Recent Posts
Signs of Mold In Your Home
1/23/2025 (Permalink)
A customer's home with signs of mold in the bathroom.
Mold can be a silent intruder that permeates your home, causing health risks to your family and property. Should you notice any signs of mold within your home, it is imperative to take immediate action. If you suspect mold in your home, please read the guide below and be sure to contact SERVPRO of Kirkland to assist you 24/7!!
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Mold
Before taking action, it's important to recognize the signs of mold infestation:
Visible Mold Growth: Keep an eye out for visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces. Mold often appears as discolored spots, patches, or clusters.Musty Odors: Mold often emits a musty or earthy odor. If you notice persistent odors in your home, it could be an indication of hidden mold.Water Intrusion: Mold thrives in damp environments. If you've experienced water leaks, flooding, or excessive humidity, your home may be at risk of mold growth.Step 2: Act Swiftly but Safely
If you suspect mold in your home, it's important to act swiftly, but do so safely:
Protect Yourself: Before investigating, be sure to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, goggles, and disposable coveralls, to minimize your exposure to mold spores.Limit Disturbance: Avoid disturbing the suspected mold areas as much as possible to prevent the release of mold spores into the air.Isolate Affected Areas: If possible, close off and isolate the areas with suspected mold growth to prevent cross-contamination.Step 3: Contact SERVPRO of Kirkland for Professional Help:
Mold removal is a complex and delicate process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. SERVPRO of Kirkland is your trusted partner in addressing mold issues:
Comprehensive Assessment: Our certified technicians will conduct a thorough assessment of your property to locate and identify mold infestations.Safe Mold Removal: SERVPRO of Kirkland follows industry best practices to safely remove and remediate mold. We use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough cleanup.Prevention and Restoration: After mold removal, we'll focus on preventing future infestations and restoring your property to its pre-mold condition.Expertise and Experience: With decades of experience in mold remediation, SERVPRO has the expertise to handle any mold problem, large or small.Step 4: Prevent Mold Regrowth:
Once mold has been removed, it's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid its return:
Address Moisture Issues: Identify and address the source of moisture that led to the mold infestation. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or reducing humidity.Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to catch and address potential mold problems early.Educate Yourself: Learn about mold prevention and best practices to keep your home mold-free.Conclusion:
Taking fast action by calling SERVPRO of Kirkland is the best way to remediate mold. Call us today at 425-820-0080 for any of your mold or water damage needs! Our friendly team of professionals will fix any problem efficiently. We look forward to servicing you!
Winter is Coming! SERVPRO of Kirkland Has You Covered!
11/29/2024 (Permalink)
This is a before and after photo of a room with a large pipe in the wall that froze and cracked during the Kirkland Freeze
As temperatures drop there are many things to consider in how you manage your home. With heavy rains and freezing temperatures, this check list will help you prepare, protect, and prevent potential damage to your home.
Drains, Gutters, Downspouts
Winter comes after fall, some might say the two intertwine for a period of time. Regardless, fall creates a lot of debris that often creates blockages in our drains, gutters, and downspouts. This is one way outside water finds its way into our homes because it does not have a proper path to flow out and away. Be sure to clear any debris and check for any cracks or other damage. You want to make sure these systems can properly do their job to protect your home in leading all water away from the structure.
Exterior Inspection: Roof, Siding, Faucets, and Trees
Protecting your home from winters mayhem starts with an evaluation of the exterior of your home and the surrounding factors. Think of it as your first defense when it comes to winter. Your roof and siding take the blunt force of winter at its best. Be sure to check the shingles on your roof, look for cracked, damaged, loose, or missing ones. This will prevent moisture from finding its way in or giving heat a way out. Shingle repair is far more affordable than an entire roof replacement. Do the same for the siding on your house. Again, repairs on both are easier and more cost efficient than the damage that could occur as a result of not checking.
It is also very important to remove any hoses connected to exterior faucets and get those covered for the winter to prevent freezing and any damage that could occur from that. Lastly, do a quick evaluation of the trees surrounding your home. All the inspections and preventive measures mean nothing if a branch falls right through your roof.
Preparing for the Freeze Inside
While the exterior of your home is your primary defense, there are many things to consider inside as well. Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a single home. Take time to insulate your pipes or check existing insulation and look for any leaks. One way to prevent pipes from freezing is to let the water drip when temperatures plummet.
Next you want to check all doors and windows. You want the cold to stay out and the heat to stay in. This can help with costs for heating in the winter. Caulking is great and inexpensive way to seal any leaks. Shrink film is another great inexpensive solution to keeping the cold out. Both are available at your local hardware store.
Another thing to keep in mind is issues with heating equipment can cause a buildup of Carbon Monoxide in the home. Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is virtually undetectable without a detector, sharing the same symptoms as the common flu. So be sure to get one for your home or test and replace the batteries frequently if you already have one. That being said, it's a good time to have your heating system serviced, this should be done annually.
Call SERVPRO of Kirkland today for your yearly maintenance needs!
Pet Safety During Storms
11/29/2024 (Permalink)
A family pet preparing for the winters in Kirkland!
We all know what we should do when a storm strikes or is about to strike – have an emergency kit ready, know the safest structure in your home, avoid electrical equipment, etc. Nonetheless, have you thought about what to do with your pets when a storm arises? Thorough emergency preparedness is important, particularly in areas where you may be forced to leave your home. As we all know Washington weather is sporadic and unpredictable.
Here are five tips from ASPCA (American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Center that you can use to help keep your beloved pets safe during storms:
- Shelter – During severe storms it may be easier to take shelter in a basement or small interior room like a bathroom. Make sure pets are acquainted with – and comfortable in – that area of your house and will go there with you easily if need be.
- Poisons – Make sure the shelter inside your home is free of dangers for pets. Many people keep pest poisons in the same basement where they may be sheltering during the storm. Unfortunately, pets are very good at finding baits and many are all too eager to eat it.
- Anxiety – Many pets have storm or firework anxiety and may be prescribed medication to help them cope. Remember, it is always in the best interest to give pets a dose of medication prior to the storm to see how he or she will react – and pets should always get trial runs of medication during periods when the veterinarian is available in case questions arise.
- Evacuation – Among your belongings and in your emergency kits you should have leashes and/or carriers handy, food, medication and water. Pet owners should know where favorite hiding places are for pets so they can easily found during emergencies.
- First Aid – Help keep your pets safe by having a pet first aid kid handy.
SERVPRO of Kirkland is here for all your storm damage need call us.
5 Pet Safety Tips for Storm Preparedness: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/5-pet-safety-tips-storm-preparedness
Pet First Aid Kit: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/saving-lives-shelter-health-poison-control/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit
Common Issues In Your Commercial Property
10/28/2024 (Permalink)
A commercial site
SERVPRO of Kirkland is Here to Help® when an emergency arises in your business. While water, fire, or mold damage can be overwhelming for your business, rest assured that our team will arrive on-site quickly and professionally. At SERVPRO of Kirkland, we understand the importance of getting back to your preloss condition as soon as possible, and with a quality of work that exceeds industry standards. Keeping your Commercial business safe and sound is necessary in operating efficiently. Many buildings have pre-existing small issues that have the capacity turn into larger ones if proper maintenance has not been maintained soon enough.
We have highlighted some of the issues that occur the most frequently to our customers in Commercial buildings.
What to inspect in your Commercial Property:
- Leaks – Whether you have a leak in your roof, foundation, or pipes, water can accumulate in areas of your building. Sedentary moisture almost always leads to rotting wood, foul odors, and mold growth.
- Asbestos – Although not used in construction anymore, older buildings may still have asbestos present. Exposure to asbestos is extremely dangerous and MUST be taken care of if found in exposed areas in your homes.
- Fire Safety Regulations – Make sure that your fire extinguishers are up to date and are in working order. Check your sprinkler system to ensure that in the event of a fire, they will work as intended.
- Electrical Faults – If you have older wiring in your building or have ever had a rodent problem, you should check for faults. Mice and rats tend to chew on wires, leaving them exposed and more likely to start a fire.
Tasks to expect from the SERVPRO of Kirkland Technicians:
- Detailed Cleaning – We will remove excess soot or other contaminants from impacted areas through HEPA vacuuming and dry sponge. SERVPRO Technicians clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.
- Selective Demolition – to remove unsalvageable materials or property. Removing and disposing of porous materials, like drywall and carpeting.
- Pack Outs – to remove salvageable personal property from the affected area for off-site cleaning and storage.
- Air Filtration and Flow Management – SERVPRO technicians utilize “Air Scrubbers” to remove airborne contaminants and soot. “Dehumidifiers” which remove water vapor from the air which lowers the humidity ratio. The lower the humidity the more it increases the rate of evaporation of moisture. “Air Movers” are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level and reduce drying time.
- Deodorization – to remove or mask offensive odors and return the affected area to a usable space.
SERVPRO of Kirkland will respond quickly and get you back to preloss condition asap. We have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial Water, Fire, and Mold Damage.
We are here for you 24/7. Give us call at 425-820-0080!
Water Leak In Your Home? Call SERVPRO of Kirkland
10/28/2024 (Permalink)
Water heater malfunction in Seattle, WA
A malfunctioning heater could expose your home to water-related incidents. Water heaters are generally built to last for decades of high usage and can be costly to replace. However, the sheer volume of water passing through a heater during the winter months can cause year on year corrosion of the steel storage tanks. When these leak inside of an airing or heating closet, they can cause significant amounts of harm to your property.
A heater with corrosion can start to leak over time, leading to water damage in your home. The likelihood of tanks bursting increases when there is steel corrosion, which can have a sizable impact. Performing regular maintenance checks and replacing the anode rod inside your water heater when necessary is the best way of avoiding water emergencies. However, accidents do happen, in which case you should have a firm backup plan in place to limit the losses to your property's structure.
One potential challenge SERVPRO technicians have in restoring structure around a large appliance is restrictive access. Typically, heating systems are built into closets or small enclosures out of the way of the main rooms in your house. These enclosed areas increase water migration because water builds up in a concentrated area, which can lead to water problems inside the cavities of your home.
Water restoration technicians with experience can duct seal the enclosure and attach dehumidification hoses into the area to speed up the evaporation process rapidly. Since water extractors are likely to be unable to dry such a small space effectively, SERVPRO relies on closed-system dehumidification to dry. We may also need to assess the adjacent walls as well as the subfloor of your property to see how far excess moisture is traveling.
Water heater failure can cause extensive harm in small spaces. Contact SERVPRO of Kirkland at (425) 820-0080!
Call SERVPRO of Kirkland for your HVAC cleaning needs today!
10/28/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Kirkland HVAC cleaner in our warehouse
Did you know that SERVPRO of Kirkland has certified technicians who can help you clean and maintain your HVAC?
Every winter, we notice more and more calls from residential and commercial customers alike. It's that time of year to get your ducts cleaned, especially if you skipped a cleaning this new year. With all of the environmental changes, and research into the importance of air quality, here are the reasons to regularly service your HVAC:
- Comfort - prevents extreme hot or cold zones in your home or business
- Energy efficiency - reduces utility bill by optimally performing (no dust or grime to slow down this process)
- Healthy Indoor Air Quality, prevention of mold and reduction of other allergens
- Prolongs the life of the equipment by properly maintaining it
There are plenty of reasons to stay up to date with HVAC cleaning, no matter the season. Call SERVPRO of Kirkland today to schedule and annual cleaning or if you have other questions! 425-820-0080
Different Levels of Commercial Damage
5/15/2023 (Permalink)
We are available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. We are ready to help with any emergency.
There are many factors that can contribute to extensive commercial damage occurring - fires due to unforeseen circumstances, facility usage wear and tear, unexpected water damage from weather, etc. No matter what the source of the damage is, this downtime can be costly to your business and to your customers. When unexpected damage at your commercial property happens, how do you know to what level and extent? Below is an overview of our grading system that we use to determine the level of which your property is assessed and categorized to begin mitigation:
Level 1
Small commercial losses typically involve 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was completely affected, small commercial losses may include but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or an administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.
Level 2
Midsize commercial losses typically involve 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or divided spaces. If the facility was completely affected, examples of Level 2 losses may include but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can often be just a portion of a much larger structure.
Level 3
Large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will normally be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. At this level it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”
Once our experienced team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a strategic crew of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently. If you have damage at your Commercial property...
Give SERVPRO of Kirkland a call at 425.820.0080
Fires Are Not Planned But Your Exit Plan in Case of a Fire Should Be!
5/15/2023 (Permalink)
Get an escape plan in place for your home and business. Make sure everyone knows it. It will save lives.
Is Your Exit Plan In Place?
Every second counts during a fire. In a matter of moments, a small flame can turn really bad, making it critical to be prepared. Having an established escape plan in place is invaluable in these situations. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows that only a small percentage ( 6 percent ) of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical that all family members understand the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. The following are a few good suggestions to help you develop an emergency plan for your family.
Draw a map of each, and every level of your home and make sure that it show all doors and windows. Find two different ways to emergency exit each room. Always make sure that all doors and windows that lead to the outside open easily.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas or bedrooms on the second and third floor. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders that have been evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be best, and most easily used.
Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance away from your home where everyone can meet after they've exited. Make sure to mark the exact location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
Teach children exactly how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled family members.
Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. To make sure that all scenarios are covered, and prepared for.
Escape Planning for Your Business
Although an emergency escape plan is not technically required for all businesses. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that you should build an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employers, and your business during an emergency situation. OSHA has suggested the following steps when developing such a plan.
Organize an emergency preparedness procedures review with employees to review your company's emergency plans. You may wish to select an individual or team of individuals or professionals to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.
Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Established good practices are needed to ensure that all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuation personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.
Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. It is important to designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed, an evaluation of how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed is very important!
Stay Safe With These Smoke Detector Tips From SERVPRO of Kirkland
5/15/2023 (Permalink)
Don't wait until its too late to check on your smoke detector, it could save your life!
Here's What You May Want to Know
When installing a smoke alarm in your Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, or Woodinville home, it’s important to follow the recommendations of professionals, including fire damage restoration services, to ensure the alarm functions properly in an emergency. Here’s what you may want to know.
1. Regular Maintenance
It’s very important to maintain your smoke detectors for fire safety. Many professionals recommend checking the batteries in all alarms located in your home once a year at the very least. Usually many choose to do this at daylight savings to keep the maintenance routine consistent. Making sure your units are dust free can help prevent malfunctioning. It’s also recommended to periodically test the unit according to the manufacturer's directions to ensure functionality. With most units, there is a test button you can press to hear the alarm sound. If your alarm is malfunctioning in any way it should be replaced entirely.
2. Alarm Placement
The exact placement of a smoke alarm in your home can also be very important. It’s recommended that at the very least one alarm be placed on each floor of the building. Make sure to place an alarm in high-risk areas such as a workshop or kitchen. Most fire experts recommend that you place one alarm inside each bedroom, and one alarm outside the bedrooms as well. It may be adequate in some situations to place a single alarm outside multiple bedrooms if they share a hall or living area.
3.Operation Life
A smoke detector does have a defined operation life. Many professionals recommend the full replacement of any unit over ten years old to ensure proper functionality during the event of an emergency. Older units often have a higher risk of malfunctioning which could certainly be costly to your home and family.
When installing a smoke alarm in your home it’s important to do regular maintenance of the unit, place the alarm inside and outside each bedroom, as well as in the kitchen area, and fully replace old units. Doing all of these recommended things can help keep your home and family safe.
SERVPRO of Kirkland is Your Best Resource for Your Fire Restoration Needs
5/15/2023 (Permalink)
This fire started outside the home, just outside the garage. The flames and smoke took no time making it inside causing significant damage.
When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is now safe from further destruction, but without trained professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building may never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are on the surface fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it should NOT be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.
The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Kirkland should be called on immediately. We clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire to pre-fire condition, but we must be called to respond immediately to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause.
We know that the only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and spreads through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration.
The experts at SERVPRO of Kirkland will not only identify what can and cannot be salvaged, we will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, we will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may need to be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.
For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Kirkland provides regarding water and fire damage cleanup for your commercial or residential property, please visit us at:
https://www.SERVPROkirkland.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration