacement of structural components might be indicated.

Get an honest review of the water damage performance inside your home from SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas. We respond to the emergency and evaluate the prelude to the disaster, including remediation of long-standing damage in the overall project plan. Waste no time to call (214) 361-7887 and see how a highly-qualified water crisis team performs.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table. Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Dallas, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas today at (214) 361-7887 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

How Should You Mitigate in Dallas Flood Damage?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

standing water on kitchen floor Floods mostly catch people by surprise and the damages they cause can be very disruptive.

Professionals Help Ease Restoration Flood Damage in Dallas

Floods mostly catch people by surprise and the damages they cause can be very disruptive. Despite this, the property owner must take action to restore the property. Working with IICRC certified restorers like us helps in many other ways in addition to restoring your property to the preloss state. Immediately your Dallas property floods, you might be confused on what steps to take to remedy the situation. With our professional assistance, it is possible to respond accordingly.

A proper response to flood damage in Dallas includes fast action after the incident. Extracting water or moving items damaged slightly by the floodwaters are two critical steps to limit the level of damage. Our SERVPRO team easily handles move-outs to a different part of the property unaffected by the floodwaters or to an offsite facility. We also have gas-powered and submersible pumps perfect for fast extraction of high-level water preventing secondary damages caused by standing water.

Floodwaters usually contain a wide range of contaminants including raw sewage, industrial chemicals, and fuel oils among others. Exposure to such contaminants can cause health problems. Our SERVPRO crews are equipped with the right protective gear like boots, rubber gloves, full-body suits and respirators with p100/organic vapor cartridges among others. You don't have to be concerned about going into the highly contaminated water trying to save your property because we do it for you safely. We also take every step necessary to comply with OSHA standards.

It is essential to remove any porous materials like carpets, insulation and even drywall affected by floodwaters because it is not possible to eliminate all contaminant traces through cleaning. Our highly trained SERVPRO crews can handle such tasks easily. We have all the necessary tools for the job like carpet shears, and heavy-duty plastic bags, making carpet and pad removal easy as well as storing it safely for proper disposal.

When Appliances Cause Water Damage in Dallas

But not all flood damage in homes is caused by storms. Most flooding problems in homes come from the inside, rather than from a rising creek or river. In many of these cases, the problem results from a failed dishwasher or a split intake hose for a clothes washer.

Appliance flood damage in a Dallas home sounds simple, but the truth is very different. A failure of either of these machines can drop over five gallons of water on the floor every hour. SERVPRO knows that if this happens in the morning after everyone leaves for work, that means an entire, three-bedroom room can be under an inch of water before the homeowner or renter walks in to find a disaster.

The only advantage to dealing with flooding from such an inside source is that it is clean water. There is no contamination to have to worry about, so there is no need for special protective gear and since cleaning the surfaces is not required, the overall time necessary for the job is far less as well.

The first step we take is to stop the flow of water. If a resident has not turned off the water main, we do it immediately after arriving on the property.

Next, we get to work removing standing water. For any amount over an inch, we start with commercial grade water pumps. These machines can empty out an average home in an afternoon, allowing us to bring in more equipment and inspect for damage to floors, carpets, and walls. If the power is out, we bring in our generators for uninterrupted electrical support.

If there is no permanent damage, we draw out remaining water trapped on carpets and floors. Technicians use extraction wands which are designed to bring out the water without harming wood surfaces or damaging the nap of the rug. This part of the job is more time-consuming and can take up to a full day or more.

With the water removed, we now lower the moisture levels in the surrounding air. To do so, we use dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air. Each device can remove over twenty gallons every day depending on the humidity and size of the dehumidifier we use. We perform this task to prevent the possibility of rot or mold growth in the walls and floors.

Drying out your home is not an easy process, but the right restoration company can do it quickly and safely. SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas has decades of experience helping our neighbors put their homes back together after a flood. If you need our help, call today at (214) 361-7887.

For more information about the city of Dallas, click here.

What Equipment Does SERVPRO Use for Water Removal in Dallas?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

water leaking through wallboard SERVPRO experts can help you identify what is causing the water leaks in your home.

SERVPRO Details Equipment at Their Disposal for Dallas Water Damage Restoration

There are many reasons why you can rely on the technicians at SERVPRO when your home in Dallas needs mitigation experts to protect it from harm. Our training and experience, the equipment we use, and our quick response time ensure we do the best possible work on homes to stop any existing damage from worsening or spreading to currently unaffected regions of your property Damage never clears away on its own volition. Helping families move back into their own house as quickly as possible after a disastrous event means a lot to us.
 
When SERVPRO technicians mitigate a home in Dallas that has water damage, we use infrared imaging devices. These handheld pieces of equipment work well in helping us locate water leaks, materials that are retaining moisture, and other damp locations within the home. Infrared imaging does this because they can pick up on any minute temperature differences in materials and on surfaces. Water cools almost all materials enough to produce the differences in temperature needed for these sensitive cameras to pick them up and show them to us on the screen.
 
After we locate water leaks, drips, or damp materials, we can determine the exact amount of moisture content in each with a moisture meter. While the infrared devices give us a starting location for where water is intruding, these highly accurate devices provide us with a starting point for achieving our drying goals.
 
After we dry the areas involved without desiccant machines, localized heaters, and air movers, we can search for microbial activity. Microbes need only a short period of exposure to water before beginning to grow. Locating colonies after we cut off their water supply and dry the area to increasingly hasten the changes in their environment facilitates any additional work needed in this area. Mitigation of your water damage situation should always include a thorough assessment of the environment, so future damage remains controlled.
 
SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas can help make your home's water damage disappear, “Like it never even happened.” Contact us by calling (214) 361-7887, any day of the year, day or night.

More about Dallas.

How Can a Dallas Commercial Facility Implement a Preventative Cleaning Plan?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

closeup of virus cells on a blue background When you feel like germs are everywhere and you can't keep up, SERVPRO is here to help.

SERVPRO of North West Dallas Professionals Offer Cleaning and Disinfecting Services

Cleaning plans should be customized to each Dallas area business and facility. Cleaning protocols in Dallas need to be effective for the different types of surfaces that could be infected and for how many people employees and customers might be at the location at any given time.

According to the CDC, senior citizens are the most at-risk group from the virus pandemic. Functioning facilities that have senior employees, or serve senior customers, or visitors require professional-level disinfection measures that are applied regularly. 

Did you know SERVPRO technicians can assist in the development of a pandemic plan for any business or Dallas area commercial property? Our team has years of cleaning experience performing hospital-level sanitization for a variety of problems at businesses of all sizes throughout the Dallas area. 

The SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas specialty cleaning team scopes the property and helps develop a cleaning strategy based on the required types of sanitization. Our team answers any questions you may have. We work flexible hours to accommodate your business schedule. Our team even helps train and work with your in-house departments concerning proper (CDC, EPA, and OSHA) cleaning protocols. 

If you need assistance developing a pandemic plan for cleaning and disinfecting your commercial property or public space, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at 214-361-7887. We’re ready to help. 

Disclaimer: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Dallas Homeowners Count on SERVPRO for Complete Water Loss Drying and Restoration

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Green SERVPRO Box Truck At a Job When SERVPRO Is on the Water Loss Scene in Dallas--Homeowners Are Relieved

Suspect Water Damage Behind Fixtures in your Home? Contact SERVPRO in Dallas

Water Damage Dallas
Water can release from many different areas of your home's infrastructure. You may find that areas behind fittings, cabinets, or appliances begin to smell of stagnant water or mold. These signs can be indicative of a broader water issue at play. Gaining access to these areas of the home may be tight or go beyond the scope of your expertise. These situations tend to get worse without intervention, and by interceding early, you can often restore construction materials rather than having to face the expense of replacing them.

If you are in any doubt as to how to restore water damage in your Dallas home, it may be best to bring in a professional. Professional water restoration services can provide you with a wealth of expertise and experience. Knowledge and experience can be vital in a fast turnaround during the restoration. At SERVPRO, we can correctly assess the extent of damage, which then allows us to decide which materials are salvageable and which are not quickly. Completing jobs on-spec and on-budget is the core service we provide to this community.

Working with a restore over replace framework means our inspections are typically rigorous. If necessary, SERVPRO can remove fixtures or other physical barriers from home. We take the entire procedure to ensure that there is no damage during the removal process. Typically metals and synthetics items can be treated with chemicals like pesticide and mechanical buffers that can see even severely damaged materials return to excellent condition. Other naturally porous materials may have to be double-sealed in bags and taken with us to a waste facility for disposal.

The challenge in restoring water damage from walls and behind build-ins is inadequately drying the issue before and during the in-depth cleaning process. Failure to address the source of moisture or to dry it properly can lead to water issues returning after service is complete- negating much of the cleaning effort. Using sensors and moisture content readings, our team of technicians at SERVPRO can ensure the water spill is contained and restored correctly to ensure that one-time emergencies do not become recurring issues. Mold infestations can often follow inadequate moisture removal.

The buildup of water or moisture behind cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures can see severe degradation of materials as well as produce unpleasant odors. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 today.

We Can Restore Your Dallas Home After A Flood

12/21/2019 (Permalink)

flooding caused by storm Our helpline is (214) 361-7887, and our team is available around the clock.

You Can Trust SERVPRO to Restore Your Dallas Residence After Flood Damage

Central Texas is prone to flash flooding, and that is why it is referred to as Flash Flood Alley. Dallas receives about 37.1 inches of rainfall per year. Whenever there is significant rainfall, there are high chances that the city’s residents can experience flood damage in their homes.

Floodwater can bring branches, chemicals, silt, and other debris into your property. After your Dallas home sustains flood damage, you should enlist the services of a reliable restoration company like SERVPRO. Due to the contaminants in floodwater, it is not advisable to remediate the damage yourself since you may not have the necessary training and equipment. Without the proper flood remediation skills, the destruction in your property can get worse. For instance, moisture in hard-to-access areas can lead to mold growth, which can cause health issues for you and your family.

Our technicians have gone through restoration training and have certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We have the expertise required to handle flood damage of any magnitude. State-of-the-art equipment such as different types of water extractors, moisture detection tools, air movers, and dehumidifiers help our team to restore flood-damaged properties effectively.

We have a fast response time since we understand how devastating flood damage can be to our customers. Once we get to your property, we can inspect the affected areas to determine the right restoration strategies to use. Our team can remove the water quickly to prevent secondary damage.

If mud and other undesirable substances are present on your driveway, sidewalks, and walls, among other exterior surfaces of your property, we can use power washers to wash them away. We can add cleaning agents to the power washing equipment to break the dirt bound on the surfaces, ensuring effective cleaning. We can dispose of the wastewater appropriately, such as in a sanitary sewer or transport it to an approved waste disposal site.

Proper drying is essential to reduce the chances of mold growth and odors in your property. High humidity causes materials to dry more slowly while low humidity improves drying. Air temperature also affects the ability of water to move out of affected materials and the capacity of air to hold moisture. Our SERVPRO team knows how to establish an environment that is favorable for drying. We can manipulate the humidity levels and temperature in your home to create optimal drying conditions, without causing additional damage.

Once the drying process is complete, we can disinfect your home to eliminate microbes from the surfaces that floodwater touched. We can use EPA registered disinfecting agents that destroy 99 percent of micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi, assuring you of a healthy living environment.

Do not let flood damage stress you out. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas for professional and efficient restoration services. Our helpline is (214) 361-7887, and our team is available around the clock.

For more about Dallas click here.

Dallas Kitchen Burnt More than Just Food? Call SERVPRO for Cleanup, Restoration, and Odor Control

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO box truck with rear door opened Our SERVPRO Box Truck Is Almost Empty As our Team Uses the Equipment to Mitigate Fire Damage to a Dallas Area Property

Eliminating Stains & Odors From Protein Fire Damage in Dallas

Stovetop fires can be quite a hassle for homeowners to clean up after. Not only are flames dangerous, but you have to deal with residues from flames, damaged items, and the extinguishing methods used. This can be overwhelming to clean up on your own, mainly because consumer-grade cleaning products are not made to handle these types of damages easily.

If your Dallas home needs fire damage mitigation after a kitchen mishap certified SERVPRO technicians can come to you within hours of your initial call and work to restore your interiors. This team is AVAILABLE 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Whether you have a fire with a Thanksgiving turkey or another mishap in the home that leads to burnt food particles leaving residues in your kitchen, SERVPRO offers industrial-grade cleaners and equipment to remove the mess and restore your items to their preloss condition.

How to Minimize Odors After a Protein Fire
Because protein residues are colorless and hard to detect, it can be challenging to get rid of them without the right help. Here are some tips to prevent the spread of odors and protein residues throughout your home:

?    Keep your hands as clean as possible. This can prevent residues from soiling porous surfaces in your residence.
?    Place old linens on surfaces vulnerable to odors. Rugs and furniture, especially in high-traffic areas, can be vulnerable to residues.
?    Limit movement around your home. This practice minimizes exposure to protein residues.
?    Avoid using packaged or canned food and drinks that may have been near the fire. Residues can contaminate or alter sealed items.
?    Avoid cleaning or doing laundry. Household cleaners are not enough to clean protein residues, and even clothing affected by protein fires requires special techniques to remove contamination fully.

SERVPRO Removes Protein Residues
Protein fires are unique because they take more thorough cleaning to remove odors. It may take several rounds of cleaning to remove residues from your kitchen altogether. Paints and sealants may need to be reapplied to eliminate odors after such an event. However, SERVPRO technicians work carefully and professionally to remove filmy proteins from surfaces. Items in your kitchen are meticulously investigated for contamination, including appliances, canned food, and other items, to minimize risk and odors.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is a service that you can count on to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.  You can call (214) 361-7887 for rapid disaster cleanup.

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Fire Damage in Dallas? It's Easy to Overcome If You Contact SERVPRO Right Away

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

fire damaged kitchen counter and toaster Fires happen. Contact SERVPRO right away to remediate and prevent residual or accompanying problems.

Common Problems in Dallas Properties After Fire Damage

As if a home with fire damage was not enough, many issues have the potential to crop up. This is especially true if the cleanup efforts are inadequate.

Fire damage leaves Dallas homes with not only charred materials to deal with, but also water damage and sometimes mold. SERVPRO technicians work to restore the property and negate secondary issues.

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians undergo extensive training in the restoration sciences to learn the best practices for handling fire, water, and mold damage to properties. This includes choosing the right equipment, cleaning solutions, and restoration methods each situation dictates.

Early Fire Damage Mitigation Actions

SERVPRO technicians remove charred items that have no restoration potential from the property with the approval of the homeowner or adjuster. They take photographs and make a note of anything that requires discarding due to damage for ease of filing insurance claims and expediting the reimbursement.

Water Damage

On top of the fire loss, the water used to extinguish the fire leaves behind additional damage. Portable pumps often make short work of removing the water, and the use of detection equipment ensures no moisture is left behind in wall cavities or under flooring. Careful containment of the worksite keeps cross-contamination from occurring during the drying process.

Smoke Residues

The cleaning of smoke damage in the home is another specialized task. More loss has the potential to occur by using the incorrect cleaning method for different types of smoke residue. The technicians carefully test surfaces before cleaning to ensure the use of the correct applications.

Mold Damage

If the water used to extinguish a fire sits in a property for longer than 24-hours, mold spores have the possibility of germinating and once established; they spread quickly. This is why complete water extraction and drying of the property is crucial. SERVPRO technicians know the early warning signs of mold growth and work to eradicate it and apply proactive treatments as needed to inhibit growth.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 is available to turn around fire damage in your property and make it, "Like it never even happened."

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Water Damage in Dallas--Should You DIY or Look to a Professional Remediation Company?

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Each vehicle in our Green Fleet is loaded with equipment to restore your home.

The Difference Between DIY and Professional Water Damage Cleanup in Dallas Home

When water damage strikes a Big D home once it hits your floor, water migrates quickly-even if it is a small amount of water from a busted pipe under a bathroom sink or overflow from a malfunctioning washing machine or dishwasher. If the spill happens upstairs, the inclination to travel downward due to gravity can leave you with water in the subflooring and floor joists and a damaged ceiling downstairs. 

DIY cleanup efforts for water damage in a Dallas home are sometimes not adequate to avoid mold or foul odors. Standard methods of home cleanup are:

  • Blotting water with rags or mops
  • Using household fans to dry floors
  • Laying towels on wet carpet to absorb water 

Why SERVPRO? These home remedies for water damage in Dallas can work as long as the water is surface only and has not penetrated the subflooring or ran behind baseboards. In those cases, the excessive moisture has the potential to create conditions for mold infestations as well as unpleasant odors. Our certified technicians have specialized equipment for both extraction and drying. Plus our advanced moisture detection devices ensure that anywhere in the residence water travels, we find it and remove it. 

Our professional extraction equipment includes special attachments for upholstery and carpeting, so water does not remain the padding. Our air movers create warm, dry air in a superior fashion to household fans. The high-velocity air causes embedded moisture to rise where our dehumidifiers remove it from the property. 

Even clean water spills have the potential for bacterial growth, and bacteria equals odors. Our certified technicians thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected surfaces to both sanitize the home and leave it smelling clean and fresh without any lingering water odors. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 has the equipment and experience to return properties with water damage to their preloss condition. We take calls 24/7 and are onsite quickly to make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

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Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In The Dallas Area

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Even if the only mold you find on your property is completely dry, it is important to have a trained professional perform your remediation.

SERVPRO is Available in the Dallas Area to Remediate Your Mold Property 

Mold on your property can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, there can also be mold that is invisible to the naked eye, making mold contamination considerably hard to diagnose without the right equipment.

Just having the right conditions allows mold to grow anywhere on your property. Whether it is clear and sunny, or cloudy and rainy mold damage can occur in your Dallas area home. Fungus or mold has obtained a rather bad reputation over the years. However, the truth is, that mold is no more damaging than fire, or water. In fact, water itself is a major element mold needs to grow.

Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally within our environment. Our eco-system uses these microscopic organisms to process decomposing materials. Without mold, many forms of antibiotics, vitamins, and other medical solutions used today would be impossible.

Our expert mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO provide you with a variety of services that make locating and controlling mold found in your home easier. While also helping you avoid creating the conditions that need to exist for regrowth to occur. You should begin by having our technicians perform a full inspection of your property. You may notice some problems, while our technicians find larger issues hiding just out of sight.

SERVPRO technicians understand where mold might begin. Starting with locating water sources found in your home that can cause mold to get out of control. Water issues including from plumbing leaks, excessive condensation on your windows, and HVAC system drain off can cause mold growth in your home. Many of the materials used to build your home serve as a food source, so, anywhere that you find excessive or constant moisture adds the final ingredient mold needs to spread.

Even if the only mold you find on your property is completely dry, it is important to have a trained professional perform your remediation. Dry mold spreads microscopic mold spores through the air that you cannot see, leading you to spread contamination to other areas and cause more problems. SERVPRO’s expert team utilizes air movers and negative-airflow machines in combination with HEPA filters to trap microscopic spores and get mold growth under control.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you have a mold issue forming on your property, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas today. (214) 361-7887

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Where to Start With Flood Damage Restoration After a Storm? Call SERVPRO!

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Storms and possible tornadoes are a reality of living in this area. Contact SERVPRO after flooding or storm damage to your home.

Tornadoes and Severe Storms can Allow Flooding in Dallas Homes

Dallas residents often get reminded about their proximity to the most severe portion of tornado alley that affects the entire Midwest. While there is little that a homeowner can do to prevent the formation of one of these devastating storm systems, the effect on your home can allow elemental damage like heavy rainfall and runoff to enter your house unabated. The resulting flooding requires immediate attention from trained professionals like our response team.

Tornadoes can quickly damage roofs and siding on your property, but the flood damage in Dallas that can result is often more challenging to contend with than reconstruction of exterior components might be. Our SERVPRO professionals have advanced equipment to allow us to extract floodwater from your home quickly to help make an efficient path to vital drying efforts. The faster that our experienced team can get to work on this mitigation, the less likely homes are to experience secondary damage such as mold and microbial growth.

From the moment that our experienced professionals get the call about the emergency, we prepare our SERVPRO Green Fleet of service vehicles to roll out from our facility with the equipment and personnel to help. We can offer emergency board up services and tarping services from the time that we arrive so that our other professionals can successfully extract the water and begin drying efforts without continued water penetration into the affected areas.

Our advanced equipment like portable sump pumps and gas-powered extraction machines can work to remove the pooling water from your property fast. We can then set up our drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to begin removing moisture and dampness from this area of your home as well.

While our objective is to protect and preserve materials where possible, flooding often leads to reconstruction efforts for the highly damaged regions of your home. Our professionals can work to make this transition from mitigation and restoration to reconstruction as seamless as possible.

Tornadoes might not hit your home all the time, when they do, it requires immediate attention to protect your property from flooding and other elemental damages. Give our SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas rapid response team a call today at (214) 361-7887.

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