Moisture Removal and Dehumidification Are Vital to Reduce Water Damage

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

A Burst Pipe in a Carson City Building Means Significant Water Damage--Contact SERVPRO for Removal

Your offices in Carson City can suffer slow leaks anywhere there are water pipes. These can split open and release hundreds of gallons of water during the night, or slowly leak water from loosened joints.
 
Property owners in Carson City must maintain a building's safety at a certain level, and commercial water damage can make this extremely difficult. SERVPRO technicians adhere to protocols established by the IICRC and OSHA. These methods effectively restore both commercial and residential properties to their preloss condition and prevent additional damage from occurring. When extensive damage already exists, we can mitigate this as soon as we remove any existing water and future water can no longer gain entry.
 
Water can damage partitions by dry-rotting fibers or allow microbial infestations to thrive. Floor coverings can slowly become damaged by slowly leaking pipes while broken ones can soak them almost instantly. While we can often rescue the carpet itself, the padding's fate depends on several factors. Its age, density, and composition, as well as the amount of time it remained exposed to invasive water, can affect our ability to save it from destruction. We advise our customers on their specific situation as soon as possible. Tiled and industrial-grade vinyl floorings can reduce the immediate effects of water flooding.
 
Sensitive documents can also become tinged with a moldy scent. Conditions of high humidity can change the feel of paper. Ink also becomes affected and become illegible in places when water damage takes place. Other media can become stuck together when their protective coatings fail under situations involving high moisture environments. These problems make mitigation of water damage crucial for your building's occupants' businesses.
 
Office furniture and equipment, depending on their position to the water's source, might also suffer severe damage. We can dry and clean furniture, keeping it functional. Equipment with electronics often fares well after one of our licensed partners or yours examine them and discusses any necessary repairs or special handling. A small group of technicians can place desks, display cases, or other furnishings on blocks, so no stains develop.
 
Getting your office building dry again requires a concerted effort at eliminating the water at its source, removing damaged materials, drying out the environment and contents, and preventing secondary water damage effects. Dehumidification and restoring normal RH levels are crucial to mitigating damages.

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties wants to help you keep your tenants satisfied by getting things back under control as quickly as possible. Call us at our 24-hour services number, (775) 588-2355, whenever you need our assistance.

Air Movers Have Many Uses in Lyon & Storey Counties

3/16/2024 (Permalink)

Finding water damage in any part of your home or business can seem overwhelming. Call SERVPRO and we'll be your ally during the remediation process.

SERVPRO technicians find the most effective way to remediate water damage at your home or business property.

While our approach to water removal can vary greatly depending on the size, intensity, and duration of water damage, you will almost always see us using our signature air movers. They are powerful, directed fans that create fast and carefully planned streams of air throughout an area. These are employed in a wide variety of situations, from tight corners to vast, open warehouses. Scientific planning goes into our application of these industrial-grade machines, and every SERVPRO technician is well-trained in operating them.
 
Air movers are critical in Lyon and Storey County water removal jobs because they accomplish a tough task: drying up water already soaked into materials. Whether it is carpet, wood, grout, or even concrete, air movers apply a consistent and heavy stream of air to the surface to pick up individual water droplets and put them into the air. These services are needed in almost every water removal job SERVPRO does because we specialize in some of the heaviest and most thorough cleanup jobs on the market.
 
Many different protocols and planning situations can affect how our technicians arrange air movers in your home or business. Some types of carpeting, when soaked, can only be dried when an air mover blows underneath it. So, a common treatment is to lift up one end of the carpet to create a long air tube underneath it. Alternatively, for irregularly shaped rooms or situations requiring drying of high walls and ceilings, we may position the air movers at a vertical angle to direct air currents upwards. In most cases, air movers are kept in a room with closed doors to make air currents most efficient, but we may also strategically position some machines to push moisture from one room into another. This setup is most common when rooms are too small to dehumidify on their own and must be linked with a larger area.
 
Regardless of the size or severity of your damage, SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties is ready 24/7 to respond to your time of crisis. Just call us at (775) 588-2355.

Steps To Fix a Kitchen Sink Leak

1/11/2024 (Permalink)

A leaky kitchen sink may seem like a minor issue, but an ongoing leak could have serious consequences.

Here Are Three Steps To Fix An Under- Sink Leak

A leaky kitchen sink may seem like a minor issue, but an ongoing leak could have serious consequences. Business owners may be able to fix a malfunctioning faucet, drain or drain seal at a residence in Reno, Nevada. A leaking supply line or other plumbing problems that could cause flooding to require expert repair. 

1. Find the Source of the Leak
A leaky or broken water supply line may visibly drip or spray water in a home. A P-trap or sink drain leak may only be evident after water has run through the sink. If you cannot locate the source of a leak, shut off the water supply and contact a plumber.

2. Fix the Drain, Seal or Faucet
A leaky faucet is relatively easy to replace, along with one or two washers or gaskets. A P-trap leak may require clearing a blockage, tightening connections, or replacing a corroded trap. A sink drain leak may need to be unscrewed and repacked with plumbers putty. A broken supply line is more likely to cause category one water damage or flooding and require expert repair.

3. Contact a Plumber If a Leak Continues
If the kitchen repair measures you take to stop a leaky sink are not effective, it is a good idea to call a plumber sooner rather than later. The longer an under-sink cabinet or other areas remain wet, the higher the risk of major water damage and mold.
A leaking sink often starts off as a drip, but a problem that goes unaddressed could end up flooding a home kitchen in Carson City or Reno, Nevada. If you cannot resolve the underlying cause, contact a plumber to minimize primary damage. An under-sink cabinet that has been exposed to water for a long period or repeatedly may suffer primary and secondary damage.

If you need assistance, call SERVPRO® at 775-588-2355.

Snow Melt Can Cause Flood Damage

12/3/2023 (Permalink)

Snow Melt Can Cause Flood Damage in the Lake Tahoe Region

Sometimes Mother Nature dumps heavy snow. The Lake Tahoe region hasn’t seen much snow this winter season – yet. It’s coming. When winter rears its head, you need to be ready for anything.

Torrential rains following blizzards create flooding conditions at your property which is made more problematic in freezing temperatures and 3 feet of snow. SERVPRO’s flood damage technicians are up to the challenge of this merry-go-round of precipitation.
 
The lower levels of your property often contain mechanical heating and cooling systems as well as water heaters and laundry facilities. Snow melt can cause flooding which endangers these expensive components and the integrity of your dwelling. If critical components of your home have been affected by water damage, a call to SERVPRO will put your appliances back online. We have professional grade pumps and wet vacuums to remove standing water. Our specialty equipment ensures that water does not re-enter your building. Saturated carpeting and flood damaged furniture can be dried in place, saving you money and time instead of buying and installing new items. We emphasize restoration over tear-out and replacement. We also supply emergency generators when electricity is not available onsite.
 
Once our restoration technicians finish removing water using pumps and vacuums, they add air movers and dehumidifiers to the mix to dry floor coverings and walls. As the temperature dips, heaters join the list of specialized equipment we use to restore your flood damaged property. Our project manager develops a drying plan early and revisits it as moisture levels fall. Certified technicians measure temperature, humidity, and residual water retention to keep restoration on track. Your building is our priority.

Flood damage, complicated by sleet and snow, puts your property at risk of significant and permanent damage. Choose your restoration company carefully, searching for flood damage specialists “near me” that have a solid reputation and nationwide resources.
 
Feel confident when you reach out to SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Lyon & Storey Counties for flood damage control and restoration. A call to our dispatch staff at (775) 588-2355 sends an experienced project manager to your home or business as soon as possible, ready to begin the restoration of your flooded property.

Moisture Control For High Risk Buildings

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Indoor Air Quality Publication

In 2008 the EPA published Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings which outlines the importance of proper structural drying to avoid mold growth especially in "high risk" buildings including schools and commercial buildings.

In the article the EPA suggests, "It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors".  

The most effective way to control moisture indoors is to:

• Fix plumbing that cause frequent leaks.
• Stay mindful of wet spots caused by reoccurring condensation.
• Keep HVAC drip pans flowing properly by clearing any obstructions and maintaining them regularly.
• Ensure dryers are vented to the outside.
• Maintain indoor humidity to 30-50% where possible.
• Immediately clean and properly dry any wet areas.
• Do not let building foundations remain wet for prolonged periods of time.
• Have a remediation plan or Emergency Ready Profile on hand from SERVPRO to be prepared to quickly and effectively remediate any water damages.

The EPA also recommends in their publication: 

"The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control!

• When addressing mold problems, don’t forget to address the source of the moisture problem, or the mold problem may simply reappear!
  
  
• Remember to check for high humidity and condensation problems as well as actual water leaks, maintenance issues, and HVAC system problems.
  
  
• Protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. Consult a health professional as needed. Use PPE and containment as appropriate when working with mold."

Always consult with a licensed remediation company, like SERVPRO of South Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Douglas County, Reno East, and Lyon & Storey Counties at (775) 588-2355 if you suspect you have a moisture problem or had a recent water loss.

How Does a Pack-Out Work After a Property Disaster?

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Our pack-ins are tailored to original records so that your space looks "Like it never even happened."

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning after water or mold damage, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient pack-out of the affected area. Pack-out will provide several benefits such as a quicker remodeling process and protection of your items from potential damage.

By itemizing, recording, and relocating your contents to a secure location, the pack-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process.
• Protecting items from potential damage.
• Provide extensive restoration to contents.
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage.

The pack-out process usually consists of six steps:

1. Video and photograph the job site.
2. Perform an initial scope & job estimate.
3. Electronically inventory items.
4. Pack, tag, inventory, and sort clean and claim items.
5. Move to a warehouse, clean, deodorize, and repack.
6. Claim list suggestions from the customer.
7. Pack-in: Move items back to the customer's property after remodel.

When restoration is completed, SERVPRO will work with you to coordinate the move-in/pack-in according to your needs. Our pack-ins are tailored to original records so that your space looks "Like it never even happened."

Keep in mind:

• After the initial inspection, we will let you know whether or not an item can be restored.  You will find that most items can be brought to preloss condition. All contents will be inspected and any pre-existing damage will be documented before being packed out and restored. Our electronic documentation helps to estimate the losses and facilitates the filing of your insurance claim.
• When the transportation begins, items will be loaded and secured in a covered box truck using pads and the appropriate packing protocols.
• Small items will be individually wrapped in paper, boxed, labeled, and inventoried. This includes kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, storage containers, etc.
• Large items like upholstery and wooden furniture will be carefully inspected, often using high-intensity light to detect all damages that existed before the disaster.
• In some cases, affected items are cleaned in place to prevent acidic residues from causing any further damage.
• If an item does not require packing out, it will be secured and protected while structural repairs are made to the property.
• The restoration process is constantly monitored and you will be informed of the status of your claim before the items are ready to be sent back to your property.
• You will receive a copy of every inventory sheet with noted preexisting damage.

SERVPRO processes and returns contents as quickly and conveniently as possible while caring for your items as if they were our own. Contact SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, Reno East, Lyon & Storey Counties after a disaster to make sure you are getting the best care!

Why Should I Get a Professional to Clean My Carpets After a Water Leak?

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are always here to help. Call our office 24/7 - we are faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO Has the Knowledge and Professional Equipment to Help You Quickly

Even after a minor water leak in your home or business, there may be extensive damage to your carpet, especially if the moisture under the carpet pads was not detected immediately. Our professionals come in, assess the situation, address the loss, and mitigate any further damage from happening, such as warped floorboards or mold growth.

What Does SERVPRO Use to Get Rid of the Water From my Carpet?

Our Technicians Use Extraction and Drying Equipment to Clear Away Excess Moisture
Our IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) technicians use best practices to deal with the water damage in your home. They typically extract all standing water with portable or truck-mounted extraction equipment before going about treating and cleaning the carpet. Technicians remove the pad underneath the carpet and usually replace it.

After Extraction, What Do SERVPRO Technicians Do to Treat and Clean the Carpet?

    •    They treat the surfaces of the carpet, first checking to ensure there is no mold or damage.
    •    Use deodorizers and antimicrobial cleaners to treat the flooring and carpet backing.
    •    After putting the carpet back down, treat the front of the carpet with the same deodorizers and antimicrobials.
    •    Extract more water if needed.

After technicians treat the carpets and flooring underneath, they set about the task of thoroughly drying the room. They place air-movers around the room to forcefully push airflow over surfaces. While air movers work, dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air and exhaust warmer air, causing the carpet to dry more quickly. Using our professional services promotes more thorough restoration in a shorter amount of time than if you were to attempt it on your own.

For premium restoration services, Contact SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, Lyon & Storey Counties. We make it, “Like it never even happened.”

How Fast Can Water Ruin Walls?

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

Water trapped in your walls can cause severe damage to untreated framing materials, and insulation, and lead to corrosion, rot, and mold growth.

Lingering Water Can Result in Structural Issues If Not Addressed Quickly

After locating water damage in your home, you might not be aware of how dangerous it is to ignore the problems you find. Even with just a little moisture trapped in your home, significant issues can develop that compromise the structural integrity and overall condition of your working or living environment.  

With the help of an expertly trained professional, you can defeat the water damage present in your building. The right company provides you with quality personnel, advanced equipment, and access to resources you likely do not have on your own. This gives you a better opportunity to protect your investment and provide for your family.

Within days, water can do major damage that you cannot see. 

Water trapped in your walls can cause severe damage to untreated framing materials, insulation, and lead to corrosion, rot, and mold growth. You should always assume wherever water damage occurs, or a leak happens, that mold growth is not so far away. SERVPRO can send IICRC-industry certified technicians to your home that understand how water and mold act, giving you a plan of action that helps you take care of even the worst problems.

Compromised structural integrity severely impacts the value of your home. However, you can minimize any losses you experience by having a trained professional clean and dry your home after water incidents occur. Our restoration representatives can help you understand which steps to take, remove any standing water with the proper extraction, drying, and cleaning equipment and help your home become liveable again, "Like it never even happened."

We repair the damage caused by water emergencies.

Because of our proximity to your area, 24-hour emergency services are available year-round. We give you access to the help you need, whenever you need it by proudly supplying quality water damage restoration throughout our community. Whether you have a faulty appliance, damage caused by leaky or broken pipes, weather-related water problems, or something as terrible as a flood, we can help.

Advantages of catching water damage early:

Failure to attend to water damage can lead to mold growth, electrical hazards, and cause costly losses to your property. That means such incidents are stressing and the best line of action to take is to work with a team of restoration experts as you try to get your business or home back to its former state.

It is vital for any Douglas County resident to act within 48 hours from the time the water event took place.

When our technicians arrive at your property to address water damage, we immediately do a site inspection. With the help of specialized devices, we are in a position to determine the magnitude of the problem. By using moisture meters and infrared cameras, we can detect any hidden moisture in ceilings, walls, and floors. The inspection also helps us to find out salvageable contents, items that need replacement. With all these details, we formulate an appropriate restoration plan.

The Water Extraction Process

During the water extraction process, our team can use pumps and truck-mounted systems to remove deep standing water. If we notice that the water has gone through your carpet or padding, we lift it and dry it separately or discard it when necessary. After removing the water through extraction and drying the site, there are chances of the structure having high humidity. When the humidity is high, there are chances of secondary water damage -like mold growth - taking place once condensation takes place. To prevent that, we perform dehumidification with the help of Desiccant Dehumidifiers and Refrigerant Dehumidifiers.

Water can cause organic items to rot and emit odors. When there are strong odors at the site, our technicians may decide to perform ozone deodorization. We perform the process using ozone deodorizers which are machines that produce ozone, which breaks the molecular formula of the odors thus freshening up the area.

SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, Reno East, Lyon & Storey Counties stands ready to assist homeowners with professional water damage restoration, cleaning, and deodorization services you can trust.

Give our offices a call, today. (775) 588-2355

If A Pipe Bursts And Causes Damage To Your Store, Our Experts Can Help!

5/31/2023 (Permalink)

When damage strikes, never hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties.

What You Can Do When A Pipe Bursts Over Your Carson City Sports Equipment Store

As a business owner, dealing with water damage can be a nightmare, especially when a pipe bursts and leaks gallons of water into your store. It's crucial to act fast and turn off the water supply to prevent further damage to your property and merchandise. Once you've done that, the next step is to call for professional help immediately. The sooner you get experts into your store, the better the chances of restoring it to its pre-damaged state.

If a pipe bursts in your Carson City sports equipment store, you'll need to act quickly to prevent your merchandise from being damaged and your building's structure from being compromised. That's where SERVPRO comes in. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration-certified technicians are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and help get your business back on track.

Our first priority is to get your merchandise out of harm's way. We'll pack up all undamaged items and take inventory of the lost ones for your insurance claim. Next, we'll remove the standing water using rover-mounted extractors and wet/dry vacuums. The rover-mounted units allow us to extract water from carpeted sections and dry them simultaneously with the heating element inside the device. We'll also set up devices such as air movers, flood mats, and dehumidifiers to dry out the structure of your store.

At SERVPRO, our goal is to get your doors back open as soon as possible. We understand the value of your time, and we'll work around your schedule to minimize disruptions to your business. Once we're done, we'll leave your store "Like it never even happened."

In case of water damage, don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties by calling (775) 588-2355. We're always here to help you in your time of need.

Tahoe's Water Removal Specialists Explain Moisture Testing

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

Facing a water damaged room can be a stress-causing experience. Contact SERVPRO right away and we will help you through the entire process.

SERVPRO Quickly Establishes a Drying Plan Based on the Initial Assessment

Any time water gets inside your Tahoe residence, removing the excessive moisture within 48 hours is essential. If wood or paper materials stay wet for longer, then microbial formation can take place. Water can also saturate contents and building materials inside your home ruining them.
 
After something like a pipe break or an appliance malfunctioning takes place and causes water to flood your house, extraction occurs to pull out any standing water and moisture inside porous materials. The next step in any water removal project in Tahoe is the drying process. Rapid drying of contents and structural components is essential to prevent secondary damage and mold growth.
 
Before drying begins, the area gets tested to determine the extent of damage the moisture has caused. Our SERVPRO technicians check the temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content of wood and drywall. Once we figure out how wet the region got, we can formulate a drying plan.
 
The initial drying plan includes how many air movers and dehumidifiers get set up in the affected area. The plan also indicates drying goals. The drying goals are set by determining what the conditions were before the loss took place.
 
The ending goal is determined by coming up with a dry standard. To establish a dry standard, the humidity, temperature, and moisture content of drywall and wooden materials in unaffected areas of the building get tested. Once the standard is designated as the drying goal, our IICRC-certified team uses their knowledge and experience to determine the right pieces of drying equipment to rapidly dry out the moisture until it is back to pre loss conditions.
 
The air movers and dehumidifiers get set up so that the air movers use the hot, dry air coming out of the dehumidifiers to circulate air in the room in a counterclockwise motion. We return each day and test the moisture levels in the affected area. Once the levels return to the established goals, we remove the equipment and the cleaning and reconstruction phases take place.
 
During the final stage, baseboards get reinstalled, and everything inside your home gets put back where it was before the damage occurred. A final cleaning process takes place to remove any dust or debris created by the restoration work. If you ever need help with moisture damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties at (775) 588-2355, seven days a week.

Click here for more information on the city of Tahoe.

Three Factors for Successful Water Extraction

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

If water is allowed to stand for too long, you run the risk of losing your furnishings and possessions to moisture-based rot and deterioration.

There are many reasons why a home might sustain water damage, requiring repairs and restoration by a team of experts. Whether your property is the victim of natural floods or you are dealing with the aftermath of a broken appliance, water must be removed quickly.

If water is allowed to stand for too long, you run the risk of losing your furnishings and possessions to moisture-based rot and deterioration. This is why the restoration experts at SERVPRO do not waste any time starting water removal in Lyon and Storey County homes and commercial buildings. The success of the process, however, depends on the careful consideration of three key factors: Temperature, Amount of Standing Water, and Relative Humidity

Temperature
Water removal requires a lot more precision than you might think. For instance, the optimal drying conditions are at a temperature between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, during the first few days, it is better for the air in the room to be below 80 degrees. So, water damage restoration experts have to monitor conditions very carefully for the affected area to dry fast.

Amount of Standing Water
This is the amount of water which can be physically removed (pumped or vacuumed), as opposed to being dehumidified. It is much easier to pump liquid water than it is to interact with gas, so the SERVPRO team will remove as much liquid as possible. The amount of standing water has a great impact on how long the process lasts.

Relative Humidity
The term “relative humidity” refers to the amount of moisture that the air is holding. SERVPRO technicians formulate your drying plan with an accurate measurement of relative humidity. Anywhere between 30-50% is considered to be a comfortable level of humidity for most homeowners. Once levels pass 60%, the air is heavily saturated, causing a clammy and unpleasant atmosphere. Dehumidifiers are used to eliminate unwanted moisture from the air and bring the conditions back to a comfortable and healthy level for the home or business owner.

SERVPRO of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake Tahoe/Reno East/Lyon & Storey Counties has the equipment, knowledge, and expertise that you need to bring your home or business back to life after a flood. We are locally owned, responding quickly to all property owners. Call us 24/7.

SERVPRO Uses a Multi-Faceted Approach to Major Water Damage

1/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water, Flooding, and Fire Damages Get Cleaned Up by SERVPRO in Reno, Carson CIty, and Douglas County.

Fire and flood damage each have their set of problems and requirements for cleaning. Every homeowner needs a restoration company that deals with both. In some circumstances, this means at the same time.

SERVPRO knows that a fire and water combination is devastating to a home. Heat and smoke damage is bad enough, but sprinklers continue until they are turned off, and a firefighter’s first concern is stopping visible flames from spreading. The combination means standing water in every low spot, carpets, and floors underwater, as well as personal and structural property, covered in soot and smoke residues.

It also means we start with conflicting priorities. When there is a fire, our first concern is to remove soot residue before it causes permanent harm to property and structure. If there is standing water, the soot must wait until technicians pump out the water to work in a safe environment.

After removing the water, each room is inspected to determine the soot and smoke levels. We clean the rooms with the heaviest coating first. We start the process to extract water from carpets and wood floors in the rooms with a lighter residue layer. By using this method, we can service both types of restoration as quickly as possible.

With both fire and water damage, saving certain building materials is almost impossible. Every charred drywall panel must be removed to examine the frame wood behind it. Excess water further weakens panel integrity to the point where some crumble and come apart as technicians attempt to remove them.

There is one process we have that supports both restoration priorities. After removing smoke and soot residues, we use air movers and fans to remove lingering smoke odors. These same machines also help us lower the moisture levels in affected areas of the home to prevent wood floors from warping and carpets from rotting or growing mold. Our goal is to restore and not discard and replace. Circumstances, you and your insurance company have the final say on how we move forward with the service.

Restoring your home after any disaster takes a professional service with decades of experience. When the clean-up involves two, separate, types of damage, speed, and training are twice as important. SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties keeps a 24-hour response team on call to support you in every step and task. Call today at (775) 588-2355.

Our Highly Trained Staff is Ready to Restore Your Home After Water Damage

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage soaked the carpeting and the structural elements of this staircase in this home. Our technicians arrived quickly and restored the home.

Water Damage Restoration for Your Home

One of the most common reasons for water intrusion in homes is a leaky roof. Various things such as missing shingles, wind damage, clogged gutters, or storm damage can cause a leaky roof. Unfortunately, you probably won’t realize there is an issue until the water starts dripping down into the living space of your home.

When you’ve seen signs of a roof leak in your Carson City home, you need help to clean up the water damage and restore your home to how it was. SERVPRO staff is highly trained and experienced, plus we’re faster to any size disaster, so you can trust us to do a thorough and timely job before additional damage can be done.

When you see water spots on your ceiling or water dripping down from the ceiling, you need to take immediate action. Since the leak made it this far, you can’t be sure how much damage is done already in your attic, but you do not want it to come down and drip onto furniture, flooring, or walls and do additional damage.

When checking an attic space, SERVPRO techs examine all sections of the construction of the roof. We check to see if any roofing material is damaged if the decking was affected and if the water leak is stopped. The structure of your roof and home are checked for damage and what repairs need to be made.

Some attics are easy for us to access but getting into others can be difficult. How much equipment we can get up there is limited, and sheetrock can complicate the drying process. Once we demolish any damaged sheetrock, structural parts in your attic area are relatively simple to dry. Plus, we might have to remove sheetrock so we can access areas inside the attic.

Many times, when working to restore an attic, we have to work with the insulation that is there. We might be able to dry and save any wet fiberglass insulation, but wet plaster or sheetrock under the insulation might not be restorable. A majority of the time when plaster or sheetrock is sagging, we have to move the insulation to an area that is not damaged so we can get to the sagging sheetrock. We use large insulation vacuums to remove insulation and maybe save it for reuse.

We may need to build containment around the water damage, as the removal of sheetrock and insulation create large amounts of dust. Negative air pressure can also be needed.

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties / Reno East is always available to help you restore your home in Reno, Genoa, Bijou, or Zephyr Cove when you have a leaky roof. As soon as you see signs of a problem, reach out to us, and we can have your home fixed up before you know it.

Water Damage Comes in Many Forms

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

It is critical to get a certified restoration company in to handle any water damage.

There are three different categories of water damage.

Category 1—Clean Water

A building damaged by clean water or treated water is the least contaminated type of water damage. By definition, clean water is “clean” because it likely poses no substantial risk to human health. The source of clean water normally does not contain microbes in concentration or kind that would pose substantial health threats. For clean water to remain in the “clean” category, it must not come into contact with structure or materials that would result in harmful microbial contamination. Given enough time, clean water damages can produce reservoirs of microbes. The longer clean water is present in a structure, the more likely conditions will develop where microbes (such as bacteria and fungi) grow rapidly and attack human health. High humidity increases the concentrations of bacteria and fungi in the air. Warm temperatures allow microbe colonies to expand.

Category 2—Gray Water

Gray water contains a significant level of contamination that could potentially threaten human health or cause discomfort. Clean water damages can develop higher levels of contamination and become gray water damages if not removed promptly. Over time, water becomes more contaminated with biological contamination and the danger to human health increases. Spores from fungi and bacteria can be inhaled, causing allergies or disease. Water is also classified as gray water when contaminated with chemicals or other types of matter.

Category 3—Black Water

Blackwater is the most contaminated type of water damage and, therefore, the most threatening to human health. Contaminants include not only human waste products, but also dangerous chemicals. Blackwater situations always contain pathogens, which are disease-causing agents, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasites. Being exposed to microbes from black water can result in infectious diseases, allergies, and toxic poisoning. Viruses can grow and multiply only in living cells. Sewage contains hundreds of viruses that can be transmitted to humans by hands contacting the mouth, by inhaling airborne viruses, and by ingesting contaminated foods and liquids. Once infected, humans can suffer diarrhea, infections of the respiratory tract, eyes, stomach, or intestines. Sewage contains the hepatitis A virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Parasites are organisms living on or in another organism. Sewage may contain parasites such as the tapeworm that lives in the human intestines. The helminth worm, one of the various parasites in sewage, can cause intestinal disease in humans. Bacteria found in sewage are extremely virulent and able to overcome our bodies’ defenses. Such bacteria as Salmonella and E. coli release poisonous toxins as their cells die and cause health problems like diarrhea and food poisoning. Unprotected restoration professionals and building residents are at risk since bacteria are dispersed into the air when sewage-contaminated materials, particularly carpets, are extracted. 

It is critical to get a professional water damage restoration company in to handle any water damage in your home or commercial building. If you experience flooding, call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties at (775) 588-2355 for the rapid response necessary for any of these types of water damage.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Below-Freezing Weather

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can create an inconvenience but, more seriously, can cause major damage to your property.

When the temperatures drop, one major issue that could come up is a frozen water pipe and its potential to bust, leading to flooding and water damage in your commercial or residential property. Learn why frozen pipes are so dangerous, the types of pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing, and four signs that a pipe is actually frozen.

Why Are Frozen Pipes Dangerous?

Frozen pipes are a problem for a couple of reasons.

They can create an inconvenience but, more seriously, can cause major damage to your property.

• Lack of Running Water– The most obvious danger of a frozen pipe is the inability to access running water. This can interfere with your ability to do everyday tasks such as washing the dishes or taking a shower.
• Potential to Burst- The second problem that can occur when a pipe freezes is that the pipe can burst. Once the water in the pipe freezes, pressure is created between the closed faucet and the blockage that can build up to a point that causes the pipe to explode and extensive water damage to your property can occur.

Pipes That Are Vulnerable to Freezing

There are some pipes that are more vulnerable to freezing than others:

• Exterior Walls- Water pipes that are located along the exterior walls of a home can be vulnerable to freezing. This is because they may not have an adequate amount of insulation protecting them from the exterior temperatures.
   
• Attics and Basements- Pipes that are located in attics or in basements may also have a greater tendency to freeze. These pipes may not receive the same amount of heat as the rest of the property. If these areas are not used as living space, they also may not be properly insulated.

4 Signs of Frozen Pipes

There are a few clues that can help you determine if you have frozen pipes at your property:

• The Temperature Is Right- Pipes cannot freeze if it is not cold enough outside for them to do so. Water does not freeze when it is 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and neither do pipes. When the temperature falls to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you should begin to take precautions to prevent vulnerable pipes from freezing.  
   
• There Is Frost on the Pipe- For pipes that can actively be seen, such as those under sinks, you may be able to see frost that has accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can serve as a warning sign that the pipe is frozen before you ever try to turn on the faucet.
   
• No Water Is Coming Out of the Faucet- Another sign that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands is a lack of running water. If you or a tenant turn on a kitchen or bathroom faucet and only a slight trickle of water or no water at all comes out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen.

• Strange Smells- A fourth potential sign of a blocked pipe is an odd smell coming from a faucet or drain. If the pipe is partially or completely blocked, the only way the odor can escape is back up in the direction of your property.

Act Quickly

Once you are aware that a pipe is frozen, you must act quickly to thaw the pipe. Depending on the location of the pipe and your level of expertise, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself or you can contact a licensed plumber to thaw the pipe for you. It is imperative to thaw the pipe as soon as possible because it has the potential to burst and cause extensive damage to your property.

If a frozen water pipe bursts and you experience flooding, turn off your water shut-off valve to prevent further water damage. Contact a professional water restoration company, such as SERVPRO of South Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Douglas County, and Lyon & Storey Counties, to extract and mitigate the water loss and restore your property to its preloss condition.

We work with your insurance.
For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Have Questions? Call Us Today –(775) 588-2355

How We Rescue Flooded Homes With Water Removal

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

An overflowing toilet requires professional water removal services to properly restore your home and prevent further damage.

SERVPRO’s Water Removal Process for Flood Damaged Homes

When a home in Katy, Texas becomes flooded from an outside source, such as incorrectly aligned gutters or an interior one, like an overflowing toilet, water immediately begins damaging everything it comes into contact.

In a flooded home in Katy, the restoration process only begins with water removal services. The other services help prepare your home for your return by removing materials damaged by the water and replacing them with all new materials. We do what it takes to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

After the pump trucks extract all signs of standing water from your floors, we move onto saturated materials. The drying out of your home continues with the use of smaller extraction units, both portable and easily maneuverable by hand as well as stationary units. Then we bring in powerful air movers that increase the circulation rate of the air inside your home.

As air moves rapidly through your home's interior, we take meter readings of the surfaces of your dwelling so we can assess our progress. Sometimes we need to dry the interior of walls, so we make small openings, which we close upon completion of the drying process. Carpeting can sometimes take a terrible toll during a flood, so we often replace the entire carpet and the pad below.

Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) is ready to help make the odors left behind by flooding, due to the high organic content flooding brings into homes, not only less obvious but eliminated. We do not merely cover up odors. We eliminate them at their source by removing the compounds that cause them.

SERVPRO of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County, Carson City, Lyon & Storey Counties, and Reno East wants to help your family recover from horrific events such as flooding that can keep you out of your home until they no longer pose a problem for your family's occupancy. Call us as soon as you know there is a problem with an impending flood, and we can give you helpful tips on lessening flood damage. We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster, including floods.

Don't Gamble on Restoration for Your Casino

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

After Water Loss in Your Casino, call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Fast Recovery for Water Damage in Your South Lake Tahoe Casino

Your casino and dining establishment in South Lake Tahoe can see a great deal of foot traffic and reservations throughout the year. Providing a quality experience can bolster your presence with the local community and travelers to come. Providing the best experience goes beyond the food that you serve, however. The atmosphere and cleanliness of your space play a critical role, which leaves many business owners valuing the efficient response of our restoration specialists in a time of crisis.

While the last thing that any restaurant entrepreneur wants to contend with is water damage in their South Lake Tahoe building, the effects can spread quickly to make it challenging to avoid professional intervention. Our SERVPRO team does not just say that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, this is a commitment that we make to every one of our clients to minimize the effects of the disaster you face and to help you restore your property as quickly as possible.

As a business owner, you can appreciate the value of a good review and rating on travel sites and review forums throughout the internet. A water damage incident that has not gotten appropriately cleaned can provide a bad experience for a casino or diner; a situation made even worse by the possibility of mold growth on top of the current concerns.

Our SERVPRO team can arrive quickly and help to assess both the source of the damage and the full extent of the effects so that restoration is effective. Our industry-leading equipment can help us to remove the excess water and moisture from affected areas and surfaces. A combination of air movers and dehumidification equipment can allow us to return your building below acceptable humidity parameters to prevent the possibility of mold growth as well.

Water damage incidents in your property requires immediate attention from more than the custodial staff that you have. With the likelihood of saturation and spreading of the damage, you need a team with the experience and equipment to handle any effect that the situation might cause. Also, consider the possible food inspector's report if required to reopen your kitchen and dining area. Give our SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe emergency response team a call today at (775) 588-2355.

The Best Way to Remove Water From Your Property

3/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage has a variety of causes. You can trust the SERVPRO Brand to restore your home to its preloss condition.

Water Cleanup is Often Vital to the Restoration of Your Reno/Tahoe Property

Owning a home in Reno, Carson City, or Tahoe means learning how to prepare for a variety of disasters that can happen to your property. Restoring a house after a catastrophe that makes your home's interior unimaginably messy or downright unlivable requires partnering with professionals in the restoration industry. We are here to provide you with the services you need during those times.  

Many homes in Douglas County that sustain damage after a disaster requires water cleanup services to get started. Getting rid of the water and cleaning up the initial stages of the mess caused makes it easier to continue with the rest of the necessary work.  

When SERVPRO sends specialists out to remove lost water, flooding, or other damaging moisture from a house, we bring all the equipment with us. This equipment includes ladders, buckets, hand tools, and other smaller items that support our use of larger equipment and the implementation of highly effective techniques.

We want to undo as much water damage as possible that your home suffers, as this keeps overall restoration costs low and more manageable for you. Mitigating damage that, when we first assess it, has not yet become permanent means we can ensure it remains only temporary. Cleaning moisture from surfaces wherever it condenses keeps it from causing further problems. Many surfaces inside your home can fare equally well when we use air movers that help wick this moisture into the air, where we can either send it toward a powerful desiccant machine or out open doors and windows.  

Other situations that can leave your home soaked in localized areas include extinguishing a fire. Part of the water used to put out a fire turns to steam. This water vapor is then free to invade other areas of your home. The other part of the water left in the area soaks into anything it comes into contact with, and below. We remove charred materials that often become soaked, leading to rusty nails and other dangerous aspects. We can find all of the moisture that evaporated with our moisture sensing equipment, including our infrared cameras. This equipment works regardless of the source of water.  

After any incident, large or small, calling SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Lyon & Storey Counties only takes a few minutes but provides you with results that make your home “Like it never even happened,” quickly. Call us when our water removal services can help restore your home. Our emergency services line, (775) 588-2355, is always available, 24/7, every day of the year.

Help Prevent Flooding With These 3 Landscaping Features

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Level your yard to keep floodwater out!

Protective Landscaping Features

Rain can be a welcomed sight, but a flooded yard is not. To keep your lawn from becoming a swamp, here are three landscaping features to help you disperse outside flooding.

A Driveway Built for Drainage
The two most commonly used materials for driveways are concrete and asphalt. These pavements don’t allow water to seep into the ground. This creates a lot of runoff with nowhere to go. Here are some ideas for getting good rain drainage when installing a driveway:

Channels on sides of concrete/asphalt driveways to catch and redirect runoff
Covered drains in-between concrete slabs to let water slip through and absorb into the ground
Paving stones with spacing for water seepage as a pleasingly aesthetic alternative
Gravel as a classic, budget-friendly option

By making wise design choices, you can build a driveway that helps prevent outside flooding.

A Leveled Yard
Keep floodwater out by leveling your yard. Low areas in yards are where flooding happens most. Fill them in with topsoil to keep water from pooling. The high points of your yard should be around your home and then gradually slope away, keeping storm runoff from your foundation. Low points near the house can lead to water in your basement. If this happens, call your local storm damage experts and ask for future prevention advice during your assessment.

A Strategically Placed Swale
A swale is any type of “ditch” that redirects rainwater away from your home. It is often integrated into lawns as a water feature. A swale does not only move rainwater but slows it down and allows it to seep into the ground. Planting shrubs along its edges and laying stones in the bottom of a swale helps it slow and disperse water even more.
Making smart design decisions and preparing for the storm season in Carson City, Nevada, will help you prevent outside flooding and enjoy your lawn, even after heavy rain.

What Are The Kinds Of Equipment Needed For Water Restoration?

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Equipment

SERVPRO houses many types of equipment to restore your property. In fact, our warehouse includes 27 categories including Moisture Meters, Air Movers, and Air Scrubbers to name a few.

When it comes to restoration there are dozens upon dozens of machines that are used to facilitate the process. There are some that are fairly common to all restoration processes and some that are more specific.

The first type of restoration equipment that you might come across are those items that are used in water restoration. Pumps, vacuums that remove water from carpets, shampooers to help remove sediment, and dryers are all going to be used. These machines are generally going to be larger, commercial units meant to help families and businesses get back to their buildings faster after water damage has occurred.

You will also find equipment that is used to restore a property after fire damage. This type of equipment includes machines used for water restoration, but also have more specific functions. One such piece of equipment is called an ozone machine. This will work to remove the smell of smoke from the home or business after a fire has happened. Another common tool are supports which help hold the structure up while the restoration process is taking place, allowing beams, joists, and walls to be replaced.

You may also come across smaller tools that are used in the restoration process. Most restoration services have common tools likes hammers, wrenches, and nails on hand to help with basic tasks. Restoration equipment is going to be anything that is used in the restoration process. They can run the gambit from very complicated machines that only highly trained technicians can use to tools that we all have in our tool boxes.

If your home or business is damaged, contacting a professional restoration company will be the fastest, safest, and most efficient way to get back on your feet.

Need Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (775) 588-2355

Proactive Cleaning

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

The coronavirus pathogen can remain on certain surfaces for days. Make sure your property is cleaned properly.

SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

About the Coronavirus

The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Scope of Cleanup Protocol

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum.

These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well, including: • Kitchen/Food Areas • Bathrooms • Schools/Classrooms • Offices • Retail Spaces • Water Fountains • Shelving and Racks • Sales Counters • Carpets and rugs • Stair Handrails • Elevator Cars • Playground Equipment • Fitness Equipment

Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures

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 waste. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19.

• SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, and Lyon & Storey Countiesis using Benefect® Decon 30 Disinfectant which is a Botanical Disinfectant, Bactericide, Fungicide, Virucide*, Cleaner and Deodorizer which we will be using on our job sites.
• Benefect® Decon 30 Disinfectant is EPA registered as a No Rinse No Wipe product. It is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).
• There is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the Coronavirus.
• Proactive cleaning will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

SERVPRO has the People, the Products, and Protocol to Perform Pro-Active Cleaning and Disinfecting of any residential or commercial building.

To schedule deep cleaning services from SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, and Lyon & Storey Counties, call 775-588-2355

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-preventspread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-preventspread.html iv https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Benefect Decon 30 is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, the last thing you want is water damage to befall upon your property, preventing you from comfortably inhabiting your home during quarantine. SERVPRO is currently working on water damage restoration jobs in South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County, and surrounding areas. We are considered an essential business which will continue to operate, making sure that damaged homes are restored and businesses have access to professional deep cleaning and disinfecting services for public and high-contact facilities.

Find a complete list of essential businesses in Nevada here:

https://bit.ly/33Tl1TP

SERVPRO has been performing fire and water restoration work in homes and business for more than 50 years and in that time, we have had to do work in some very hazardous environments; many times, in environments that involved more deadly pathogens than the coronavirus. As a company, we have taken many precautionary steps to prevent contaminating ourselves and the environments we work in.

• All tools and equipment coming into your property have been cleaned and disinfected.
• All workers wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves while performing work.
• We’ve all been provided with training to safely work in contaminated environments.
• We’ve all been provided with training to identify coronavirus symptoms and carefully monitor ourselves and our co-workers
• We have stringent safety and health policies and procedures; and we continually strive to follow and improve our safe work practices.

We are taking the appropriate measures to ensure we don’t cross contaminate ourselves, our co-workers, our customers, or our families.

In our best effort to keep everyone healthy, safe and working, we are implementing the recommended procedures on all of our SERVPRO job sites. We are committed to the federal and local government's guidelines to help prevent and limit exposure in our community. The wellbeing of our employees and our customers is our top priority.

SOCIAL DISTANCING, LIMITING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON OUR JOB SITESAND MANDATORY HYGIENE PROCEDURES WILL BE ENFORCED.

We are also working with an Environmental Hygienist who can provide an “Instant Clearance Test” once we have completed our cleaning. With this, our clients and their customers can be assured through documentation that we did the work properly. If we are performing a cleaning job for your commercial property, you will have documentation when we finish stating:

“Based on our visual inspection and sampling results, the cleaning, sanitization, decontamination, and disinfection of accessible high touch surfaces throughout the above-mentioned facility was successful in removing pathogenic and other types of organisms to current state of the industry hospital cleanliness standards.”

Because the situation is changing rapidly, it is important to continue referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up-to-date information related to the response. 

• SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
• SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
• Benefect® Decon 30 Disinfectant is a Botanical Disinfectant, Bactericide, Fungicide, Virucide*, Cleaner and Deodorizer which we will be using on our job sites.
• Benefect® Decon 30 Disinfectant is EPA registered as a No Rinse No Wipe product. It is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).
• There is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the Coronavirus.
• Proactive cleaning will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

We must all do our part to help stop the spread of this illness.

We will continue to perform essential functions for fire and water damage restoration in our communities while continuing to take every precaution against spreading any contaminant.

In addition to fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO has the People, the Products, and Protocol to Perform Pro-Active Cleaning and Disinfecting of any residential or commercial building. We are following the CDC Recommendations and using the EPA Registered Product, Benefect Decon 30 Disinfectant.

SERVPRO can minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning for your home or business. Give us a call at 775-588-2355

When You See Water Damage on Your Property, Call SERVPRO

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Inspect Your Washing Machine Water Lines to Prevent Damage to Your Tahoe City House

It seems that water leaks occur at the most inopportune of times, quite often when you happen to be away for the weekend. How often does this happen? More than we would like to think. There is always help, only a phone call away from your local water removal experts from SERVPRO.

Water damage in Tahoe City can strike at the most unexpected moments. We have seen many familiar culprits of water damage. Hopefully, rising floodwaters from the Lake isn't the cause. Several of the most typical household appliances that are prone to water damage include dishwashers, washing machines, and the water line to an ice maker in the refrigerator. These water lines can break or leak causing water damage to your home. We service customers with water damage ranging from a subtle problem to the extreme case of flooding. The severity of the water damage is dependent upon the water pressure in the line and the amount of time spent leaking. When a dishwasher is broken, this can create wet spots on the floor and moisture underneath of the dishwasher. The dark areas under the dishwasher plus accumulated water can lead to mold growth. A more visible dishwasher leak is when the drain is clogged leading to water escaping out the sides of the dishwasher all over the floor. Broken water lines to ice makers of refrigerators may present in a similar fashion resulting in water all over the floor. This creates an obvious slip-and-fall hazard on the floor.
 
Washing machines used for laundry can develop a leak in the water lines. This excess water can accumulate in the drip pan underneath the washing machine. This is a common problem of washing machines located on a second floor or other location upstairs. We, at SERVPRO,  are available for water emergencies for the havoc caused by these leaking appliances. Gravity does not always have to be your friend. Pressurized water can flow leaving a large wake of destructive water damage to your Tahoe City property. If a central drain valve overflows, the water may try to escape leading to a flooding situation. It is always important to know the location of the central water line in the house to turn it off in the event of a flood until our team of IICRC certified technicians can extract the standing water.
 
SERVPRO of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake Tahoe is readily available to meet your needs when water damage strikes. We are strategically positioned with a rapid response team and can be reached at (775) 588-2355. When water emergencies or floods occur, call on us to meet your needs 24/7.

Even Small Water Loss Events in South Lake Tahoe Require Professional Remediation

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe team is always available for your water loss emergencies- no matter the size.

Using Water Removal for Small Disasters in South Lake Tahoe Makes Sense

When an accident happens in your residence that involves water, knowing there is a company of professional restoration experts in South Lake Tahoe always on call can help keep you and your family calm. SERVPRO trains our employees to IICRC standards, so they are always prepared to make your home “Like it never even happened.”  

After a small-sized disaster in a South Lake Tahoe home, we use scaled-down water removal techniques that extract water quickly. We do this to minimize and control damage, while other members of our crew work rapidly to mitigate existing damage from floors and other objects.  

No disaster is ever too small for our services. Because water spreads so quickly, we use the same technology to locate and remove it from your home that we use in more significant incidents. We want to help you protect your property and keep it in excellent condition. You and your family deserve to live in a house that does not contain water damage, mold, or other problems caused by lost water.  

One thing to remember is that the sooner we can begin, the more easily we can remove the water and get your home dry again. We are Faster To Any Size Disaster, but that always begins with your initial call to our emergency services line. We are always here to answer your call and provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions possible. We partner with property owners to ensure that our services meet or exceed their needs.  

As water spreads, it continually infiltrates the many different materials it encounters. Our equipment is designed to remove this water, and our techniques prevent water stains and discoloration wherever possible. Some items do become permanently damaged when in contact with water, which makes it crucial to react as quickly as possible.  

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is always here to help undo the damage and prevent additional harm to your residence and its contents. Water removal can help immensely, and we have the equipment and tools that our trained specialists use efficiently complete the work required. Call us at (775) 588-2355 when you need to protect your home from lost water and other disasters.

Read more about South Lake Tahoe here.

Our Crew Is Your Best Option When Your Carson City Home Experiences A Water Damage Disaster

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Our emergency services are available 24/7, just call (775) 588-2355 and start the cleanup process for your home.

SERVPRO Serves The Need For Fast Water Removal In Carson City

No matter the type of water in your home, whether it is from a pipe break in a ceiling or flood water from a storm, the key to avoiding water damage and secondary issues such as mold and foul odors is fast extraction by professionals.

SERVPRO technicians know the faster they can begin water removal in Carson City homes, the higher the possibility for restoring the house to preloss condition with as little loss of contents as possible. The longer water stands in a home, the probability of contaminants and loss increases. After 48 hours, the water is rated as black water, and increased measures are required for remediation.

Tools that expedite the removal of water such as truck mounted pumps with weighted extractors to push water out of carpet padding so, in clean water cleanups, carpeting can dry in place without the need for removal from the home. In the case of tight spaces or small scale water cleanups, our technicians use multiple portable vacuums to suction up water quickly. In clean water spills, furniture legs can be wrapped in foil and raised on blocks to dry in place and limit disruption in the home during cleanup.

Our IICRC-certified technicians hold certifications in many kinds of restorative sciences and continue their on-going education learning the latest technology for damage restoration. Our professionals keep up to date with the most recent advances which means they can always apply the best water damage remediation techniques for extraction, mold prevention, drying and odor neutralizing on a case by case basis. Even the setup of air movers is unique to each cleanup site as technicians calculate the best paths to move moist air up and out for the fastest drying.

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe uses the latest in water removal techniques to prevent as much loss to personal property as possible. Our emergency services are available 24/7, just call (775) 588-2355 and start the cleanup process for your home.

Click here for more about Carson City.

The Real Truth Behind Water Damage and Mold in Your South Lake Tahoe Home

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

The winter snow and ice can wreak havoc on your home, especially the attic. Contact SERVPRO to investigate the extent of the damage and remediate.

Attic Moisture from Harsh South Lake Tahoe Winters

Many potential hazards could arise for South Lake Tahoe residents throughout the harshest months of the winter season. While frozen pipes are a leading concern for homes in the area, another potential problem rests in heavy snowfall resting on your roof for prolonged periods, which can begin to compromise its strength and defense against invasive moisture and dampness. Our team has encountered many attics throughout our service area experiencing dampness with roofing materials leeching moisture in from the slow snowmelt.

Moisture present in the attic of your home can present water damage effects in South Lake Tahoe that homeowners are entirely unaware about and do not immediately remedy. In many cases, without the attic being a livable space or frequently accessed, homeowners do not realize there is a problem at all until the same water damage has penetrated through ceiling areas to access the lower levels of your property. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with a fast response and the right tools to dry out this water damage.

From the time that our professionals arrive at your home, we have to establish the full measure of the damage to your property to set up containment measures and keep the water damage from spreading further. We can work to determine if secondary effects like mold growth have begun, and if so, get the necessary mold remediation personnel from our team working to set up physical barriers and setting up containment equipment such as hydroxyl generators or air scrubbers with HEPA filters.

Our SERVPRO team also sets up our fast-drying air mover machines along with LGR dehumidifiers to dry out the damage. We can then safely identify penetration points in the roofing material and work to repair these areas as other restoration work continues throughout the property.

The winter can bring about many potential hazards and damaging situations for your home. Let our SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe water restoration specialists work to remove moisture and its effects in your home. Give us a call anytime you need us at (775) 588-2355.

Click here for more about South Lake Tahoe.

How Our Team Of Experts Deal With Water Damage In Your Carson City Home

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

When water pools in areas it was not intended to, it can cause many damages.

Effective Ways Of Dealing With Water Damage In Carson City

When water pools in areas it was not intended to, it can cause many damages. Such incidents can happen quickly because the causes are also widespread. Common causes include leaking or burst pipes, malfunctioning household appliances, build up in areas that collect water easily, and issues with ventilation systems. Whatever cause leads to damage in your Carson property, it is necessary to take the correct remedial action.

Some cases of water damage in Carson City might seem overwhelming, but they are easy to deal with when a WRT, water restoration technician, is involved. If a pipe bursts, flooding a vast section of the property with clean water, fast extraction and drying help restore the property within a short while. This outcome is unlike the case of a slow leak that may go unnoticed long enough to allow the formation of mold, or rotting in the structure. These additional problems are harder to address. Our SERVPRO crew brings different types of water extractors and pumps to your property to ensure we remove all standing water. Our truck mounted extractors have a vacuum lift capacity of up to 198 inches while portable ones have a 140-inch lift capacity.

Water problems such as leaks in pipes sealed behind wall cavities might be hard to detect early. However, some signs like changes in air quality can alert you that there is a problem. Since you might not know the actual point of the leak, it is essential to do a thorough inspection. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you locate the source of the moisture problem using thermal cameras. We also use moisture sensors with probes that penetrate soft materials such as carpets, and pad to establish the level of water migration.

Whenever there is water damage, it is necessary to clean up and dry the structure and the contents properly. Cleanup is necessary because water carries debris from one area to another and if unaddressed, such debris can cause problems such as bad odor. The water might also lead to the formation of stains when dyes dissolve and transfer from one item to another. Our SERVPRO technicians use various approaches and professional cleaning products to clean the property thoroughly.

When water spills into your property, it can cause severe damages. Call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe to help. You can reach us at (775) 588-2355 any time.

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Building Back Carson City Residences After Water Damage

6/9/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Carson City Requiring Rebuilding and Renovations? Contact SERVPRO for a One-Stop Solution

SERVPRO Provides Complete Cleanup and Restoration of Carson City Properties After Damaging Water Events

Those of us in Carson City has the advantage of nearby desert and mountain terrain. It provides for a wide range of activities that not a lot of other Nevada residents get to have year-round. The extremes in geography and temperature also increase the chances of a water problem from cracked pipes leading into a home, and split lines in walls with poor insulation. There are also the usual problems with failed appliances and water heaters that maybe should have been replaced years earlier.

When SERVPRO needs to build back a Carson City home after water damage, our office provides a full-service response. One of our inspectors or reps shuts off the water into the home and carefully examines the structure while restoration crewmembers begin removing any standing water from the residence. Both of these steps are necessary to reduce the amount of damage while also providing an idea of the potential repair needs and costs for homeowners and insurance companies.
 
When specialists finish these procedures, other technicians start the demolition and removal of property too damaged to be cleaned or otherwise restored. That includes structural elements such as tearing out carpets and lifting wood flooring along with removing drywall, and even wall framing if the wood absorbed too much water and already started to crack or splinter. Removal also includes personal property such as furniture, books, and fabrics like curtains, drapes, and clothing. We can provide a move-out to clean, dry, and store personal items until the rebuild is completed.
 
SERVPRO technicians then dry the affected areas so other crewmembers can start replacing the damaged property. Our personnel train and qualify to lay in almost every type of flooring and carpets. When it comes to replacing walls, our crews can build in new framing and hang new drywall, but if the inspector finds any major structural issues, the team leader may recommend bringing in a licensed general contractor for further consultation to ensure the best results.
 
Building back any home after major water damage is not a quick or simple process, but SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is here to make it as painless a procedure as possible for every homeowner and resident. If you need our services, call today at (775) 588-2355 to get started.

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Building Back Carson City Homes After Water Damage

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Rebuild Water Damaged Hardwood Flooring in the Carson City Area

Water Removal and Drying Proceed the Build-Back of Homes In Carson City--Call SERVPRO

Water damage to Carson City homes can run from minor problems like crumbling drywall to major ones such as water trapped under floors. Each issue requires not just clean-up, but a certain amount of restoration, repair, and replacement as well.
 
To build back a Carson City home after water damage, SERVPRO technicians first need to find and stop the source of the water. Since most damage comes from failed appliances and household plumbing issues, we isolate the problem and turn off the water so we can start the clean-up. If necessary, we can turn off the water into the home at the main.
 
Once our restoration teams finish clean-up and dry the interior of the home, they begin rebuilding the home to its pre-damage condition. One of the common tasks our specialists handle is the restoration or replacement of drywall. If the water damage is not severe, they use an air mover to force warm, dry air over an affected panel to push out the moisture trapped inside.
 
If the cavity behind the panel is very damp as well, they drill a set of holes behind the baseboard. They provide ventilation, and our technicians then use a hose to force warm air inside the wall space and dry both the drywall panel and the surrounding air. If the panel is already crumbling from the water damage, we replace it immediately. SERVPRO teams are experienced in hanging new drywall and can quickly replace the lower level of panels in any size home.
 
If the water was able to find its way underneath the floors, it can quickly affect the sub-floor and cost hundreds or even thousands in damage. Our technicians can carefully remove floorboards near the walls and examine the sub-floor for problems. Although our teams do not perform major construction, they can dry out the sub-floor area and replace smaller pieces of the supporting structure if wood rot has already started.
 
The goal of SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is to return each home to its original, dry condition. If you need our help after a rusted out water heater or a broken dishwasher spilled water across your home, call us today at (775) 588-2355. We are here for you.

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Tahoe's Water Damage Drying Systems Explained

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage coming from an inside or outside source can quickly produce an unwanted result. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services right away.

Team SERVPRO Arrives Equipped With Tools to Calculate the Most Efficient Drying Process for Your Water Damaged Home

When restoring water problems inside a Tahoe residence, there are two main types of drying systems that get used. During the drying process, wet contents and materials can be dried by using either an open or closed drying method. The most efficient drying system to use when removing moisture depends on several environmental factors.
 
An open system uses air from the outside to speed up evaporation inside your home. Using an open drying system during water damage mitigation in Tahoe is only efficient if the climate outside is hot and dry. Before we begin the drying process, we measure the relative humidity and temperature inside and outside of the structure.
 
If our readings indicate that the air outside has at least 20 grains of water per pound less than the air inside, then open drying is considered. If the outside temperature is significantly higher than inside, open drying may be the most effective way to remove moisture promptly. If all of these conditions are met, our SERVPRO technicians open up all of the windows inside your home and set up air movers and fans to circulate the hot, dry air from the outdoors through your home.
 
However, open drying is not used as much as closed drying because it has a few setbacks. Having windows open creates a security risk and can waste energy. Open drying depends on ideal conditions outside; weather can change thus altering the environment.
 
When open drying is not deemed to be effective due to outside weather conditions, a closed drying system often gets implemented. During closed drying, the affected area gets sealed off from the outside air and the air of unaffected regions inside the house. If one room is affected the doors get closed and air movers and dehumidifiers get set up to create an environment that speeds up evaporation and removes water from the air. If the affected area is only a small portion of a large room, our crew can seal off the affected section with plastic creating a drying chamber.
 
Upon inspections, professional restoration technicians take measurements and moisture readings to decide if an open or closed system is going to be the best solution for structural drying. You can get professional assistance 24 hours a day from SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe by calling (775) 588-2355.

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Ensuring Water Damage does not Return to Your Carson City Residence

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Carson City Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO Inspects for and Discovers Sources of Water Penetrations to Prevent Future Damage

Seepage and Leakage can lead to damaging water effects in homes. Finding the source of unwanted water is a key element in eliminating recurring incidents from the same origin.
 
SERVPRO helps homeowners in Carson City with both the mitigation and prevention of water damage. We train dedicated individuals in the science of home restoration and damage prevention, which helps them earn certificates from the IICRC. Our professional attitude and understanding of the stress a damaged home can cause the occupants help us provide excellent service when homeowners need it most.
 
Our tools and equipment do more than mitigate any damage, but also help us determine the cause or causes of such damage. The possibility of more than one source for damaging elements such as water always exists. Unless we detect all sources affecting your residence, we cannot achieve our goal of making everything "Like it never even happened" and keep it that way.
 
Using moisture detectors helps us determine where undesired moisture enters your home. These can include internal locations, such as water lines that either leak or form condensation on their surfaces, improperly connected hoses, or leaky toilet bases. Moisture from external sources can stem from breaks in the siding that allows rainfall and other precipitation to enter, torn shingles that act in a similar manner, flooding, or forgotten windows left open during a thunderstorm.
 
Finding these locations precedes repairing them, or using other methods to stop the flow of moisture and water into your home. Because this step takes place before the removal of damaged materials and subsequent restoration work, we help ensure that water cannot damage any new materials before or after installation.
 
To dry out your home, we address the absorbency of both existing materials and the air inside your home. Raising the temperature of affected materials helps cause moisture to evaporate, leaving the material affected drier, and powerful air movers help direct the more humid air outdoors. Desiccant machines can help dry out problematic areas, as well. No matter what issues your home faces, SERVPRO employees know which pieces of equipment can solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
 
SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is here to help families and businesses around Stateline save their properties from water damage. Preventing such circumstances can often save homeowners from both the damage and the expense that misplaced water so easily causes. Call us at (775) 588-2355 when water threatens your home.

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Tankless Water Heater Malfunction Causes Water Damage in South Lake Tahoe

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Tankless water heaters can still cause water damage. Call SERVPRO to start the water removal process and drying out of the property.

SERVPRO Quickly Remediates Water Damage in Your Home

Water heaters are often the villains in appliance-based water damage stories. Over the years they collect sediment and develop cracks and then spill water all over. Today many homeowners swap out the conventional tank heater with a tankless, on-demand system. If that choice still results in water damage, SERVPRO stands ready to help.
 
A remodel of your kitchen includes a tankless, hot water on demand heater. You breathe a sigh of relief as you believe it needs to be replaced less frequently and is leak-proof. Unfortunately, you return home from work to find a wet kitchen floor and completely waterlogged cabinets under your sink. The newest technology failed, causing significant water damage to your South Lake Tahoe home.
 
SERVPRO staff arrives quickly and first ensures that the water supply is shut off to the defective tankless heater. Then we remove the water from the floor with our powerful professional water extractors. Because the cabinets cannot be moved, but likely water hides behind or beneath them, our technicians use a couple of strategies to dry out those areas.
 
The kickplate at the bottom of the cabinet pops out with careful effort, and we use this access to complete the removal of the standing water. We also descend to your lower story to see if water drained through. If so, we punch holes to release water or remove a ceiling tile or two, depending on the construction.
 
Our talented technicians then position air movers to speed the drying process -- some in the kitchen and one or more aimed at the ceiling in the lower level. Throughout the process, SERVPRO staff monitors moisture levels, determines drying targets, and adds ancillary strategies like dehumidifiers and heat if necessary.
 
A speedy response from SERVPRO is essential when dealing with water damage. The longer the water remains pooled up or seeping into structures, the more likely more severe issues such as mold damage occur. Water incursions in the kitchen are common because of the plumbing, but also have the possibility of unfortunate complications because of the presence of food debris and many hidden areas below and behind appliances and cabinets.
 
When unexpected water damage greets you at the end of a busy work day, call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe at (775) 588-2355. Our experience, equipment, and training set us apart in the water damage restoration industry.

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Build Back Services Available In South Lake Tahoe

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores and Rebuilds Water Damaged Homes in South Lake Tahoe

Call SERVPRO to Restore Disaster Damage and to Reconstruct Damaged Buildings and Infrastructure

Throughout the years we have watched as our communities and citizens are struck by disaster after disaster, rushing to assist when possible and quickly returning homes and businesses to quality pre-disaster conditions. It is time for us to demand more as a community.
 
If your family's home receives damage from a disaster, take advantage of our South Lake Tahoe build back services available to help you improve your home's ability to recover quicker and to fight future events.

 Using qualified technicians to do more than simply rebuild after tragedy strikes.
SERVPRO provides you with expertly trained technicians, well versed in the restoration and reconstruction methods necessary for sustainable development. We can help you plan, implement, and perform integration of disaster risk reduction methods during the restoration services we perform on your property.
 
Use the experience and training of SERVPRO technicians to install improvements such as raising electrical sockets, light switches, wiring, and circuit boxes at least a 1ft above the estimated flood plane of your area. We can place your home's heating unit, water heater, and any other indoor equipment so that it remains safely above your properties flood plane as well.
 
We can also adjust any fuel tanks, air conditioners, and generators found on your property. Helping prevent these items from breaking free and severing supply lines, further contaminating the area during an emergency. By installing backflow valves, SERVPRO technicians can assist in avoiding sewage backups and the problems that accompany them.
 
A variety of additional services such as grading, or performing major retrofits in your home can help maintain its integrity and limit any damages experienced during a disaster. Grading or sloping your yard directs rainwater away from your home, to a specific drain system to prevent flooding, while raising your home on piers or columns to keep it above the flood plane of your area may be necessary as well. Of course, this last action is left for only the most extreme of circumstances.
 
You can also further 'wet-proof' your home by having foundation vents installed that allow water to flow through the building, rather than rising inside and causing additional damage. Waterproofing the exterior and interior of basement or crawl spaces also can be positive build back action. All of these services and much more can serve as a way to speed up your recovery after a disaster. Thinking ahead, or adapting after a disaster makes your choices clear.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Carson City - Douglas County - South Lake Tahoe today for access to expertly trained technicians with years of experience, bent on customer satisfaction. (775) 588-2355

Kings Beach Water Damage - Water Damage in Kings Beach

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake Tahoe will respond immediately to your water damage emergency needs!

Kings Beach Water Damage

Water damage in Kings Beach is something that any property owner dreads. When there are heavy rains, the risk of this kind of damage only rises. Water can cause thousands of dollars in damage by affecting household appliances, furniture, electronics, upholstery, and plumbing equipment. Water damage can also raise the risk of the growth of mold, which can be a problem that is very costly to repair. You will want to hire a professional restoration company who specializes in water damage to make the process of cleanup faster and easier to handle since these companies will have workers who have the experience needed and know the right ways to replace or repair damaged items and help with the cleanup. 

Water Damages Causes 

Many possible causes of water damage in Kings Beach can occur. Toilets which are clogged, leaking dishwashers, broken hoses on dishwashers, broken pipes, leaky roofs, washing machines that are overflowing, and cracks in the foundation are a few of the causes that are possible for water damage in businesses and homes. Heavy rains and floods can also cause this kind of damage and can lead to water being in basements. Too much water can cause minor problems, or it can lead to the destruction of businesses and homes. Once a building sustains Kings Beach water damage, it is imperative that you begin water damage cleanup right away. 

Types of Water Damage 

There are three different kinds of water damage, all with varying degrees of severity: 

Clean Water Damage 

This type of water damage involves water which isn’t contaminated at all, and it is safe to work with. An example of something that can cause this is a leaking appliance or broken pipe. Rain water coming from a roof which is leaking can be clean as well. Even though the water is clean, it still has to be removed within twenty-four hours so you can avoid the growth of mold. Contact professionals right away for help with this. 

Gray Water Damage 

The water with this kind of damage is contaminated slightly, and can, therefore, be dangerous to work with. It can cause someone to be uncomfortable or ill as well. Also, if clean water is left too long, it can turn into gray water. Any water which is used is thought of as gray since it is not pure any longer. When cleaning up gray water, take precautions like wearing boots and gloves to protect yourself against microbes. 

Black Water Damage 

This type of water is very contaminated. It can have chemicals, fungi, pesticides or bacteria in it. Black water is a result of sewage damage or a type of natural disaster. The contamination in this kind of water is very dangerous and can cause sickness or even death in some cases. Black water should be handled by a professional at all times. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

When suffering from any water damage, especially black water damage, contact SERVPRO of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake Tahoe immediately. We can be reached 24/7 at (775) 588-2355.