Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Why SERVPRO Is The Best Selection for Your Restoration Needs

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

a large downed tree near a small house and fence No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Carrollton for all of your restoration needs.

Every restoration effort has at least one thing in common—time. The longer damage is allowed to fester in your property, the less likely you will get away with a quick and inexpensive restoration and cleanup.

So, what makes time so important when it comes to damage? It’s the things inside your home that aren’t designed to face extended exposure to the elements. Items like flooring, carpet, and any fabric or wooden furniture will suffer immediate damage when exposed to water, with more damage happening as time goes on.

To avoid costly cleanup and an extended restoration process, you can take action before damage arrives to mitigate the potential destruction. Take steps like clearing your property of dead trees before a storm to reduce impact damage or cleaning your kitchen thoroughly to reduce any fire hazards.

In addition, you should have an emergency plan that everyone in your household knows well. Thanks to the Georgia state government, we have Ready Georgia, which compiles some great information about how you can prepare for the disasters we face here.

Unfortunately, many people will suffer home or business damage during their lives, and it’s important for everyone to know why SERVPRO is the right choice for you.

You Can Rely on Us Anytime

Our team has years of experience working with both commercial and residential damage, which gives us great insight into how stressful these events can be. No kind of damage is ever expected or planned for, so it’s important for you to have someone that you can count on day or night.

This is why our experts stay ready 24⁄7. You can call at any time of the day, and we’ll provide a quick response to help you get started on the right path to restoration.

More Than Restoration

Our professionals provide more than just constant service, however; they also become an integral part of the communities we serve. Our location is locally owned and operated, which allows us to connect with the people in our region and be more than simply a restoration provider.

Aside from all this, our team is trained to handle every kind of disaster, using industry-leading technology to get your structure back in preloss condition. With years of experience, you can feel safe trusting us with your beloved property.

No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Carrollton for all of your cleanup and restoration needs. Not only can you rely on us any time of the day, but you can also feel confident that we’ll have you back in your home before you know it.

When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

What Is Mold Remediation?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

??white wall with black and grey mold If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, call SERVPRO of Carrollton!

When you discover a mold infestation in your home, it can be a frightening and overwhelming event—and if you are like most people, your first thought will be, “How do I get this out of my home as soon as possible?”

For this reason, many people will find themselves searching for terms such as “get rid of mold” or “remove mold from home,” because this seems to be the main goal—but when we learn about mold, we will learn why these terms are a bit of a misnomer.

Below, we will look at the characteristics of mold and outline why “remediation” is the preferred term in the mold abatement industry.

The Nature of Mold Growth

Mold growth can be quite a tricky thing. In nature, mold’s function is to aid in the decay of organic material, which means it is always present and ready to do its job. Mold spores are

transmitted entirely through the air and are always present—it is helpful to think of them as agents that are always floating around and trying to do their job.

For this reason, when mold finds an area that is hospitable to growth, it will immediately invade the area and begin reproduction.

How Mold Gets Into Homes

Because mold is airborne, it can feel like a rather insidious spore. Mold can get into homes via open windows, by hitching a ride on shoes or clothing, by coming in through your HVAC system or by attaching itself to the fur of pets.

Essentially, there is no way to keep mold out…but it is possible to stop it from growing within the

home.

How Mold Remediation Addresses Mold Problems

Because mold is present nearly everywhere, it is impossible to fully remove mold from the home. However, mold remediation will address the underlying issues that are encouraging mold

growth and remove the mold-infested materials that are breeding the spores.

While simply removing the mold may take care of the issue temporarily, it is vital to address the reason that the mold has found a hospitable home within your structure so it does not return.

If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, we are the team to call. We practice mold remediation to address the underlying issues—contact us today to learn more.

Common Signs of Mold Growth

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold Growth SERVPRO of Carrollton is ready 24/7 to help you fight mold.

Dealing with mold growth is something that no home or business owner wants to deal with, but unfortunately, mold can be a persistent thing. Mold spores are always present in the air so there is the threat of them finding a nice spot to land. Thankfully, mold can only grow and expand in conditions that are favorable to its needs.

One of the conditions that mold likes best is areas that are dark without a lot of airflow—and because mold spores are airborne, they can quickly find places that fit the bill. This means that mold often grows in areas that are not readily apparent or accessible, meaning it is important to be aware of the signs of mold growth so you know what to look for.

The Common Indicators That a Building Could Have Mold Growth

Persistent, Dank Odors

One of the most evident (and frustrating) signs of mold is the persistent odor it produces.

Because mold’s main function in nature is to help organic matter decay, the smell it produces is dank and pungent. If you notice a persistent smell in an area that does not go away or worsens with time, it may be an indicator that mold is present somewhere in the area.

Water Damage That Was Improperly Treated

Mold loves areas that are moisture-heavy, which means water damage can often turn into a

mold problem if it is not treated properly. Water damage can soak into drywall, carpet pads and other hidden areas, and if it is not fully and properly addressed, it can lead to hidden mold growth in these unseen areas throughout the home.

Black Spots on Clothing or Fabrics

Mold can often make its home on fabrics, so if you begin noticing that clothes in your closet or upholstery on your furniture begins to attract spots of mold, that might be an indicator that there is a bigger issue elsewhere in the building. Because mold is airborne, it can travel from the main area it has set up for itself and attach to other objects as it tries to spread.

If you have questions about mold or are in need of mold remediation, we are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services!

Let Us Help You Rebuild After a Storm

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Tornado in distance ??When storms strike your home or business, trust us to make things right again. SERVPRO of Carrollton is here to help

You know what SERVPRO does by now. You see the green truck with the orange logo, and you feel pretty sure somebody’s about to get some water damage cleaned up.

They had a pipe burst or a sewage backup, and a SERVPRO team is headed to get them back in the dry. Or maybe they had a fire in the kitchen, and the green team is on their way to clean up and remove the smoke damage and smell.

These things may all be true, and kudos to you for your acumen. But something you may not know about SERVPRO of Carrollton is that we can provide full-blown reconstruction when your home or business is damaged, whether you’ve had something as minor as drywall or carpet damaged by intruding water or you’ve experienced an extreme disaster. When disaster strikes, we’ve got the teams, the tools and the expertise to repair or fully rebuild.

Not only can we rebuild and reconstruct to get your home back to its preloss condition, but we can simplify your life by simplifying your post-damage process. You can trust SERVPRO of Carrollton for initial damage assessment, for the emergent needs for repair and mitigation, and for putting your home back together the way you know and love it.

With a streamlined process handled all by one excellent team, you can have peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of, and nothing is missed or miscommunicated.

SERVPRO of Carrollton is licensed for residential contractor services, so you know you can trust our workmanship as well.

We can help with every area of your repair, rebuild and reconstruction process, including board up, dry cleaning, electrical, and HVAC services, plumbing and much, much more. We can even help with temporary fencing and warehouse space.

There’s so much more to SERVPRO of Carrollton than what you may think when you see the green truck. The bottom line is that if you’ve got a repair or restoration need of any kind at home, we can help you get it taken care of. Call us first—it’s likely we’ll be the only call you have to make.

When storms strike your home or business, trust us to make things right again. From initial evaluation to the finishing touches, SERVPRO is here to make your life easier after a storm.

Dangers of Extreme Cold

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

?Thermometer surrounded by snow and ice ?Stay safe and warm! Warmer weather is on the way!

While your place of business can get damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers is also at risk.

Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015.

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

Let’s Prepare Your Emergency Ready Plan Together

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee standing in office next to a person reviewing plans If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Carrollton will be there

Being a business owner can seem easy—the idea of getting to pick your hours is ideal! But the reality is, you’re always on call, whether you are there or not, and you are responsible for things like employee relations, payables and safety!

Disasters or accidents can disrupt your business in only a matter of minutes. It’s actually scary to see that FEMA states 40% of small businesses will not reopen after a natural disaster, and a quarter of those that do reopen are forced to close their doors within a year.

That’s why it’s imperative to have a safety plan in place for your business. Three-quarters of all small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and now is the perfect time to make the change. We are here and ready to help you become better prepared.

We are always ready and proud to serve our local communities such as Roberta, Fort Valley, Byron and Zenith, along with so many others. Together we will work to get your Emergency Ready Plan started. Being locally owned and operated means we are all neighbors, and we will help our neighbors through the good and bad times.

When we work together, our goal is to help minimize downtime within your company, and help everyone understand what to do. We will carefully review and analyze your business needs to determine what you might need in the face of a disaster. From there, we’ll detail exactly what to do, including alternative locations to work from and data backup, so that you can react with confidence and not chaos.

Business owners have to worry about enough, and disaster planning is one thing that we can help take off your plate. Contact your local SERVPRO experts to help you prepare your Emergency Ready Plan. You can trust us to protect your business and employees!

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

SERVPRO Gives You a Seamless Recovery Process

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee reviewing plans in front of a large SERVPRO trailer truck We’ve got the tools and technology to handle any job. Contact SERVPRO of Carrollton to learn more.

Doesn’t a cake sound delicious? If it didn’t before the beginning of that sentence, it probably does now.

So let’s bake one from scratch. Ready? First, we’ll go to the local poultry farmer to get some eggs, then the dairy farm for milk. Then we’ll head over to the mill for flour (unless you want to mill it at home for authenticity, and…sugar from the cane fields, maybe?

Yeah, you could go to those extreme lengths to get all your ingredients. But it’s the 21st century, and at this point most of us are looking to find one place we can go to get all the things we need for a cake, or whatever other confectionary delight you may have in mind.

Most of our shopping isn’t modular anymore, because part of what makes a great business great is that it offers a level of convenience that makes it easy to use and often decreases the buyer’s cost.

One of the many great things about being your local SERVPRO is that we can provide you with a single place to take care of every element of restoration after a disaster. Whether the nature of your damage is from water, fire, natural disaster or anything in between, we can get your home fully back to tip-top shape from beginning to end.

Need carpet dried and cleaned? We’ve got you. Drywall burned up in a fire? We can replace it, finish it, and even paint it. (You know we started as a painting business, right?)

Everything from reframing and construction to the tiniest finishing touches—we can make it happen, and you don’t have to worry about the process dragging on because multiple companies and sets of contractors have to wait on each other, communicate poorly, undo, redo and haggle with your insurance agent. From step one to done, SERVPRO has it under control.

We’ll even talk to your insurance company to simplify that process, too.

So when a heavy storm rips through the house, an unexpected flood fills your basement with water, or an electrical fire eats up your hallway, don’t call five companies—call one.

Did you hear the oven ding? Cake’s ready.

For an A to Z cleanup, recovery and restoration solution, you don’t have to worry. Your local SERVPRO has all the tools and teams necessary to finish your project, no matter how complex.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Handle Your Cleanup and Recovery

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee looking for signs of damage under crawl space of home When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, SERVPRO of Carrollton has your back.

Have you heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule? It’s an idea popularized by author Malcom Gladwell that says, essentially, it takes 10,000 hours to master one’s craft and become an expert.

Noted achievers like Bill Gates in the tech world and Alex Rodriguez in sports and entrepreneurship subscribe to the idea that it takes concerted effort over a long period to be able to truly call yourself one of the best in a given field.

If the 10,000 hour rule holds true, then you can only imagine the level of expertise you can expect when you call your local SERVPRO to help you after a disaster in your home or business. Think about it—1,800 SERVPRO teams nationwide, doing business over the span of a half-century? We tried to do the actual math, but it just made us go cross-eyed.

The point is that when you call SERVPRO, you can be absolutely certain that you’re calling a reputable team of true experts, highly trained and heavily equipped for any home recovery need you may have.

Every SERVPRO franchise owner goes through complete training at the SERVPRO National Training Center, and every team member sits under them to extend that knowledge. We actually have a training house that we flood, set on fire and otherwise destroy, so that our teams can learn firsthand the latest techniques for restoring and repairing damaged homes, furnishings and more.

Expertise matters. And in an age where anyone can get on social media and crown themselves an expert, having a proven track record is what can set one service apart—and nobody has the track record of SERVPRO. For more than 50 years, we’ve satisfied literal millions of home and business owners with quality service and outstanding care.

When you call SERVPRO of Carrollton, you can rest assured you’re getting in touch with teams that know what they’re doing because they’ve been doing it for a lot of people, for a very long time. We’ve put in our 10,000 hours as a company many times over.

When you need thorough, expert home cleaning or restoration, you know who to trust. Contact SERVPRO when disaster strikes, and let the pros handle it.

Trust SERVPRO for Your Remodel

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

a small interior room with light brown wood floor being installed When you call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington, rest assured you’re getting in touch with the best restoration team in the business.

We talk a lot around here about recovery, damage from storms and fires, that sort of thing—and we should. A great deal of what we do revolves around helping families and business owners who are struck by sudden situations and find themselves in need of a trustworthy service company to help them restore their damaged homes and business.

That’s a role we’re proud to fill for millions of customers nationwide, and it’s gained us the industry-leader reputation we’re honored to have earned.

But it doesn’t take a tornado for you to take advantage of SERVPRO’s expertise.

Our highly trained construction teams can help you beautify, add on or remodel your home for no other reason than it being something you want to do. No disaster required.

Recent studies show that as many as 90% of homeowners plan on remodeling their homes at some point, and almost four out of 10 plan on doing it in the next year. If you’re one of these millions of homeowners, call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington when you’re ready to make it happen, and you can trust the same expert teams who rebuild countless homes after disasters to give your kitchen, basement or whole home the facelift you’ve always dreamed about.

We cover the whole process, top to bottom—from inspection and gathering estimates, to mitigating any hazards or other difficulties that may hinder or interrupt the process, to full-service rebuilding and construction.

We can even go the extra mile and help you with dust control, contaminant protection and more with our premium services and EPA-registered preventive healthcare solutions.

You’ll love your new remodel, and you’ll love how easy the process is when you can trust one team to get your work done, instead of a rotation of multiple repair crews slowing down the job and struggling to communicate with each other.

You don’t have to wait for a flood, fire or natural disaster to take care of the expert construction services SERVPRO offers. We can help you build, rebuild or remodel your home and get the dream look you’ve always wanted.

If a remodel is in your future, you owe it to yourself to check with SERVPRO and get a quote. Call us today and get a local team of experts invested in your project.

Whatever Your Restoration Need, We’ve Got You Covered

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

a green SERVPRO van parked in a warehouse full of equipment When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Carrollton to get the job done.

If you pass by a home or business that is up in flames, your heart truly goes out to those people. But when you see that green SERVPRO truck pull up, you know they are being well-taken care of.

At SERVPRO, we provide full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction services. So we will fix or clean things from top to bottom, and we will do it in a timely and efficient way.

Here’s a breakdown of SERVPRO services you can benefit from:

Water damage recovery. Whether you have encountered a flash flood that made its way into your home or you had a pipe that has busted, you can be certain that we will take care of you. When it comes to water, it doesn’t take much to do damage, and that’s why you should call us.

Fire damage recovery. A fire is reported every 23 seconds here in the United States. Fires, and the things used to put them out, can do a lot of damage, which requires lots of cleanup. That’s why we bring out all the help we can get.

Mold removal. Mold damage can creep up on you without you ever seeing it and can threaten the structure of your home. Once it’s established in your home or business, mold can spread quickly and easily, so call in the pros.

Storm recovery. Storms of any kind can cause damage, and no matter the size of damage it causes, you can count on us to help you restore your home or business.

Commercial needs. If you’re a business owner, have peace of mind in knowing we offer you all the same services we offer homeowners, plus a few extra!

General cleaning. Cleaning can be a headache for some, but for us here at SERVPRO, it’s pretty simple. We will provide your home or business cleaning services, including carpet or curtain cleaning and more.

Specialty cleaning. Sometimes you have cleaning needs that go beyond the basics. If you need specialized services such as document restoration or biohazard cleanup, we’re here to help.

Construction. Sometimes, damage can be severe and restoring your place is out of the question. The good news is you don’t have to find another company to help you—SERVPRO can reconstruct your home or business and get it looking “Like It Never Even Happened.”

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your Top Choice for Water Damage Restoration

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Woman Holding Pot Catching Dripping Water SERVPRO of Carrollton is ready 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency water damage.

Having water damage your home is something that can feel extremely overwhelming. Whether you have a leak, a flood or other type of water-related issue, water damage can be disruptive to your life and your routine. And if you are unsure of how to handle it, it can be more disruptive than you imagine.

No matter where you live, it is important to understand your risk for flooding and other types of water damage—especially because one in 10 properties in the United States are at risk for flooding—so you can plan ahead for it. Water damage can come about suddenly, but having a plan in place for who to call can help you handle it quickly and efficiently.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration at Your Home

**We respond quickly to your call.** Water damage is not something that you want to leave unattended for any length of time. Mold and mildew growth can start quite quickly after water damage, but the faster it is addressed, the less likely this is to be an issue. With our 24/7 emergency line, you can be confident that you can get in touch with us whenever you need us.

**We understand the intricacies of water damage.** Water damage is rarely a simple issue, and oftentimes, it is a rather complex one. Water can seep into many places that are not supposed to be wet, and when these areas are hidden, it is impossible to know the scope of the issue. Because we understand the intricacies of water damage, we monitor impacted areas to find any areas with hidden moisture to make sure any water damage is fully addressed.

**We have a national backup plan.** If there is a widespread issue that causes water damage, such as flooding, resources in the local area can be spread quite thin. We combat this issue by having the backing of our national brand—because there are SERVPRO locations across the nation, we can scale up resources, equipment and technicians as needed, so you can expect the same level of service even when there is an extreme need.

*If you need assistance with water damage in your household, you can count on us to be there for you. Get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our water restoration process.*

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Fire Restoration Needs?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical outlet and cord on fire SERVPRO of Carrollton is ready 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency. Give us a call today!

A house fire is something no one would like to experience, but unfortunately, they are a more common occurrence than most people realize. Every year, around 358,000 structures will have a fire event in them, causing billions in property damage across the United States.

House fires can lead to significant property damage as well as pose risks for injuries and deaths, so preparing as much as possible is a must for mitigating their impact.

Focusing on fire prevention is the best thing to do to keep your household safe, but it is also important that you have a plan for the aftermath of a fire just in case. Because smoke and soot can permeate rooms in the home that were not even impacted by a fire, it can be quite disruptive to your daily life—which is why we are here to guarantee a rapid response when you call us.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When You Need Home Fire Restoration

**We will get to you quickly.** Experiencing a house fire is a frightening thing, and if you have damage to your home, it is understandable that you will want it taken care of as quickly as possible. That is why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. We always provide a rapid response when you call us, no matter the hour.

**We understand fire damage.** Fire damage is a complex thing. Not only is there the damage from the actual flames, but there is also smoke, soot and often moisture damage to consider. We approach fire damage with this in mind, and have the knowledge to tackle the entire spectrum of fire damage so it is like it never even happened.

**We have expert fire restoration technicians.** Because we always want to provide you with the best restoration service possible, we take our training programs very seriously and ensure that our technicians are well-versed in the world of fire restoration. Between third-party certifications and our own SERVPRO training that our technicians complete, you can be confident that the technicians assigned to your job know exactly what to do.

*If you are in need of fire restoration, let us be the team you call. Get in touch with us at any hour to learn more or to report your fire damage.*

Why SERVPRO Is Your Go-To for Any Restoration Needs

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Man Talking on Phone SERVPRO of Carrollton is ready 24 hours a day for any of your restoration needs.

Needing restoration on your home is something that can feel rather overwhelming, but eventually, it is likely to happen. From damaging severe weather incidents to leaks or kitchen fires, there are many ways that a home can sustain damage, but fortunately, there are comprehensive solutions that can help ease the complications of restoration.

To better prepare your household to deal with damages that need restoration, it is best to think ahead regarding what company you would like to use. That way, when you discover damage, you can make the call immediately to begin the restoration process.

In most cases, it is vital that restoration happens quickly—so below, we have outlined a few reasons why we are here to be your go-to.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs

**We understand that each scenario is different.** While incidents that require restoration are quite common, every scenario is still different. For example, in spite of the fact that house fires impact more than 350,000 families each year, every fire causes damage that varies in its scope. That is why we make sure that we have the expertise to deal with damages of any type, so you can always feel confident when you call on us.

**We provide a response 24 hours a day.** When it comes to damage restoration, it is important to act fast. This is vital not only for helping your household get back to its usual state, but it is also a must to prevent further issues from arising, such as mold and mildew growth after water damage. For this reason, we are here to respond to your call 24/7, 365 days a year.

**We do more than damage restoration.** In addition to simply restoring the damage an incident has caused in your home, we also help with every aspect of the process. From helping you pack things up to dealing with your insurance agent to get the most for your claim, we aim to provide assistance in any way we can throughout the process.

*If you are in need of a go-to partner for residential restoration, you can count on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our process or to receive a rapid response to your damage.

Winter Car Emergency Kit

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Don't get caught in the cold this winter. Make sure your car is fully stocked for any mishaps that could occur.

When you hear the phrase “emergency kit,” do you think of a first aid kit? A collection of supplies nestled in a closet somewhere, just in case they are needed? What about an emergency kit for your vehicle? Do you have one? Do you know what to put in one, should you decide to make one?

The NSC (National Safety Council) recommends including:             

• Nonperishable, high-energy foods

• Drinking water

• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help

• Car cell phone charger

• Jumper cables

• Fire extinguisher

• Duct tape

• Rain poncho

• Compass

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Cold weather items: snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack

• A Tool kit and/or multipurpose utility tool

• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible

• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors,  hydrocortisone,  thermometer,  tweezers, and  instant cold  compress

When assembling your emergency kit, though we’re specifically focusing on prepping for the holidays,  do consider what you might need on a regular  basis, and assess what you should add or remove, depending on your destination, weather conditions, or the duration of your trip. You should check your emergency kit at least every six months, and restock items that you use or that have expired.

Holiday Safety Travel Tips

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Travel safely this holiday season!

Many of us have spent a significantly larger amount of time than normal at home over the last year and a half. With the holidays fast approaching, perhaps you are going to visit family or friends. When you intend to travel, taking a little extra time to prepare your house for your absence can keep your home safe, increase your peace of mind while you’re away, and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems.

For example, emptying the fridge and pantry of foods that will perish in your absence is a good practice; consider freezing items that could be saved for later. Throw your items away before your weekly trash pick-up, to avoid critters feasting on your refuse. To ensure that you are aware of any thawing of the freezer, place a cup of ice in there. When you return, if the ice is still separate, the food should be fine. If, however, the ice has melted, that indicates that the contents in your freezer thawed and re-froze, which means you should throw away what was in there.

Set your thermostat for your absence. Consider turning off the water at the main line. If you do turn off the water, remember to run the faucets until they are dry, and flush all the toilets and turn off their incoming water at the base of the tank. If you will be gone awhile, it might be a good idea to turn off your hot water heater as well, or set it to vacation mode, to save energy.

Make sure that all exterior windows and doors are locked, including the garage. If you have a hide-a-key, think about moving it inside, or giving it to a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. If you have a fireplace, close the flue to prevent animals and birds from coming inside from that route.

Aside from ensuring that your home avoids accidental damage in your absence, you want it to appear that you are not gone. Set lights on a timer, ask your neighbors to check on your property, and do not post about being out of town on social media. By following these suggestions, you will be in a good position to enjoy your holiday season!

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

10/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® of Carrollton.

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO® of Carrollton professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® of Carrollton professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

Ask SERVPRO® of Carrollton to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® of Carrollton. Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

When there is water intrusion, like a roof leak or a leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Carrollton have the industry training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO® of Carrollton. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® of Carrolton professionals utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

SERVPRO® of Carrollton will also clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may also be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs, such as reconstruction.

Deep Fryer Safety

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carrollton are you local experts to help you turn that kitchen fire damage back into a functioning kitchen.

Happy National French Fry Day!! Whether you get them from your favorite restaurant or cook them yourself, enjoy them with your favorite people!!! 

If you are cooking them yourself in a deep fryer, make sure you follow the following safety tips. 

*Know your oil smoke point. Each type of cooking oil has it's own smoke point. This is the temperature that your oil begins to smoke and could catch fire. 

*Don’t overfill your deep fryer. Most deep fryers have a max fill line. What most people don't account for is that this should include the food, not just the oil. Overfilling your deep fryer could result in spilling oil and causing a fire and uneven cooking due to the oil temperature dropping. 

*Do not deep fry wet food. Water can cause hot oil to splash and spill over potentially resulting in a fire. Most frozen foods are already mostly dry, but fresh foods can contain a lot of moisture and need to be patted down before putting in hot oil. 

*Keep your deep fryer in clear surroundings. Many deep fryers aren't cool to the touch when cooking. Make sure the are around your deep fryer is free from flammable and combustible materials. 

*Make sure your deep fryer has a break-away cord. This is a standard safety feature on most home deep fryers to keep the fryer from tipping over if the cord is tripped up by something or someone. However, not all have this so inspect yours and use accordingly.

*Have a lid on hand. While not necessary, smothering is the safest way to put out a grease fire. If your deep fryer doesn't come with a lid, find something you can use that will work just as well. 

*Keep a fire extinguisher handy. There are many people who've never thought to have a fire extinguisher in their kitchen in case of a fire. There are many options available for a fire extinguisher made for home use, so make sure you have one to on hand in your kitchen.

*Keep track of your temperatures. Many deep fryers have a built in temperature gauge to track how hot your oil is and make sure your fryer is cooking at the proper heat. These can malfunction so having a separate clip-on thermometer as a back up is a great idea. 

*Dispose of oil properly. Always let the oil cool down completely before storing or disposing of it. If storing, make sure to filter out all food particles so your oil doesn't spoil prematurely. If disposing, make sure to pour into a air tight container. Never pour oil down a drain as it can cause the drain to clog and back up. 

*Use proper protective equipment. Most foods won't splatter as long as excess moisture is removed, but fatty foods like bacon will splatter regardless. Using the handle on the fryer basket will protect you, but having protective gloves as secondary protection is always a good idea. 

Should you find yourself faced with a kitchen fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

*Source: Deep Fryer Safety Tips