Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Understanding the Costs of Mold Removal

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Man with biohazard suit, air scrubber and plastic tube removing mold Mold restoration in Greenwood Village, CO

The Costs of Mold Removal

When a homeowner experiences a mold disaster, all they can see is dollar signs. Most insurers will not cover the costs of mold damage, especially if it stems from a preventable issue. Therefore, homeowners are left with little option but to call a mold removal company in Greenwood Village, CO. However, to be prepared, every homeowner should familiarize themselves with the stages of mold removal, so they can better understand the costs.

  • Testing
  • Mitigation
  • Removal
  • Restoration

Testing

The first phase of a mold cleanout is to identify the species of the infestation. Black mold removal will likely be more expensive than a more generic mold species. The company you hire to assess your property may take an air test or a sample test. Sample tests are more likely, especially when a more toxic species is suspected.

Mitigation

The mitigation phase can be costly, depending on the results of the tests. Certain species will require significant precautions to prevent further contamination. For example, the affected area may need to be completely sealed off from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting. Also, more protective gear may be required for certain mold species.

Mold Removal

As with each of the other phases, the cost of the removal process varies depending on the species. For more aggressive species, the process is slower. The walls and the affected space need to be wet down to minimize the risk of spreading spores. Also, depending on the size of the infestation, the removal may take days to complete.

Restoration

The restoration phase can be the most exciting for a family, but depending on the extent of the damage, it can be costly. Unfortunately, there is no way to estimate this cost without seeing the property in-person.
Mold removal is a costly process, depending on the size of the infestation. While it is tempting to perform the removal on your own, that is not the best option, especially for certain species of mold.

3 Signs of Potential Hail Damage to Your Home’s Roof

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Old composite roof with damage Damaged asphalt roof in Southglenn, CO.

Hail Damage To Your Home's Roof

After a storm that involves hail in Southglenn, CO, it’s common to check for damage on cars, but people often forget to check for hail destruction on the roof. There are several signs to look out for that may indicate that your home has a hail-damaged roof.

1. Dents or Cracks in Shingles

The most apparent sign of roof damage from hail can be found on a home’s shingles. Depending on the type of shingles in your home, your shingles may have dents, cracks, or pieces missing as a result of a hailstorm's impact. It can be harder to visibly identify damage in an asphalt roof due to the material, whereas a roof with wooden shingles will show more obvious impairment.

2. Damage to Your Home’s Siding

Although busted shingles show obvious signs of a hail-damaged roof, other exterior areas of your home can also be an indicator that you have hail damage on the roof. If hail impacts other parts of your home, it’s likely that the hail was sizable enough to impact your roof too. Like shingles, siding that is injured can look cracked or dented, but siding can also be loose if it has been beaten up.

3. Gutter Damage

It’s important to examine the gutters on your home after a storm since they are close to your home’s roof and can therefore give you an idea of what to expect on your roof. Dinged gutters may appear dented or split, or the gutters themselves may sag. If you notice that your gutters have been compromised, it’s probably a good idea to also check your roof for any hail damage.

It's helpful to know the signs of a hail-damaged roof so that you can make necessary repairs and prevent further harm from occurring. If your home has been marred by hail, it is wise to contact storm damage restoration professionals who can help you with hail damage repair.

The Right Steps To Flush a Water Heater

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Connecting a hose to a water heater Connect the hose and drain your water heater.

How to Flush a Water Heater Properly

Like any appliance, a water heater requires consistent maintenance and upkeep. However, if you do not take care of it, its lifespan and effectiveness will diminish. Flushing water heaters is one of the best ways to keep them running correctly. By following these four steps, your family can enjoy hot water in your Englewood, CO, home anytime you need it.

1. Shut It Off
Never do a water heater flush if the unit is still on. For a successful, safe process, shut off the appliance. If it is an electric model, shut off the line on the circuit breaker. If it is a gas-powered model, turn off the gas so you no longer see the pilot light on.

2. Connect the Hose and Drain the Unit
Next, connect a water hose to the drain valve and run the other end of the hose to a drain. You should then open the valve and let the water run for several minutes. To help the water drain quickly and without difficulty, turn the faucet on in the kitchen. Then, turn off the main water supply. Once the water has stopped completely, turn on the valve again.

3. Run Water Through the Water Heater Again
At this point, all the water and sediment should have drained through the unit. You should then close the valve and turn on the water supply. Once the water steam is clear and uninterrupted, you know that tank is once again full.

4. Restore the Power
Once the tank is full of water again, you can safely turn the power back on to the unit. Shut off the kitchen faucet as well. After you've followed these steps, you will have successfully flushed the water heating appliance in your Englewood, CO, home.
Poor water heater maintenance can lead to flooding in your house. A professional water cleanup team can help tackle this problem. But to avoid it and to keep the heater doing its job correctly, a flush will make a significant difference.

3 Ways To Manage a Minor Mold Problem

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Wall with mold, brush, two plastic bottles and yellow rubber gloves Decide which treatment to use based on the material covered in mold.

Three Ways To Manage a Minor Mold Problem

A homeowner can take steps to stop mold growth and clean up existing colonies. A DIY effort is only advisable for minor infestations that involve less than 10 square feet of visible mold. If mold is hidden in carpet padding, behind wallpaper, or in wall cavities, homeowners should hire remediation professionals. Here are three ways to manage a minor house mold infestation.

1. Choose a Cleaning Treatment

Homeowners do not necessarily need to apply harsh cleaning treatments to superficial mold. There are several mild and effective solutions:

  • Scrubbing with water
  • Household cleaners or soaps
  • Solutions for specific materials

Decide which treatment to use based on the material covered in mold. Some porous materials such as carpet or drywall may need to be torn out and replaced.

2. Change the Conditions

House mold thrives in moist conditions with a source of nutriment and little disruption. Several adjustments can make an environment less hospitable for fungi:

  • Fix leaks or eliminate water sources
  • Increase ventilation
  • Run a dehumidifier

Reducing moisture levels will discourage mold growth. Most mold remediation experts recommend maintaining humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent.

3. Look for Signs of a Larger Problem

A homeowner cleaning up a seemingly minor mold infestation may realize that the problem is more extensive than he or she initially thought. If more than 10 square feet or affected, it is a good idea to rely on the expertise of a mold damage remediation company. Trained professionals can determine which species of mold are present, the extent of the infestation, and the most effective remediation method.

These are three ways to stop house mold from growing at a residence in Southglenn, CO. If a minor mold problem involves any hidden mold, it can be advisable to have remediation work done by professionals to limit risk and ensure that the problem is not more serious.